The transcription factor NFκB is retained in the cytoplasm in an inactive form by the inhibitory protein IκB. Activation of NFκB requires that IκB be phosphorylated on specific serine residues, which results in targeted degradation of IκB. IκB kinase α (IKKα), previously designated CHUK, interacts with IκB-α and specifically phosphorylates IκB-α on the sites that trigger its degradation, Serines 32 and 36. The functional IKK complex contains three subunits, IKKα, IKKβ and IKKγ (also designated NEMO), and each appear to make essential contributions to IκB phosphorylation. IKK-i is a serine/threonine kinase that shares homology with IKKα and IKKβ. IKK-i is primarily expressed in immune cells and is induced by lipopolysaccharide and by proinflammatory cytokines including TNFα, IL-1 and IL-6. Overexpression of IKK-i has been shown to result in phosphorylation of IκBα on Ser 32 and Ser 36, and in NFκB activation, suggesting that IKK-i may act as an IκB kinase in the immune system.
