NF-κB as a therapeutic target in autoimmune disease

NF-κB transmits signals from the cell surface to the nucleus. Signaling through cell surface receptors to activate NF-κB and mitogen-activated protein kinases through adaptor molecules is of critical importance to survival and activation of all cells in the body, including those regulating innate and adaptive immunity. As such, NF-κB is a key signaling component in autoimmunity and an attractive target for autoimmune disease therapy. However, given its global importance, targeting NF-κB tends to be immunosuppressive. In this review, the authors discuss the roles played by NF-κB in autoimmunity, drugs which target it, and complexities which need to be addressed to improve the use of NF-κB as a target. Finally, the authors highlight some novel approaches that are likely to be important in the next generation of NF-κB therapies.