Formation and use of prion protein (PRP) complexes

摘要

Prion protein (PrP) peptides having at least one alpha -helical domain and forming a random coil conformation in aqueous solutions bind cellular PrP (PrPC) to form a complex having characteristics of the scrapie isoform (PrPSc). Methods for screening compounds able to inhibit or decrease the binding of PrP peptides to PrPC are disclosed, as well as methods for assaying PrPSc.