Pathogenetic importance and therapeutic implications of NF-κB in lymphoid malignancies

Immunol Rev. 2012 Mar;246(1):359-78. doi: 10.1111/j.1600-065X.2012.01105.x.

Abstract

Derangement of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) pathway initiates and/or sustains many types of human cancer. B-cell malignancies are particularly affected by oncogenic mutations, translocations, and copy number alterations affecting key components the NF-κB pathway, most likely owing to the pervasive role of this pathway in normal B cells. These genetic aberrations cause tumors to be 'addicted' to NF-κB, which can be exploited therapeutically. Since each subtype of lymphoid cancer utilizes different mechanisms to activate NF-κB, several different therapeutic strategies are needed to address this pathogenetic heterogeneity. Fortunately, a number of drugs that block signaling cascades leading to NF-κB are in early phase clinical trials, several of which are already showing activity in lymphoid malignancies.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • CARD Signaling Adaptor Proteins / genetics
  • Caspases / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Leukemia, Lymphoid / drug therapy
  • Leukemia, Lymphoid / genetics
  • Leukemia, Lymphoid / metabolism*
  • Lymphoma / drug therapy
  • Lymphoma / genetics
  • Lymphoma / metabolism*
  • Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse / metabolism
  • Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma Translocation 1 Protein
  • Mutation
  • Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88 / genetics
  • NF-kappa B / antagonists & inhibitors
  • NF-kappa B / metabolism*
  • Neoplasm Proteins / metabolism
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors / therapeutic use
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • CARD Signaling Adaptor Proteins
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88
  • NF-kappa B
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Protein Kinase Inhibitors
  • Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell
  • Caspases
  • MALT1 protein, human
  • Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissue Lymphoma Translocation 1 Protein