Imaging dangerous fatty plaques using antibodies

The molecular imaging of oxidised LDL in atherosclerosis

Consultant cardiologist Dr Ramzi Khamis is developing a new way to image the content of fatty plaques that harden and narrow arteries, causing a condition called atherosclerosis. If these plaques rupture, a blood clot can form inside the arteries supplying the heart muscle, causing a heart attack. The plaques that rupture and cause heart attacks contain bad fats, called oxidised LDL. However, currently, we can’t tell which plaques contain large amounts of these fats. In this project, Dr Khamis aims to confirm that oxidised LDL is present in arteries using molecular optical imaging. He has already visualised oxidised LDL using a mouse antibody that tracks down and attaches to the oxidised LDL particle. The antibody is tagged with a glowing sensor so that it can be detected using a special catheter threaded inside the artery. Now Dr Khamis wants to move this technique towards the clinic by making a human version of this mouse antibody. He will also develop a way of testing the glowing antibody with ultrasound imaging. This research will reveal a new way to image the content of fatty plaques. The aim is to help doctors identify and treat unstable plaques that are most likely to break apart and cause a heart attack.