TAK1 (TGF-β Activated Kinase 1) is a key member of the Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Kinase family, featuring a kinase activity domain. It is localized in a variety of cell types and primarily involved in signaling pathways related to inflammation, immune regulation, and cell death, particularly through the activation of the NF-κB and MAPK pathways. TAK1 plays a crucial role in combating pathogen infections and responding to cell damage, with its expression levels and activity being tightly regulated by the cell. The tissue-specific expression of the gene and functional mutations are associated with a variety of diseases, including autoimmune diseases, abnormal inflammatory responses, and certain types of cancer, highlighting its central role in both cellular physiology and pathology.