Analysis of SARS-CoV-2 interactions with the Vero cell lines by scanning electron microscopy

In this study, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the cell structure of SARS-CoV-2 infected cells. Our measurements revealed infection remodeling caused by infection, including the emergence of new specialized areas where viral morphogenesis occurs at the cell membrane. Intercellular extensions for viral cell surfing have also been observed. Our results expand knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 interactions with cells, its spread from cell to cell, and their size distribution. Our findings suggest that SEM is a useful microscopic method for intracellular ultrastructure analysis of cells exhibiting specific surface modifications that could also be applied to studying other important biological processes.

Automated summary

In this study, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was utilized to examine the cell structure of SARS-CoV-2 infected cells. Our findings illustrated the remodeling effects caused by the infection, including the formation of specialized areas for viral morphogenesis at the cell membrane and the presence of intercellular extensions for viral cell surfing. These results contribute to a better understanding of the interaction between SARS-CoV-2 and cells, the spread of the virus from cell to cell, and the size distribution of infected cells. Furthermore, our study suggests that SEM is a valuable microscopic technique for analyzing intracellular ultrastructure and can be applied to investigate other significant biological processes.