Overview and Clinical Significance
Neopterin is a biomarker of immune activation, produced by macrophages in response to interferon-γ stimulation. It plays a role in inflammatory processes, cancer progression, and cardiovascular risk assessment.
Clinical Significance
- Cancer & Immune Response: Elevated neopterin levels are observed in various malignancies, including ovarian cancer, where it correlates with tumor burden and prognosis.
- Cardiovascular & Inflammatory Diseases: Neopterin is linked to coronary artery disease (CAD), with higher levels indicating atheromatous plaque vulnerability and increased cardiovascular risk.
- Immunotherapy & Prognostic Value: Increased neopterin concentrations reflect immune dysfunction, particularly in cancer patients undergoing immunotherapy.
- Diagnostic & Therapeutic Applications: Neopterin testing helps assess immune activation, cancer progression, and cardiovascular health.
Neopterin is a key biomarker for immune system activity, influencing cancer prognosis, cardiovascular risk, and inflammatory disease monitoring.