Interaction of C-reactive protein complexes with the complement system. I. Consumption of human complement associated with the reaction of C-reactive protein with pneumococcal C-polysaccharide and with the choline phosphatides, lecithin and sphingomyelin.

Abstract

These combined data have permitted the conclusion that complement consumption was attributable to CRP complexes and that it proceeded via the classical pathway independent of the presence of specific antibody or immunoglobulin. The specificity of CRP for choline phosphatides and its capacity to activate the complement system are considered in relation to the possible functions of CRP in the inflammatory process.