Abstract #0156

Using Magnetization Transfer Contrast as a Surrogate Marker for the Occurrence of a Foreign Body Reaction in Hydrogel-Based Cell Therapy

Kannie W.Y. Chan¹,², Guanshu Liu¹,³, Peter C.M. van Zijl¹,³, Jeff W.M. Bulte,²⁴, Michael T. McMahon¹,³

¹Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; ²Cellular Imaging Section and Vascular Biology Program, Institute for Cell Engineering, Baltimore, MD, United States; ³F.M. Kirby Research Center for Functional Brain Imaging, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, United States; ⁴Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States

Hydrogels are used to enhance cell transplantation therapies by providing immunoprotection and physical support. A non-invasive imaging technique that allows monitoring of successful engraftment and lack of fibrosis is needed. In particular at an early stage where cell infiltration is commonly found, imaging is necessary to assess if adjustments are required to enhance cell survival. Here, we are interested in monitoring if cell infiltration is occurring in the region of the transplanted hydrogels using magnetization transfer imaging. We found that the MTR values increased with cell infiltration, which can be used as a surrogate marker for the occurrence of FBR.