Weizmann ‘cellular trash’ study could help in battle against antibiotics resistance - study

A study at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot has expanded our understanding of the body’s innate defenses and provides a new path into fighting the growing threat of antibiotic resistance. 

Much like humans generate huge piles of garbage, our cells are constantly disposing of proteins that are damaged or no longer needed. The cellular waste disposal system called the proteasome is best known for its central role in protein degradation and recycling, but as far back as three decades ago, it was shown that products of this process – short protein sequences called peptides – can be displayed on the cell surfaces, helping the immune system to identify threats. 

Indeed, as immune cells patrol the body, they check out protein pieces called antigens that are generated when proteins are sent to degradation, and these pieces are presented on the surface of cells. When an antigen pattern looks suspicious, the immune system “hits delete” and eradicates the cell. 

The study, just published in the prestigious j...
[Short citation of 8% of the original article]