Imaging of fungal infections

Clinical Center

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Linked publications & trials

Abstract

We have been pursuing three main approaches to developing radiolabeled fungal specific ligands for in vivo diagnosis: 1. Evaluation of existing ligands: we have tested 18F-fluorodeoxysorbitol which has been described as an appropriate ligand for gram negative bacteria. We found that there was mild uptake by aspergillus species hwoever this was not high enough for accurate diagnosis. We are submitting our paper for publication. 2. Evaluation of radiolabeled sugars: we are currently evaluating two potential ligands: 18F-Cllobiose and Trehalose. Results pending. 3. Using radiolabeled antibodies and nanobodies specific for chitin and laminarin: we are currently evaluating a full antibody against fungal cell component laminarin. Although we found uptake in fungal infection, we also saw uptake of an isotype antibody to the same extent suggesting antibodies are too large and end up accumulating nonspecifically in areas of inflammation due to increased endothelial permeability. We are now planning on using smaller antibody fragments as well as single chain antibodies (nanobodies) to improve the specificity of targeting fungal infections.