Stk17b, also known as DRAK2, is a serine/threonine protein kinase belonging to the death-associated protein kinase family. It is involved in various biological processes such as setting the threshold for T-cell activation [4]. In the immune system, it is a downstream effector of protein kinase C (PKC), and in cerebellar Purkinje cells, it regulates dendritic development [5].

In cancer research, Stk17b has been shown to have diverse roles. In ovarian cancer, its high expression promotes cell proliferation, invasion, and migration by promoting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process [1]. In hepatocellular carcinoma, it promotes carcinogenesis and metastasis via the AKT/GSK-3β/Snail signaling pathway [3]. In glioma, it is regulated by the TP53TG1/miR-96-5p ceRNA pathway, and methionine deprivation inhibits glioma progression by affecting this pathway related to Stk17b [6]. In skin cutaneous melanoma, lower Stk17b expression is associated with poor overall and disease-specific survival, and it is related to immune infiltration [2].

In conclusion, Stk17b plays important roles in multiple biological processes and disease conditions, especially in cancer progression and immune-related functions. Studies on Stk17b contribute to understanding the mechanisms of cancer development and immune-related diseases, potentially providing new targets for treatment.