Date of Award
2010
Degree Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Program
Anatomy and Cell Biology
Supervisor
Dr. Gregory A. Dekaban
Second Advisor
Dr. Lique Coolen
Third Advisor
Dr. Martin Sandig
Abstract
Dendritic cell (DC)-based cancer vaccines in clinical trials are promising, but their overall efficacy requires improvement. It is uncertain which DC subset, state of DC maturation/activation, and route of administration allow for optimum DC migration to lymph nodes (LNs) in vivo, thereby improving vaccine efficacy. A non-invasive imaging modality capable of tracking DC-based vaccine migration in patients would provide clinicians valuable information regarding these variables. A superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent was used to label bone marrow-derived DCs (BMDCs) for tracking their subsequent migration using cellular MRI in a mouse model. Data indicate SPIO mechanically impedes migration of labelled-BMDCs in vivo compared to control cells. Data also demonstrate MRI is a sensitive modality capable of detecting differences in BMDC migration to LNs. These studies provide important information regarding the application cellular MRI as a means to assess parameters of DC-based immunotherapeutics for improving their efficacy.
Recommended Citation
de Chickera, Sonali N., "Enhancing the maturation of dendritic cells and TRACKING THEIR SUBSEQUENT IN VIVO MIGRATION USING CELLULAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE IMAGING" (2010). Digitized Theses. 3880.
https://ir.lib.uwo.ca/digitizedtheses/3880