Using human antibodies to treat alphavirus infections
Official title: Human antibodies as broad alphavirus immunotherapeutics
Funded at Albert Einstein College of Medicine · NIH-11104757 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special antibodies from people who recovered from alphavirus infections, like Chikungunya, can help treat others with these illnesses by preventing severe symptoms, and it aims to develop a safe and effective therapy for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Albert Einstein College of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Bronx, United States) |
| Project start | June 6, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $843,620 |
| NIH project number | 1R01AI190004-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11104757 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 persistent symptoms, particularly arthritis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been infected with alphaviruses or those with unrelated musculoskeletal conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing human monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) as a treatment for infections caused by alphaviruses, such as Chikungunya virus. The researchers have isolated a variety of mAbs from patients who have recovered from these infections, aiming to understand how these antibodies can neutralize the virus and prevent severe symptoms like arthritis. By testing these antibodies in animal models, the study seeks to identify effective therapies that could be translated into human treatments. The ultimate goal is to create a safe and effective immunotherapy for patients suffering from alphavirus-related diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that alleviate the long-term effects of alphavirus infections, such as chronic arthritis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using monoclonal antibodies for viral infections, indicating that this approach could be effective for alphaviruses as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Albert Einstein College of Medicine
Bronx, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lai, Jonathan R. — Albert Einstein College of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Lai, Jonathan R.
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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.