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Imaging Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Mice with Reporter Enzyme Fluorescence
Published on: February 26, 2018
Nanodiamonds Co-Localize with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in Foamy Macrophages of Infected Mouse Lungs
Maria V Erokhina1,2, Alexander G Masyutin1,2, Georgii V Lisichkin3
1Department of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1-12 Leninskie Gory, Moscow 119991, Russia.
Abstract:
Background: Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). Drug-resistant TB remains a major public health challenge and calls for new approaches to drug development. Targeted delivery of antibacterial agents using nanoscale carriers represents one such approach. A decisive factor for efficient targeting is the judicious selection of the carrier platform. Methods: In the present study, diamond nanoparticles were evaluated as a prospective vehicle for conveying anti-TB drugs to lung cells. Conventional and analytical transmission electron microscopy were used to analyze the localization of the nanodiamonds (NDs) in the lungs of M. tuberculosis-infected mice 30 days after nanoparticle administration and 44 days post-infection. Results: The study shows that the NDs co-localize with M. tuberculosis in foamy macrophages of the lung, residing in the same cellular compartments-phagosomes/phagolysosomes and lipid droplets. These in vivo results demonstrate a high degree of macrophage-specific accumulation of NDs relative to M. tuberculosis. Conclusions: Consequently, NDs can be considered a promising carrier for targeted delivery of anti-TB therapeutics to the lungs during TB-induced inflammation.
Insights
Diamond nanoparticles show promise for targeted tuberculosis drug delivery. These nanodiamonds (NDs) accumulate in lung macrophages infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, suggesting potential for novel anti-TB therapies.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Materials Science
Background:
- Tuberculosis (TB) is a significant global health issue, particularly drug-resistant strains.
- Developing new anti-TB drugs requires innovative strategies like targeted delivery systems.
- Nanoscale carriers offer a promising approach for delivering antibacterial agents effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate diamond nanoparticles (NDs) as a carrier for anti-TB drugs.
- To evaluate the in vivo localization and targeting efficiency of NDs in the lungs of TB-infected mice.
Main Methods:
- Utilized conventional and analytical transmission electron microscopy.
- Analyzed the distribution of NDs in the lungs of mice infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
- Assessed nanoparticle localization at 30 days post-administration and 44 days post-infection.
Main Results:
- Diamond nanoparticles (NDs) were found to co-localize with Mycobacterium tuberculosis within lung foamy macrophages.
- NDs were observed in the same cellular compartments as the bacteria, including phagosomes/phagolysosomes and lipid droplets.
- Demonstrated significant macrophage-specific accumulation of NDs in relation to M. tuberculosis.
Conclusions:
- Diamond nanoparticles show potential as a carrier for targeted delivery of anti-TB therapeutics.
- NDs can effectively target lung macrophages during tuberculosis-induced inflammation.
- This suggests NDs could be a valuable platform for developing novel TB treatments.
