KRT6A (keratin 6A) is an epidermis-specific type I intermediate filament protein that plays crucial roles in skin barrier function, wound healing, and inflammatory responses. KRT6A expression is markedly upregulated in response to skin barrier disruption and inflammatory conditions, serving as a barrier alarmin 1. The protein promotes skin inflammation through activation of the JAK1-STAT3 signaling pathway by inhibiting RNF41-mediated JAK1 ubiquitination, leading to enhanced proinflammatory cytokine expression in keratinocytes 1. KRT6A expression is elevated in inflammatory skin diseases including psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, where it contributes to disease pathogenesis 23. Beyond skin biology, KRT6A demonstrates broader cellular functions including restriction of influenza A virus replication by inhibiting nuclear import of viral ribonucleoprotein complexes 4. In cancer contexts, KRT6A acts as an oncogene in non-small cell lung cancer, where elevated expression correlates with poor prognosis and smoking history 5. The protein also serves as a biomarker for lineage plasticity in KRAS-mutant lung cancers, where its expression marks an intermediate plastic cell state associated with resistance to KRAS inhibitors 6. These diverse functions highlight KRT6A's importance in maintaining tissue integrity and cellular responses to stress.