description | Viral protein involved in the evasion of host innate defenses by inhibiting the TBK1 kinase. Upon viral infection, Toll-like receptors (TLRs) or DNA recognition receptors recognize foreign material and transmit the signal to TBK1 that in turn phosphorylates and activates IRF3 and IRF7. Once phosphorylated, IRF3 and/or IRF7 translocate into the nucleus to drive transcription of interferons. Several viruses including herpes simplex virus 1 or vaccinia virus interact directly with and inhibit TBK1 to prevent IRFs activation |