Regulated messenger RNA (mRNA) decay is an essential mechanism that governs proper control of gene expression. AU­-rich element RNA­binding factor 1 (AUF1) exhibits the characteristics of a trans­acting factor contributing to the rapid turnover of many cellular mRNAs. AUF1 controls the process of inflammation by mediating inflammatory cytokines and their responses. Studies show that AUF1 binds the internal ribosome entry site (IRES) of enterovirus 71 (EV71) and interacts with IRES to negatively regulate viral translation and replication. AUF1 could be recruited to the stress granules induced by coxsackievirus B3 and enterovirus 71.