A Review of Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: Biology, Development, and Current Research

Abstract

Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare, fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by prions—abnormally folded proteins. Unlike typical infectious agents, prions lack genetic material and are exceptionally resistant to sterilization. CJD manifests through progressive neurological and psychological symptoms, ultimately resulting in death. It can develop sporadically,
genetically, iatrogenically, or through contaminated food. Although no cure currently exists, recent research has shown promising results, including the recent human trial of the monoclonal antibody PRN100. This paper provides an overview of prion biology, the development of CJD, and recent therapeutic research.