The Nuclear Factor NF-kappaB Pathway in Inflammation.

The nuclear factor NF-kappa B pathway has long been considered a prototypical proinflammatory signaling pathway, largely based on the role of NF-kappa B in the expression of proinflammatory genes including cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules. In this article, we describe how genetic evidence in mice has revealed complex roles for the NF-kappa B in inflammation that suggest both pro- and anti-inflammatory roles for this pathway. NF-kappa B has long been considered the "holy grail" as a target for new anti-inflammatory drugs; however, these recent studies suggest this pathway may prove a difficult target in the treatment of chronic disease. In this article, we discuss the role of NF-kappa B in inflammation in light of these recent studies.