Study Finds Human Protein Recycling System Acts as Natural Antibiotic Against Bacteria

Jerusalem: Israeli researchers have uncovered a surprising immune defense function of the proteasome, a cellular structure primarily known for breaking down and recycling proteins. The study, published in Nature and reported by Xinhua News Agency, suggests that this mechanism could inspire new approaches to combating antibiotic-resistant infections.

Conducted by scientists from the Weizmann Institute of Science (WIS), the research found that as the proteasome degrades old proteins, it continuously releases antimicrobial peptides. These peptides play a crucial role in the body’s first line of defense by directly attacking and eliminating bacteria.

Experiments demonstrated that human cells with active proteasomes effectively controlled bacterial growth, while inhibiting proteasome function allowed infections to spread. In infected mice, peptides generated by the proteasome significantly reduced bacterial numbers, minimized tissue damage, and improved survival rates. The peptides exhibited an antibiotic-like effect, performing as efficiently as potent clinical antibiotics.

The research team identified more than 270,000 potential antibacterial peptides hidden within 92% of human proteins. These findings suggest a vast, untapped source of antimicrobial agents within the body that could be harnessed for medical applications.

According to Prof. Yifat Merbl’s lab at WIS, this peptide database offers exciting possibilities for developing personalized treatments for infections and other medical conditions. The ability to tailor therapies using naturally occurring antimicrobial peptides could be particularly beneficial for high-risk individuals, such as cancer patients or those with weakened immune systems.

Beyond its clinical significance, the study has unveiled a fundamental cellular process that was previously unknown. The researchers noted that the proteasome-regulated immune mechanism represents an entirely new aspect of cellular biology.

Prof. Merbl emphasized that the discovery was made possible by technological advancements in analyzing cellular waste. “This study demonstrates how innovation in technology and fundamental research intersect in unexpected ways. We developed this technology to study cellular degradation, never imagining it would lead us to uncover a novel immune defense mechanism,” she said.

These findings could pave the way for groundbreaking therapeutic developments, offering a new strategy in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria.