Nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) is a family of transcription factors that transactivates genes associated with a wide range of biological processes, including immune responses, inflammation, cell growth and survival. Dysregulated NF-κB activation contributes to acute and chronic inflammatory disorders, mostly through the aberrant induction of genes encoding proinflammatory factors and metabolic disorders. Abnormal NF-κB activation also influences the development and stability of regulatory T cells, contributing to the pathogenesis of autoimmune disorders. Given the critical role of inflammation in promoting oncogenesis, the proinflammatory role of NF-κB is also linked to cancer development. In addition, aberrant NF-κB activation contributes to uncontrolled tumor cell proliferation, survival, metabolism, metastasis, tumor angiogenesis and therapy resistance. These pathological functions of NF-κB highlight its potential as a therapeutic target for both inflammatory diseases and cancer. In this review, we summarize recent findings regarding the role of NF-κB in these pathological processes and discuss the underlying mechanisms. We also explore potential therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting the NF-κB pathway for disease treatment, along with an analysis of possible challenges.
Keywords: Autoimmune and inflammatory diseases; Cancer; Immune response; Inflammation; NF-κB.
© 2025. The Author(s).