Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by production of a wide range of autoantibodies, multiple organ involvement and by tissue deposition of immune complexes (ICs) in the inflamed organs. In contrast to most systemic inflammatory conditions, and despite raised levels of proinflammatory cytokines, SLE flares are rarely reflected by elevated C-reactive protein (CRP), an essential acute-phase reactant in man with homologs in vertebrates and several invertebrates. As a part of the innate immune system, CRP binds certain molecules exposed on the surface of...