IKBKE and metabolic disease: Based on our results, increased protein levels of TBK1 and IKKε were observed in the livers of mice with hepatic fibrosis, which is consistent with increased these proteins in the livers of obese mice with metabolic disorder.36, 37 Notably, inhibition of TBK1 and IKKε by using amlexanox suppresses hepatic fibrogenesis and promoting the fibrosis resolution.