Mitchell Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Brain Disorders, Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical School at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA.
Clin Microbiol Rev. 2021 Dec 15;34(4):e0005919. doi: 10.1128/CMR.00059-19. Epub 2021 Jul 28.
Prion diseases are a group of fatal, infectious neurodegenerative disorders affecting various species of mammals, including humans. The infectious agent in these diseases, termed prion, is composed exclusively of a misfolded protein that can spread and multiply in the absence of genetic materials. In this article, we provide an overview of the mechanisms of prion replication, interindividual transmission, and dissemination in communities. In particular, we review the potential role of the natural environment in prion transmission, including the mechanisms and pathways for prion entry and accumulation in the environment as well as its roles in prion mutation, adaptation, evolution, and transmission. We also discuss the transmission of prion diseases through medical practices, scientific research, and use of biological products. Detailed knowledge of these aspects is crucial to limit the spreading of existing prion diseases as well as to prevent the emergence of new diseases with possible catastrophic consequences for public health.
朊病毒病是一组致命的传染性神经退行性疾病，影响包括人类在内的各种哺乳动物。这些疾病中的感染因子称为朊病毒，仅由一种错误折叠的蛋白质组成，在没有遗传物质的情况下也可以传播和繁殖。本文概述了朊病毒复制、个体间传播和在社区中传播的机制。特别是，我们回顾了自然环境在朊病毒传播中的潜在作用，包括朊病毒进入和在环境中积累的机制和途径，以及其在朊病毒突变、适应、进化和传播中的作用。我们还讨论了通过医疗实践、科学研究和使用生物制品传播朊病毒病的情况。详细了解这些方面对于限制现有朊病毒病的传播以及预防可能对公共卫生造成灾难性后果的新疾病的出现至关重要。
