Prions and Chronic Wasting Diseases

Dear Colleagues,

Prions, which are enigmatic proteins recognized for their viral-like transmissibility, including strains and evolvability, are the triggers for fatal neurodegenerative diseases such as chronic wasting disease (CWD). CWD, a cervid prion disease, has raised concerns due to its high lateral transmissibility, resulting in high prevalence among free-ranging animals and posing risks to other animal species and potentially humans. Consequently, CWD represents a critical intersection of wildlife health, conservation, and public health, warranting scientific attention.

Emerging research has revealed another intriguing aspect of prion biology—prion-like transmission. This phenomenon suggests that proteins unrelated to classical prions can adopt similar self-propagating properties. Understanding the nuances of prion-like transmission and its role in pathogenesis could potentially revolutionize our understanding of other neurodegenerative disorders characterized by protein aggregation, offering new insights into diseases that have eluded effective treatments.

This collection aims to rapidly publish the latest findings in the fields of prions, CWD, and prion-like transmission. The open accessibility of these findings will facilitate knowledge exchange, catalyzing collaborative efforts to unravel the mysteries surrounding these devastating disorders and pave the way for transformative breakthroughs. Manuscripts in any format, including original research, reviews, and personal opinions, are welcome for publication in this collection.

Dr. Jiyan Ma
Collection Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

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