Abstract
Viruses threaten humans, livestock, and plants, and are difficult to combat. Imaging of viruses by light microscopy is key to uncover the nature of known and emerging viruses in the quest for finding new ways to treat viral disease and deepening the understanding of virus–host interactions. Here, we provide an overview of recent technology for imaging cells and viruses by light microscopy, in particular fluorescence microscopy in static and live-cell modes. The review lays out guidelines for how novel fluorescent chemical probes and proteins can be used in light microscopy to illuminate cells, and how they can be used to study virus infections. We discuss advantages and opportunities of confocal and multi-photon microscopy, selective plane illumination microscopy, and super-resolution microscopy. We emphasize the prevalent concepts in image processing and data analyses, and provide an outlook into label-free digital holographic microscopy for virus research.
Highlights
Viruses are wide-spread and occur in massive numbers in the biosphere
Fluorescent versions of the CRISPR/Cas system have been designed that allow the visualization of host nucleic acids in live cells, such as telomeres [173], RNA [174], or human immune-deficiency virus (HIV) proviral DNA integrated into host chromosomes [175]
The direct visualization of host–pathogen interactions by optical microscopy has not been feasible for a long time due to physical limitations in sensitivity, resolution, and lack of appropriate imaging devices and labels
Summary
Viruses are wide-spread and occur in massive numbers in the biosphere. Within hosts, viruses evolve rapidly, and infect cells despite opposing innate and adaptive host immunity. Imaging viruses and cellular processes by light microscopy presents a major opportunity to enhance knowledge about virus infections, and find new angles for anti-viral interference. Static and live cell imaging of infected cells have emerged as powerful approaches to validate big data. This is based on a long history of imaging in the natural sciences and distinguished by Nobel prizes, for example ultramicroscopy [4], phase contrast imaging [5], holography [6], electron microscopy and scanning tunneling microscopy [7], optical super-resolution microscopy [8], and cryo-electron microscopy [9].
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
