Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are cell derived nanoformulations that allow to use genetic tools to engineer their features. Here, we show an MR imaging platform, which is based on genetically engineered magnetically labeled EVs, for mapping the binding of SARS-CoV-2 mimetics to the ACE2 receptor in vivo. The proposed imaging platform can help to better understand the mechanism and development of SARS-CoV-2 infection and in the delivery of proposed therapeutics. The presented principles can be further extended to study other viruses and viral mutations by engineering a tailored peptide on the EVs surface and thus study viral-induced pathologies by MRI.
This abstract and the presentation materials are available to members only; a login is required.