| Features | Transsynaptic tracers | Neurotropic viruses |
| Mode of application | Expressed as a transgene | Mechanically injected |
| Direction of spread | Anterograde, retrograde & bidirectional | Retrograde & anterograde |
| Synaptic efficacy | Multisynaptic | Multisynaptic or monosynaptic (retrograde only) |
| Signal strength | Weak, decreases at every synapse | Strong, signal amplification at every synapse |
| Immune response | None; expressed as endogenous protein | Strong immune response, lethal |
| Spatial and temporal resolution | Depends on promoter of choice | Highly selective due to mechanical injections at individual sites |
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