M protein

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A virulence factor of streptococcal species of the Lancefield classification A (main representative: Streptococcus pyogenes ) is called M protein . It is one of the most important surface antigens of these species.

Mechanism of action

Due to the inhibition of the binding of leukocytes to the bacterium, it has a strong anti-phagocytic effect. The reason for the decreased binding of the leukocytes is that the M protein destroys the C3 convertase of the complement system . Subsequently, C3 cannot be split into C3a and C3b. However, C3b is important for opsonization .

swell

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  • O. Schneewind, KF Jones, VA Fischetti: Sequence and structural characteristics of the trypsin-resistant T6 surface protein of group A streptococci. In: Journal of bacteriology. Volume 172, Number 6, June 1990, pp. 3310-3317, doi : 10.1128 / jb.172.6.3310-3317.1990 , PMID 2188957 , PMC 209141 (free full text).
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  • VA Fischetti: Streptococcal M protein: molecular design and biological behavior. In: Clin Microbiol Rev. 2 (3), July 1989, pp. 285-314.