Run by Dr. Mark Buller at St. Louis University, the Aerosol Biology/Small Animals Core supports studies on respiratory routes of infection and/or therapy. The respiratory tract is susceptible to infection by many organisms that could be developed as bioweapons. Despite this vulnerability, there is little known about the molecular pathogenesis of select agents following infection of the respiratory tract. In particular, the innate and mucosal responses to such infections remain to be defined. Current studies utilizing the Core focus on smallpox and pneumonic plague, as these agents are the most widely studied Category A agents in Region VII. However, the Core is prepared to develop other models to meet new regional needs. The Core is not limited to studies on pathogens, but can aerosolize and deliver therapeutics to the respiratory tract and has ongoing studies to test instruments that can inactivate bioparticles in the air.

MU Innate Immunity Core Facility
Research Projects in the MRCE have a common theme to understand mechanisms of immune responses to priority pathogens, and participating researchers from five institutions collaborate to further this frontier. The MU RBL provides state of the art containment design and engineering as well as centralized resources and education for infectious disease research. Through the Innate Immunity Core (IIC) we create experimental opportunities requiring access to live cell sorting and other immunological techniques on infected samples. The IIC and the RBL are structured to permit flexibility and adaptation to the changing frontier of infectious disease research. Thus, the IIC provides a unique capability in region VII that creates opportunities for novel scientific achievements that further the research mission of the MRCE.

Live Cell Microscopy Core
Directed by Haibing Teng at Washington University School of Medicine, the MRCE Live Cell Microscopy Core provides investigators a variety of advanced fluorescence microscopy technologies to study live BSL3 organisms. The Nikon SFC (Swept Field Confocal) microscope features high sensitivity/resolution EMCCD and laser technology for 6-D (x,y,z-slice, time-lapse, multi-color and multi-point fluorescence) data acquisition. The TILL wide-field microscope features high-speed calcium and pH imaging. Both systems allow rapid and long term viewing of processes in live cells. Applications include studies of pathogen-cell interactions (localization, trafficking, ion concentration and dynamic turnover). We offer consultation on experimental approaches for image acquisition, processing and analysis. Equipped with basic apparatus for cell culture, this facility combines the duo advantage of state-of-the-art live-cell microscopy and BSL3 containment. For detailed information and to reserve a time, click here.