GGCX promotes Eurasian avian-like H1N1 swine influenza virus adaption to interspecies receptor binding

Nat Commun. 2025 Jan 15;16(1):670. doi: 10.1038/s41467-025-55903-0.

Abstract

The Eurasian avian-like (EA) H1N1 swine influenza virus (SIV) possesses the capacity to instigate the next influenza pandemic, owing to its heightened affinity for the human-type α-2,6 sialic acid (SA) receptor. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms underlying the switch in receptor binding preferences of EA H1N1 SIV remain elusive. In this study, we conduct a comprehensive genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screen utilizing EA H1N1 SIV in porcine kidney cells. Knocking out the enzyme gamma glutamyl carboxylase (GGCX) reduces virus replication in vitro and in vivo by inhibiting the carboxylation modification of viral haemagglutinin (HA) and the adhesion of progeny viruses, ultimately impeding the replication of EA H1N1 SIV. Furthermore, GGCX is revealed to be the determinant of the D225E substitution of EA H1N1 SIV, and GGCX-medicated carboxylation modification of HA 225E contributes to the receptor binding adaption of EA H1N1 SIV to the α-2,6 SA receptor. Taken together, our CRISPR screen has elucidated a novel function of GGCX in the support of EA H1N1 SIV adaption for binding to α-2,6 SA receptor. Consequently, GGCX emerges as a prospective antiviral target against the infection and transmission of EA H1N1 SIV.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CRISPR-Cas Systems
  • Cell Line
  • Dogs
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus / genetics
  • Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype* / genetics
  • Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype* / metabolism
  • Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells
  • Mice
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / metabolism
  • Orthomyxoviridae Infections / virology
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / genetics
  • Receptors, Cell Surface / metabolism
  • Receptors, Virus* / genetics
  • Receptors, Virus* / metabolism
  • Swine
  • Virus Replication*

Substances

  • Receptors, Virus
  • Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus
  • sialic acid receptor
  • Receptors, Cell Surface