The protein called intelectin-2 plays another important role by reinforcing the protective mucus layer that lines the ...

The mucosal surfaces that line the body are embedded with defensive molecules that help keep microbes from causing ...

The term "natural competence" describes the ability of bacterial cells to uptake DNA molecules and integrate them into their own genome to exchange genetic information between each other. This process ...

When bacteria form spores, the mother cell dies, but not before it stores a copy of its DNA in a special capsule called the spore. The mother cell then breaks open and its DNA and remaining proteins ...

Bacteria have evolved sophisticated antiphage systems that halt phage replication upon detecting specific phage triggers. Identifying phage triggers is crucial to our understanding of immune signaling ...

Small proteins, Vellappan emphasized, are emerging as key subjects of research. Scientists worldwide are seeking a deeper level of understanding about the myriad mechanisms underlying the function of ...

Vertebrates such as ourselves rely on a complicated, multi-layer immune system to limit the impact of pathogens. Specialized B and T cells play a central role by recognizing specific pathogens and ...