Enhancing operational efficiency and animal welfare through the use of digital ventilated caging for laboratory mice in an ABSL3 Select Agent biocontainment program

St. Jude Children'S Research Hospital, Memphis TN

Investigators

Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY This proposal seeks funding to acquire four Techniplast Digital VenƟlated Cage (DVC) Isocage NegaƟve systems, a crucial step in upgrading mouse housing and improving husbandry pracƟces while simultaneously enhancing animal welfare in our shared Animal Biosafety Level 3 (ABSL3) Plus Select Agent program at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital (SJCRH). SJCRH's ambiƟous strategic plan for the fiscal years 2022‐2027 outlines a substanƟal 54% increase in faculty members (from 91 to 140) expected to uƟlize in vivo research resources. This expansion is aligned with the insƟtuƟon's mission to establish a world‐leading research effort in infecƟous diseases that affect children. To achieve this goal, we intend to recruit sixteen new faculty members who specialize in laboratory‐based research on infecƟous diseases and immunity. They will complement the exisƟng faculty of nine, who are engaged in cuƫng‐edge research in areas such as influenza, SARS‐CoV2, pneumococcal infecƟons, viral and bacterial therapeuƟcs, and the funcƟons of adapƟve and innate immunity during these infecƟons. AddiƟonally, SJCRH serves as one of the collaboraƟng centers for the World Health OrganizaƟon's Global Influenza Response and Surveillance System, funcƟoning as the Center for Studies on the Ecology of Influenza in Animals and Birds. Moreover, our program is funded as a Center of Excellence for Influenza Research and Response (CEIRR) through grants from the NaƟonal InsƟtute of Allergy and InfecƟous Diseases (NIAID). Considering these commitments and affiliaƟons, the ABSL3 facility plays a pivotal role in supporƟng these criƟcal iniƟaƟves. The primary objecƟve of this project is to replace the aging Mouse Biocontainment Individually VenƟlated Caging (IVC) system, which was procured back in 2002. We aim to replace it with the state‐of‐the‐art Techniplast DVC system, which offers real‐Ɵme monitoring of rack blower funcƟons, intra‐cage condiƟons, and animal acƟvity. This conƟnuous monitoring will allow for the opƟmizaƟon of husbandry pracƟces and improved veterinary care, ulƟmately leading to more humane endpoints. Furthermore, it will facilitate the Ɵmely collecƟon of Ɵssue and fluid samples and data, especially in situaƟons when access to the facility is restricted—such as weekends, holidays, or during severe weather‐related conƟngencies that can affect staffing levels. The DVC racks come with four Ɵmes the backup baƩery life (up to 36 hours) compared to the current system. The DVC system offers detailed monitoring and immediate noƟficaƟon of supply and exhaust air parameters, significantly improving our ability to respond effecƟvely during unforeseen conƟngencies. As a result, this grant proposal promises to substanƟally enhance the operaƟonal efficiency and overall animal welfare in our ABSL3 facility. It will enable us to opƟmize the allocaƟon of resources to meet the increasing demands of current and future invesƟgators at SJCRH.