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Cheng HLM. A primer on in vivo cell tracking using MRI. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1193459. [PMID: 37324153 PMCID: PMC10264782 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1193459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell tracking by in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers a collection of multiple advantages over other imaging modalities, including high spatial resolution, unlimited depth penetration, 3D visualization, lack of ionizing radiation, and the potential for long-term cell monitoring. Three decades of innovation in both contrast agent chemistry and imaging physics have built an expansive array of probes and methods to track cells non-invasively across a diverse range of applications. In this review, we describe both established and emerging MRI cell tracking approaches and the variety of mechanisms available for contrast generation. Emphasis is given to the advantages, practical limitations, and persistent challenges of each approach, incorporating quantitative comparisons where possible. Toward the end of this review, we take a deeper dive into three key application areas - tracking cancer metastasis, immunotherapy for cancer, and stem cell regeneration - and discuss the cell tracking techniques most suitable to each.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Ling Margaret Cheng
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- The Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Ted Rogers Centre for Heart Research, Translational Biology & Engineering Program, Toronto, ON, Canada
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2
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Sato N, Choyke PL. Whole-Body Imaging to Assess Cell-Based Immunotherapy: Preclinical Studies with an Update on Clinical Translation. Mol Imaging Biol 2021; 24:235-248. [PMID: 34816284 PMCID: PMC8983636 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-021-01669-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In the past decades, immunotherapies against cancers made impressive progress. Immunotherapy includes a broad range of interventions that can be separated into two major groups: cell-based immunotherapies, such as adoptive T cell therapies and stem cell therapies, and immunomodulatory molecular therapies such as checkpoint inhibitors and cytokine therapies. Genetic engineering techniques that transduce T cells with a cancer-antigen-specific T cell receptor or chimeric antigen receptor have expanded to other cell types, and further modulation of the cells to enhance cancer targeting properties has been explored. Because cell-based immunotherapies rely on cells migrating to target organs or tissues, there is a growing interest in imaging technologies that non-invasively monitor transferred cells in vivo. Here, we review whole-body imaging methods to assess cell-based immunotherapy using a variety of examples. Following a review of preclinically used cell tracking technologies, we consider the status of their clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Sato
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 10/Rm. B3B406, 10 Center Dr, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Peter L Choyke
- Molecular Imaging Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 10/Rm. B3B69F, 10 Center Dr, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
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3
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Helfer BM, Ponomarev V, Patrick PS, Blower PJ, Feitel A, Fruhwirth GO, Jackman S, Pereira Mouriès L, Park MVDZ, Srinivas M, Stuckey DJ, Thu MS, van den Hoorn T, Herberts CA, Shingleton WD. Options for imaging cellular therapeutics in vivo: a multi-stakeholder perspective. Cytotherapy 2021; 23:757-773. [PMID: 33832818 PMCID: PMC9344904 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcyt.2021.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cell-based therapies have been making great advances toward clinical reality. Despite the increase in trial activity, few therapies have successfully navigated late-phase clinical trials and received market authorization. One possible explanation for this is that additional tools and technologies to enable their development have only recently become available. To support the safety evaluation of cell therapies, the Health and Environmental Sciences Institute Cell Therapy-Tracking, Circulation and Safety Committee, a multisector collaborative committee, polled the attendees of the 2017 International Society for Cell & Gene Therapy conference in London, UK, to understand the gaps and needs that cell therapy developers have encountered regarding safety evaluations in vivo. The goal of the survey was to collect information to inform stakeholders of areas of interest that can help ensure the safe use of cellular therapeutics in the clinic. This review is a response to the cellular imaging interests of those respondents. The authors offer a brief overview of available technologies and then highlight the areas of interest from the survey by describing how imaging technologies can meet those needs. The areas of interest include imaging of cells over time, sensitivity of imaging modalities, ability to quantify cells, imaging cellular survival and differentiation and safety concerns around adding imaging agents to cellular therapy protocols. The Health and Environmental Sciences Institute Cell Therapy-Tracking, Circulation and Safety Committee believes that the ability to understand therapeutic cell fate is vital for determining and understanding cell therapy efficacy and safety and offers this review to aid in those needs. An aim of this article is to share the available imaging technologies with the cell therapy community to demonstrate how these technologies can accomplish unmet needs throughout the translational process and strengthen the understanding of cellular therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vladimir Ponomarev
- Department of Radiology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, USA
| | - P Stephen Patrick
- Department of Medicine, Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - Philip J Blower
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Alexandra Feitel
- Formerly, Health and Environmental Sciences Institute, US Environmental Protection Agency, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Gilbert O Fruhwirth
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Shawna Jackman
- Charles River Laboratories, Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Margriet V D Z Park
- Centre for Health Protection, National Institute for Public Health and the Environment, Bilthoven, the Netherlands
| | - Mangala Srinivas
- Department of Tumor Immunology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Cenya Imaging BV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Daniel J Stuckey
- Department of Medicine, Centre for Advanced Biomedical Imaging, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mya S Thu
