### ILF3 Gene Overview
**Gene Symbol:** ILF3  
**Full Name:** Interleukin Enhancer Binding Factor 3  
**Location:** Chromosome 3 (3q26.32)  
**Gene Type:** Protein-coding

The ILF3 gene encodes a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) binding protein involved in various biochemical processes. The protein it encodes, also known as NF90, is part of a heterodimer complex with NF45 (ILF2), playing critical roles in T-cell function and gene expression regulation through interactions with mRNAs and noncoding RNAs.

### 1. Associated Genes
ILF3 has functional associations with several genes, including but not limited to:
- **ILF2 (NF45)**: Direct heterodimer partner involved in T-cell activation and interleukin 2 expression.
- **PKR (EIF2AK2)**: The double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase that phosphorylates ILF3 in response to viral infection.
- **Dicer**: An endonuclease involved in the processing of microRNAs and also interacts with dsRNA.
- **Various other cellular RNA-binding proteins (e.g., YBX1, HuR)** that regulate mRNA stability and transport.

### 2. Aging and Age-Related Diseases
While there is limited direct research linking ILF3 to aging and age-related diseases, its critical role in mRNA stabilization, stress responses, and circRNA biogenesis suggests potential implications in:
- **Neurodegenerative diseases**: Dysregulation of RNA-binding proteins (e.g., ILF3) may contribute to the pathophysiology of conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases.
- **Cancer**: Altered expression or mutation of ILF3 may influence tumor progression and response to therapy, particularly in age-related cancers like lung and breast cancer.
- **Immunosenescence**: Given its role in T-cell activation, ILF3 may participate in the decline of immune responsiveness observed with aging.

### 3. Drug Interactions
Currently, no specific drugs or drug classes are well-documented as directly targeting ILF3. However, several antiviral compounds that influence the innate immune response may indirectly affect ILF3 function, particularly:
- **Antiviral agents**: Drugs that engage the PKR pathway or target RNA viruses can modulate the expression and activity of ILF3 as part of the cellular antiviral response.

### 4. Pathways and Biological Processes
ILF3 is involved in several key biological processes and pathways:
- **Gene expression regulation**: Modulates transcription and post-transcriptional processes through its interactions with mRNAs and noncoding RNAs.
- **mRNA stabilization**: Binds to AU-rich elements (AREs) in the 3' UTR of target mRNAs, enhancing their stability.
- **CircRNA biogenesis**: Promotes back-splicing of pre-mRNAs to circular forms, affecting gene regulation and RNA processing.
- **Antiviral response**: Functions in the innate immune response by interacting with viral mRNAs during infection, influenced by PKR activation.
- **Cell growth regulation**: Impacts cell proliferation and differentiation through its role in mRNA metabolism.

These processes underline ILF3’s multifaceted roles in cellular homeostasis, immune function, and responses to stress, making it a significant factor in both disease and health across the lifespan.