Nishant Domala
Pronouns: He/Him
Research Mentor(s): Lonnie Shea
Co-Presenter:
Research Mentor School/College/Department: Biomedical Engineering / Engineering
Presentation Date: April 20
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: Session 5 – 3:40pm – 4:30 pm
Room: League Ballroom
Authors: Nishant Domala, Ian Schrack, Lonnie Shea
Presenter: 54
Abstract
T-cells are vital immune cells that destroy foreign substances, such as infectious viruses and bacteria, in the body. However, T-cells are unable to recognize and kill cancer cells at primary tumors and metastasized sites due to impairment by cancer’s immunosuppressive factors. If these T-cells can be reactivated or engineered to resist immunosuppression, they can have applications in cancer treatment. Additionally, previous studies have shown that PLG nanoparticles (NPs), which are taken up by innate immune cells, reduce tumor growth for an unknown reason. However, in T-cell deficient mouse models, NP treatment does not reduce tumor growth, suggesting that innate immune cells interact with T-cells to attack tumors. To understand this relationship, we will first investigate how NP treatment affects T-cell phenotypes at tumor sites. We do this by performing RTqPCR on primary and metastatic tumor tissue to measure the expression of key T-cell proteins. These proteins will then be analyzed using flow cytometry to confirm PCR results. Secondly, we will perform histological analysis on primary and metastatic tumor tissue to see if NPs assist T-cells in tumor penetration. Image processing will identify T-cell count, density, and proximity to tumor cells. We expect our results to show that genes associated with inflammatory T-cells (e.g. Tbx21, Ifng) will be upregulated by NP treatment, while genes associated with inactivated T-cells (e.g. Pdcd1) will be downregulated. The proteins associated with the upregulated genes should be more present during flow cytometry, but downregulated proteins should be less present. Additionally, we anticipate that histological analysis shows deeper penetration of tumors by T-cells with NP treatment—more T-cells should be found in the tumor, with a significant amount close to cancer cells. If NP treatment does assist T-cells in attacking tumors, it may be a viable option for cancer treatment, even when the tumor has metastasized.
Engineering, Interdisciplinary, Natural/Life Sciences
