Five Questions on Prion Diseases

Abstract

Prion diseases are characterized by deposition of PrPSc, a misfolded and aggregated isoform of the host-encoded cellular prion protein (PrPC), within the central nervous system (CNS) and other organs. Here we review the current knowledge on five issues relevant to prion diseases: (1) how do prions enter the body, (2) how do prions reach the central nervous system, (3) how do prions damage the CNS, (4) do mammals have an antiprion defense system, and (5) how can the prion problem be resolved for good.