Open AccessRegulation of B-cell function by NF-kappaB c-Rel in health and disease
Author(s) -
Shrikanth C. Basavarajappa,
Parameswaran Ramakrishnan
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
cellular and molecular life sciences
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.928
H-Index - 223
eISSN - 1420-9071
pISSN - 1420-682X
DOI - 10.1007/s00018-020-03488-w
Subject(s) - b cell , immune system , biology , transcription factor , nf κb , microbiology and biotechnology , homeostasis , immunology , nfkb1 , disease , antibody , cancer research , genetics , signal transduction , gene , medicine
B cells mediate humoral immune response and contribute to the regulation of cellular immune response. Members of the Nuclear Factor kappaB (NF-κB) family of transcription factors play a major role in regulating B-cell functions. NF-κB subunit c-Rel is predominantly expressed in lymphocytes, and in B cells, it is required for survival, proliferation, and antibody production. Dysregulation of c-Rel expression and activation alters B-cell homeostasis and is associated with B-cell lymphomas and autoimmune pathologies. Based on its essential roles, c-Rel may serve as a potential prognostic and therapeutic target. This review summarizes the current understanding of the multifaceted role of c-Rel in B cells and B-cell diseases.