NF-κB and Its Role in Checkpoint Control

Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) has been described as one of the most important molecules linking inflammation to cancer. More recently, it has become clear that NF-kappa B is also involved in the regulation of immune checkpoint expression. Therapeutic approaches targeting immune checkpoint molecules, enabling the immune system to initiate immune responses against tumor cells, constitute a key breakthrough in cancer treatment. This review discusses recent evidence for an association of NF-kappa B and immune checkpoint expression and examines the therapeutic potential of inhibitors targeting either NF-kappa B directly or molecules involved in NF-kappa B regulation in combination with immune checkpoint blockade.