Compositions and methods for treating alphavirus infection

A method for identifying a molecule that treats a disease or disorder associated with an alphavirus infection, the method comprising contacting a cell that expresses a Natural Resistance-Associated Macrophage Protein (NRAMP) with a candidate molecule, and comparing the biological activity of the NRAMP in the cell contacted by the candidate molecule with the level of biological activity in a control cell not contacted by the candidate molecule, wherein an alteration in the biological activity of the NRAMP identifies the candidate molecule as a candidate molecule that treats a disease or disorder associated with said alphavirus infection.

A composition comprising:

• a molecule that inhibits the activity of a Natural Resistance-Associated Macrophage Protein (NRAMP), wherein said molecule is present in an amount effective to treat a disease or disorder associated with an alphavirus infection.

A method for predicting a risk for a disease or disorder associated with an alphavirus infection, in a subject, the method comprising:

• testing a sample from said to detect the presence or absence of a Natural Resistance-Associated Macrophage Protein (NRAMP), wherein the presence of said NRAMP indicates the risk for said disease or disorder, thereby predicting said risk in said subject.

A method for increasing the expression of Natural Resistance-Associated Macrophage Protein (NRAMP) or fragment thereof in a subject and/or cell, comprising:

• administering to the subject and/or cell a nucleic acid encoding said NRAMP or fragment thereof, thereby enhancing the ability of an alphavirus to infect said subject and/or cell.