Rap1b: A cytoskeletal regulator Advantageous to viral infection.

RAS-like small GTP-binding protein 1b (Rap1b) is a small GTPase involved in numerous deformation-mediated physiological processes, including viral infection, through cytoskeleton regulation on the premise of dynamic changes in the loading state of GTP or GDP. Previous studies have mainly focused on Rap1b's roles in tumor metastasis and platelet hemostasis due to their significant cytoskeleton rearrangement. The complexity of Rap1b and cytoskeleton functions has limited research on their role in viral infections, and the molecular mechanisms for drug and vaccine development targeting Rap1b remain unclear. Here, we reviewed the mechanisms used by Rap1b to sustain cancer growth through the cytoskeleton and analyzed the role of Rap1b protein in the regulation of the cytoskeleton, as well as its use to promote replication in response to viral invasion, highlighting that it may be a potential target for development of antiviral strategies.