Method for determining lymphocyte distribution and trafficking in mammals using imaging

摘要

Methods for determining lymphocyte distribution and trafficking in a mammal are described. Either a labeled ligand capable of interacting specifically with the lymphocytes of the mammal is administered to the mammal so that the labeled ligand interacts in vivo with the lymphocytes, resulting in labeled lymphocytes, or, the labeled ligand is contacted with the lymphocytes in vitro so that the labeled ligand interacts with the lymphocytes resulting in labeled lymphocytes, and these labeled lymphocytes are administered to the mammal. The distribution or trafficking of the labeled lymphocytes in the mammal is determined by imaging. Methods for diagnosing the degree of progression of a disease in a mammal by determining the mammal's lymphocyte distribution or trafficking pattern, for monitoring the response to a therapy in mammal having a disease, for evaluating the ability of an agent to alter the distribution or trafficking of lymphocytes, and for identifying an agent useful for treating a mammal having a disease, are also described.