Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 as targets to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: toward new perspectives

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a common respiratory disease characterized by persistent airflow limitation and driven by interconnected pathways of oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death. While nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is well-established as a central regulator of antioxidant defense, its role in COPD is now understood to be far more extensive. Beyond redox balance, Nrf2 modulates inflammatory responses and critical processes like autophagy, apoptosis, and ferroptosis, highlighting its pleiotropic nature and therapeutic potential. This review delineates the multifaceted functions of Nrf2 in COPD and explores its promise as a target for precision therapy, providing a foundation for future research and drug development.