Nuclear factor kappa B - molecular biomedicine: the next generation

Nuclear factor kappa B (NFkappaB) as a transcription factor plays an important integrating role in the intracellular regulation of immune response, inflammation and cell cycle regulation. Nouvelle insights into the structure and regulation of activation of NFkappaB have brought a detailed picture of the function of this transcription factor. In this review the findings of interactions of NFkappaB with its inhibitors, tumour necrosis factor alpha and glucocorticoids are presented. The results from the latest in vivo studies show the capability of specific NFkappaB inhibitors in the clinical use. This article summarizes the most important facts regarding NFkappaB participation in the pathogenesis of diseases and its potential as a target of pharmacological agents. (C) 2004 Elsevier SAS. All tights reserved.