Abstract:
Molecules are disclosed that interact with the cellular components involved in conversion of PrP to PrP. The molecules disclosed can be small molecules, peptides or protein analogs, e. g. analogs of PrP. In one embodiment, these molecules interfere with prion formation and/or replication, e. g. by preventing interactions of proteins involved in a prion complex or by interfering with -sheet formation. In another embodiment, the molecules of the invention promote PrP conversion to PrP , e. g. by binding to PrP and facilitating a conformational change from PrP to PrP.