C-reactive protein as an effector molecule in dengue pathogenesis: a review

Dengue is an infectious disease caused by the bite of a mosquito (Aedes aegypti) infected with the dengue virus and represents the world's most common arboviral infection. Dengue is most common in tropical and subtropical areas and it has become a threat to human life. This disease induces high immune system activation resulting in an inflammatory process. C-reactive protein (CRP) as a marker of inflammation in various diseases has been studied; however, there are few studies that analyse it as an effector molecule in inflammatory disease pathogenesis. This review summarizes the current published literature through 2025 (on PubMed, Embase and Web of Science) regarding the factors that affect the pathogenesis of dengue mediated by CRP. The role of CRP in dengue pathogenesis may be related to its effects on complement activation, alterations of the coagulation system, thrombocytopaenia, alteration of vascular permeability, induction of liver damage and its interaction with Fc receptors and dendritic cells. These data strongly suggest a role for CRP in dengue pathogenesis.