BSL3 management and practice of infectious disease research at HTRL

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PROJECT ABSTRACT (OVERALL) Our nation’s ability to detect, prevent and counter bioterrorism and emerging infectious diseases depends on technologies that are generated through biomedical research on disease-causing microbes and understanding human immune responses to infection. Following bioterrorism events in 2001, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases established the Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL) Network, to promote safe research in 12 Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) laboratories. In turn, Institutions and Universities hosting these RBLs sustained the management of these facilities, fostered a strong Biosafety culture, and fueled research inquiries into the molecular mechanisms whereby microbes cause human disease. The University of Chicago hosts the Regional Biocontainment Howard Taylor Ricketts Laboratory (HTRL) operated by its Department of Microbiology since 2009. When this nation began to implement shutdowns to prevent the spread of COVID-19, essential professionals at the HTRL continued key management operations and pivoted their expertise to study SARS-CoV2. This momentum would not have been possible without the existing expertise and dedication of engineers, biosafety officers, veterinary staff, scientists, as well as financial support from the University. The goal of this proposal is to present a plan to maintain the safe operation and management of the BSL3 space of the Regional Biocontainment HTRL and to continue training professionals who will provide research support services for the development of measures necessary to mitigate and protect the public's health from infectious diseases that may be the result of intentional, accidental, or naturally occurring health emergency. This plan will be implemented by three cores. Core 1 Facility Management, Maintenance and Operations (C1Facilities@HTRL) led by George Langan, describes activities that support continuous BSL3 containment through decontamination, retesting, certification, preventive maintenance, repair or replacement of building systems and compliance with Biosecurity, Environmental Health, and Biosafety regulations. Core 2 BSL3 Practices (C2BSL3Practice@HTRL) led by Joseph Kanabrocki, describes activities for the training of personnel and the development of Standard Operating Procedures as well as activities to sustain a safe and secure environment. Core 3 Biocontainment Research Support Services (C3ResearchSupport@HTRL) led by Dominique Missiakas, describes research capabilities for the study of Risk Group 3 and Select Agent pathogens. HTRL will use a web-based portal to advertise and offer research services such as isolation and characterization of pathogens, virulence and countermeasure studies using in vitro and in vivo assays and animal models. Monthly virtual and annual in-person meetings between RBL Directors will identify opportunities for collaborations, improvements, and cross-training. These interactions will expand the capacity of the RBL network as a whole to respond to public health emergencies, conduct evaluations of threats and countermeasures, and provide education and training to conform with biosafety standards.