The article, “Lymph Node Invasion by Melanoma Cells Is Not Required for the Induction of Incomplete Differentiation by Tumor-Specific CD8+ T Cells,” examines a key form of anti-tumor immune dysfunction that arises early in tumor progression. Using genetically engineered mouse models of melanoma, Hargadon analyzed T cell responses in lymph nodes draining both aggressive and stable tumors. In every case, anti-tumor T cells failed to fully develop the functions needed to control tumor growth, suggesting that immune subversion occurs early and may contribute to tumor progression. These findings highlight the need for immunotherapy strategies that strengthen T cell activation in the early stages of cancer, rather than focusing solely on advanced disease.
This multi-year study includes contributions from two of Hargadon’s former students, Travis Goodloe ’16 and Stephen Woodall ’15. Both worked with Hargadon through Hampden-Sydney's Faculty/Student Summer Research Fellowship Program and the College Honors Program. Goodloe, who studied lymph node invasion by melanoma, received the Best Poster Award at the 2015 State Meeting of the American Society for Microbiology, whereas Woodall contributed to developing and characterizing one of the genetically engineered melanoma cell lines used in the study, earning a Best Poster Award at the 2016 national meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
“It is really rewarding to work with talented students like Travis and Stephen and see how their efforts in the lab, even at such an early stage of their academic careers, can contribute new insights into a critical disease like cancer,” Hargadon says. “I am very proud of the scientific advances we were able to make in this specific study, but I'm equally proud of my students' success and the impact their undergraduate research experience had on their career paths. One of the absolute highlights of my work at the College is mentoring students whom I know will eventually become professional colleagues.”
The work in this study was supported by Hampden-Sydney’s Faculty/Student Fellowship Support Program, along with a $125,000 grant from Virginia’s Commonwealth Health Research Board and a $100,000 grant from the Jeffress Trust Awards Program in Interdisciplinary Research.
Hampden-Sydney provides unparalleled opportunities for students to engage in groundbreaking research, shape the future of education, and make meaningful contributions to real-world challenges. Thanks to dedicated professors like Dr. Hargadon, students will continue to expand the boundaries of knowledge and gain valuable experience both on and off the Hill.
“It is becoming increasingly critical for students interested in careers in the sciences to obtain research experience during their undergraduate years,” Hargadon notes. “Whether they work with me in the lab to better understand cancer or join a colleague in the field to investigate important environmental issues, our students have the opportunity to tailor their education to their specific interests, and they can leverage these personalized experiences during their time at the College into rewarding careers once they've exited our gates.”
With our talented professors at the helm of research, and ambitious students curious about the unknown, the possibilities are endless. Together, they are shaping the future of science, education, and innovation, creating a lasting impact that extends far beyond the classroom and into the world. As Hampden-Sydney continues to foster these collaborations, the next generation of leaders and thinkers will be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of tomorrow.
Read the full research article: Lymph Node Invasion by Melanoma Cells Is Not Required for the Induction of Incomplete Differentiation by Tumor-Specific CD8+ T Cells