Stimulation of cells with tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) triggers a recruitment of various signaling molecules, such as RIP, to the TNFαreceptor 1 complex, leading to activation of NF-κB. Previous studies indicate that RIP plays an essential role for TNFα-induced NF-κB activation, but the molecular mechanism by which RIP mediates TNFαsignals to activate NF-κB is not fully defined. Earlier studies suggest that RIP undergoes a ligand-dependent ubiquitination. However, it remains to be determined whether the ubiquitination of RIP is required for TNFα-induced NF-κB activation. In this study, we have identified Lys³⁷⁷ of RIP as the functional ubiquitination site, because mutating this residue to arginine completely abolished RIP-mediated NF-κB activation. The K377R mutation of RIP cannot undergo ligand-dependent ubiquitination and fails to recruit its downstream signaling components into the TNFαreceptor 1 complex. Together, our studies provide the first genetic evidence that the ubiquitination of RIP is required for TNFα-induced NF-κB activation.

Reversible ubiquitin modification of cell signaling molecules has emerged as a critical mechanism by which cells respond to extracellular stimuli. Although ubiquitination of TGF-β–activated kinase 1 (TAK1) is critical for NF-κB activation in T cells, the regulation of its deubiquitination is unclear. We show that USP18, which was previously reported to be important in regulating type I interferon signaling in innate immunity, regulates T cell activation and T helper 17 (Th17) cell differentiation by deubiquitinating the TAK1–TAB1 complex. USP18-deficient T cells are defective in Th17 differentiation and Usp18^−/− mice are resistant to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In response to T cell receptor engagement, USP18-deficient T cells exhibit hyperactivation of NF-κB and NFAT and produce increased levels of IL-2 compared with the wild-type controls. Importantly, USP18 is associated with and deubiquitinates the TAK1–TAB1 complex, thereby restricting expression of IL-2. Our findings thus demonstrate a previously uncharacterized negative regulation of TAK1 activity during Th17 differentiation, suggesting that USP18 may be targeted to treat autoimmune diseases.

Receptor-interacting protein (RIP) plays a critical role in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)-induced IκB kinase (IKK) activation and subsequent activation of transcription factor NF-κB. However, the molecular mechanism by which RIP mediates TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation is not completely defined. In this study, we have found that TAK1 is recruited to the TNF-α receptor complex in a RIP-dependent manner following the stimulation of TNF-α receptor 1 (TNF-R1). Moreover, a forced recruitment of TAK1 to TNF-R1 in the absence of RIP is sufficient to mediate TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation, indicating that the major function of RIP is to recruit its downstream kinases to the TNF-R1 complex. Interestingly, we also find that TAK1 and MEKK3 form a functional complex, in which TAK1 regulates autophosphorylation of MEKK3. The TAK1-mediated regulation of MEKK3 phosphorylation is dependent on the kinase activity of TAK1. Although TAK1-MEKK3 interaction is not affected by overexpressed TAB1, TAB1 is required for TAK1 activation and subsequent MEKK3 phosphorylation. Together, we conclude that TAK1 is recruited to the TNF-R1 complex via RIP and likely cooperates with MEKK3 to activate NF-κB in TNF-α signaling.