Infection research in the S3 animal unit
Viruses that pose a serious threat to humans are generally assigned to at least risk group 3. To study these agents in a living organism, an animal housing and research unit with the corresponding safety level is required. Since May 2021, the animal facility at the German Primate Center has been equipped with a safety level 3 research unit, enabling the study of significant pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2 in non-human primates.
Equipment of the S3 animal facility
The S3 unit is an approximately 500 square meter self-contained area that has its own technical center with a double ventilation system for filtering exhaust air, a gas-tight stainless steel ceiling, and a thermal wastewater sterilization system. The facility consists of an operating and necropsy room as well as four self-contained examination and animal housing units, referred to as 'islands,' which allow for simultaneous experiments with different pathogens. To prevent the release of pathogens, the S3 unit maintains constant negative pressure. To uphold this negative pressure, the individual sections of the S3 unit are sealed with gas-tight doors. A backup generator ensures the unit operates safely in the event of a power outage. Entry and exit from the S3 unit and the islands are only possible through airlocks, where appropriate disinfection and hygiene measures, such as showering, complete clothing changes, or routine disinfection procedures, ensure that no pathogens enter or leave the unit.
Work processes and procedures for emergency situations are extensively practiced in advance to provide animal caretakers, veterinarians, and researchers with increased safety and routine when handling highly pathogenic pathogens during regular operations.
Current research projects

It is to be examined within the framework of several collaborative projects in Lower Saxony, funded by the COFONI network, whether the administration of specific antibodies or an adapted vaccination against COVID-19 can prevent the infection of macaques with SARS-CoV-2 and the subsequent viral replication.
Selected publications
- Stahl-Hennig C, Peter AS, Cordsmeier A, Stolte-Leeb N, Vestweber R, Socher E, Merida SA, Sauermann U, Bleyer M, Fraedrich K, Grunwald T, Winkler TH, Ensser A, Jäck H-M, Überla K
Genetic barrier to resistance: a critical parameter for efficacy of neutralizing monoclonal antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 in a nonhuman primate model.
J Virol. 2024 Jul 23;98(7):e0062824 - DOI - - Kaiser FK, Hernandez MG, Krüger N, Englund E, Du W, Mykytyn AZ, Raadsen MP, Lamers MM, Rodrigues Ianiski F, […], Osterhaus ADME
Filamentous fungus-produced human monoclonal antibody provides protection against SARS-CoV-2 in hamster and non-human primate models.
Nat Commun. 2024 Mar 14;15(1):2319 - DOI -