Chemokine receptor antagonist block inflammation and therapy Japanese encephalitis virus infection in mouse model

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is a viral encephalitis disease caused by infection with the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV). The virus can cross the blood-brain barrier and cause death or long-term sequela in infected humans or animals. In this study, we first investigated the distribution of JEV infection in brain and further analyzed the dynamic change in inflammation related genes, chemokines, as well as pathological characteristics. Results demonstrated that CCR2 and CCR5 antagonist could significantly inhibit the inflammation. The mice treated with CCR2 and CCR5 antagonists had a higher survival rate between 60% and 70%, respectively. In summary, our study thoroughly illustrated the characteristics of the dynamic change in inflammation related genes and chemokines induced by JEV infection. We further indicated that CCR5 and CCR2 are potential targets for treatment of JE.