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Neurological Sequelae of Chikungunya Virus Infection in a Genetically Susceptible Mouse Model

Award Number: F30AI202858
ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES
OPDIV: NIH
AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY
AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 02/13/2027
PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 02/12/2028

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Neurological Sequelae of Chikungunya Virus Infection in a Genetically Susceptible Mouse Model - PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), a mosquito-borne alphavirus, has caused millions of infections worldwide and is now a growing public health concern not only in endemic regions but also in non-endemic areas. Recent outbreaks in China and La Réunion, along with locally acquired cases in the United States, underscore its expanding geographic range and potential for sustained transmission. While typically associated with arthritogenic disease, CHIKV can also cause persistent neurological and cognitive symptoms in a subset of patients. Despite its global impact, there are no antiviral treatments available, and the mechanisms linking acute infection to long-term neurological sequelae remain poorly understood. This project will define how CHIKV infection induces persistent neurological dysfunction following peripheral infection in Collaborative Cross strain CC041 mice, a genetically susceptible, immunocompetent model of neuroinvasive disease. Aim 1 will characterize behavioral abnormalities following peripheral CHIKV infection to identify measurable deficits in locomotion, coordination, and memory in mice susceptible to neuroinvasion. Aim 2 will map the spatial and molecular landscape of CHIKV-induced neuropathology using integrated RNAscope and spatial transcriptomics to reveal brain region-specific transcriptional changes associated with synaptic dysfunction, neuroinflammation, and repair in susceptible mice. Aim 3 will identify and validate circulating biomarkers of chronic CHIKV-induced neuropathology through proteomic and multiplex analyses of mouse serum and brain samples, then compare these findings with existing human CHIKV datasets to assess shared molecular signatures of neurological injury. Together, these studies will establish the first immunocompetent mouse model that recapitulates persistent neurological outcomes following peripheral CHIKV infection and reveal molecular pathways and biomarkers linking infection to brain dysfunction. Findings will advance the understanding of post-viral neurological diseases, addressing a critical gap in global health. This fellowship will be carried out within the South Texas Medical Scientist Training Program at the University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) and the Texas Biomedical Research Institute (Texas Biomed/TBRI). Together, these institutions offer robust platforms for behavioral neuroscience, neuropathology, spatial omics, and translational biomarker discovery. Guided by experienced mentors and a comprehensive training plan centered on rigor, communication, and interdisciplinary collaboration, this environment will support progression toward an independent physician-scientist career focused on post-viral neurological disease.


Issue Date FY	Funding FY	Legal Entity Name	Legal Entity Address	Legal Entity City	Legal Entity State	Legal Entity Zip Code	Legal Entity COUNTY	Legal Entity COUNTRY	Assistance Listing	Award Code	Budget Year	Action Date	Action Type	Action Amount

Issue Date FY: 2026 ( Subtotal = $40,529 )
2026	2026	THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS HEALTH SCIENCE CENTER AT SAN ANTONIO	7703 FLOYD CURL DR	SAN ANTONIO	TX	78229	BEXAR	USA	Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research	000	1	8/13/2026	NEW	$40,529
														Subtotal = $40,529

Grand Total All Awards = $40,529

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Neurological Sequelae of Chikungunya Virus Infection in a Genetically Susceptible Mouse Model

Award Number: F30AI202858

ORGANIZATION: NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF ALLERGY & INFECTIOUS DISEASES

OPDIV: NIH

AWARD CLASS: DISCRETIONARY

AWARD ACTIVITY TYPE: FELLOWSHIP/SCHOLARSHIP/STUDENT LOANS

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE START DATE: 02/13/2027

PERIOD OF PERFORMANCE END DATE: 02/12/2028

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