TRIM5alpha

TRIM5α (also TRIM5alpha or TRIM5 -alpha) is a protein found in the cells of primates, and most effective against various infections with retroviruses. It causes monkeys can not be infected with HIV-1 and prevent the infection in humans with several other retroviruses. Together with the APOBEC3G protein family and the recently discovered protein tetherin TRIM5α is an important part of the innate immunity against retroviruses. The human TRIM5α consists of 493 amino acids and the gene locus is located on chromosome 11 TRIM5α belongs to the TRIM protein family, which was described in 1992 by Reddy as one protein, a RING finger zinc binding domain and a B -box zinc binding domain followed by possess a coiled-coil region. " TRIM " therefore stands for " tripartite motif ", ie tripartite motif.

Although monkeys relatives can not be infected with HIV - 1, but with SIV, a closely related virus. 2004 isolated Stremlau et. al. TRIM5α from rhesus monkeys and identified the protein as responsible for the " block " against HIV-1. The human TRIM5α is not directed against HIV -1 but inhibits retroviruses MLV and EIAV.

When a retrovirus enters a cell, the cytoplasm, the capsid disintegrates ( uncoating ), the RNA is released and the reverse transcription can take place. TRIM5α, which is present in the cytoplasm, protein recognizes a motif within the capsid protein of the virus and interfering with the uncoating process, so that the subsequent reverse transcription can not take place and the viral genome can not be introduced into the cell nucleus. The mechanism is not yet known in detail. It is believed that other cellular proteins involved in the process.

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