CX3CR1 and encephalitis: In terms of severe neuroinflammation involving CX3CR1−/− mice following peripheral JEV inoculation via footpad, the expression of cytokines and chemokines within the CNS may further explain encephalitis because neuroinflammation triggered by neurotrophic viruses is indirectly attributed to CNS degeneration by robust immunological responses such as uncontrolled secretion of cytokines and chemokines and the activation of microglia and astrocytes (10, 11, 58).