Progress on the labeling and single-particle tracking technologies of viruses

Abstract

Understanding and unravelling the invasion mechanisms of virus infection is of high importance for preventing and treating viral diseases. Single-virion tracking is a powerful way for exploring the mechanisms of viral infection. For successful tracking, the virus and cellular structures of interest must be fluorescently labeled; the microscope imaging technology must be sufficiently powerful for real-time single virion or viral component tracking. All fields of scientists have made great efforts and improvements. Here we will review the recent advances in virus labeling and the emerging fluorescence imaging technologies used in the imaging and tracking of viruses.