Nuclear factor‐κB in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract 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.