IκB kinase complex (IKK complex)

The IκB kinase complex (IKK complex) is a central kinase complex consisting of two catalytic subunits, IKK-α (IKK1, encoded by CHUK) and IKK-β (IKK2, encoded by IKBKB), and a regulatory subunit known as NEMO or IKK-γ (encoded by IKBKG). This complex phosphorylates inhibitor proteins of NF-κB (IκBs), leading to their degradation and subsequent nuclear translocation of NF-κB transcription factors, which are major regulators of immune and inflammatory gene expression, cell proliferation, and survival. Dysregulation of IKK activity is implicated in a wide variety of diseases such as cancer, chronic inflammation, autoimmune disorders, and infections. Multiple small-molecule inhibitors of the IKK complex have been developed, mainly for research, and efforts are ongoing to translate these into therapeutics, though safety concerns remain significant.

Other names

IKK complexIKKIKKαIKK1IKKβIKK2NEMOIKKγCHUK (gene for IKKα)IKBKB (gene for IKKβ)IKBKG (gene for NEMO)

Inhibition of phosphorylation of IκB proteins, preventing NF-κB activation and thus modulating transcription of immune/inflammatory genes