Evolution and immunopathology of chikungunya virus informs therapeutic development

Henderson Sousa, Filipa; Ghaisani Komarudin, Amalina; Findlay-Greene, Fern; Bowolaksono, Anom; Sasmono, R. Tedjo; Stevens, Craig; Barlow, Peter G.

Abstract

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), a mosquito-borne alphavirus, is an emerging global threat identified in more than 60 countries across continents. The risk of CHIKV transmission is rising due to increased global interactions, year-round presence of mosquito vectors, and the ability of CHIKV to produce high host viral loads and undergo mutation. Although CHIKV disease is rarely fatal, it can progress to a chronic stage, during which patients experience severe debilitating arthritis that can last from several weeks to months or years. At present, there are no licensed vaccines or antiviral drugs for CHIKV disease, and treatment is primarily symptomatic. This Review provides an overview of CHIKV pathogenesis and explores the available therapeutic options and the most recent advances in novel therapeutic strategies against CHIKV infections.

• Journal Article Type: Review
• Online Publication Date: Apr 4, 2023
• Publication Date: 2023-04
• Deposit Date: Apr 11, 2023
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 26, 2023
• Journal: Disease Models & Mechanisms
• Print ISSN: 1754-8403
• Electronic ISSN: 1754-8411
• Publisher: Company of Biologists
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 16
• Issue: 4
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1242/dmm.049804
• Keywords: Chikungunya virus, Chikungunya pathogenesis, Antiviral compounds, Vaccines, Monoclonal antibodies, Immunomodulatory drugs