Part 4/5:
Traditionally, the proteasome has been recognized for its role in recycling old proteins and managing cellular waste. However, this new research published in Nature reveals that the proteasome possesses a secret superpower: it can transform itself into a robust defense line against bacterial invasion.
When cells are attacked by bacteria, the proteasome detects the infection and begins recycling proteins, converting them into chemical agents capable of breaking down the bacteria's outer wall. This discovery suggests that the human body has an invisible army ready to combat invaders in real-time.