A molecular imaging-based strategy was proposed for precise diagnosing the depression through specifically visualizing the inflammation status associated with depressed brain. The inflammation-targeting MRI nanoprobe that can specifically target the inflamed vascular endothelial cells was constructed through attaching the ICAM-1 targeting peptides on biocompatible Fe3O4 nanoparticle. Through nanoprobe-based SWI, the spatial distribution of inflammation in depressed brain can be mapped in vivo. This strategy not only facilitate insight into the biological mechanism underlying depression, but also provide a target within the depressed brain for the further development of anti-inflammatory therapies.
- Peisen Zhang
- Jiaoqiong Guan
- Yue Lan
