Current Perspective on In Vivo Molecular Imaging of Immune Cells

Zurita

Molecular Therapy - Oncolytics

et al. 2021

Bioluminescence reporter gene imaging is a robust, high-throughput imaging modality that is useful for tracking cells and monitoring biological processes, both in cell culture and in small animals. We introduced and characterized a novel bioluminescence reporter—membrane-anchored Cypridina luciferase (maCLuc)—paired with a unique vargulin substrate. This luciferase-substrate pair has no cross-reactivity with established d -luciferin- or coelenterazine-based luciferase reporters. We compare maCLuc with several established luciferase-based reporter systems (firefly, click beetle, Renilla , and Gaussia luciferases), using both in vitro and in vivo models. We demonstrate the different imaging characteristics of these reporter systems, which allow for multiplexed-luciferase imaging of 3 and 4 separate targets concurrently in the same animal within 24 h. The imaging paradigms described here can be directly applied for simultaneous in vivo monitoring of multiple cell populations, the activity of selected signal transduction pathways, or a combination of both constitutive and inducible reporter imaging.

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Introducing a new reporter gene, membrane-anchored Cypridina luciferase, for multiplex bioluminescence imaging

Zurita

Molecular Therapy - Oncolytics

et al. 2021

EJNMMI radiopharm. chem.

“…Furthermore, the total 19 F signal can be calculated from the in vivo data, providing tracking information for both the localization and number of cells. Such quantitative, unambiguous cell tracking is not possible using standard imaging techniques in conjunction with metalbased contrast agents (Srinivas et al 2010) Galli et al EJNMMI Radiopharmacy and Chemistry (2021) 6:7 track them in vivo (Seth et al 2017). The labelling between these probes and optical contrast agents can be direct/exogenous or indirect/endogenous.…”

Section: Optical Imagingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Immune cell labelling and tracking: implications for adoptive cell transfer therapies

Galli

Varani

Lauri

et al. 2021

Background The understanding of the role of different immune cell subsets that infiltrate tumors can help researchers in developing new targeted immunotherapies to reactivate or reprogram them against cancer. In addition to conventional drugs, new cell-based therapies, like adoptive cell transfer, proved to be successful in humans. Indeed, after the approval of anti-CD19 CAR-T cell therapy, researchers are trying to extend this approach to other cancer or cell types. Main body This review focuses on the different approaches to non-invasively monitor the biodistribution, trafficking and fate of immune therapeutic cells, evaluating their efficacy at preclinical and clinical stages. PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for published articles on the imaging of cell tracking in humans and preclinical models. Conclusion Labelling specific immune cell subtypes with specific radiopharmaceuticals, contrast agents or optical probes can elucidate new biological mechanisms or predict therapeutic outcome of adoptive cell transfer therapies. To date, no technique is considered the gold standard to image immune cells in adoptive cell transfer therapies.

“…Immune cell-based therapy has attracted increasing interest because of its therapeutic potential in drug delivery and immune regulation. By taking advantage of the immune cells’ intrinsic physiological functions, modified immune cells can migrate to different sites inside the body, and regulate immunity systemically and/or locally, thus providing new approaches for autoimmune and cancer therapies 1,2. In 2017, engineered T cell therapy has been approved by FDA for the treatment of children acute lymphoblastic leukemia and adult advanced lymphomas 3,4.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

<p>Biodistribution and sensitive tracking of immune cells with plasmonic gold nanostars</p>

Liu

Huang

Xiong

et al. 2019

IJN

Aim: To quantitatively and sensitively investigate the biodistribution of immune cells after systemic administration. Methods: Immune cells were loaded with plasmonic gold nanostars (GNS) tracking probes. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used for quantitative gold mass measurement and two-photon photoluminescence (TPL) was used for high-resolution sensitive optical imaging. Results: GNS nanoparticles were loaded successfully into immune cells without negative effect on cellular vitality. Liver and spleen were identified to be the major organs for macrophage cells uptake after systematic administration. A small amount of macrophage cells were detected in the tumor site in our murine lymphoma animal model. Conclusion: GNS has great potential as a biocompatible marker for quantitative tracking and high-resolution imaging of immune cells at the cellular level.