Activation of Intrinsic Immune Responses and Microglial Phagocytosis in an <i>Ex Vivo</i> Spinal Cord Slice Culture Model of West Nile Virus Infection

Abstract

There are no specific treatments of proven efficacy available for WNV neuroinvasive disease. A better understanding of the pathogenesis of WNV CNS infection is crucial for the rational development of novel therapies. Development of a spinal cord slice culture (SCSC) model facilitates the study of WNV pathogenesis and allows investigation of the intrinsic immune responses of the CNS. Our studies demonstrate that robust CNS innate immune responses, including microglial activation and proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine production, develop independently of contributions from the peripheral immune system and CNS-infiltrating inflammatory cells.