Understanding how chikungunya virus causes long-term joint pain
Official title: Defining mechanisms of chronic CHIKV disease in joint associated tissue
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11065300 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking into how the chikungunya virus can cause long-lasting joint pain in some people, and it aims to find out how the virus stays in the body and causes inflammation, which could help create better treatments for those suffering from chronic arthritis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $73,828 |
| NIH project number | 1F32AI188869-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11065300 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 ongoing joint pain or arthritis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been infected with the chikungunya virus or do not experience joint-related symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the mechanisms behind chronic arthritis caused by the chikungunya virus (CHIKV), which can lead to severe and lasting joint pain in some patients. The study focuses on understanding how the virus persists in the body and triggers inflammation in joint tissues, particularly through the role of immune cells like macrophages and T cells. By using advanced techniques such as single-cell RNA sequencing, the researchers aim to identify specific pathways that contribute to chronic inflammation and pain. This knowledge could pave the way for developing targeted therapies to alleviate symptoms for affected patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments for patients suffering from chronic joint pain due to chikungunya virus.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific mechanisms of chronic CHIKV disease are still being explored, similar research on viral-induced arthritis has shown promising results in understanding inflammation and developing treatments.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zarrella, Kristen — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Zarrella, Kristen
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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.