Importance of the field: The NF-κB family of transcription factors has a vital role in coordinating the expression of a wide variety of genes that control immune responses. The dysfunction of NF-κB has been associated with diseases ranging from inflammation to cancer.
Areas covered: In this review, authors provided information on the role of NF-κB in human health and on recently developed inhibitors from patents granted in 2011 - 2014. The reader will gain an understanding of the mechanisms of NF-κB function as well as the structures and biological activities of recently developed NF-κB inhibitors.
Expert opinion: Constitutive NF-κB activation is likely involved in the pathogenesis of several diseases. Researchers need to consider the specific mechanism of each invented NF-κB inhibitor, as well as the properties of the cellular, in vitro and in vivo assays and targeted diseases. For new drug development, they need various biological tests to assess the potential side effects and optimization of the biological activity.
Keywords: NF-κB inhibitors; anti-inflammation; antitumor effects; immune responses.