Can Nuclear Imaging Detect Trained Immunity in Cardiovascular Disease?

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Research
• Immunology
• Nuclear Medicine

Background:

• Inflammation is a key factor in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).
• Trained immunity plays a significant role in the development and progression of ASCVD.
• Current methods for monitoring trained immunity within atherosclerotic plaques are limited, lacking noninvasive readouts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of nuclear imaging techniques for studying trained immunity in the context of ASCVD.
• To identify existing and potential radiotracers relevant to trained immunity in ASCVD.
• To highlight challenges and future directions for utilizing nuclear imaging in this field.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on radiotracers targeting components of trained immunity.
• Discussion of radiotracers that target innate immune cells, metabolic pathways, and epigenetic enzymes relevant to trained immunity.
• Analysis of the current limitations in distinguishing trained immunity from other inflammatory processes using imaging.

Main Results:

• Numerous radiotracers relevant to trained immunity have been identified.
• These radiotracers target key aspects of trained immunity, including innate immune cells, metabolic alterations, and epigenetic modifications.
• The application of these radiotracers in clinical settings for studying trained immunity in ASCVD is currently limited.

Conclusions:

• Nuclear imaging offers a potential noninvasive approach to study trained immunity in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
• Existing radiotracers show promise but require further development and validation.
• The development of more specific biomarkers is essential for accurately distinguishing trained immunity from other immune responses in patients with ASCVD.