A groundbreaking discovery has revealed a hidden aspect of the immune system that could be a game-changer in the fight against bacterial infections. Researchers in Israel have found that the proteasome, a structure known for recycling proteins in cells, has an unexpected secondary role—it can transform into a powerful defense mechanism that produces natural antibiotics.
This newly identified function enables the proteasome to detect bacterial infections and generate antibacterial compounds capable of destroying harmful microbes. Experiments on lab-grown bacteria and mice with severe infections showed results comparable to existing antibiotics, highlighting the potential of this discovery to combat drug-resistant superbugs.
Scientists are calling this a “goldmine” for future antibiotic development, offering hope at a time when antibiotic resistance is a growing global concern. Unlike traditional antibiotics sourced from soil, these naturally occurring human antibiotics could be easier to develop into safe and effective treatments. While further research is needed, this discovery opens an exciting new frontier in medicine.