The Ricketts Laboratory will be used for basic research on the molecular mechanisms of infectious diseases, and translational research applying basic findings to the development of products such as diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines. These will improve prevention, intervention and therapy all over the world. The diseases to be studied are categorized by NIH as and all have treatment and/or preventive measures available. Foremost, the Ricketts Laboratory would provide an appropriate setting for experimental work proposed in the Great Lakes RCE. However, the Ricketts Laboratory would also offer access to other qualified scientists from research institutions and industry.

Research conducted at the Ricketts Laboratory could include such diseases as anthrax, Dengue (hemorrhagic) fever, influenza, plague, tuberculosis, tularemia, and West Nile virus, as well as staphylococcus and streptococcus infections and food poisoning. In case of a biodefense emergency, the laboratory would discontinue all other activities to assist national, state and local public health agencies. The Ricketts laboratory will adopt stringent safety measures to protect its staff and the community.

Research Priorities

Vaccines
- Identify, prioritize, and support the development of vaccines against agents of bioterrorism
- Expand infrastructure for testing and manufacturing vaccines
- Develop, standardize, and validate animal models of disease
- Develop cell-culture based apporaches to viral vaccine development

Therapeutics
- Increase the number of licensed antimicrobials, immunotherapeutics, and antitoxins through accelerated screening of new and existing agents

Diagnostics
- Increase development of highly sensitive, specific, inexpensive, and easy to use tools for clinical diagnosis of agents of bioterrorism

Research updates