Overexpression of USP15 aggravates tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)- and interleukin (IL)-1β-induced NF-κB activation.21 Ubiquitin-specific protease 38 is a member of USPs and is involved in the process of cell proliferation, cell migration, virus infection, and inflammatory response.22–26 However, the role of USP38 in AF remains unknown. Here, USP38 is linked to viral infectious disease.