Abstract: A method of modulating the level of activated, NF-&kgr;B in cells by contacting cells with a cyanoguanidine compound of general formula I wherein n is 0, 1 or 2; each R independently represents halogen, trifluoromethyl, hydroxy, C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, C1-4 alkoxycarbonyl, nitro, cyano, amino, sulfo or carboxy groups; Q is a straight or branched, saturated or unsaturated C4-20 divalent hydrocarbon radical; X is a bond, O, S, amino, carbonyl, carbonylamino, aminocarbonyl, oxycarbonyloxy, oxycarbonyl, carbonyloxy, aminocarbonyloxy, aminothiocarbonyloxy, oxycarbonylamino or oxythiocarbonylamino; A is di-(C1-4 alkoxy)phosphinoyloxy, C1-4 alkoxycarbonyl, C1-4 alkoxycarbonylamino, saturated or unsaturated C3-12 carbocyclic ring or C3-12 heterocarbocyclic ring optionally substituted with one or more R1; R1 being independently selected from the group consisting of halogen, trifluoromethyl, hydroxy, C1-4 alkyl, C1-4 alkoxy, C1-4 alkoxycarbonyl, nitro, cyano, amino, carboxy, sulfo, carboxamido,