Reference

The TNF-alpha/NF-kappa B pathway is a crucial signal transduction pathway involved in inflammation, immune response, and cell survival. Here are the key components:

1. TNF-alpha (Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha): A cytokine that triggers the signaling cascade. Binding of TNF-alpha to its receptor initiates the pathway.

2. TNF Receptor (TNFR): The receptor that interacts with TNF-alpha, leading to the activation of downstream signaling molecules.

3. TRADD and RIPK1: Adaptor proteins that mediate signal transduction following TNFR activation.

4. TRAF2: A protein involved in the ubiquitination process, which is crucial for further propagating the signaling cascade.

5. IKK Complex (IκB Kinase Complex): Composed of IKKα, IKKβ, and NEMO (IKKγ), it phosphorylates IκB proteins, leading to their degradation.

6. IκB: Inhibitory proteins that sequester NF-kappa B in the cytoplasm. Upon phosphorylation and degradation, NF-kappa B is released.

7. NF-kappa B (Nuclear Factor kappa B): A transcription factor that translocates to the nucleus and activates genes involved in inflammatory and immune responses.

These components interact in a cascade where TNF-alpha binding to its receptor leads to activation and translocation of NF-kappa B from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, thus affecting gene expression.

For more detailed insights, you can read the articles on the NFκB system and a map of the TNF-alpha/NF-kappa B signal. Here is an illustrative image of the pathway: