Ubiquitin-like protein that is conjugated to intracellular target proteins after IFN-alpha or IFN-beta stimulation. Its enzymatic pathway is partially distinct from that of ubiquitin, differing in substrate specificity and interaction with ligating enzymes. ISG15 conjugation pathway uses a dedicated E1 enzyme, but seems to converge with the Ub conjugation pathway at the level of a specific E2 enzyme. Targets include STAT1, SERPINA3G/SPI2A, JAK1, MAPK3/ERK1, PLCG1, EIF2AK2/PKR, MX1/MxA, and RIG-1. Deconjugated by USP18/UBP43. Shows specific chemotactic activity towards neutrophils and activates them to induce release of eosinophil chemotactic factors. May serve as a trans-acting binding factor directing the association of ligated target proteins to intermediate filaments. May also be involved in autocrine, paracrine and endocrine mechanisms, as in cell-to-cell signaling, possibly partly by inducing IFN-gamma secretion by monocytes and macrophages. Seems to display antiviral activity during viral infections.
In response to IFN-tau secreted by the conceptus, may ligate to and regulate proteins involved in the release of prostaglandin F2-alpha (PGF), and thus prevent lysis of the corpus luteum and maintain the pregnancy.

Detected in lymphoid cells, striated and smooth muscle, several epithelia and neurons.

Contains 2 ubiquitin-like domains.

Cytoplasm. Secreted. UCRP conjugates seem to be noncovalently associated with the intermediate filaments and distributed in a punctate pattern. Also secreted.