New insights into the roles of ReL/NF-κB transcription factors in immune function, hemopoiesis and human disease

Abstract

In mammals, Rel/NF-κB proteins are a small family of transcription factors which serve as pivotal regulators of immune, inflammatory and acute phase responses. Pathways leading to the activation of Rel/NF-κB have recently been dissected in some detail and shown to converge on a unique high molecular weight cytoplasmic complex that includes several kinases and regulatory molecules. Moreover, gene targeting experiments have identified novel roles for Rel/NF-κB proteins in the development and maturation of hemopoietic precursors as well as in the function of mature cells in the immune system. These include regulating the cell cycle, controlling cell survival and providing a link between the inn..