Interferon (IFN)-inducible GTPase that plays important roles in innate immunity against a diverse range of bacterial, viral and protozoan pathogens. Hydrolyzes GTP to GMP in two consecutive cleavage reactions: GTP is first hydrolyzed to GDP and then to GMP in a processive manner. Following infection, recruited to the pathogen-containing vacuoles or vacuole-escaped bacteria and promotes both autophagy and inflammasome assembly (By similarity). Promotes host defense against bacterial infections by regulating bacteriolytic peptide generation via its interaction with ubiquitin-binding protein SQSTM1, which delivers monoubiquitinated proteins to autolysosomes for the generation of bacteriolytic peptides (By similarity). Also acts as a positive regulator of inflammasome assembly by promoting the release of inflammasome ligands from bacteria. Acts by promoting lysis of pathogen-containing vacuoles, releasing pathogens into the cytosol. Following pathogen release in the cytosol, promotes recruitment of proteins that mediate bacterial cytolysis: this liberates ligands that are detected by inflammasomes, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) that activates the non-canonical CASP4/CASP11 inflammasome or double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) that activates the AIM2 inflammasome (By similarity). Confers protection to several pathogens, including the bacterial pathogens L.monocytogenes and M.bovis BCG as well as the protozoan pathogen T.gondii (By similarity). Exhibits antiviral activity against influenza virus (By similarity).
Subcellular locations: Cytoplasmic vesicle membrane, Golgi apparatus membrane, Cell membrane, Cytoplasm, Secreted
Localizes to pathogen-containing vacuoles or to the cell surface of bacteria that escaped vacuoles. Secreted from endothelial cells in the cerebrospinal fluid, upon bacterial challenge and independently of IFNG induction. Golgi membrane localization requires isoprenylation and the presence of another IFNG-induced factor.