Transcription factors of the nuclear factor‐kappa B (NF‐kappa B)/Rel family have an important function in the regulation of a variety of genes involved in the inflammatory and proliferative responses of cells. Recent studies strongly indicate that the inducible transcription factor NF‐kappa B is involved in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Activated NF‐kappa B is present in the fibrotic thickened intima‐media and atheromatous areas of the atherosclerotic lesion, within smooth muscle cells, macrophages and endothelial cells, whereas little or no activated NF‐kappa B can be detected in vessels lacking atherosclerosis. A variety of molecules have been identified in the atherosclerotic environment that are able to activate NF‐kappa B in vitro. Furthermore, an increased expression of numerous genes known to be regulated by NF‐kappa B has been found in the atherosclerotic lesion. Possible functional implications for activated NF‐kappa B in atherogenesis are discussed here. The activation and role of NF‐kappa B in atherosclerosis may provide a model for the involvement of the transcription factor in human chronic inflammatory disease.