Generating Virus-Induced Neuroinflammation in a Mouse Model

Source: Laval, K. et al. Mouse Footpad Inoculation Model to Study Viral-Induced Neuroinflammatory Responses. J. Vis. Exp. (2020). This video demonstrates the generation of neuroinflammation in a mouse model. An anesthetized mouse with micro-wounds is taken, and an inoculum of pseudorabies virus (PRV) is applied to the wounds. The virus infects the peripheral nerves, spreads to the dorsal root ganglia (DRG), and further infects the spinal cord and brain. Infection of neurons in the nervous system leads to an immune response that induces neuronal damage, leading to neuroinflammation.