According to scientists from the Australian National University (ANU), a specific group of bacteria-killing proteins inside the immune system may hold the key to the development of smarter and more effective drugs capable of eliminating certain infectious diseases, including meningitis, pneumonia and sepsis.
In a new study published in Communication NatureANU researchers demonstrate the potential of these immune proteins, known as guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs), to bind directly to specific types of bacteria and kill them.
In addition to laying the groundwork for new treatments, these killer proteins can also be used in combination with existing antibiotics to give doctors more options when treating certain types of infectious diseases.
Lead author and PhD researcher Shouya Feng, from the John Curtin School of Medical Research (JCSMR), said this specific type of protein works by ‘cutting open’ bacteria – like an ax splitting wood in half – destroying the membrane and causing it. die.
“Our immune system is equipped with weapons capable of destroying germs. When foreign bodies, such as bacteria, enter our body, the immune system triggers a defensive response,” Ms. Feng said.
“We believe we can extract and harness the power of these immune system proteins, known as GBP1, and use them to treat a range of infectious diseases, without negatively affecting our body’s cells. »
Co-author Professor Si Ming Man, also from JCSMR, said pathogenic microbes continually adapt and thwart current drug treatments, and scientists are always looking to discover new ways to develop more effective solutions.
According to research by the World Health Organization (WHO), drug-resistant diseases already cause around 700,000 deaths worldwide each year. By 2050, this figure is expected to rise to 10 million.
“The extensive use of antibiotics to treat a number of different infectious diseases over many years has made them less effective over time, as microbes continually develop resistance to new and existing treatments, meaning they stay one step ahead of the scientists,” said Professor Man. said.
“We are now finding more and more GBP that can kill different types of drug-resistant bacteria. This includes bacteria that can cause meningitis, pneumonia and sepsis.
“The ultimate goal is to use these proteins to completely eliminate meningitis, pneumonia and sepsis.
“Our research might provide alternatives to increasingly overused and ineffective antibiotics by providing new methods to combat these multidrug-resistant infections.
“We expect this work can lay the groundwork for a new framework to inform how we can tackle ever-evolving diseases for decades to come. »
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Materials provided by Australian National University. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.