Imaging Flow Cytometry and Confocal Immunofluorescence Microscopy of Virus-Host Cell Interactions

Viruses are diverse pathogens that use host factors to enter cells and cause disease. Imaging the entry and replication phases of viruses and their interactions with host factors is key to fully understanding viral infections. This review will discuss how confocal microscopy and imaging flow cytometry are used to investigate virus entry and replication mechanisms in fixed and live cells. Quantification of viral images and the use of cryo-electron microscopy to gather structural information of viruses is also explored. Using imaging to understand how viruses replicate and interact with host factors, we gain insight into cellular processes and identify novel targets to develop antiviral therapeutics and vaccines.

Automated summary

Viruses use host factors to enter cells and cause disease, and imaging techniques are crucial for studying virus entry and replication processes, providing insights into viral infection mechanisms. Quantifying viral images and using cryo-electron microscopy to gather structural information of viruses can help identify novel targets for antiviral therapeutics and vaccines.