IDIVAL researchers clarify the role of the NF‑κB pathway in this inflammatory disease
The research team focused on characterizing Immunoglobulin A–mediated vasculitis from the Immunopathology Group at the Marqués de Valdecilla Research Institute (IDIVAL) has demonstrated that two genes involved in the immune response, NFKB1 and NFKBIA, do not influence the risk of developing this condition or the severity of its symptoms.
IgA vasculitis is an inflammatory disease that mainly affects children and can damage the skin, joints, and—in the most severe cases—the kidneys.
A genetic analysis including more than 1,100 participants
In the study, published in Frontiers in Immunology, the researchers analyzed 14 genetic variants of the NFKB1 and NFKBIA genes in 343 patients with IgA vasculitis and 764 healthy individuals.
These variants are related to the NF‑κB pathway, a cellular mechanism that regulates the activity of immune system cells, including those responsible for producing immunoglobulin A.
The results showed no significant differences between patients and healthy controls. No association was found between these variants and the development of renal, gastrointestinal, or joint complications.
An important clue for advancing research
Although these two genes do not appear to be involved, the researchers emphasize that the NF‑κB pathway remains relevant in the disease and that other genes, rarer variants, or epigenetic mechanisms (factors that regulate gene activity without altering the DNA sequence) may play a role.
“Ruling out hypotheses is just as important as confirming them,” the IDIVAL team notes. “Our findings help redirect efforts toward other biological pathways that may be more promising for identifying risk markers or future treatments.”
This research, conducted by Joao Carlos Batista Liz and led by Verónica Pulito Cueto and Raquel López Mejías, brings clarity to a field where many questions remain unanswered and reinforces the need to explore new mechanisms that may explain this disease, which is particularly common in a highly vulnerable population: children.
