Systemic sterile induced co expression of IL 12 and IL 18 drives IFN γ dependent activation of microglia and recruitment of MHC II expressing inflammatory monocytes into the brain

•Systemic interleukin-12 and 18 induce cytokine-mediated neuroinflammation.•Persistent level of interleukin-12 elevates circulating pro-inflammatory cytokines.•Tumor necrosis factor-α is dispensable to induce neuroinflammation.•Interferon-γ is required for microglia activation and recruitment of monocytes.•Proof of concept for a novel experimental model of sterile neuroinflammation.