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Large animal models for chronic wasting disease.
1College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Pathology, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO, United States, 80523. candace.mathiason@colostate.edu.
Cell and Tissue Research
|February 3, 2022
Summary
Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal prion illness affecting cervids. Research in host models reveals CWD
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Neurology
- Prion Disease Research
- Wildlife Health
Background:
- Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal neurodegenerative prion disease impacting cervid species.
- CWD has demonstrated significant geographic and species expansion globally.
- The disease poses risks to cervid populations and potentially human public health due to its facile transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review insights into Chronic Wasting Disease pathogenesis and transmission dynamics.
- To summarize findings from over 20 years of experimental studies using native cervid host models.
- To highlight key aspects of CWD infection, including prion trafficking, shedding, mother-to-offspring transmission, genetic influences, and vaccine development.
Main Methods:
- Utilized native cervid host models for longitudinal monitoring.
- Conducted experimental studies with biologically relevant routes of infection.
- Reviewed temporal intra-host prion trafficking, infectivity in excretions, mother-to-offspring transmission, and Prnp polymorphisms.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated temporal prion trafficking within host tissues and fluids.
- Identified infectivity shed in bodily excretions, explaining facile CWD transmission.
- Confirmed mother-to-offspring CWD transmission and the influence of Prnp polymorphisms on susceptibility.
Conclusions:
- Native cervid host models have significantly advanced understanding of CWD pathogenesis and transmission.
- The study highlights key factors contributing to CWD's spread and persistence.
- Ongoing research into vaccine strategies offers potential for mitigating CWD impacts.
