Modelling subclinical vCJD infection in the UK

Dept of Health funded grant (internal code 338FFC RA3160). This dataset includes raw data, analysis and descriptive data/files from mouse transmission and laboratory studies. These include BRF studies: A641-A643, A738, A795-A797, A865 and A902.
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vCJD was first reported in the UK in 1996. Since then 177 deaths from probable or definite vCJD have occurred with three related to transfusion of contaminated blood. Susceptibility to vCJD is linked with methionine (M)/valine (V) polymorphism at codon 129 in the PRNP gene with all genotyped cases of clinical vCJD being found in 129MM individuals. Two asymptomatic cases of vCJD in 129MV individuals have been reported in which PrPSc was identified in the spleen but not the brain. Material from one spleen has now been shown to be infectious. Retrospective tonsil and appendix studies have shown evidence of the presence of PrPSc in all 129 codon genotypes and all birth cohorts from 1941 with a prevalence rate of 1 in 2000 indicating a high carrier status in the UK. It is unknown whether they represent primary or secondary infections.

In animal studies, prion disease pathogenesis can be influenced by a variety of factors including host genetics (codon 129 of the prion protein gene), age at infection, route of infection and immune status such as co-infections. We hypothesise that codon 129 genotype of PrP is not only linked to susceptibility but plays a role in the peripheral sequestering of disease. Furthermore, we hypothesise that movement of infection from the periphery to the CNS is
influenced by a variety of factors. We aim to determine if age of the individual and route of infection influences disease pathogenesis and whether codon 129 genotype of PrP plays a role in the process. Additionally, we aim to determine whether immune insults such as viral or systemic co-infection can alter disease pathogenesis and/or onset of clinical disease.

We will utilise transgenic mouse models expressing the three human codon 129 genotypes of PrP. Mice will be inoculated with vCJD via CNS or peripheral route at different ages and tissues collected at time points through disease incubation. We will ascertain whether PrPSc is present in the peripheral tissues of these mice at these time points and whether this differs between genotypes. This will be carried out using a combination of immunohistochemistry, biochemistry and infectivity studies where appropriate. A second study will use mice inoculated peripherally with vCJD and a co-infection (viral or systemic) introduced approximately 50% through disease incubation. Tissues will be collected at different time points and analysed as previously.

By identifying factors which may influence disease pathogenesis and the onset of clinical disease we will provide data which can be used to further inform and refine risk assessment models, particularly for potential secondary vCJD transmission. In turn, this will allow further development and review of existing and prospective risk reduction measures. In addition, the data from these studies will improve our understanding of vCJD pathogenesis; this may lead to quicker diagnosis thus preventing sub-clinical human-to-human transmission.