A Mouse-Adapted CHIKV Strain Harboring E2-K200R and Non-Structural Mutations Exhibits Enhanced Pathogenicity in
Cong Tang1, Bai Li1, Qing Huang1
1Institute of Medical Biology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College (IMBCAMS&PUMC), 935 Jiaoling Road, Kunming 650118, China.
Viruses
|April 27, 2026
Summary
Researchers developed an adapted Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) strain, CHIKV-Adapt, for immunocompetent rodent models. This new tool enhances CHIKV pathogenesis research and vaccine evaluation by improving viral replication and pathogenicity in these models.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) research is limited by the absence of effective immunocompetent rodent models.
- Developing such models is crucial for understanding CHIKV pathogenesis and evaluating vaccines.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create and characterize an adapted CHIKV strain (CHIKV-Adapt) suitable for immunocompetent rodent models.
- To assess the enhanced pathogenicity and replication of CHIKV-Adapt in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Serial passaging of CHIKV in A129 and C57BL/6 mice to adapt the virus.
- Phenotypic analysis of CHIKV-Adapt in C57BL/6 mice, BALB/c mice, and hamsters.
- In vitro viral replication assays and in silico receptor binding predictions.
Main Results:
- CHIKV-Adapt, featuring an E2-K200R substitution and non-structural mutations, showed higher and prolonged viremia in immunocompetent mice and hamsters.
- The adapted strain exhibited broader tissue tropism and more severe internal joint inflammation.
- The K200R mutation did not affect in vitro replication or predicted MXRA8 receptor binding.
Conclusions:
- The E2-K200R mutation is key to CHIKV adaptation in immunocompetent rodents, enhancing pathogenicity without altering in vitro characteristics.
- CHIKV-Adapt provides a valuable new model for studying Chikungunya virus pathogenesis and assessing vaccine efficacy.
