The overexpression of Smad7 can inhibit the activation of NF-κB, block IL-1R and TNFR signaling, reduce proinflammatory cytokine levels and anti- apoptotic signal activity, thereby restoring the Th17/Treg balance and effectively alleviating RA to some extent (122). This evidence concerns the gene NFKB1 and rheumatoid arthritis.