Hippo Kinases MST1/2 Regulate Immune Cell Functions in Cancer, Infection, and Autoimmune Diseases

Mammalian STE20-like protein kinases (MST), including MST1, MST2, MST3, and MST4, belong to the germinal center kinase (GCK) family. Kinase MST1/2 is an important component of the Hippo pathway in regulating cell proliferation, tissue homeostasis, and organ development. Recent studies have shown that Hippo kinase MST1/2 plays a crucial role in immune-associated diseases, which has attracted extensive attention of researchers. This review summarizes recent research on Hippo kinases MST1/2 in regulating the function of immune cells in innate and adaptive immune systems, and also includes its regulatory role and significance in cancer, infection, and autoimmune diseases.