[Nf-kB transcription factor: role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory, autoimmune, and neoplastic diseases and therapy implications].
OBJECTIVE
Description of the involvement of the transcription factor NF-kB in inflammatory, autoimmune and neoplastic processes. Clinical implications from basic research.


METHODS
Review of the most significant data reported in the literature and personal publications.


RESULTS
NF-kB is an ubiquitous transcription factor member of the proto-oncogene family rel. NF-kB regulates the expression of several genes involved in inflammatory and immune responses. The classical activated form of NF-kB consists of the p50/p65 heterodimer, different dimers may be formed with members of rel, AP1, steroid hormones receptors family. Many studies suggest that NF-kB should be considered as an important mechanisms of inflammatory processes and autoimmune diseases. Many important anti-inflammatory drugs and immunosuppressants inhibit NF-kB. Several observations have suggested a role of the inappropriate activation of NF-kB in cell proliferation, transformation, and tumor development, mainly lymphomas. Conversely, it has been proposed that the activation of NF-kB in immune cells may contribute to anti-tumor immunity.


CONCLUSIONS
NF-kB is an optimal target of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppresant therapies. Molecular studies on NF-kB are very important to understand the pathogenesis of inflammatory, autoimmune and neoplastic diseases, and to identify new drugs that inhibit NF-kB activation.
Giuliani
C
C
Sezione di Endocrinologia, Dipartimento di Medicina e Scienze dell'invecchiamento, Università degli Studi G. D'Annunzio, Chieti, Italia.
Napolitano
G
G
Bucci
I
I
Montani
V
V
Monaco
F
F
D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D007249:Inflammation / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D016328:NF-kappa B / Q000502:physiology*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D000090063:Proto-Oncogene Mas
C000715470:MAS1 protein, human; D016328:NF-kappa B; D000090063:Proto-Oncogene Mas