Therapeutic potential of IFIT2 in human diseases

The interferon-induced protein with tetratricopeptide repeats 2 (IFIT2) is a crucial member of the interferon-stimulated gene (ISG) family, widely acknowledged for its antiviral activity. IFIT2 functions primarily through AU-rich RNA binding, aiding in viral suppression by inhibiting protein translation and promoting apoptosis via mitochondrial pathways. While traditionally known for its role in antiviral defence, emerging research highlights its broader significance in cancer, bacterial and fungal infections, autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders, and metabolic and cardiovascular conditions. Notably, IFIT2 is the only IFIT family member with established tumour suppressor properties, demonstrating anti-proliferative effects in multiple cancers, including lung, renal, colorectal, breast, and gallbladder cancers. Beyond oncology, IFIT2 has been implicated in the host response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Plasmodium spp., Candida albicans, and Treponema pallidum, where it modulates immune responses and infection outcomes. It is upregulated in several autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren's syndrome, and multiple sclerosis, suggesting its potential as a diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker. Furthermore, transcriptomic analyses have linked IFIT2 to disease progression and treatment response in conditions like diabetic ulcers, gestational diabetes, ischaemic cardiomyopathy, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease. This review thoroughly examines the molecular structure, regulatory mechanisms, and diverse roles of IFIT2 in human diseases. It addresses its interaction with key immune pathways, its ability to modulate apoptosis and inflammation, and its potential as a prognostic marker and therapeutic target. Although its mechanistic functions in numerous diseases remain only partly understood, IFIT2 emerges as a versatile immune effector with considerable translational promise. Further investigation into its biological roles will be crucial for utilising its therapeutic potential across infectious, inflammatory, metabolic, and neoplastic diseases.