Genome wide CRISPR screen for Pasteurella multocida toxin (PMT) binding proteins reveals LDL Receptor Related Protein1 (LRP1) as crucial cellular receptor

Abstract

PMT is a protein toxin produced by Pasteurella multocida serotypes A and D. As causative agent of atrophic rhinitis in swine, it leads to rapid degradation of the nasal turbinate bone. The toxin acts as a deamidase to modify a crucial glutamine in heterotrimeric G proteins, which results in constitutive activation of the G proteins and permanent stimulation of numerous downstream signaling pathways. Using a lentiviral based genome wide CRISPR knockout screen in combination with a lethal toxin chimera, consisting of full length inactive PMT and the catalytic domain of diphtheria toxin, we identified the LRP1 gene encoding the Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor-related protein 1 as a critical host factor for PMT function. Loss of LRP1 reduced PMT binding and abolished the cellular response and deamidation of heterotrimeric G proteins, confirming LRP1 to be crucial for PMT uptake. Expression of LRP1 or cluster 4 of LRP1, respectively, restored intoxication of the knockout cells. In summary our data demonstrate secretory cells as entry site of PMT into airway epithelia and present LRP1 as crucial host entry factor for PMT intoxication by acting as its primary cell surface receptor.