Conducting Research on T Cell Therapies

Dr. Amy Hont and The Center for Cancer and Immunology Research focuses on the application of targeted therapies, specifically adoptive T cell therapies (ACT), for patients with high-risk malignancies. As a Summer Research Intern, I was trained on the generation and characterization of optimized antigen-specific T cell therapies including ELISpot Assays and flow cytometry. I was responsible for the expansion and characterization of antigen-specific T cells, including specificity, function, and viability, which are crucial for optimizing the generation process. My research project was titled: The Role of Interleukin 8 on TAA-T Viability and Specificity.​

In addition to my role in the laboratory, I observed patient and physician interactions in an outpatient Hematology and Oncology Clinic, an inpatient chemotherapy setting, and at the surgery center. It was incredibly moving and inspiring to witness the resiliency of pediatric patients in the face of adversity. And the warmth and care provided by oncologists was indescribable– that relationship continues to energize my goal of becoming a pediatric oncologist. ​

I was fortunate to conduct my own research project focusing on Interleukin 8 and present my findings to members of the Children’s National Research Institute. Daily communication with Dr. Hont, members of the lab, and other Primary Investigators enriched my communication and presentation skills and left me with the confidence to discuss thorough research. Additionally, learning to better manage my time between lab work and data analysis, my sports trainings, and family commitments was key. Overall, understanding the role of a physician-scientist widened my perspective on the acute need for increased pediatric cancer research funding. In the future, I hope to advocate for improved federal funding, while also being a warm presence for pediatric cancer patients. 

This internship was funded by the CXD Internship Fund​.