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C-reactive Protein in Inflammatory Diseases: Clinical Aspects

Topic Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Topic focuses on the clinical relevance of C-reactive protein. Most physicians are familiar with it as a diagnostic biomarker, but only a few have realised that it can be a pathomolecule. After all, biomarker is of course not a physiological function. The main task of CRP is to mark cells to be disposed of, which has been shown for decades in various animal models and has been broken down to the molecular level. For several decades, CRP has been established as an extremely sensitive, reliable and early indicator of inflammatory and tissue-destructive processes. Following an acute phase stimulus, up to 1000-fold increased values can be measured.

This prototype of the human acute phase protein has been considered an inflammatory marker since it was first described by Tillet and Francis in 1930.

However, the mere use of CRP as a readily measurable inflammation marker neglects the biological function of the protein.

CRP is a serum protein and a mediator of innate immunity. The diverse functions of CRP across all living species led to the conclusion that CRP is a prehistoric precursor of all antibodies in the evolutionarily much-later-appearing mammals.

Already in the horseshoe crab (Limulus), a “living fossil” at least 250 million years old, CRP forms immune complexes together with the complement system and thus assumes defence functions. At the same time, it acts phylogenetically as an antibody in numerous species, such as fish, which have no adaptive immune system. In humans, its functions are complex and part of re-intensified research.

It is now accepted, even if not everyone is aware of it, that CRP plays a central role in the development of inflammation-related tissue damage. CRP activates (in the manner of antibodies) the complement system via the classical pathway and macrophages via Fc receptors. Therefore, CRP, in the manner of antibodies, binds to Fc receptors.

The present Topic aims to provide an overview of relevant studies and provide an outlook into the future perspective on this pivotal protein. This will not only provide valuable information on the potential for CRP-driven prognostic decisions, but also identify obstacles that need to be overcome to address CRP therapeutically.

Dr. Ahmed Sheriff
Prof. Dr. Jan Torzewski
Topic Editors

Keywords

  •  biomarkers
  •  cardiovascular medicine
  •  complement
  •  coronary artery disease
  •  cytokines and chemokines
  •  immunotherapy
  •  inflammation
  •  inflammatory bowel disease
  •  myocardial infarction
  •  rheumatic disease
  •  stroke
  •  tissue repair

Participating Journals

Biomedicines
Open Access
15,045 Articles
Launched in 2013
3.9Impact Factor
6.8CiteScore
17 DaysMedian Time to First Decision
Q1Highest JCR Category Ranking
Clinics and Practice
Open Access
1,280 Articles
Launched in 2011
2.2Impact Factor
2.8CiteScore
23 DaysMedian Time to First Decision
Q2Highest JCR Category Ranking
Diagnostics
Open Access
16,430 Articles
Launched in 2011
3.3Impact Factor
5.9CiteScore
21 DaysMedian Time to First Decision
Q1Highest JCR Category Ranking
Journal of Clinical Medicine
Open Access
43,851 Articles
Launched in 2012
2.9Impact Factor
5.2CiteScore
18 DaysMedian Time to First Decision
Q1Highest JCR Category Ranking
Pharmaceuticals
Open Access
9,500 Articles
Launched in 2004
4.8Impact Factor
7.7CiteScore
14 DaysMedian Time to First Decision
Q1Highest JCR Category Ranking

Published Papers