Roles of the NF-κB Pathway in Lymphocyte Development and Function

This article focuses on the functions of NF-kappa B that vitally impact lymphocytes and thus adaptive immunity. NF-kappa B has long been known to be essential for many of the responses of mature lymphocytes to invading pathogens. In addition, NF-kappa B has important functions in shaping the immune system so it is able to generate adaptive responses to pathogens. In both contexts, NF-kappa B executes critical cell-autonomous functions within lymphocytes as well as within supportive cells, such as antigen-presenting cells or epithelial cells. It is these aspects of NF-kappa B's physiologic impact that we address in this article.