Fig. 7: Schematic illustration of the new FAK-TAK1-MAPKs/NFκB signaling axis in LPS-induced inflammatory response in ALI.

Upon LPS challenge, activated FAK directly interacts with TAK1 and then phosphorylates TAK1 to activate MAPKs and NFκB signals, which leads to inflammatory cytokine overproduction in both cultured macrophages and lung tissues.