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bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.05.08.723851

Monocyte-Mimetic Nanoprobe Enables Longitudinal MRI of Atherosclerotic Inflammatory Dynamics

Rousseau, J.·Wang, T.-Y.·Wu, S.-P.·Beeman, S. C.·Wang, K.-C.
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Abstract

Noninvasive monitoring of plaque inflammatory dynamics remains an unmet need. We previously developed a monocyte-mimetic nanoprobe, termed MoNP-SPION, for MRI detection of atherosclerotic lesions. Here we demonstrate MoNP-SPION enables longitudinal tracking of plaque inflammatory status in a clinically relevant mouse model. Following 16 weeks of plaque induction, mice were maintained on high-fat diet or switched to chow for 6 weeks to model persistent versus resolving plaque inflammation. MoNP-SPION-enhanced MRI was performed at 3- and 6-weeks post-adjustment, and arterial tissue was collected for histological assessment. Mice maintained on high-fat diet exhibited persistent hypointense T2* signal at the carotid bifurcation and aortic root, whereas chow-transitioned mice showed progressive signal attenuation, consistent with histological evidence of reduced plaque burden and inflammation. These findings establish MoNP-SPION as an effective molecular MRI probe for longitudinal assessment of plaque inflammatory dynamics, supporting its potential for monitoring atherosclerosis progression and therapeutic response.

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Rousseau, J., Wang, T.-Y., Wu, S.-P., Beeman, S. C., Wang, K.-C.. 2026-05-13. Monocyte-Mimetic Nanoprobe Enables Longitudinal MRI of Atherosclerotic Inflammatory Dynamics. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.05.08.723851

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