NF-kappa-B

NF-kappa-B is a homo- or heterodimeric protein complex, a pleiotropic transcription factor that is present in almost all cell types and is the endpoint of a series of signal transduction events triggered by a variety of stimuli related to many biological processes such as inflammation, immunity, differentiation, cell growth, tumorigenesis and apoptosis.

The complex is formed by proteins that contain Rel-like domains, such as RELA/p65 (see RELA gene below), RELB, NFKB1/p105, NFKB1/p50, REL and NFKB2/p52. The dimers bind to kappa B sites in the DNA of their target genes. The individual dimers have different preferences for different kappa B sites, which they can bind with different affinity and specificity.

The transcription factor NF-kappa-B (NFKB) is activated by various intra- and extracellular stimuli such as cytokines, oxidative free radicals, ultraviolet radiation and bacterial or viral products. Activated NF-kappa-B migrates into the cell nucleus and stimulates the expression of genes involved in a variety of biological functions.

Uncontrolled activation of NF-kappa-B (NFKB) has been associated with a number of inflammatory diseases, while prolonged inhibition of NFKB leads to defective immune cell development or delayed cell growth. NFKB is a key regulator of the immediate and early response to viral infection.

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