Scientists have discovered a new way to fight drug-resistant bacteria by targeting a specific sugar found on their outer shell. Researchers in Australia created a custom antibody that sticks to this bacterial sugar, known as pseudaminic acid. Once attached, the antibody acts as a signal to wake up the immune system.

During testing, this antibody successfully cleared infections of Acinetobacter baumannii in mice. These infections are usually fatal because the bacteria are resistant to multiple drugs. The team expects to turn this discovery into antibody treatments for human patients over the next five years. This method could open the door for new immune-based therapies to treat dangerous hospital superbugs.