Molecular Imaging of Macrophage Infiltration in Solid Cancers

DESCRIPTION (provided by applicant): Treatment of cancer accounts for an increasing level of healthcare expense although patient morbidity and mortality remain relatively high. Current methods for assessing the extent of immune cell infiltration into cancers require invasive biopsy procedures that cannot be done on the same tumor over time, thus precluding longitudinal tracking of immune responses in patients. In the current project, we propose to develop a novel molecular imaging probe for visualization ofmacrophage infiltration into tumors. Specifically, we aim to develop a microbubble contrast agent targeted to a molecular marker of MHCII positive macrophages, thought to be indicative of a tumor rejection response. In this Phase I proposal, we will use an anti-mouse MHC class II antibody as a targeting ligand. Antibodies will be conjugated to the surface of an ultrasound molecular imaging agent using proven biocompatible coupling chemistry. We will validate ligand conjugation and microbubble stabilit