- Visicell Medical Inc, La Jolla, California, USA
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4
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Helfer BM, Bulte JW. Cell Surveillance Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Mol Imaging 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-816386-3.00042-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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5
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Rizzo S, Padelli F, Rinaldi E, Gioeni D, Aquino D, Brizzola S, Acocella F, Spaggiari L, Baggi F, Bellomi M, Bruzzone MG, Petrella F. 7-T MRI tracking of mesenchymal stromal cells after lung injection in a rat model. Eur Radiol Exp 2020; 4:54. [PMID: 33029694 PMCID: PMC7541802 DOI: 10.1186/s41747-020-00183-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are able to migrate and engraft at sites of inflammation, injuries, and tumours, but little is known about their fate after local injection. The purpose of this study is to perform MSC tracking, combining in vivo 7-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histological assessment, following lung injection in a rat model. Methods Five lungs were injected with ferumoxide-labelled MSCs and five with perfluorocarbon-labelled MSCs and underwent 7-T MRI. MRI acquisitions were recorded immediately (T0), at 24 h (T24) and/or 48 h (T48) after injection. For each rat, labelled cells were assessed in the main organs by MRI. Target organs were harvested under sterile conditions from rats sacrificed 0, 24, or 48 h after injection and fixed for histological analysis via confocal and structured illumination microscopy. Results Ferumoxide-labelled MSCs were not detectable in the lungs, whereas they were not visible in the distant sites. Perfluorocarbon-labelled MSCs were seen in 5/5 injected lungs at T0, in 1/2 at T24, and in 1/3 at T48. The fluorine signal in the liver was seen in 3/5 at T0, in 1/2 at T24, and in 2/3 at T48. Post-mortem histology confirmed the presence of MSCs in the injected lung. Conclusions Ferumoxide-labelled cells were not seen at distant sites; a linear decay of injected perfluorocarbon-labelled MSCs was observed at T0, T24, and T48 in the lung. In more than half of the experiments, perfluorocarbon-labelled MSCs scattering to the liver was observed, with a similar decay over time as observed in the lung.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Rizzo
- Imaging Institute of the Southern Switzerland (IIMSI), Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), via Tesserete 46, 6900, Lugano, Switzerland. .,Facoltà di Scienze biomediche, Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Via G. Buffi 13, 6904, Lugano, Switzerland. .,Clinica di Radiologia EOC, Istituto di Imaging della Svizzera Italiana (IIMSI), via Tesserete 46, 6900, Lugano, Switzerland.
| | - Francesco Padelli
- Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Rinaldi
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Gioeni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Veterinaria, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Domenico Aquino
- Neuroradiology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Brizzola
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Acocella
- Department of Health, Animal Science and Food Safety, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Spaggiari
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, IRCCS European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Fulvio Baggi
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Bellomi
- Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Department of Radiology, IRCCS European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Bruzzone
- Department of Neuroradiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico Carlo Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Petrella
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, IRCCS European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy.,Department of Oncology and Hemato-oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,CRC StaMeTec Università degli studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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6
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Lambert E, Gorantla VS, Janjic JM. Pharmaceutical design and development of perfluorocarbon nanocolloids for oxygen delivery in regenerative medicine. Nanomedicine (Lond) 2019; 14:2697-2712. [PMID: 31657273 DOI: 10.2217/nnm-2019-0260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) have been investigated as oxygen carriers for several decades in varied biomedical applications. PFCs are chemically and biologically inert, temperature and storage stable, pose low to no infectious risk, can be commercially manufactured, and have well established gas transport properties. In this review, we highlight design and development strategies for their successful application in regenerative medicine, transplantation and organ preservation. Effective tissue preservation strategies are key to improving outcomes of extremity salvage and organ transplantation. Maintaining tissue integrity requires adequate oxygenation to support aerobic metabolism. The use of whole blood for oxygen delivery is fraught with limitations of poor shelf stability, infectious risk, religious exclusions and product shortages. Other agents also face clinical challenges in their implementation. As a solution, we discuss new ways of designing and developing PFC-based artificial oxygen carriers by implementing modern pharmaceutical quality by design and scale up manufacturing methodologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Lambert
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA.,Chronic Pain Research Consortium, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA
| | - Vijay S Gorantla
- Department of Surgery, Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA.,AIRMED Program, 59th Medical Wing, United States Air Force, United States Army Institute of Surgical Research, San Antonio, TX 78234, USA
| | - Jelena M Janjic
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA.,Chronic Pain Research Consortium, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA.,AIRMED Program, 59th Medical Wing, United States Air Force, United States Army Institute of Surgical Research, San Antonio, TX 78234, USA
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7
