Rescue of Transgenic Alzheimer's Pathophysiology by Polymeric Cellular Prion Protein Antagonists

Cellular prion protein (PrP^C) binds the scrapie conformation of PrP (PrP^Sc) and oligomeric β-amyloid peptide (Aβo) to mediate transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) and Alzheimer's disease (AD), respectively. We conducted cellular and biochemical screens for compounds blocking PrP^C interaction with Aβo. A polymeric degradant of an antibiotic targets Aβo binding sites on PrP^C with low nanomolar affinity and prevents Aβo-induced pathophysiology. We then identified a range of negatively charged polymers with specific PrP^C affinity in the low to sub-nanomolar range, from both biological (melanin) and synthetic (poly [4-styrenesulfonic acid-co-maleic acid], PSCMA) origin. Association of PSCMA with PrP^C prevents Aβo/PrP^C-hydrogel formation, blocks Aβo binding to neurons, and abrogates PrP^Sc production by ScN2a cells. We show that oral PSCMA yields effective brain concentrations and rescues APPswe/PS1ΔE9 transgenic mice from AD-related synapse loss and memory deficits. Thus, an orally active PrP^C-directed polymeric agent provides a potential therapeutic approach to address neurodegeneration in AD and TSE.