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 (, ). 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 (By similarity). 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 . Confers protection to several pathogens, including the bacterial pathogens L.monocytogenes and M.bovis BCG as well as the protozoan pathogen T.gondii . Exhibits antiviral activity against influenza virus .
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 .