prion biology

Prion biology involves abnormal proteins called prions, which can cause infectious, degenerative brain diseases by misleading normally functioning proteins to also become misfolded. Unlike typical pathogens (like bacteria or viruses), prions lack genetic material and are simply misfolded versions of a normal protein found in the brain. These abnormal proteins aggregate, damaging brain tissue and leading to diseases such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease. Prions are notable for their stability and resistance to standard sterilization, making them uniquely challenging to control and treat. Their ability to spread through consumption or contaminated medical instruments underscores their significance in medicine and public health.