Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions and methods based on the discovery of the mechanisms and gene expression programs associated with homeostatic ILC2s and proinflammatory ILC2s that drive tissue inflammation. Immune signaling abnormalities in the small intestine can trigger chronic type 2 inflammation. Applicants analyzed 58,067 immune cells from the mouse small intestine by single-cell RNA-seq at steady state and after induction of a type 2 inflammatory reaction to ovalbumin. Cell type composition and cell programs shifted in response to inflammation, especially in ILC2s. A key transcript in the inflammation-induced program in intestinal KLRG1+ILC2s was exon 5 of Calca, encoding the alpha-calcitonin gene-related peptide (a-CGRP). a-CGRP antagonized IL-25-induced activation of intestinal ILC2s and reduced their frequency in an ovalbumin reaction model. ?-CGRP activated a cAMP response, which suppressed ILC2 proliferation.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein is generally directed to modulation of Th17 differentiation and pathogenicity by use of metabolic targets. The metabolic targets are the molecules of the polyamine pathway or glycolysis pathway. Modulation of the polyamine pathway can shift Th17 pathogenicity and shift the transcriptome of Th17 cells to a Treg or Th1 transcriptome. The polyamine analogue DFMO can be used to modulate an inflammatory response. Inhibitors of enzymes in the glycolysis pathway can shift Th17 pathogenicity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and method of in-situ tissue profiling. Methods for spatiotemporal processing of a sample, capturing molecules of interest, and correlating cells in the sample to the capture molecules are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to identifying genes and cell types that are correlated with tumor progression in the tumor microenvironment. PENK was identified as a therapeutic target that is positively correlated with tumor time and size. Targeting PENK can enhance anti-tumor immunity. Opioid signaling can be modulated to enhance anti-tumor immunity. The present invention is also generally directed to interacting cells in the tumor microenvironment and using the identified interactions to enhance anti-tumor immunity in cancer. Identified interactions can be modulated using therapeutic agents. Immune cells resistant to suppression can be used for adoptive cell transfer.

Abstract: Described in several embodiments herein are engineered phagemids and bacteriophages containing the same. Also described in several embodiments herein are methods of using the engineered phagemids and bacteriophages containing the same. In some embodiments, the engineered phagemids and bacteriophages containing the same are capable of providing multi-omic information at the single-cell level.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are polypeptides and compositions comprising one or more neoantigens, methods of identifying neoantigens, and methods for preparing a neoantigen for an immunogenic pharmaceutical composition. The neoantigen can be specific to a subject that has a cancer, disease, or other disorder.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods, systems and computer products for aligning single cell data with spatial data to generate spatial maps of cell types and gene expression at single cell resolution. The invention further provides for mapping to common coordinate frameworks.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and method of in-situ tissue profiling. Methods for spatiotemporal processing of a sample, capturing molecules of interest, and correlating cells in the sample to the capture molecules are provided.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein utilized RNA targeting effectors to provide a robust CRISPR-based diagnostic with attomolar sensitivity. Embodiments disclosed herein can detect both DNA and RNA with comparable levels of sensitivity and can differentiate targets from non-targets based on single base pair differences. Moreover, the embodiments disclosed herein can be prepared in freeze-dried format for convenient distribution and point-of-care (POC) applications. Such embodiments are useful in multiple scenarios in human health including, for example, viral detection, bacterial strain typing, sensitive genotyping, and detection of disease-associated cell free DNA.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods of identifying cell types and cell subtypes from a biological sample or population of target cells. The methods further provide for determining cell type or cell subtype signatures. The method further provides for bipolar cell subtypes and markers and cell signatures thereof.

Abstract: Methods of targeting CD58 signaling to enhance antitumor immunity and overcome resistance to checkpoint blockade therapy. Gene signatures associated with immune fitness were identified. Markers and therapeutic targets for such immunotherapy resistance.

Abstract: The present invention provides tools and methods for the systematic analysis of genetic interactions, including higher order interactions. The present invention provides tools and methods for combinatorial probing of cellular circuits, for dissecting cellular circuitry, for delineating molecular pathways, and/or for identifying relevant targets for therapeutics development.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to compositions and methods for identifying the regulatory network that modulates, controls or otherwise influences T cell balance, for example, Th17 cell differentiation, maintenance and/or function, as well compositions and methods for exploiting the regulatory network that modulates, controls or otherwise influences T cell balance in a variety of therapeutic and/or diagnostic indications. This invention also relates generally to identifying and exploiting target genes and/or target gene products that modulate, control or otherwise influence T cell balance in a variety of therapeutic and/or diagnostic indications.

