Interferon (IFN)-inducible GTPase that plays important roles in innate immunity against a diverse range of bacterial, viral and protozoan pathogens (PubMed:22106366). Hydrolyzes GTP very efficiently; GDP rather than GMP is the major reaction product (By similarity). Following infection, recruited to the pathogen-containing vacuoles or vacuole-escaped bacteria and acts as a positive regulator of inflammasome assembly by promoting the release of inflammasome ligands from bacteria (By similarity). 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 (By similarity). Exhibits antiviral activity against influenza virus (PubMed:22106366). ; [Isoform 2]: Shows the most prominent antiviral activity in epithelial cells.
