Understanding how alphaviruses spread between cells and cause disease
Official title: Role of cell-to-cell transmission in alphavirus infection and disease
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-11072812 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain viruses, like chikungunya, spread between cells and cause painful conditions like joint pain and arthritis, and it hopes to find ways to block this spread with antibodies to help develop new treatments for people suffering from these diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | November 20, 2024 |
| Project end | October 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $253,265 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI188908-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11072812 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have been infected with alphaviruses and are experiencing acute or chronic symptoms, particularly joint pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been infected with alphaviruses or those with unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how alphaviruses, such as chikungunya and Mayaro viruses, spread from one cell to another and contribute to diseases like severe joint pain and chronic arthritis. The study focuses on the mechanisms of cell-to-cell transmission, which allows the virus to evade the immune response. By examining how specific antibodies can block this transmission, the research aims to identify potential therapeutic targets that could prevent or reduce the severity of infections. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new treatments for alphavirus-related diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of new antibody-based therapies that effectively prevent or treat alphavirus infections.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding viral transmission mechanisms and developing antibody therapies, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yin, Peiqi — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Yin, Peiqi
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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.