Mark Zabel

Dr. Zabel is Professor of Prion Biology and Immunology. Drawing on his background in both immunology and prion biology, Dr. Zabel’s research program focuses on the interaction of prions with cells and receptors of the immune system and lymphoid tissues in the early entry, trafficking, and pathogenesis phases of prion infections. Little is known regarding the cell surface molecules and molecular co-factors that control these events. Using mice engineered to transgenically express both the cervid or ovine normal prion protein gene and selected receptors of the innate immune system, the Zabel lab examines the early lymphoid system distribution of prions and employs vector systems expressing prion-targeted interfering RNA molecules as therapeutic strategies for prion infections.