Common Problems Encountered with IBC Approvals:
The IBC has created a guidance document outlining common mistakes and issues that necessitate further revisions or corrections, which can postpone the approval of IBC protocols.
Information about 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
| Guidance Information Topic | STRAIN EXAMPLES | RECOMMENDED BIOSAFETY LEVEL |
|---|---|---|
| Oncogenes and Tumor Suppressors | Refer to website references in PDF | 2, 2+ or 3 |
| Large Virus Volumes | Any virus or viral preparation | 1, 2, or 2+ |
| Pitt IBC Gene Editing Technologies | CRISPR/Cas9, ZFN, TALEN | 1, 2, or 2+ |
| Gene Drive Modified Organisms | From the NIH Office of Science Policy | PDF file |
| Adenovirus | AdV, all serotypes | 2 or 2+ |
| Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) | AAV, all types | 1, 2, or 2+ |
| 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+ |
| SARS-CoV | Refer to NIH information | 2 or 3 |
| 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 23 September 2026; Updated FAQ provided to fix broken link