FAT10 is phosphorylated by IKKβ to inhibit the antiviral type-I interferon response.

IFN-I secretion provides a rapid host defense against infection with RNA viruses. Within the host cell, viral RNA triggers the activation of the RIG-I signaling pathway, leading to the production of IFN-I. Because an exaggerated IFN-I response causes severe tissue damage, RIG-I signaling is tightly regulated.