Subversion of innate immune responses by bacterial hindrance of NF-[kappa]B pathway

Summary Bacterial infections cause substantial mortality and burden of disease globally. Induction of a strong innate inflammatory response is the first common host mechanism required for elimination of the invading pathogens. The host transcription factor, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) is essential for immune activation. Conversely, bacterial pathogens have evolved strategies to interfere directly with host cell signalling by regulating or mimicking host proteins. Given the key role of NF-κB in the host inflammatory response, bacteria have expectedly developed virulence effectors interfering with NF-κB signalling pathways. In this review, we explore the bacterial mechanisms utilized to prevent effective NF-κB signalling, which in turn usurp the host inflammatory response.