ABSTRACT
In vivo detection of specifi c cells implies the labeling of the cells with a physical agent locatable via imaging. Taking into account the sensitivity of scintigraphic methods, these should be the methods of choice, but their application is limited for exploration of the pancreas. Developments are oriented towards the utilization of nanoprobes detectable by MRI. Thus, a clinical study has recently
reported the possibility to detect using MRI macrophages (thanks to IONP labeling) which are involved insulitis in recent-onset T1D patients following. Certain limitations are linked to the iron-based nanoprobes, notably weak detection sensitivity and the absence of signal quantifi cation, which explains the development of other types of nanoprobes, notably gadolinium-based nanoprobes. The preclinical validation tests must verify several aspects, one very essential being that the functional properties of the labeled cells are not altered.
