Emory/Georgia TB Research Advancement Center (TRAC)

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The Basic & Translational Science (Basic Science) Core of the Emory/Georgia TRAC will provide expertise and resources to facilitate TRAC investigator-led studies of mycobacterial pathogenesis, transmission, and host immunity in both human and animal models of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. The Basic Science Core will capitalize on a unique set of resources available to the TRAC community, including the Yerkes National Primate Research Center with capacity to conduct Mtb studies in rodents and nonhuman primates, and the University of Georgia Animal Health Research Center with extensive animal BSL3 lab space and capacity to conduct mycobacterial infection and vaccination studies in a variety of large, medium, and small animals. The overall mission of the Basic Science Core is to provide laboratory expertise, training, and resources to catalyze opportunities for innovative multidisciplinary and highly collaborative TB research programs engaging Basic Science Core faculty, early-stage investigators, and established investigators who are new to the TB field. The Core will achieve these goals by providing training, consultation, and services with state-of-the-art laboratory equipment, facilities, and methods, including the newest immunological and microbiological assays and animal Mtb infection models, in addition to providing a quality-controlled central repository of materials for the TRAC community. In Aim 1, consultation in experimental design and laboratory assay approaches will be provided to investigators who are planning basic and translational science studies of Mtb. Specific training areas will include Mtb culture and in vitro infection; Mtb infection of animals; and lab assay training, data interpretation, and protocol development. In Aim 2, the Core will provide support to TRAC investigators to generate preliminary laboratory-based data for internal and external funding applications; conduct laboratory assays and animal Mtb infection and vaccination studies in support of TRAC-series Developmental awards and other funded projects; and support the development of new microbiology and immunology laboratory-based assays. In Aim 3, a biorepository and electronic database will be established for archiving clinical specimens and isolates from human cohorts across a range of Mtb infection and disease states; specimens from Mtb-infected and control animals; and common Mtb laboratory strains for use by TRAC investigators. In summary, the Basic Science Core will provide value-added activities in training, services, and materials to Emory/Georgia TRAC investigators, with the overall goal of supporting TRAC investigators to successfully establish and expand innovative research programs filling critical knowledge gaps in TB pathogenesis, transmission, and immunity to more effectively combat the global TB pandemic.