C-reactive protein in the arterial intima - Role of C-reactive protein receptor-dependent monocyte recruitment in atherogenesis

Infiltration of monocytes into the arterial wall is an early cellular event in atherogenesis. Recent evidence shows that C-reactive protein (CRP) is d eposited in the arterial intima at sites of atherogenesis. In this study, w e demonstrate that CRP deposition precedes the appearance of monocytes in e arly atherosclerotic lesions. CRP is chemotactic for freshly isolated human blood monocytes. A specific CRP receptor is demonstrated on monocytes in v itro as well as in vivo,and blockage of the receptor by use of a monoclonal anti-receptor antibody completely abolishes CRP-induced chemotaxis. CRP ma y play a major role in the recruitment monocytes during atherogenesis. (Art erioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2000;20:2094-2099.).