Brain diseases and tumorigenesis: The good and bad cops of pentraxin3

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) is an evolutionarily conserved, multifunctional pattern-recognition protein with a cyclic multimeric structure.
• PTX3 interacts with diverse ligands, including growth factors, complement cascade molecules, and pathogen recognition proteins.
• It acts as a molecular bridge between innate and adaptive immunity and local and systemic inflammatory responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the dual roles of Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) in various physiological and pathological contexts.
• To explore the multifaceted effects of PTX3 on inflammation, innate immunity, brain diseases, and tumorigenesis.
• To provide a perspective on the relationship between PTX3 and autophagy as a convergent pathway.

Main Methods:

• Literature review synthesizing current evidence on Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) functions.
• Analysis of studies investigating PTX3's interactions with various ligands and its role in immune modulation.
• Exploration of research on PTX3's impact in different disease models, including neurological disorders and cancer.

Main Results:

• PTX3 exhibits context-dependent effects, acting as both beneficial and detrimental ('good and bad cops') in different physiopathological settings.
• It modulates resident dendritic cell and circulating lymphocyte functions, linking innate and adaptive immunity.
• Evidence suggests PTX3's involvement in inflammation, innate immunity, brain diseases, and tumorigenesis, with potential links to autophagy.

Conclusions:

• Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) possesses complex and often opposing roles in immunity and disease.
• Understanding PTX3's dual nature is crucial for targeted therapeutic strategies in inflammation, neurological disorders, and cancer.
• The interplay between PTX3 and autophagy represents a promising area for future research.