Sheep and Goat BSE Propagate More Efficiently than Cattle BSE in Human PrP Transgenic Mice
Author Information
Author(s): Padilla Danielle, Béringue Vincent, Espinosa Juan Carlos, Andreoletti Olivier, Jaumain Emilie, Reine Fabienne, Herzog Laetitia, Gutierrez-Adan Alfonso, Pintado Belen, Laude Hubert, Torres Juan Maria
Primary Institution: Centro de Investigación en Sanidad Animal (CISA-INIA), Madrid, Spain
Hypothesis
Are humans more susceptible to BSE prions from sheep and goats compared to those from cattle?
Conclusion
The study found that sheep and goat BSE prions transmit more efficiently to human PrP transgenic mice than cattle BSE prions.
Supporting Evidence
- Sheep and goat BSE isolates showed higher transmission efficiency on serial passaging compared to cattle BSE.
- Met129 homozygous individuals might be more susceptible to sheep or goat BSE agents than to cattle BSE.
- The molecular and neuropathological properties of sheep and goat BSE agents were indistinguishable from those of vCJD.
Takeaway
This study shows that if you get sick from sheep or goat prions, it might be worse than from cow prions.
Methodology
Transgenic mice expressing human prion protein were inoculated with BSE isolates from sheep, goats, and cattle to compare transmission efficiency.
Limitations
Results from transgenic mice may not fully represent human susceptibility to prions.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website