How chikungunya and Ross River viruses affect immune responses in the joints
Alphavirus Pathogenesis and Immunity
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER · NIH-11311344
This project looks at why immune cells called CD8+ T cells often fail to clear chikungunya and Ross River virus infections that cause acute and long-lasting joint pain.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11311344 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From the patient perspective, researchers use mouse models and laboratory-grown joint cells to see how these mosquito-transmitted viruses hide from the immune system. They profile individual immune cells with single-cell RNA sequencing to watch how CD8+ T cells mature and respond in draining lymph nodes. The team also examines dendritic cells and joint fibroblasts to test how viral infection and specific viral proteins (like nsP2) affect antigen presentation to CD8+ T cells. These experiments aim to pinpoint viral mechanisms that blunt antiviral T cell responses and to find molecular changes that restore immune recognition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had chikungunya or Ross River virus infection, especially those with ongoing joint pain or arthritis-like symptoms, are the most likely eventual beneficiaries.
Not a fit: People with non-viral causes of arthritis or joint pain unrelated to alphaviruses are unlikely to get direct benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal targets to boost immune clearance of alphaviruses and reduce acute and chronic joint pain from chikungunya or Ross River infection.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal and lab studies have shown alphaviruses can evade immune responses and have identified some viral factors involved, but translation to human therapies remains limited.
Where this research is happening
Aurora, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER — Aurora, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: MORRISON, THOMAS E — UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO DENVER
- Study coordinator: MORRISON, THOMAS E
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: Alphavirus Infections