NF-κB and Its Regulation on the Immune System

Abstract

NF-κB is a transcription factor of eukaryote, five members of whose family in mammals and three in drosophila. Transcription factors of the NF-κB family are activated in response to signals that lead to cell growth, differentiation, apoptosis and other events. NF-κB takes part in expression of numerous cytokines and adhesion molecules which are critical elements involved in the regulation of immune responses. In this review, we focus on our current understanding of NF-κB signal pathway and its role in the innate and adaptive immune responses in which these transcription factors have a key regulatory function. Furthermore we review what is currently known about their effects associated with apoptosis. Cellular & Molecular Immunology. 2004; 1(5):343-350.