Investigation on host defense mechanism and search for new therapeutic targets against prion diseases

为了揭示宿主对朊病毒疾病的防御机制，利用基因组学和蛋白质组学技术分析了由施用长效预防化合物诱导的宿主因素。因此，鉴定了几种特异性诱导的细胞因子或趋化因子。在朊病毒感染的细胞或动物中评价它们的治疗或预防效果后，选择了与这些免疫因子相关的新的治疗靶点。此外，通过对化合物活性的动物品系差异分析，提示胸腺细胞参与了预防作用。

To reveal the host defense mechanism against prion diseases, host factors induced by the administration of a long-acting prophylactic compound were analyzed, using the technology of genomics and proteomics. Consequently, several specifically induced cytokines or chemokines were identified. Following the evaluation of their therapeutic or prophylactic effects in prion-infected cells or animals, new therapeutic targets related to such immunological factors were selected. Besides, by the analysis of animal strain differencein the compound activity, involvement of thymus cells in the prophylactic effects was suggested.