The dynamics of NF-κB pathway regulated by circadian clock

• A mathematical model for NF-κB pathway coupling to circadian clock.
• The frequencies and amplitudes of the NF-κB oscillation depend on the strength and modes of coupling to circadian clock.
• Chronobiological strategies may provide an effective mechanistic-based treatment for immune systems disorders.

The circadian clock regulates many physiological parameters involving immune response to infectious agents, which is mediated by activation of the transcription factor NF-κB. Thus, understanding the NF-κB dynamics regulated by circadian clocks will help in developing better therapeutics. To this end, we proposed a detailed model in the present work on the basis of understanding inflammatory response under control from circadian clocks. Our results show that the frequencies and amplitudes of the NF-κB oscillation are dependent on the strength and modes of coupling to circadian clock. This circadian control of NF-κB pathway can therefore serve as a useful mechanism in keeping the system in check and controlling inflammatory response induced by infection and other agents. The results are consistent with earlier experimental findings.