Beyond Waste How Cells Secretly Create Natural Antibiotics
🦠A Hidden Layer of Immunity,Discovered! 🔬
For years, proteasomes were thought to be nothing more than cellular waste processors, breaking down proteins and presenting fragments to the immune system. But new research led by Prof. Yifat Merbl from the Weizmann Institute, in collaboration with Prof. Nissan Yissachar at BIU Life Sciences & BINA shows they’re doing something far more exciting: actively defending our cells against bacterial infections.
The team uncovered a previously unknown function of proteasomes, they generate natural antimicrobial peptides that directly attack bacteria. These tiny protein fragments disrupt bacterial membranes, stopping infections before the immune system even steps in.
This discovery opens up incredible possibilities:
✅ A deeper understanding of how our cells fight infections on their own.
✅ A potential new source of natural antibiotics, which could help combat drug-resistant bacteria.
✅ A fresh look at proteasomes, not just as protein recyclers but as key players in immune defense.
With antibiotic resistance becoming a global crisis, breakthroughs like this could reshape how we fight infections. Huge congratulations to Prof. Yifat Merbl, Prof. Nissan Yissachar, and the team for shedding light on a whole new dimension of immunity!
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