Alteration of Prion Strain Emergence by Nonhost Factors

Abstract

The prion strain, surface type, and matrix containing PrP Sc can influence PrP Sc surface adsorption. The cumulative effect of these factors can result in strain- and soil-specific differences in prion bioavailability. Environmental weathering processes can result in decreases in PrP Sc conversion efficiency and infectivity. Little is known about how incomplete inactivation of surface-bound PrP Sc affects transmission and prion strain emergence. Here, we show that strain interference occurs with soil-bound prions and that altering the ratios of prion strains by strain-specific inactivation can affect strain emergence. Additionally, we identify a novel mechanism of inhibition of prion conversion by environmental treatment-induced changes at the soil-protein interface altering strain emergence. These novel findings suggest that environmental factors can influence strain emergence of surface-bound prions.