Human body's protein recycling system fights bacteria like antibiotics: Study

Jerusalem (The Uttam Hindu): Researchers in Israel have made an unexpected finding regarding the immune defence role of the proteasome, a cellular structure primarily known for degrading and recycling proteins. Published in the journal Nature, this study could pave the way for innovative strategies to combat antibiotic-resistant infections, according to a report from Xinhua news agency. Led by a team from the Weizmann Institute of Science (WIS), the research revealed that as the proteasome breaks down older proteins, it consistently releases antimicrobial peptides. These peptides are crucial components of the body's frontline defence, actively attacking and destroying bacteria.

Experiments demonstrated that human cells with functional proteasomes effectively managed bacterial growth, while inhibiting proteasome activity led to increased spread of infections, as reported by WIS.

In studies involving infected mice, the peptides produced by the proteasome significantly reduced bacterial counts, minimized tissue damage, and improved survival rates, showing effectiveness comparable to widely used antibiotics.

The researchers uncovered over 270,000 potential antibacterial peptides located within 92 percent of human proteins.

"This peptide database opens up new possibilities for personalized treatments aimed at infections and other health conditions," explained Prof. Yifat Merbl’s lab at WIS. The implications of these findings could lead to the development of tailored therapies designed to boost immune responses in high-risk individuals, such as those suffering from cancer or having compromised immune systems.

Beyond clinical outcomes, the researchers expressed excitement about revealing a fundamental cellular mechanism regulated by the proteasome, which is distinct from previously known functions. “This study emphasizes the interplay between technological advancement and basic research in unexpected ways. The technology that allowed us to analyze cellular waste was crucial to this discovery, yet we never anticipated it would lead us to uncover a new aspect of immune function,” Merbl remarked.