DDX56 belongs to the ATP-dependent RNA helicase of DEAD‑box family. The protein is mainly located in nucleolus and has ATPase and RNA helicase activities. Its classic function is to participate in the assembly of ribosome 60S large subunit, regulate the processing of pre‑rRNA and the maturation of pre-ribosome particles, and maintain nucleolar homeostasis. DDX56 can negatively regulate the RLR-mediated type I interferon pathway, inhibit the antiviral immune response by preventing IRF3 from entering the nucleus, and has dual functions of promoting virus and resisting virus in different virus infections. The protein is abnormally highly expressed in many tumors, which plays the role of oncogene, promotes tumor proliferation, invasion and metastasis by regulating cell cycle, apoptosis and NF κ B signaling pathways, and is related to the poor prognosis of patients. It is expected to become a potential tumor marker and intervention target, but its RNA substrate and tissue-specific function in vivo need to be further studied.