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According to a new study, a potential therapy based on natural immune defenses could be the key to defeating superbugs.
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have discovered that the LL-37 molecule produced by the human body alters the behavior of cells when they are invaded by bacteria.
Focusing on lung diseases, seen as increasingly resistant to antibiotics, the team discovered that LL-37 specifically targets infected cells to reveal what's wrong and produce a signal in specialized cells called neutrophils.
At the same time, the molecule causes the self-destruction of infected cells, thus eliminating the threat before the bacteria can spread to other healthy cells.
Attempting to strengthen the best natural defenses of the human body, like this one, could prove to be an important part of our future solutions.
It is hoped that the results of this research could lead to new approaches to other multiresistant infections.
Dr. Donald J. Davidson of the MRC's Inflammation Research Center said: "Our search for alternative and complementary treatments for antibiotic-resistant infections is becoming increasingly urgent.
"Trying to strengthen the best natural defenses of the human body, like this one, could prove to be an important part of our future solutions."
The study, published in the journal PLoS Pathogens, was funded by the Medical Research Council.
– Press Association
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