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Microwave-driven Synthesis of Iron Oxide Nanoparticles for Fast Detection of Atherosclerosis
Published on: March 22, 2016
Targeted gold-coated iron oxide nanoparticles for CD163 detection in atherosclerosis by MRI
Carlos Tarin1, Monica Carril2,3, Jose Luis Martin-Ventura1
1Laboratorio de Patología Vascular y Renal. IIS Fundación Jiménez Díaz, Universidad Autónoma. Av. Reyes Católicos 2, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
Abstract:
CD163 is a membrane receptor expressed by macrophage lineage. Studies performed in atherosclerosis have shown that CD163 expression is increased at inflammatory sites, pointing at the presence of intraplaque hemorrhagic sites or asymptomatic plaques. Hence, imaging of CD163 expressing macrophages is an interesting strategy in order to detect atherosclerotic plaques. We have prepared a targeted probe based on gold-coated iron oxide nanoparticles vectorized with an anti-CD163 antibody for the specific detection of CD163 by MRI. Firstly, the specificity of the targeted probe was validated in vitro by incubation of the probe with CD163(+) or (-) macrophages. The probe was able to selectively detect CD163(+) macrophages both in human and murine cells. Subsequently, the targeted probe was injected in 16 weeks old apoE deficient mice developing atherosclerotic lesions and the pararenal abdominal aorta was imaged by MRI. The accumulation of probe in the site of interest increased over time and the signal intensity decreased significantly 48 hours after the injection. Hence, we have developed a highly sensitive targeted probe capable of detecting CD163-expressing macrophages that could provide useful information about the state of the atheromatous lesions.
Insights
A new MRI probe targets CD163-expressing macrophages, enabling detection of atherosclerotic plaques. This targeted approach visualizes inflammation within plaques, offering insights into lesion status.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Nanotechnology
- Immunology
Background:
- CD163 is a macrophage receptor upregulated at inflammatory sites in atherosclerosis.
- Imaging CD163-expressing macrophages offers a strategy for detecting atherosclerotic plaques.
- Current imaging methods may not fully capture plaque inflammation and stability.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a targeted MRI probe for detecting CD163-expressing macrophages.
- To assess the probe's specificity and efficacy in vitro and in vivo.
- To evaluate the probe's potential for imaging atherosclerotic lesions.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of gold-coated iron oxide nanoparticles functionalized with an anti-CD163 antibody.
- In vitro validation using CD163-positive and CD163-negative human and murine macrophages.
- In vivo MRI imaging in apoE-deficient mice with atherosclerotic lesions.
Main Results:
- The targeted probe selectively detected CD163-expressing macrophages in vitro.
- In vivo MRI showed probe accumulation in atherosclerotic lesions over time.
- Significant signal decrease was observed 48 hours post-injection, indicating probe clearance and lesion visualization.
Conclusions:
- A sensitive, targeted MRI probe for CD163-expressing macrophages has been developed.
- The probe demonstrates potential for non-invasive detection and characterization of atherosclerotic plaques.
- This technology could provide valuable information on the inflammatory state of atheromatous lesions.
