Guest Editors
Dr. Maria Ricci
Email: maria.ricci28@gmail.com
Affiliation: Nuclear Medicine Unit, Cardarelli Hospital, 86100 Campobasso, Italy
Homepage:
Research Interests: nuclear Medicine, PET, Imaging in Rheumatology, radiopharmaceuticals, hybrid imaging, PET tracers, Inflammation imaging
Dr. Andrea Cimini
Email: andreacimini86@yahoo.it
Affiliation: Nuclear Medicine Unit, St. Salvatore Hospital, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
Homepage:
Research Interests: nuclear medicine, PET, radiopharmaceuticals, hybrid imaging, PET tracers, oncological imaging
Dr. Miriam Conte
Email: miriam.conte@uniroma1.it
Affiliation: Department of Radiological Sciences, Oncology and Anatomical Pathology, "Sapienza" University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
Homepage:
Research Interests: nuclear medicine, PET, radiopharmaceuticals, hybrid imaging, PET tracers, oncological imaging, theragnostic
Summary
Inflammation is a fundamental biological response that underlies a wide range of human diseases, including autoimmune disorders, cancer, neurodegeneration, and cardiovascular conditions. Recent advances in molecular imaging—such as PET, SPECT, and optical imaging—have opened new avenues for visualizing cellular and molecular events in vivo, enabling real-time, non-invasive monitoring of inflammatory processes. This special issue of BIOCELL seeks to bridge the disciplines of cell biology, molecular pathology, and imaging science, highlighting how cutting-edge imaging technologies can reveal previously inaccessible cellular mechanisms of inflammation.
Subtopics of Interest include but are not limited to:
1. Molecular Targets in Inflammation Imaging
Investigations into the cellular roles and imaging potential of inflammatory targets such as CXCR4, TSPO, IL-1R, and VLA-4, focusing on how these markers reflect underlying immune activation and signaling pathways.
2. Immune Cell Dynamics and Functional Imaging
Studies exploring the spatiotemporal behavior of immune cells (e.g., macrophages, T cells, neutrophils) during inflammation using molecular imaging tools, with an emphasis on mechanistic insights.
3. Mechanistic Imaging in Autoimmune and Chronic Inflammatory Disorders
Integration of molecular imaging with signal transduction research (e.g., NF-κB, NLRP3, JAK/STAT pathways) to elucidate the progression of diseases like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
4. Probe Development and Mechanistic Validation
Design and validation of novel imaging agents and probes, alongside in vitro and in vivo studies linking probe uptake to defined cellular responses and molecular pathways.
5. Multimodal and Quantitative Imaging Approaches
Application of PET/CT, PET/MRI, and advanced quantitative imaging strategies to uncover cellular mechanisms in inflammatory environments, both in preclinical models and translational studies.
6. Neuroinflammation and Tumor Microenvironment Imaging
Cellular-level imaging of inflammation in neurological disorders and cancers, with focus on the interplay between immune cells and diseased tissues, and their implications for therapy.
This special issue aims to foster an interdisciplinary dialogue that unites molecular imaging innovations with mechanistic cellular biology, providing deeper insights into the regulation, progression, and therapeutic targeting of inflammation. Submissions are encouraged that combine experimental imaging with rigorous biological interpretation, offering a platform for cross-disciplinary impact and translational relevance.
Keywords
inflammation imaging, molecular targets, immune cell dynamics, PET/CT, inflammatory signaling, molecular probes, cell biology, chronic inflammation
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