IL18 and malignant colon neoplasm: As a key kinase in the MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) signaling pathway, MAP3K2 has been reported to promote intestinal regeneration by regulating mesenchymal subpopulations in intestinal stromal cells (MRISCs) [40], mediate IL-18-dependent Th1 cell differentiation in the gut [39], and modulate tumor growth in colon cancer [15], suggesting its potential role in UC progression.