Functional roles, mechanistic insights, and therapeutic potential of the IGF2BP family in viral infections and virus-associated cancers.

The insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein (IGF2BP) family, comprises highly conserved RNA-binding proteins that play crucial roles in post-transcriptional gene regulation. Recent evidence suggests that IGF2BP proteins contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of multiple cancers and also participate in the regulation of viral infections and virus-associated tumors. This review provides a systematic synthesis of the biological functions of the IGF2BP family and its regulatory roles in viral life cycles. Particular emphasis is placed on oncogenic viruses, including hepatitis B and C viruses, human papilloma virus, Epstein-Barr virus, and human immunodeficiency virus, which co-opt IGF2BP proteins to promote viral replication and support tumorigenic processes. These mechanisms include the stabilization of viral RNA, modulation of host metabolic pathways, and immune responses. Furthermore, this review evaluates the therapeutic potential of targeting IGF2BP proteins in virus-associated tumors, offering new insights and future directions for research in this area.