Abstract: A system and method for analyzing a biological substance, the device comprising: a specimen input device; at least one pumping device in flow communication with a chemical reservoir and said specimen input device; and at least one flow cell in flow communication with said at least one pumping device via at least one flow valve, wherein said at least one flow cell is configured to contain said specimen and includes a sensing device configured to sense at least one characteristic of said specimen.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for delivery of a polynucleotide encoding a gene of interest, typically an antigen, to a dendritic cell (DC). The virus envelope comprises a DC-SIGN specific targeting molecule. The methods and related compositions can be used to treat patients suffering from a wide range of conditions, including infection, such as HIV/AIDS, and various types of cancers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions, systems and methods for delivery of proteins of interest using adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors.

Abstract: T-cell receptors that recognize MART-1 antigen are provided. The TCRs can be used, for example, to treat patients suffering from melanoma.

Abstract: Sam68 plays a role in TNF-dependent signaling, including NF-kB signaling and extrinsic activation of apoptosis. In some embodiments, inhibitors of Sam68 are administered to inhibit TNF-dependent signaling, for example to inhibit NF-kB signaling or apoptosis in a patient in need. In some embodiments, functional Sam68 is administered to increase TNF-dependent signaling, for example to induce apoptosis in a patient in need. In some embodiments, methods are provided determining whether the TNF-dependent or TNF-independent branch of a signaling pathway is active in a cell or cells, or for drug screening applications.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for delivery of a polynucleotide encoding a gene of interest, typically an antigen, to a dendritic cell (DC). The virus envelope comprises a DC-SIGN specific targeting molecule. The methods and related compositions can be used to treat patients suffering from a wide range of conditions, including infection, such as HIV/AIDS, and various types of cancers.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to regulation of functions of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by delivering of miRNAs, including miR-125b, miR-126, and miR-155, to HSCs. For example, in some embodiments, blood output in a mammal can be increased by administering miR-125b, miR-126, and/or miR-155 oligonucleotides. Also disclosed are methods for promoting hematopoietic stem cell engraftment and method for treating a myeloproliferative disorder.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the finding that microRNA-155 plays a role in the development and activity of CD4+ T cells. CD4+ T cell development and function, particularly TH17 and TH1 T cell development, can be modulated by delivery of microRNA-155 (miR-155) or antisense miR-155 to target CD4+ cells or precursor cells. In some embodiments, antisense miR-155 is used to reduce tissue specific autoimmune inflalmmation and to treat autoimmune disease. In addition, miR155 and antisense miR-155 can be used to modulate expression of cytokines from dendritic cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods and compositions for the generation of antibody-producing B cells in vitro. Some embodiments are related to an in vitro system for generating antibody-producing B cells from hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs).

Abstract: T-cell receptors that recognize MART-1 antigen are provided. The TCRs can be used, for example, to treat patients suffering from melanoma.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the finding that microRNA-146 plays a role in modulating the development and function of the immune system. Immune cell development and function can be modulated by delivery of microRNA-146 (miR-146) or antisense miR-146 to target immune cells or precursor cells. For example, in some embodiments, activity and/or proliferation of certain immune cells is regulated by administering miR-146 oligonucleotides or anti-miR-146 oligonucleotides. In other embodiments, pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in immune cells is regulated by administering a miR-146 oligonucleotide or anti-miR-146. In further embodiments, methods of regulating macrophage activity using antisense miR-146 are provided. Additional methods and compositions for regulating immune system function and development using miR-146 are disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for delivering a polynucleotide encoding a gene of interest to a target cell using a virus. The virus envelope comprises a cell-specific binding determinant that recognizes and binds to a component on the target cell surface, leading to endocytosis of the virus. A separate fusogenic molecule is also present on the envelope and facilitates delivery of the polynucleotide across the membrane and into the cytosol of the target cell. The methods and related compositions can be used for treating patients having suffering from a wide range of conditions, including infection, such as HIV; cancers, such as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and breast cancer; and hematological disorders, such as severe combined immunodeficiency.

