How do MAP kinases govern the intricate dance of the immune response? This review encapsulates recent advancements in our comprehension of the function and regulation of MAP kinase pathways throughout various phases of immune responses. In mammalian species, MAP kinases are involved in all aspects of immune responses, from the initiation phase of innate immunity, to activation of adaptive immunity, and to cell death when immune function is complete. The review highlights the role of MAP kinases as one of the most ancient signal transduction pathways and widely used throughout evolution in many physiological processes. MAP kinases orchestrate immune processes, spanning from the onset of innate immunity to the activation of adaptive immunity and the final cell death when the immune function is complete. This review serves as a vital resource for researchers and clinicians alike, providing a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted roles of MAP kinases in the immune system and informing the development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Published in the _Annual Review of Immunology_, this review aligns with the journal's focus on providing comprehensive overviews of key topics in immunology. By summarizing recent progress in understanding MAP kinase pathways, the paper offers a valuable resource for researchers seeking to grasp the complexities of immune signaling.