Inflammation is a part of the body’s response to harmful stimuli, such as damaged cells, irritants, and pathogens. It is characterized by vasodilation, accumulation of fluid, and the extravasation of immune cells (primarily leukocytes). As such, the detection and monitoring of localized inflammation is an important indicator of disease.
Magnetic nanoparticles can be loaded into a variety of cells (such as, monocytes and other leukocytes) and those cells tracked as they migrate and accumulate within the region of inflammation. The nanoparticles can also be directly injected, where they are captured by phagocytotic immune cells, which also home to the site of inflammation. Using Magnetic Particle Imaging, these regions of inflammation can be tracked for days to weeks.
Researchers can quantitate inflammatory regions, providing a measure of inflammatory burden. Using these techniques, a range of models where inflammatory response can be used for disease staging:
- Stroke and perfusion
- Tumor burden and malignancy
- Traumatic brain injury
- Infection
- Autoimmune disease (MS, Arthritis,..)
References:
- Chandrasekharan et al. A perspective on a rapid and radiation-free tracer imaging modality, magnetic particle imaging, with promise for clinical translation. Br J Radiol. 2018;91(1091): 20180326.
- Meola et al. Magnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) in Neurosurgery. World Neurosurgery. 2019;125: 261-270.
- Wu et al. A Review of Magnetic Particle Imaging and Perspectives on Neuroimaging. American Journal of Neuroradiology. 2019:40(2): 206-212.