M protein
Encyclopedia
M protein may refer to:
- 'M protein (Streptococcus)M protein (Streptococcus)M protein is a virulence factor that can be produced by certain species of Streptococcus.Viruses, parasites and bacteria are covered in protein and sugar molecules that help them gain entry into a host by counteracting the host's defences. One such molecule is the M protein produced by certain...
', a virulence factor of the bacterium Streptococcus pyogenes - Another name for paraproteinParaproteinA paraprotein is an immunoglobulin or immunoglobulin light-chain that is produced in excess by the clonal proliferation of plasma cells. Detection of paraproteins in the urine or blood is most often associated with benign MGUS , where they remain "silent", and multiple myeloma. An excess in the...
, an abnormal protein in the urine or blood, often seen in multiple myelomaMultiple myelomaMultiple myeloma , also known as plasma cell myeloma or Kahler's disease , is a cancer of plasma cells, a type of white blood cell normally responsible for the production of antibodies...
or MGUSMonoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significanceMonoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance , formerly benign monoclonal gammopathy, is a condition in which a paraprotein is found in the blood during standard laboratory tests...