Scientists have uncovered a previously unknown function of the immune system, revealing a hidden source of potential antibiotics within the body. Researchers in Israel have discovered that the proteasome - a structure found in all cells - has a secret ability to produce bacteria-killing compounds. This breakthrough not only reshapes understanding of how the body fights infection but also presents a fresh avenue for tackling antibiotic resistance, a growing global health crisis.

The proteasome is primarily known for breaking down old proteins into reusable components. However, new findings published in Nature show that when a cell detects bacterial infection, the proteasome changes its function. Instead of recycling proteins, it repurposes them into antimicrobial molecules capable of attacking and destroying bacteria. Professor Yifat Merbl, from the Weizmann Institute of Science, described the discovery as a "novel mechanism of immunity" that occurs throughout the body, generating an entirely new class of natural antibiotics.

Researchers tested these newly discovered compounds on bacterial infections in laboratory conditions and on mice with pneumonia and sepsis. The results were comparable to existing antibiotics, suggesting significant potential for future treatments. Furthermore, experiments showed that disabling the proteasome made cells far more vulnerable to bacterial infections, reinforcing its crucial role in immune defence.

While the path to developing new antibiotics from this discovery remains long, scientists are optimistic. Dr Lindsey Edwards, a microbiologist at King’s College London, highlighted the significance of this finding, suggesting that using naturally occurring human compounds could simplify drug development. With antibiotic resistance on the rise, this unexpected internal defence mechanism could be a game-changer in the fight against superbugs.