Accepts ubiquitin from the E1 complex and catalyzes its covalent attachment to other proteins. In vitro catalyzes 'Lys-48'-linked polyubiquitination. Mediates the selective degradation of short-lived and abnormal proteins. Functions in the E6/E6-AP-induced ubiquitination of p53/TP53. Mediates ubiquitination of PEX5 and autoubiquitination of STUB1 and TRAF6. Involved in the signal-induced conjugation and subsequent degradation of NFKBIA, FBXW2-mediated GCM1 ubiquitination and degradation, MDM2-dependent degradation of p53/TP53 and the activation of MAVS in the mitochondria by DDX58/RIG-I in response to viral infection. Essential for viral activation of IRF3. S-ubiquitinyl-[E1 ubiquitin-activating enzyme]-L-cysteine + [E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme]-L-cysteine = [E1 ubiquitin-activating enzyme]-L-cysteine + S-ubiquitinyl-[E2 ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme]-L-cysteine. S-ubiquitinyl-[E1 ubiquitin-activating enzyme]-L-cysteine + [acceptor protein]-L-lysine = [E1 ubiquitin-activating enzyme]-L-cysteine + N(6)-monoubiquitinyl-[acceptor protein]-L-lysine. Protein modification; protein ubiquitination. Interacts with SCF (SKP1-CUL1-F-box protein) E3 ubiquitin ligase complex. Interacts with CNOT4 (via RING domain). Interacts with E3 ubiquitin-protein ligases CBLC, PJA1 and PJA2. Interacts with PDZRN3. Interacts with PPP1R11 (By similarity). Belongs to the ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme family.