Chemokine expression and viral infection of the central nervous system: Regulation of host defense and neuropathology

An effective host response against viral infection of the central nervous s ystem (CNS) is the principal factor dictating the outcome of infection. It is the responsibility of the immune response to contain and control viral r eplication. Paradoxically, it is the immune response that may also contribu te to the development of neuropathology. We have used mouse hepatitis virus (MHV), a positive-strand RNA virus, infection of the CNS to understand the dynamic interaction between viral replication, protection, and pathology w ith an emphasis on understanding how chemokines participate in these interr elated processes. Herein, we demonstrate the complexity of the chemokine re sponse to MHV infection of the CNS and the delicate balance that exists bet ween host defense and development of disease.