Abstract
Background Prion disorders are characterised by the accumulation of a misfolded isoform (PrP Sc) of the host encoded prion protein (PrP C). This paper examines the antiprion potential of cyclodextrin (CD) analogues and it identifies sulphated-β-cyclodextrin, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC 50) of 2.4 μM, as having 31-fold greater antiprion activity than that previously reported for β-cyclodextrin (βCD). Methods Scrapie infected cells were treated with a range of βCD analogues. This enabled a CD structure to antiprion activity analysis to be carried out. The metachromatic activity of each of the cyclodextrins was determined, this test is employed to mimic complexation of glycosaminogylcans to a cell membrane. Results Sulphated-βCD had an IC 50 of 2.4 μM and it was the only CD found to have metachromatic activity. Its activity was equivalent to that of heparin and heparin sulphate, this may account for sulphated-βCD's superior antiprion action. General significance In solution heparin can form a helical structure with a hydrophobic interior, the hydrophobic interior of cyclic CDs is vital for CD molecule encapsulation. The controlled CD structure, however, restricts degradation by human enzymes; consequently sulphated-CDs could be ideal candidates in the search for prion therapeutics. Sulphated-CDs may open up avenues for the treatment of TSEs.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
