Method of detecting eosinophil degranulation in the respiratory tract
Inventors
Pease, Leonard F. • Saffari, Hedieh • Gleich, Gerald J. • Leiferman, Kristin M. • Peterson, Kathryn A. • Condie, Russell Morris
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Assignees
University of Utah Research Foundation Inc
Member
University of UtahThe University of Utah (UU) is a leading research institution recognized for its research activity and commitment to innovation and discovery. As an R1 Institution, it is dedicated to advancing knowledge and solving critical problems that challenge our national security interests and impact the global community.
We foster interdisciplinary collaboration and provide resources to drive transformative research focused on enhancing medical care superiority for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) through advanced medical and engineering research sponsored by our Applied Medical & Engineering Laboratory (AM&E Lab).
As a leading public university, UU also provides healthcare services to seven states in the Intermountain West, with the largest catchment of remote and austere frontier territory for any academic center. Leveraging its geographic advantage, technological and commercialization strengths, expertise in medical services, and leading-edge, core engineering competencies, UU is uniquely positioned to address the nation's critical national security interests.
The University of Utah (UU) is a leading research institution recognized for its research activity and commitment to innovation and discovery. As an R1 Institution, it is dedicated to advancing knowledge and solving critical problems that challenge our national security interests and impact the global community. We foster interdisciplinary collaboration and provide resources to drive transformative research focused on enhancing medical care superiority for the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) through advanced medical and engineering research sponsored by our Applied Medical & Engineering Laboratory (AM&E Lab). As a leading public university, UU also provides healthcare services to seven states in the Intermountain West, with the largest catchment of remote and austere frontier territory for any academic center. Leveraging its geographic advantage, technological and commercialization strengths, expertise in medical services, and leading-edge, core engineering competencies, UU is uniquely positioned to address the nation's critical national security interests.
Publication Number
US-11684681-B2
Publication Date
2023-06-27
Expiration Date
2033-05-17
Abstract
Disclosed are methods of detecting eosinophil degranulation in the respiratory tract of subjects. Also, disclosed are methods of producing medical images of the respiratory tract of subjects. The method can include administering radiolabeled heparin to the respiratory tract of subjects, wherein the radiolabeled heparin binds to one or more eosinophil granule protein in the mucosal tissue of the respiratory tract.
Core Innovation
The invention discloses methods for detecting eosinophil degranulation in the respiratory tract by administering radiolabeled heparin, which binds to eosinophil granule proteins present in the mucosal tissue of affected passages. The method utilizes the formation of radiolabeled heparin/eosinophil granule protein complexes, which can be subsequently detected using imaging modalities such as single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), positron emission tomography (PET), computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
The disclosed technology addresses the problem of inadequacies in current diagnostic techniques for diseases such as eosinophilic esophagitis, which are characterized by patchy and uneven distribution of inflammation and rely on invasive, low-sensitivity biopsy procedures. Traditional endoscopy and biopsy can provide only limited assessment due to the patchy nature of the disease and the small proportion of tissue sampled, making diagnosis and monitoring difficult, costly, and uncomfortable for patients.
By using radiolabeled heparin that selectively binds to eosinophil granule proteins deposited in mucosal tissue following eosinophil degranulation, the invention enables non-invasive, comprehensive mapping and imaging of inflammation. This facilitates improved diagnosis, monitoring, and tracking of eosinophilic diseases by visually identifying areas of eosinophil granule protein deposition, even where intact eosinophils are not observable by traditional histological examination.
Claims Coverage
There are two independent claims described in the patent, each centering on a method involving radiolabeled heparin and detection of eosinophil activity in the respiratory tract.
Method of detecting eosinophil degranulation in a respiratory tract passage
This feature comprises administering radiolabeled heparin to a respiratory tract passage of a subject, wherein the radiolabeled heparin binds to one or more eosinophil granule proteins in the mucosal tissue of the respiratory tract passage. Detection of the radiolabeled heparin in the mucosal tissue is performed using one or more of the following imaging techniques: - Single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) - Positron emission tomography (PET) - Conventional or computed tomography (CT) - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) - Combinations of the above The detection of radiolabeled heparin in the mucosal tissue is indicative of eosinophil degranulation in the respiratory tract passage.
Method of producing a medical image of a respiratory tract passage
This feature involves administering radiolabeled heparin to a respiratory tract passage of a subject so that the heparin binds to eosinophil granule proteins in the mucosal tissue. Detection of the radiolabeled heparin, by one of SPECT, PET, CT, MRI, or a combination of these modalities, thereby produces a medical image of the respiratory tract passage of the subject.
The inventive features of the patent are focused on the administration of radiolabeled heparin to bind eosinophil granule proteins and the detection of these complexes by advanced imaging modalities, thereby either detecting eosinophil degranulation or producing a medical image of the respiratory tract passage as an indicator of eosinophil activity.
Stated Advantages
The method provides a non-invasive and comprehensive technique for diagnosing and monitoring eosinophil degranulation-associated diseases, which can decrease patient suffering and cost while increasing compliance.
The technology enables direct imaging and mapping of eosinophil granule protein deposition and inflammation, overcoming the low sensitivity of traditional biopsy-based detection in patchy diseases.
Diagnosis can be achieved even in the absence of morphologically intact eosinophils, as the method detects protein deposition rather than relying solely on cellular presence.
Documented Applications
Detection of eosinophil degranulation in the respiratory tract passages, including the nose, sinus, lung, and bronchus.
Producing medical images of respiratory tract passages to assess and map the distribution of eosinophil granule proteins.
Diagnosis and monitoring of eosinophilic esophagitis and other eosinophilic diseases in subjects.
Assessing changes in eosinophilic disease activity by comparison of medical images before and after treatment.
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