Question

Restriction enzymes: TRIM5a recognizes viral capsid, His43Tyr mutation increases HIV resistance. APOBEC3 degrades viral RNA, reducing viral load and slowing progression to AIDS. What is the function of TRIM5a in relation to viral capsid recognition?

1) It increases HIV resistance
2) It degrades viral RNA
3) It reduces viral load
4) It slows progression to AIDS

Answer 1

TRIM5a's function is to recognize and bind to the HIV capsid, which increases HIV resistance by blocking virus replication and preventing infection.

Step-by-step explanation:

The function of TRIM5a in relation to viral capsid recognition is to increase HIV resistance. TRIM5a is a protein that recognizes and binds to the capsid of incoming viruses, like HIV, and blocks their replication by dismantling the viral structure. While it is not responsible for degrading viral RNA or directly reducing the viral load, its action does help to prevent the establishment of infection. Mutations like His43Tyr in TRIM5a can enhance its ability to resist HIV infection by increasing its affinity for the viral capsid, thereby providing a stronger defense against the virus.