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Published on: January 7, 2019
Neopterin as a marker for immune system activation.
C Murr1, B Widner, B Wirleitner
1Institute of Medical Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Innsbruck, Austria.
Current Drug Metabolism
|May 11, 2002
Summary
Neopterin levels indicate cellular immune activation and oxidative stress. Measuring neopterin in body fluids aids in diagnosing infections, autoimmune diseases, and monitoring organ transplant recipients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Human monocytes/macrophages increase neopterin production when stimulated by interferon-gamma.
- Neopterin concentrations in body fluids reflect T helper cell 1-mediated immune activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the diagnostic and prognostic applications of neopterin measurements.
- To establish neopterin as a marker for both cellular immune activation and oxidative stress.
Main Methods:
- Measurement of neopterin concentrations in various body fluids (serum, cerebrospinal fluid, urine).
- Correlation of neopterin levels with different disease states and immune responses.
Main Results:
- Elevated neopterin is observed in viral infections (including HIV), bacterial/parasitic infections, autoimmune diseases, cancers, and allograft rejection.
- Neopterin levels correlate with disease progression and survival in certain conditions like cancer and HIV.
- Neopterin production is linked to increased reactive oxygen species and decreased antioxidant levels.
Conclusions:
- Neopterin measurement is a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring a wide range of immune-related conditions.
- Neopterin serves as a dual marker for cellular immune activation and oxidative stress.
- Neopterin screening in blood donations can enhance transfusion safety by detecting acute infections.
