Exploring PTX3: a promising diagnostic marker and therapeutic target in neurology

Pentraxin 3 (PTX3), a key member of the pentraxin (PTX) family, is a highly conserved, multifunctional soluble humoral pattern recognition molecule. It plays a pivotal regulatory role in innate immunity, infection-inflammation, tissue remodeling, and tumorigenesis. Recent research has revealed a close association between PTX3 and the pathogenesis and progression of neurological diseases. This review details the gene localization, protein domains, and high-resolution three-dimensional conformation of PTX3. It systematically explores its core functions within signaling pathways of neurological disorders, including its regulation of synaptic plasticity and neurotransmission, involvement in neuroinflammation and immune homeostasis, promotion of nervous system tumorigenesis and progression, and mediation of fibrosis and tissue repair. Furthermore, the review evaluates the clinical value of PTX3 as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker for various neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, central nervous system infections, gliomas, multiple sclerosis, neurotrauma, neuropsychiatric disorders, and epilepsy). It summarizes the correlation between alterations in PTX3 expression levels in bodily fluids and tissues and disease activity, severity, and prognosis. The review also discusses the therapeutic prospects of targeting PTX3, encompassing both PTX3 inhibitors and recombinant PTX3. Overall, this review aims to comprehensively delineate the multifaceted roles of PTX3 in neurological diseases, highlighting its significant potential as both a biomarker and therapeutic target. It thus provides important opportunities for developing PTX3-based diagnostic tools and innovative therapies to improve the clinical management of diverse neurological disorders.