Work

Protocol for establishing a murine Toscana virus infection model and downstream cellular analysis of skin tissue and cells

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Here, we present an in vivo approach to study virus-vector-host interactions during Toscana virus (TOSV) infection in mouse skin. We describe preparation of viral stocks and subcutaneous TOSV inoculation into dorsal upper foot skin, either alone, with sand-fly salivary gland extract (SGE), or following sand-fly biting. We then detail tissue collection and generation of single-cell suspensions. Finally, we describe flow cytometric detection of infected cells, magnetic isolation of dermal fibroblasts, and RNA extraction for transcriptomic analysis. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Keskek Turk et al. 1 1. Keskek Turk, Y. ∙ McCafferty-Brown, A. ∙ Barningham, L. ... Sand fly saliva reprograms skin fibroblasts to enhance arbovirus infection iScience. 2025; 28 , 113854 Full Text Full Text (PDF) Scopus (1) PubMed Google Scholar

Source: STAR Protocols

DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2026.104885

Authors: Yonca Keskek Turk, Ailish McCafferty-Brown, Clive S. McKimmie

Institutions: University of Leeds, University of York, Hacettepe University, Hull York Medical School, University of Edinburgh

Language: English

Topic: Viral Infections and Vectors

Subfield: Infectious Diseases

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,550