title: C-reactive protein: an activator of innate immunity and a modulator of adaptive immunity.
abstract: C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase serum protein and a member of the pentraxin protein family. Its host defense functions predate the adaptive immune system by millions of years. Our current understanding of CRP interactions with complement and with Fcgamma receptors (FcgammaR) have led to an increased appreciation of the regulatory role of CRP in inflammation and autoimmunity. This review outlines the role of CRP in infection, inflammation, and autoimmune disease. We provide a description of recent studies, which suggest that CRP acts through FcgammaR to reduce inflammation and protect from certain autoimmune diseases. A general description of the proposed function of CRP is provided as a framework for future investigation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center Research Service 151, 1501 San Pedro S.E., Albuquerque, NM 87108, USA. tduclos@unm.edu
authors.forename: Terry W
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Du Clos
authors.forename: Carolyn
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Mold
mesh_terms: D000222:Adaptation, Physiological; D017951:Antigen Presentation; D015551:Autoimmunity; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000737:chemistry / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D003167:Complement Activation; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007239:Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D007249:Inflammation / Q000209:etiology / Q000276:immunology; D008024:Ligands; D018448:Models, Immunological; D017452:Receptors, IgG / Q000276:immunology; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: C071581:CRP protein, human; D008024:Ligands; D017452:Receptors, IgG; D011971:Receptors, Immunologic; D002097:C-Reactive Protein