With A Soap-Like Protein, Human Cells Can Ward Off Bacteria
Year: 2021
Special cellular soldiers, known as T-Cells and B-Cells help to fight off bacterial invaders. Of course, even non-immune cells aren’t exactly unable to defend themselves though. In July 2021, a study was published that proved certain proteins quite literally have a detergent-like ability to completely wipe out bacteria. Essentially, humans make our very own natural antibiotic in the form of protein that acts like the detergent you use to kill bacteria. After infecting a cell with Salmonella, they screen the cell’s ability to help itself and found the APOL3 Protein. Funny enough, this protein is both drawn to water and fats. APOL3 attacks the greasy lipids lining the inner bacterial membrane. Like an Army Sniper, they take them out with precision and never mistake human cell membranes for invaders.