Non-invasive imaging of myeloid cell infiltration (C3)

Rationale and aims

Myeloid cell recruitment is a hallmark of inflammation in various myocardial diseases, including myocardial infarction (MI). Therefore, in our project, we will use the pig as a disease model to establish non-invasive imaging of myeloid cell infiltration, primarily of monocytes. This approach has been successfully implemented in rats in the past, as shown in figure 1. The resulting temporally and spatially resolved study of the respective immune response enables a precise understanding of possible therapeutic approaches.

Method

Non-invasive imaging is achieved by ultra-high field (UHF) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a 19F-labeled nanoemulsion after being ingested by myeloid cells. The combination of high resolution cardiac 1H and 19F MRI enables direct monitoring of myocardial tissue and function and the respective immune response.

Since this technique is novel in ultra-high field MRI, this project focuses mainly on the establishment of experimental methodologies including 19F tracer synthesis, UHF MR hardware and software development, as well as the application in the animal.