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Principal Investigator: William Paul Duprex
Organization: UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH AT PITTSBURGH
Fiscal Year: 2021
Award: $3,330,000
Funding agency: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
Overview
The University of Pittsburgh has been ranked among the top ten recipients of NIH funding since 1998. Currently
it is ranked fifth nationally in the number of awards received, totaling $570 million in FY2020. The Schools of
Medicine and Public Health obtained a significant proportion of this. The University has a strong commitment to
translate scientific knowledge and achievement into societal benefit. Vaccine Research is synonymous with the
city of Pittsburgh and the university has a long history with infectious disease research. A thriving infection
biology community works at biosafety levels (BSL)-2, 2+ and 3 with a diverse range of human and animal
pathogens. The Division of Select Agents and Toxins (DSAT) program has been operational for over 10 years
and our researchers work on a wide range of highly regulated, viral and bacterial select agents. 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.
The Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL) within the CVR is a hub for infection biology at the University of
Pittsburgh. Opened in 2007 the center brings together infection biologists and clinicians from varied disciplines
who have a common goal of investigating the evolution and pathogenesis of emerging infectious diseases and
biodefense pathogens. It has enabled 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. Just over two years ago the university invested in a key leadership hire and appointed
Dr. Paul Duprex as CVR and RBL Director. The School of Medicine provided him a generous recruitment
package and startup resources to recruit at least four new faculty to CVR. In addition they reaffirmed their
commitment to support the RBL in capital equipment. His vision is to integrate, oversee and expand the ongoing
programs. The availability of this resource to researchers at the University of Pittsburgh and neighboring
institutions has contributed to the success rate of grant applications, increased the number of high-impact
research papers accepted for publication and facilitated trainee, faculty and research staff recruitment. It is an
essential element to the translational research ecosystem in Pennsylvania and beyond.
Specific Aims
Aim 1: Upgrade RBL fixed equipment. The Pittsburgh RBL opened over 13 years ago and the fixed
infrastructure is aging. In spite of significant internal commitments, expenditure of University capital
equipment funds alongside CVR’s success in securing external support from the State of Pennsylvania
Department of Community of Economic Development (DCED) significant upgrades are required to core
systems. Specifically, the Building Automation System (BAS) and three autoclaves need to be updated
or replaced. Unsurprisingly fixed equipment represents the largest cost elements of this application.
Aim 2: Upgrade RBL non-fixed cutting-edge scientific equipment. Multimodal bioimaging capabilities are
integral as CVR faculty study infected cells, tissues and animals in four-dimensions. We have invested
significantly in live cell confocal microscopy, IVIS imaging and PET/CT capabilities. However, presently,
the flow cytometric/cell sorting capabilities are essentially obsolete. If immunological studies are to
remain competitive they will need to be underpinned by the purchase of a leading-edge instrument
specifically designed for work with aerosols in biocontainment. A second scientific strength is in
aerobiology and new capabilities for large-scale nebulization of pathogens and therapeutics will enhance
the general capabilities of this essential component of CVR.
Aim 3: Upgrade RBL non-fixed support equipment. Obsolete support equipment will be replaced. The
original biosafety cabinets (BSCs) are at the end of their usable lifespan and are failing. To minimize
disruption to current operations, the BSCs will be replaced during our regular annual shutdown and
reverification process. Vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) is standard for room decontamination and
the equipment used is breaking down frequently and will be replaced. Our internal Office of Facilities
Management will oversee all external contractors.
Our ultimate goal is to ensure the RBL remains fit-for-purpose and emerging infectious disease response-ready
for another 15 years. The facility is considered essential research infrastructure by the University of Pittsburgh.
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