TAB2 is an activator of MAP3K7/TAK1, which is required for for the IL-1 induced activation NF-kappaB and MAPK8/JNK. This protein forms a kinase complex with TRAF6, MAP3K7 and TAB1, thus serves as an adaptor linking MAP3K7 and TRAF6. This protein, TAB1, and MAP3K7 also participate in the signal transduction induced by TNFSF11/RANKL throμgh the activation of the receptor activator of NF-kappaB (TNFRSF11A/RANK), which may regulate the development and function of osteoclasts. Recent experiments have shown that TAB2 and the related protein TAB3 constitutitvely interact with the autophagy mediator Beclin-1; upon induction of autophagy, these proteins dissociate from Beclin-1 and bind TAK1. Overexpression of TAB2 and TAB3 inhibit autophagy, while their depletion triggers it, sμggesting that TAB2 and TAB3 act as a control point for autophagy.