Work

Application of Super‐Resolution Microscopy in Virology Research: Principles, Technological Advances, and Analysis of the Viral Life Cycle

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Super-resolution microscopy (SRM) has exerted a pivotal influence on virology by surpassing the diffraction limits of conventional optical microscopy, enabling unprecedented visualization of viral structures and dynamics. Techniques such as stimulated emission depletion, photoactivated localization microscopy, stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy, and structured illumination microscopy facilitate nanoscale imaging of viruses, providing critical insights into the viral life cycle and virus-host interactions. We examine the principles and advancements in SRM techniques and their applications in virology. We discuss the development and selection of fluorescent probes, highlighting specific labeling methods. Key applications of SRM are illustrated through case studies of viruses such as influenza, HIV, and SARS-CoV-2, demonstrating the technology's impact on understanding viral mechanisms. We also explore future developments in SRM, including enhanced spatial and temporal resolution, and integration with technologies such as single-molecule imaging and fluorescence resonance energy transfer, positioning SRM as a pivotal tool for advancing viral research and therapeutic development.

Source: Journal of Biophotonics

DOI: 10.1002/jbio.202500461

Authors: Mengyi Liu, Luhao Zhang, Sha Huang, Yingke Xu, Changzhong Jin

Institutions: Zhejiang University, Zhejiang Shuren University, Children's Hospital of Zhejiang University, First Affiliated Hospital Zhejiang University, State Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases

Language: English

Topic: Advanced Fluorescence Microscopy Techniques

Subfield: Biophysics

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: National Key Research and Development Program of China

Award: G2407772920