JERUSALEM, March 5 (Xinhua) -- Israeli researchers have discovered a surprising immune defense role of the proteasome, a cellular structure known for degrading and recycling proteins, the Weizmann Institute of Science (WIS) said Wednesday in a statement.
The study, published in Nature, could inspire new strategies against antibiotic-resistant infections, WIS said.
The study found that when breaking down old proteins, the proteasome constantly and regularly releases antimicrobial peptides, which are considered vital components of the body's first line of defense as they attack and kill bacteria, WIS added.
Experiments showed that human cells with active proteasomes effectively controlled bacterial growth, while blocking proteasome activity allowed infections to spread, it said.
In infected mice, proteasome-produced peptides reduced bacteria numbers, decreased tissue damage, and even improved survival rates, performing as effectively as strong antibiotics in clinical use, it noted.
The team identified over 270,000 potential antibacterial peptides hidden within 92 percent of human proteins, opening a new frontier for developing tailored therapies to strengthen immune defenses in high-risk patients, such as those with cancer or weakened immune systems, according to the statement.
