We have developed a model system of HIV reservoirs in neural cells by generating chimeric phosphorothioate-modified oligodeoxynucleotides (sODN) that specifically interact with neural cell DNA or RNA, and that further comprise a sequence of the HIV genome. In particular, we have conjugated the chimera sODN to a delivery vehicle (e.g. a superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPIO)) and have demonstrated specific delivery to neural cells, in vitro and in vivo. These model systems can be used to screen for agents that specifically target latent viral infection. In particular, using the model system, we have developed suicide MRI contrast agents that can be used to reduce the number of neural cells which harbor the virus, also provided herein. Our model system is translatable to other latent viruses as well.

The present disclosure is directed generally to gold/lanthanide nanoparticle conjugates, such as gold/gadolinium nanoparticle conjugates, nanoparticle conjugates including polymers, nanoparticle conjugates conjugated to targeting agents and therapeutic agents, and their use in targeting, treating, and/or imaging disease states in a patient.

Disclosed herein are complexes of gadolinium metal, ligand and meglumine that are substantially free of non-aqueous solvents. In particular, solvent-free complexes of 1) gadopentetate dimeglumine and 2) gadoterate meglumine are disclosed and methods of their preparation are disclosed. In addition, methods are disclosed for purifying reactants, monitoring and controlling pH, quantifying the free gadolinium content, quantifying the concentration of gadolinium-ligand complex in aqueous solution, and procedures for producing a drug product in one step. The one step process eliminates the need to dry the gadolinium-ligand complex, which is typically highly hygroscopic. The one step process includes purification steps that do not require the use of non-aqueous solvents.

The invention relates to the use of the monoclonal antibody NILO1 for the diagnosis, treatment and/or prevention of brain tumors and lesions. Particularly, the invention relates to methods for the diagnosis of brain tumors and brain lesions in which cells marked with said antibody, or with immunologically active fragments thereof, are detected. The invention also relates to the use of said monoclonal antibody, or immunologically active fragments thereof, as a medicament for the treatment and/or prevention of brain tumors and brain lesions. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the monoclonal antibody NILO1, or its immunologically active fragments, are humanized.

The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance structure with a cavity or a reserved space that provides contrast and the additional ability to frequency-shift the spectral signature of the NMR-susceptible nuclei such as water protons by a discrete and controllable characteristic frequency shift that is unique to each MRS design. The invention also relates to nearly uniform solid magnetic resonance T.sub.2* contrast agents that have a significantly higher magnetic moment compared to similarly-sized existing MRI contrast agents.

The present invention relates to a magnetic resonance structure with a cavity or a reserved space that provides contrast and the additional ability to frequency-shift the spectral signature of the NMR-susceptible nuclei such as water protons by a discrete and controllable characteristic frequency shift that is unique to each MRS design. The invention also relates to nearly uniform solid magnetic resonance T.sub.2* contrast agents that have a significantly higher magnetic moment compared to similarly-sized existing MRI contrast agents.

A non-pyrogenic preparation containing nanoparticles synthesized by magnetotactic bacteria for medical or cosmetic applications. The nanoparticles are constituted by a crystallized mineral central part including predominantly an iron oxide, as well as a surrounding coating without material from the magnetotactic bacteria.

This disclosure relates to nanoparticles comprising a surface molecule that binds or blocks PD-L1. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of using peptides or nanoparticles disclosed herein for the treatment of cancer. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to methods of using nanoparticles disclosed herein for therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

The present invention is directed towards new chemical entities based on a lipid-paramagnetic metal ion chelate. The lipid portion of the compound intercalates into the membrane of a liposome. The compounds of the invention find particular use as paramagnetic contrast media for magnetic resonance imaging. It has been surprisingly discovered that the liposomal contrast media do not substantially cross the placental barrier into the vasculature of the fetus(es) when administered to a pregnant subject. These novel compounds are useful in the diagnosis of disorders and diseases in both gravid and non-gravid subjects. The invention is also directed towards pharmaceutical compositions comprising these compounds and the uses of these compounds.

A real-time method to monitor and harvest stem cells is provided in the present invention. In particular, the present invention provides a real-time method to monitor and harvest neural stem cells. The present invention has applications in providing an individualized cell replacement therapy for patient in need thereof. More specifically, the present invention has applications in performing real-time monitoring and harvesting of neural stem cells using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).