C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is a member of the Pentraxin family of proteins that are characterized by a cyclic, non-covalent, pentameric structure. IL-6, IL-1 beta, and glucocorticoids induce hepatic C-Reactive Protein synthesis and release. In humans, C-Reactive Protein is a major acute phase protein, increasing by 1,000-fold within 24 to 48 hours of infection, inflammation or tissue damage. C-Reactive Protein exhibits calcium-dependent binding of its principle ligand, phosphocholine, a constituent of bacterial and fungal cell walls. Upon ligand binding, C-Reactive Protein initiates the activation of the complement cascade and binds Fc gamma RI (CD64) and Fc gamma RIIA (CD32a) on phagocytes to activate phagocytic responses. In mouse, C-Reactive Protein is expressed at very low levels and is not an acute phase reactant.