The role of TRIM in the immune defense against virus

Abstract

TRIM(tripartite motif)proteins are a family of RING domain-containing proteins comprising more than 70 members in human,with new members still being described.They are not only involved in cell prolifcration,differentiation,development,morphogenesis,and apoptosis,but also in immune signaling and antiviral functions.TRIM25 can ubiquitinate the N terminus of the viral RNA receptor retinoic acid-inducible gene-Ⅰ(RIG-Ⅰ),and this alteration is essential for RIG-Ⅰ to interact with its downstream partner mitochondrial antiviral signaling(MAVS).This activity of TRIM25 will lead to the activation of the RIG-Ⅰ signaling pathway,which results in type Ⅰ interferon production to limit viral replication.Recently,it has been demonstrated that influenza A viruses can target TRIM25 and disable its antiviral function,thus suppressing the host interferon response.In this article,we highlight the emerging roles of TRIM proteins in antiviral defense mechanisms and an immune evasion strategy in which influenza viruses target a member of the TRIM family. Key words: TRIM; Antiviral; Immune evasion