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Chikungunya Virus: Pathophysiology, Mechanism, and Modeling
Vaishnavi K Ganesan1, Bin Duan2,3,4, St Patrick Reid5
1Mary & Dick Holland Regenerative Medicine Program, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA. vaishnavi.ganesan@unmc.edu.
Insights
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) outbreaks are worsening globally, yet knowledge gaps persist in its biology and treatment. Future research focuses on improving animal models and exploring 3D models for better understanding and control of this mosquito-borne alphavirus.
Area of Science:
- Virology and Infectious Diseases
- Epidemiology
- Pathogenesis Research
Background:
- Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), a mosquito-transmitted alphavirus, causes recurring, severe epidemic waves globally.
- Despite isolation in 1952, significant knowledge gaps exist regarding CHIKV biology, pathogenesis, transmission, and mechanisms.
- Current diagnosis relies on symptoms, and treatment is supportive, lacking curative options.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of Chikungunya disease.
- To highlight challenges and future research directions for CHIKV.
- To emphasize improvements in animal models and the potential of 3D models for CHIKV research.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of current research on Chikungunya virus.
- Analysis of existing challenges in CHIKV diagnosis, treatment, and research models.
- Exploration of novel research avenues, including advanced animal and 3D models.
Main Results:
- CHIKV outbreaks have become increasingly severe and widespread over the last 15 years.
- Significant gaps in fundamental knowledge of CHIKV hinder effective control strategies.
- Current diagnostic and therapeutic approaches are limited.
Conclusions:
- There is an urgent need for comprehensive research to address knowledge gaps in CHIKV.
- Advancements in animal models and the adoption of 3D models are crucial for future CHIKV studies.
- Improved understanding is essential for developing effective CHIKV diagnostics and therapeutics.
Abstract:
Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), a mosquito-transmitted alphavirus, is recurring in epidemic waves. In the past decade and a half, the disease has resurged in several countries around the globe, with outbreaks becoming increasingly severe. Though CHIKV was first isolated in 1952, there remain significant gaps in knowledge of CHIKV biology, pathogenesis, transmission, and mechanism. Diagnosis is largely simplified and based on symptoms, while treatment is supportive rather than curative. Here we present an overview of the disease, the challenges that lie ahead for future research, and what directions current studies are headed towards, with emphasis on improvement of current animal models and potential use of 3D models.
