The $13 million, 44,000-square-foot center contains seven laboratories and sophisticated core equipment for immunology and virology research, which deal with the study of the immune system.

OHSU Gene Microarray Shared Resource
This state-of-the-art microarray facility allows investigators to determine the expression status of thousands of genes simultaneously. Microarray technology is based on the use of small glass chips imprinted with thousands to hundred of thousands of different gene sequences that can be hybridized to RNA samples extracted from many different biologocal sources. This technology provides researchers with the ability to rapidly analyze the gene expression profiles for a wide range of diseases and model systems. Eventually, these arrays may be engineered to hold the entire human genome on a single chip. The Microarray Cores (Affymetrix Microarray Core and Spotted Microarray Core) offer the capability to use chips containing standard sets of genes (Affymetrix and Spotted Microarray Cores) or to fabricate chips with genes selected by the investigator (Spotted Microarray Core). For more information, visit the GMSR web site.

Flow Cytometry Core
This is a fluorescence-activated mechanism that identifies, sorts and counts cells. By labeling cells with antibodies tagged with different "colors", scientists can quickly determine the type and the function of the cell population they are looking at, or if a particular antibody is present. This core is available to researchers outside of the VGTI on a fee-for-use basis.

Monoclonal Antibody Core
Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) have been proven to be invaluable reagents for a diverse array of biological research applications. In addition, they form the basis of many diagnostic assays and most recently have been successfully used as therapeutic drugs for human disease including cancer and heart disease. The MAb Core Facility at VGTI will concentrate on the development and production of MAbs to assist investigators at the VGTI in their research projects. In addition, the service is available to investigators outside the VGTI on a fee-for-service basis. For more information see MAb Core Facility services.

The Virology Core
The Virology Core Facility serves as a valuable resource for investigators at the VGTI. The Virology Core is responsible for the making and titering of large-scale virus stocks, for the generation of viral growth curves, for the detection of virus and viral DNA/RNA in tissue, plasma and cell culture samples, and for the development of novel assays related to virological research of interest to the investigators of the VGTI. Typical assays include nested and real-time PCR analyses, co-culture for virus isolation and immunofluorescence for viral proteins. The Core also provides primary and immortalized cell lines and viral DNA for research studies. Currently, the Core is involved in two major projects utilizing rhesus cytomegalovirus (RhCMV) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV) in vaccine development studies. In addition, the Core is working with several diverse viruses: rhesus cytomegalovirus (RhCMV), rhesus rhadinovirus (RRV), herpes simplex virus (HSV), simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), and simian varicella virus (SVV).

Imaging Core
This core has both conventional microscopes and computer software for image analysis. Also available is a phosphorimager for gel analysis.

Laser Capture Microscope
The Palm Microbeam laser capture microscope is able to isolate and extract a small set of cells for further molecular or genomic analysis.

Real-time PCR analysis
The VGTI currently has two Applied Biosystems, Inc. Sequence Detection 7700 Systems, otherwise known as real-time PCR machines. The real-time PCR machines are capable of detecting amplified PCR products in real time, directly as the DNA products are being amplified. Real-time PCR is therefore highly quantitative, without the need for further analysis of the PCR products on a gel or by Southern analysis. Both DNA and RNA (after reverse-transcription) can be readily quantified. The real-time process entails utilizing a fluorescently-labeled probe to detect product. The use of different fluorophores on the PCR probes can therefore be used in order to quantify several different PCR products in one reaction, rather than having to perform separate amplification reactions. Currently, investigators at the VGTI are using real-time PCR to quantify viral loads, to examine microarray samples, to look at gene expression, and to investigate the presence of different genotypes of the T cell receptor.

Mass Spec Core.
The VGTI Mass Spectrometry Laboratory features a system specifically designed for proteomics research.  The ThermoFinnigan ProteomeX system combines micro-capillary high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with the electrospray LCQ Deca XP Ion Trap mass spectrometer (MS) and the database searching program, SEQUEST.  Samples are automatically introduced into the system through the autosampler, which is controlled by a user-defined sample queue via the ProteomeX software. Within this software HPLC and MS methods are also chosen by the user and run in automated fashion.

The lab maintains current protein and nucleotide databases for searching with SEQUEST.  Customized databases can be created.  Additional software for database searching, de novo sequencing, and filtering is available if needed.  Instrument, software, and data analysis training for users of this lab is available on an ongoing basis. Additionally, the lab provides consultation on experimental design, sample preparation, methods development, and data analysis.