title: Streptococcal M proteins and their role as virulence determinants.
abstract: Group A streptococci (GAS, Streptococcus pyogenes) are exclusive human pathogens that have been extensively studied for many decades. The spectrum of diseases caused by these bacteria ranges from uncomplicated and superficial to severe and invasive infections. In order to give rise to these complications, GAS have evolved a number of surface-bound and secreted virulence factors, of which the M proteins are probably the best characterized. Evidence has emerged that M proteins are multifunctional pathogenic determinants, and over the years many interactions between M proteins and the human host have been reported. The present review article aims to present a state-of-the-art overview of the most important virulence mechanisms employed by M proteins to trigger disease.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Infection Medicine, Lund University, SE-22184 Lund, Sweden. Sonja.Oehmcke@med.lu.se
authors.forename: Sonja
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Oehmcke
authors.forename: Oonagh
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Shannon
authors.forename: Matthias
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mörgelin
authors.forename: Heiko
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Herwald
mesh_terms: D001343:Autophagy; D001422:Bacterial Adhesion; D001426:Bacterial Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D006487:Hemostasis; D006801:Humans; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D018716:Molecular Mimicry; D011487:Protein Conformation; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes / Q000472:pathogenicity* / Q000648:ultrastructure; D014774:Virulence
chemical_list: D001426:Bacterial Proteins