Anti-inflammatory therapy of atherosclerosis: focusing on IKKβ

Chronic low-grade inflammation has been identified as a major contributor in the development of atherosclerosis. Nuclear Factor-kappa appa B (NF-kappa B) is a critical transcription factors family of the inflammatory pathway. As a major catalytic subunit of the IKK complex, I kappa B kinase beta (IKK beta) drives canonical activation of NF-kappa B 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 IKK beta-mediated inflammation. This review focuses on the latest knowledge and current research landscape surrounding anti-atherosclerotic drugs that inhibit IKK beta. There will be more opportunities to fully understand the complex functions of IKK beta in atherogenesis and develop new effective therapies in the future.