Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
Induction of an Inflammatory Response in Primary Hepatocyte Cultures from Mice
Published on: March 10, 2017
Binding of C-reactive protein (CRP) by human peripheral blood lymphocytes in vivo
G Lozański1, T Pawłowski, P Błazczak
1Department of Immunology and Rheumatology, University School of Medicine, Poznań.
Insights
C-reactive protein (CRP) exists on human lymphocytes in two forms: cell-produced (s-CRP) and bound (sb-CRP). Rheumatoid arthritis patients show increased s-CRP, suggesting distinct lymphocyte interactions with this inflammatory marker.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- C-reactive protein (CRP) is a key inflammatory marker.
- The presence and function of CRP on lymphocyte surfaces are not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the antigenicity and forms of C-reactive protein (CRP) on human lymphocyte surfaces.
- To differentiate between lymphocyte-produced CRP and CRP bound to lymphocytes.
Main Methods:
- Indirect immunofluorescence technique was employed.
- Anti-CRP antibodies were used to detect CRP on lymphocytes.
- Lymphocytes from healthy donors and rheumatoid arthritis patients were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Two forms of surface-bound CRP (sd-CRP) were identified: lymphocyte-produced (s-CRP) and calcium-dependent bound CRP (sb-CRP).
- In healthy donors, 2.5% of lymphocytes expressed s-CRP and 1.5% expressed sb-CRP.
- Rheumatoid arthritis patients showed an increase in s-CRP lymphocytes, while sb-CRP levels remained stable unless serum CRP exceeded 50 µg/ml.
Conclusions:
- CRP is present on distinct lymphocyte populations.
- Lymphocytes possess specific membrane receptors for CRP binding.
- Increased s-CRP on lymphocytes may indicate an active inflammatory response in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Abstract:
Antigenicity of C-reactive protein (CRP) on the surface of human lymphocytes was investigated by use of indirect immunofluorescence technique with anti-CRP antibodies. CRP on the lymphocyte surface (sd-CRP) belongs to two different categories: i) CRP produced by lymphocytes and inserted into cell membrane (s-CRP), ii) CRP produced primarily by the liver and bound by the lymphocytes (sb-CRP) in calcium-dependent manner. In human peripheral blood of healthy donors approximately 2.5% of lymphocytes expressed membrane CRP (s-CRP) and 1.5% of lymphocytes bound CRP in calcium-dependent manner (sb-CRP). Percentage of s-CRP lymphocytes increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, while population of sb-CRP lymphocytes did not change significantly, except cases where serum CRP concentration reached more than 50 micrograms/ml. Thus, it can be concluded that CRP is bound to the distinct population of lymphocytes, bearing specific membrane receptors.
