Cryo-electron tomography of bacterial viruses

Bacteriophage particles contain both simple and complex macromolecular assemblages and machines that enable them to regulate the infection process under diverse environmental conditions with a broad range of bacterial hosts. Recent developments in cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET) make it possible to observe the interactions of bacteriophages with their host cells under native-state conditions at unprecedented resolution and in three-dimensions. This review describes the application of cryo-ET to studies of bacteriophage attachment, genome ejection, assembly and egress. Current topics of investigation and future directions in the field are also discussed.

► Cryo-ET is used for structural analyses of the bacteriophage replication process.
► Cryo-ET allows for the 3D native-state visualization of bacteriophage and host cells.
► The bacteriophage replication events reviewed highlight developments to cryo-ET.
► Future advancements to the technologies are discussed.