The Retrovirus & Other Virus Vector Section produces vectors for pre-clinical studies. In addition, the Retrovirus Vector Section serves as the focus for training and consulting services in GLPs, GMPs and production of gene therapy vectors for use in clinical trials. The Retrovirus Section is the site where investigators may participate in the production of their own vectors

Staff:

Richard E. Giles, Ph.D.

Dr. Giles has five years commercial experience in GLP and GMP work in the field of veterinary vaccine development. He holds three patents in veterinary vaccine development and production.

Anne Hinkle, Senior Research Assistant

is responsible for the following functions:

• Performance and optimization of quality control tests required for gene vector preparations (detection of Replication Competent Retroviruses; titration of retroviruses using PG4 cells; non-radioactive assay for RT activity; mycoplasma testing; endotoxin testing; testing for Replication Competent Adenovirus);
• Production and testing of Master Cell Banks (MCBs) and Working Cell Banks (WCBs);
• Production and assay of gene transfer vectors; Growth of mammalian cell cultures in antibiotic-free medium under BL2 and BL3 containment conditions;
• Preparation of viable frozen reference stocks of cells, viruses and vectors;
• Propagation and assay of viable viruses, including mammalian amphotropic retroviruses;
• Performance of Quality Control and Quality Assurance functions in compliance with GLPs;
• Writing and maintaining protocols in accordance with GLPs;
• Interacting effectively with faculty, post-doctoral fellows, staff and graduate students;
• Supervising the use of core facilities by core users; training core users in basic techniques for cell culture, virology, vector production and vector characterization;
• Ordering supplies and minor items of equipment;
• Preparation of sterile media and solutions; and
• Validation and scheduled maintenance of equipment.

Facilities:

The Retrovirus Vector Section consists of two 160 square foot hood rooms - each containing · two six foot Biosafety Cabinets (Class IIB2), · four cell culture incubators, · inverted microscope with camera, and · a refrigerator/freezer. One room is restricted to work with viruses and viral vectors and operates at BL2 with BL3 practices. The other room is restricted to work with cell lines or prokaryotes and excludes viruses or viral vectors and operates with BL2 practices. A support room (200 sq.ft.) and air-lock entry room with a pass-through autoclave completes the containment facility. The support room contains a roller bottle incubator, an upright ultra-low temperature freezer, a table top high speed centrifuge and a Coulter Counter

Services:

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