Joshua Thurman, MD

Non-Invasive Detection of Tissue Inflammation Using Molecular Imaging

This project proposes to develop a targeted molecular imaging probe for the non-invasive detection of tissue inflammation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and other autoimmune diseases. The current diagnosis of lupus nephritis and other autoimmune diseases of the kidney requires invasive kidney biopsies, which have limitations and risks. The researchers aim to create a positron emission tomography (PET)-based imaging tool to assess inflammation in the kidneys and other parts of the body without the need for biopsies. This diagnostic method will be valuable for monitoring disease in SLE patients and guiding the use of new complement inhibitory drugs in various autoimmune diseases. The team consists of experienced investigators with expertise in inflammatory diseases and monoclonal antibody engineering, well-positioned to develop a humanized probe to detect tissue-bound C3d with high sensitivity and specificity. Collaborators: Felix Poppelaars, MD, PhD, Michael Holers, MD, Catherine Foss, PhD and Martin Pomper, MD

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