Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
15:07
Real-time Digital Imaging of Leukocyte-endothelial Interaction in Ischemia-reperfusion Injury (IRI) of the Rat Cremaster Muscle
Published on: August 5, 2012
C-reactive protein at the interface between innate immunity and inflammation
Andres Peisajovich1, Lorraine Marnell, Carolyn Mold
1Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, MSC10 5550 1, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA. apeisajovich@salud.unm.edu
Expert Review of Clinical Immunology
|May 19, 2010
Summary
C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase protein that plays a key role in the innate immune system. Recent studies reveal CRP
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Biochemistry
- Pathology
Background:
- C-reactive protein (CRP) is traditionally viewed as a nonspecific marker of inflammation.
- Emerging research highlights CRP's active role in the innate immune system, recognizing pathogens and altered self-determinants.
- CRP bridges innate and adaptive immunity through complement activation and Fcgamma receptor interactions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the biological mechanisms of C-reactive protein (CRP).
- To discuss the multifaceted roles of CRP in various diseases, including infection, cardiovascular disease, malignancy, and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on C-reactive protein (CRP).
- Analysis of biological mechanisms underlying CRP's immune functions.
- Synthesis of evidence regarding CRP's involvement in diverse pathological conditions.
Main Results:
- CRP actively participates in immune responses, not merely as a passive marker.
- CRP is implicated in the pathogenesis of atherosclerotic disease.
- CRP exhibits anti-inflammatory effects in autoimmune diseases like systemic lupus erythematosus.
Conclusions:
- CRP is a crucial component of the innate immune system with diverse functions.
- Understanding CRP's mechanisms is vital for diagnosing and treating inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases.
- CRP's dual role in disease warrants further investigation for therapeutic strategies.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Acute Inflammation I: Inflammatory Response
Acute inflammation is a rapid, short-lived physiological response to tissue injury or infection, designed to eliminate harmful agents and initiate repair. This tightly regulated process typically lasts from minutes to several days and is triggered by factors such as microbial invasion, physical trauma, or chemical injury.Recognition and Mediator ReleaseThe inflammatory response begins when resident immune cells—such as mast cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells—detect damage-associated...
01:30Inflammatory Response I: Vascular and Cellular
The inflammatory response is the body's defense against infection, injury, or irritation from bacteria, trauma, toxins, or heat. Inflammation helps locate and destroy pathogens and remove damaged tissue elements to heal the body. During this initial phase, fluid, blood products, and nutrients migrate to the injured area, resulting in redness, heat, swelling, ache, and loss of function. Moreover, signs of systemic inflammation include fever, increased WBC count, malaise, anorexia, nausea,...
01:28Inflammatory Response
An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
01:26Acute Inflammation II: Cellular Phase
The cellular phase of acute inflammation is a tightly orchestrated sequence of events that recruits leukocytes, primarily neutrophils, to sites of tissue injury or infection. Following the initial vascular changes, this phase ensures effective immune cell migration, activation, and function at the affected site to eliminate pathogens and initiate tissue repair.Leukocyte Recruitment CascadeLeukocyte recruitment happens in four steps: margination, adhesion, transmigration, and chemotaxis. Reduced...
01:25Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects
Acute inflammation produces a coordinated set of local and systemic changes that limit injury, eliminate pathogens, and initiate repair. These responses arise within minutes of infection, trauma, or chemical insult and are driven by vascular alterations and leukocyte-derived mediators. When the stimulus resolves, the reaction typically abates within days.Local EffectsAt the site of injury, arteriolar vasodilation increases blood flow, resulting in redness and warmth. Simultaneously, increased...
01:31Regulation of the Unfolded Protein Response
Inositol-requiring kinase one or IRE1 is the most conserved eukaryotic unfolded protein response (UPR) receptor. It is a type I transmembrane protein kinase receptor with a distinctive site-specific RNase activity. As the binding mechanics of the misfolded proteins with the N-terminal domain of IRE-1 are unclear, three binding models — direct, indirect, and allosteric -- are proposed for receptor activation. Nevertheless, it is known that once a misfolded protein associates with IRE1, it...