Imaging Inflammation with sdAbs

Unremitting efforts at Creative Biolabs have been paid to validate macrophages and myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) markers (M&DC markers) as targets to image the inflammatory process in the living organism. Creative Biolabs now provides customized single domain antibody (sdAb)-based tracer (Nanotracer) tool development services for in vivo imaging. We can also provide further validation, imaging as well as analysis services for worldwide customers.

Imaging Myeloid Cells

In a previously reported study, sdAbs were generated to recognize particular M&DC subsets. ^99mTc-labeled sdAbs were used in SPECT/CT imaging studies to visualize targeted cells in naive mice, hence revealing their natural distribution in various organs. Fig.1 shows the specificity of targeting by sdAbs.

Fig.1 MicroSPECT/CT images of a non-targeting SdAb, iDC/pan-myeloid targeting sdAb. (Devoogdt, 2012)

Imaging Alternatively-activated Macrophages

Alternatively-activated macrophages are of the anti-inflammatory, 'healing' type. Under pathological conditions, they counterbalance inflammatory responses and stimulate tissue regeneration in an attempt to return to homeostasis. A particular subset of such alternatively activated macrophages expresses a cell-surface protein, macrophage mannose receptor (MMR). Hence, anti-MMR sdAb is extremely useful to visualize these cells in imaging studies. In comparative biodistribution studies in naive wild-type and MMR-deficient mice, the scientist showed that radiolabeled anti-MMR-sdAbs specifically target resident macrophages in the liver, spleen, lymph nodes and bone marrow.

Fig.2 MicroSPECT/CT images of a wild type and a MMR Knockout mouse injected with ^99mTc-labeled anti-MMR sdAb. (Devoogdt, 2012)

Development Mission

One line of our research aims to validate M&DC markers as targets to image the inflammatory process and its spontaneous evolution and evolution in response to treatment in the living organism based on visualization of (anti-) inflammatory myeloid cells, by using labeled sdAbs targeting M&DC markers.

Customized Services

• Generation and in vitro characterization of sdAbs
• Nanotracers construction services
• In vitro assessment services
• In vivo imaging services
• Statistical analysis

If you are interested in our Nanotracer tool development and imaging services, please directly contact us and consult our technical supports online.

Reference

1. Devoogdt, N.; et al. Molecular imaging using SdAbs: a case study. Single Domain Antibodies. Humana Press, Totowa, NJ, 2012: 559-567.

For Research Use Only.