First Nemo-like kinase (NLK) gene were identified in Apostichopus japonicus.
AjNLK were ubiquitously expressed in all examined tissues.
AjNLK mRNA in coelomocytes was depressed after Vibrio splendidus or LPS exposure.
The expression level of Ajp105 and AjI魏B were tightly correlated with AjNLK.
AjNLK could negatively regulate coelomocytes apoptosis in vitro.