GPI-anchored ligand-BioID2-tagging system identifies Galectin-1 mediating Zika virus entry

Identification of host factors facilitating pathogen entry is critical for preventing infectious diseases. Here, we report a tagging system consisting of a viral receptor-binding protein (RBP) linked to BioID2, which is expressed on the cell surface via a GPI anchor. Using VSV or Zika virus (ZIKV) RBP, the system (BioID2- RBP(V)-GPI; BioID2-RBP(Z)-GPI) faithfully identifies LDLR and AXL, the receptors of VSV and ZIKV, respectively. Being GPI-anchored is essential for the probe to function properly. Furthermore, BioID2-RBP(Z)-GPI expressed in human neuronal progenitor cells identifies galectin-1 on cell surface pivotal for ZIKV entry. This conclusion is further supported by antibody blocking and galectin-1 silencing in A549 and mouse neural cells. Importantly, Lgals1(−/−) mice are significantly more resistant to ZIKV infection than Lgals1(+/+) littermates are, having significantly lower virus titers and fewer pathologies in various organs. This tagging system may have broad applications for identifying protein-protein interactions on the cell surface.