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Bouvain P, Flocke V, Krämer W, Schubert R, Schrader J, Flögel U, Temme S. Dissociation of 19F and fluorescence signal upon cellular uptake of dual-contrast perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions. MAGNETIC RESONANCE MATERIALS IN PHYSICS BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2018; 32:133-145. [PMID: 30498884 DOI: 10.1007/s10334-018-0723-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Revised: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions (PFCs) tagged with fluorescence dyes have been intensively used to confirm the in vivo 19F magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) localization of PFCs by post mortem histology or flow cytometry. However, only limited data are available on tagged PFCs and the potential dissociation of fluorescence and 19F label after cellular uptake over time. MATERIALS AND METHODS PFCs were coupled to rhodamine (Rho) or carboxyfluorescein (Cfl) and their fate was analyzed after in vitro uptake by J774, RAW and CHO cells by flow cytometry and 19F MRI. In separate in vivo experiments, the dual-labelled emulsions were intravenously applied into mice and their distribution was monitored in spleen and liver over 24 h. In a final step, time course of fluorescence and 19F signals from injected emulsions were tracked in a local inflammation model making use of a subcutaneous matrigel depot doped with LPS (lipopolysaccharide). RESULTS Internalization of fluorescence-labelled PFCs was associated with a substantial whitening over 24 h in all macrophage cell lines while the 19F signal remained stable over time. In all experiments, CflPFCs were more susceptible to bleaching than RhoPFCs. After intravenous injection of RhoPFCs, the fluorescence signal in spleen and liver peaked after 30 min and 2 h, respectively, followed by a successive decrease over 24 h, whereas the 19F signal continuously increased during this observation period. Similar results were found in the matrigel/LPS model, where we observed increasing 19F signals in the inflammatory hot spot over time while the fluorescence signal of immune cells isolated from the matrigel depot 24 h after its implantation was only marginally elevated over background levels. This resulted in a massive underestimation of the true PFC deposition in the reticuloendothelial system and at inflammatory hot spots. CONCLUSION Cellular uptake of fluorescently tagged PFCs leads to a dissociation of the fluorescence and the 19F label signal over time, which critically impacts on interpretation of long-term experiments validated by histology or flow cytometry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pascal Bouvain
- Experimental Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Molecular Cardiology, Heinrich Heine University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, NRW, Germany
| | - Vera Flocke
- Experimental Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Molecular Cardiology, Heinrich Heine University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, NRW, Germany
- Department of Engineering Physics, University of Applied Science Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Krämer
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Albert Ludwigs University, Freiburg, BW, Germany
| | - Rolf Schubert
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Albert Ludwigs University, Freiburg, BW, Germany
| | - Jürgen Schrader
- Experimental Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Molecular Cardiology, Heinrich Heine University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, NRW, Germany
| | - Ulrich Flögel
- Experimental Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Molecular Cardiology, Heinrich Heine University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, NRW, Germany.
| | - Sebastian Temme
- Experimental Cardiovascular Imaging, Department of Molecular Cardiology, Heinrich Heine University of Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, NRW, Germany
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8
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Fink C, Gaudet JM, Fox MS, Bhatt S, Viswanathan S, Smith M, Chin J, Foster PJ, Dekaban GA. 19F-perfluorocarbon-labeled human peripheral blood mononuclear cells can be detected in vivo using clinical MRI parameters in a therapeutic cell setting. Sci Rep 2018; 8:590. [PMID: 29330541 PMCID: PMC5766492 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-19031-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A 19Fluorine (19F) perfluorocarbon cell labeling agent, when employed with an appropriate cellular MRI protocol, allows for in vivo cell tracking. 19F cellular MRI can be used to non-invasively assess the location and persistence of cell-based cancer vaccines and other cell-based therapies. This study was designed to determine the feasibility of labeling and tracking peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), a heterogeneous cell population. Under GMP-compliant conditions human PBMC were labeled with a 19F-based MRI cell-labeling agent in a manner safe for autologous re-injection. Greater than 99% of PBMC labeled with the 19F cell-labeling agent without affecting functionality or affecting viability. The 19F-labeled PBMC were detected in vivo in a mouse model at the injection site and in a draining lymph node. A clinical cellular MR protocol was optimized for the detection of PBMC injected both at the surface of a porcine shank and at a depth of 1.2 cm, equivalent to depth of a human lymph node, using a dual 1H/19F dual switchable surface radio frequency coil. This study demonstrates it is feasible to label and track 19F-labeled PBMC using clinical MRI protocols. Thus, 19F cellular MRI represents a non-invasive imaging technique suitable to assess the effectiveness of cell-based cancer vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Corby Fink
- Molecular Medicine Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute and Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street North, London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Jeffrey M Gaudet
- Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute and Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street North, London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Matthew S Fox
- Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute and Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street North, London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Shashank Bhatt
- 200 Elizabeth Street, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Sowmya Viswanathan
- IBBME, University of Toronto, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2C4, Canada
| | - Michael Smith
- Molecular Medicine Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute and Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street North, London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Joseph Chin
- Division Of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, London Health Sciences Centre, 800 Commissioners Rd E, London, Ontario, N6A 5W9, Canada
| | - Paula J Foster
- Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute and Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street North, London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada
| | - Gregory A Dekaban
- Molecular Medicine Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute and Department of Microbiology & Immunology, University of Western Ontario, 1151 Richmond Street North, London, Ontario, N6A 5B7, Canada.
