Cold-inducible RNA-binding protein induces inflammatory responses via NF-κB signaling pathway in normal human bronchial epithelial cells infected with streptococcus pneumoniae

•We report an upregulation in CIRP expression and translocation from the nucleus to cytoplasm in BEAS-2B cells following infection with S. pneumoniae.•We demonstrate that subsequent release of proinflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and MCP-1) occurs via activation of NF-κB signaling pathway by CIRP.•The identification of CIRP as a key mediator in S. pneumoniae-induced inflammation provides potential targets for therapeutic intervention against community-acquired pneumonia.•This will provide valuable insights for identifying new targets and developing therapeutic strategies for community-acquired pneumonia.