New hamster models to study chikungunya virus arthritis
Official title: Novel Hamster Models of Chikungunya Viral Arthritis
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-11132982 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating new hamster models to help us learn more about chikungunya virus and the long-lasting joint pain it can cause, so we can find better treatments and vaccines for people suffering from this illness.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | July 5, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $196,407 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AI178135-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11132982 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been infected with chikungunya virus and are experiencing chronic joint pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been infected with chikungunya virus or do not exhibit symptoms of arthritis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing new hamster models to better understand chikungunya virus (CHIKV) infection and its associated chronic arthritis. By using golden Syrian hamsters, the researchers aim to replicate the human disease more accurately than current mouse models, which do not fully capture the chronic symptoms experienced by patients. The study will investigate how the virus persists in the body and causes long-term joint damage, which is crucial for developing effective treatments and vaccines. This work is particularly important as there are currently no antiviral treatments or vaccines available for CHIKV infection.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for patients suffering from chikungunya virus-induced arthritis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research using animal models for viral infections has shown promise, but this specific approach using hamsters for chikungunya virus is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Tian — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Wang, Tian
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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.