Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of cancer. More specifically, the present invention provides compositions and methods utilizing Meteorin-like (METRNL), C-X-C Motif Chemokine Receptor 6 (CXCR6) and/or endogenous C-X-C Motif Ligand 16 (CXCL16) as immune-oncology targets. Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides compositions and methods directed to the knockout of METRNL, CXCR6 and/or CXCL16 expression in a cell. In particular embodiments, the cell is a T cell. In a specific embodiment, the present invention provides an engineered T-cell comprising disruption in the METRNL, CXCR6 and/or CXCL16 gene sequence. In another embodiment, an engineered T-cell comprises (a) at least one chimeric antigen receptor (CAR); and (b) at least one genomic disruption of METRNL, CXCR6 and/or CXCL16. In certain embodiments, the genomic disruption is performed using a CRSIPR endonuclease system.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating a glioblastoma (GBM) by administering a composition comprising a hydrogel and an anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) antibody to one or more draining lymph nodes (DLNs) of a subject in need of treatment thereof are disclosed.