IκB Kinase (IKK)

IκB Kinase (IKK) is a critical enzyme complex involved in the regulation of inflammation and immune responses, primarily through its central role in activating the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) signaling pathway. The IKK complex acts as a master regulator, integrating signals from various stimuli to control gene expression related to immunity, cell survival, and inflammation. Dysregulation or mutation within components of this pathway can lead to chronic inflammatory diseases, autoimmunity, immune deficiencies, and cancer progression due to aberrant control over cell survival/apoptosis genes regulated by NF-κB.

Other names

Inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinaseIκB kinase complexIKK complex

IKK inhibitors block the phosphorylation of IκB proteins, preventing NF-κB activation and subsequent transcription of pro-inflammatory genes.