NCT05656105 · University of Alabama at Birmingham
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Imaging of Neuroinflammation in Patients With Neurological Dysfunction After Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV 2) Infection
What this study is about
This clinical imaging study will use the small molecule translocator protein (TSPO) ligand, Fluorodeoxyglucose(18F)-labeled DPA-714, to visualize and quantify neuroinflammation in individuals with post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) . The brain uptake of DPA-714 will be contrasted with healthy subjects.
View original scientific description
This clinical imaging study will use the small molecule translocator protein (TSPO) ligand, Fluorodeoxyglucose(18F)-labeled DPA-714, to visualize and quantify neuroinflammation in individuals with post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) . The brain uptake of DPA-714 will be contrasted with healthy subjects.
Interventions
DRUG
DPA-714 PET/MRI
DPA-714 PET/MRI
Primary outcome measures
Measurement of regional brain TSPO levels using PET in participants with neurological PASC and healthy volunteers
Time frame: Injection/scan date to clinical follow-up. (Usually within 6 weeks)
PET measures of TSPO binding in brain regions including cerebral cortex, thalami, and brainstem will be quantified in symptomatic study participants and healthy volunteers will be collected and compared between groups
Who can participate
This study lists these criteria on ClinicalTrials.gov. A study coordinator reviews eligibility during screening — this page does not determine whether you qualify.
Inclusion criteria
- 18 to 65 years of age
- Healthy volunteer OR Clinical diagnosis of post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC)
- High or mixed affinity binder for TSPO ligands based on genotyping for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs6971.
- PASC participants must have been previously infected with SARS-CoV-2. Their neurological symptoms must have been present for at least four weeks prior to the enrollment.
- Healthy control participants must have no neurological symptoms
Exclusion criteria
- Contraindication to MRI
- Individuals who are unable to participate in the imaging portion due to severity of their medical condition
- Chronic infectious disease (e.g. HIV, HCV)
- Viral or bacterial illness requiring medical attention and/or antibiotics within 1 month of study participation
- Diagnosis of cancer, including leukemia
- Blood or blood clotting disorder
- Except for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a diagnosis of autoimmune disease is exclusionary
- Positive urine β-hCG test day of procedure or a serum human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) test within 48 hours prior to the administration of \[18F\]DPA-714.11. 11Currently enrolled in a clinical trial utilizing experimental therapies. 12. Currently taking experimental therapies 13. Low affinity binder for TSPO ligands based on genotyping for SNP rs6971. The following exclusionary criteria apply only to PASC patients and healthy controls: 14\. Self-reported history of moderate or severe traumatic brain injury 15. Self-reported history of whiplash injury 16. Self-reported history of Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). (Individuals with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and no signs of inflammation will be allowed to participate.) 17. The following blood test results (at screening) will be exclusionary: 18. Rheumatoid Factor (RF) =\> 14 IntUnits/mL, 19. Anti-nuclear antibody (ANA) \> 1:80, 20. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) \> 60mm/hour, 21.High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) \> 10mg/L, 22. Complete blood count (CBC) results indicating acute infection, anemia, or other condition, 23. T3, T4, or thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels out of normal range, 24. Fasting glucose \> 100 mg/dL, 25. Blood chemistry results indicating organ damage or other serious medical condition 26. Use of illicit substances within the past 6 months 27. Self-reported diagnosis of Type I or Type II diabetes 28. Healthy controls must not regularly take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, analgesics (except aspirin), or sleep medication
Where
- Birmingham, Alabama
Related conditions & keywords
Frequently asked questions
What is a clinical trial?
A clinical trial is a research study that tests new medical treatments, drugs, devices, or procedures to determine their safety and effectiveness. Trials are carefully designed and monitored to protect participants while advancing medical knowledge.
Is it safe to participate?
Clinical trials follow strict safety guidelines and ethical standards. Trials must be reviewed and approved, and participants are closely monitored by medical professionals throughout the study. You can withdraw at any time if you choose.
Will I be compensated?
Many clinical trials offer compensation for your time, travel expenses, and inconvenience. The specific compensation varies by study and will be discussed during the screening process. All study-related medical care is typically provided at no cost to participants.
Will I receive a placebo instead of treatment?
When effective treatment exists, participants typically receive either the standard treatment plus the study intervention, or the standard treatment plus placebo. You would not be denied effective care. Placebos are primarily used when no proven treatment is available, or in addition to standard care. Your trial consent form will clearly explain what treatments you may receive.
Can I leave a trial if I change my mind?
Absolutely. Participation in clinical trials is completely voluntary. You have the right to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without penalty or loss of benefits to which you are otherwise entitled.
How long does a clinical trial last?
Trial duration varies widely depending on the study design and purpose. Some trials last just a few weeks, while others may continue for months or years. The study coordinator will provide specific timeline information during your screening call.
Data: ClinicalTrials.gov · synced Aug 12, 2026 · Source of record for eligibility and locations