Host cell CRISPR genomics of Theileria annulata

Among apicomplexan parasites, Theileria annulata stands out as a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in livestock. Our study aims to uncover critical host factors essential for intracellular survival of Theileria parasites through comprehensive genome-wide CRISPR screens. To achieve this, we developed a bovine CRISPR/Cas9 library targeting over 22,000 bovine protein-coding genes. We then performed drop-out screens in both Theileria-infected and uninfected bovine macrophages.