IKK

IκB kinase (IKK) is a critical enzyme complex involved in activating the NF-κB signaling pathway, which plays a pivotal role in inflammation, immune response, and cell survival. The IKK complex includes two kinase subunits, IKKα and IKKβ, and a regulatory subunit, IKKγ. Activation of IKK leads to the phosphorylation and subsequent degradation of IκB proteins, releasing NF-κB to enter the nucleus and initiate gene transcription. Due to its central role in inflammatory responses, IKK is a prime target for therapeutic intervention in diseases characterized by excessive inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease. Developing inhibitors that selectively target IKK could potentially yield treatments that effectively manage these conditions without severe side effects.