The new probe targets the CD45 biomarker, which is highly expressed on all immune cells but absent from other cell types. Scientists targeted immune cells because they trigger inflammation in the body, for example, in response to a virus or bacteria. Acute inflammation helps manage the problem, but if it becomes chronic, it increases the risk of developing many diseases, from diabetes to cancer.
The researchers tested the new probe in animal models and obtained surprisingly clear images showing inflammation in internal organs, the Dana Farber Institute website reports . For example, they obtained detailed visualization of the colon in a model of intestinal inflammation, as well as the lungs in acute respiratory distress syndrome. In addition, the scientists were able to see early signs of the common problem of "graft versus host" - immune rejection after bone marrow transplantation.
The clinical trial stage is still ahead, but it has already been confirmed that human cells in the body of mice are clearly visible with the new probe.
"Today, there are no non-invasive tools to reliably and accurately identify inflammatory foci in the body. CD45-PET is the first to do this throughout the body with high accuracy and sensitivity," the authors concluded.
Advanced PET could be an important screening tool for many people, especially after COVID-19. Scientists have recently discovered that the coronavirus triggers long-term inflammation in the body, from the brain stem to the gut.