Fig. 3Figure 3
Deficiency of GAS6/AXL signal exacerbated BBB breakdown during JEV infection. WT and AXL −/− mice were infected with JEV 10 6 PFU via foot pad. A . Viral copies in each brain sample were tested by qPCR. Data were normalized to β-actin and the relative change was calculated based on the viral level of WT-d3-1. At 3 dpi, WT n = 3, AXL −/− n = 3; at 5 dpi, WT n = 4, AXL −/− n = 3. Data are shown as mean ± SD. B . The JEV E protein in the brain was detected by WB. At 3 dpi, WT n = 3, AXL −/− n = 3; at 5 dpi, WT n = 4, AXL −/− n = 3. C . Qualitative detection of BBB permeability via EB staining at 3 and 5 dpi. D . Quantitative assay of BBB permeability using NaF extravasation. NaF leakage was calculated based on the fluorescence ratio in the brain to blood. PBS: WT n = 5, AXL −/− n = 3; 3 dpi: WT n = 12, AXL −/− n = 12; 5 dpi: WT n = 4, AXL −/− n = 3. The data represent the mean ± SD E . Representative images show the co-localisation of endothelial cells (CD31, r