Research Topics, Division of Biological Chemistry, Biocentre, Innsbruck Medical University
Neopterin and immunological activation monitoring
Identification of neopterin as a marker for T-cell activation dates back to the 1980s(1). This was the starting point to further investigate the mechanisms that lead to increased neopterin formation and to establish its nowadays well-accepted clinical relevance (2). Neopterin concentrations are among the best predictors of the future disease course in patients with cardiovascular disorders, after multiple trauma and with several types of cancer. In patients with HIV infection neopterin concentrations are even more closely related with survival than virus load. Monitoring neopterin concentrations also allows early detection of immunological complications in allograft recipients. Because of its high sensitivity to detect acute virus infections early, neopterin screening is nationwide in use to improve virus safety in blood donation in Austria. Neopterin concentrations are useful for monitoring therapy and support differentiation between viral and bacterial lower respiratory tract infections (fur further detail see, e.g, www.neopterin.net). In addition, a cell-culture test for pyrogenic contamination based on neopterin detection could be developed (3) and the monitoring of neopterin concentrations in stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells sensitively allows the detection of pro- and anti-inflammatory effects of drugs, plant components and chemicals (4).
- Fuchs D, Hausen A, Huber C, Margreiter R, Reibnegger G, Spielberger M, Wachter H (1982) Pteridinausscheidung als Marker für alloantigen-induzierte Lymphozytenproliferation. Hoppe Seyler’s Z Physiol Chem 363:661-664
- Murr C, Widner B, Wirleitner B, Fuchs D (2002) Neopterin as a marker for immune system activation. Curr Drug Metabol 3:175-187
- Hoffmann S, Peterbauer A, Schindler S, et al. (2005) International validation of novel pyrogen tests based on human monocytoid cells. J Immunol Meth 298, 161-173
- Schroecksnadel K, Winkler C, Fischer B, Schennach H, Weiss G, Fuchs D (2007) Antioxidants down-regulate Th1-type immune response in vitro. Drug Metabol Lett 1:166-171