CRISPR Publication Summary

Identification of β4GALNT2 as an anti-hPIV3 factor through genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 library screening.

Wu X, Luteijn RD, Lozano-Andrés E, Marougka K, Li W, Narimatsu Y, van Kuppeveld FJM, Bosch BJ, Lebbink RJ, Vries E, de Haan CAM
Human respirovirus 3 (also known as human parainfluenza virus 3; hPIV3) is a major cause of severe acute respiratory infections in vulnerable populations. Here we conducted a genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 library screen to identify key host factors for hPIV3 infection. In addition to identifying several host proteins involved in glycosylation as proviral factors, we identified β-1,4-N-Acetyl-Galactosaminyltransferase 2 (β4GALNT2) as a potent restriction factor. Further investigation demonstrated that the addition of a GalNAc residue to α2-3-sialylated glycans by β4GALNT2, resulting in the Sd glycotope, disrupted the interaction between the viral hemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) attachment protein and sialoglycan receptors. Specifically, the additional GalNAc residue interfered with the interaction of residue W371 in HN with sub-terminal glycan moieties. β4GALNT2-mediated Sd epitope expression also negatively affected infection by other respiroviruses, with the strongest effect being observed for hPIV3.
Emerging microbes & infections | 2025-12-01 | PUBMED: 40667754
Supplementary Files: temi_a_2529895_sm5461.xlsx

Wu X (2025) published CRISPR screens