[¹⁸F]AlF-NOTA-PCP2: a novel PET/CT tracer for enhanced PD-L1 heterogeneity imaging and comparative analysis with [¹⁸F]AlF-NOTA-WL12 in glioblastoma xenografts

The unsatisfactory efficacy of PD-L1 antibodies in glioblastoma (GBM) is largely due to the temporal and spatial heterogeneity of PD-L1 expression. Molecular imaging can enhance understanding of the tumor immune microenvironment and guide immunotherapy. However, highly sensitive imaging agents capable of effectively visualizing PD-L1 heterogeneity are limited. This study introduces a novel PET tracer, offering improved imaging of PD-L1 heterogeneity in GBM xenografts, with a comparative analysis to [¹⁸F]AlF-NOTA-WL12.

[¹⁸F]AlF-NOTA-PCP2 was synthesized with high purity and its affinity for PD-L1 was characterized using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and cell binding assays. Its specificity for PD-L1 was evaluated both in vitro using various cell lines and in vivo with GBM xenograft models in NOD/SCID mice. PET/CT imaging was conducted to evaluate the tracer’s biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and ability to quantify tumoral spatial heterogeneity of PD-L1 expression. A focused comparative analysis between [¹⁸F]AlF-NOTA-PCP2 and [¹⁸F]AlF-NOTA-WL12 was conducted, examining binding affinity, biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, and imaging effectiveness in GBM xenografts. Additionally, human radiation dosimetry estimates compared the safety profiles of both tracers.

[¹⁸F]AlF-NOTA-PCP2 demonstrated high radiochemical purity (> 95%) and a strong affinity for PD-L1, comparable to [¹⁸F]AlF-NOTA-WL12. In vitro and in vivo studies confirmed its specificity for PD-L1, with increased uptake in PD-L1 expressing cells and tumors. Toxicological profiles indicated no significant abnormalities in serum biochemical indicators or major organ tissues. MicroPET/CT imaging showed [¹⁸F]AlF-NOTA-PCP2’s effectiveness in visualizing PD-L1 expression levels and spatial heterogeneity in GBM xenografts. Comparative studies revealed [¹⁸F]AlF-NOTA-PCP2’s improved pharmacokinetic properties, including higher tumor-to-blood ratios and lower nonspecific liver uptake, as well as reduced radiation exposure compared to [¹⁸F]AlF-NOTA-WL12.

[¹⁸F]AlF-NOTA-PCP2 distinguishes itself as an exceptionally sensitive PET/CT tracer, adept at non-invasively and accurately quantifying PD-L1 expression and its spatial heterogeneity in tumors, especially in GBM. Its favorable pharmacokinetic properties, safety profile, and high affinity for PD-L1 highlight its potential for enhancing the precision of cancer immunotherapy and guiding individualized treatment strategies. While promising, its clinical translation, especially in brain imaging, necessitates further validation in clinical trials.