NFKB1 and silicosis: Using a mouse experimental model of silicosis in which the endotracheal instillation of silica reproduces the silica-induced inflammation observed in humans we show that systemic inhibition of NF-κB activation with a pharmacologic inhibitor (BAY 11-7085) of IκBα (NFKBIA) phosphorylation significantly decreases silica induced inflammation and fibrosis, with reduced collagen deposition and apoptosis.