Methods for Imaging Cell Fates in Hematopoiesis

Convergent synthesis and optical properties of near-infrared emitting bioluminescent infra-luciferins

Infra-luciferin, an alkene linked analogue of luciferin, gives bioluminescence emission >700 nm and has the potential to be used for multiparametric in vivo imaging. We report here a high yielding, scalable and convergent synthesis of infra-luciferin which will allow the synthesis of other conjugated luciferins for investigation in near-infrared bioluminescence imaging. We demonstrated this potential by using the new route to synthesise a diene linked analogue of luciferin, the fluorescent and bioluminescent properties of which were compared to those of d-luciferin and infra-luciferin. We found that extension of conjugation to a diene linker resulted in the specific bioluminescence activity being reduced by 3-4 orders of magnitude compared to d-luciferin. Analogous to its fluorescence emission spectrum, the diene linked analogue exhibited two peaks in its bioluminescence spectrum, the major one being slightly blue-shifted compared to natural d-luciferin, and a minor peak at ca. 800 nm. The fluorescence quantum yield and pH dependence of fluorescence were also determined.

Potential limitations of IL-2 administration for the treatment of experimental acute graft-versus-host disease

Low-dose IL-2 administration can control autoimmunity by specifically activating CD4(+) Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs). Here, we studied IL-2-based immunotherapy in experimental graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). IL-2 administration to donor mice induced a dose-dependent expansion of Tregs in the graft but was insufficient to control GVHD. IL-2 administration to allogeneic-grafted recipient mice activated T-conventional cells (Tcons) and did not prevent GVHD. This loss of IL-2 selectivity toward Tregs was explained by an IL-2-induced increase in the IL-2 receptor α-chain expression on Tcons. Finally, in xeno-GVHD generated by human PBMCs transplanted into immunodeficient mice, low-dose IL-2 increased Treg frequencies but did neither control pro-inflammatory cytokine production by pathogenic Tcons, nor prevented GVHD. Furthermore, combination of low-dose IL-2 with rapamycin was ineffective in this model. Our results indicate that limitations on the use of IL-2 during acute GVHD are likely due to the massive activation of the allogeneic T cells unique to this setting.

Bioluminescence: a versatile technique for imaging cellular and molecular features

Bioluminescence is a ubiquitous imaging modality for visualizing biological processes in vivo. This technique employs visible light and interfaces readily with most cell and tissue types, making it a versatile technology for preclinical studies. Here we review basic bioluminescence imaging principles, along with applications of the technology that are relevant to the medicinal chemistry community. These include noninvasive cell tracking experiments, analyses of protein function, and methods to visualize small molecule metabolites. In each section, we also discuss how bioluminescent tools have revealed insights into experimental therapies and aided drug discovery. Last, we highlight the development of new bioluminescent tools that will enable more sensitive and multi-component imaging experiments and, thus, expand our broader understanding of living systems.

Guided by the light: visualizing biomolecular processes in living animals with bioluminescence

Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) exploits the light-emitting properties of luciferase enzymes for monitoring cells and biomolecular processes in living subjects. Luciferases can be incorporated into a variety of non-luminescent hosts and used to track cells, visualize gene expression, and analyze collections of biomolecules. This article highlights recent applications of BLI to studies of mammalian biology, along with the development of novel bioluminescent probes to 'see' cells and molecules in action. Collectively, these efforts are expanding our understanding of living systems and shedding light on the molecular underpinnings of disease.