Researchers from MIT have discovered that a protein in the gut, intelectin-2, is crucial in preventing the spread of bacteria. The protein, part of a group of proteins called lectins, binds to specific sugar molecules and can protect the mucus barrier that protects intestinal tissues if a breach is breached. It can also trap and kill bacterial cells if the barrier is compromised. The discovery could be used in treatments for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease. Some of the bacteria targeted by intelectins have developed antibiotic resistance, making these discoveries valuable for drug development. The researchers also noted that intelectine-2 levels are often found at unusually low or high levels in people with inflammatory bowel diseases.