Abstract: The invention provides systems and methods for the generation of lymphocytes having a unique antigen specificity. In a preferred embodiment, the invention provides methods of virally infecting cells from bone marrow with one or more viral vectors that encode antigen-specific antibodies for the production of, for example B cells and T cells. In some embodiments, the viral vectors include an IRES or 2A element to promote separation of, for example, the ? subunit and ? subunit of a T cell receptor (TCR) or heavy and light chains of a B-cell antibody. The resulting lymphocytes, express the particular antibody that was introduced in the case of B cells and TCR in the case of T cells. The lymphocytes generated can be used for a variety of therapeutic purposes including the treatment of various cancers and the generation of a desired immune response to viruses and other pathogens. The resulting cells develop normally and respond to antigen both in vitro and in vivo.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods and compositions for the expression of small RNA molecules within a cell using a retroviral vector. The methods can be used to express double stranded RNA complexes. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be expressed using the methods of the invention within a cell, that interfere with a viral life cycle by down regulating either the viral genome, a viral genome transcript, or a host cell that. In another aspect the invention provides methods for treating patients having suffering from infection, particularly infection with HIV.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the expression of small RNA molecules within a cell using a lentiviral vector. The methods can be used to express doubles stranded RNA complexes. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be expressed using the methods of the invention within a cell, which are capable of down regulating the expression of a target gene through RNA interference. A variety of cells can be treated according to the methods of the invention including embryos, embryogenic stem cells, allowing for the generation of transgenic animals or animals constituted partly by the transduced cells that have a specific gene or a group of genes down regulated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and materials for isolating and identifying T cell receptors from single cells. In some embodiments, genomic DNA from a single T cell is isolated using whole genome amplification (WGA). A series of PCR reactions is carried out to enrich the genomic template for sequences encoding the TCR alpha and beta chains, and then to isolate the sequences encoding the TCR alpha and beta chains.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods and compositions for the expression of small RNA molecules within a cell using a retroviral vector (FIG. 1A). Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be expressed using the methods of the invention within a cell. In a further aspect, the invention provides methods for producing siRNA encoding lentivirus where the siRNA activity may interfere with the lentiviral life cycle. In yet a further aspect, the invention provides methods for expression of a small RNA molecule within a cell, such as an siRNA capable of downregulating CCR5, wherein expression of the small RNA molecule is relatively non-cytotoxic to the cell. The invention also includes small RNA molecules, such as an siRNA capable of downregulating CCR5, that are relatively non-cytotoxic to cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods and compositions for the generation of antibody-producing B cells in vitro. Some embodiments are related to an in vitro system for generating antibody-producing B cells from hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs).

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods and compositions for the expression of small RNA molecules within a cell using a retroviral vector (FIG. 1A). Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be expressed using the methods of the invention within a cell. In a further aspect, the invention provides methods for producing siRNA encoding lentivirus where the siRNA activity may interfere with the lentiviral life cycle. In yet a further aspect, the invention provides methods for expression of a small RNA molecule within a cell, such as an siRNA capable of downregulating CCR5, wherein expression of the small RNA molecule is relatively non-cytotoxic to the cell. The invention also includes small RNA molecules, such as an siRNA capable of downregulating CCR5, that are relatively non-cytotoxic to cells.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides methods and compositions for the expression of small RNA molecules within a cell using a retroviral vector (FIG. 1A). The methods can be used to express double stranded RNA complexes. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) can be expressed using the methods of the invention within a cell, that interfere with a viral life cycle by down regulating either the viral genome, a viral genome transcript, or a host cell that. In another aspect the invention provides methods for treating patients having suffering from infection, particularly infection with HIV. In a further aspect, the invention provides methods for producing siRNA encoding lentivirus where the siRNA activity may interfere with the lentiviral life cycle.