The structure and the role of NF-κB proteins and their significance in chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Abstract

The Nuclear Factor kappa B (NF-κB) plays a crucial role in immune and inflammatory processes. Moreover NF-κB ability to inhibition of apoptosis, induction of proliferation and angiogenesis suggest that NF-κB could be very significant in oncogenesis and tumor progression. Knowledge on NF-κB signaling in solid tumors and haematological malignancies as well as CLL (chronic lymphocytic leukemia) constantly expanding. Since NF-κB is essential to CLL cells survival it is suggested that NF-κB could be a new therapeutic target in CLL. In this manuscript we summarize current knowledge about the structure and the functions of NF-κB components and mechanisms of their activation and importance in CLL.