Inhibiting Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cells Improves Melanoma Immunotherapy

Emma Clark, MS, MD
Resident Fellow Award
The Ohio State University
This grant was funded in memory of Bill Walter III.
Melanoma is a disease that places an incredible physical, financial, and emotional burden upon our society. Treatment options for melanoma have been focused on targeting our immune system. Melanoma cells can evade and utilize our immune systems by interacting with various immune cells. This research proposal focuses on understanding and improving the mechanisms by which the immune system can recognize and eliminate melanoma cells. Using various laboratory studies, we plan to assess the function of immune suppressor cells that melanoma recruits to block our body’s ability to fight cancer cells. By understanding more about these cell processes, we can work to identify treatment targets that are more effective at eliminating melanoma cells. As a result of this research, melanoma cancer patients may be able to experience fewer symptoms and have a prolonged life.