Both cIAP1 and cIAP2 regulate TNFα-mediated NF-κB activation

The cellular inhibitor of apoptosis 1 and 2 (cIAP1 and cIAP2) proteins have been implicated in the activation of NF-κB by TNFα; however, genetic deletion of either cIAP1 or 2 did not support a physiologically relevant role, perhaps because of functional redundancy. To address this, we used combined genetic and siRNA knockdown approaches and report that cIAP1 and 2 are indeed critical, yet redundant, regulators of NF-κB activation upon TNFα treatment. Whereas NF-κB was properly activated by TNFα in cultured and primary cells deficient in either cIAP1 or 2, removal of both cIAPs severely blunted its activation. After treatment with TNFα, cIAP1 and 2 were rapidly recruited to the TNF receptor 1, along with the adapter protein TNF receptor associated factor 2. Importantly, either cIAP1 or 2 was required for proper TNF receptor 1 signalosome function. In their combined absence, polyubiquitination of receptor interacting protein 1, an upstream event necessary for NF-κB signaling, was attenuated. As a result, phosphorylation of the inhibitor of κB kinase β was diminished, and signal transduction was severely blunted. Consequently, cells missing both cIAP1 and 2 were sensitized to TNFα-mediated apoptosis. Collectively, these data demonstrate that either cIAP1 or 2 is required for proper Rip1 polyubiquitination and NF-κB activation upon TNFα treatment.