Abstract
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Membrane fusion is an essential step during entry of enveloped viruses into cells. Conventional fusion assays are generally limited to observation of ensembles of multiple fusion events, confounding more detailed analysis of the sequence of the molecular steps involved. We have developed ultra-sensitive fluorescence imaging techniques that allow the visualization of membrane fusion by a single viral particle. The combination of such single-molecule imaging methods with the use of microfluidics enable the highly multiplexed observation of viral fusion events, facilitating both mechanistic analyses and the characterization of fusion-inhibiting drug candidates.