Jena / Magdeburg, 06.05.2026. A research team from the University of Magdeburg and Jena University Hospital has presented a novel approach to treating severe lung infections. Instead of killing bacteria with classic antibiotics, the scientists rely on tailored artificial molecules that specifically neutralize the destructive cell toxins of the pathogens.
- Who: Research team led by Jun.-Prof. Adrian Press (Jena University Hospital) and Prof. Dieter Schinzer (Magdeburg University).
- What: New „pathoblocking strategy“ against invasive pneumococcal infections.
- Mechanism: Artificial decoy molecules intercept the bacterial toxin pneumolysin before it can destroy human cells.
- Advantage: No evolutionary pressure on bacteria, thereby avoiding the threat of antibiotic resistance.
- Status: Feasibility proven in cell models. Tests on animal models are starting; the ultimate goal is a therapeutic lung spray.
Rendering Bacterial „Drills“ Harmless
Invasive lung infections present growing challenges to modern intensive care medicine worldwide, particularly due to the massive increase in antibiotic resistance. In severe cases, bacteria known as pneumococci cause extensive tissue damage. The pathogens secrete the cell toxin pneumolysin. As Magdeburg chemistry professor Dieter Schinzer explains, this toxin acts like a molecular drill: it binds to the cholesterol in human cell membranes, punches pores into the shell, and systematically destroys the cells. The consequences are severe and often result in life-threatening sepsis (blood poisoning).
Instead of killing the bacteria themselves, the research team is now pursuing the innovative approach of rendering these dangerous bacterial tools harmless. The scientists developed artificially modified sterols that are modeled exactly after natural cholesterol. These active substances are packaged into tiny fat bubbles, known as liposomes, and serve as molecular decoys in the body. The bacterial toxin docks onto these artificial particles and is immediately neutralized before it can reach the actual human lung tissue.
Double Protection for the Cell
The researchers evaluate the first laboratory results as a great success. In complex cell models, the artificially produced sterols demonstrated a dual mechanism of action: they not only bind the aggressive toxin directly but also apparently stabilize the human cell membrane at the same time. As a result, lung epithelial and liver cells become significantly more resistant to external attacks, helping the body to drive the healing process itself.
The decisive medical advantage of this approach lies in the avoidance of new resistances. Because the bacteria are not attacked or inhibited in their growth, no evolutionary survival pressure is created that could trigger the formation of even more dangerous germs. The process has already been filed for an international patent. In the research stage that follows, the mechanisms will be validated in animal models.
Background: Infection Research in Jena-Lobeda
Jena University Hospital (UKJ), whose main site is located in the district of Lobeda, is the decisive center in Thuringia for research into complex infectious diseases. In particular, the fight against sepsis (blood poisoning) has a nationwide unique research focus here through the integrated Center for Sepsis Control and Care (CSCC). Pneumococcal infections, against which the new strategy is designed, are among the most common triggers of severe pneumonia in everyday life. They are life-threatening, especially for young children, seniors, and people with weakened immune systems. To protect themselves preventively, the Standing Committee on Vaccination (STIKO) recommends a routine pneumococcal vaccination for these risk groups, which can be carried out at a family doctor.
Details on the research work can be found by interested parties in the official press release from the University of Magdeburg.
Source:
New strategy against deadly lung infections: Neutralizing bacterial toxins
Transparency Note: This article was created automatically, editorially reviewed, and expanded with AI support.