Transmission of Prions

Overview

Journal Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A

Specialty Science

Date 2002 Aug 16

PMID 12181490

Citations 38

Authors

C Weissmann

M Enari

P-C Klohn

D Rossi

E Flechsig

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The "protein only" hypothesis states that the infectious agent causing transmissible spongiform encephalopathies is a conformational isomer of PrP, a host protein predominantly expressed in brain, and is strongly supported by many lines of evidence. Prion diseases are so far unique among conformational diseases in that they are transmissible, not only experimentally but also by natural routes, mainly by ingestion. A striking feature of prions is their extraordinary resistance to conventional sterilization procedures, and their capacity to bind to surfaces of metal and plastic without losing infectivity. This property, first observed in a clinical setting, is now being investigated in experimental settings, both in animals and in cell culture.

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Spatial heterogeneity of prion gene polymorphisms in an area recently infected by chronic wasting disease.

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Cellular mechanisms responsible for cell-to-cell spreading of prions.

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