IIT Jodhpur finds human protein that prevents bacterial resistance

Jodhpur: In a major scientific breakthrough, researchers from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jodhpur have discovered that a naturally occurring human protein can prevent bacteria from forming highly resistant biofilms—one of the leading causes of chronic infections and antimicrobial resistance (AMR).This discovery found that β2-microglobulin (β2m)—a protein naturally present in the human body as part of the immune system—blocks the early formation of curli amyloids, which in turn prevents the biofilm from forming.
Neha Jain, associate professor at department of bioscience and bioengineering and principal investigator of this research, explained that many bacteria live in tightly packed communities called biofilms."These biofilms are like microscopic cities where bacteria stick to surfaces and protect themselves inside a shield made of proteins, sugars, and DNA, which makes them extremely hard to eliminate," she said. Bacteria inside biofilms can be up to 1,000 times more resistant to antibiotics than individual bacterial cells, she added.The new research contributes to targeting the biofilm structure rather than the bacteria themselves, and reduces the chance of bacteria developing resistance, which is one of the most pressing global health threats."Biofilms are one of the biggest challenges in treating chronic infections because they protect bacteria from antibiotics and the immune system. β2-microglobulin can prevent biofilm formation by selectively blocking their assembly. Instead of killing bacteria, it weakens their protective structure," said Jain.The new approach can reduce the risk of resistance and opens new possibilities for designing therapies inspired by the body's own molecular tools, offering a new strategy beyond traditional antibiotics and also possessing wound-healing properties.By harnessing molecules already present in the human body, scientists may be able to develop safer, more sustainable treatments for persistent infections.The findings were published in the international journal ‘Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences' of the United States of America.