New natural antibiotics found within our cells: A breakthrough
Scientists from the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel have made a groundbreaking discovery regarding the immune system. The researchers concentrated on proteasomes, which are known to produce 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
The research focused on proteasomes, which were previously recognized for degrading old proteins. It has now been discovered that they have an additional function: producing defensive peptides derived from the proteasome (PDDP). These natural antibiotics damage bacterial cell membranes, leading to their destruction. Importantly, PDDP are selective and do not harm the host's body cells.
In laboratory experiments and studies with mice suffering from 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 emphasize 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.
