C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is a plasma protein that plays a crucial role in the body’s immune response. It is a member of the pentraxin family, characterized by its pentameric structure and calcium-dependent binding to ligands such as phosphocholine. CRP is evolutionarily conserved and found in both vertebrates and many invertebrates . In humans, CRP is synthesized primarily in the liver in response to inflammation and is considered a prototypical acute-phase protein .
CRP is composed of five identical subunits arranged in a pentameric structure. This unique structure allows CRP to bind to specific ligands and activate the complement system, which is a part of the immune response . The protein exists in two forms: the native pentameric CRP (pCRP) and the monomeric CRP (mCRP). While pCRP exhibits weak anti-inflammatory activity, mCRP has potent pro-inflammatory properties .
CRP levels in the blood increase significantly during inflammatory conditions, making it a valuable biomarker for assessing the severity of inflammation. Elevated CRP levels are associated with various inflammatory diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, infections, and autoimmune disorders . The protein’s ability to bind to phosphocholine on the surface of dead or dying cells and some types of bacteria helps the immune system to clear these cells and pathogens from the body .
Mouse anti-human CRP antibodies are monoclonal antibodies developed in mice that specifically target human CRP. These antibodies are used in various research and diagnostic applications to detect and quantify CRP levels in human samples . They are essential tools in immunoassays, such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), which are used to measure CRP concentrations in clinical samples .
The use of mouse anti-human CRP antibodies has significantly advanced our understanding of CRP’s role in health and disease. These antibodies have been instrumental in studying the pathophysiological mechanisms of CRP in various conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, and infections . Additionally, they are used in the development of diagnostic tests that help clinicians monitor disease progression and response to treatment .