# High-resolution imaging techniques to interrogate virus-host interactions

**Authors:** Isabel Amaya, Chelsey C. Spriggs

PMC · DOI: 10.1128/msphere.00816-25 · 2026-02-19

## TL;DR

This review discusses how high-resolution imaging techniques are transforming our understanding of how viruses interact with host cells.

## Contribution

The paper highlights the latest imaging technologies that are enabling new insights into virus-host interactions.

## Key findings

- High-resolution imaging is revealing novel mechanisms of viral assembly and host cell manipulation.
- Live-cell imaging has uncovered unique aspects of virus-host interactions.
- Advanced imaging techniques are enhancing the ability to study essential cell biological processes.

## Abstract

Viruses are obligate parasites that rely extensively on host cellular machinery to complete their life cycles. Therefore, examining the fundamental nature behind how viruses interact with their hosts can teach us more about the pathogenesis of these microbes while also contributing to our overall understanding of essential cell biological processes. In a 2021 mSphere of Influence article, the use of live-cell imaging to uncover a unique mechanism of viral assembly was discussed. In this Full Circle review, we highlight the high-resolution imaging techniques currently revolutionizing virology research and discuss how they can be utilized to advance our ability to identify and interrogate novel virus-host interactions.

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** GTPBP1 (GTP binding protein 1) [NCBI Gene 9567] {aka GP-1, GP1, HSPC018, NEDFET1}, RAB11A (RAB11A, member RAS oncogene family) [NCBI Gene 8766] {aka YL8}, LOC110366354 (CYP3A4 5' regulatory region) [NCBI Gene 110366354] {aka CLEM, XREM}, SELPLG (selectin P ligand) [NCBI Gene 6404] {aka CD162, CLA, PSGL-1, PSGL1}, SRRM2 (serine/arginine repetitive matrix 2) [NCBI Gene 23524] {aka 300-KD, CWF21, Cwc21, HSPC075, MRD72, SRL300}, RPA2 (replication protein A2) [NCBI Gene 6118] {aka REPA2, RP-A p32, RP-A p34, RPA32}, CPSF6 (cleavage and polyadenylation specific factor 6) [NCBI Gene 11052] {aka CFIM, CFIM68, CFIM72, HPBRII-4, HPBRII-7}, gag (Pr55(Gag)) [NCBI Gene 155030], IFNA1 (interferon alpha 1) [NCBI Gene 3439] {aka IFL, IFN, IFN-ALPHA, IFN-alphaD, IFNA13, IFNA@}, LAMP1 (lysosome associated membrane protein 1) [NCBI Gene 3916] {aka CD107a, LAMPA, LGP120}, SPN (sialophorin) [NCBI Gene 6693] {aka CD43, GALGP, GPL115, LEU-22, LSN}, LNPK (lunapark, ER junction formation factor) [NCBI Gene 80856] {aka KIAA1715, LNP, LNP1, NEDEHCC, Ul, ulnaless}, CD44 (CD44 molecule (IN blood group)) [NCBI Gene 960] {aka CDW44, CSPG8, ECM-III, ECMR-III, H-CAM, HCELL}, STAT1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 1) [NCBI Gene 6772] {aka CANDF7, IMD31A, IMD31B, IMD31C, ISGF-3, STAT91}, EEA1 (early endosome antigen 1) [NCBI Gene 8411] {aka MST105, MSTP105, ZFYVE2}, NPC1 (NPC intracellular cholesterol transporter 1) [NCBI Gene 4864] {aka NPC, POGZ, SLC65A1}
- **Diseases:** CORRELATIVE LIGHT (MESH:D020795), ExM (OMIM:616452), STIMULATED EMISSION DEPLETION (MESH:D007037), infected (MESH:D007239), retroviral infection (MESH:D000071297), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (MESH:D000163), hemorrhagic fevers (MESH:D006480), OPTICAL (MESH:D009901), viral infection (MESH:D014777), IAV infection (MESH:D007251)
- **Chemicals:** acrylamide (MESH:D020106), rhodamines (MESH:D012235), polymer (MESH:D011108), Cryo (-), gallium (MESH:D005708), phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (MESH:D019269), carbocyanines (MESH:D002232), EM (MESH:D004961), 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (MESH:C031086), polyelectrolyte (MESH:D000071228), N-N'-methylenebisacrylamide (MESH:C021221), phospholipid (MESH:D010743), oxazines (MESH:D010078), water (MESH:D014867), sodium acrylate (MESH:C036658)
- **Species:** Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (no rank) [taxon 2697049], Human immunodeficiency virus 1 (no rank) [taxon 11676], Mus musculus (house mouse, species) [taxon 10090], Adeno-associated virus (species) [taxon 272636], LCMV [taxon 11623], Chikungunya virus (no rank) [taxon 37124], Lyssavirus rabies (species) [taxon 11292], Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606], Polyomavirus sp. (species) [taxon 36362], SV40 [taxon 10633], hepatitis C virus [taxon 11103], Influenza A virus (no rank) [taxon 11320], Human betaherpesvirus 5 (no rank) [taxon 10359]

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC13037411