Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 19, 2026

Transduction and Expansion of Primary T Cells in Nine Days with Maintenance of Central Memory Phenotype
Published on: March 18, 2020
TRIM21-From Intracellular Immunity to Therapy
Stian Foss1,2,3, Maria Bottermann4, Alexandra Jonsson2,3,4
1Department of Biosciences, Centre for Immune Regulation, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
Tripartite motif containing-21 (TRIM21) is a key sensor and defense protein against viral infections. This review explores its dual role in antiviral immunity and therapeutic applications, highlighting its versatile functions.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- TRIM21 acts as a cytosolic ubiquitin ligase and antibody receptor.
- It functions as a sensor for antibody-coated viruses that enter cells.
- TRIM21 initiates effector and signaling responses to prevent viral replication and induce an antiviral state.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biological understanding of TRIM21.
- To highlight its versatile functions in antiviral defense and therapeutics.
- To discuss its regulatory mechanisms and potential applications.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on TRIM21.
- Analysis of TRIM21's role in viral infections.
- Exploration of TRIM21's therapeutic and research applications.
Main Results:
- TRIM21 provides a crucial defense against viruses by sensing antibody-bound pathogens.
- Its effector functions are regulated by auto-ubiquitination and phosphorylation.
- TRIM21 has detrimental effects in adenovirus gene therapy but potential benefits in neurodegenerative disorders.
Conclusions:
- TRIM21 plays a versatile role in innate immunity and cellular defense.
- Its functions can be therapeutically exploited or pose challenges in specific contexts.
- Further understanding of TRIM21 is essential for its application in medicine and research.
Related Concept Videos
Tumor Immunotherapy
Microorganisms in Medicine and Therapeutics
Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Transduction
Immunodeficiency Diseases
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency...
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...

