Concept
Prions
Misfolded protein, spongiform encephalopathy
PREE-onz
High-yield clue
Proteinaceous infectious particle with no DNA or RNA that self-propagates by misfolding, causing spongiform (vacuolated) brain change.
Overview
Infectious agents made of misfolded protein (PrP-Sc) with no nucleic acid, studied as the cause of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies through templated conversion of normal PrP.
Classification
- Proteinaceous infectious particle
- No nucleic acid genome
- Misfolded PrP-Sc isoform
- Beta-sheet-rich, protease-resistant
- Not a conventional virus
Lab & identification clues
- Spongiform (vacuolated) neuropathology vocabulary
- Protease-resistant misfolded protein framing
- Resistant to standard sterilization concept
Associations
- Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, kuru)
- Variant CJD linked to BSE (contaminated beef) exposure
- Scrapie in sheep and chronic wasting disease association
- Templated conversion of normal cellular PrP
Commonly confused with
- Viruses
- Viroids
Your notes
Original microbiology concept summary. Sources checked: OpenStax Microbiology 2e, NCBI Bookshelf Medical Microbiology, and CDC/WHO topic pages where applicable; reviewed 2026-06. Educational only; no diagnosis, treatment selection, infection-control instructions, or specimen-handling guidance.