GBCA-HDL (University of Georgia)

GBCA-HDL is an investigational nanoparticle-based contrast agent developed at the University of Georgia for the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of atherosclerotic plaques. The technology, led by researchers such as Dr. Shanta Dhar, involves synthetic high-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles that incorporate gadolinium-based contrast agents (such as Gd-DTPA-DMPE) into their lipid structure. These nanoparticles are designed to mimic natural HDL, allowing them to target macrophages within vulnerable, rupture-prone plaques through interactions with specific receptors, including scavenger receptor class B type 1 (SR-B1), ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), and ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 1 (ABCG1). By leveraging the natural biocompatibility and vascular targeting properties of HDL, the agent enhances the T1 MRI signal to enable early detection of vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis. Research has demonstrated that specific oxidation of the apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) component or the use of synthetic apoA-I mimetic peptides can significantly enhance macrophage uptake and plaque detection.

Other names

gadolinium-based contrast agent-high-density lipoproteinGd-HDLsynthetic HDL-gadolinium nanoparticlesGd-DTPA-DMPE-HDL