I-kappa B kinase (IKK)

I-kappa B kinase (IKK) is a critical enzyme complex that regulates the activation of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) pathway, which is central to immune response, inflammation, cell survival, and proliferation. The IKK complex consists of three main subunits: IKKα, IKKβ, and NEMO. Upon stimulation by pro-inflammatory signals, IKK phosphorylates IκB proteins, leading to their degradation and the release of NF-κB, which then translocates to the nucleus to activate transcription of target genes. Dysregulation or constitutive activation can contribute to chronic inflammatory diseases or cancer development.

Other names

Ikappa B KinaseIKK complexIKKalphaIKKbetaNEMOIKK1IKK2NF-κB essential modulatorIKKγ

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