Murine cecal patch M cells transport infectious prions in vivo
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Published on: November 19, 2010
Neil Foster1, Gordon G Macpherson
1School of Veterinary Medicine and Science, University of Nottingham, United Kingdom. n.foster@nottingham.ac.uk
Abstract:
We show that following oral inoculation, prions bind to ileal Peyer patch and cecal patch microfold cells (M cells) in vivo. Furthermore, we show evidence that the cecum acts a biological sump holding large concentrations of prions for relatively long periods, thus increasing the exposure time of cecal patch M cells. Our results show a critical initial step in the translocation of prions from the intestinal lumen of mammals in vivo, which is a precursor to infection.
Insights
Prions bind to intestinal microfold cells after oral inoculation. The cecum acts as a reservoir, prolonging M cell exposure and facilitating prion infection in mammals.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Infectious Diseases
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders.
- The initial steps of prion intestinal absorption and translocation remain incompletely understood.
- Oral ingestion is a potential route for prion exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the in vivo binding and initial translocation of prions within the mammalian gut.
- To identify the specific intestinal cells and tissues involved in early prion interaction.
- To elucidate the role of the cecum in prion pathogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Oral inoculation of mammals with prions.
- In vivo imaging and tissue analysis to track prion distribution.
- Histological examination of intestinal tissues, focusing on Peyer patches and cecal patches.
Main Results:
- Prions were observed to bind to microfold cells (M cells) in the ileal Peyer patch and cecal patch following oral inoculation.
- The cecum was identified as a biological sump, accumulating high prion concentrations.
- Prolonged prion retention in the cecum increases M cell exposure time.
Conclusions:
- The binding of prions to intestinal M cells is a critical early step in prion translocation.
- The cecum plays a significant role in concentrating prions and facilitating M cell interaction.
- These findings provide crucial insights into the initial stages of prion infection via the intestinal route.
