Since the recent identification of a novel coronavirus from the pneumonia outbreak in Wuhan, China, now named as SARS-CoV-2, the virus has spread globally very rapidly. SARS-CoV-2 is closely related to SARS-CoV emerged in 2003. While there are many factors associated the virus transmission, the pattern of SARS-CoV-2 spread is distinctly different from that of SARS-CoV. Evidence shows that there is virus transmission before onset of symptoms in patients. Diagnosis of the virus infection is more difficult because the infection of SARS- CoV-2 may be in the lower respiratory track. This proposal takes advantage of our pioneered imaging platform and protein agents to rapid develop pMRI diagnostic imaging with strong translational potential in facilitating effective treatment to halt further chronic and pandemic lung disease progression. It is highly transformative and specifically address the call of proposal for Urgent Supplement using existing imaging modality and MRI and largely extended its capability. The developed MRI diagnostic imaging with its high resolution, non-radiative, and much improved sensitivity than current CT in clinical will significantly facilitate accurate detection of coronavirus infection in patient and control of Covid-19 and other SARS-like COV infections.
s Advanced development and validation of the multi-color capability of pMRI for simultaneous quantification of molecular biomarkers in lung fibrosis will allow for early detection of COVID19 infected lung disease with high accuracy.
