Super-Resolution Imaging Approaches for Quantifying F-Actin in Immune Cells

Immune cells comprise a diverse set of cells that undergo a complex array of biological processes that must be tightly regulated. A key component of cellular machinery that achieves this is the cytoskeleton. Therefore, imaging and quantitatively describing the architecture and dynamics of the cytoskeleton is an important research goal. Optical microscopy is well suited to this task. Here, we review the latest in the state-of-the-art methodology for labeling the cytoskeleton, fluorescence microscopy hardware suitable for such imaging and quantitative statistical analysis software applicable to describing cytoskeletal structures. We also highlight ongoing challenges and areas for future development.

Automated summary

Immune cells consist of a diverse set of cells that undergo complex biological processes, with the cellular cytoskeleton playing a key role in regulating these processes. Optical microscopy is well-suited for imaging and quantitatively describing the structure and dynamics of the cytoskeleton. The latest methodology, hardware, and software for labeling and analyzing cytoskeletal structures are reviewed, with highlighted challenges and areas for future development.