Therapeutic and Diagnostic Probes
The present invention provides compositions and methods of use of nanoparticle-based probes for in vivo imaging and therapy. The probes can be used to track diseased target cells by non-invasive imaging in the near-infrared range. Additionally, the probes can induce cell death of the target cells via photodynamic treatment.
1 . A probe comprising a nanocarrier attached to both (1) an imaging agent and (2) a therapeutic agent, which is IRDYE700DX.
2 . The probe of claim 1 , wherein said nanocarrier is selected from a group consisting of a virus-like particle, a nanoparticle, a liposome, a quantum dot, and a combination thereof.
3 . The probe of claim 2 , wherein said nanoparticle is selected from the group consisting of a gold nanoparticle, a magnetic nanoparticle, a polymeric nanoparticle, a carbon nanotube, an inorganic nanoparticle, and a combination thereof.
4 . The probe of claim 2 , wherein said virus-like particle comprises a L1 capsid protein, L2 capsid protein, or a combination thereof.
5 . The probe of claim 1 , wherein said nanocarrier further comprises a targeting agent.
6 . The probe of claim 5 , wherein said targeting agent is an antibody or fragment thereof, a nanobody, an Affibody®, a diabody, a minibody, an antigen, a ligand, a protein, a eptide, a nucleic acid or a small molecule.
7 . The probe of claim 1 , wherein said therapeutic agent is attached to said nanocarrier via a first linker and wherein said imaging agent is attached to said nanocarrier via a second linker.
8 . The probe of claim 1 , wherein said imaging agent is a cyanine dye.
9 . A method for detecting a target cell in an individual, said method comprising:
(a) contacting said target cell with a probe comprising a nanocarrier attached to both (1) an imaging agent and (2) a therapeutic agent, which is IRDYE700DX, wherein the probe selectively associates with the said target cell; and
(b) detecting said imaging agent thereby providing an indication of the presence and/or location of said target cell in the individual.
10 . The method of claim 9 , wherein said imaging agent is a cyanine dye.
11 . The method of claim 9 , wherein said contacting comprises systemic administration to a subject, local administration to a tumor, or administration to a surgical site.
12 . The method of claim 9 , wherein said target cell is a cell of a solid tumor.
13 . The method claim 9 , further comprises exposing said therapeutic agent to a photoactivating light, thereby inducing apoptosis and/or necrosis of said target cell in the individual.
14 . A method for inducing cell death in a target cell in an individual, said method comprising:
(a) contacting said target cell with a probe comprising a nanocarrier attached to both (1) an imaging agent and (2) a therapeutic agent, which is IRDYE700DX, wherein the probe selectively associates with said target cell; and
(b) exposing said therapeutic agent to a photoactivating light, thereby inducing apoptosis and/or necrosis of said target cell in the individual.
15 . The method of claim 14 , wherein said contacting comprises systemic administration to a subject, local administration to a tumor, or administration to a surgical site.