A research team has discovered a previously unknown mechanism by which the immune system fights bacterial infections. The scientists found that a specific protein, the chloride channel PACC1, is crucial for immune cells to effectively kill bacteria. If the protein is missing, it leads to increased inflammatory reactions, as well as increased mortality in an animal model in cases of bacterial sepsis. In the long term, the findings could help develop new treatment strategies for bacterial sepsis—especially in light of rising antibiotic resistance.
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