A recent study published in the Journal of Autoimmunity reported that the biological role of C-reactive protein (CRP) has long been unknown. But a recent STUDY conducted by researchers at Linkoping University in Sweden showed that one of CRPs two forms helps treat Systemic lupus erythematosus, or SLE, (an inflammatory condition).

Prior research on animals with the lupus-prone condition has demonstrated that adding CRP may result in milder disease and reduced autoantibody levels, which suggests that CRP may also have a beneficial function in human SLE; however, the explanation for this has not been made evident.

In their investigation, the scientists looked at the effects of CRP and SLE-specific immune complexes produced by autoantibodies reacting with debris from dead cells on interferon and other signaling proteins. They looked at what happened when healthy cells were exposed to serum from SLE patients with varied CRP amounts. When CRP levels were low, they found more interferon, which they interpreted as CRP helping to lessen the interferon response.

The study also found that CRP′s shape is significant. The pentamer-shaped CRP protein comprises five identical units that can split off and work separately (monomer shape). The pentamer form of CRP is the only one to lower interferon activity and thus can decrease the immune response, which is intriguing in the context of other illnesses, including other virus diseases.

These findings pave the way for developing drugs that lower immune complexes and high interferon levels. However, because interferon is essential for the bodys fight against infections, finding the best treatment options for SLE and other comparable conditions requires more research.

(Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/creactive-protein-reduces-immune-response-in-inflammatory-disease-101678435332602.html)