Acute phase proteins in wildlife and their domesticated relatives

The aim of this review is to present current knowledge regarding acute phase proteins (APPs) in selected wild mammal species. APPs are a group of proteins synthesized in the liver. Their main biological function is to restore homeostasis in response to infection, injury, and other pathologies. APPs are well-studied and used in routine diagnostics in domestic animals and humans, whereas in wildlife species they are currently under intensive research. The most investigated APPs in non-domesticated animals include serum amyloid A (SAA), haptoglobin (Hp), C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen (Fb), ceruloplasmin (Cp), and albumins (Ab). Changes in their concentrations have been described in cases of injuries, bacterial and viral infections, parasite infestations, and stress situations. It is important to note that the concentration of APPs is strongly affected by species, genotype, age, and environmental conditions. As the knowledge regarding APPs in wildlife develops, they may possibly be used in the future as diagnostic or prognostic tools, which is of special importance for threatened wildlife species.