Abstract: The present invention provides antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof that bind to ILT4 (immunoglobulin-like transcript 4) and combinations thereof, e.g., with an anti-PD1 antibody. Also provided are methods of use thereof, for example, for treating or preventing cancer in a subject; and methods of making such antibodies and fragments.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are anti-mesothelin antibodies and antigen-binding fragments, chimeric antigen receptors (“CARs”) having these anti-mesothelin antibodies and antigen-binding fragments (“mesothelin CARs”) and genetically modified immune effector cells having such mesothelin CARs. Polynucleotides encoding the anti-mesothelin antibodies and antigen-binding fragments and mesothelin CARs are also provided herein. Compositions comprising anti-mesothelin antibodies and antigen-binding fragments and mesothelin CARs are also provided herein. The present disclosure also relates to uses of the anti-mesothelin antibodies and antigen-binding fragments and genetically modified immune effector cells having such mesothelin CARs in cancer treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically engineered cell populations derived from an immortalised/cancerous cell that do not express MHC class I molecules but that are modified to express membrane-bound IL-15, membrane-bound 4-1 BBL ligand, and at least one other membrane bound molecule, such as an interleukin or anti-CD3 antibody. The co-culture of said cells with a population of immune cells results in the activation and expansion of at least one subpopulation of immune cells. Expanded populations of NK cells derived from the co-culture of a mixed cell culture with the stimulatory cell lines may be used in methods of treating cancer or an infectious disease. In a separate embodiment, a plurality of nucleic acids for use in preparing the engineered cell population are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof that bind to ILT4 (immunoglobulin-like transcript 4) and combinations thereof, e.g., with an anti-PD1 antibody. Also provided are methods of use thereof, for example, for treating or preventing cancer in a subject; and methods of making such antibodies and fragments.

Abstract: Provided herein are engineered host cells suitable for expression of functional T cell receptors (TCR) and methods of using these cells to identify TCRs that specifically bind to a desired peptide-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) complex.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are peptide-adjuvant pharmaceutical compositions and vaccine compositions that trigger long lasting natural anti-tumor antibodies. Such compositions may be used alone, or in combination with anti-cancer agents, chemotherapeutic agents, anti-PD therapy, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgery, in the prevention and treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides a system that comprises pharmaceutical agents for use in immunotherapy for reducing the side-effects of an antigen-recognizing receptor against antigen-expressing non-target cells in an individual. The system includes an antigen-recognizing receptor that specifically recognizes an antigen on target cells and at least on one hematopoietic cell type in the individual. The antigen-recognizing receptor is exemplified by chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) be expressed on the surface of an immune effector cells. The system also includes hematopoietic cells resistant to recognition of the same antigen by the antigen-recognizing receptor.

Abstract: Provided herein, in one aspect, are antibodies that immunospecifically bind to a human KIT antigen comprising the fourth and/or fifth extracellular Ig-like domains (that is, D4 and/or D5 domains), polynucleotides comprising nucleotide sequences encoding such antibodies, and expression vectors and host cells for producing such antibodies. The antibodies can inhibit KIT activity, such as ligand-induced receptor phosphorylation. Also provided herein are kits and pharmaceutical compositions comprising antibodies that specifically bind to a KIT antigen, as well as methods of treating or managing a KIT-mediated disorder or disease and methods of diagnosing a KIT-mediated disorder or disease using the antibodies described herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of producing hybrid Th1/Th17 cells. Also provided herein are methods of treating cancer comprising targeting the CD38-mediated metabolic axis.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of expanding T regulatory cells through OX40L and Jagged-1 induced signaling. The methods can be used for treating autoimmune diseases.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a structurally distinct immunosuppressive mimic of TGF-? that is a potent inducer of murine and human regulatory T cells and provides a therapeutic agent for the treatment of inflammatory disorders. Disclosed herein is a novel parasite TGF-? mimic which fully replicates the biological and functional properties of TGF-?, including binding to mammalian TGF-? receptors and inducing Foxp3+ Treg in both murine and human CD4+ T cells. This TGF-? mimic shares no homology to mammalian TGF-? or other members of the TGF-? family, but s distinctly related to the component control protein (CCP) superfamily.

Abstract: Provided herein are antibody molecules that bind specifically to Programmed cell death 1 (PD1) and related nucleic acid molecules, vectors and host cells. Also provided herein are medical uses of such antibody molecules.

Abstract: Isolated polypeptides having a heavy chain variable region and/or light chain variable region that specifically binds to EpCAM protein as well as antibodies and antibody fragments containing the heavy chain variable region and/or the light chain variable region that bind to EpCAM protein Pharmaceutical compositions and kits comprising the polypeptide and antibodies and antibody fragments containing the polypeptide are also provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to T cell epitopes wherein said epitopes comprises a peptide or polypeptide chain comprising at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant or variable region. The invention also relates to methods of using and methods of making the epitopes of the invention.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of generating T cells, e.g., cytotoxic T lymphocytes starting from peripheral blood mononuclear cells without a separate step of generating and isolating antigen-presenting cells, and with a single round of antigen stimulation. Also provided herein are methods of using said cytotoxic T lymphocytes, for example, to treat cancer and/or viral infection.

Abstract: The present invention includes vaccine compositions and methods for using these vaccine compositions in active immunotherapy. The vaccine compositions include allogeneic activated Th1 memory cells. The compositions can also include one or more disease-related antigens. The methods include administering the vaccine compositions to provide a Th1 footprint in normal individuals or patients susceptible to disease or having minimal residual disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro immune synapse system and a method of in vitro evaluating immune response using the same. The in vitro immune synapse system includes antigen-presenting cells (APCs) and at least one cell type of several specific T cell subtypes isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), all of which is from a same individual of pigs. When a test sample is co-cultured in the in vitro immune synapse system for a given period, it can be determined that the test sample is immunogenic, immunostimulatory or not according to the immunization-related changes of these cells, thereby potentially replacing some kinds of animal experimentation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a modified cell comprising a polynucleotide encoding a secretable scFv binding SIGLEC-15 and/or encoding a dominant negative form of CD44. In embodiments, the modified cell further comprises an antigen-binding molecule, which for example, is a CAR comprising an antigen-binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular signaling domain.

Abstract: The present invention it was determined that dendritic cells could be derived from various sources including peripheral blood monocytes in the presence of only GM-CSF without other cytokines if the monocytes were not activated. By preventing activation, such as by preventing binding of the cells to the surface of the culture vessel, the monocytes do not require the presence of additional cytokines, such as IL-4 or IL-13, to prevent differentiation into a non-dendritic cell lineage. The immature DCs generated and maintained in this manner were CD14? and expressed high levels of CD1a. Upon maturation by contact with an agent such as, for example, BCG and IFN?, the cells were determined to express surface molecules typical of mature dendritic cells purified by prior methods and cultured in the presence of GM-CSF and IL-4.

Abstract: Materials and methods for modulating protease activated receptor 1 (PAR1) activity to alter myelination are provided.