Evaluation of [¹⁸F]JNJ-CSF1R-1 as a PET Ligand for Microglial Activation

A novel CSF1R PET tracer for imaging microglia-driven neuroinflammation across preclinical models.

Publication Title: Evaluation of [18F]JNJ-CSF1R-1 as a Positron Emission Tomography Ligand Targeting Colony-Stimulating Factor 1 Receptor

Authors: Mani Salarian, Shuanglong Liu, Hsiu-ming Tsai, Shannon N. Leslie, Thomas Hayes, Su-tang Lo, Anna K. Szardenings, Wei Zhang, Gang Chen, Christine Sandiego, Lisa Wells, Dileep G. Nair, Hartmuth C. Kolb & Chunfang A. Xia

This research introduces [¹⁸F]JNJ-CSF1R-1, a high-affinity PET tracer designed to quantify CSF1R — a key biomarker of microglial activation. Through LPS and AppSAA knock-in mouse models and non-human primate imaging, the study demonstrates robust brain uptake, disease-relevant signal elevation, and strong correlation with CSF1R protein levels. These findings position the tracer as a promising tool for therapeutic monitoring, biomarker validation, and early-phase neuroinflammation studies.

Why Read this Publication:

• Provides first-in-class evidence for an 18F-labeled CSF1R tracer.
• Shows strong correlation with CSF1R expression and disease pathology.
• Demonstrates robust brain penetration and reversible kinetics.
• Enables quantification of microglial activation beyond TSPO-based tracers.
• Supports translational imaging strategies for anti-inflammatory therapies.

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