### IKBKE Gene Overview

**Gene Symbol:** IKBKE  
**Chromosomal Location:** 17q24.3  
**Entrez Gene ID:** 8438  
**Ensembl ID:** ENSG00000130405  
**UniProt ID:** Q9Y2S4

**Function:**  
IKBKE (Inhibitor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells, kinase epsilon) is a serine/threonine kinase significantly involved in inflammatory responses, primarily through the activation of type I interferons, NF-kappa-B, and STAT signaling pathways. Upon sensing viral RNA, it initiates a cascade that leads to the transcriptional activation of various pro-inflammatory and antiviral genes.

### Additional Associations

1. **Other Genes Associated with IKBKE:**
   - **AKT1:** Kinaselike activity impacting various cellular processes including metabolism and cell survival.
   - **IRF3 and IRF7:** Key transcription factors in the immune response.
   - **DDX3X:** A RNA helicase involved in antiviral responses.
   - **CYLD:** A deubiquitinating enzyme involved in the regulation of NF-kappa-B signaling.
   - **STAT1 and STAT2:** Transcription factors critical for interferon signaling and immune response.
   - **TNFRSF1A (TNF receptor superfamily member 1A):** Involved in TNF signaling pathways.

2. **Aging and Age-related Diseases:**
   - IKBKE has been implicated in chronic low-grade inflammation associated with obesity, which is a risk factor for developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Chronic inflammation is a hallmark of aging, known as "inflammaging," suggesting that dysregulation of IKBKE-related pathways may contribute to age-related diseases. Furthermore, studies indicate that dysregulated signaling through IKBKE may impact cellular senescence and age-related decline in immune function.

3. **Drugs and Drug Classes:**
   - **Kinase Inhibitors:** As IKBKE is a kinase, there are potential interactions with small-molecule inhibitors targeting its kinase activity; while specific drug names may not be universally well-characterized, classes of compounds that target serine/threonine kinases may interact with IKBKE.
   - **Anti-inflammatory Agents:** Drugs affecting NF-kappa-B signaling pathways, including certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), may potentially influence the activity of IKBKE indirectly.

4. **Pathways and Biological Processes:**
   - **NF-kappa-B Signaling Pathway:** Acts as a key regulator of immune response, inflammation, and cell survival.
   - **Type I Interferon Signaling:** Involved in antiviral immunity and the regulation of genes in response to viral infections.
   - **Apoptosis:** Plays a role in modulating cell death pathways, particularly in response to stress and DNA damage.
   - **Cytokine Signaling:** Reactive to TNF-alpha and interleukin-1 pathways, coordinating inflammatory responses.
   - **Regulation of Insulin Sensitivity:** Implicated in obesity-related inflammation leading to metabolic dysregulation.

### Summary
IKBKE is a pivotal kinase with multiple roles in immune responses, metabolism regulation, and cellular signaling. It plays an essential part in astro-inflammatory responses and has implications for chronic conditions, including those related to aging and metabolic disorders. Understanding IKBKE's pathways and interactions may open potential therapeutic avenues for targeting inflammation and age-related diseases.