A recent discovery unveils the body's untapped antibiotic arsenal
Scientists from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel have made groundbreaking discoveries regarding the immune system. Researchers focused on proteasomes, which are involved in producing natural antibiotics.
- We discovered a novel mechanism of immunity that is allowing us to have a defence against bacterial infection. It's happening throughout our body in all the cells, and generates a whole new class of potential natural antibiotics - said Prof. Yifat Merbl, one of the authors of the study.
Proteasomes and their new role
Researchers concentrated on proteasomes, which were previously recognised for degrading old proteins. It has now been revealed that they perform an additional function: producing defensive peptides known as proteasome-derived defensive peptides (PDDP). These natural antibiotics damage bacterial cell membranes, leading to their destruction. Importantly, PDDP is selective and does not harm the host's body cells.
In laboratory experiments and on mice with pneumonia and sepsis, PDDP demonstrated effectiveness comparable to some antibiotics.
Prof. Daniel Davis from Imperial College London described the discovery as exciting, emphasizing that it reveals a previously unknown mechanism. He noted that antimicrobial molecules are produced within human cells, which he found both significant and surprising.
Experts emphasise that the discovery could have significant practical implications. PDDP could inspire new antibacterial therapies that effectively combat infections and reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Dr. Lindsey Edwards from King's College London described it as a potential goldmine for new antibiotics. She pointed out that while such substances were traditionally discovered by analyzing soil, this research suggests they may already exist within the human body.
Scientists caution that research on this issue will continue for years to come.
