A role for transcription factor NF-kappa B in intestinal inflammation

Nuclear factor (NF) kappa B is a transcription factor that controls the tra nscription of a variety of cellular genes regulating the inflammatory respo nse. Many proinflammatory cytokines are transcriptionally regulated by NF-k appa B, and their increased expression has been implicated in the pathogene sis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Even though it seemed clear that t he increase in proinflammatory cytokine production in IBD is crucial for th e initiation and perpetuation of chronic intestinal inflammation, the eleme nts governing this dysregulation of enhanced cytokine production remained u nclear. This review discusses a series of recent studies:that demonstrate t he activation of NF-kappa B in the inflamed mucosa, and that shed new light on the central pathogenic role of NF-kappa B in chronic intestinal inflamm ation. In addition to describing the activation of NF-kappa B, excitement h as been generated by reports that define the molecular targets of anti-infl ammatory agents, and that demonstrate the effective blockade of NF-kappa B in intestinal inflammation. These new insights into the activation and inhi bition of NF-kappa B have opened new and promising avenues for a more-speci fic treatment of chronic intestinal inflammation.