The role of NFκB in the three stages of pregnancy – implantation, maintenance, and labour: a review article

Abstract

The transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB) controls the expression of over 400 genes, some of which are associated with reproductive events. During implantation, immune cells accumulate in the maternal–fetal interface; they secrete inflammatory mediators under the control of NFĸB, the level of which also rises. NFĸB is then downregulated to maintain gestation, but its level rises again before birth to manage prostaglandin, cytokine, and chemokine synthesis, and to stimulate uterine contraction. This review summarises the current state of knowledge about NFκB and its role in the molecular regulation of processes related to pregnancy development. Tweetable abstract: This review examines the current state of knowledge about role of NFκB in the development of pregnancy.