Control of viral infectivity by tripartite motif proteins

It is of great interest to understand the molecular details of the pathways that constitute species barriers to viral infection. The tripartite motif protein TRIM5 alpha has emerged as an important mediator of species-specific retroviral replication and innate immunity. This review considers the role of TRIM5 alpha as an antiviral protein in mammals. The methods used to identify species-specific restriction to retroviral infection, and the identification of TRIM5 alpha itself, are outlined. TRIM5 alpha mediates an early postentry block to sensitive retroviral infection, usually before viral DNA synthesis. Results from mutational analysis of TRIM5 alpha and their contribution to a mechanistic model for TRIM5 alpha antiviral activity are discussed. The antiviral role of other TRIM proteins is considered, as is the role of TRIM5 alpha cytoplasmic bodies.