In vitro binding of human C-reactive protein by some pathogenic bacteria and zymosan.

C-reactive protein (CRP) in serum from patients with an acute disease was adsorbed not only to Diplococcus pneumonia, but also to E. coli, and could be eluted highly purified. The finding suggests a specific interaction between CRP and bacteria, an interaction possibly playing an important role in the stimulating effect of CRP on phagocytosis of several bacterial species.