How does the number of infectious prions increase?

The number of infectious prions increases through a process of self-replication. As prions induce the misfolding of normal prion proteins (PrP^C) into the abnormal prion form (PrP^Sc), they create new infectious particles. This process leads to a progressive accumulation of prion proteins in the brain. The misfolded prions aggregate into clumps, forming amyloid plaques and causing cellular damage. As more normal proteins are converted into the prion form, the number of infectious prions grows, leading to a worsening of the disease and increased spread within the host organism.