The role of NF-kappaB in lymphoid malignancies.

Nuclear Factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) transcription factors are central regulators of lymphocyte proliferation, survival and development. Although normally subject to tight control, constitutive activation of NF-kappaB promotes inappropriate lymphocyte survival and proliferation, and is recognised as key pathological feature in various lymphoid malignancies. Inhibition of NF-kappaB may be an attractive therapeutic approach in these diseases. This review focuses on the mechanisms and functional consequences of NF-kappaB activation in lymphoid malignancies and potential therapeutic strategies for inhibition of NF-kappaB.