The transcription factor NF-κB plays crucial roles in the regulation of inflammation and immune responses, and inappropriate NF-κB activity has been linked with many autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. Cells employ a multilayered control system to keep NF-κB signalling in check, including a repertoire of negative feedback regulators ensuring termination of NF-κB responses. Here we will review various negative regulatory mechanisms that have evolved to control NF-κB signalling and which have been implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.