The Tulane National Primate Research Center (TNPRC) is one of seven National Primate
Research Centers (NPRCs) dedicated to conducting nonhuman primate (NHP) research with the
goal of improving human health. With a primary focus on infectious disease and biodefense
research, the TNPRC is only NPRC with a Regional Biocontainment Laboratory (RBL) at
Biosafety Level 3 (BSL-3) for the study of high-consequence pathogens, including select agents
and toxins. The Tulane University RBL, which came online in June 2010, has been critical for
advancing research at the TNPRC and across the region on biodefense agents and emerging
infectious diseases, with a primary focus on in vivo studies using NHPs. Since its inception,
significant infrastructure projects have been completed to capitalize on the presence of the RBL
and grow and diversify research at the TNPRC. In recent years, and particularly with the onset of
the COVID-19 pandemic, the TNPRC RBL has expanded its capabilities and capacity to
accommodate BSL-3-level emerging pathogen and biodefense research. The overarching goal
of the proposed project is to strategically enhance and fortify BSL-3 research capabilities within
the TNPRC RBL to ensure the long-term success of this program in support of infectious disease
and biodefense research and countermeasure development. This will be accomplished through
the following Specific Aims: (1) Ensure agility of the TNPRC RBL response to emerging public
health concerns and threats by leveraging the robust research infrastructure and unique research
strengths of the TNPRC and implementing exceptional preventative maintenance processes that
allow for best practices, quality control, and extensive safety oversight for work with high-
consequence pathogens. (2) Provide formal structure for sharing of best practices for safety,
research procedures and facilities management with partners and other RBLs. (3) Coordinate
practices and procedures across the Biodefense Facilities Network to leverage the strengths of
all 12 RBLs; ensure efficient and effective cross-training and sharing of methodologies, SOPs,
and best practices; and coordinate and advance infectious disease and biodefense research and
countermeasure development nation-wide.
