MSX3-transduced microglia affects axon survival and the myelination of the spinal cord in EAE mice. A, Representative images of spinal cord sections of mice from microglia transduced with RNAi control lentivirus (Ctrli MG), IL-4-stimulated microglia transduced with RNAi control lentivirus (IL-4 Ctrli MG), IL-4-stimulated microglia transduced with MSX3 RNAi lentivirus (IL-4 MSX3i MG), microglia transduced with overexpression control lentivirus (CtrlOE MG), or microglia transduced with MSX3 overexpression lentivirus (MSX3OE MG). The sections were stained for neurofilaments using an anti-NF antibody (green) and for myelin using an anti-MBP antibody (red). The dashed line indicates the lesion boundary of demyelination, where the loss of NF staining (green) and the reconstruction of MBP (red) are accompanied by increased numbers of infiltrating cells (Hoechst, blue). In contrast, scarce infiltration is observed outside the dashed line with increased NF and normal MBP staining. B, Axon damage was shown by quantifying the intensity of NF staining (green). C, Demyelination was assessed by quantifying the intensity of the MBP staining (red). *p < 0.05; ***p < 0.005. Scar bar, 100 μm.