Partial amino-acid sequences of human and rabbit C-reactive proteins: homology with immunoglobulins and histocompatibility antigens

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1977 Mar;74(3):1214-8. doi: 10.1073/pnas.74.3.1214.

Abstract

Partial amino-acid sequence analyses of the amino terminus of rabbit C-reactive protein and of a peptide isolated from human C-reactive protein after cyanogen bromide cleavage show an extensive sequence homology between these proteins. Computer analysis detected a distant but significant homology between rabbit C-reactive protein and the CH3 domain of human IgG, In addition, an examination of the limited data available for the amino-acid sequences of human and mouse histocompatibility antigens revealed a similarity between these proteins and C-reactive protein and, therefore, immunoglobulins; These relationships are presented as evidence in support of the hypothesis that C-reactive protein and immunoglobulins share, in addition to functional similarities, a common evolutionary origin with the major histocompatibility antigens.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Biological Evolution
  • C-Reactive Protein*
  • HLA Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Immunoglobulin gamma-Chains
  • Models, Biological
  • Rabbits

Substances

  • HLA Antigens
  • Histocompatibility Antigens
  • Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments
  • Immunoglobulin M
  • Immunoglobulin gamma-Chains
  • C-Reactive Protein