FTR67, a member of the fish-specific finTRIM family, triggers IFN pathway and against spring viremia of carp virus.

Tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins have attracted particular research interest because of their multiple functions in the antiviral innate immune response. TRIM proteins perform different functions during virus infection, some play a role in inhibiting while others play a role in promoting. In this study, we described a species-specific TRIM gene named ftr67. Analysis of tissue distribution showed that ftr67 was mainly expressed in the gill and liver in five examined tissues of zebrafish. The phylogenic analysis showed that ftr67 was closest to the grass carp TRIM67. Overexpression of ftr67 resulted in a significantly decreased SVCV entry and impaired SVCV replication in FHM cells. Furthermore, overexpression of ftr67 could significantly induce the upregulation of molecular sensor RIG-I, IRF3/7, IFN and ISGs. In addition, RING domain of ftr67 was a required part essential for the antiviral effect. In summary, our results demonstrated that the important role of ftr67 in regulating SVCV infection, which offers a potential target for development of anti-SVCV therapies.