There is a compelling need for a noninvasive imaging approach to measure S1P1 in both
preclinical models of diseases and humans. PET measures of S1P1 expression is critical for
elucidating the pathophysiological roles of S1P1 in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.
The relevance of S1P1 in clinical disease has become readily apparent with the FDA approval
of the S1P1 modulator FTY720 (fingolimod) for treating relapsing-remitting MS (RR-MS). MS is
a chronic autoimmune, inflammatory disease caused by lymphocytic infiltration that leads to
demyelinating neurodegenerative disease.
The primary objective of the initial IND study is to determine the safety of the [11C]-CS1P1
for PET imaging of S1P1 expression. The investigators will first complete whole-body PET
dosimetry studies in healthy adult normal volunteers to calculate the actual radiation dose
of each human organ and determine the allowable dose for a human subject when receiving a
single dose for a PET scan. Second, complete imaging of the brain and lymph nodes of the neck
in a wide range of ages of healthy adult normal control participants, both male and females
to characterize [11C]-CS1P1 uptake in the brain and radiolabeled metabolite will be
completed. Finally, a comparison of the normal control participants to patients with multiple
sclerosis (MS) will be completed.