# A Longitudinal 3D Live-Cell Imaging Platform to Uncover AAV Vector–Host Dynamics at Single-Cell Resolution

## TL;DR

This study introduces a live-cell imaging platform to track AAV vectors in cells, revealing how they move and deliver genes over time.

## Contribution

A new 3D live-cell imaging workflow and analysis pipeline to study AAV vector dynamics at single-cell resolution.

## Key findings

- Higher rAAV2 doses improve cytoplasmic trafficking and nuclear delivery.
- Cell cycle progression enhances trafficking efficiency and transgene expression.
- Empty rAAV2 particles show distinct trafficking patterns and reduced nuclear accumulation.

## Abstract

Recombinant adeno-associated viral vectors (rAAVs) are the leading gene delivery vehicles in clinical development, yet efficient nuclear delivery remains a major barrier to effective transduction. This limitation is partly due to the incomplete understanding of rAAV’s complex subcellular trafficking dynamics. Here, we establish a longitudinal confocal live-cell imaging workflow that tracks rAAV2 from 4 to 12 h post-transduction, paired with an automated 3D analysis pipeline that quantifies spatiotemporal vector distribution, cytoplasmic trafficking, nuclear accumulation, and transgene expression at single-cell resolution. We use this platform to evaluate the effects of vector dose, cell cycle progression, and the behavior of empty particles. We identify previously undescribed trafficking features associated with high transgene expression. Higher rAAV2 doses enhanced cytoplasmic trafficking and nuclear delivery, while cell cycle progression facilitated both trafficking efficiency and transgene expression. We also characterize empty rAAV2 particles, revealing distinct trafficking patterns and markedly reduced nuclear accumulation compared to genome-containing vectors. By uncovering new bottlenecks in rAAV transduction, this platform provides mechanistic insights and potential strategies to improve AAV-based gene therapy. Its generalizable design further supports broad applicability to other non-enveloped viruses.