In response to cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-1β, hepatic expression of CRP increases dramatically. Circulating CRP opsonizes bacteria and apoptotic cells, facilitating their clearance via the complement system and FcγR-mediated phagocytosis. CRP ligation might contribute to the release by phagocytic cells of immunomodulatory cytokines such as IL-10. Evidence is mounting that plasma CRP deposited onto inflamed tissue breaks into biologically active monomeric subunits, to which have been attributed a range of proinflammatory effects. Abbreviations: CRP, C-reactive protein; LPC, lysophosphatidylcholine.