Ilf2, formerly called nuclear factor 45 (NF45), is widely expressed in normal human tissues. It often binds to interleukin enhancer binding factor 3 (ILF3) and regulates gene expression in multiple ways, participating in various DNA and RNA metabolism pathways [2].

Recent studies have shown that Ilf2 expression is significantly upregulated in many malignant tumors such as esophageal, lung, and gastric cancers, promoting tumor development, cell proliferation, affecting the cell cycle, and inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition. It is also closely related to tumor cell migration, invasion, neo-angiogenesis, and patient prognosis [2].

In oral squamous cell carcinoma, circ-Ilf2 (a circular RNA related to Ilf2) promotes cisplatin resistance and induces M2 polarization of macrophages through the miR-1252/KLF8 pathway, suggesting it could be a potential therapeutic target in cisplatin-resistant oral squamous cell carcinoma [1].

In triple-negative breast cancer, LINC00571 facilitates the interaction between HNRNPK and Ilf2, stabilizing Ilf2 expression, and Ilf2 then acts as a transcription factor to enhance the expression of IDH2, promoting cancer progression by regulating tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites [3].

In breast cancer brain metastases, Ilf2 is specifically associated with the disease, and its deficiency hinders the progression, indicating it could be a biomarker or therapeutic target [4].

In prostate cancer, NUSAP1 binds to Ilf2 to modulate R-loop accumulation and DNA damage, and their elevated mRNA expression levels are associated with poor clinical outcomes [5].

In psoriasis, Ilf2 and KLHDC7B-DT are involved in keratinocyte hyperproliferation and skin inflammation, with Ilf2 functioning in a KLHDC7B-DT-dependent manner [6].

In multiple myeloma cells, Ilf2 enhances the DNA cytosine deaminase activity of APOBEC3B [7].

In non-small cell lung cancer, Ilf2 promotes anchorage-independence of cells through suppressing PTEN [8].

In liver cancer, Ilf2 directly binds and stabilizes CREB to stimulate malignant phenotypes of liver cancer cells [9].

In small cell lung cancer, Ilf2 cooperates with E2F1 to maintain mitochondrial homeostasis and promote cancer progression [10].

In conclusion, Ilf2 is a multifaceted regulator involved in various biological processes and disease conditions, especially in multiple types of cancers and psoriasis. The study of Ilf2 in different disease models has provided insights into its role in tumorigenesis, drug resistance, and inflammation, suggesting its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target in these disease areas.