BIRMINGHAM, AL. – Researchers at the University of Alabama Medical Center have shown that radiolabeled versions of Riptide immune-modulating peptides can quantify immune responses in diabetes and cancer, potentially helping to drive treatment decisions.
Obesity is a chronic inflammatory condition associated with diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Over two-thirds of US adults are estimated to be overweight or obese, and the World Health Organization has declared both obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2D) as epidemic diseases.
T2D is also associated with specific ‘hyperglycemic’ types of cancer. In addition, among other cancer patients, the prognosis may be different if immune-system signals related to diabetes or obesity are also present. Accordingly, early detection of these signals is important, as this may allow for earlier identification of disease progress and better-targeted treatment.
The Medical Center team performed imaging on mice with induced Type 2 diabetes, and also with inoculation of breast cancer tumor cells. Radiolabeled RP832c was used to identify CD206+ macrophages, which are closely associated with cancer incidence and mortality. A panel of other radioisotopes was used to monitor other metrics, including glucose metabolism, T cell activation, and neuroinflammation.
Among these, RP832c identified both changes in immune balance and differences between tumor and control tissue, whereas several other metrics were less indicative. In particular, the radiolabeled RP832c identified highly significant increases in CD206+ cells in the muscle, heart, and adipose tissue of diabetic obese mice compared to controls.
Similarly, hyperglycemic (diabetes-related) tumors showed a significant increase in CD206+ macrophages, whereas other metrics showed no change.
Dr. Clayton Yates, Professor of Oncology at Johns Hopkins University and a study co-author, commented, ‘RP832c has shown efficacy as a therapeutic in a number of cancer models. In addition, it is extraordinarily specific to pathogenic macrophages. So, it is fascinating that this molecule can be radiolabeled in order to identify primary tumors and metastases which it can later be used to treat. This really holds out the potential for a genuine ‘theranostic’ approach: diagnosis and treatment with a single therapeutic.’
The paper, entitled ‘PET Imaging of Diabetes-induced Alterations in Metabolism and Immune Activation,’ is available at https://doi.org/10.107/s11307-025-02027-y
Riptide Bioscience, Inc., with laboratories in Vallejo, California, maintains an intensive program of research into peptide-based therapeutics. Contact: info@riptidebio.com
