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Project

Development of novel TCO probes for pretargeted intracellular PET imaging.

Radiolabeling of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is a powerful preclinical and clinical research tool that finds applications in diagnostic as well as in prognostic and therapeutic settings. Positron Emission Tomography (PET) differs from traditional imaging in that probes known as radiotracers carrying a radioisotope are used to visualize, characterize, and quantify biological processes in vivo. However, despite their attractive properties radiolabeled mAbs have a few important shortcomings. One of the most critical ones is their long circulation time in the body associated with low target to non-target ratios, thus requiring the use of long lived isotopes which yields high radiation dose to the patient. A solution for this problem is offered by pretargeting based on bioorthogonal chemistry. This allows in vivo imaging of the target with superior image contrast and reduced radiation doses. An additional challenge is that many mAbs are internalized upon binding to their target on the cell surface, before the pretargeting reaction. To overcome this issue, this project aims at developing a pretargeted intracellular PET imaging strategy. We will develop novel fluorinated trans-cyclooctene analogues (TCOs) and characterize their potential for pretargeted intracellular imaging using an innovative approach of "turn-on" FluoroBOT labeled mAbs. Finally, following optimization of radiochemistry, the 18F-TCO will be used in an in vivo imaging study.
Date:1 Oct 2018 →  31 Oct 2019
Keywords:MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
Disciplines:Chemical product design and formulation, Biomaterials engineering
Project type:Collaboration project