NF-κB and the innate immune response

In the innate immune reaction, microbial pathogens activate phylogenetically conserved cellular signal transduction pathways that regulate the ubiquitous nuclear factor-κB (NFκB). NF-κB has pleiotropic functions in immunity; however, it is also critical for development and cellular survival. Many aspects of how the different pathways utilize a common kinase complex that ultimately activates NF-κB have been clarified by gene inactivation and biochemical analysis.