Contribution of RING domain to retrovirus restriction by TRIM5α depends on combination of host and virus

AbstractThe anti-retroviral restriction factor TRIM5α contains the RING domain, which is frequently observed in E3 ubiquitin ligases. It was previously proposed that TRIM5α restricts human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) via proteasome-dependent and -independent pathways. Here we examined the effects of RING domain mutations on retrovirus restriction by TRIM5α in various combinations of virus and host species. Simian immunodeficiency virus isolated from macaque (SIVmac) successfully avoided attacks by RING mutants of African green monkey (AGM)-TRIM5α that could still restrict HIV-1. Addition of proteasome inhibitor did not affect the anti-HIV-1 activity of AGM-TRIM5α, whereas it disrupted at least partly its anti-SIVmac activity. In the case of mutant human TRIM5α carrying proline at the position 332, however, both HIV-1 and SIVmac restrictions were eliminated as a result of RING domain mutations. These results suggested that the mechanisms of retrovirus restriction by TRIM5α vary depending on the combination of host and virus

European Ethnopharmaceuticals for Self-Medication in Japan: Review Experience of Vitis vinifera L., Folium Extract and Vitex agnus-castus L., Fructus Extract as OTC Drugs

Since the publication of “Application Guideline for Western Traditional Herbal Medicines as OTC Drugs” in 2007, only two European ethnopharmaceuticals, Vitis vinifera L., folium extract (Antistax) and Vitex agnus-castus L., fructus extract (Prefemin), have been approved as OTC drugs in Japan. In this review, we describe the current regulation of Western ethnopharmaceuticals in Japan, summarize our regulatory experiences and discuss the scientific and regulatory issues involved