The c-FLIP-NH2 terminus (p22-FLIP) induces NF-κB activation

c-FLIP proteins (isoforms: c-FLIPL, c-FLIPS, and c-FLIPR) play an essential role in the regulation of death receptor - induced apoptosis. Here, we demonstrate that the cytoplasmic NH2-terminal procaspase-8 cleavage product of c-FLIP (p22-FLIP) found in nonapoptotic malignant cells, primary T and B cells, and mature dendritic cells (DCs) strongly induces nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappa B) activity by interacting with the I kappa B kinase (IKK) complex via the IKK gamma subunit. Thus, in addition to inhibiting apoptosis by binding to the death-inducing signaling complex, our data demonstrate a novel mechanism by which c-FLIP controls NF-kappa B activation and life/death decisions in lymphocytes and DCs.