Methods for ultrasensitive and quantitative multimodal molecular imaging of vascular inflammation

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Neurodegenerative diseases and dementia affect almost 40% of Canadians aged 65 and above, and over 900,000 Canadians (65% women) could be living with a form of dementia by 2030. Inflammation is as a major contributor to neurodegenerative diseases but gaining information on inflammation in vivo is difficult. The overall goal of the proposed research program is to design, characterize and validate novel imaging agents and methods for the ultrasensitive detection and quantification of cerebrovascular inflammation. These agents will include micron-sized particles of iron oxide as well as immunoliposomes that can specifically target inflamed brain vasculature and be detected by magnetic resonance imaging. The program is divided into two short-term goals. The first goal is to prepare, optimize and test the new agents in relevant cell lines and in small animal models. The second goal is to develop methodologies to enable quantitation of these agents in vivo by imaging. For the larger community, improving inflammation-targeted agents will reduce the cost and variability of these agents. Their in vivo quantification would help understand much better the role of inflammation in several diseases. Finally, success of our program could enable the transfer of the technologies developed herein towards clinical use, including for monitoring therapeutic interventions/delivery using imaging. The program will train graduate students in a highly competitive imaging centre with an history of clinical translation of imaging agents. Beyond the rigorous work and science ethics that they will acquire, trainees will develop their creativity in a truly interdisciplinary environment actively promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.