NF-κB: a key role in inflammatory diseases

Activation of the NF-B/Rel transcription family, by nuclear translocation of cytoplasmic complexes, plays a central role in inflammation through its ability to induce transcription of proinflammatory genes (1). This pathway is activated upon appropriate cellular stimulation, most often by signals related to pathogens or stress. Here we will discuss the specificity of various NF-B proteins, their role in inflammatory disease, the regulation of NF-B activity by IB proteins and IB kinase (IKK), and the development of therapeutic strategies aimed at inhibition of NF-B.