Inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit epsilon (IKBKE)

Inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit epsilon (IKBKE; IKK-epsilon) is a noncanonical serine/threonine kinase that regulates antiviral defense, innate immunity, and inflammatory signaling. It functions by phosphorylating inhibitors of NF-kappa-B, thereby activating NF-kappa-B–dependent transcription of pro-inflammatory and immune genes in response to viral infection or cytokine signaling[1][2][7]. IKBKE also activates interferon regulatory factors (IRF3/IRF7), STAT signaling, and has roles in cell survival and energy metabolism. As an oncogene, IKBKE is amplified or overexpressed in several cancers, where it promotes cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and drug resistance—making it a promising but challenging therapeutic target in oncology and immunology[2][5][7].

Other names

IKK-epsilonIKK-eIKK-iIKKEIKKIKIAA0151inducible I kappa-B kinaseI-kappa-B kinase epsiloninhibitor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells kinase epsiloninhibitor of nuclear factor κ B kinase subunit εIkb ε

Kinase inhibition (block phosphorylation of downstream targets such as NF-kappa-B inhibitors, IRF3/IRF7, STAT1 to suppress NF-kappa-B signaling, interferon response, and tumor-promoting effects)[1][2][3][7].