IKK Alpha/IKK beta is a member of the IKK complex which is composed of IKK alpha, IKK beta, IKK gamma and IKAP. Phosphorylation of I-Kappa-B on a serine residue by the IKK complex frees NF-kB from I-Kappa-B and marks it for degradation via ubiquination. IKK beta has been shown to activate NF-kB and phosphorylate IKB alpha and beta. Phosphorylation of 2 sites at the activation loop of IKK beta is essential for activation of IKK by TNF and IL1. Once activated, IKK beta autophosphorylates which in turn decreases IKK activity and prevents prolonged activation of the inflammatory response. Additionally, IKK beta activity can also be regulated by MEKK1.