# NF-κB

NF-κB is a family of 'master switch' transcription factors for inflammation. (Its full name is nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells.) The family has several subunits (RelA, RelB, c-Rel, p50, p52). Together they control hundreds of genes for inflammation, immunity, cell survival, and growth. Here is the main ('canonical') route. Pro-inflammatory triggers (TNF-α, IL-1β, bacterial LPS, or reactive oxygen species) activate an enzyme (IκB kinase) that destroys the inhibitor proteins (IκB) holding NF-κB back. Freed, NF-κB moves into the nucleus and switches on its target genes. NF-κB activity climbs with age in many of your tissues. It is considered a principal driver of inflammaging, the SASP, and age-related immune problems. It also sits downstream of the cGAS-STING pathway, linking stray-DNA sensing to chronic inflammation.

## Sources

- Lawrence T. (2009). The nuclear factor NF-kappaB pathway in inflammation. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology. https://doi.org/10.1101/cshperspect.a001651
- Pikarsky E, Porat RM, Stein I, et al.. (2004). NF-κB functions as a tumour promoter in inflammation-associated cancer. Nature. https://doi.org/10.1038/nature02924
- Hayden MS, Ghosh S. (2012). NF-κB, the first quarter-century: remarkable progress and outstanding questions. Genes & Development. https://doi.org/10.1101/gad.183434.111

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_Canonical: https://longevity-switzerland.com/en/glossary/nf-kb · Part of Longevity Cities · Updated 2026-06-22_