BackgroundC-reactive protein encoded by CRP belongs to the pentaxin family. It is involved in several hostdefense 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 the blood. Consequently, the level of this protein in plasma increases greatly during acute phase response to tissue injury, infection, or other inflammatory stimuli.

CRP; PTX1; C-reactive protein