TRIM26 restricts Epstein–Barr virus infection in nasopharyngeal epithelial cells through K48 ‐linked ubiquitination of HSP ‐90β

Abstract The tripartite interaction motif (TRIM) family of proteins is known for their antiviral activity through different mechanisms, such as interfering with viral components, regulating immune responses, and participating in autophagy‐mediated defense pathways. In this study, we investigated the role of tripartite interaction motif 26 (TRIM26), which is encoded by a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) gene, in regulating Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) infection of nasopharyngeal epithelial cells. We found that TRIM26 expression was induced upon EBV infection and that it indirectly targeted EphA2, a crucial epithelial receptor for EBV entry. Our results showed that TRIM26 interacted with heat shock protein 90‐beta (HSP‐90β) and promoted its polyubiquitination, which led to its degradation via the proteasome pathway. This, in turn, affected EphA2 integrity and suppressed EBV infection. These findings suggest that TRIM26 could be a valuable target for developing therapeutic interventions against EBV infection and its associated pathogenesis.