TRIM4 modulates type I interferon induction and cellular antiviral response by targeting RIG-I for K63-linked ubiquitination

RIG-I is a pivotal cytoplasmic sensor that recognizes different species of viral RNAs. This recognition leads to activation of the transcription factors NF-κB and IRF3, which collaborate to induce type I interferons (IFNs) and innate antiviral response. In this study, we identified the TRIM family protein TRIM4 as a positive regulator of RIG-I-mediated IFN induction. Overexpression of TRIM4 potentiated virus-triggered activation of IRF3 and NF-κB, as well as IFN-β induction, whereas knockdown of TRIM4 had opposite effects. Mechanistically, TRIM4 associates with RIG-I and targets it for K63-linked polyubiquitination. Our findings demonstrate that TRIM4 is an important regulator of the virus-induced IFN induction pathways by mediating RIG-I for K63-linked ubiquitination.