Anti-inflammatory interventions of NF-κB signaling:: Potential applications and risks

Signaling via NF-kappa B is a key process during inflammation and thus constitutes an attractive target for anti-inflammatory therapeutic interventions. Especially during initial hyperinflammatory states of an acute illness such as sepsis or in the course of chronic inflammation;and autoimmune diseases inhibition of IKK-driven NF-kappa B activation provides a promising treatment strategy. Given its critical role in innate and adaptive immune responses, however, there is a certain amount of risk due to induced immunodeficiency that may follow inhibitory treatment. Moreover, its primary anti-apoptotic function suggests that blockade of NF-kappa B activation has dramatic effects on cell functions and survival and eventually worsens the course of an inflammatory disease. An overview of canonical and alternative NF-kappa B activation and its critical role in immune :responses will be provided. A main topic focuses on recent animal studies and data derived from genetic studies in humans that provide an insight into potential effects of different therapeutic modulations of NF-kappa B inflammatory signaling. The pros and cons of NF-kappa B Inhibition and treatment strategies will be critically reviewed. (c) 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.