Vivek Malik
Hackley School
Tarrytown, New York
Plexin D1's Role in the Macrophage Immune Response
Vivek studied how to influence the behavior of macrophages. These immune cells can raise or lower inflammation.
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Vivek Malik, 17, of Chappaqua, explored the role of the protein Plexin D1 in macrophage behavior for his Regeneron Science Talent Search cellular and molecular biology project. Macrophages are a type of immune cell that can raise or lower inflammation in the body. Encouraging macrophages to lower inflammation could help treat diseases like cancer and hardening of the arteries.
In his project, Vivek used an antibody to block the activity of Plexin D1, a receptor on the cell surface. Blocking Plexin D1 placed macrophages in an anti-inflammatory state. It also allowed them to travel to other areas to fight infection. Finally, Vivek found that blocking Plexin D1 boosted the “eating” activity macrophages use to remove invaders. His findings suggest that targeting Plexin D1 could help treat inflammatory diseases.
Vivek, the child of Rajeev Malik and Priya Chandran, attends Hackley School (Tarrytown). He is captain of the varsity swim team and co-leads the STEM club. He also leads his school’s debate team and helps organize a regional Model United Nations conference. He also plays piano.
Beyond the Project
Vivek is a nationally registered EMT and certified in New York and Connecticut. He has provided more than 500 hours of care and emergency response on ambulances.
FUN FACTS: A lover of languages, Vivek has studied Hindi, Tamil, Arabic, Spanish and Portuguese. He has also explored the sound patterns within languages and invented his own language systems.
