What is a key consequence of prion accumulation in infected tissue?

What is a key consequence of prion accumulation in infected tissue?

• A. Increased immune clearance with rapid recovery.
• B. No effect on tissues.
• C. Cell death and tissue damage.
• D. Immediate repair of damaged tissue.

Answer: (C)

Prions are misfolded proteins that propagate by converting normal proteins into the abnormal form, leading to accumulating aggregates in infected tissue. This buildup disrupts cellular function, especially in neural tissue, and drives neuronal death and tissue damage. The brain shows characteristic spongiform changes and gliosis as neurons die and tissue is damaged over time. Because prions are not effectively targeted by the immune system, there isn’t rapid clearance or healing; progression of damage continues rather than immediate repair or absence of effect. So the key consequence is cell death and tissue damage.

Prions are misfolded proteins that propagate by converting normal proteins into the abnormal form, leading to accumulating aggregates in infected tissue. This buildup disrupts cellular function, especially in neural tissue, and drives neuronal death and tissue damage. The brain shows characteristic spongiform changes and gliosis as neurons die and tissue is damaged over time. Because prions are not effectively targeted by the immune system, there isn’t rapid clearance or healing; progression of damage continues rather than immediate repair or absence of effect. So the key consequence is cell death and tissue damage.