What is pk-11195?

PK-11195 is a synthetic compound that was originally developed as an anti-anxiety medication. It has since been found to bind specifically to the translocator protein (TSPO) found in the outer membrane of mitochondria in multiple cell types including the brain, and has been used as a specific marker of activation and/or damage of microglia in vivo. This makes it a valuable tool in research related to neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Additionally, PK-11195 has been studied as a potential therapeutic target for cancer, autoimmune disorders, and other diseases. However, its exact mechanism of action and clinical applications are still being investigated.