suPAR as a biomarker of support in different clinical settings

The urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) system, which includes protease, receptor and inhibitors, is essential for key cellular functions like immune activation, cell migration, and tissue remodeling. Soluble uPAR (suPAR), released into circulation, serves as a valuable biomarker for systemic inflammation and immune activation. Elevated suPAR levels are associated with disease severity in conditions such as infections, sepsis, cardiovascular diseases, renal injury, cancer, and autoimmune diseases providing prognostic value especially in acute settings. Recent advancements in diagnostic methods, have enhanced the accuracy of suPAR measurement in serum and plasma. New rapid tests, such as suPARnostic Quick Triage, as well as turbidimetric assays, further expand its clinical applicability. In this review, we discuss the suPAR biomarker, focusing on its biochemical structure, biological functions, measurement methods and areas of clinical interest in different fields of medicine.