Fig. 1.

Neural progenitor and stem cells grown in culture are highly susceptible to coxsackievirus infection. NPSCs were isolated from the cortices of one day-old C57 BL/6 mice, cultured to form neurosphere aggregates, and infected with eGFP-CVB3 (moi = 0.1). Infected neurospheres were observed over time by fluorescence microscopy. Virus protein expression (green) was readily observed by day 1 PI. An increase in viral protein expression was seen until day 4 PI. By day 6 PI, virus protein levels were reduced, and signs of cytopathic effect (cpe) were readily observed at a higher magnification (not shown).