Understanding how Chikungunya virus causes long-lasting joint and muscle pain
Official title: Pathogenesis of Alphavirus induced Chronic Arthritis and Myositis
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11112490 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how the Chikungunya virus can cause long-lasting joint and muscle pain in some people, and it aims to find out how the virus sticks around in the body so we can develop better treatments for those who are suffering.
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 11, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $754,069 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI183590-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11112490 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced Chikungunya virus infection and are suffering from chronic joint and muscle pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been infected with Chikungunya virus or do not experience chronic symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the long-term effects of Chikungunya virus infection, particularly focusing on how it leads to chronic arthritis and muscle pain in some patients. By studying infected cells in a mouse model, researchers aim to identify the mechanisms that allow the virus to persist in the body and cause ongoing inflammation. The study will analyze specific immune cells and their role in maintaining this chronic condition, which could lead to new treatment strategies for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from chronic arthritis and muscle pain caused by Chikungunya virus.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on similar viral infections has shown promise in understanding chronic inflammatory responses, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
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
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Why chikungunya causes long-lasting joint and muscle pain
This work looks at how chikungunya virus can linger in joint and muscle cells and keep causing pain for people who had the infection.
-
Gut microbes and methotrexate: boosting RA treatment through microbiome targets
Researchers are studying how gut bacteria affect how well methotrexate works for people with rheumatoid arthritis, aiming to make MTX effective for more patients.
-
Understanding how immune checkpoint drugs can trigger inflammatory arthritis in cancer patients
This research looks at why some cancer patients develop inflammatory arthritis after PD-1 inhibitor therapy and what could be done to prevent it.
-
Hybrid biomaterial system to boost immunotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis
A new, patient-facing immunotherapy approach uses specialized particles to retrain the immune system to calm RA in adults.
-
Dose guide for physical activity to improve arthritis symptoms
A study from the University of South Carolina will look at how different amounts of weekly physical activity affect arthritis symptoms and quality of life in adults with arthritis.
-
Collaborating Center for Arthritis Care Tools and a Coordinating Center for an Arthritis Management & Wellbeing Network
A coordinated NIH program aims to improve how primary care providers refer people with arthritis to evidence-based, self-management programs and to boost participation, especially among groups facing disparities.
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.