Neopterin, Biochemistry and Clinical Use as a Marker for Cellular Immune Reactions

Abstract

Large amounts of neopterin are produced and released from human macrophages on stimulation with interferon-γ. Neopterin is biologically stable, and it can be easily quantified in human body fluids. Neopterin measurements are useful to monitor allograft recipients to detect immunological complications. In autoimmune diseases, neopterm concentrations reflect the extent and activity of the disease. In infectious syndromes and in patients with cancer, neopterin concentrations provide prognostic information. In addition to providing clinically useful information, neopterin monitoring allows insight into the immunopathogenesis of a variety of diseases.

Neopterin as a marker of immunostimulation: an investigation in anaesthetic workplaces

“…Figure 1 Urinary neopterin concentrations of female (o) and male (x) subjects plotted against age. Boxes indicate age-specific normal values for neopterin in female (dotted lines) and male (solid lines) subjects as previously published [13]. …”

“…Furthermore, tumour progression, the development of metastases and mortality in malignant disease have been predicted by neopterin levels. Interferon-gamma induced neopterin expression echoes T-cell mediated responses [13]. Increased neopterin levels are also associated with infectious complications and rejection after kidney, heart, liver, lung, pancreas and bone marrow transplantation [14].…”

Wine and Grape Juice Modulate Interferon-y-induced Neopterin Production and Tryptophan Degradation in Human PBMC

“…T-lymphocytes in vitro (4). On the other hand, alcohol Therefore, increased neopterin concentrations reprecontent may not be the only reason for the cardioprosent an unspecific marker for the activated cellular tective effect of wine, which contains a large number immune system (9). In a recent study, neopterin conof effective antioxidants especially phenolic comcentrations were confirmed to be closely linked with pounds such as resveratrol (5).…”

Neopterin activates transcription factor nuclear factor‐κB in vascular smooth muscle cells

“…Therefore, determination of neopterin levels in body fluids has become a valuable diagnostic tool in conditions associated with increased activity of the cellular immune system, e.g. HIV-infection, autoimmune disease, and certain types of cancer [3,4]. Recent data suggest that neopterin itself exhibits distinct biochemical functions.…”