Following activation of toll-like receptors by viral components, associates with TRAF3 and TANK and phosphorylates interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) IRF3 and IRF7 as well as DDX3X. This activity allows subsequent homodimerization and nuclear translocation of the IRFs leading to transcriptional activation of pro-inflammatory and antiviral genes including IFNA and IFNB.
Several viruses including herpesviruses or poxviruses interact directly with and inhibit TBK1 to prevent IRFs activation.