On October 9, junior biology major Osric Forrest attended the 12th annual Mid-Atlantic Regional Conference of Undergraduate Scholarship.  There he delivered a poster presentation of the summer research he conducted under the guidance of Dr. Kristian Hargadon.  Osric’s work involved the characterization of two immature dendritic cell lines and their responsiveness to maturation/activation stimuli.  Using real time RT-PCR and ELISA techniques, Osric demonstrated that both the JAWSII and DC2.4 cell lines are effective in vitro models for studying dendritic cell maturation.  These cells are therefore very useful tools for studying a variety of aspect of dendritic cell biology.  Dr. Hargadon’s current research will utilize these dendritic cell lines to evaluate the influence of tumor cells on dendritic cell maturation and activation, processes that are critical for generating effective immune responses.  Our preliminary data demonstrates that tumor cells can suppress dendritic cell activation, and we are currently evaluating the extent of tumor-induced immunosuppression and the mechanism by which it occurs.  This information will offer insights into the basis for tumor-induced immunosuppression and may identify novel targets for anti-cancer immunotherapy.  Osric and other Hampden-Sydney students are actively pursuing this line of research with Dr. Hargadon.  Osric will be presenting another poster of his research in November at the VA Branch meeting of the American Society for Microbiology at Lynchburg College, and Dr. Hargadon will be delivering an oral presentation at this meeting as well!

Osric presenting his poster at the MARCUS meeting