In vivo [18F]FDG-PET/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and biodistribution was performed with C57BL/6 mice immunized with CpG or LPS. Cellular [18F]FDG-uptake assays were performed with B cells and T cells or with whole spleen cells after stimulation with CpG, LPS and anti-CD3/CD28. In vitro and in vivo activation of B and T cells was examined by concomitant FACS analysis to correlate immune cell activation with the strength of [18F]FDG accumulation.
We could show that TLR mediated activation of B cells increases [18F]FDG uptake, and that B cells show faster kinetics and greater effect than T cells stimulated by the CD3/CD28 pathway. In the whole spleen cell population the [18F]FDG signal was triggered mainly by the activation of B cells, corresponding closely to expression of typical stimulation markers. This finding could also been seen in vivo in [18F]FDG-PET/MRI, where the spleen was clearly visible after TLR stimulation and B cells showed upregulation of CD80 and CD86.
In vivo TLR stimulation can be visualized by increased [18F]FDG uptake in lymphoid organs. The signal generated in the spleen after immunization might be mainly attributed to the activation of B cells within.
Knowledge of the composition of cells that take up [18F]FDG during vaccination or in response to therapy may improve successful treatment of cancer patients in the future.