MAPKAPK2/MK2

MAPKAPK2, commonly MK2, is the principal p38-activated protein kinase in inflammatory signaling. p38 alpha phosphorylates MK2 at activating sites, and MK2 then phosphorylates heat shock protein 27, tristetraprolin, and heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein A0, thereby increasing translation and stability of messenger RNAs encoding tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1, and interleukin-6. MK2 also controls cell migration through small heat shock protein phosphorylation and supports the DNA damage checkpoint after ultraviolet exposure. Genetic deletion protects mice from endotoxin shock and inflammatory arthritis. Because MK2 inhibitors reproduce many benefits of p38 blockade with reduced toxicity, they have been advanced toward treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.