Image-guided In Vivo Tracking of Transplanted Distal Lung Epithelial Progenitor Cells for Pulmonary Fibrosis Using
Saumya Nigam1, Katie Uhl2, Manvir Bamrah3
1Precision Health Program, Michigan State University; Department of Radiology, College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University.
Journal of Visualized Experiments : Jove
|July 14, 2025
Summary
Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) non-invasively tracks cell therapy for pulmonary fibrosis. This study monitored human lung cells in mice, demonstrating MPI
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Regenerative Medicine
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic lung disease with limited treatments.
- Cell therapy shows promise for PF but requires monitoring of transplanted cells.
- Non-invasive imaging is crucial for assessing cell therapy efficacy in PF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) for tracking cell therapy in a pulmonary fibrosis model.
- To optimize SPION labeling of human distal lung epithelial progenitor cells.
- To assess cell distribution, integration, and retention in mouse lungs post-transplantation.
Main Methods:
- Human distal lung epithelial progenitor cells were labeled with SPIONs.
- Cells were transplanted via intratracheal instillation into immunocompromised mice.
- 2D MPI scans were used for longitudinal tracking of cell distribution and retention over two weeks.
- Histological analysis validated MPI findings.
Main Results:
- MPI successfully visualized and tracked labeled cells in mouse lungs post-transplantation.
- MPI signals indicated cell distribution in both left and right lungs.
- Cell signals decreased over time, with histological validation confirming cell retention and integration.
Conclusions:
- MPI is a valuable tool for non-invasive, longitudinal monitoring of cell therapy in pulmonary fibrosis.
- This imaging modality can assess cell distribution, survival, and integration in the lung.
- MPI facilitates the advancement of cell-based therapies for lung diseases.
