NFKB1 and infection: As a transcription factor that regulates the inflammatory process, NF-κB activation in pulmonary leukocytes may be involved in the pulmonary inflammatory process in neonatal acute respiratory distress syndrome.[32] Contrary to clinical research, animal studies have shown that U parvum infection increases the expression of surfactant protein A and surfactant protein B, and increases lung volume.[33] It has been suggested that UU infection increases pulmonary surfactant levels and may contribute to fetal lung maturation; thus, UU infection could be a protective factor against NRDS.