Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Massachusetts received a $632,994 Project Grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) under the Allergy and Infectious Diseases Research program (CFDA 93.855), awarded February 23, 2026, with completion targeted for January 31, 2031. This research initiative focuses on developing novel antiviral therapies targeting the Chikungunya virus (CHIKV) protease, specifically the NSP2 protease (CHIKVp). The project will generate investigator-initiated research outputs including the development and characterization of both active-site and allosteric inhibitor compounds derived from large-scale compound screening and methyltransferase-like domain (MTL)-binding fragments. The research team will employ nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) approaches to distinguish and optimize inhibitor candidates, with the ultimate deliverable being validated protease inhibitor compounds capable of blocking viral replication and preventing disease progression in acute infection and chronic sequelae, including debilitating joint pain and pediatric neurological syndromes.

The research addresses a significant public health need, as CHIKV infections affect approximately 3 million people across 45 countries annually, including the United States. By targeting the viral protease—a proven effective antiviral drug target strategy successfully applied to HIV, Hepatitis C, and SARS-CoV-2—this project seeks to fill a critical gap in therapeutic options for both acute and chronic CHIKV infection. Research will be conducted at the University of Massachusetts facility in Hadley, Massachusetts.