Researchers have discovered that a particular protein in the gut is fighting an important battle against the spread of bacteria. Through a combination of protective effects, the protein could in the future be used in treatments for conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease . The protein, intelectin-2, isn't new to scientists, but its role in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract hasn't been clear. Intelectin-2 is part of a group of proteins called lectins, which work by binding to specific sugar