The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the TNF receptor associated factor (TRAF) protein family. TRAF proteins associate with, and mediate the signal transduction from members of the TNF receptor superfamily. TRAF2 directly interacts with TNF receptors, and forms complexes with other TRAF proteins. TRAF2 is required for TNF-alpha-mediated activation of MAPK8/JNK and NF-κB. The protein complex formed by TRAF2 and TRAF1 interacts with the IAP family members cIAP1 and cIAP2, and functions as a mediator of the anti-apoptotic signals from TNF receptors.
