Creation of an Multimeric anti-p53 scTCR-SPIO Conjugate For The Detection of Cancer in MR

Background: The concept of targeted contrast agents can be readily adapted for use in applications such the specific and selective detection of cancer using MRI. Common implementations of this targeted approach have used targeting proteins specific to biomarkers overexpressed in certain cancers, conjugated to common contrast agents, such as superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIOs) nanoparticles or Gd-based constructions.1 A biomarker ideal for this application is p53, an intracellular tumor suppressor protein that is overexpressed in a wide range of human malignancies. Previously, we have isolated a T-cell receptor from a p53 (aa 264-272)specific high avidity CTL clone derived from HLA-A*0201 transgenic mice (sc264TCR). Thus, by coating SPIO nanoparticles with 264scTCR, we can selectively deliver SPIO nanoparticles to p53-expressing cells and probe their presence using MRI. A positive outcome could lead us to develop 264scTCR-based SPIO nanoparticles as a targeted generalized cancer contrast agent.