A review of NF-κB pathway activation in chronic inflammatory disorders

Abstract

The nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) is a central transcription factor involved in immune regulation, cell proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation. Aberrant activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway is closely associated with a variety of chronic inflammatory disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), asthma, psoriasis, and neuroinflammatory conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS). This review explores the molecular mechanisms underlying NF-κB activation, the role of canonical and non-canonical signaling pathways, and the implications of NF-κB dysregulation in chronic inflammation. Additionally, recent advances in targeting NF-κB therapeutically are discussed, providing insights into potential clinical applications for inflammatory disease management.