The Mincle receptor provides protective immunity against Group A Streptococcus

(Osaka University) Group A Streptococcus (GAS) causes invasive infections that result in high mortality. Despite being susceptible to many antibiotics, GAS continues to cause devastating infections. Here, the immune receptor, Mincle, was activated by exposure to components of GAS. Osaka University-led researchers found that DGDG, a glycolipid produced by GAS, inhibited activation of Mincle and contributed to immune evasion by GAS, suggesting it may be a useful target for curative and preventive therapies for GAS infections.
Source: EurekAlert! - Infectious and Emerging Diseases - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: news