The major acute phase reactants: C-reactive protein, serum amyloid P component and serum amyloid A protein.
Following an acute phase stimulus, such as infection or physical injury, many liver-derived plasma proteins are increased in concentration. These provide enhanced protection against invading micro-organisms, limit tissue damage and promote a rapid return to homeostasis. Diana Steel and Alexander Whitehead discuss the gene structure, regulation and possible clinical significance of the most dramatically induced acute phase reactants.
Steel
D M
DM
Dept of Genetics, Trinity College, University of Dublin, Ireland.
Whitehead
A S
AS
D000210:Acute-Phase Reaction / Q000276:immunology; D000818:Animals; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000276:immunology; D000685:Serum Amyloid A Protein / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D000683:Serum Amyloid P-Component / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*
D000685:Serum Amyloid A Protein; D000683:Serum Amyloid P-Component; D002097:C-Reactive Protein