The role of Rel/NF-kappa B transcription factors in B lymphocyte survival

Abstract

Among the transcriptional mediators of the various signal transduction pathways that have been shown to regulate lymphocyte apoptosis, Rel/NF-kappaB transcription factors have emerged as key regulators of B cell survival during their differentiation and in their activation by antigens or mitogens. The aim of this review is to bring together recent findings on Rel/NF-kappaB regulation of B cell survival and to present an integrated model of how these transcription factors control apoptosis in a signal and differentiation-stage specific manner. In addition to providing a contemporary view of Rel/NF-kappaB regulated B cell survival, the model described here is aimed to serve as a paradigm for h..