Abstract: Techniques Nuc-seq, Div-Seq, and Dronc-Seq are allow for unbiased analysis of any complex tissue. Nuc-Seq, a scalable single nucleus RNA-Seq method, can sensitively identify closely related cell types, including within the adult hippocampus. Div-seq combines Nuc-Seq with EdU-mediated labeling of proliferating cells, allowing tracking of transcriptional dynamics of newborn neurons in an adult neurogenic region in the hippocampus. Dronc-Seq uses a microfluidic device to co-encapsulate individual nuclei in reverse emulsion aqueous droplets in an oil medium together with one uniquely barcoded mRNA-capture bead.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel compositions and methods based on the discovery of the mechanisms and gene expression programs associated with homeostatic ILC2s and proinflammatory ILC2s that drive tissue inflammation. Molecular cues were identified that modulate ILC responses to alarmins using single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) profiles of lung-resident ILCs at steady state and after in vivo stimulation. The neuropeptide CGRP and the CGRP receptor were identified as expressed on ILC2s. Treatment with CGRP reduces allergic lung inflammation and reduces the proliferation and expansion of ILC2 cells. The results demonstrate that CGRP signaling strongly modulates ILC2 responses and highlights the importance of neuro-immune crosstalk in allergic inflammatory responses at mucosal surfaces.

Abstract: The invention involves a method for modulating leukocyte activity, comprising delivering to a leukocyte a vector containing nucleic acid molecule(s), whereby the leukocyte contains Cas9 and the vector expresses one or more RNAs to guide the Cas9 to introduce mutations in one or more target genetic loci in the leukocyte, thereby modulating expression of one or more genes expressed in the leukocyte. The invention also involves identifying genes associated with leukocyte responses and experimental modeling of aberrant leukocyte activation and diseases associated with leukocytes by introducing mutations into leukocytes. The invention comprehends testing putative treatments with such models, e.g., testing putative chemical compounds that may be pharmaceutically relevant for treatment or gene therapy that may be relevant for treatment, or combinations thereof. The invention allows for the study of genetic diseases and putative treatments to better understand and alleviate leukocyte associated diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides markers, marker signatures and molecular targets that correlate with dysfunction of immune cells and are advantageously independent of the immune cell activation status. The present markers, marker signatures and molecular targets provide for new ways to evaluate and modulate immune responses. Specifically, POU2AF1 modulation is provided for use as a marker, marker signature and molecular target. Therapeutic methods are also provided to treat a patient in need thereof who would benefit from an increased immune response.

Abstract: Provided are methods and compositions for treating cancer in a subject in need thereof. One of the top gene products in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is KLRB1 (also known as CD161), a C-type lectin protein that binds to CLEC2D. Binding of CLEC2D to the KLRB1 receptor inhibits the cytotoxic function of NK cells as well as cytokine secretion. KLRB1 is only expressed by small subpopulations of human blood T cells, and consequently little is known about the function of this receptor in T cells. However, preliminary data demonstrate that KLRB1 expression is induced in T cells within the GBM microenvironment. In an exemplary embodiment, a method is provided comprising administering an agent capable of blocking the interaction of KLRB1 with its ligand. The agent may comprise an antibody or fragment thereof, which may bind KLRB1 or CLEC2D.

Abstract: The present invention provides markers, marker signatures and molecular targets that correlate with dysfunction of immune cells and are advantageously independent of the immune cell activation status. The present markers, marker signatures and molecular targets provide for new ways to evaluate and modulate immune responses. Specifically, GATA3 and/or FOXO1 modulation are provided for use as markers, marker signatures and molecular targets. Therapeutic methods are also provided to treat a patient in need thereof who would benefit from an increased immune response.

Abstract: The present invention discloses novel methods and uses thereof for producing molecular spatial maps of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) and ductal carcinoma in situ of the breast (DCIS). A specific list of genes are identified using single-cell RNA sequencing and single-nucleus RNA sequencing and are used for RNA visualization of MBC and DCIS tissue microenvironment. Unexpected subtypes of tumor cells are revealed, and methods for identifying molecular biomarkers for MBC in the bone and breast and DCIS are disclosed. Furthermore, methods for identifying therapeutic agents and uses thereof for treating MBC and DCIS as well as compositions thereof comprising such identified therapeutic agents are provided.