Prion diseases, also known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), are a group of progressive, fatal neurodegenerative conditions affecting mammals. They can be acquired through infection, arise spontaneously or be inherited.
Our research is highly multidisciplinary and focus both on areas of public health concern and a long-term approach to the understanding of prion disease. They include studies of molecular structure, genetics, biochemistry, immunology, cell and animal models, and clinical research - including treatment trials. Our research philosophy is to seamlessly combine basic (laboratory) and clinical (patient-based) research.
Prions
A prion is a misfolded protein that can trigger misfolding in normal proteins, leading to cell death and neurodegenerative diseases
Meet the staff
Interviews with some of our staff working at the MRC Institute of Prion Diseases