Reduction of prion infectivity in packed red blood cells
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Boulevard, Galveston, TX 77555 (United States)
- CaridianBCT Biotechnologies, L.L.C., Lakewood, CO (United States)
The link between a new variant form of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) and the consumption of prion contaminated cattle meat as well as recent findings showing that vCJD can be transmitted by blood transfusion have raised public health concerns. Currently, a reliable test to identify prions in blood samples is not available. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possibility to remove scrapie prion protein (PrP{sup Sc}) and infectivity from red blood cell (RBC) suspensions by a simple washing procedure using a cell separation and washing device. The extent of prion removal was assessed by Western blot, PMCA and infectivity bioassays. Our results revealed a substantial removal of infectious prions ({>=}3 logs of infectivity) by all techniques used. These data suggest that a significant amount of infectivity present in RBC preparations can be removed by a simple washing procedure. This technology may lead to increased safety of blood products and reduce the risk of further propagation of prion diseases.
- OSTI ID:
- 21255775
- Journal Information:
- Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, Vol. 377, Issue 2; Other Information: DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2008.09.141; PII: S0006-291X(08)01925-6; Copyright (c) 2008 Elsevier Science B.V., Amsterdam, The Netherlands, All rights reserved; Country of input: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA); ISSN 0006-291X
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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