FTSJ3 is an RNA 2'-O-methyltransferase recruited by HIV to avoid innate immune sensing.

In mammals, 2'-O-methylation of RNA is a molecular signature by which the cellular innate immune system distinguishes endogenous from exogenous messenger RNA. However, the molecular functions of RNA 2'-O-methylation are not well understood. Here we have purified TAR RNA-binding protein (TRBP) and its interacting partners and identified a DICER-independent TRBP complex containing FTSJ3, a putative 2'-O-methyltransferase (2'O-MTase).

Endogenous TRIM5α Function Is Regulated by SUMOylation and Nuclear Sequestration for Efficient Innate Sensing in Dendritic Cells.

During retroviral infection, viral capsids are subject to restriction by the cellular factor TRIM5α. Here, we show that dendritic cells (DCs) derived from human and non-human primate species lack efficient TRIM5α-mediated retroviral restriction. In DCs, endogenous TRIM5α accumulates in nuclear bodies (NB) that partly co-localize with Cajal bodies in a SUMOylation-dependent manner.

Residual HIV-1 DNA Flap-independent nuclear import of cPPT/CTS double mutant viruses does not support spreading infection.

Background: The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) central DNA Flap is generated during reverse transcription as a result of (+) strand initiation at the central polypurine tract (cPPT) and termination after a ca. 100 bp strand displacement at the central termination sequence (CTS). The central DNA Flap is a determinant of HIV-1 nuclear import, however, neither cPPT nor CTS mutations entirely abolish nuclear import and infection.

SAMHD1 is the dendritic- and myeloid-cell-specific HIV-1 restriction factor counteracted by Vpx.

The primate lentivirus auxiliary protein Vpx counteracts an unknown restriction factor that renders human dendritic and myeloid cells largely refractory to HIV-1 infection. Here we identify SAMHD1 as this restriction factor. SAMHD1 is a protein involved in Aicardi-Goutières syndrome, a genetic encephalopathy with symptoms mimicking congenital viral infection, that has been proposed to act as a negative regulator of the interferon response.

Implication of TRIM alpha and TRIMCyp in interferon-induced anti-retroviral restriction activities.

Background: TRIM5 alpha is a restriction factor that interferes with retroviral infections in a species-specific manner in primate cells. Although TRIM5 alpha is constitutively expressed, its expression has been shown to be up-regulated by type I interferon (IFN). Among primates, a particular case exists in owl monkey cells, which express a fusion protein between TRIM5 and cyclophilin A, TRIMCyp, specifically interfering with HIV-1 infection.