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9
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Chapelin F, Gao S, Okada H, Weber TG, Messer K, Ahrens ET. Fluorine-19 nuclear magnetic resonance of chimeric antigen receptor T cell biodistribution in murine cancer model. Sci Rep 2017; 7:17748. [PMID: 29255242 PMCID: PMC5735180 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-17669-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2017] [Accepted: 11/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Discovery of effective cell therapies against cancer can be accelerated by the adaptation of tools to rapidly quantitate cell biodistribution and survival after delivery. Here, we describe the use of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) ‘cytometry’ to quantify the biodistribution of immunotherapeutic T cells in intact tissue samples. In this study, chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells expressing EGFRvIII targeting transgene were labeled with a perfluorocarbon (PFC) emulsion ex vivo and infused into immunocompromised mice bearing subcutaneous human U87 glioblastomas expressing EGFRvIII and luciferase. Intact organs were harvested at day 2, 7 and 14 for whole-sample fluorine-19 (19F) NMR to quantitatively measure the presence of PFC-labeled CAR T cells, followed by histological validation. NMR measurements showed greater CAR T cell homing and persistence in the tumors and spleen compared to untransduced T cells. Tumor growth was monitored with bioluminescence imaging, showing that CAR T cell treatment resulted in significant tumor regression compared to untransduced T cells. Overall, 19F NMR cytometry is a rapid and quantitative method to evaluate cell biodistribution, tumor homing, and fate in preclinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanny Chapelin
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Shang Gao
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Hideho Okada
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,Cancer Immunotherapy Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thomas G Weber
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Karen Messer
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eric T Ahrens
- Department of Radiology, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
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10
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Fluorine-19 Magnetic Resonance Imaging and Positron Emission Tomography of Tumor-Associated Macrophages and Tumor Metabolism. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2017; 2017:4896310. [PMID: 29362559 PMCID: PMC5736905 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4896310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The presence of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is significantly associated with poor prognosis of tumors. Currently, magnetic resonance imaging- (MRI-) based TAM imaging methods that use nanoparticles such as superparamagnetic iron oxide and perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions are available for quantitative monitoring of TAM burden in tumors. However, whether MRI-based measurements of TAMs can be used as prognostic markers has not been evaluated yet. In this study, we used positron emission tomography (PET) with 18F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) as a radioactive tracer and fluorine-19- (19F-) MRI for imaging mouse breast cancer models to determine any association between TAM infiltration and tumor metabolism. Perfluorocarbon nanoemulsions were intravenously administered to track and quantify TAM infiltration using a 7T MR scanner. To analyze glucose uptake in tumors, 18F-FDG-PET images were acquired immediately after 19F-MRI. Coregistered 18F-FDG-PET and 19F-MR images enabled comparison of spatial patterns of glucose uptake and TAM distribution in tumors. 19F-MR signal intensities from tumors exhibited a strong inverse correlation with 18F-FDG uptake while having a significant positive correlation with tumor growth from days 2 to 7. These results show that combination of 19F-MRI and 18F-FDG-PET can improve our understanding of the relationship between TAM and tumor microenvironment.
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11
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Integrating a 19F MRI Tracer Agent into the Clinical Scale Manufacturing of a T-Cell Immunotherapy. CONTRAST MEDIA & MOLECULAR IMAGING 2017; 2017:9548478. [PMID: 29230151 PMCID: PMC5688349 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9548478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2017] [Revised: 09/19/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Leukocyte immunotherapies have made great progress in the treatment of cancer. Recent reports on the treatment of B-cell malignancies using Chimeric Antigen Receptor and affinity enhanced T-Cell Receptor therapies have demonstrated encouraging clinical results. As investigators begin to explore the treatment of solid tumors with these cells, the hurdle of evaluating T-cell homing to and persistence at the site of disease remain. Significant challenges regarding the GMP manufacture and administration of a therapeutic dose of millions to billions of transduced T-cells remain. Here we report on the application of a clinically authorized 19F MRI tracer agent to human T-cells, employing state-of-the-art methods and equipment in the manufacture of a cellular therapy. Using a general T-cell expansion protocol and clinical scale industrial bioreactors, we show 19F labeling without detriment to the product +/− cryopreservation. While the incorporation of the 19F tracer is not trivial, it is just one of the many steps that can aid in progression of a therapeutic to and though the clinic. Combining the MRI tracking capabilities, safety profiles, and clinical sensitivity of this method, this application demonstrates the ability of 19F MRI to be used in industrial scale applications to visualize the spatial fate of cellular therapeutics.
