Serine/threonine-protein kinase that detects bacterial pathogen-associated molecular pattern metabolites (PAMPs) and initiates an innate immune response, a critical step for pathogen elimination and engagement of adaptive immunity. Specifically recognizes and binds ADP-D-glycero-beta-D-manno-heptose (ADP-Heptose), a potent PAMP present in all Gram-negative and some Gram-positive bacteria. ADP-Heptose-binding stimulates its kinase activity to phosphorylate and activate TIFA, triggering proinflammatory NF-kappa-B signaling.