New Immune System Discovery Could Lead to Natural Antibiotics

Scientists have found a new part of our immune system.

It could help our body fight disease.

Researchers in Israel told the BBC the discovery "could provide an untapped source of natural antibiotics".

Dr Yifat Merbl said: "These findings pave the way for [new] strategies in the fight against infectious diseases."

The "new" part of the immune system is from a bodily function that recycles proteins.

It can produce chemicals that kill bacteria and viruses.

The researchers focused on amino acid compounds that keep our immune system strong.

These could provide new therapies for infectious diseases and compromised immunity.

They could defend against bacteria and halt their growth.

Dr Merbl said: "We discovered a novel mechanism of immunity that is allowing us to have a defence against bacterial infection."

She added: "It's happening throughout our body, in all the cells."