Imaging and visualizing SARS-CoV-2 in a new era for structural biology

Area of Science:

• Structural Biology
• Virology
• Microscopy

Background:

• The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic highlighted the critical role of scientific research.
• Advancements in vaccine platforms and imaging technologies coincided with the outbreak.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review imaging modalities used for SARS-CoV-2 visualization.
• To present data illustrating the virus's ultrastructure and host cell interactions.

Main Methods:

• Cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM) advancements.
• Integration of new techniques in sample preparation, optics, detectors, and image processing.
• Review of key imaging modalities.

Main Results:

• Rapid, detailed visualization of SARS-CoV-2 and its components.
• Understanding of virus-host cell interactions at an ultrastructural level.
• Provided critical data for accelerated vaccine and therapeutic development.

Conclusions:

• Technological advances in macromolecular imaging, especially cryo-EM, were pivotal during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.
• Ultrastructural insights significantly contributed to the rapid development of COVID-19 countermeasures.
• Detailed imaging provided an unprecedented understanding of the virus.