News Section | Virology
Protein mechanism that prevents HIV from multiplying identified
Researchers have identified the mechanism used by a protein that prevents HI virus from multiplying once it has entered the cell.
The finding has opened up new possibilities and ways of fighting HIV in humans.
Known as TRIM5, the cellular protein helps certain monkey species such as rhesus or night monkeys resist the HIV infection.
In the case of an HIV infection, the protein intercepts the virus as soon as it enters the cell and prevents it from multiplying.
The role of TRIM5 has been known for over six years. However, the mechanism TRIM5 uses to prevent the HI virus from multiplying was still largely unknown.
The majority of the key aspects of TRIM5”s defense mechanism against HIV was discovered by the Swiss research teams of Prof. Jeremy Luban, University of Geneva, and Prof. Markus Grütter, University of Zurich, in collaboration with teams from the USA and France.
They demonstrated that TRIM5 immediately triggers an immune response if infected with HIV.
The HI virus, which penetrates the cell during an infection, has a shell, the components of which are arranged in a lattice, similar to the pattern on a soccer ball. TRIM5 recognizes this lattice structure and specifically attaches itself to it.
This stimulates the protein to produce signal molecules known as polyubiquitin chains in the cell. These chains immediately trigger an anti-viral reaction.
The “alerted” cell can then start eliminating cells infected with HIV by releasing messenger substances (cytokines).
Humans also have a TRIM5 protein, but it is less effective in fending off HIV.
The study was published in Nature.
Disclaimer: Bioscholar is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The articles are based on peer reviewed research, and discoveries/products mentioned in the articles may not be approved by the regulatory bodies.