Peptide to fight prion diseases

A peptide that can protect brain cells from the effects of abnormal prions, such as those related to Creutzfeld-Jacob syndrome, has been developed by Itoham Foods, of Japan. Although the effect has so far been confined to the laboratory, the company is optimistic that the substance can be developed into a therapeutic drug for prion diseases.

In tests using brain cells from rats, the presence of the peptide reduced the number of cells that died when exposed to abnormal prions. The company has applied for patents on the use of the peptide.

Itoham Foods believes the peptide works by interfering with the activity of the abnormal prions, although nothing is understood in any detail yet. The company plans to begin animal experiments on the peptide in February in cooperation with Kyushu University to establish whether the same effects are observed in living animals.