IKK/NF-κB signaling in intestinal epithelial cells controls immune homeostasis in the gut

Top of pageAbstract The intestinal epithelium regulates the interaction between commensal bacteria and the immune system not only by providing a physical barrier but also by expressing a number of immunoregulatory and antimicrobial peptides. Recent studies showed that inhibition of IB kinase (IKK)/nuclear factor-B (NF-B) signaling specifically in intestinal epithelial cells in vivo causes the spontaneous development of intestinal inflammation in mice. These findings identify IKK/NF-B signaling in intestinal epithelial cells as an important factor for the maintenance of epithelial integrity and immune homeostasis in the gut.