Description
Neopterin is a low molecular weight molecule belonging to the chemical group known as pteridines.
It is synthesised by cellular immune reaction of macrophages and dendritic cells upon stimulation with the cytokine interferon-g and as a result of this, is released. Neopterin has a higher stability in body fluids which makes the sample handling and measurement easier compared to other cytokines. The low molecular weight, let neopterin molecules rapidly pass the intravasal area, where it is released in urine after glomerular filtration. The half life period in human bodies is only affected by renal excretion. Neopterin values reflect the totality of immunological processes for monocytes/macrophages and dendritic cells and can be seen as a general marker of immune activity. This characteristic feature of neopterin to reflect the different interactions of immunocompetent cells is the basis for the extraordinary status of measuring neopterin in immmunological diagnosis. Neopterin biosynthesis is closely associated with activation of the cellular immune system. Increased concentrations of neopterin were reported in patients with viral infections, suggesting that increased values may originate from the immune response of patients directed against virally infected cells. The determination of neopterin levels in human body fluids offers a useful and innovative tool to monitor diseases associated with the activation of cell-mediated immunity. Increasing neopterin levels in various infections precede the clinical manifestation and seroconversion.
