Pteridins - markers of an early activation of cell mediated immune response

Lymphocyte T helpers (Th) play a key role in cell mediated Immune response both as regulators and effector cells. The activation of Th cells and regul ation of their activity are under the control of the mononuclear phagocytes system (MPS). The basic markers of T cell and MPS activation are changes i n the expression and affinity of their membrane receptors and the serum lev el of secreted cytokines. Pteridins as biochemical markers immune system ac tivation - mainly the markers of early activation and development of cell m ediated immune response - are used in the diagnostics of allograft rejectio n, viral, bacterial and parasitic infections, autoimmune diseases and tumor s. In clinical laboratory examinations, the simultaneous determination of a cute phase proteins and pteridins is often used for the evaluation of patho logical disturbances. It can be assumed that determining these parameters i n veterinary medicine will facilitate monitoring and prognosis of the cours e of diseases and assessment of the value of the implemented therapeutic me thods.