Genomewide CRISPR Knockout Screen Identified PLAC8 As an Essential Factor for SADS-CoVs Infection

Significance A potential outbreak of swine acute diarrhea syndrome coronavirus (SADS-CoV) in the human population could be devastating. Using genomewide CRISPR knockout screening, we identified the placenta-associated 8 protein (PLAC8) as an essential host factor for SADS-CoV infection, uncovering a novel antiviral target for CoV infection. The PLAC8-related pathway may also have implications for other CoV infections. Given the ability of SADS-CoV to infect human primary cultures without adaptation, our findings lay the foundation for pandemic preparedness for the potential emergence of SADS-CoVs in response to the One Health Initiative.