biostudies-literatureDetering LNIDDK NIH HHSNational Heart, Lung, and Blood InstituteNHLBI NIH HHSNational Science Foundation1386-1396https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC8737066biostudies-literatureUnknown18(3)Chemokines and chemokine receptors play an important role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis by mediating the trafficking of inflammatory cells. Chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) has major implications in promoting the development of plaques to advanced stage and related vulnerability. CCR5 antagonist has demonstrated the effective inhibition of atherosclerotic progression in mice, making it a potential biomarker for atherosclerosis management. To accurately determine CCR5 <i>in vivo</i>, we synthesized CCR5 targeted Comb nanoparticles through a modular design and construction strategy with control over the physiochemical properties and functionalization of CCR5 targeting peptide d-Ala-peptide T-amide (DAPTA-Comb). <i>In vivo</i> pharmacokinetic evaluation through ⁶⁴Cu radiolabeling showed extended blood circulation of ⁶⁴Cu-DAPTA-Combs conjugated with 10%, 25%, and 40% DAPTA. The different organ distribution profiles of the three nanoparticles demonstrated the effect of DAPTA on not only physicochemical properties but also targeting efficiency. <i>In vivo</i> positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging in an apolipoprotein E knockout mouse atherosclerosis model (ApoE^-/-) showed that the three ⁶⁴Cu-DAPTA-Combs could sensitively and specifically detect CCR5 along the progression of atherosclerotic lesions. In an ApoE-encoding adenoviral vector (AAV) induced plaque regression ApoE^-/- mouse model, decreased monocyte recruitment, CD68+ macrophages, CCR5 expression, and plaque size were all associated with reduced PET signals, which not only further confirmed the targeting efficiency of ⁶⁴Cu-DAPTA-Combs but also highlighted the potential of these targeted nanoparticles for atherosclerosis imaging. Moreover, the up-regulation of CCR5 and colocalization with CD68+ macrophages in the necrotic core of <i>ex vivo</i> human plaque specimens warrant further investigation for atherosclerosis prognosis.Molecular pharmaceuticsCC Chemokine Receptor 5 Targeted Nanoparticles Imaging the Progression and Regression of Atherosclerosis Using Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography.PMC8737066DMR-17202561R35HL145212R01 HL125655R00 HL138163R01HL138163R35 HL145212P30 DK056341Williams JWRandolph GJHeo GSGropler RJElvington ADetering LSultan DAbdilla ALiu YLuehmann HPWoodard PKHawker CJHuang LHfalseCC Chemokine Receptor 5 Targeted Nanoparticles Imaging the Progression and Regression of Atherosclerosis Using Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography.Chemokines and chemokine receptors play an important role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis by mediating the trafficking of inflammatory cells. Chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) has major implications in promoting the development of plaques to advanced stage and related vulnerability. CCR5 antagonist has demonstrated the effective inhibition of atherosclerotic progression in mice, making it a potential biomarker for atherosclerosis management. To accurately determine CCR5 <i>in vivo</i>, we synthesized CCR5 targeted Comb nanoparticles through a modular design and construction strategy with control over the physiochemical properties and functionalization of CCR5 targeting peptide d-Ala-peptide T-amide (DAPTA-Comb). <i>In vivo</i> pharmacokinetic evaluation through ⁶⁴Cu radiolabeling showed extended blood circulation of ⁶⁴Cu-DAPTA-Combs conjugated with 10%, 25%, and 40% DAPTA. The different organ distribution profiles of the three nanoparticles demonstrated the effect of DAPTA on not only physicochemical properties but also targeting efficiency. <i>In vivo</i> positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging in an apolipoprotein E knockout mouse atherosclerosis model (ApoE^-/-) showed that the three ⁶⁴Cu-DAPTA-Combs could sensitively and specifically detect CCR5 along the progression of atherosclerotic lesions. In an ApoE-encoding adenoviral vector (AAV) induced plaque regression ApoE^-/- mouse model, decreased monocyte recruitment, CD68+ macrophages, CCR5 expression, and plaque size were all associated with reduced PET signals, which not only further confirmed the targeting efficiency of ⁶⁴Cu-DAPTA-Combs but also highlighted the potential of these targeted nanoparticles for atherosclerosis imaging. Moreover, the up-regulation of CCR5 and colocalization with CD68+ macrophages in the necrotic core of <i>ex vivo</i> human plaque specimens warrant further investigation for atherosclerosis prognosis.2021-01-01T00:00:00Z2021 Mar2025-04-04T08:41:22.687Z2025-04-04T08:41:22.687ZS-EPMC87370663359118710.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.0c01183