Galectin-3 is upregulated in activated glia during Junin virus-induced murine encephalitis

► 100 PFU of Candid 1 strain of Junin virus induced 30% mortality in newborn mice. ► Candid 1 induced both acute and subacute/chronic murine central nervous system disease. ► Candid 1-induced CNS disease showed galectin-3 upregulation. ► Galectin-3 upregulation correlated with significant glia activation and viral burden. ► Galectin-3 may play an important role in viral-induced CNS disease.