Neuroinflammation PET Imaging: Current Opinion and Future Directions

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Immunology
• Radiology

Background:

• Neuroinflammation is a critical factor in many neurological diseases, but its in vivo role requires further elucidation.
• Positron emission tomography (PET) imaging offers a powerful tool for longitudinal investigation and quantification of neuroinflammation.
• Translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) has been a primary PET biomarker for neuroinflammation, despite limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the clinical potential of existing and novel PET biomarkers for neuroinflammation.
• To highlight cell-specific and functionally relevant biomarkers beyond TSPO.
• To discuss future directions in PET imaging for neuroinflammation research.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of PET imaging biomarkers for neuroinflammation.
• Analysis of biomarkers targeting innate and adaptive immune responses.
• Discussion of clinical data and limitations of current PET imaging.

Main Results:

• TSPO PET imaging has provided valuable data on neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative diseases.
• Limitations of TSPO imaging necessitate the development of alternative biomarkers.
• Emerging PET biomarkers show promise for improved specificity and functional relevance.

Conclusions:

• PET imaging is crucial for studying neuroinflammation in vivo.
• There is a need for novel PET biomarkers with enhanced cell specificity and functional relevance.
• Future research directions include exploring new targets for PET imaging of immune responses in neurologic conditions.