FIGHTing MS THROUGH RESEARCH
Pre-clinical application of radiolabeled VCAM1 targeted nanobodies as molecular imaging probe for accurate detection of disease extent in multiple sclerosis
Clinically, diagnosis of MS requires magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, standard MRI techniques do not detect the full extent of pathology in MS. The vascular endothelium of the brain has recently been identified as a key moderator in the maintenance of the brain microenvironment, by expressing cell adhesion molecules such as VCAM1 on the vascular endothelium. We developed a VCAM1 targeted, SPECT detectable, contrast agent, consisting of a nanobody labelled with a short-lived radio-isotope (99mTc). This study will determine if this anti-VCAM1-nanobody can be applied for early and more accurate disease detection in a well-established and clinically relevant EAE model of MS.