Table 2 Transcriptional factor nf- κB – the key to pathology

NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chainenhancer of activated B cells) is a protein of complex structure that controls DNA transcription, cytokine production and cellular survival. NF-κB can be found in almost all animal cell types and promotes cellular reaction to stimuli such as stress, cytokines, free radicals, heavy metals, ultraviolet irradiation, and microbial antigens. NF-κB plays a principal role in regulating the immune response to infectious assault. Regulation disorders of NF-κB have been linked to viral infection, septic shock, hyperinflammatory and autoimmune diseases, cancer, and disturbed immune maturation. Finally, NF-κB has also been shown to be implicated in mechanisms of synaptic plasticity and memory.