CRISPR with Transcriptional Readout reveals influenza transcription is modulated by NELF and can precipitate an interferon response.

ABSTRACT: Transcription of interferons upon viral infection is critical for cell-intrinsic innate immunity. This process is influenced by many host and viral factors. To identify host factors that modulate interferon induction within cells infected by influenza A virus, we developed CRISPR with Transcriptional Readout (CRITR-seq). CRITR-seq is a method linking CRISPR guide sequence to activity at a promoter of interest. Employing this method, we find that depletion of the Negative Elongation Factor (NELF) complex increases both flu transcription and interferon expression. We find that the process of flu transcription, both in the presence and absence of viral replication, is a key contributor to interferon induction. Taken together, our findings highlight innate immune ligand concentration as a limi

SUBMITTER: Vicary AC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11601499 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature