Nuclear factor-kappa B-dependent X-box binding protein 1 signalling promotes the proliferation of nucleus pulposus cells under tumour necrosis factor alpha stimulation.

Unfolded protein response reinforces the survival and proliferation of NPCs under TNF-α stimulation by activating the XBP1 pathway, and NF-κB serves as a vital mediator in these events. The XBP1 signalling of UPR can be a novel therapeutic target in IDD.