Caging the Beast: TRIM5α Binding to the HIV-1 Core
2011
How TRIM5α Blocks HIV-1 Infection
Commentary
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Felipe Diaz-Griffero
Primary Institution: Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Hypothesis
Can TRIM5α form a structure that cages the HIV-1 core to inhibit infection?
Conclusion
TRIM5α can cage the HIV-1 core, which helps to terminate the infection.
Supporting Evidence
- TRIM5α forms higher-order self-association complexes that are essential for inhibiting HIV-1 infection.
- Recent studies have shown that TRIM5α can form a hexagonal array on the HIV-1 capsid.
- TRIM5α's ability to cage the HIV-1 core represents a significant advance in understanding HIV-1 restriction.
Takeaway
TRIM5α is like a cage that traps the HIV-1 virus, stopping it from causing harm.
Methodology
The study used negative-staining electron microscopy to visualize TRIM5α's binding to the HIV-1 capsid.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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