The Immune Regulatory Role of Protein Kinase CK2 and Its Implications for Treatment of Cancer

Protein Kinase CK2, a constitutively active serine/threonine kinase, fulfills its functions via phosphorylating hundreds of proteins in nearly all cells. It regulates a variety of cellular signaling pathways and contributes to cell survival, proliferation and inflammation. CK2 has been implicated in the pathogenesis of hematologic and solid cancers. Recent data have documented that CK2 has unique functions in both innate and adaptive immune cells. In this article, we review aspects of CK2 biology, functions of the major innate and adaptive immune cells, and how CK2 regulates the function of immune cells. Finally, we provide perspectives on how CK2 effects in immune cells, particularly T-cells, may impact the treatment of cancers via targeting CK2.