C Fink1, M Smith1, O C Sehl2, J M Gaudet2, T C Meagher3, N A Sheikh3, J D Dikeakos4, M J Rieder5, P J Foster2, G A Dekaban6. 1. Biotherapeutics Research Laboratory, Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada. 2. Imaging Research Laboratories, Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada. 3. Dendreon Corporation, Seattle, Washington 98102, USA. 4. Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada. 5. Biotherapeutics Research Laboratory, Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada; Department of Pediatrics, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada. 6. Biotherapeutics Research Laboratory, Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario N6A 5B7, Canada. Electronic address: dekaban@robarts.ca.
Abstract
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test fluorine-19 (19F) cellular magnetic resonance (MRI) as a non-invasive imaging modality to track therapeutic cell migration as a surrogate marker of immunotherapeutic effectiveness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Human peripheral blood mononuclear cell- (PBMC)-derived antigen presenting cell (APC) were labeled with a 19F-perfluorocarbon (PFC) and/or activated with granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Viability, phenotype and cell lineage characterization preceded 19F cellular MRI of PFC+ PBMC under both pre-clinical 9.4 Tesla (T) and clinical 3T conditions in a mouse model. RESULTS: A high proportion of PBMC incorporated PFC without affecting viability, phenotype or cell lineage composition. PFC+ PBMC were in vivo migration-competent to draining and downstream lymph nodes. GM-CSF addition to culture increased PBMC migration to, and persistence within, secondary lymphoid organs. CONCLUSION: 19F cellular MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique capable of detecting and quantifying in vivo cell migration in conjunction with an established APC-based immunotherapy model. 19F cellular MRI can function as a surrogate marker for assessing and improving upon the therapeutic benefit that this immunotherapy provides.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to test fluorine-19 (19F) cellular magnetic resonance (MRI) as a non-invasive imaging modality to track therapeutic cell migration as a surrogate marker of immunotherapeutic effectiveness. MATERIALS AND METHODS:Human peripheral blood mononuclear cell- (PBMC)-derived antigen presenting cell (APC) were labeled with a 19F-perfluorocarbon (PFC) and/or activated with granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). Viability, phenotype and cell lineage characterization preceded 19F cellular MRI of PFC+ PBMC under both pre-clinical 9.4 Tesla (T) and clinical 3T conditions in a mouse model. RESULTS: A high proportion of PBMC incorporated PFC without affecting viability, phenotype or cell lineage composition. PFC+ PBMC were in vivo migration-competent to draining and downstream lymph nodes. GM-CSF addition to culture increased PBMC migration to, and persistence within, secondary lymphoid organs. CONCLUSION: 19F cellular MRI is a non-invasive imaging technique capable of detecting and quantifying in vivo cell migration in conjunction with an established APC-based immunotherapy model. 19F cellular MRI can function as a surrogate marker for assessing and improving upon the therapeutic benefit that this immunotherapy provides.