The mammalian NF-kappaB signalling pathway is an important intracellular transcription factor system that is induced in response to diverse extracellular stimuli. The hallmark of NF-kappaB activation is the nuclear translocation of dimeric Rel protein transcription factors, which regulate hundreds of kappaB-dependent genes that are involved in inflammation, immunity, apoptosis, cell proliferation and differentiation. In addition, cell-surface receptors (TNFR, Toll-like and angiotensin II, type 1 receptors), inhibitory kappaB kinases (IKK proteins), I kappaB proteins and factors regulating the post-translational modification of the Rel proteins (acetylation, phosphorylation), are other intracellular components that regulate NF-kappaB activation. Over the last decade, in vitro studies, animal models and human studies have provided evidence that upregulation of the canonical (RelA/p50) NF- kappaB isoform (in tubular epithelial cells, podocytes, mesangial cells, macrophages) has a pathogenic role in mediating chronic inflammation in chronic kidney disease (CKD). This review will examine current evidence regarding NF- kappaB isoforms and their potential role in the treatment of kidney failure due to CKD.