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12
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Rizzo S, Petrella F, Zucca I, Rinaldi E, Barbaglia A, Padelli F, Baggi F, Spaggiari L, Bellomi M, Bruzzone MG. In vitro labelling and detection of mesenchymal stromal cells: a comparison between magnetic resonance imaging of iron-labelled cells and magnetic resonance spectroscopy of fluorine-labelled cells. Eur Radiol Exp 2017; 1:6. [PMID: 29708157 PMCID: PMC5909334 DOI: 10.1186/s41747-017-0010-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Among the various stem cell populations used for cell therapy, adult mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) have emerged as a major new cell technology. These cells must be tracked after transplantation to monitor their migration within the body and quantify their accumulation at the target site. This study assessed whether rat bone marrow MSCs can be labelled with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles and perfluorocarbon (PFC) nanoemulsion formulations without altering cell viability and compared magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) results from iron-labelled and fluorine-labelled MSCs, respectively. Methods Of MSCs, 2 × 106 were labelled with Molday ION Rhodamine-B (MIRB) and 2 × 106 were labelled with Cell Sense. Cell viability was evaluated by trypan blue exclusion method. Labelled MSCs were divided into four samples containing increasing cell numbers (0.125 × 106, 0.25 × 106, 0.5 × 106, 1 × 106) and scanned on a 7T MRI: for MIRB-labelled cells, phantoms and cells negative control, T1, T2 and T2* maps were acquired; for Cell Sense labelled cells, phantoms and unlabelled cells, a 19F non-localised single-pulse MRS sequence was acquired. Results In total, 86.8% and 83.6% of MIRB-labelled cells and Cell Sense-labelled cells were viable, respectively. MIRB-labelled cells were visible in all samples with different cell numbers; pellets containing 0.5 × 106 and 1 × 106 of Cell Sense-labelled cells showed a detectable 19F signal. Conclusions Our data support the use of both types of contrast material (SPIO and PFC) for MSCs labelling, although further efforts should be dedicated to improve the efficiency of PFC labelling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Rizzo
- 1Department of Radiology, European Institute of Oncology, via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Petrella
- 2Department of Thoracic Surgery, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy.,5Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Festa del Perdono 7, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Ileana Zucca
- Scientific Department, Neurological Institute IRCCS "Carlo Besta", Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Rinaldi
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Neurological Institute IRCCS "Carlo Besta", Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Barbaglia
- Scientific Department, Neurological Institute IRCCS "Carlo Besta", Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Padelli
- Scientific Department, Neurological Institute IRCCS "Carlo Besta", Milan, Italy
| | - Fulvio Baggi
- Neuroimmunology and Neuromuscular Diseases Unit, Neurological Institute IRCCS "Carlo Besta", Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Spaggiari
- 2Department of Thoracic Surgery, European Institute of Oncology, Milan, Italy.,5Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Festa del Perdono 7, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Bellomi
- 1Department of Radiology, European Institute of Oncology, via Ripamonti 435, 20141 Milan, Italy.,5Department of Oncology and Hemato-Oncology, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Festa del Perdono 7, 20142 Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Bruzzone
- Department of Neuroradiology, Neurological Institute IRCCS "Carlo Besta", Milan, Italy
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13
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Gaudet JM, Hamilton AM, Chen Y, Fox MS, Foster PJ. Application of dual19F and iron cellular MRI agents to track the infiltration of immune cells to the site of a rejected stem cell transplant. Magn Reson Med 2016; 78:713-720. [DOI: 10.1002/mrm.26400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2016] [Revised: 08/07/2016] [Accepted: 08/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey M. Gaudet
- Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute; London Ontario Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario Canada
| | - Amanda M. Hamilton
- Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute; London Ontario Canada
| | - Yuanxin Chen
- Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute; London Ontario Canada
| | - Matthew S. Fox
- Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute; London Ontario Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario Canada
| | - Paula J. Foster
- Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute; London Ontario Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics; University of Western Ontario; London Ontario Canada
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14
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Fox MS, Gaudet JM, Foster PJ. Fluorine-19 MRI Contrast Agents for Cell Tracking and Lung Imaging. MAGNETIC RESONANCE INSIGHTS 2016; 8:53-67. [PMID: 27042089 PMCID: PMC4807887 DOI: 10.4137/mri.s23559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2015] [Revised: 01/24/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fluorine-19 (19F)-based contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging stand to revolutionize imaging-based research and clinical trials in several fields of medical intervention. First, their use in characterizing in vivo cell behavior may help bring cellular therapy closer to clinical acceptance. Second, their use in lung imaging provides novel noninvasive interrogation of the ventilated airspaces without the need for complicated, hard-to-distribute hardware. This article reviews the current state of 19F-based cell tracking and lung imaging using magnetic resonance imaging and describes the link between the methods across these fields and how they may mutually benefit from solutions to mutual problems encountered when imaging 19F-containing compounds, as well as hardware and software advancements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S Fox
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.; Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jeffrey M Gaudet
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.; Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Paula J Foster
