BIOLOGICAL MATERIALS AND METHODS USEFUL IN THE DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF PRION DISEASES

摘要

The present invention relates to a method of making a beta -form of a prion protein which preferably has more beta -sheet than alpha -helix structure and is soluble in the absence of a denaturant and/or is non-aggregated and exhibits partial resistance to digestion with proteinase K. The invention also relates to use of the beta -form in medicine, especially for raising antibodies useful in the treatment and/or diagnosis of prion diseases. The invention also relates to methods of screening for compounds which are capable of inhibiting and/or reversing the conversion of the native alpha -form of a prion protein to a beta -form, and to uses of identified compounds in medicine.