Neopterin

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Neopterin

Neopterin (/niːˈɒptərɪn/) is a catabolic product of guanosine triphosphate (GTP), a purine nucleotide.

Etymology

The term "Neopterin" is derived from the Greek words "neo" meaning new, and "pterin" referring to a class of compounds having a bicyclic ring system, consisting of a pteridine ring joined to a phenyl ring.

Definition

Neopterin is a biochemical marker used to measure the degree of immune system activation, particularly in the context of diseases such as HIV, Cancer, and Autoimmune Diseases. It is produced by macrophages when they are stimulated by Interferon-gamma, a type of cytokine.

Related Terms

  • Guanosine Triphosphate (GTP): A purine nucleotide that has three phosphate groups esterified to the sugar moiety.
  • Macrophages: A type of white blood cell that engulfs and digests cellular debris, foreign substances, microbes, and cancer cells.
  • Interferon-gamma: A type of cytokine that is critical for innate and adaptive immunity against viral and intracellular bacterial infections and for tumor control.
  • Cytokines: A broad and loose category of small proteins that are important in cell signaling.
  • Pteridine: A class of heterocyclic compounds.

See Also

External links

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