CRP (C-reactive protein) is a member of the pentaxin family. CRP exists as a homopentamer in a discoid arrangement (noncovalently attached). Individual subunits are approximately 24 kD, the molecular weight of the entire molecule is approximately 120 kD CRP is secreted and can be found in plasma. This protein promotes agglutination, phagocytosis, and complement fixation through Ca2+-dependent binding to phosphorylcholine. CRP is thought to scavenge nuclear material released from damaged circulating cells. CRP is the major protein involved in acute phase response to pathogens; both CRP and degradation products of CRP act as anti-inflammatory agents. CRP has been shown to interact with both DNA and histones. The Poly6208 antibody recognizes human CRP and has been shown to be useful for Western blotting.