Scientists uncover a hidden immune defence that could revolutionise treatments for deadly infections.

Scientists have discovered an unknown part of the immune system that could hold the key to fighting antibiotic-resistant infections.

The breakthrough, backed by the European Research Council, reveals that cells contain a hidden antibacterial mechanism that could act as a natural alternative to conventional antibiotics. Experts say this discovery has the potential to transform the way infectious diseases are treated, offering a lifeline in the battle against deadly superbugs.

The research, published in Nature, focuses on proteasomes—structures inside cells that break down proteins. For decades, scientists believed their sole function was clearing out unwanted molecules. But new experiments have revealed that proteasomes also detect bacteria inside cells and trigger a defence response to stop infections in their tracks.

Professor Yifat Merbl, from the Weizmann Institute of Science, described the findings as “exciting”, telling the BBC, “We discovered a novel mechanism of immunity that allows our bodies to defend against bacterial infections. It’s happening in all our cells and could lead to a whole new class of natural antibiotics.”

Professor Danile Davis, head of life sciences at Imperial College London, called the study “very interesting” but cautioned that further testing would be needed before these natural antibiotics could be turned into treatments.

The discovery comes at a crucial time, as the world faces a growing crisis of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Overuse and misuse of antibiotics have allowed bacteria to evolve resistance, making once-treatable infections deadly.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), AMR is one of the biggest global health threats, and the problem is only worsening. In the UK alone, drug-resistant infections directly cause 7,600 deaths each year and contribute to 35,200 more, according to the National Audit Office (NAO).

The NAO report blamed “misuse and overuse” of antibiotics, including their unnecessary prescription for viral infections. It also warned that the NHS is struggling to contain the crisis, with outdated hospitals and a lack of isolation rooms increasing the risk of spreading resistant infections.

“The NHS estate has seriously deteriorated in recent years,” the report stated. “Old buildings and equipment are harder to service and keep clean, and there are insufficient facilities to isolate infectious patients.”

Dr Colin Brown, deputy director at the UK Health Security Agency, has issued a stark warning: “Antimicrobial resistance is not a crisis of the future, but one that is with us right now, causing over a million deaths globally each year.”

While this new discovery could provide much-needed alternatives to antibiotics, turning it into a viable treatment will take time. Scientists now need to determine how these natural antibacterials can be harnessed into safe and effective medicines.

Despite the challenges, researchers remain hopeful. If successful, this could mark a turning point in the fight against superbugs, offering a revolutionary new way to treat infections without relying on failing antibiotics.

For now, the world is watching closely—because in the fight against AMR, time is running out.