First specific 3D visualization of SARS-CoV-2 respiratory infection

In a recent paper, researchers demonstrated the utility of volumetric three-dimensional (3D) immunofluorescence imaging with the UltraMicroscope II to investigate host-pathogen interactions of pandemic SARS-CoV-2 in ferrets at a mesoscopic scale.   

With the successful 3D visualization of SARS-CoV-2 infection, this study serves as a proof-of-concept for investigating important respiratory pathogens in intact tissue and organs.  

Reference:  
Light sheet microscopy-assisted 3D analysis of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the respiratory tract of the ferret model
Zaeck, L.M. et al. (2021) Viruses 13: 529.

Evaluation of an oral therapeutic option for COVID-19

In parallel to the ongoing vaccination campaigns, increasing effort is being put into the development of oral antiviral agents for the treatment of COVID-19. 

In a recent publication, researchers used the UltraMicroscope Blaze to assess the efficacy of an orally administered antiviral agent in lungs of SARS-CoV-2 infected hamsters. This study supports the idea of S-217622, currently under evaluation in a phase II/III clinical trial, as a valid option for treatment of COVID-19. 

Reference:  
Oral administration of S-217622, a SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitor, decreases viral load and accelerates recovery from clinical aspects of COVID-19   
Sasaki, M. et al. (2022) Biorxiv.

Neuroinvasive capacity of SARS-CoV-2

COVID-19 is generally considered to be primarily a respiratory disease. However, SARS-CoV-2 also affects multiple organs including the central nervous system.   

Researchers recently used the UltraMicroscope II to analyze the distribution of the virus in whole mouse brain. Their paper provides evidence for the neuroinvasive capacity of SARS-CoV-2,  as well as an unexpected consequence of direct infection of neurons.   

Reference:  
Neuroinvasion  of SARS-CoV-2 in human and mouse brain   
Song, E. et al. (2021) J. Exp. Med. 218: e20202135.