Toolbox for In Vivo Imaging of Host–Parasite Interactions at Multiple Scales.

Animal models have for long been pivotal for parasitology research. Over the last few years, techniques such as intravital, optoacoustic and magnetic resonance imaging, optical projection tomography, and selective plane illumination microscopy developed promising potential for gaining insights into host–pathogen interactions by allowing different visualization forms in vivo and ex vivo. Advances including increased resolution, penetration depth, and acquisition speed, together with more complex image analysis methods, facilitate tackling biological problems previously impossible to study and/or quantify. Here we discuss advances and challenges in the in vivo imaging toolbox, which hold promising potential for the field of parasitology. Highlights Technological advances in IVM include ultrafast tunable infrared lasers, super-resolution imaging in vivo , and better access to all organs by improved optics or motion-correction mechanisms. Optical clearance methods for use in OPT and SPIM allow imaging entire organs and organisms (such as mice or insect vectors), while achieving cellular and subcellular resolution. OAI combines optics and acoustics via the thermoelastic effect to investigate molecular mechanisms. Key advances in MRI include improved contrast agents, multimodal mesoscopic imaging, and functional MRI to visualize the metabolic function of tissues. Developments in bioluminescence imaging include red-shifted probes with high sensitivity; a larger diversity of probes with emission peaks at various wavelengths; ultrabright probes, and the use of BRET in vivo. X-ray-based and gamma-ray-based imaging platforms are noninvasive and enable the study of anatomical structures, metabolism, biochemical composition of tissues, and dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]