Disease phenotype of classical sheep scrapie is changed upon experimental passage through white-tailed deer

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.ppat.1011815
• Publication Date: 2023-12-04T18:33:56Z
• Authors: Robyn D. Kokemuller; S. Jo Moore; Jifeng Bian; M. Heather West G...; Justin J. Greenlee
• Keywords: Incubation period

Prion agents occur in strains that are encoded by the structure of misfolded prion protein (PrP Sc ). can influence disease phenotype and potential for interspecies transmission. Little is known about transmission prions between sheep deer. Previously, classical US scrapie isolate (No.13-7) had a 100% attack rate white-tailed deer after oronasal challenge. The purpose this study was to test susceptibility challenge with agent passage through (WTD scrapie). Lambs various genotypes were oronasally challenged WTD scrapie. Sheep euthanized necropsied upon development clinical signs or at end experiment (72 months post-inoculation). Enzyme immunoassay, western blot, immunohistochemistry demonstrated PrP 4 10 fastest incubation occurring VRQ/VRQ sheep, which contrasts original No.13-7 inoculum faster ARQ/ARQ sheep. Shorter periods than suggestive change, so comparisons made ovinized mice scrapie: No. 13–7 x-124 (that has more rapid sheep). After mouse bioassay, isolates have similar conformational stability markedly different inoculum. Furthermore, brain tissues patterns immunoreactivity distinct from Multiple lines evidence suggest switch when passaged This represents one example resulting emergence selection new strain properties could confound eradication control efforts.