IKK

IKK is a complex composed of three subunits: IKKα, IKKβ, and IKKγ (also called NEMO). The complex is the signal integration hub for NF-κB activation. It integrates signals from all NF-κB activating stimuli to catalyze the phosphorylation of various IκB and NF-κB proteins, as well as of other substrates. The human IKK family has four members, the IKKs IKK-alpha and IKK-beta, and the IKK-related kinases TBK1 and IKK-epsilon.

Two members, IKKα and IKKβ, the so-called canonical members, phosphoryate IκBα, leading to activation of the transcription factor NF-κB, which controls the expression of many immune and inflammatory genes. The IKK-related proteins TBK-1 and IKK-epsilon have a different substrate--IRF3--which regulates a different set of genes, the products of which include Type I interferons. IKKs are a therapeutic target due to their crucial roles in various biological processes, including the immune response, the stress response, and tumor development.