EXTRAMURAL RESEARCH FACILITIES CONSTRUCTION

表达免疫缺陷或发展自身免疫性疾病的基因定义和基因工程小鼠是许多研究糖尿病、系统性狼疮性肾炎、癌症和艾滋病等疾病的研究人员的首选模型。杰克逊实验室（TJL）的许多研究人员以及世界各地许多其他机构的研究人员都依赖于TJL独特的免疫缺陷和自身免疫小鼠品系进行研究。要实现这些小鼠的全部研究潜力，需要它们保持不受污染微生物的影响，因为这些脆弱的动物暴露于甚至一般无害的微生物可能导致：（1）疾病，寿命缩短，甚至死亡，（2）繁殖能力受损;（3）可能混淆实验诱导变化解释的病变或生理变化;和/或（4）关键表型的表达降低。本申请中描述的项目的目的是为TJL的研究动物设施内的免疫缺陷和自身免疫研究小鼠的无病原体维持提供屏障住房。申请的资金将用于通过以下方式建设一个新的免疫缺陷和自身免疫研究设施：（1）改造和升级现有的传统动物饲养和实验室空间，为免疫缺陷和自身免疫小鼠的饲养和操作提供屏障设施;（2）购买加压单独通风笼架和层流。HEPA过滤更换站，用于这些小鼠的饲养和操作;以及（3）为新装修的饲养区建造专用人员锁和屏障后程序室的额外空间。

Genetically defined and genetically engineered mice that express immunological deficiencies or develop autoimmune disorders are the models of choice for many researchers studying diseases such as diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosis, cancer and AIDS. Many investigators at The Jackson Laboratory (TJL), as well as investigators at numerous other institutions worldwide, depend on TJL's unique strains of immunodeficient and autoimmune mice for their research. Realization of the full research potential of these mice requires that they remain free of contaminating microorganisms, as exposure of these fragile animals to even generally innocuous microorganisms may cause: (1) disease, decreased longevity, and even death, (2) impaired breeding performance; (3) lesions or physiological alterations that can confound the interpretation of experimentally-induced changes; and/or (4) reduced expression of the critical phenotype. The objective of the project described in this application is to provide barrier housing for the pathogen-free maintenance of immunodeficient and autoimmune research mice within TJL's Research Animal Facility. Funds are requested to construct a new facility for immunodeficiency and autoimmunity research through the: (1) renovation and upgrading of existing conventional animal housing and laboratory space to provide barrier facilities for the housing and manipulation of immunodeficient and autoimmune mice; (2) purchase of pressurized individually-ventilated cage racks and laminar- flow. HEPA-filtered changing stations for housing and manipulation of these mice; and (3) construction of additional space for dedicated personnel locks and behind-the-barrier procedure rooms for the newly renovated housing areas.