PrP expression level and sensitivity to prion infection

J Virol. 2014 May;88(10):5870-2. doi: 10.1128/JVI.00369-14. Epub 2014 Feb 26.

Abstract

Mice overexpressing the prion protein (PrP) sequence from various host species are widely used for measuring infectious titers in prion disease. However, the impact that the transgene expression level might have on the susceptibility to infection raises some concerns about the final biological relevance of these models. Here we report that endpoint titration of a sheep scrapie isolate in sheep and in mice overexpressing the ovine PrP results in similar estimates of the infectious titer.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Disease Susceptibility*
  • Gene Expression*
  • Mice
  • PrPSc Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Prion Diseases / genetics*
  • Recombinant Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Sheep

Substances

  • PrPSc Proteins
  • Recombinant Proteins