According to a new study conducted at the Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, bacteria has this self protective mechanism through which they can protect themselves from their own toxins.

Bacteria generally attack with toxins to kill the host cells but when it comes to protecting themselves from the same toxins, they are quite capable at doing that.

Researchers examined a common bacterium named Streptococcus pyogenes, which can cause infections like strep throat and even rheumatic fever. After studying the structure of its toxin and its antitoxin, researchers concluded that the antitoxin is bound to the toxin in a way that keeps the toxin inactive.

Trying to come out with a new class of treatment, the researchers found a unique way to inactivate the antitoxin. They realized when the antitoxin is not bound, it changes shape.

With these findings, the researchers believe that now they can test the possible drugs which can force the antitoxin to remain unbound to the toxin which will lead to leaving the toxin free to attack its own bacteria.

Craig Smith, a postdoctoral researcher and first author of the study, said, "There is a war going on between bacteria and their hosts. Bacteria secrete toxins and we have ways to counterattack through our immune systems and with the help of antibiotics. But, as bacteria develop antibiotic resistance, we need to develop new generations of antibiotics”.