Micro-PET imaging using ¹²⁴ I-anti-CD80-mAb for non-invasive monitoring of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques

Background: The primary cause of acute ischemic events in the cardiovascular system is the rupture of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques, which is followed by thrombus formation. Clinically, there are few effective methods for monitoring vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques. Given the significantly elevated expression of CD80 in vulnerable plaques, this study aims to monitor vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques by visualizing CD80. Methods: Western blot analysis was performed to compare CD80 expression levels in arteries with atherosclerotic plaques with those in normal arteries. 124 I-anti-CD80-mAb was prepared using the iodogen method, and its in vitro stability, affinity, and specificity were investigated. Biodistribution studies and micro-PET imaging were used to monitor the distribution of 124 I-anti-CD80-mAb in the atherosclerotic plaques (AS) animal model. Finally, absorbed dose predictions for adult males were simulated using OLINDA 1.1. Results: CD80 expression in vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques was significantly higher than that in normal arteries. Subsequently, 124 I-labeled anti-CD80 monoclonal antibody ( 124 I-anti-CD80-mAb) was prepared with a radiochemical yield of (68.97 ± 5.10) % and a radiochemical purity exceeding 99.00%. 124 I-anti-CD80-mAb exhibited excellent in vitro stability, with a radiochemical purity above 85% after 72 h of incubation. 124 I-anti-CD80-mAb also exhibited an excellent in vitro affinity of (2.14 ± 0.66) nmol/L. Most importantly, 124 I-anti-CD80-mAb PET imaging could visualize vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques in model mice. Finally, the organ dose and total body effective dose for an adult male were simulated. Conclusion: 124 I-anti-CD80-mAb showed potential for early detection of vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques.