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Whole-body visualization of SARS-CoV-2 biodistribution in vivo by immunoPET imaging in non-human primates
Alexandra Detrille1, Steve Huvelle1,2, Marit J van Gils3,4
1Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm, CEA, Center for Immunology of Viral, Auto-immune, Hematological and Bacterial diseases (IMVA-HB/IDMIT/UMRS1184), Fontenay-aux-Roses & Le Kremlin-Bicêtre, Fontenay-aux-Roses, France.
Abstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused at least 780 million cases globally. While available treatments and vaccines have reduced the mortality rate, spread and evolution of the virus are ongoing processes. Despite extensive research, the long-term impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection is still poorly understood and requires further investigation. Routine analysis provides limited access to the tissues of patients, necessitating alternative approaches to investigate viral dissemination in the organism. We address this issue by implementing a whole-body in vivo imaging strategy to longitudinally assess the biodistribution of SARS-CoV-2. We demonstrate in a COVID-19 non-human primate model that a single injection of radiolabeled [89Zr]COVA1-27-DFO human monoclonal antibody targeting a preserved epitope of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein allows longitudinal tracking of the virus by positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET/CT). Convalescent animals exhibit a persistent [89Zr]COVA1-27-DFO PET signal in the lungs, as well as in the brain, three months following infection. This imaging approach also allows viral detection in various organs, including the airways and kidneys, of exposed animals during the acute infection phase. Overall, the technology we developed offers a comprehensive assessment of SARS-CoV-2 distribution in vivo and provides a promising approach for the non-invasive study of long-COVID pathophysiology.
Insights
A novel whole-body imaging technique tracks SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) distribution in vivo. This method reveals persistent viral signals in organs like the lungs and brain months after infection, aiding long-COVID research.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Imaging
- Immunology
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has led to millions of cases worldwide.
- While vaccines and treatments exist, the virus continues to spread and evolve.
- Understanding the long-term effects and full dissemination of SARS-CoV-2 is crucial but challenging due to limited patient tissue access.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and implement a whole-body in vivo imaging strategy for longitudinal assessment of SARS-CoV-2 biodistribution.
- To investigate the potential of a novel imaging approach for studying viral spread and long-term impacts.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a non-human primate model of COVID-19.
- Administered a single injection of radiolabeled [89Zr]COVA1-27-DFO human monoclonal antibody targeting the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein.
- Employed positron emission tomography with computed tomography (PET/CT) for longitudinal tracking of the virus.
Main Results:
- The imaging strategy successfully enabled longitudinal tracking of SARS-CoV-2 distribution in vivo.
- Convalescent animals showed persistent viral signals in the lungs and brain three months post-infection.
- Viral detection was achieved in organs such as airways and kidneys during the acute infection phase.
Conclusions:
- The developed whole-body imaging technology provides a comprehensive assessment of SARS-CoV-2 distribution.
- This non-invasive approach offers a promising avenue for studying the pathophysiology of long-COVID.
- The findings highlight the potential for advanced imaging in understanding viral persistence and host-pathogen interactions.
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