Transmission Properties of Pathogenic Protein Agents in Human Prion Disease and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Abstract

Prion diseases are transmitted by the protein agent that can transfer its distinct misfolded structure to its normal counterparts and form insoluble aggregates in the nervous system. Recent findings led to the emergence of the prion paradigm of the protein agents that underlie neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). This review will discuss current knowledge concerning both human prion diseases and prion-like transmission properties related to neurodegenerative diseases.