Acute phase proteins
Acute Phase Proteins
Acute phase proteins (pronunciation: /əˈkjuːt feɪz ˈprəʊtiːnz/) are a class of proteins whose plasma concentrations increase (positive acute-phase proteins) or decrease (negative acute-phase proteins) in response to inflammation. This response is called the acute-phase reaction (also called acute-phase response).
Etymology
The term "acute phase protein" is derived from the observation that these proteins' plasma concentrations increase or decrease during the acute phase of an inflammatory response.
Function
Acute phase proteins are produced mainly in the liver in response to cytokines (interleukins IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α). They serve as biomarkers for inflammation and can be used to monitor inflammatory diseases. Some acute phase proteins also have a direct protective role. For example, C-reactive protein binds to dead or dying cells and bacteria, which helps the immune system to recognize and remove these potentially harmful substances.
Examples
Examples of positive acute-phase proteins include C-reactive protein, serum amyloid A, fibrinogen, procalcitonin, and haptoglobin. Examples of negative acute-phase proteins include albumin and transferrin.
Related Terms
- Cytokines
- Inflammation
- C-reactive protein
- Serum amyloid A
- Fibrinogen
- Procalcitonin
- Haptoglobin
- Albumin
- Transferrin
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Acute phase proteins
- Wikipedia's article - Acute phase proteins
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