C-Reactive Protein: An In-Depth Look into Structure, Function, and Regulation

Figure 3

Role of C-reactive protein in the arterial intima during atherosclerosis. C-reactive protein is a cardiovascular risk factor that plays an important role in atherosclerotic events, found in unstable plaques in the vascular endothelium, along with other proatherogenic components. Binding of pCRP to activated platelets results in generation of mCRP, which can then enhance platelet adhesion to endothelial cells and stimulate formation of neutrophil-platelet aggregates, favoring thrombogenesis (see text for further details).