Additional Information for Research Involving Recombinant Agents
Genetic manipulations that have the potential to increase pathogenicity may raise the recommended BSL, and may also require review by the Novel and Exceptional Technology and Research Advisory Committee (NexTRAC). Below are Biosafety Containment Levels for the University of Pittsburgh as recommended by the IBC for most commonly used recombinant agents. Note that those agents that do not have a link are materials that are only recommended for use at the indicated biosafety level. If you need additional help, please contact staff at: IBC_Support@pitt.edu
| TYPE OF RECOMBINANT MATERIAL | STRAIN EXAMPLES | RECOMMENDED BIOSAFETY LEVEL |
|---|---|---|
| Adenovirus | AdV, all serotypes | 2 or 2+ |
| Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) | AAV, all types | 1, 2, or 2+ |
| Pitt IBC Gene Editing Guidance | CRISPR/Cas9, ZFN, TALEN | 1, 2, or 2+ |
| Gene Drive Modified Organisms | From the NIH Office of Science Policy | PDF file |
| Influenza Virus | Human Serotypes: A, B, C, and D, Avian HPAI or LPAI | 2, 2+, or 3 |
| Murine Retrovirus, ecotropic | MMLV, MSCV | 1 or 1+ |
| Murine Retrovirus, amphotropic or VSV-G pseudotyped | MMLV, MSCV | 1+, 2 or 2+ |
| Non-Primate Lentiviruses | FIV, EIAV, BIV | 2 or 2+ |
| Primate Lentiviruses (human or Non-human Primate) | HIV, SIV, SHIV | 1, 2, or 2+ |
| Zika Virus Information | ZIKV | 2 |
*Note: Some HIV-1 based Lentiviral vector systems may be safely used under lower containment (BSL-2 or ABSL-1)
Page updated 04 April 2024; New resources added