# Viral Testing Core

> **NIH NIH U42** · UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON · 2020 · $627,744

## Abstract

Project Summary/Abstract:
Viral Testing Core
The WaNPRC Primate Diagnostic Services Laboratory (PDSL) performs the pathogen detection assays that
are integral to the establishment and maintenance of specific pathogen-free (SPF) colonies. The laboratory
also responds to new pathogen concerns from the various fields of NHP research by assembling or producing
the reagents and controls and then developing and validating new assays on-demand. PDSL works
collaboratively with the other NPRC pathogen-detection laboratories to ensure our assays are equivalent and
comparable. A biannual proficiency panel, of which PDSL contributes and participates as part of the Breeding
Colony Management/Pathogen-Detection Working Group, helps ensure peer-review and rigor and
reproducibility in our assays. As Core 2 of the WaNPRC SPF U42 grant for our Macaca nemestrina breeding
colonies, the PDSL works closely with the veterinarians and other animal care staff to ensure that the
appropriate tests are run at the right time and reported in a timely manner to help guide the decisions on
housing and breeding. The pathogens of highest concern are the retroviruses SRV, STLV and SIV as well as
the alphaherpesvirus, Macacine herpesvirus 1 (McHV1 a.k.a. herpes B virus). Approximately 740 pigtail
macaques will be tested semi-annually or quarterly, depending on age and social housing. PDSL will also train
and advise on topics of NHP pathogens and detection methods, coordinate timing of test schedules, run tests
according to priority of the requestors, report results quickly and accurately, make recommendations for animal
housing and moves based on pathogen status, and archive specimens for additional tests that may occur in
the future. In the past 3 years, our center has made good progress in achieving SPF status on large groups of
breeding age animals and part of that progress is attributable to refinements in the laboratory assays to give
greater specificity and fewer false reactive samples. New Aims for the Viral Testing Core in this application
build on the improvements achieved and investigate new protein and nucleic acid targets that can be selected
to add to our multiplexed screening assays. In completing the goals of this grant, our laboratory and our team
members in Cores 1 and 3 seek to make strong contributions to biomedical research by maintaining a robust
colony of SPF pigtail macaques.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10012740
- **Project number:** 2U42OD011123-16
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON
- **Principal Investigator:** Richard Grant
- **Activity code:** U42 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $627,744
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** — → —

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10012740

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10012740, Viral Testing Core (2U42OD011123-16). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10012740. Licensed CC0.

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