Cell-based receptor discovery identifies host factors specifically targeted by the SARS CoV-2 spike.

ABSTRACT

Receptor-ligand interactions on the plasma membrane regulate cellular communication and play a key role in viral infection. Despite representing main targets for drug development, the characterization of these interactions remains challenging in part due to the dearth of optimal technologies. Here, we build a comprehensive library of human proteins engineered for controlled cell surface expression. Coupled to tetramer-based screening for increased binding avidity, we develop a high throughput cell-based platform that enables systematic interrogation of receptor-ligand interactomes. Using this technology, we characterize the cell surface proteins targeted by the receptor binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV spike protein. Host factors that specifically bind to SARS CoV-2 but not SARS CoV RBD are identified, including proteins that are expressed in the nervous system or olfactory epithelium. Remarkably, our results show that Contactin-1, a previously unknown SARS CoV-2 spike-specific receptor that is upregulated in COVID-19 patients, significantly enhances ACE2-dependent pseudotyped virus infection. Starting from a versatile platform to characterize cell surface interactomes, this study uncovers host factors specifically targeted by SARS CoV-2, information that may help design improved therapeutic strategies against COVID-19.