YPIE Scientist: Arriana Howell

Research: Examining the effects of free payload on cancer cell lines

Mentor: Sosina Makonnen

Awards: Somers Science Fair 2023, WESEF 2025, ACT-SO Competition, JBL Scholarship

Abstract:

Among the available treatments for cancer, Anti-body Drug Conjugates (ADCs) offer a

promising, targeted approach. ADCs consists of three key components: an antibody, a payload and a linker, that is designed to be internalized by a cancer cell. Once inside the payload is released to kill the cancer cell. This research focuses on studying the effect of the payload alone on cancer cell lines EMT6 and CT26 in relation to the bystander effect. To investigate this, a cytotoxicity and an ELISA Assay were conducted on the mouse cell lines EMT6 and CT26 to assess the payload’s ability to kill the cells and the payloads’ ability to induce cytokine release. The results from the cytotoxicity assay suggest the EMT6 cell line may be more sensitive to the payload than the CT26 cell line. This tests measured cell viability at different concentrations of Payload-1. EMT6 Cell viability began to decrease at a lower drug concentration (log10-8) while CT26 cell viability decreased at higher drug concentrations (log10-7). Using ELISA assay, we examined 10 different cytokines in mouse cell lines and any changes due to payload. This assay measured the amount of cytokines released after the cancer cells were treated with the drug. These findings provide valuable insights on how to enhance future ADC administration, to better target cancer cells.

Presentation Slides

About this Scientist:

Arriana Howell is a senior who is currently pursuing her IB Diploma at Yonkers High School. She will be attending Smith College as an anthropology major in the fall. After college she plans on pursuing her masters and PhD eventually becoming an anthropologist. She plans to use her knowledge of anthropology to pursue her dream of returning to her home country, Jamaica, and giving back to the community that raised her.