SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING FAIR
Research Plan and/or Abstract for 2013

Category Award:   0 (GRAND AWARD)

Research Plan:

Abstract:
GM-CSF, a cytokine necessary for the growth and development of myeloid immune cells, is believed to play a role in inflammatory immune responses. The actual effect of GM-CSF on both M1 and M2 macrophage function is unclear.

The purpose of my experiment was to better understand the effects of GM-CSF on macrophages. I studied M1/classical activation and M2/alternative activation of macrophages by pairing GM-CSF with various stimuli and comparing the immune responses of the cells.

Three cell cultures were grown. Each culture included four plates of bone marrow derived macrophages from a mouse. Wild type and GM-CSF treated cells were studied under the presence of IFNγ. These cells were also studied under the presence of γ/ LPS and IL-4. In separate plates the doses of GM-CSF were studied with M1 and M2 stimuli. RNA extraction, reverse transcription, and quantitative real-time PCR processes were used to gather data on M1 and M2 macrophage responses.

M1 data indicated GM-CSF alone does not induce M1 gene expression. GM-CSF inhibits the inflammatory immune responses of M1 macrophages. As the dosage of GM-CSF increases, cell responses are further restrained.

M2 data indicated GM-CSF alone does induce M2 gene expression. GM-CSF combined with an M2 stimulant (i.e. IL-4) promotes the activation of M2 macrophages. As the dosage of GM-CSF increases, cell responses increase.

Results suggest that GM-CSF, an alternative activation stimulus, may not be helpful in the treatment of cancer (an M1-driven disease), based on the findings of this study. Arthritis, however, is an M2-driven disease, therefore GM-CSF may aid in the treatment of arthritis.