Insights into Peptidoglycan-Targeting Radiotracers for Imaging Bacterial Infections: Updates, Challenges, and Future Perspectives

Abstract

The unique structural architecture of the peptidoglycan allows for the stratification of bacteria as either Gram-negative or Gram-positive, which makes bacterial cells distinguishable from mammalian cells. This classification has received attention as a potential target for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Bacteria's ability to metabolically integrate peptidoglycan precursors during cell wall biosynthesis and recycling offers an opportunity to target and image pathogens in their biological state. This Review explores the peptidoglycan biosynthesis for bacteria-specific targeting for infection imaging. Current and potential radiolabeled peptidoglycan precursors for bacterial infection imaging, their development status, and their performance in vitro and/or in vivo are highlighted. We conclude by providing our thoughts on how to shape this area of research for future clinical translation.

Preparation of a Zirconium-89 Labeled Clickable DOTA Complex and Its Antibody Conjugate

“…The functional insights acquired via PET imaging enable an earlier diagnosis and clear characterization of the disease state, which is crucial for providing a reliable prognosis and guiding effective therapeutic strategies [ 1 ]. Many radiolabeled peptides and protein-based drugs have been developed for diagnosis and therapy [ 1 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 ]. Gallium-68 and fluorine-18 are commonly used PET radionuclides for the production of low-molecular-weight tracers; however, large-molecular-weight proteins and antibodies require longer-lived radionuclides due to their slower in vivo pharmacokinetics and long blood pool residence time.…”