C-reactive protein(CRP) Homo sapiens The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the pentaxin family. It is involved in several host defense related functions based on its ability to recognize foreign pathogens and damaged cells of the host and to initiate their elimination by interacting with humoral and cellular effector systems in the blood. Consequently, the level of this protein in plasma increases greatly during acute phase response to tissue injury, infection, or other inflammatory stimuli. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2009],cofactor:Binds 2 calcium ions per subunit.,function:Displays several functions associated with host defense: it promotes agglutination, bacterial capsular swelling, phagocytosis and complement fixation through its calcium-dependent binding to phosphorylcholine. Can interact with DNA and histones and may scavenge nuclear material released from damaged circulating cells.,induction:The concentration of CRP in plasma increases greatly during acute phase response to tissue injury, infection or other inflammatory stimuli. It is induced by IL-1 and IL-6.,mass spectrometry: Ref.14,miscellaneous:This protein owes its name to its ability precipitate pneumococcal C-polysaccharide in the presence of calcium.,online information:C-reactive protein entry,online information:No more Christmas pudding? - Issue 30 of January 2003,similarity:Belongs to the pentaxin family.,similarity:Contains 1 pentaxin domain.,subunit:Homopentamer. Pentaxin (or pentraxin) have a discoid arrangement of 5 non-covalently bound subunits.,tissue specificity:Found in plasma.,
