Abstract: Methods and compositions for rapidly identifying CGEPs required for viral infection of mammalian cells are provided. Also provided are methods of inhibiting viral infection of mammalian cells by inhibiting the activity of one or more CGEPs (e.g., as identified in accordance with methods of the invention) in the cells. Aspects of the invention further include specifically identified CGEPs implicated in mammalian cell infection of specific viruses, e.g., African Swine Fever Virus and Foot and Mouth Virus, and methods of modulating their activity to achieve viral resistance.