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Definition
M Protein
The M protein is a cell-surface protein and virulence factor found on Group A streptococci (Streptococcus pyogenes) that helps the bacteria evade the host immune system. Variations in M proteins allow differentiation of more than 80 strains of Group A strep, and changes in this protein can alter the infectivity of a strain.
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Updated 2026-05-26
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