Research Uncovers Antibiotics Hidden in Proteins of Systems Other Than the Immune System

Researchers have discovered a new category of antimicrobial agents, called encrypted peptides, hidden in molecules with different functions in all parts of the body. César de la Fuente, PhD, a Presidential Assistant Professor in Psychiatry, Microbiology, Chemistry and Biomolecular Engineering, and Bioengineering, who led the effort, explained that the peptides are hidden in proteins “that we had never thought could have a role in the immune system” and could be key players in the fight against antibiotic resistance.