Antibodies to C reactive protein.
BACKGROUND
C reactive protein (CRP) is a known indicator of inflammation. Serum CRP is often raised in patients with inflammatory conditions.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether individuals make antibodies to CRP and whether this might affect serum CRP concentrations.


METHODS
An enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was developed for the detection of antibodies to CRP. Specificity of the reaction was determined by inhibition of the reaction.


RESULTS
Sera from 413 patients were tested and 25 were found to be positive, particularly in patients with rheumatic diseases. Levels of anti-CRP did not correlate with serum CRP levels.


CONCLUSIONS
The presence of low CRP levels may not reflect the presence of antibodies to CRP.
Rosenau
B J
BJ
Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
Schur
P H
PH
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000097:blood*; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000032:analysis / Q000276:immunology*; D003240:Connective Tissue Diseases / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology*; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology
D001323:Autoantibodies; D015415:Biomarkers; D002097:C-Reactive Protein