[3][4][5] The protein encoded by this gene is a member of the tripartite motif (TRIM) family.

This protein localizes to the cytoplasm and its expression is induced by interferon.

[8] The protein down-regulates transcription from the HIV-1 long terminal repeat promoter region, suggesting that function of this protein may be to mediate interferon's antiviral effects.

Furthermore, HIV particle release from cells depleted of TRIM22 with RNA interference is enhanced.

TRIM22 appears to prevent the movement of the HIV Gag protein to the plasma membrane and hence TRIM22 can block HIV replication in cell cultures by preventing the assembly of the virus.