A review of virus host factor discovery using CRISPR screening

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Genetics
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Genome-scale forward genetic screening, including Haploid Genetic screens and CRISPR knockout screens, has advanced our understanding of virus infection biology.
• CRISPR screening is increasingly utilized for identifying novel viral host factors due to its precision and efficiency in genome editing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the impact of CRISPR screening on understanding virus-host interactions from scientific and technological perspectives.
• To summarize published CRISPR screens for identifying viral host factors, detailing experimental designs and key findings.
• To provide a reference for future unbiased discovery of viral host factors, using flaviviruses and SARS-CoV-2 as case studies.

Main Methods:

• Review of published literature on CRISPR screening applied to virus-host interactions.
• Analysis of experimental designs and significant findings from various CRISPR screens.
• Discussion of methods for customizing CRISPR screening for specific research questions.

Main Results:

• CRISPR screening has significantly advanced the discovery of host factors crucial for viral infections.
• A comprehensive summary of existing CRISPR screens provides insights into their design and outcomes.
• Case studies involving flaviviruses and SARS-CoV-2 illustrate the broad applicability of CRISPR screening.

Conclusions:

• CRISPR screening represents a transformative technology in virology, enabling a deeper understanding of virus-host dynamics.
• The review serves as a guide for researchers aiming to leverage CRISPR technology for unbiased identification of viral host factors.
• Future applications of CRISPR screening promise to further unravel the complexities of viral pathogenesis and host responses.