How do prions infect?

Prions infect by converting normal prion proteins (PrP^C) in the host into the abnormal, disease-causing form (PrP^Sc). This conversion process is initiated when a prion encounters a normal protein, causing it to misfold and adopt the abnormal prion structure. The newly formed prions then go on to induce further misfolding of other normal prion proteins, creating a cascade of abnormal protein accumulation. This process disrupts cellular function, leads to neuronal damage, and results in the progressive neurodegeneration characteristic of prion diseases.