Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for generating, expanding, and isolating antigen-specific T cells. Compositions of antigen-specific T cells activated and expanded by the methods herein are further provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for stimulating cells, and more particularly, to a novel method to concentrate and stimulate cells that maximizes stimulation and/or proliferation of such cells. In the various embodiments, cells are stimulated and concentrated with a surface yielding enhanced proliferation, cell signal transduction, and/or cell surface moiety aggregation. In certain aspects methods for stimulating a population of cells such as T-cells, by simultaneous concentration and cell surface moiety ligation are provided by contacting the population of cells with a surface, that has attached thereto one or more agents that ligate a cell surface moiety and applying a force that predominantly drives cell concentration and cell surface moiety ligation, thereby inducing cell stimulation, cell surface moiety aggregation, and/or receptor signaling enhancement.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for stimulating T cells, and more particularly, to methods to eliminate undesired (e.g. autoreactive, alloreactive, pathogenic) subpopulations of T cells from a mixed population of T cells, thereby restoring the normal immune repertoire of said T cells. The present invention also relates to compositions of cells, including stimulated T cells having restored immune repertoire and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for stimulating T cells, and more particularly, to methods to eliminate undesired (e.g. autoreactive, alloreactive, pathogenic) subpopulations of T cells from a mixed population of T cells, thereby restoring the normal immune repertoire of said T cells. The present invention also relates to compositions of cells, including stimulated T cells having restored immune repertoire and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for activating and expanding cells, and more particularly, to a novel method to activate and/or stimulate cells that maximizes the expansion of such cells to achieve dramatically high densities. In the various embodiments, cells are activated and expanded to very high densities in a short period of time. In certain embodiments, cells are activated and expanded to very high numbers of cells in a short period of time. Compositions of cells activated and expanded by the methods herein are further provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for stimulating cells, and more particularly, to a novel method to concentrate and/or stimulate cells that maximizes stimulation and/or proliferation of such cells. In the various embodiments, cells are stimulated and concentrated with a surface yielding enhanced proliferation, cell signal transduction, and/or cell surface moiety aggregation. In certain aspects methods for stimulating a population of cells such as T-cells, by simultaneous concentration and cell surface moiety ligation are provided by contacting the population of cells with a surface, that has attached thereto one or more agents that ligate a cell surface moiety and applying a force that predominantly drives cell concentration and cell surface moiety ligation, thereby inducing cell stimulation, cell surface moiety aggregation, and/or receptor signaling enhancement.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for activating and expanding cells, and more particularly, to a novel method to activate and/or stimulate cells that maximizes the expansion of such cells to achieve dramatically high densities. In the various embodiments, cells are activated and expanded to very high densities in a short period of time. In certain embodiments, cells are activated and expanded to very high numbers of cells in a short period of time. Compositions of cells activated and expanded by the methods herein are further provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for maturing antigen-presenting cells, and more particularly, to methods for maturing dendritic cells. Methods for generating mature and/or maturing antigen-presenting cells in vitro and in vivo are disclosed. The present invention also relates to compositions of cells, including mature antigen-presenting cells and/or activated T cells and their use in generating immune responses in vivo, and inhibiting the development of or preventing infectious diseases and cancers.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for stimulating cells, and more particularly, to a novel method to concentrate and stimulate cells that maximizes stimulation and/or proliferation of such cells. In the various embodiments, cells are stimulated and concentrated with a surface yielding enhanced proliferation, cell signal transduction, and/or cell surface moiety aggregation. In certain aspects methods for stimulating a population of cells such as T-cells, by simultaneous concentration and cell surface moiety ligation are provided by contacting the population of cells with a surface, that has attached thereto one or more agents that ligate a cell surface moiety and applying a force that predominantly drives cell concentration and cell surface moiety ligation, thereby inducing cell stimulation, cell surface moiety aggregation, and/or receptor signaling enhancement.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods for stimulating cells, and more particularly, to a novel method to concentrate and stimulate cells that maximizes stimulation and/or proliferation of such cells. In the various embodiments, cells are stimulated and concentrated with a surface yielding enhanced proliferation, cell signal transduction, and/or cell surface moiety aggregation. In certain aspects methods for stimulating a population of cells such as T-cells, by simultaneous concentration and cell surface moiety ligation are provided by contacting the population of cells with a surface, that has attached thereto one or more agents that ligate a cell surface moiety and applying a force that predominantly drives cell concentration and cell surface moiety ligation, thereby inducing cell stimulation, cell surface moiety aggregation, and/or receptor signaling enhancement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating target particles from a mixture of target and non-target particles. The apparatus includes a vessel having an inlet through which the mixture may be introduced and an outlet through which the fluid may exit, at least a portion of which is pliable; a bed of binding material disposed within the vessel, the binding material attracting the target particles such that the target particles may become bound thereto and being porous enough to allow the non-target particles to pass therethrough; and a screen disposed below the binding material for retaining the binding material in place. The pliable portion of the vessel permits the user to separate the target particles from the binding material by merely squeezing the pliable portion in such a manner as to cause relative movement in the binding material, thereby creating the necessary degree of agitation to cause the target particles to become dislodged from the binding material.