Scientists discover new immune system feature with potential for antibiotics

A study has revealed a hidden feature of the immune system that could pave the way for new antibiotics to tackle the growing threat of superbugs.

Published in the Nature journal, the research focuses on the proteasome, a tiny structure found in every cell, traditionally known for recycling proteins. However, scientists have discovered that the proteasome also plays a key role in defending against bacterial infections by generating chemicals that can kill bacteria.

The study, led by researchers from the Weizmann Institute of Science, shows that when a cell detects bacterial infection, the proteasome alters its structure. Instead of just breaking down proteins, it transforms them into antimicrobial agents that can pierce the outer layer of bacteria and destroy them.

“This is really exciting because we had no idea this was happening,” said Professor Yifat Merbl from the Weizmann Institute. “It reveals a novel immunity mechanism, providing us with a new line of defence against bacterial infections.”

The discovery could be pivotal in the ongoing battle against antibiotic resistance, which claims the lives of over a million people annually. Superbugs, or bacteria that are resistant to current antibiotics, have become an urgent global health concern, and new sources of antibiotics are desperately needed.

Scientists tested the antimicrobial properties of the proteasome’s byproducts on laboratory-grown bacteria and in animal models, including mice with pneumonia and sepsis. Results showed that these natural antibiotics were as effective as some of the conventional drugs already in use.

Dr. Lindsey Edwards, a senior microbiology lecturer at King’s College London, called the findings a “potential goldmine” for developing new antibiotics. She added, “In the past, we’ve looked to soil samples for antibiotics, so it’s remarkable that something like this exists within our own bodies.”

The researchers stress that while the discovery holds immense promise, much more work is needed to translate these findings into practical antibiotic treatments. Nevertheless, the proteasome’s new function represents a potential turning point in the fight against drug-resistant infections.