# BIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY OF C-REACTIVE PROTEIN

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM · 1993 · $180,817

## Abstract

In humans, CRP is the most characteristic acute-phase protein, since its
concentration in the blood rises by as much as 1000-fold within hours from
infection or tissue injury.  The objective of the proposed research is to
define the biologic role of CRP.  Our working hypothesis is that the
function of CRP relates to its ability to specifically recognize foreign
pathogens and damaged or necrotic cells of the host and to initiate their
elimination by interacting with the complement system and with phagocytic
cells.  We propose to approach our objective by pursuing the following
specific aims: l) Define the structural correlates of CRP function.  The
topology and chemical nature of the phosphocholine, fibronectin, Clq, C4,
and, neutrophil receptor binding sites will be described by using site-
directed mutagenesis as well as protein chemistry and monoclonal
antibodies.  Parallel collaborative crystallographic studies will aim at
producing a solution for the three-dimensional structure of the molecule.
2) Investigate the in-vivo protective effects of CRP against bacterial
infections by using human CRP transgenic mice.  The range of bacterial
species over which CRP-dependent protection extends will be investigated
by using a variety of gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.  The
mechanisms of protection will be studied by determining sites and rates of
bacterial clearance.  In addition, the molecular basis for the CRP-
dependent protection against pneumococcal infections will be investigated
by passive administration of recombinant CRP mutants defective in
individual CRP functions.

These combined studies will lead to an increased understanding of host-
defense mechanisms against bacterial pathogens and other injurious
stimuli.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 3126267
- **Project number:** 2R01AI015607-14A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA AT BIRMINGHAM
- **SAM.gov UEI:** YND4PLMC9AN7
- **Principal Investigator:** JOHN E VOLANAKIS
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 1993
- **Award amount:** $180,817
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 1979-01-01 → 1998-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/3126267

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 3126267, BIOLOGY AND BIOCHEMISTRY OF C-REACTIVE PROTEIN (2R01AI015607-14A1). Retrieved via MORVS 2026-10-25 from https://api.morvs.ai/grant/nih/3126267. Licensed CC0.

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