Y-box binding protein-1 at the crossroads of DNA damage response and tumor immune evasion

Tumor response to radiotherapy is shaped by multiple factors including immune modulation, tumor microenvironment, and genetic factors. Among these, the Y-box binding protein-1 is a multifunctional DNA and RNA-binding protein frequently overexpressed in tumors. Y-box binding protein-1 controls the activation of DNA damage response signaling following radiotherapy. Emerging evidence suggests that the role of Y-box binding protein-1 extends beyond DNA damage response regulation to shaping tumor-immune interactions by regulating cytokine production, promoting immune evasion, and altering immune checkpoint expression. Elucidating these immune-related functions of Y-box binding protein-1 may uncover novel mechanisms of tumor immune evasion and identify novel therapeutic targets to enhance cancer immunotherapy. This minireview summarizes current insights into the role of Y-box binding protein-1 in immune regulation, highlighting its impact on tumor immunity and potential clinical applications.