Vimentin and its role as a biomarker in health and disease

Abstract

Vimentin is an intermediate filament protein responsible for maintaining cellular integrity and resistance to stress. It has a widespread distribution in many cells throughout the body where it forms a cytoskeletal framework. Vimentin plays an important role in the regulation of many cellular and tissue functions. It is overexpressed in malignancies, potentially malignant oral disorders and autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and Crohn’s disease. It is associated with cell surface binding and replication of viruses such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), severe acute respiratory syndrome-related Coronavirus, dengue and encephalitis. In HIV, it is associated with the viral infectivity factor which is associated with HIV replication. It can be used as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis and has potential as a therapeutic target in many conditions. The present review focuses on the structure, functions, clinical implications and future scope of vimentin in the management of various diseases.