Genetic Arg-304-His substitution in GRK5 protects against sepsis progression by alleviating NF-κB-mediated inflammation

•GRK5 rs2230349 G > A polymorphism was associated with sepsis progression and mortality.•GRK5 Arg-304-His substitution caused by rs2230349G > A affected IκB-α phosphorylation.•GRK5 Arg-304-His substitution alleviated IκB-α/NF-κB-mediated inflammation.•GRK5-konckout improved the survival and inflammatory response in sepsis mouse model.