Adapter protein which binds TBK1 and IKBKE playing a role in antiviral innate immunity (PubMed:14560022, PubMed:21931631). Activates serine/threonine-protein kinase TBK1 and facilitates its oligomerization (PubMed:14560022, PubMed:21931631). Enhances the phosphorylation of NF-kappa-B p65 subunit RELA by TBK1 (PubMed:14560022, PubMed:21931631). Promotes TBK1-induced as well as TNF-alpha or PMA-induced activation of NF-kappa-B (PubMed:14560022, PubMed:21931631). Participates in IFNB promoter activation via TICAM1 (PubMed:15611223). Homodimer (By similarity). Interacts with IKBKE (PubMed:14560022, PubMed:17568778). Interacts with TBK1 (PubMed:14560022, PubMed:21931631, PubMed:29251827). Interacts with TICAM1 (PubMed:15611223). (Microbial infection) Interacts with vaccinia virus protein C6 (PubMed:21931555). Widely expressed (PubMed:14560022). Abundant expression seen in the pancreas and testis (PubMed:14560022). Ubiquitinated via 'Lys-48'-linked polyubiquitination by TRIM38, leading to its degradation.