Inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase alpha (IKKα), Inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase beta (IKKβ), Inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase epsilon (IKKε) (IKKα (CHUK), IKKβ (IKBKB), IKKε (IKBKE))

The IκB kinase (IKK) family is a group of serine/threonine kinases comprising IKKα, IKKβ, and IKKε, which are key regulators of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Upon stimulation by pro-inflammatory cytokines, pathogens, or stress, these kinases phosphorylate IκB proteins, leading to their ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation, which releases NF-κB for nuclear translocation and gene transcription. IKKβ is a central mediator of the canonical pathway, critical in inflammation and cancer; IKKα also participates in non-canonical signaling; and IKKε is important for antiviral responses and has been implicated in metabolic diseases and certain cancers. Due to their central roles in immunity, inflammation, and oncogenesis, selective inhibitors of specific IKK isoforms are viewed as promising therapeutic agents, but targeting these kinases also brings significant challenges related to immune suppression and homeostatic balance[4][5][6][7].

Other names

CHUKIKK1IKK2IKBKBIKKiIKBKE

Inhibition of kinase activity → blockade of NF-κB pathway activation → reduced expression of inflammatory cytokines, survival signals, and immune genes