Prion Proteins

Prion proteins are misfolded proteins that can cause harmful changes in normal proteins in the brain. Unlike bacteria or viruses, prions are not living organisms; they are simply proteins that can trigger diseases. When prions accumulate, they lead to brain damage and severe neurological diseases, such as Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans and mad cow disease in cattle. These diseases are often progressive and fatal, and they can be transmitted between individuals, mainly through contaminated tissue. Understanding prions is crucial for preventing and treating these devastating conditions.