# BSL3 management and practice of infectious disease research at HTRL

> **NIH NIH UC7** · UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO · 2023 · $2,469,118

## Abstract

PROJECT ABSTRACT (OVERALL)
Our nation’s ability to detect, prevent and counter bioterrorism and emerging infectious diseases depends on
technologies that are generated through biomedical research on disease-causing microbes and understanding
human immune responses to infection. Following bioterrorism events in 2001, the National Institute of Allergy
and Infectious Diseases established the Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL) Network, to promote safe
research in 12 Biosafety Level 3 (BSL3) laboratories. In turn, Institutions and Universities hosting these RBLs
sustained the management of these facilities, fostered a strong Biosafety culture, and fueled research inquiries
into the molecular mechanisms whereby microbes cause human disease. The University of Chicago hosts the
Regional Biocontainment Howard Taylor Ricketts Laboratory (HTRL) operated by its Department of
Microbiology since 2009. When this nation began to implement shutdowns to prevent the spread of COVID-19,
essential professionals at the HTRL continued key management operations and pivoted their expertise to study
SARS-CoV2. This momentum would not have been possible without the existing expertise and dedication of
engineers, biosafety officers, veterinary staff, scientists, as well as financial support from the University. The
goal of this proposal is to present a plan to maintain the safe operation and management of the BSL3 space of
the Regional Biocontainment HTRL and to continue training professionals who will provide research support
services for the development of measures necessary to mitigate and protect the public's health from infectious
diseases that may be the result of intentional, accidental, or naturally occurring health emergency. This plan
will be implemented by three cores. Core 1 Facility Management, Maintenance and Operations
(C1Facilities@HTRL) led by George Langan, describes activities that support continuous BSL3 containment
through decontamination, retesting, certification, preventive maintenance, repair or replacement of building
systems and compliance with Biosecurity, Environmental Health, and Biosafety regulations. Core 2 BSL3
Practices (C2BSL3Practice@HTRL) led by Joseph Kanabrocki, describes activities for the training of
personnel and the development of Standard Operating Procedures as well as activities to sustain a safe and
secure environment. Core 3 Biocontainment Research Support Services (C3ResearchSupport@HTRL)
led by Dominique Missiakas, describes research capabilities for the study of Risk Group 3 and Select Agent
pathogens. HTRL will use a web-based portal to advertise and offer research services such as isolation and
characterization of pathogens, virulence and countermeasure studies using in vitro and in vivo assays and
animal models. Monthly virtual and annual in-person meetings between RBL Directors will identify
opportunities for collaborations, improvements, and cross-training. These interactions will expand the capacity
of the RBL ne...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10793948
- **Project number:** 1UC7AI180312-01
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF CHICAGO
- **Principal Investigator:** George Parsons Langan
- **Activity code:** UC7 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2023
- **Award amount:** $2,469,118
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2023-08-18 → 2028-07-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10793948

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10793948, BSL3 management and practice of infectious disease research at HTRL (1UC7AI180312-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10793948. Licensed CC0.

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