Enhancing the Safety, Efficiency, and Research Capacity of the University of Pittsburgh Regional Biocontainment Laboratory to Study Virus Families of Greatest Pandemic Concern

抽象的。 2008年，匹兹堡大学开设了一个区域生物遏制实验室(RBL)。 自那以后，RBL的研究取得了显著增长，调查人员正在进行几项 需要BSL2和ABSL2设施的高传染性微生物制剂。RBL研究现状 项目涵盖了定义的大流行问题的7个RNA病毒家族中的5个 包括布尼亚病毒科、冠状病毒科、黄病毒科、副粘病毒科和托格病毒科。 对于宾夕法尼亚州西部的匹兹堡大学来说，RBL是一个宝贵的资源， 美国、欧洲和南美的机构。事实上，RBL收到了SARS-CoV-2 病毒，并在2020年3月从国际社会获得了近500万美元 防疫创新联盟为新冠肺炎从事疫苗开发。 RBL的持续成功对美国进行必要的研究至关重要 为快速开发和测试疫苗和疗法做好准备，以应对 未来的大流行类似于最近的SARS-CoV-2。 在过去的14年里，RBL的基础设施和设施已经开始退化， 有些已经到了用处的尽头。这个应用程序的重点是使RBL现代化 通过升级和翻新，旨在实现持续的尖端技术 未来多年对大流行传染病病原体的研究。一个有效的和 有效的RBL是预防大流行的重要工具。 为了实现我们的目标，将解决RBL功能和效率的三个方面。首先，我们 将提高RBL的安全性和寿命。将对生物进行维修或更换- 安全壳地板、送风系统、排气系统、变频驱动器、冷水机组 控制，蒸汽热水器，柴油发电机燃料系统控制，火灾报警系统， 楼宇自动化系统、步入式冷藏柜和生物识别安全。第二，RBL的效率 通过将现有系统照明更换为节能LED来增强运营 灯光和移除气体等离子灭菌器，以产生急需的空间。第三，研究 RBL的容量将通过增加鼠房容量和购买 为非人类灵长类动物、兔子和雪貂增加笼子。 这项提议的最终目标是确保RBL保持正常运行、高效并为 对未来新出现的流行病做出快速反应。

Abstract. In 2008, the University of Pittsburgh opened a Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL). Research at the RBL has grown significantly since then, with investigators working on several highly infectious microbial agents requiring BSL2 and ABSL2 facilities. Current RBL research projects cover multiple viruses in 5 of the 7 RNA virus families of pandemic concern as defined by NIH, including, Bunyavirales, Coronaviridae, Flaviviridae, Paramyxoviridae, and Togaviridae. The RBL is an invaluable resource for the University of Pittsburgh, western Pennsylvania, and institutions in the US, Europe and South America. Indeed, the RBL received the SARS-CoV-2 virus in mid-February, 2020, and received almost $5M in March 2020 from the international Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations to pursue vaccine development for COVID-19. The continued success of the RBL is essential for the US to conduct the necessary research to be prepared for the rapid development and testing of vaccines and therapeutics in response to future pandemics similar to the recent SARS-CoV-2. Over the last 14 years, the infrastructure and facilities in the RBL have begun to degrade, with some reaching the end of their usefulness. The focus of this application is to modernize the RBL through both upgrades and renovations that are designed to allow for continuing cutting-edge research on infectious agents of pandemic concern for many years to come. An effective and efficient RBL is a vital tool for pandemic preparedness. To accomplish our goals, 3 areas of RBL functionality and efficiency will be addressed. First, we will enhance RBL safety and longevity. Repairs or replacements will be made to the bio- containment flooring, the supply air system, the exhaust system, variable frequency drives, chiller controls, steam water heaters, diesel engine generator fuel system controls, fire alarm system, building automation system, walk-in cooler, and biometric security. Second, the efficiency of RBL operations will be enhanced by replacement of existing system lighting with energy-efficient LED lights and removal of a gas plasma sterilizer to generate much needed space. Third, the research capacity of the RBL will be enhanced by increasing rodent housing capacity and purchasing additional caging for non-human primates, rabbits, and ferrets. The ultimate goal of this proposal is to ensure the RBL remains functional, efficient, and ready for rapid response to future emerging pandemics.