Evaluation of [99mTc]Radiolabeled Macrophage Mannose Receptor-Specific Nanobodies for Targeting of Atherosclerotic Lesions in Mice.

No significant uptake of MMR-specific Nb could be observed in atherosclerotic lesions of ApoE-/- mice in this study. A specific perivascular signal causing a non-negligible background level was demonstrated. This observation should be considered when using MMR as a target in molecular imaging of atherosclerosis, as well as use of translational animal models with vulnerable plaques.