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Aiming to control prion diseases in animals
Prion diseases are fatal neurodegenerative disorders, such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and ovine and caprine scrapie, that are caused by infectious agent called "prions." There are no preventive measures or therapies for prion diseases, and little is known about prions at present. This causes a sense of uneasiness among the general public.
Research Team for Prion Diseases
In order to promote prion research, provide technical information services related to prion diseases, and contribute to international welfare, we are carrying out the following activities:
- Basic to applied research on prion diseases, such as investigations of the infectious mechanism of prion diseases such as BSE, elucidation of the proliferation mechanism of prions in vivo, and development of improved diagnostic tests and effective techniques for prion inactivation,
- Implementation of established method for diagnosing prion diseases such as BSE at the request of the national government,
- Administrative operations including surveillance of affected sheep and goats, as well as technical training, and
- International contributions as an OIE reference laboratory via seminars and conferences.
Background of the team
Expansion of animal health issue to the public health area
More than 180,000 cattle have been affected by BSE around the world since the first case was recognized in Great Britain in 1986. Initially, it was considered to be a rare disease peculiar to cattle. However, in the wake of the first occurrence of the variant CJD (vCJD) in 1996, BSE has become a public health issue rather than just an animal health issue.
An irremediable and unpreventable disease
At present, little is known about prions as an infectious agent and there are no effective therapies or established preventive measures for prion diseases. This situation causes a sense of uneasiness among the general public. Therefore, development of a highly sensitive, and highly accurate diagnostic test is urgently required for early diagnosis of animal prion diseases like BSE. The establishment of effective techniques for prion inactivation is also needed because PrPSc is highly resistant to conventional sterilization by heat, ultraviolet rays, or chemical substances.
Background of the establishment of our team
In 1984, the first occurrence of a prion disease in sheep (scrapie) in Japan prompted the National Institute of Animal Health (NIAH) to start research into scrapie disease.
From 1994 to 1996, "Research for Technological Development to Elucidate the Abnormality Emergence Mechanism in Brain Functions by External Factors" was carried out with JST funding.
From 1997 to 2002, "Analysis of Etiology of Prion Diseases" was carried out as a research project under a MAFF subsidy.
In 2001, the NIAH was reorganized. Research on the theme "Transmission of Prion Diseases and Elucidation of its Etiology" was carried out as a major project. BSE occurred for the first time in Japan.
From 2001-2003, "Development of Early Diagnostic Methods and Risk Assessment Process for BSE" was carried out as a special research under a MAFF administrative operation.
In 2002, the Prion Disease Research Center was established.
In 2004, in order to promote research on prion diseases, the expansive Advanced Research Facility for Animal Health was constructed.
In 2006, the NIAH was reshuffled into a team structure and the Research Team for Prion Diseases was established as a core center for "Developing Technologies for Preventing and Eradicating Prion Diseases."