Anti-inflammatory therapy of atherosclerosis: focusing on IKKβ

J Inflamm (Lond). 2023 Feb 23;20(1):8. doi: 10.1186/s12950-023-00330-5.

Abstract

Chronic low-grade inflammation has been identified as a major contributor in the development of atherosclerosis. Nuclear Factor-κappa B (NF-κB) is a critical transcription factors family of the inflammatory pathway. As a major catalytic subunit of the IKK complex, IκB kinase β (IKKβ) drives canonical activation of NF-κB and is implicated in the link between inflammation and atherosclerosis, making it a promising therapeutic target. Various natural product derivatives, extracts, and synthetic, show anti-atherogenic potential by inhibiting IKKβ-mediated inflammation. This review focuses on the latest knowledge and current research landscape surrounding anti-atherosclerotic drugs that inhibit IKKβ. There will be more opportunities to fully understand the complex functions of IKKβ in atherogenesis and develop new effective therapies in the future.

Keywords: Atherosclerosis; IKKβ/NF-κB; Natural extracts; Natural product-based derivatives; Synthetic drugs.

Publication types

  • Review