C-reactive protein as an effector molecule in Covid-19 pathogenesis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Covid-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2, presents a spectrum of illness, from asymptomatic to multi-organ system involvement.
• The severe progression of Covid-19 is associated with immune system dysfunction.
• The role of C-reactive protein (CRP) in mediating inflammation and severe Covid-19 outcomes requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review the literature on Covid-19 immunity, inflammatory response, and C-reactive protein (CRP).
• To evaluate the association between CRP levels and the severity and mortality of Covid-19.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of studies published in the NCBI-PubMed database from December 2019 to December 2020.
• Searched for articles related to Covid-19, immunity, inflammatory response, and CRP.

Main Results:

• Patients with severe Covid-19, multi-organ involvement, and fatal outcomes exhibited high levels of C-reactive protein (CRP).
• CRP was found to activate complement, stimulate pro-inflammatory cytokine production, and induce apoptosis, contributing to disease severity.
• Elevated CRP levels correlate with a worse prognosis in Covid-19 patients.

Conclusions:

• C-reactive protein (CRP) plays a significant role in the severe progression of Covid-19.
• Therapeutic strategies targeting CRP, such as drugs that lower its levels or block its activity, warrant evaluation in clinical trials.
• Further research is needed to confirm the efficacy of anti-CRP therapies in managing severe Covid-19.