Merrin
Merrin
Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical Vocational High School
Taunton, MA
Mentors:
John Bianchi Colangeli & Malissa Vieira
Broad Technology Space
Merrin came to BSSP and took on a problem at the intersection of immunology, veterinary medicine, and biotechnology: researchers studying cats have far fewer validated flow-cytometry antibodies available to them than researchers studying humans. Merrin and her partner Ana investigated whether existing human antibodies could be repurposed for feline immune-cell research.
Their project used the BioLegend LEGENDScreen Human Cell PE Kit to test 93 human antibody clones for cross-reactivity with feline peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Because antibodies recognize particular molecular structures, an antibody developed against a human protein can sometimes bind a sufficiently similar version of that protein in another species. Finding these cross-reactive antibodies could rapidly expand the tools available for feline immunophenotyping without requiring every antibody to be developed from scratch.
Merrin gained experience with PBMC isolation and preparation, cryopreservation, fluorescent antibody staining, flow cytometry, and data analysis. She also learned how flow-cytometry gating allows researchers to progressively remove debris, cell doublets, and dead cells before identifying biologically meaningful cell populations.
The screen yielded 26 candidate feline-reactive antibodies, with CD18, CD107b, CD194, CD151, and CD123 among the strongest candidates. CD18 was particularly notable as a potentially useful pan-leukocyte marker, while CD194 showed reactivity in a substantial fraction of feline T cells and may help distinguish immune-cell subsets.
Merrin learned how careful gating, appropriate controls, and comparisons of signal frequency and brightness allow researchers to decide whether an antibody is a credible cross-species candidate.
Merrin's project provides a foundation for building more sophisticated feline flow-cytometry panels. With additional validation, these reagents could give veterinary researchers new tools for studying immune function and disease in cats.
She described BSSP as “an absolutely incredible experience”, further stating “the community was so supportive and kind, my mentors were amazing, and the program helped me grow in ways I never thought possible!”
