Animal Models for WNV

Mice have been used extensively to examine virus host interactions, and to examine virus-induced encephahtis. The adaptive immune response plays a crucial role in controlling WNV infections in mice, including encephalitis (Diamond et al., 2003 Shresta and Diamond, 2004 Wang et al., 2003). WNV infection leads to a Toll-hke receptor 3-dependent inflammatory response, which promotes brain penetration of the virus, neuronal injury, and enhanced encephalitis (Wang et al., 2004). Since Toll-like receptor 3 recognizes double-stranded RNA and promotes an innate immune response, this finding 

Currently there is no established treatment for West Nile virus infections. Treatment consists only of snpportive and symptomatic care, inclnding support of respiration, intravenous fluids, and prevention of secondary infections. 

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