Czub, MarkusMa, Roger2013-09-242013-11-122013-09-242013Ma, R. (2013). Characterizing the pro-inflammatory cytokine response by dendritic cells upon exposure to PrP proteins (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca. doi:10.11575/PRISM/25305http://hdl.handle.net/11023/1031Dendritic cell (DC) interaction with infectious prions (PrPSc) represents an important part of prion pathogenesis. Previous studies have shown that DCs are likely among the first immune cells to interact with PrPSc after oral exposure. This study looks at the initial exposure of PrPSc on DC activation by measuring TNFα and IL-12 production. There was no significant production of TNFα or IL-12 by bone marrow derived DCs (BMDC) after exposure to PrPSc infected brain homogenate, however, BMDCs had lower capacity to produce IL-12 after secondary stimulation with LPS. Semi-purified PrPSc also did not activate BMDCs, however, the recombinant MoPrP 23-231 and MoPrP 90-231 elicited TNFα and IL-12 production. These results may not be surprising since PrPSc closely resembles cellular PrPC and therefore, DCs recognized PrP in brain homogenates as self-antigens. However, MoPrP 23-231 and MoPrP 90-231 were recognized as foreign antigens since the proteins were produced in bacteria.engUniversity of Calgary graduate students retain copyright ownership and moral rights for their thesis. You may use this material in any way that is permitted by the Copyright Act or through licensing that has been assigned to the document. For uses that are not allowable under copyright legislation or licensing, you are required to seek permission.CellPhysiologyVeterinary SciencePrionDendritic CellCytokinePrion pathogenesisPrPimmuneBMDCTNFIL-12master thesis10.11575/PRISM/25305