The Filariasis Research Reagent Resource Center (FR3) maintains oversight of filarial parasites, standard operating procedures, and molecular reagents, and distributes them to the research community. FR3 is funded by NIAID and directed by Elyssa Campbell, PhD.
FR3 operates through two divisions:
Parasite Resource Division
Provides living filarial parasites, sustained through laboratory passage in animal hosts and insect vectors, along with standard protocols and hands-on training in parasite and vector management techniques. Shipment quantities are limited by default, though exceptions can be made for justified research needs.
Molecular Resources Division
Provides molecular research materials — nucleic acids, cell lines, and related reagents — to support genomic, transcriptomic, and molecular studies of filarial parasites. Some materials are also available directly through BEI Resources.
Requesting resources
- Materials are distributed through an application process; all reasonable requests are considered.
- Requesters may be responsible for shipping costs.
- An indemnification agreement and/or Materials Transfer Agreement (MTA) is typically required before materials ship.
- Investigators must acknowledge NIAID in any publication resulting from the use of FR3 materials.
See Requesting Resources for the full process, and SOPs for protocols.