The Wessels’ lab is concerned with understanding the molecular interactions between pathogen and host in infections due to Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus or GAS), the etiologic agent of streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat) and severe invasive infections such as necrotizing fasciitis and streptococcal toxic shock. These bacteria can colonize mucosal surfaces as harmless commensals, but they have the potential to produce local infection or systemic, life-threatening disease.
