Propagation of distinct CWD prion strains during peripheral and intracerebral challenges of gene-targeted mice.

ABSTRACT: Since prion diseases result from infection and neurodegeneration of the central nervous system (CNS), experimental characterizations of prion strain properties customarily rely on the outcomes of intracerebral challenges. However, natural transmission of certain prions, including those causing chronic wasting disease (CWD) in elk and deer, depends on propagation in peripheral host compartments prior to CNS infection. Using gene-targeted GtE and GtQ mice, which accurately control cellular elk or deer PrP expression, we assessed the impact that peripheral or intracerebral exposures play on CWD prion strain propagation and resulting CNS abnormalities. Whereas oral and intraperitoneal transmissions produced identical neuropathological outcomes in GtE and GtQ mice and preserved the naturally co

SUBMITTER: DeFranco JP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11317562 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature