Effect of inhibition of Toll-like receptor 3 signaling on pathogenesis of rabies virus in mouse model

•CU CPT 4a inhibited TLR3 expression resulted in decreased clinical signs, pathological lesions, and increased survival time in SRABV-infected mice.•Decreased expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines during TLR3-inhibition indicated anti-inflammatory effect of CU CPT 4a.•TLR3-inhibited group revealed normal CD4+/CD8+ T-cells ratio with less TUNEL-positive apoptotic cells in SRABV-infected mice.•SRABV-infected and mock-treated mice showed severe clinical signs and histopathological lesions, more NBs formation, viral load and TLR3 expression.