The role of macrophage scavenger receptor 1 (Msr1) in prion pathogenesis

ABSTRACT: The progression of prion diseases is accompanied by the accumulation of prions in the brain. Ablation of microglia enhances prion accumulation and accelerates disease progression, suggesting that microglia play a neuroprotective role by clearing prions. However, the mechanisms underlying the phagocytosis and clearance of prion are largely unknown. The macrophage scavenger receptor 1 (Msr1) is an important phagocytic receptor expressed by microglia in the brain and is involved in the uptake and clearance of soluble amyloid-β. We therefore asked whether Msr1 might play a role in prion clearance and assessed the scavenger function of Msr1 in prion pathogenesis. We found that Msr1 expression was upregulated in prion-infected mouse brains. However, Msr1 deficiency did not change prion disease progression or lesion patterns. Prion deposition in Msr1 deficient mice was similar to their wild-type littermates. In addition, prion-induced neuroinflammation was not affected by Msr1 ablation. We conclude that Msr1 does not play a major role in prion pathogenesis. KEY MESSAGES: Msr1 expression is upregulated in prion-infected mouse brains at the terminal stage. Msr1 deficiency does not affect prion disease progression. Msr1 does not play a major role in prion clearance or prion pathogenesis. Microglia-mediated phagocytosis and clearance of Aβ and prion may adopt distinct molecular pathways. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00109-021-02061-7.