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(Image: Frankpasternak) |
UK and US Scientists Uncover E. coli’s Immune Evasion Tactics
For the first time, British and American scientists have successfully “unmasked” the tactics E. coli bacteria use to evade the immune system, shedding light on the cause of numerous food poisoning incidents worldwide.
Upon detecting signs of infection, the human body produces nitric oxide as a defense mechanism. However, through a sophisticated mechanism, E. coli (short for Escherichia coli) can “scent” this gas and knows how to neutralize it. This discovery presents an important clue for combating this bacterium.
Researchers from the Georgia Institute of Technology (USA) collaborated with the John Innes Centre (UK) to study harmless strains of E. coli, believing that their findings could be applicable to more pathogenic strains of E. coli and its “relative,” Salmonella, which is notorious for causing food poisoning outbreaks.
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Escherichia coli (Image: Astrographics) |
Salmonella typically infects humans through undercooked meat, contaminated vegetables, and unsanitary food, leading to diarrhea and cramps. In vulnerable individuals, the consequences can be severe. Meanwhile, treatment often becomes reactive as the bacteria continuously learn to “dodge” antibiotics.
In the study, it was found that E. coli can recognize and free itself from the nitric oxide produced by the body to combat infection. This ability is attributed to a protein called NorR, which regulates genes that code for a specific enzyme capable of neutralizing nitric oxide.
“It turns out that the NorR protein contains a single iron molecule. The combination of nitric oxide with this iron molecule activates the NorR protein,” said Stephen Spiro, a member of the research team. If researchers can intervene in this mechanism, they believe that within a few years, they will develop more effective antibiotics and treatment methods.
Mỹ Linh (according to BBC)
