In a silica (SiO2)-induced model of silicosis, SiO2 particles activate the TLR4-NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathway in macrophages, leading to macrophage pyroptosis and fibroblasts and alveolar epithelial cells activation, significantly amplifying pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis (206). Here, NFKB1 is linked to silicosis.