Using this approach, followed by further characterization using many molecular techniques, including RNAi-mediated knockdown, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, molecular docking, and peptide blocking, we identified the transmembrane protein, Na+-K+-ATPase alpha subunit in P. vannamei (PvATP1A), as a key host entry factor that interacts with WSSV VP28 protein to aid viral internalization during infection. The gene discussed is ERVW-1; the disease is infection.