Hepatic acute-phase protein (APP) (APP)

Hepatic acute-phase proteins (APPs) are a heterogeneous group of plasma proteins whose synthesis by the liver is significantly altered in response to inflammatory stimuli, such as infection, trauma, or malignancy (StatPearls, NBK519570). This response, known as the acute-phase response, is primarily mediated by cytokines like interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1, and TNF-alpha acting on hepatocytes (PubMed, 1844791). Positive APPs, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and serum amyloid A, increase in concentration to facilitate functions like opsonization and complement activation, while negative APPs like albumin decrease. Clinically, these proteins serve as vital biomarkers for monitoring systemic inflammation and treatment efficacy in various diseases (NIH, PMC3766346). While the group as a whole is not a single drug target, individual proteins and their regulatory pathways are major focuses for therapeutic intervention; for instance, IL-6 receptor antagonists are used to suppress the production of these proteins in autoimmune conditions (PubMed, 21464453).

Other names

Acute-phase reactantAcute-phase proteinHepatic acute-phase reactantPositive acute-phase reactantNegative acute-phase reactantAcute phase proteinsAcute phase reactants

Drugs typically target the upstream pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-6, IL-1, TNF-alpha) or their receptors to suppress the hepatic synthesis of these proteins, or they indirectly modulate their levels through systemic anti-inflammatory effects (PubMed, 21464453).