Cecal Ligation and Puncture Model

The peritoneal cavity was opened during isoflurane anesthesia, and the cecum was exteriorized. To induce light-grade CLP ~10-15% of the cecum was ligated using a nonabsorbable 7-0 suture (Johnson and Johnson, New Brunswick, NJ, USA). The distal end of the cecum was then perforated using a 23 G needle, and a small drop of feces was extruded through the puncture. The cecum was relocated into the peritoneal cavity and the peritoneum was closed using a nonabsorbable 5-0 suture (Johnson and Johnson). Animals were resuscitated by s.c. injection of 1 mL of saline and pain medication (Buprenorphin, 0.15 mg/kg) was injected sc. (23G Terumo, Leuven, Belgium). Mice were infected with HSV-1 after 7 days of sepsis.