NF-κB and the innate immune response

In the innate immune reaction, microbial pathogens activate phylogenetically conserved cellular signal transduction pathways that regulate the ubiquitous nuclear factor-kappa B (NF kappa B). NF-kappa B has pleiotropic functions in immunity; however, it is also critical for development and cellular survival. Many aspects of how the different pathways utilize a common kinase complex that ultimately activates NF-kappa B have been clarified by gene inactivation and biochemical analysis.