Upgrading the University of Pittsburgh Regional Biocontainment Laboratory within The Center for Vaccine Research

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Overview The University of Pittsburgh has been ranked among the top ten recipients of NIH funding since 1998. Currently it is ranked fifth nationally in the number of awards received, totaling $570 million in FY2020. The Schools of Medicine and Public Health obtained a significant proportion of this. The University has a strong commitment to translate scientific knowledge and achievement into societal benefit. Vaccine Research is synonymous with the city of Pittsburgh and the university has a long history with infectious disease research. A thriving infection biology community works at biosafety levels (BSL)-2, 2+ and 3 with a diverse range of human and animal pathogens. The Division of Select Agents and Toxins (DSAT) program has been operational for over 10 years and our researchers work on a wide range of highly regulated, viral and bacterial select agents. The Center for Vaccine Research (CVR) investigators conduct research on BSL-3 Category A, B, and C priority pathogens that have an impact on the health of people around the world. The Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL) within the CVR is a hub for infection biology at the University of Pittsburgh. Opened in 2007 the center brings together infection biologists and clinicians from varied disciplines who have a common goal of investigating the evolution and pathogenesis of emerging infectious diseases and biodefense pathogens. It has enabled the acceleration of pre-clinical development of novel interventions such as vaccines, therapeutic antibodies and nanobodies, small molecule inhibitors and diagnostics for viruses and other infectious agents. Just over two years ago the university invested in a key leadership hire and appointed Dr. Paul Duprex as CVR and RBL Director. The School of Medicine provided him a generous recruitment package and startup resources to recruit at least four new faculty to CVR. In addition they reaffirmed their commitment to support the RBL in capital equipment. His vision is to integrate, oversee and expand the ongoing programs. The availability of this resource to researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and neighboring institutions has contributed to the success rate of grant applications, increased the number of high-impact research papers accepted for publication and facilitated trainee, faculty and research staff recruitment. It is an essential element to the translational research ecosystem in Pennsylvania and beyond. Specific Aims Aim 1: Upgrade RBL fixed equipment. The Pittsburgh RBL opened over 13 years ago and the fixed infrastructure is aging. In spite of significant internal commitments, expenditure of University capital equipment funds alongside CVR’s success in securing external support from the State of Pennsylvania Department of Community of Economic Development (DCED) significant upgrades are required to core systems. Specifically, the Building Automation System (BAS) and three autoclaves need to be updated or replaced. Unsurprisingly fixed equipment represents the largest cost elements of this application. Aim 2: Upgrade RBL non-fixed cutting-edge scientific equipment. Multimodal bioimaging capabilities are integral as CVR faculty study infected cells, tissues and animals in four-dimensions. We have invested significantly in live cell confocal microscopy, IVIS imaging and PET/CT capabilities. However, presently, the flow cytometric/cell sorting capabilities are essentially obsolete. If immunological studies are to remain competitive they will need to be underpinned by the purchase of a leading-edge instrument specifically designed for work with aerosols in biocontainment. A second scientific strength is in aerobiology and new capabilities for large-scale nebulization of pathogens and therapeutics will enhance the general capabilities of this essential component of CVR. Aim 3: Upgrade RBL non-fixed support equipment. Obsolete support equipment will be replaced. The original biosafety cabinets (BSCs) are at the end of their usable lifespan and are failing. To minimize disruption to current operations, the BSCs will be replaced during our regular annual shutdown and reverification process. Vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) is standard for room decontamination and the equipment used is breaking down frequently and will be replaced. Our internal Office of Facilities Management will oversee all external contractors. Our ultimate goal is to ensure the RBL remains fit-for-purpose and emerging infectious disease response-ready for another 15 years. The facility is considered essential research infrastructure by the University of Pittsburgh.