Dr. Kristian Hargadon and rising junior Osric Forrest, funded by a Student/Faculty Summer Research Grant and a Virginia Foundation of Independent Colleges Undergraduate Science Research Fellowship, are evaluating the utility of two different dendritic cell lines (JAWSII and DC2.4) as potential models for studying the maturation, activation, and functionality of dendritic cells.  Dendritic cells are central players in immunity to a variety of pathogens and tumors, yet they are present in relatively low numbers and are therefore difficult to isolate from model organisms for study.  An in vitro model system for the study of these cells could be applied to several research areas, including an evaluation of the influence of tumor cells and viral infection on the behavior of these cells (two areas of particular interest to Dr. Hargadon). 

Osric Forrest is collaborating with Dr. Hargadon to investigate the expression of both genes and proteins in the two dendritic cells lines exposed to a variety of maturation stimuli.  Osric has applied a number of cutting edge molecular biology and immunologic techniques for studying these processes, including real time RT-PCR and ELISA. 

Below is a picture of Osric at Hampden-Sydney College culturing the dendritic cell lines under sterile conditions in a laminar flow hood.

This project has also enabled Osric to conduct research and utilize advanced technology at the University of Virginia, where Dr. Hargadon completed his Ph.D. and postdoctoral fellowship and continues to collaborate with other laboratories.  Below is a picture of Osric setting up a real time PCR experiment at University of Virginia’s PCR Core Facility.

Lastly, in addition to the exciting research he is conducting (and as a reward for his hard work!), Osric has been introduced to the wonders of classic 1980s video games on Dr. Hargadon’s arcade machine at his house.  Below is a picture of Osric playing Frogger.  To quote Osric, “I’m just gonna play one more time.”  It should be noted that he said this for about an hour, at which point he was still nowhere close to Dr. Hargadon’s high score!!!