How alphaviruses spread between cells and cause long-lasting joint pain
Role of cell-to-cell transmission in alphavirus infection and disease
['FUNDING_R21'] · ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE · NIH-11235168
This project tests whether specific antibodies can stop alphaviruses from spreading between cells to help people with chikungunya or Mayaro virus infections.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BRONX, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11235168 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The researchers will study how chikungunya and Mayaro viruses move directly from cell to cell by using cell cultures and animal models, and they will test panels of monoclonal antibodies that can block that spread. They will identify which parts of the viral envelope the blocking antibodies target and which joint cell types are infected by cell-to-cell transmission. The team will compare antibody effects in the lab and in vivo to see whether blocking this pathway reduces persistent virus in joint tissues and inflammation. Results will guide development of antibody approaches aimed at preventing chronic joint pain after alphavirus infection.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people who have or recently had chikungunya or Mayaro virus infection, especially those experiencing severe or prolonged joint pain.
Not a fit: People without alphavirus infection or whose arthritis is due to other causes are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to antibody-based therapies that prevent persistent joint infection and reduce chronic arthritis following alphavirus infection.
How similar studies have performed: Earlier laboratory and animal studies showed that some monoclonal antibodies can block cell-to-cell alphavirus spread, but translating this to human treatments remains at an early stage.
Where this research is happening
BRONX, UNITED STATES
- ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE — BRONX, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: YIN, PEIQI — ALBERT EINSTEIN COLLEGE OF MEDICINE
- Study coordinator: YIN, PEIQI
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 below.
Conditions: Acute Disease, Alphavirus Infections