New imaging technique shows nanoscale flu virus cell entry

What is it about?

ViViD-AFM, a new microscopy technique, allows scientists to watch the flu virus enter a living cell in real-time. How it works We created a unique microscope combining two technologies. A gentle atomic force microscope (AFM) uses a tiny, flexible probe to "feel" the shape of the virus and the cell membrane without disrupting them. This is paired with a confocal microscope which uses fluorescent light to see specific cell parts. What we learned Using this tool, we confirmed past reports and made new observations about how the flu virus infects a cell: 1) The virus moves along the cell's surface, not just sticking to one spot. This movement is a balance of two viral proteins. 2) When the virus finds the right location, it triggers the cell to create a "pocket," pulling the virus inside. We saw the cell membrane bulge and then wrap around the virus, a process called endocytosis. 3) The cell's internal "skeleton" also helps pull the virus in. This technique provides an unprecedented look at how viruses interact with our cells, which could help in developing new ways to stop infections.

Featured Image

Photo by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on Unsplash

Photo by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This work is important because it gives us a direct view of how viruses infect us at the very first step. The big picture For decades, scientists could only piece together the early stages of a viral infection by looking at static images or by using indirect methods that didn't show the process in action. This new technique is like switching from looking at still photos of a car's engine parts to watching a slow-motion video of the engine starting up for the very first time. Why it matters for molecular medicine By watching the flu virus in real-time as it enters a cell, scientists can: Understand the enemy better: We can see which parts of the virus and the cell are involved in the infection process and how they interact. Design better drugs: If we know precisely how a virus attaches to and enters a cell, we can develop new drugs that interfere with or block these specific steps. This could lead to more effective treatments and even preventative medicines. Test antivirals in a new way: Instead of just seeing if a drug kills a virus, this method allows researchers to observe if an experimental drug actually prevents the virus from getting into the cell in the first place. In short, it provides a powerful new tool for fighting infectious diseases by allowing us to see exactly how the battle begins.