Bacteria discovery could lead to antibiotics alternatives
Date: 9.5.2012
Scientists have discovered an Achilles heel within our cells that bacteria are able to exploit to cause and spread infection.
The researchers say their findings could lead to the development of new anti-infective drugs as alternatives to antibiotics whose overuse has led to resistance.
University of Manchester researchers studied Listeria and found they are able to spread infection by hitching a ride on a naturally occurring protein called calpain. Without calpain the bacteria cannot move within the cell and so do not grow.
"This discovery highlights the possibility of using drugs against these host proteins to block infections, potentially reducing the need to use antibiotics."
