Abstract
Intravital microscopy allows the visualisation of how pathogens interact with host cells and tissues in living animals in real time. This method has enabled key advances in our understanding of host–parasite interactions under physiological conditions. A combination of genetics, microscopy techniques, and image analysis have recently facilitated the understanding of biological phenomena in living animals at cellular and subcellular resolution. In this review, we summarise findings achieved by intravital microscopy of the skin and adipose tissues upon infection with various parasites, and we present a view into possible future applications of this method.
Highlights
Over the course of almost a century, the implantation of imaging windows on animals for microscopic observation has been widespread, and within this time frame, it has evolved significantly
Coined “intravital microscopy” (IVM), the technique of using optical windows to visualise phenomena at cellular or subcellular resolution has come a long way since its first use in 1824, when it was applied to visualise the rolling of leukocytes on the vascular endothelium of living frogs (Dutrochet, 1824; Wagner, 1839)
Advances in image analysis have transformed the use of IVM from mostly qualitative to yield quantitative results
Summary
Over the course of almost a century, the implantation of imaging windows on animals for microscopic observation has been widespread, and within this time frame, it has evolved significantly. Direct in vivo and in situ imaging of the skin has facilitated the understanding and identification of host and pathogen factors relevant for effective parasite transmission upon vector biting (or parasite traversal itself, as is the case of, e.g., Schistosoma spp.) They have allowed the study of general aspects of parasite development including proliferation, migration, and interactions with the host immune system. A skin flap requires surgically generating a flap to expose the inner and outer surfaces of the dorsal or ventral skin This procedure is more invasive than ear or footpad imaging, but it provides a larger imaging surface and a different anatomical location, which might be relevant depending on the biological question addressed. Skin flank IVM is among the least explored methods in the context
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