In an exciting new discovery, scientists have found that our own bodies might hold the key to fighting dangerous bacteria.
A research team from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB) has uncovered natural antibiotic-like substances within human proteins—opening the door to powerful new treatments for infections.
The study, led by biochemist Marc Torrent from UAB’s Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, began with a surprising observation.
Certain proteins in our bodies that normally help with processes like blood clotting and inflammation also have the ability to recognize molecules found on the surface of harmful bacteria.
These proteins, known as glycosaminoglycan-binding proteins (HBPs), are already known to bind to heparin—a molecule involved in regulating blood flow and immune response.
But researchers realized they might also be useful in fighting bacterial infections.
Using computer-based analysis, the team examined more than 100 of these proteins to look for small sections, or peptides, that might have antimicrobial properties. They identified several promising candidates and then created synthetic versions in the lab to test them.
Out of all the peptides studied, five showed strong activity against dangerous bacteria, especially gram-negative types like E. coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Acinetobacter baumannii. These bacteria are known for causing serious infections in hospitals and are becoming increasingly resistant to traditional antibiotics.
One peptide, named HBP-5, stood out from the rest. In lab tests, HBP-5 was able to kill bacteria effectively, even in very low doses.
The researchers then tested it in a mouse model of sepsis—a life-threatening infection that spreads through the bloodstream. The results were impressive: HBP-5 significantly reduced the amount of bacteria in multiple organs, suggesting it could help control infections inside the body.
What makes these new peptides so promising is their selectivity and safety. Unlike many antibiotics that can harm healthy human cells or cause side effects, these peptides were shown to have very low toxicity. That means they may be safer and more targeted than current treatments.
According to Torrent, this discovery could lead to an entirely new class of antibiotics—one that is based on the body’s own natural defenses.
At a time when antibiotic resistance is a growing global threat, finding new and effective ways to treat infections is more important than ever. These findings give hope that nature—and our own biology—may already hold the answers.
