Acute phase response in animals: a review

Abstract

The acute phase response is a complex systemic early-defense system activated by trauma, infection, stress, neoplasia, and inflammation. Although nonspecific, it serves as a core of the innate immune response involving physical and molecular barriers and responses that serve to prevent infection, clear potential pathogens, initiate inflammatory processes, and contribute to resolution and the healing process. Acute phase proteins, an integral part of the acute phase response, have been a focus of many applications in human diagnostic medicine and recently have been identified in common animal species. Potential applications to diagnosis, prognosis, assessment of animal health, and laboratory animal welfare are readily apparent.

Figure 1.

The acute phase response. The figure reflects information drawn from references , , and .

Figure 2.

Major and moderate acute phase proteins in different animal species. The figure reflects information drawn from references , , , , , , and .

Figure 3.

Summary of acute phase responses by triggering event.

Figure 3.

Summary of acute phase responses by triggering event.