Modulation of NF-κB signalling by microbial pathogens

The nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappa B) family of transcription factors plays a central part in the host response to infection by microbial pathogens, by orchestrating the innate and acquired host immune responses. The NF-kappa B proteins are activated by diverse signalling pathways that originate from many different cellular receptors and sensors. Many successful pathogens have acquired sophisticated mechanisms to regulate the NF-kappa B signalling pathways by deploying subversive proteins or hijacking the host signalling molecules. Here, we describe the mechanisms by which viruses and bacteria micromanage the host NF-kappa B signalling circuitry to favour the continued survival of the pathogen.