The PTTC provides the structure and assets to support and foster emergent pathogen related research. The initial two-year phase of the PTTC focuses on the development of the administrative hub, expanding our targeted and agnostic diagnostic capabilities against potential viral threats, and developing a clinical research team.
The clinical research team is developing IRB-approved umbrella protocols for adults, pregnant women, and children for sample collection, defining clinical outcomes of disease, and epidemiology. The collected blood and respiratory secretion samples will be stored in our biorepository that can be used by the PTTC and research collaborators for serologic assay development, basic and high-containment virology research, host/microbial genetics and genomics, vaccine discovery, and high-throughput screening and drug discovery.
Many of these resources are engaged in diverse projects and disease studies under normal circumstances, but upon the emergence of viral threat, they will be instrumental in driving the local, regional, and international responses to a viral threat with outbreak potential. These resources as they mature will also provide the structure, expertise, and facilities to be able to respond to major RFAs/U19 program grants. Key functions are compiled into three hubs:
Our Team
Dr. Pedro A. Piedra, M.D., Professor
Center Director
Dr. Erin Nicholson, M.D.
Assistant Professor
Center Co-Director
Dr. Vasanthi Avadhanula, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Center Co-Director