NFKB1 and major depressive disorder: This study aims to investigate the peripheral and central regulatory effects of taVNS by assessing changes in pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines in peripheral blood, as well as key molecular components of the NF-κB signaling pathway in the prefrontal cortex.These findings will provide further insights into the mechanisms of taVNS in treating inflammation-related depression and contribute to the development of auricular-based neuromodulation therapies for depression.