Therapeutic and Diagnostic Probes

Abstract

The present invention provides compositions and methods of use of nanoparticle-based probes for in vivo imaging and therapy. The probes can be used to track diseased target cells by non-invasive imaging in the near-infrared range. Additionally, the probes can induce cell death of the target cells via photodynamic treatment.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A probe comprising a nanocarrier attached to both (1) an imaging agent and (2) a therapeutic agent, which is IRDYE700DX. 
     
     
         2 . The probe of  claim 1 , wherein said nanocarrier is selected from a group consisting of a virus-like particle, a nanoparticle, a liposome, a quantum dot, and a combination thereof. 
     
     
         3 . The probe of  claim 2 , wherein said nanoparticle is selected from the group consisting of a gold nanoparticle, a magnetic nanoparticle, a polymeric nanoparticle, a carbon nanotube, an inorganic nanoparticle, and a combination thereof. 
     
     
         4 . The probe of  claim 2 , wherein said virus-like particle comprises a L1 capsid protein, L2 capsid protein, or a combination thereof. 
     
     
         5 . The probe of  claim 1 , wherein said nanocarrier further comprises a targeting agent. 
     
     
         6 . The probe of  claim 5 , wherein said targeting agent is an antibody or fragment thereof, a nanobody, an Affibody®, a diabody, a minibody, an antigen, a ligand, a protein, a eptide, a nucleic acid or a small molecule. 
     
     
         7 . The probe of  claim 1 , wherein said therapeutic agent is attached to said nanocarrier via a first linker and wherein said imaging agent is attached to said nanocarrier via a second linker. 
     
     
         8 . The probe of  claim 1 , wherein said imaging agent is a cyanine dye. 
     
     
         9 . A method for detecting a target cell in an individual, said method comprising:
 (a) contacting said target cell with a probe comprising a nanocarrier attached to both (1) an imaging agent and (2) a therapeutic agent, which is IRDYE700DX, wherein the probe selectively associates with the said target cell; and   (b) detecting said imaging agent thereby providing an indication of the presence and/or location of said target cell in the individual.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said imaging agent is a cyanine dye. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said contacting comprises systemic administration to a subject, local administration to a tumor, or administration to a surgical site. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said target cell is a cell of a solid tumor. 
     
     
         13 . The method  claim 9 , further comprises exposing said therapeutic agent to a photoactivating light, thereby inducing apoptosis and/or necrosis of said target cell in the individual. 
     
     
         14 . A method for inducing cell death in a target cell in an individual, said method comprising:
 (a) contacting said target cell with a probe comprising a nanocarrier attached to both (1) an imaging agent and (2) a therapeutic agent, which is IRDYE700DX, wherein the probe selectively associates with said target cell; and   (b) exposing said therapeutic agent to a photoactivating light, thereby inducing apoptosis and/or necrosis of said target cell in the individual.   
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein said contacting comprises systemic administration to a subject, local administration to a tumor, or administration to a surgical site.