What type of diseases are caused by prions?

Prions are misfolded proteins that cause a group of progressive neurodegenerative diseases primarily affecting the brain. These diseases lead to the death of nerve cells, resulting in significant neurological impairment and are characterized by long incubation periods, severe dementia, and ultimately, death. Examples of prion diseases include Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease, Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (mad cow disease), and Kuru.

Prion diseases are distinct from other types listed, as they do not involve traditional infectious agents such as bacteria or viruses. Instead, they function by inducing abnormal folding of normal cellular proteins, which then accumulate in the brain and lead to tissue damage. This mechanism aligns with degenerative diseases, indicating a process leading to the progressive degeneration of tissue and function over time.

Understanding the unique characteristics of prion diseases is crucial in differentiating them from autoimmune, infectious, or viral diseases, which operate through different biological mechanisms involving immune responses or pathogens.