ABCF1 is an ATP-binding cassette protein that functions distinctly from typical transporters—it lacks transmembrane domains and instead serves multiple roles in mRNA translation, innate immunity, and cellular homeostasis. ABCF1 isoform 2 is required for efficient cap- and IRES-mediated translation initiation [UniProt], and acts as a critical mediator of m6A-promoted translation under both physiological and stress conditions 1. Beyond translation, ABCF1 functions as a DNA sensor that recognizes hepatitis B virus cccDNA through its KKx4 motif and forms phase-separated condensates to activate interferon responses and inhibit viral transcription 2. ABCF1 also regulates phagocytosis in retinal pigment epithelial cells and modulates inflammatory cytokine secretion in airway epithelial cells [PMID:25904329; 30]. In cancer contexts, dysregulation of ABCF1 promotes malignancy. ABCF1-K430-lactylation drives hepatocellular carcinoma progression by activating the KDM3A-HIF1A axis and predicts poor patient prognosis 4. In Ewing sarcoma, ABCF1 acts as a binding partner and functional antagonist of the oncogenic RNA-binding protein IGF2BP3; combined assessment of high IGF2BP3 and low ABCF1 predicts recurrence 5. In glioblastoma, the ABCF1-CXCL12-CXCR4 axis enhances cell proliferation and invasion via PI3K/AKT signaling activation 6. These findings position ABCF1 as a pleiotropic regulator with therapeutic relevance in cancer and infectious disease, with tubuloside A identified as a candidate inhibitor targeting ABCF1-K430-lactylation in hepatocellular carcinoma 4.