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Updated: Jun 30, 2026
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Labeling Stem Cells with Fluorescent Dyes for non-invasive Detection with Optical Imaging
Published on: April 2, 2008
Ultrasensitive In Vivo Imaging of Adoptive Immune Cell Distribution and Expansion Using Second Near-Infrared
Shengnan Yuan1,2, Qingshuang Li1,2, Xi Kang3
1Research Center for Advanced Detection Materials and Medical Imaging Devices, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, P. R. China.
Research (Washington, D.C.)
|June 29, 2026
Summary
A novel fluorescent probe tracks CAR-NK and CAR-T cells in solid tumors, improving monitoring of adoptive cell therapy. This method offers high sensitivity and safety for better treatment guidance.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Molecular Imaging
- Immunotherapy
Background:
- Monitoring adoptive cell therapy in solid tumors is challenging due to low sensitivity and high background noise.
- Existing techniques can disrupt the function and viability of therapeutic cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel imaging probe for real-time monitoring of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-engineered natural killer (CAR-NK) and T (CAR-T) cells in vivo.
- To evaluate the probe's sensitivity, stability, and impact on cell function for solid tumor therapy.
Main Methods:
- Developed a membrane-mimicking conjugated oligoelectrolyte with NIR-II fluorescence (COE-BBT) for cell labeling.
- Utilized NIR-II fluorescence imaging to track labeled CAR-NK and CAR-T cells in glioma models.
- Assessed cell viability, proliferation, migration, and cytotoxic function post-labeling.
Main Results:
- COE-BBT stably labels CAR-NK and CAR-T cells, resisting membrane crossing and enhancing fluorescence during proliferation.
- Achieved high sensitivity, detecting as few as ~20 cells in vitro and ~50 cells in vivo.
- Enabled continuous tracking of cell behavior for up to 14 days without compromising cell function or viability.
Conclusions:
- COE-BBT is a sensitive and stable imaging probe for monitoring CAR-NK and CAR-T cells in solid tumors.
- This NIR-II fluorescence imaging strategy shows translational potential for improving adoptive cell therapy efficacy and clinical guidance.
