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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