The discovery of hidden antibiotics in proteins unrelated to the immune system

In a recent biomedical breakthrough, scientists from the Machine Biology Group, led by César de la Fuente at the University of Pennsylvania, revealed the existence of a new class of antibiotics hidden in proteins from systems not previously associated with immunity. This finding has enormous potential to transform our understanding of the body’s response to infections and to provide alternatives against microbes resistant to conventional treatments.

The study unveiled a series of previously unknown antimicrobial molecules, called encrypted peptides, found in proteins whose primary functions were unrelated to pathogen defense. These molecules are embedded in proteins that play roles in systems such as the cardiovascular, nervous, and digestive systems, and until now had remained invisible to science.

The team discovered that 98% of the peptides sequenced from various parts of the body, including the eyes, originated from proteins not previously linked to immunity. This discovery is reminiscent of what was once called “junk DNA”: genetic sequences thought to be useless, but later shown to be crucial for important biological processes.

The antimicrobial role of encrypted peptides

The work carried out at the University of Pennsylvania has opened new possibilities in the fight against bacterial infections. Encrypted peptides, part of common proteins in the body, serve a dual role: they act directly against pathogens while also regulating immune responses.

First, these peptides can disrupt microbial cell membranes, weakening pathogens and making them more vulnerable. Then, at a second level, they help modulate the immune response, activating the body’s defenses to eliminate the pathogen more efficiently.

Among the peptides studied, some such as collagenin-3, collagenin-4, and zipperin-1 demonstrated remarkable efficacy in animal models, reducing bacterial infections in areas such as skin and muscle. In culture plate experiments, up to 90% of these peptides showed antimicrobial activity, underscoring their potential as new treatments against antibiotic-resistant infections.

The discovery of ocular immunity

One of the most intriguing aspects of the study was the analysis of the ocular microenvironment. The eyes are protected by a phenomenon known as “immune privilege,” which prevents aggressive immune responses that could impair vision. However, the researchers found that encrypted peptides also play a key role in ocular protection, serving as a first line of defense against infections without triggering harmful inflammation.

This insight not only sheds light on how the body protects delicate organs but also reinforces the notion that immunity does not rely solely on classical immune proteins. The discovery of these antimicrobial peptides could revolutionize how infections are treated and prevented, especially in areas where inflammation must be minimized, such as the eyes.

The impact of encrypted peptides on antibiotic resistance

The rise of antibiotic resistance is a growing global health threat, with resistant pathogens remaining among the leading causes of preventable deaths. In this context, encrypted peptides may represent a critical alternative solution. By acting both as natural antimicrobial agents and as immune modulators, these peptides could play an important role in treating resistant infections, offering a new pathway for combating diseases that have become increasingly difficult to address with conventional antibiotics.

The research by César de la Fuente and his team has not only opened new treatment possibilities but also marked a significant advance in our understanding of immunity. By identifying antimicrobial molecules in proteins not previously associated with defense, this work challenges traditional views of immunity and paves the way for innovative therapies against resistant infections.

This discovery underscores that the human body, in all its complexity, still harbors unexplored tools that could be essential for tackling the urgent challenge of antibiotic resistance.