The levels of infectious prions in animals infected with chronic wasting disease (CWD) in cervids, as with variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob-disease (vCJD) in human, are often beyond the limits of detection using conventional assays. In addition, the mechanisms of pathogenesis and transmission of prion diseases are not clearly defined. Development of sensitive antemortem assays for CWD and an understanding of transmission are critical for the eventual control of prion diseases of both man and animals. We propose to study CWD of cervids as a model for vCJD/prion transmission. CWD PrPres has been shown to be present and transmissible in various excreta, including saliva, blood, urine and feces of infected deer, though other biological samples may also serve as routes of transmission between cervids. In addition, detectable levels and the exact source of PrPres in these excreta have yet to be demonstrated. We propose three aims which explore the pathogenesis and transmission of prion diseases: (1) in Aim 1, we will evaluate peripheral tissues for early accumulation of CWD prions using a sensitive amplification assay, sPMCA. These findings will be compared with those achieved using more traditional assays such as immunohistochemistry. (2) In Aim 2, we will seek to determine the kinetics of prion shedding in saliva and urine through samples collected at multiple time points from infected cervids using bioassay and PMCA. Findings will be compared to results of early detection in peripheral tissues (Aim 1) as well as the sensitivity and specificity of current antemortem assays. (3) In Aim 3, we will investigate the tissue and cellular origins infectious prions in biological samples using immunocyto- and histochemistry, bioassay, and PMCA. The results of these studies will contribute greatly to the understanding of pathogenesis and transmission potential of CWD, BSE, and vCJD.

Public Health Relevance

(provided by applicant): A critical limitation of prion disease intervention strategies is the lack of knowledge regarding mechanisms and dynamics of transmission and a suitable antemortem assay. Additionally, little is known about the biological nature of prions in excreta (e.g. urine and saliva), and identifying the tissues and cell types involved in prion transmission is relevant to both the pathogenesis and diagnosis of TSE's.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Office of The Director, National Institutes of Health (OD)
Type
Research Scientist Development Award - Research & Training (K01)
Project #
8K01OD010994-03
Application #
8264398
Study Section
National Center for Research Resources Initial Review Group (RIRG)
Program Officer
Contreras, Miguel A
Project Start
2010-06-01
Project End
2015-05-31
Budget Start
2012-06-01
Budget End
2013-05-31
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$105,097
Indirect Cost
$7,785
Name
Colorado State University-Fort Collins
Department
Microbiology/Immun/Virology
Type
Schools of Veterinary Medicine
DUNS #
785979618
City
Fort Collins
State
CO
Country
United States
Zip Code
80523
Haley, Nicholas J; Rielinger, Rachel; Davenport, Kristen A et al. (2017) Estimating chronic wasting disease susceptibility in cervids using real-time quaking-induced conversion. J Gen Virol 98:2882-2892
Haley, Nicholas J; Siepker, Chris; Hoon-Hanks, Laura L et al. (2016) Seeded Amplification of Chronic Wasting Disease Prions in Nasal Brushings and Recto-anal Mucosa-Associated Lymphoid Tissues from Elk by Real-Time Quaking-Induced Conversion. J Clin Microbiol 54:1117-26
Haley, Nicholas J; Siepker, Chris; Walter, W David et al. (2016) Antemortem Detection of Chronic Wasting Disease Prions in Nasal Brush Collections and Rectal Biopsy Specimens from White-Tailed Deer by Real-Time Quaking-Induced Conversion. J Clin Microbiol 54:1108-16
Haley, Nicholas J; Hoover, Edward A (2015) Chronic wasting disease of cervids: current knowledge and future perspectives. Annu Rev Anim Biosci 3:305-25
Haley, Nicholas J; Van de Motter, Alexandra; Carver, Scott et al. (2013) Prion-seeding activity in cerebrospinal fluid of deer with chronic wasting disease. PLoS One 8:e81488