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1. Immunoprophylaxis and Therapy of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy

Principal Investigator: Andrew Potter, University of Saskatchewan

Co-Investigators:
Scott Napper, University of Saskatchewan
Philip Griebel, University of Saskatchewan
Lorne Babiuk, University of Alberta
Neil Cashman, University of British Columbia

Collaborator:
Charles Press, Norwegian School of Veterinary Science, Norway

Project Description:
Prion diseases are characterized by the conversion of the normal form of the prion protein (PrP^C) into the abnormal, infectious form (PrP^Sc).  In a wide variety of mammalian species, a conserved antibody-binding site has been identified to be present on the infectious form, thus making it an excellent universal vaccine target.  During the first funding cycle of this project, the team demonstrated that it is possible to induce ruminant immune responses against this binding site via a proprietary vaccine carrier system, and that the expansion of the binding site to include neighbouring residues appears to improve the specificity and immunogenicity of the target. The primary objective of this project is to build upon these findings to test the hypothesis that PrP^Sc-specific antibodies offer protective immunity to prion infections through their ability to limit PrP^Sc replication, thus impeding disease progression. 

(Open Call II)

Last Updated: 5/12/2009 4:16:07 PM