Non-invasive detection of complement-mediated inflammation using CR2-targeted nanoparticles
Methods of non-invasive imaging of complement-mediated inflammation are provided. Compositions including CR-targeted ultrasmall superparamagnetic nanoparticles or aggregates thereof for use with those methods are also provided.
1. A composition for detecting complement-mediated inflammation in an individual, the composition comprising an effective amount of CR2-targeted ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (“USPIO”) nanoparticles or aggregates thereof, wherein the USPIO nanoparticles or aggregates thereof are coated with dextran or encapsulated with phospholipid and further comprise a targeting moiety comprising a fusion protein comprising an antibody Fc region or fragment thereof fused to CR2 or a biologically-active fragment thereof which comprises SCR 1 and SCR 2 of CR2.
2. The composition of claim 1 , wherein the individual is a mammal.
3. The composition of claim 2 , wherein the mammal is a human, mouse, or rat.
4. The composition of claim 1 , wherein said USPIO nanoparticles or aggregates thereof further comprise a plurality of said fusion proteins.
5. The composition of claim 1 , wherein said fusion protein is covalently attached to said USPIO nanoparticle or aggregate thereof.
6. The composition of claim 1 , wherein said USPIO nanoparticles or aggregates thereof are encapsulated with phospholipid.
7. The composition of claim 6 , where said fusion protein is attached to said phospholipid via an amide linkage.