Japan found that dysentery bacillus used protein to destroy human immune function

A research team led by Tokyo University’s Professor Chihiro Chihiro has announced that they have discovered the mechanisms by which dysentery bacillus can destroy human immune functions by means of special proteins. This discovery is expected to promote the development of new therapeutic drugs.

The team found that when Shigella bacteria invade the epithelial cells in the lower intestinal tract, the body activates immune functions and tries to fight off the Shigella. However, Shigella has taken the lead and secreted a protein called "OspI" in advance, which is then adsorbed on the human "UBC13" protein that activates immune function, resulting in the body not being able to fully immunize.

The researchers successfully crystallized the “OspI” protein, then analyzed its structure with a large synchrotron radiation source “SPring-8”, and confirmed its various features based on the three-dimensional structure of the protein.

Akihiro Chihiro pointed out that if we can develop a drug targeting the “OspI” protein secreted by Shigella, we hope to protect human immune function and eradicate Shigella. In the future, the research team is ready to continue searching for substances that can attack the "OspI" protein.