Additionally, infection with Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) induces a strong pro-inflammatory response [signified by elevated levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), CCL5, and CXCL10] in endothelial cells of the BBB and in astrocytes, leading to increased BBB permeability and possibly further facilitating virus entry into the brain (Patabendige et al., 2018). Here, IL6 is linked to infection.