Alphavirus infections and tiny blood vessels: what makes CHIKV struggle or spread
Official title: Alphavirus determinants of microvascular endothelial cell infection
Funded at State University New York Stony Brook · NIH-11565940 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Scientists are studying how alphaviruses infect tiny blood vessels and how that affects disease, focusing on human heart-related microvascular cells to find new ways to block infection.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $194,819 |
| NIH project number | 7R21AI194469-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11565940 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates include individuals whose condition involves alphavirus exposure or risk, such as CHIKV infection, and who can contribute samples of human microvascular endothelial cells.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without exposure to alphaviruses or without access to relevant tissue samples may not benefit directly.
What this research studies
This project uses primary human microvascular endothelial cells from the heart to study alphaviruses, including chikungunya, and how the virus enters, travels, and exits these cells. By comparing different viral lineages, researchers aim to identify both viral and cellular factors that control infection. The work will map where in the viral life cycle CHIKV-Indian Ocean lineage is blocked and how host cells respond to infection. Findings could reveal targets for therapies that prevent virus spread within blood vessels. The study is designed to build a foundation for future interventions against alphavirus vascular disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the research could reveal new targets for antiviral strategies to protect blood vessels and limit systemic infection.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data show lineage-specific differences in infection of heart microvascular endothelial cells, supporting further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
State University New York Stony Brook
Stony Brook, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stapleford, Kenneth — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Stapleford, Kenneth
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.