NF-ϰB

NF-ϰB is a protein complex that activates transcription of DNA in cells. It is a nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B Cells. It's role is in response to stress, which can be in the form of bacterial or viral infection, oxidative stress, DNA damage or cytokine production.

NF-kB transcription factors play a role in various cellular processes, these include apoptosis (cell death), cell growth and immune responses. In addition to this they can be prevalent in diseased states such as asthma and cancer. The NK-kb transcription factors are highly conserved as they are found in organisms from the fruit fly to humans, although are absent in yeast.