CRISPR screens identified essential human host genes for viral infection
On 20 October 2020, researchers published a genome-wide CRISPR loss-of-function screen identifying human cellular genes essential for coronavirus entry and replication.
Using pooled CRISPR-Cas9 knockout libraries across thousands of human genes, the research team identified host dependency factors required for viral pathogenesis, including the ACE2 receptor, heparan sulfate biosynthetic pathways, and specific endosomal sorting complexes.
Systematic knockout screens provide functional maps of host-pathogen interactions, pinpointing candidate cellular targets for antiviral therapeutics that resist viral mutational escape.
Sources
- Cell: Genome-wide CRISPR Screens Reveal Host Factors Critical for SARS-CoV-2 Infection
- PubMed Central Full Text PMC7574719
The earlier calendar listing linked to EuropePMC. This article was written from the peer-reviewed Cell paper.