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.; Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
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15
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Bouchlaka MN, Ludwig KD, Gordon JW, Kutz MP, Bednarz BP, Fain SB, Capitini CM. (19)F-MRI for monitoring human NK cells in vivo. Oncoimmunology 2016; 5:e1143996. [PMID: 27467963 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2016.1143996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2015] [Revised: 01/11/2016] [Accepted: 01/13/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The availability of clinical-grade cytokines and artificial antigen-presenting cells has accelerated interest in using natural killer (NK) cells as adoptive cellular therapy (ACT) for cancer. One of the technological shortcomings of translating therapies from animal models to clinical application is the inability to effectively and non-invasively track these cells after infusion in patients. We have optimized the nonradioactive isotope fluorine-19 ((19)F) as a means to label and track NK cells in preclinical models using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Human NK cells were expanded with interleukin (IL)-2 and labeled in vitro with increasing concentrations of (19)F. Doses as low as 2 mg/mL (19)F were detected by MRI. NK cell viability was only decreased at 8 mg/mL (19)F. No effects on NK cell cytotoxicity against K562 leukemia cells were observed with 2, 4 or 8 mg/mL (19)F. Higher doses of (19)F, 4 mg/mL and 8 mg/mL, led to an improved (19)F signal by MRI with 3 × 10(11) (19)F atoms per NK cell. The 4 mg/mL (19)F labeling had no effect on NK cell function via secretion of granzyme B or interferon gamma (IFNγ), compared to NK cells exposed to vehicle alone. (19)F-labeled NK cells were detectable immediately by MRI after intratumoral injection in NSG mice and up to day 8. When (19)F-labeled NK cells were injected subcutaneously, we observed a loss of signal through time at the site of injection suggesting NK cell migration to distant organs. The (19)F perfluorocarbon is a safe and effective reagent for monitoring the persistence and trafficking of NK cell infusions in vivo, and may have potential for developing novel imaging techniques to monitor ACT for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Myriam N Bouchlaka
- Department of Pediatrics, Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health , Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kai D Ludwig
- Department of Medical Physics, Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health , Madison, WI, USA
| | - Jeremy W Gordon
- Department of Medical Physics, Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health , Madison, WI, USA
| | - Matthew P Kutz
- Department of Pediatrics, Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health , Madison, WI, USA
| | - Bryan P Bednarz
- Department of Medical Physics, Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health , Madison, WI, USA
| | - Sean B Fain
- Department of Medical Physics, Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Radiology, Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Christian M Capitini
- Department of Pediatrics, Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health , Madison, WI, USA
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16
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Rose LC, Kadayakkara DK, Wang G, Bar-Shir A, Helfer BM, O'Hanlon CF, Kraitchman DL, Rodriguez RL, Bulte JWM. Fluorine-19 Labeling of Stromal Vascular Fraction Cells for Clinical Imaging Applications. Stem Cells Transl Med 2015; 4:1472-81. [PMID: 26511652 DOI: 10.5966/sctm.2015-0113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells are used clinically for various therapeutic targets. The location and persistence of engrafted SVF cells are important parameters for determining treatment failure versus success. We used the GID SVF-1 platform and a clinical protocol to harvest and label SVF cells with the fluorinated ((19)F) agent CS-1000 as part of a first-in-human phase I trial (clinicaltrials.gov identifier NCT02035085) to track SVF cells with magnetic resonance imaging during treatment of radiation-induced fibrosis in breast cancer patients. Flow cytometry revealed that SVF cells consisted of 25.0% ± 15.8% CD45+, 24.6% ± 12.5% CD34+, and 7.5% ± 3.3% CD31+ cells, with 2.1 ± 0.7 × 10⁵ cells per cubic centimeter of adipose tissue obtained. Fluorescent CS-1000 (CS-ATM DM Green) labeled 87.0% ± 13.5% of CD34+ progenitor cells compared with 47.8% ± 18.5% of hematopoietic CD45+ cells, with an average of 2.8 ± 2.0 × 10¹² ¹⁹F atoms per cell, determined using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. The vast majority (92.7% ± 5.0%) of CD31+ cells were also labeled, although most coexpressed CD34. Only 16% ± 22.3% of CD45-/CD31-/CD34- (triple-negative) cells were labeled with CS-ATM DM Green. After induction of cell death by either apoptosis or necrosis, >95% of ¹⁹F was released from the cells, indicating that fluorine retention can be used as a surrogate marker for cell survival. Labeled-SVF cells engrafted in a silicone breast phantom could be visualized with a clinical 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging scanner at a sensitivity of approximately 2 × 10⁶ cells at a depth of 5 mm. The current protocol can be used to image transplanted SVF cells at clinically relevant cell concentrations in patients. SIGNIFICANCE Stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cells harvested from adipose tissue offer great promise in regenerative medicine, but methods to track such cell therapies are needed to ensure correct administration and monitor survival. A clinical protocol was developed to harvest and label SVF cells with the fluorinated (¹⁹F) agent CS-1000, allowing cells to be tracked with (19)F magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Flow cytometry evaluation revealed heterogeneous ¹⁹F uptake in SVF cells, confirming the need for careful characterization. The proposed protocol resulted in sufficient ¹⁹F uptake to allow imaging using a clinical MRI scanner with point-of-care processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura C Rose
- Division of Magnetic Resonance Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Deepak K Kadayakkara
- Division of Magnetic Resonance Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Guan Wang
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Amnon Bar-Shir
- Division of Magnetic Resonance Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | - Dara L Kraitchman
