(A and B) Expression of the nucleocapsid protein-encoding gene N in the cervical segment of DRGs and SC from male hamsters on the indicated days after infection (dpi) with SARS-CoV-2 or the mock control, as measured by qPCR. Data are mean ± SEM from n = 3–8 hamsters per group. ΦP < 0.05 by two-way ANOVA interaction factor; *P < 0.05 and **P < 0.01 by multiple t-tests. (C and D) Expression of IFN-stimulated gene 15 (Isg15) in cervical segments of DRGs and SCs, performed and analyzed as described in (A and B). ΦP < 0.05 by two-way ANOVA interaction factor; *P < 0.05, **P < 0.01, and ****P < 0.0001 by multiple t-tests. (E to H) As described in (A to D), in thoracic segments of DRGs and spinal cords. (I) Plaque formation assay to detect the presence of mature virus in the lungs, thoracic DRGs, and thoracic spinal cords of mock- or SARS-CoV-2-infected male hamsters 3 days after infection (3 dpi). Data are mean ± SEM from n = 4 animals per group. Statistical analysis details for (A to H) are in table S2.