核因子E2相关因子2（Nrf2）是一种调控氧化应激基本表达的关键转录因子，以Kelch样环氧氯丙烷相关蛋白-1（Keap1）在氧化环境下的构象改变或者其本身直接被磷酸化而激活并进入细胞核与抗氧化反应元件（ARE）结合，启动ARE下游的一系列抗氧化基因的转录、表达以抵抗机体内外界的有害刺激。本文主要总结了Nrf2信号途径的特点及其在动物机体抗氧化过程中的重要作用，并结合它在畜禽抗应激、肉品质、新型饲料添加剂和保健品等开发方面的应用，阐述了其在维持畜禽健康和肉品质中的重要作用。

Nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an important molecule in antioxidative and redox signaling. Nrf2 can be activated by conformational change of Keap1 or Nrf2 itself phosphorylation. The activated Nrf2 enters the nucleus and binds with antioxidant response element (ARE) to transactivate the expression of a series of antioxidant enzyme genes against the harmful stimuli. This review summarizes Nrf2-mediated antioxidant pathway and its regulatory role in anti-stress, meat quality, development of feed additives, and the impact in maintaining the health of livestock and poultry.