IDEA #90552J Tools for the Molecular Imaging of Endometriosis. 24A0006

Key Words: Radioimmunoconjugate, molecular imaging, endometriosis, MMP26, PET imaging, near-infrared fluorescence imaging We propose the development of sensitive and specific immunoconjugates for both the PET imaging and near-infrared fluorescence imaging (NIRF) of endometriosis. To this end, an antibody targets the antigen MMP26 will be modified with either a radionuclide or fluorophore to create these imaging agents. For PET imaging, the anti-MMP26 antibody will be conjugated to a chelator (i.e. desferrioxamine, DFO) and subsequently radiolabeled with 89Zr to create a radiotracer that could be used for the non-invasive imaging of the condition. For intraoperative imaging, the anti-MMP26 antibody will be conjugated with a near-infrared fluorophore (NIRF) to facilitate fluorescence-guided surgery during the resection of endometrioid tissue.