Examination of vesicular stomatitis virus-induced morphology changes in individual Vero cells by QMod microscopy

Abstract

Viral infection of cultured cells induces changes in the biophysical characteristics of the affected cells. Advanced microscopic cameras such as Ovizio’s QMod, coupled with the appropriate software, can measure a variety of characteristics on a per-cell basis. We have employed this system to monitor the progression of vesicular stomatitis virus infection in Vero cells and to describe the cellular changes associated with advancing vesicular stomatitis virus infection. The measurements of cellular characteristics are operator-independent, and the goal is to establish a robust method to mathematically determine viral infection levels in a given sample. This will provide a means to measure viral titer in a faster and less subjective way than manual reading of plaque assays or tissue culture infectious dose 50 assays. Lay abstract We describe changes in cellular characteristics at very early time points after viral infection. These measurements can be performed in a noninvasive manner, reducing hands-on operator time, assay variability and production of potentially hazardous materials. Infection can be monitored in the same sample over a period of time. Method summary Vero cells are imaged with a QMod microscope camera and analyzed in OsOne software. Features measured on individual cells are used to describe cellular morphology changes in response to infection with vesicular stomatitis virus expressing the Lassa virus Josiah glycoprotein (VSVΔG/LASVGP). Characteristics of infection can be measured at very early time points after infection. Graphical abstract Time savings offered by QMod analysis of infected Vero cells.