- Division of Magnetic Resonance Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Jeff W M Bulte
- Division of Magnetic Resonance Research, Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA Department of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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17
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Duinhouwer LE, van Rossum BJM, van Tiel ST, van der Werf RM, Doeswijk GN, Haeck JC, Rombouts EWJC, ter Borg MND, Kotek G, Braakman E, Cornelissen JJ, Bernsen MR. Magnetic Resonance Detection of CD34+ Cells from Umbilical Cord Blood Using a 19F Label. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0138572. [PMID: 26394043 PMCID: PMC4578896 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0138572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 09/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Impaired homing and delayed recovery upon hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) with hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) derived from umbilical cord blood (UCB) is a major problem. Tracking transplanted cells in vivo will be helpful to detect impaired homing at an early stage and allows early interventions to improve engraftment and outcome after transplantation. In this study, we show sufficient intracellular labeling of UCB-derived CD34+ cells, with 19F-containing PLGA nanoparticles which were detectable with both flow cytometry and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). In addition, labeled CD34+ cells maintain their capacity to proliferate and differentiate, which is pivotal for successful engraftment after transplantation in vivo. These results set the stage for in vivo tracking experiments, through which the homing efficiency of transplanted cells can be studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucia E. Duinhouwer
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | | | - Sandra T. van Tiel
- Department of Radiology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ramon M. van der Werf
- Department of Radiology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Gabriela N. Doeswijk
- Department of Radiology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joost C. Haeck
- Department of Radiology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Gyula Kotek
- Department of Radiology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eric Braakman
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan J. Cornelissen
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Monique R. Bernsen
- Department of Radiology, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Erasmus University Medical Centre, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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18
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Balducci A, Wen Y, Zhang Y, Helfer BM, Hitchens TK, Meng WS, Wesa AK, Janjic JM. A novel probe for the non-invasive detection of tumor-associated inflammation. Oncoimmunology 2014; 2:e23034. [PMID: 23526711 PMCID: PMC3601170 DOI: 10.4161/onci.23034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel dual-mode contrast agent was formulated through the addition of an optical near infrared (NIR) probe to a perfluorocarbon (PFC)-based 19F magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agent, which labels inflammatory cells in situ. A single PFC-NIR imaging agent enables both a qualitative, rapid optical monitoring of an inflammatory state and a quantitative, detailed and tissue-depth independent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The feasibility of in vivo optical imaging of the inflammatory response was demonstrated in a subcutaneous murine breast carcinoma model. Ex vivo optical imaging was used to quantify the PFC-NIR signal in the tumor and organs, and results correlated well with quantitative 19F NMR analyses of intact tissues. 19F MRI was employed to construct a three-dimensional image of the cellular microenvironment at the tumor site. Flow cytometry of isolated tumor cells was used to identify the cellular localization of the PFC-NIR probe within the tumor microenvironment. Contrast is achieved through the labeling of host cells involved in the immune response, but not tumor cells. The major cellular reservoir of the imaging agent were tumor-infiltrating CD11b+ F4/80low Gr-1low cells, a cell subset sharing immunophenotypic features with myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). These cells are recruited to sites of inflammation and are implicated in immune evasion and tumor progression. This PFC-NIR contrast agent coupled to non-invasive, quantitative imaging techniques could serve as a valuable tool for evaluating novel anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Balducci
- Department of Research and Development; Celsense, Inc.; Pittsburgh, PA USA
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19
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Ribot EJ, Gaudet JM, Chen Y, Gilbert KM, Foster PJ. In vivo MR detection of fluorine-labeled human MSC using the bSSFP sequence. Int J Nanomedicine 2014; 9:1731-9. [PMID: 24748787 PMCID: PMC3986292 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s59127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are used to restore deteriorated cell environments. There is a need to specifically track these cells following transplantation in order to evaluate different methods of implantation, to follow their migration within the body, and to quantify their accumulation at the target. Cellular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) using fluorine-based nanoemulsions is a great means to detect these transplanted cells in vivo because of the high specificity for fluorine detection and the capability for precise quantification. This technique, however, has low sensitivity, necessitating improvement in MR sequences. To counteract this issue, the balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) imaging sequence can be of great interest due to the high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Furthermore, it can be applied to obtain 3D images within short acquisition times. In this paper, bSSFP provided accurate quantification of samples of the perfluorocarbon Cell Sense-labeled cells in vitro. Cell Sense was internalized by human MSC (hMSC) without adverse alterations in cell viability or differentiation into adipocytes/osteocytes. The bSSFP sequence was applied in vivo to track and quantify the signals from both Cell Sense-labeled and iron-labeled hMSC after intramuscular implantation. The fluorine signal was observed to decrease faster and more significantly than the volume of iron-associated voids, which points to the advantage of quantifying the fluorine signal and the complexity of quantifying signal loss due to iron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emeline J Ribot
- Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Jeffrey M Gaudet
- Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Yuhua Chen
- Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Kyle M Gilbert
- Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
| | - Paula J Foster
- Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
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20
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Boehm-Sturm P, Aswendt M, Minassian A, Michalk S, Mengler L, Adamczak J, Mezzanotte L, Löwik C, Hoehn M. A multi-modality platform to image stem cell graft survival in the naïve and stroke-damaged mouse brain. Biomaterials 2013; 35:2218-26. [PMID: 24355489 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2013.11.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Accepted: 11/27/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Neural stem cell implantations have been extensively investigated for treatment of brain diseases such as stroke. In order to follow the localization and functional status of cells after implantation noninvasive imaging is essential. Therefore, we developed a comprehensive multi-modality platform for in vivo imaging of graft localization, density, and survival using 19F magnetic resonance imaging in combination with bioluminescence imaging. We quantitatively analyzed cell graft survival over the first 4 weeks after transplantation in both healthy and stroke-damaged mouse brain and correlated our findings of graft vitality with the host innate immune response. The multi-modality imaging platform will help to improve cell therapy also in context other than stroke and to gain indispensable information for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Boehm-Sturm
- In-Vivo-NMR Laboratory, Max-Planck-Institute for Neurological Research in Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Markus Aswendt
- In-Vivo-NMR Laboratory, Max-Planck-Institute for Neurological Research in Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anuka Minassian
- In-Vivo-NMR Laboratory, Max-Planck-Institute for Neurological Research in Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Stefanie Michalk
- In-Vivo-NMR Laboratory, Max-Planck-Institute for Neurological Research in Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Luam Mengler
- In-Vivo-NMR Laboratory, Max-Planck-Institute for Neurological Research in Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Joanna Adamczak
- In-Vivo-NMR Laboratory, Max-Planck-Institute for Neurological Research in Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Laura Mezzanotte
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Clemens Löwik
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mathias Hoehn
- In-Vivo-NMR Laboratory, Max-Planck-Institute for Neurological Research in Cologne, Cologne, Germany; Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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21
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Ahrens ET, Zhong J. In vivo MRI cell tracking using perfluorocarbon probes and fluorine-19 detection. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2013; 26:860-71. [PMID: 23606473 PMCID: PMC3893103 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.2948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2012] [Revised: 01/29/2013] [Accepted: 02/21/2013] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
This article presents a brief review of preclinical in vivo cell-tracking methods and applications using perfluorocarbon (PFC) probes and fluorine-19 ((19) F) MRI detection. Detection of the (19) F signal offers high cell specificity and quantification ability in spin density-weighted MR images. We discuss the compositions of matter, methods and applications of PFC-based cell tracking using ex vivo and in situ PFC labeling in preclinical studies of inflammation and cellular therapeutics. We also address the potential applicability of (19) F cell tracking to clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric T Ahrens
- Department of Biological Sciences and Pittsburgh NMR Center for Biomedical Research, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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22
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Balducci A, Wen Y, Zhang Y, Helfer BM, Hitchens TK, Meng WS, Wesa AK, Janjic JM. A novel probe for the non-invasive detection of tumor-associated inflammation. Oncoimmunology 2013; 2:e23034. [PMID: 23526711 DOI: 10.4161/onci] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023] Open
Abstract
A novel dual-mode contrast agent was formulated through the addition of an optical near infrared (NIR) probe to a perfluorocarbon (PFC)-based 19F magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) agent, which labels inflammatory cells in situ. A single PFC-NIR imaging agent enables both a qualitative, rapid optical monitoring of an inflammatory state and a quantitative, detailed and tissue-depth independent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The feasibility of in vivo optical imaging of the inflammatory response was demonstrated in a subcutaneous murine breast carcinoma model. Ex vivo optical imaging was used to quantify the PFC-NIR signal in the tumor and organs, and results correlated well with quantitative 19F NMR analyses of intact tissues. 19F MRI was employed to construct a three-dimensional image of the cellular microenvironment at the tumor site. Flow cytometry of isolated tumor cells was used to identify the cellular localization of the PFC-NIR probe within the tumor microenvironment. Contrast is achieved through the labeling of host cells involved in the immune response, but not tumor cells. The major cellular reservoir of the imaging agent were tumor-infiltrating CD11b+ F4/80low Gr-1low cells, a cell subset sharing immunophenotypic features with myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). These cells are recruited to sites of inflammation and are implicated in immune evasion and tumor progression. This PFC-NIR contrast agent coupled to non-invasive, quantitative imaging techniques could serve as a valuable tool for evaluating novel anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Balducci
- Department of Research and Development; Celsense, Inc.; Pittsburgh, PA USA
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