The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the pentaxin family. It is involved in several host defense related functions based on its ability to recognize foreign pathogens and damaged cells of the host and to initiate their elimination by interacting with humoral and cellular effector systems in the blood. Consequently, the level of this protein in plasma increases greatly during acute phase response to tissue injury, infection, or other inflammatory stimuli. [provided by RefSeq, Sep 2009],CRP,PTX1,Apoptosis,Blood,Cardiovascular,Cell Biology & Developmental Biology,Cell Intrinsic Innate Immunity Signaling Pathway,Endocrine & Metabolism,Endocrine and metabolic diseases,Endocrine and metabolic diseases_Metabolic disorders,Epigenetics & Nuclear Signaling,Heart,Immunology & Inflammation,Neurodegenerative Diseases Markers,Neurodegenerative Diseases_Cerebralvascular accident,CVA,Neuroscience,Other Neurological disorders,CRP