CCR2 Imaging in Human ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Kory J Lavine1,2,3, Deborah Sultan4, Hannah Luehmann4
1Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO USA.
Insights
This study introduces a novel imaging probe for visualizing inflammatory monocytes and macrophages in the heart after myocardial infarction. The probe successfully detected increased uptake in injured areas, aiding in heart failure assessment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Molecular Imaging
- Immunology
Background:
- C-C chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) is expressed on inflammatory monocytes and macrophages.
- These cells contribute to the development and progression of heart failure.
- Targeting CCR2 offers a potential strategy for imaging cardiac inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate a peptide-based imaging probe (64Cu-DOTA-ECL1i) for human cardiac imaging.
- To assess the probe's ability to recognize and visualize CCR2+ monocytes and macrophages.
- To determine the feasibility of molecular imaging of CCR2 in the injured human heart.
Main Methods:
- Development and evaluation of a novel peptide-based imaging probe, 64Cu-DOTA-ECL1i.
- Administration of the probe to subjects following acute myocardial infarction and healthy controls.
- Assessment of cardiac uptake and localization of the probe using imaging techniques.
Main Results:
- The 64Cu-DOTA-ECL1i probe specifically recognized CCR2+ monocytes and macrophages.
- Increased heart uptake of the probe was observed in subjects post-myocardial infarction compared to controls.
- Probe uptake was predominantly localized within the infarct area and associated with impaired myocardial wall motion.
Conclusions:
- Molecular imaging of CCR2 expression is feasible for visualizing inflammatory monocytes and macrophages in the injured human heart.
- The 64Cu-DOTA-ECL1i probe demonstrates potential for assessing cardiac inflammation and injury.
- This approach may aid in the diagnosis and management of heart failure.
Abstract:
Among the diverse populations of myeloid cells that reside within the healthy and diseased heart, C-C chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) is specifically expressed on inflammatory populations of monocytes and macrophages that contribute to the development and progression of heart failure1-4. Here, we evaluated a peptide-based imaging probe (64Cu-DOTA-ECL1i) that specifically recognizes CCR2+ monocytes and macrophages for human cardiac imaging. Compared to healthy controls, 64Cu-DOTA-ECL1i heart uptake was increased in subjects following acute myocardial infarction, predominately localized within the infarct area, and was associated with impaired myocardial wall motion. These findings establish the feasibility of molecular imaging of CCR2 expression to visualize inflammatory monocytes and macrophages in the injured human heart.
