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C-reactive protein reactivity with complement and effects on phagocytosis
Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|January 1, 1982
Summary
C-reactive protein (CRP) enhances host defense by acting as an opsonin, promoting the clearance of pathogens and protecting against bacterial infections, particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Microbiology
- Host-Pathogen Interactions
Background:
- C-reactive protein (CRP) is a key component of the innate immune system.
- CRP's role in host defense, particularly its opsonic properties, requires further elucidation.
- Complement (C) system activation is crucial in immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the hypothesis that CRP functions in host defense.
- To investigate the opsonic properties of CRP in the presence of complement.
- To assess CRP's protective effects against bacterial infection.
Main Methods:
- In vitro studies using human monocytes and mouse macrophages to assess erythrocyte ingestion.
- In vivo studies evaluating clearance patterns and protection against Streptococcus pneumoniae infection in mice.
- Experiments with human neutrophils to analyze Streptococcus pneumoniae opsonization.
Main Results:
- CRP and complement stimulated the ingestion of erythrocytes by phagocytic cells in vitro.
- CRP and complement altered in vivo clearance patterns.
- CRP and complement enhanced Streptococcus pneumoniae opsonization by neutrophils, especially without antibody.
- CRP conferred protection to mice against intravenous Streptococcus pneumoniae infection.
Conclusions:
- CRP, in conjunction with complement, exhibits opsonic properties that contribute to host defense.
- CRP plays a significant role in protecting against Streptococcus pneumoniae infections.
- CRP's immune-modulatory functions extend to enhancing phagocytosis and pathogen clearance.