Expanding the View of IKK: New Substrates and New Biology

The inhibitor of kappa B kinase (IKK) family consists of IKK alpha, IKK beta, and the IKK-related kinases TBK1 and IKKE. These kinases are considered master regulators of inflammation and innate immunity via their control of the transcription factors NF-kappa B, IRF3, and IRF7. Novel phosphorylated substrates have been attributed to these kinases, a subset of which is not directly related to either inflammation or innate immunity. These findings have greatly expanded the perspectives on the biological activities of these kinases. In this review we highlight some of the novel substrates for this kinase family and discuss the biological implications of these phosphorylation events.

Automated summary

The IKK family of kinases, including IKK alpha, IKK beta, TBK1, and IKKE, are considered master regulators of inflammation and innate immunity. They control transcription factors such as NF-kappa B, IRF3, and IRF7. Research has revealed novel phosphorylated substrates attributed to these kinases, expanding perspectives on their biological activities.