Description
ISG15 is a ubiquitin‐like protein strongly induced by type I interferons (IFNs). ISG15 is covalently conjugated to the bulk of newly synthesized polypeptides at the ribosome through ISGylation. Viral and bacterial infections, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), retinoic acid, or certain genotoxic stressors, also induce the expression of ISG15. This shows that ISG15 is involved in the host antiviral response. ISG15 functions as an antiviral molecule through direct inhibition of viral replication and regulation of host immunity