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

ABSTRACT: 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. This is facilitated by the integral NIAID supported Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL) which provides biosafety level (BSL)-2 and animal (A)BSL-3 capabilities. CVR is the hub for infection biology at the University of Pittsburgh bringing together virologists, bacteriologists, biochemists, structural biologists and clinicians from a variety of disciplines who have a common goal of investigating the evolution and pathogenesis of emerging infectious diseases and biodefense pathogens. The center enables 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. In 2021 CVR received a $3.3 million award to support fixed and non-fixed equipment upgrades within the RBL (G20AI167405). In this supplement to the parent, we focus on addressing scientific deficits and concentrate on the lack of flexible ABSL-3 space, small animal bioimaging capabilities and revitalizing core, shared equipment. Multimodal bioimaging capabilities are integral elements in understanding how pathogens infect cells, tissues and animals in four-dimensions. In this supplement we will expand our bioimaging capabilities to small and medium sized animals to augment our active large animal programs. These upgrades will be integrated into the current G20 parent project making it very cost effective in terms of recommissioning the facility. This ensure the supplement is fully within the scope of the parental award. This will ensure the University of Pittsburgh RBL remains fit-for-purpose and emerging infectious disease response-ready for another fifteen years. The facility is considered essential research infrastructure by the University of Pittsburgh, for the region, the state and nation. CVR staff have made major contributions to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic by leveraging their significant experience working on pathogens with pandemic potential in biocontainment. Maintaining well trained, response ready cohorts of infection biologists across nation is vitally important as pathogens will continue to emerge. This makes pandemic preparedness an essential element of the national research portfolio.