P2RX7 and flatulence: Given that the contribution of P2X7 may be minor compared to other mechanisms of IL-1β release in GAS infection (32, 34), coupled with the protective roles of P2X7 in GAS immunity (30, 32, 33), potentiating P2X7 activation with therapeutic agonists may safely reduce GAS hyperinflammation and disease severity without exacerbating pro-inflammatory cytokine production.