Revisiting the streptococcal M protein : modern perspectives on antibody function, host interactions, and therapeutic targeting
Group A Streptococcus (GAS) causes extensive global morbidity and rising rates of invasive disease, for which clinical outcomes remain poor despite antibiotic treatment of susceptible strains. This limitation of current therapy underscores the need for alternative or adjunctive approaches. Antibody-based interventions represent a promising but underexplored strategy. Historically, the streptococca