Advanced microscopy and imaging techniques in immunology and cell biology

Abstract

Since microscopes were first invented, scientists have constantly been drawn to these marvellous machines. This is because microscopes provide their user with the ability to view first hand minuscule objects and processes they have often dedicated their entire careers to studying. It is this ability to view biology at work in both space and time, from a single molecule to an entire organism that makes imaging such a powerful tool. In this Special Feature, we have compiled a series of articles that discuss the history of microscopes and imaging modalities. We look at how current platforms have influenced basic research of immunology and cell biology as well as their use in the clinic to diagnose and treat disease. We also discuss how future developments in technology will open avenues for an even deeper understanding of fundamental principles in biology and the challenges associated with handling vast amounts of data generated by technology that gives such a high level of deta iled information. Immunology & Cell Biology thanks the coordinator of this Special Feature ‐ Edwin Hawkins ‐ for his planning and input.

Imaging dendritic cell functions*

“…One of the future challenges is to manage the huge datasets acquired by these techniques and to obtain reliably relevant information. Although it is already possible to extract quantitative information from a complex 3D reconstructed object, there is an urgent need for novel, standardized, and simple bioinformatics methods 295 . Their development will have a tremendous impact on our understanding of individual DC subpopulations.…”

“…One of the future challenges is to manage the huge datasets acquired by these techniques and to obtain reliably relevant information. Although it is already possible to extract quantitative information from a complex 3D reconstructed object, there is an urgent need for novel, standardized, and simple bioinformatics methods 295. Their development will have a tremendous impact on our understanding of individual DC subpopulations.In a long run, this basic research will provide crucial information for translating DC biology into clinical applications, providing novel ways to stimulate or dampen the immune system and to treat infectious, cancerous, allergic or autoimmune diseases.ACK N OWLED G M ENTSResearch in theFörster laboratory gets supported by the German Center for Infection Research TTU 01.938 (grant no 80018019238), by the German Center for Lung Research (grant 82DZL002B1), by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) Excellence Strategy EXC 2155 "RESIST" (Project ID39087428), SFB 900/3 (Project B1, 158989968) and FO334/7-1 (all to RF).…”

Shedding Structured Light on Molecular Immunity: The Past, Present and Future of Immune Cell Super Resolution Microscopy

“…Some of these factors as so influential that the expression of a single transcription factor gene can alter a cells lineage fate ( 90 , 91 ). The cellular consequences of these lineage decisions have been well explored, in part using imaging ( 7 ). However, the molecular events underlying immune cell lineage decisions remain largely unexplored.…”

“…The ability to observe and record the behaviour of immune cells, both individually and in tissues, at super resolution has enabled the interrogation of numerous long-standing cellular immunological questions ( 7 ). However, while individual cells have been observable for hundreds of years, it was only the super resolution revolution that allowed the thorough examination of single molecules.…”