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Breakthrough in Inflammation Detection Using PET Imaging

Scientists at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute have unveiled a pioneering technique for identifying inflammation throughout the body utilizing positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. This novel approach employs a specialized probe that targets CD45, a marker widely expressed on immune cells, while remaining absent in other cell types. In tests conducted on healthy animals, this probe effectively produced clear visuals of immune system-related organs, including the bone marrow, spleen, and lymph nodes. In various disease models, it successfully identified inflammation in specific organs, such as the colon in cases of inflammatory bowel disease and the lungs in instances of acute respiratory distress syndrome.

The findings indicated a direct correlation between the levels of inflammation detected via CD45-PET and the outcomes of microscopic tissue examinations, as well as clinical symptoms observed in subjects. The research team went further to create a human-specific CD45-PET probe, which demonstrated the capacity to identify human immune cells within a humanized mouse model. Notably, in studies addressing graft-versus-host disease—a significant complication often arising from bone marrow transplants—the human CD45-PET probe exhibited promise for early detection and precise localization of the condition across various anatomical regions. The researchers are now planning to launch clinical trials to substantiate the efficacy of their human CD45-PET probe.

Inflammation serves as a critical response mechanism by the immune system to protect the body from disease. However, when inflammation becomes chronic or excessive, it can lead to pathological changes and is implicated in numerous chronic illnesses such as cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, and diabetes. These conditions account for a substantial proportion of global mortality rates. Presently, there are limited non-invasive methodologies to accurately detect and localize areas of inflammation within the body. The introduction of the CD45-PET probe represents a significant advancement, being the first tool designed to broadly identify inflammation with high sensitivity through comprehensive whole-body imaging. Upon successful validation in human subjects, this innovative tool could transform clinical practices, facilitating the selection of appropriate anti-inflammatory therapies, monitoring the effectiveness of treatments, including cancer immunotherapy, and enhancing the diagnosis of diseases linked to inflammatory processes.

Collaborating institutions on this research include the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Harvard Medical School, the National Institutes of Health, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease, and the Brigham and Women’s Hospital Heart and Vascular Center.

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