Nuclear factor kappa B pathway (NF-κB pathway)

The **Nuclear factor kappa B (NF‑κB) pathway** is a central cell signaling cascade that regulates the activity of the NF‑κB family of transcription factors. These proteins control the expression of genes involved in inflammation, immune responses, cell survival, apoptosis inhibition, and cellular proliferation[1][2][3][4][6]. The canonical NF‑κB activation process begins with extracellular signals—such as proinflammatory cytokines or pathogen-associated molecules—binding to membrane receptors like TNF receptor or Toll-like receptors. This triggers recruitment and activation of adaptor proteins and kinases including the IKK complex. Activated IKK phosphorylates inhibitory IκB proteins bound to cytoplasmic NF‑κB dimers; this leads to ubiquitination and proteasomal degradation of IκBs. Freed from inhibition, active NF‑κB dimers translocate into the nucleus where they bind DNA at specific sites to regulate gene expression[1][2][4][6]. The non-canonical pathway involves different upstream signals but ultimately also results in nuclear localization and gene regulatory activity by distinct combinations of Rel/NF‑κB subunits. **NF‑κB dysregulation** is implicated in numerous diseases including chronic inflammatory disorders (rheumatoid arthritis, asthma), cancers where it promotes tumor growth/survival by inhibiting apoptosis and driving proliferation[3], neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease through its role in neuroinflammation[3], cardiovascular diseases like atherosclerosis[3], as well as epilepsy via effects on neuronal survival/apoptosis balance[2]. Therapeutic targeting often focuses on blocking key steps such as inhibiting the IKK complex or stabilizing IκBs; glucocorticoids are among drugs that suppress this axis for anti-inflammatory benefit[3]. However, “multiple cell signaling pathways including NF-kappa B” is not itself a single molecular target but rather refers collectively to several interconnected pathways with overlapping components; thus it does not correspond directly to an individual druggable entity such as a receptor or enzyme. **Note:** This entry is marked *incorrect* because “Multiple cell signaling pathways including NF-kappa B” describes several related biological processes rather than one specific molecule/receptor suitable for structured target annotation. For structured data purposes you should use \"Nuclear factor kappa B\" or \"NF-kappa B\" when referring specifically to this transcription factor family/pathway.

Other names

NF-kappa B signalingNF-κB signaling pathwaynuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells pathway

Inhibition of IKK complex to prevent IκB degradation and block NF‑κB activation