How tissue support cells' interferon signals shape Chikungunya and related virus illness
Determining the impact of stromal cell-mediated type I IFN signaling on alphavirus pathogenesis
This work looks at how interferon signals from connective tissue cells affect illnesses caused by alphaviruses such as Chikungunya, which can cause fever and painful arthritis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11321163 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient's view, researchers are using mouse models with targeted genetic changes to switch off type I interferon signaling in stromal and other structural cells like fibroblasts and endothelial cells to see how that changes disease. They will track how these cell-specific changes alter virus levels, tissue inflammation, and severity of joint and muscle symptoms after alphavirus infection. The team will use detailed lab tests and infection models to map when interferon signaling helps clear virus versus when it worsens tissue damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who have had or are at risk for arthritogenic alphavirus infections like Chikungunya would be the most relevant group to follow this work or be future trial candidates.
Not a fit: People with unrelated causes of arthritis or those not affected by alphaviruses are unlikely to benefit directly from this basic lab research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to reduce severe joint and muscle inflammation from alphavirus infections by targeting interferon effects in tissue cells.
How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies show type I interferons strongly shape alphavirus outcomes, but manipulating interferon signaling specifically in stromal cells is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Washington University — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lenschow, Deborah J — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Lenschow, Deborah J
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.