RACK1 links immune signaling and translation during host-pathogen interactions
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Updated: Nov 4, 2026

Dissecting Innate Immune Signaling in Viral Evasion of Cytokine Production
Published on: March 2, 2014
Rongrong Ding1, Yunnuo Shi2, Noah R Martin3
1Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, China.
Abstract:
The outcome of an infectious disease results from a dynamic interplay between host immune responses and pathogen virulence mechanisms. RACK1 is a highly conserved scaffold protein that integrates signal transduction, translational control, and cellular stress responses. Emerging evidence positions RACK1 as a central hub at the host-pathogen interface. It coordinates host immune responses, yet pathogens also exploit it to promote their survival and persistence. However, current knowledge of RACK1 in host-pathogen interactions remains fragmented, with most studies focusing on specific pathogens. This review summarizes the structural and cellular functions of RACK1 in host defense, examines the molecular strategies employed by pathogens to exploit RACK1-dependent pathways during infection, and integrates findings across diverse infectious systems to provide a comprehensive overview of RACK1-mediated host-pathogen interactions. We further discuss the role of RACK1 in infection outcomes, its therapeutic potential, and key directions for future research.
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