Targeting C-Reactive Protein by Selective Apheresis in Humans: Pros and Cons.

ABSTRACT: C-reactive protein (CRP), the prototype human acute phase protein, may be causally involved in various human diseases. As CRP has appeared much earlier in evolution than antibodies and nonetheless partly utilizes the same biological structures, it is likely that CRP has been the first antibody-like molecule in the evolution of the immune system. Like antibodies, CRP may cause autoimmune reactions in a variety of human pathologies. Consequently, therapeutic targeting of CRP may be of utmost interest in human medicine. Over the past two decades, however, pharmacological targeting of CRP has turned out to be extremely difficult. Currently, the easiest, most effective and clinically safest method to target CRP in humans may be the specific extracorporeal removal of CRP by selective apheresis.

SUBMITTER: Torzewski J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8999816 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature