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

Abstract

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.

Keywords: Filopodia; SARS-CoV-2; Scanning electron microscopy (SEM); Surface morphology; Vero cells.