Abstract: TANK binding kinase 1 (TBK1), a crucial serine/threonine kinase, plays a key role in the development of tumors, immunity and autophagy. Though it has gradually become a potential target for cancer immunotherapy, its mechanism has not been fully clarified. The discovery of selective small-molecule inhibitors of TBK1 provides not only essential probe tools for exploring the biological functions of TBK1, but also drug candidates for the treatment. This paper reviews the recent advances in the research on the mechanisms of TBK1 in tumor immunity and small-molecule inhibitors against TBK1.