Understanding how certain immune signals affect alphavirus infections.
Official title: Determining the impact of stromal cell-mediated type I IFN signaling on alphavirus pathogenesis
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11115841 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune signals called type I interferons help the body fight off chikungunya virus infections, which can lead to painful arthritis, and it aims to find out how different cells in the body respond to these signals to improve treatment options.
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 start | June 13, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $609,702 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI179890-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11115841 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced or are at risk for alphavirus infections, particularly those with severe arthritis symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-viral arthritis or those not affected by alphavirus infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of type I interferons (IFNs) in the immune response to alphavirus infections, particularly focusing on the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), which can cause severe arthritis. The study aims to understand how different types of stromal cells respond to these immune signals during infection. By using mouse models, researchers will explore the beneficial and harmful effects of IFNs and how they influence the disease's progression. This could provide insights into how to better manage or treat infections caused by alphaviruses.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from alphavirus infections and related conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that understanding immune responses can lead to significant advancements in treating viral infections, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lenschow, Deborah J — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Lenschow, Deborah J
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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.