Pentraxin 3(PTX3) is the prototypic member of the long pentraxin family sharing the C-terminal domain with short pentraxins and containing a unique N-terminal domain. Pentraxin 3 is produced and released at inflammatory sites by diverse cell types including monocytes/macrophages, endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, fibroblasts, and adipocytes. It plays a role in the regulation of innate resistance to pathogens, inflammatory reactions, possibly clearance of self-components and female fertility.