DNA-dependent activator of IRFs

Initial studies suggested that DAI may be involved in processes such host response to neoplasia, additional research has indicated that the cytosolic DAI can act like the toll-like receptor TLR9 by detecting cytosolic double-stranded (ds) DNA and trigger induction of type I interferon and other innate immune responses. It is thought that the binding of DAI to dsDNA enhances its association with innate immune response proteins such as the IRF3 transcription factor and the serine/threonine kinase TBK1 (also known as NAK).