NIAID Microbiome Program—Gnotobiotic Animal Facility

The Gnotobiotic Animal Facility houses purchased experimental mice in experimental isolators that serve as important resources for researchers studying the microbiome. The mice in this facility are germ-free, i.e., born and raised in absence of live microbes. Using this resource, researchers can interrogate the role that specific members of a community or the microbiota as a whole plays in immunity, tumor response, chronic disease progression, drug effectiveness, and/or infection.

The facility is operated and maintained by the Comparative Medicine Branch

Main Areas of Focus

General areas of research supported by the facility:

  • General Immunology
  • Microbiome
  • Tumor Immunology
  • Chronic Disease Progression
  • Drug Effectiveness
  • Infection 

Tools

  • Germ-free mouse facility with experimental isolators for use

Who Can Use This Resource

  • NIAID researchers with a focus on microbiome related work.  If space allows, researchers from other Institutes and Centers at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and external researchers may have access to resources. 

How To Get Started

  • An oversight committee reviews experimental proposals for scientific rationale and feasibility and administers facility use.

Contact Information

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