Research into the tumor microenvironment (TME) is gaining attention as scientists seek to understand how the cells and structures surrounding a tumor affect its growth and spread. The TME consists of immune cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, and blood vessels. Its composition can vary by cancer type, but immune cells are always present. Tumors often use their microenvironments to support growth and metastasis.
Elayne Benson, a third-year PhD candidate at the Immunology Center of Georgia within Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia, is investigating this area. “Olfactory receptors are traditionally associated with smell, but recent preliminary data shows us that Olfr2 can influence melanoma growth, as well as T cell infiltration and activation,” said Benson.
Benson conducts her research in Lynn Hedrick’s laboratory, which focuses on immune myeloid cells in health and disease. She has received a grant from Paceline, an organization that raises funds for research at Augusta University’s Georgia Cancer Center.
“I want to work toward more effective ways of treating and screening cancer, specifically, in my case, melanoma,” Benson said.
Melanoma is the most common cancer in the United States according to the American Cancer Society. Immunotherapy—using medications to help the immune system target cancer—is often used to treat melanoma.
Benson’s project is titled “Decoding the role of Olfactory Receptor 2 in myeloid cell function and tumor immunomodulation.” She aims to define how Olfr2 influences immune interactions within tumors and assess its potential as a target for improving anti-tumor immunity.
“This research could enlighten novel strategies to improve immunotherapy efficacy, and I am grateful to Paceline for funding this opportunity,” she said.
Since 2019, Paceline has raised nearly $1.7 million for innovative cancer research at Augusta University’s Georgia Cancer Center and funded over 30 researchers there. This year’s PaceDay fundraising event will include new options such as walking and running alongside cycling when it takes place on October 5th. Registration details are available on the PaceDay website (https://www.pacelineride.org/).
Augusta University continues its efforts to advance medical discoveries that benefit people across Georgia and beyond.
