Introduction to NF-κB: Players, pathways, perspectives

Abstract

This article serves as an introduction to the collection of reviews on nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB). It provides an overview of the discovery and current status of NF-κB as a research topic. Described are the structures, activities and regulation of the proteins in the NF-κB family of transcription factors. NF-κB signaling is primarily regulated by inhibitor κB (IκB) proteins and the IκB kinase complex through two major pathways: the canonical and non-canonical NF-κB pathways. The organization and focus of articles included in the following reviews are described, as well as likely future areas of research interest on NF-κB. © 2006 Nature Publishing Group. All rights reserved.