Nuclear factor-κB in rheumatoid arthritis.

NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells) signaling pathway is involved in the occurrence and development of various kinds of inflammation, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this paper, the relationship between the activation or inhibition of NF-κB and the pathogenesis of RA is discussed. It is found that activated NF-κB operates a dual-aspect effect which can either promote or suppress inflammation. When NF-κB is inhibited, the symptoms of RA are significantly improved. The specific role of NF-κB is closely related to its upstream stimulator and downstream activator. Therefore, we review the research on NF-κB in RA over the past 20 years in order to have a clearer understanding of its mechanism.