By Ana Espino | Published on June 24, 2026 | 4 min read
Chikungunya is a viral disease transmitted primarily by Aedes
aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. Once confined to certain
tropical regions of Africa and Asia, the virus is now undergoing rapid
geographic expansion, driven by climate change, urbanization, and the
intensification of international travel and trade. Responsible for a
sudden-onset febrile illness accompanied by severe joint pain, chikungunya has
become a growing concern for global public health.
To better understand the mechanisms underlying this spread,
Iranian researchers published a comprehensive review examining the virus’s
biology, genetic evolution, pathogenesis, immune response, and current control
strategies. Their analysis highlights recent advances in our understanding of
virus-host interactions as well as emerging preventive approaches.
Read next : Chikungunya:
the invisible epidemic
A Virus Able to Adapt to Its Vectors and Environment
Chikungunya virus possesses a single-stranded RNA genome,
and certain mutations have enhanced its ability to adapt to new mosquito
vectors. The authors particularly emphasize the E1-A226V mutation, which
improves transmission by Aedes albopictus, a mosquito species now widely
established across Europe, the Americas, and Asia. This genetic adaptation has
contributed significantly to the emergence of numerous outbreaks over the past
two decades.
Researchers also highlight the recent identification of the MXRA8
cellular receptor, which the virus uses to enter various human cell types,
including fibroblasts, muscle cells, and osteoblasts. This discovery helps
explain why the virus preferentially targets musculoskeletal tissues and can
cause joint pain that persists long after the acute infection has resolved.
Read next : Chikungunya: Why Is This Virus Re-Emerging Around the World?
Why Do Some Patients Experience Joint Pain for Years?
One of the defining features of chikungunya is the
persistence of joint symptoms in certain patients. According to the authors,
the virus can establish long-term infection within macrophages and fibroblasts
located in the joints. This persistence sustains chronic inflammation
characterized by the continuous production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such
as IL-6 and IL-8.
The review also shows that the virus can hijack specific
cellular pathways, particularly autophagy, to enhance its replication
and partially evade host immune defenses. Several viral proteins are capable of
suppressing the production of interferons, key molecules involved in the
early antiviral response. This immune evasion capacity may help explain the
persistence of infection and symptoms in some individuals.
Promising Vaccines, but Continued Vigilance Is Needed
The authors review recent advances in vaccination. The
live-attenuated vaccine IXCHIQ® (Valneva) became the first approved
vaccine against chikungunya, while the virus-like particle vaccine PXVX0317
demonstrated highly encouraging results in Phase III clinical trials, achieving
high seroconversion rates.
However, some pharmacovigilance data have prompted health
authorities to strengthen post-marketing surveillance, particularly among
vulnerable populations. Nevertheless, the authors believe that vaccination
could play a major role in reducing the global burden of the disease,
especially in highly exposed regions.
Read next : Evaluation
d’un vaccin contre le chikungunya
A Global Threat Intensified by Climate Change
The review also highlights the growing scale of outbreaks
reported between 2024 and 2025. More than 1.6 million suspected cases
were recorded worldwide during this period, with major outbreaks occurring in
China, South America, Africa, and several European territories. The geographic
expansion of mosquito vectors, driven by global warming, could further
accelerate this trend in the coming years.
The authors conclude that no single intervention will be
sufficient to sustainably control chikungunya. Effective disease management
will require a combination of strategies involving vaccination,
epidemiological surveillance, mosquito control, and the development of new
therapeutic approaches. Faced with a threat that has become truly global,
stronger international coordination will be essential to limit the health and
socioeconomic impact of future outbreaks.
Read next : Emerging
Zoonotic Viruses: Is Climate Change Setting the Stage for Future Epidemics?
About the author – Ana Espino
PhD in Immunology, specialized in Virology
As a scientific writer, Ana is passionate about bridging the gap between research and real-world impact. With expertise in immunology, virology, oncology, and clinical studies, she makes complex science clear and accessible. Her mission: to accelerate knowledge sharing and empower evidence-based decisions. 
