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Official Full Name: C-reactive protein<br />Also known as: PTX1<br />The protein encoded by this gene belongs to the pentane family, which also includes serum amyloid P component protein and pentane 3. Pentaxins are involved in complement activation and expansion through communication with complement initiation pattern recognition molecules, but also in complement regulation through the recruitment of complement regulators. The encoded protein has a calcium-dependent ligand-binding domain with a unique flattened β-jellyroll structure. It exists in two forms, a pentamer in circulation and an insoluble monomer in tissues. It participates in several host defense-related functions based on its ability to recognize foreign pathogens and host damaged cells and initiate their elimination through interactions with humoral and cellular effector systems in the blood. Consequently, plasma levels of this protein are greatly increased during the acute phase of tissue injury, infection, or other inflammatory stimuli. The increased expression of the encoded protein is associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection.