A never-before-seen defence system against germs that enter the nose has been uncovered by scientists.
Cells in the nostrils release billions of tiny bug-killing sacs into mucus when they sense dangerous bacteria have been inhaled.
Not only do these sacs, called exosomes, kill bacteria, they also warn surrounding cells to protect themselves against invading pathogens.
The fight against germs may be right under our noses, research suggests (stock)
Researchers at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Teaching Hospital made the discovery.
To determine the exact role of exosomes, they analysed nasal tissue in the lab, as well as in patients who were undergoing surgery on their noses.
Results showed within five minutes of cells in the nose being exposed to potentially-dangerous bacteria, the number of exosomes released into the mucus doubled.
Speaking of exosomes, sinus surgeon and lead author Dr Benjamin Bleier told New Scientist: ‘They are as powerful at killing bacteria as an antibiotic.’
But not all exosomes destroy bacteria. Many move to the back of the nose where they fuse with other cells to warn them of invading pathogens.
They then deposit proteins and some of their genetic material into these cells so they too are armed against dangerous bacteria, the study found.
This may explain another discovery by the scientists, who also found tiny hairs in the nostrils sweep pathogens higher up into the nose rather than pushing them out.
Once the cells at the back of the nose have been made aware of this dangerous bacteria, the pathogens can then be swallowed and destroyed by the gut, according to Dr Bleier.
‘We have demonstrated in a live patient that the immune system reaches outside of the body, and actually goes and attacks pathogens before they get into the body, he said.
‘It is the only example of this I know of.’
The researchers plan to investigate how exosomes fuse to cells in the hope of using this process to deliver drugs more effectively.
Exosomes, which were discovered in 1983, have previously been linked to a person’s overall health, including their risk of cancer.
This comes after research released earlier this month suggested llamas may hold the key to a long-lasting flu vaccine.
Laboratory tests carried out by the pharmaceutical giant Janssen, Beerse, revealed a protein produced by the fluffy animals, as well as camels, fought off the virus in mice.
AVERAGE WORKER COMES INTO CONTACT WITH 10 MILLION DISEASE-CAUSING BACTERIA
Millions of us spend our days slaving over a keyboard. But lurking between the keys, hidden on the mouse and nestled in your phone lies more than 10 million bacteria – 400 times more than on the average toilet seat.
Unhygienic working conditions are a ‘key contributor’ to the 131 million working days lost each year in the UK and millions more around the world, to illnesses including colds and flu.
Bacteria and viruses can multiply on hard surfaces, remaining infectious for up to 24 hours, hygiene expert and visiting professor at the University of Salford, Dr Lisa Ackerley told MailOnline.
She said the average desk is a prime breeding ground for infections, before urging people to disinfect their desks, telephones, keyboards and computer mice.
She added that better cleaning and hygiene measures could result in ‘significantly fewer sick days’.
Now, a new infographic lays bare the stark reality of how important it is to detox your desk.
It shows one in five workers fail to clean their workspace before eating, while two in three eat lunch at their desk.
Twenty per cent of people never clean their computer mouse, while around 80 per cent of common infections are transmitted by touch.
A new infographic reveals the typical office worker comes into contact with 10 million bacteria at their desks each day, with the average keyboard harbouring 7,500 bacteria and 20 per cent of all workers never cleaning their computer mouse