IKK-ò also known as inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase subunit beta is a protein that in humans is encoded by the IKBKB (inhibitor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells, kinase beta) gene.
IKK-ò is an enzyme that serves as a protein subunit of IúB kinase, which is a component of the cytokine-activated intracellular signaling pathway involved in triggering immune responses. IKK's activity causes activation of a transcription factor known as Nuclear Transcription factor kappa-B or NF-úB. Activated IKK-ò phosphorylates a protein called the inhibitor of NF-úB, IúB (IúBñ), which binds NF-úB to inhibit its function. Phosphorylated IúB is degraded via the ubiquitination pathway, freeing NF-úB, and allowing its entry into the nucleus of the cell where it activates various genes involved in inflammation and other immune responses.
IKK-ò plays a significant role in brain cells following a stroke. If NF-úB activation by IKK-ò is blocked, damaged cells within the brain stay alive, and according to a study performed by the University of Heidelberg and the University of Ulm, the cells even appear to make some recovery.
Inhibition of IKK and IKK-related kinases has been investigated as a therapeutic option for the treatment of inflammatory diseases and cancer. The small-molecule inhibitor of IKK2 SAR113945, developed by Sanofi-Aventis, was evaluated in patients with knee osteoarthritis.
IKK-ò (IKBKB) has been shown to interact with