Human CellExp™ C-reactive/CRP, Human Recombinant

C-reactive protein (CRP) displays several functions associated with host defense including promotion of agglutination, bacterial capsular swelling, phagocytosis and complement fixation through its calcium-dependent binding to phosphorylcholine. It also interacts with DNA and histones and may scavenge nuclear material released from damaged circulating cells. CRP binds to phosphocholine on microbes and damaged cells and enhances phagocytosis by macrophages. Therefore, CRP participates in the clearance of necrotic and apoptotic cells. It has been shown that high levels of CRP in humans are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. CRP is a beneficial inflammatory biomarker as it is detected much faster than other markers in the blood. Studies have also demonstrated the value of CRP in predicting the development of heart failure and long-term clinical outcomes.