Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for eliciting antigen-specific T-cell responses against human cyclin A1 (CCNA1), which is herein identified as a leukemia-associated antigen based on its overexpression in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) including leukemia stem cells (LSC) and in immunologically privileged testis cells, but not in other normal cell types. CCNA1-derived peptide epitopes that are immunogenic for T-cells including CTL are disclosed, as are immunotherapeutic approaches using such peptides for vaccines and generation of adoptive transfer therapeutic cells.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for immortalizing precursor cells that are non-terminally differentiated cells such as stem cells, the methods comprising culturing the precursor cells in the presence of a Notch 1 agonist, Notch 2 agonist or Notch 1 agonist and Notch 2 agonist (and, in particular embodiments, one or more growth factors) that support the proliferation but not differentiation of the non-terminally differentiated cells. The present disclosure further provides methods to induce the differentiation of immortalized cells, comprising growing the cells in the presence of a Notch 1 agonist, Notch 2 agonist or Notch 1 agonist and Notch 2 agonist and at least one growth factor which supports the differentiation of the cell into a more specialized cell type. The immortalized and/or differentiated cells of the disclosure can be used to repopulate cell populations that have been diminished, for example as a result of infection or exposure to certain drugs.

Abstract: Embodiments methods and compositions involving inhibitors of the immunoreceptor Natural Killer Group 2, Member D, (NKG2D) for inhibiting tumor progression and treating cancer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for the delivery of immune cells to treat un-resectable or non-resected tumor cells and tumor relapse. The compositions comprise (i) a structure comprising an injectable polymer or scaffold comprising pores; (ii) lymphocytes disposed within the structure, (iii) at least one lymphocyte-adhesion moiety associated with the structure; and (iv) at least one lymphocyte-activating moiety associated with the structure, and optionally an immune stimulant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of halogen compounds, including iodide, and chalcogenide compounds, including iodide, sulfide and selenide, to treat and prevent diseases and injuries. The present invention further relates to compositions comprising a halogen compound and/or a chalcogenide compound, including pharmaceutical compositions, as well as methods of manufacturing such compounds and administering such compositions to subjects in need thereof.

Abstract: A pointing device (1) for generating light spots on a ware that is arranged in a showcase includes a part (3) that is arranged on the outside of the showcase panel (2), on which a light source (8) with an activating switch (11) is mounted. The device (1) also includes a part (4) that is arranged on the inside of the showcase panel (2) and has a hole (10) for the passage of the light beam (9), which is generated by the light source (8). The parts (3) and (4) of the device (1) are held together by magnetic forces and rest on the showcase panel (2) via sliding surfaces (6).

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides a method for inhibiting the growth and/or proliferation of a myc-driven tumor cell comprising the step of contacting the tumor cells with a CSNK1? inhibitor. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of treating a subject suffering from a tumor comprising myc-driven tumor cells, comprising administering to the subject an amount of a composition comprising a CSNK1? inhibitor effective to inhibit the growth and/or proliferation of the tumor cells.

Abstract: Compositions and methods that rapidly and selectively modify hematopoietic stem cells (or cells derived therefrom) to achieve therapeutic objectives by providing for transient expression of nucleic acids are described. The transient expression leads to permanent therapeutic changes in the modified cells, referred to herein as “hit and run” effects.

Abstract: Methods and kits to distinguish metastatic-lethal prostate cancer (PCa) from indolent PCa in a subject are described. The methods and kits utilize the methylation status of genetic markers. Distinguishing metastatic-lethal PCa from indolent PCa informs more directed treatments at an earlier time point than previously available.

Abstract: Circular handed alpha-helical repeat proteins are described. The repeat proteins have a number of uses as scaffolds for geometrically precise, arrayed presentation of cell-signaling or immune-related protein and peptide epitopes, as well as numerous other therapeutic, diagnostic, and nanotechnological uses.

Abstract: Peptides that home, distribute to, target, are directed to, or accumulate in tumors, cancers, or diseased cells are disclosed. Peptides that cross the blood brain barrier and home, distribute to, target, are directed to, or accumulate in the brain and in a specific region of the brain are also disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and uses for peptides or peptide-active agent complexes comprising such peptides are additionally disclosed. Such compositions can be formulated for targeted or untargeted delivery of a drug to a target region, tissue, structure or cell. Targeted compositions of the disclosure can deliver peptide or peptide-active agent complexes to target regions, tissues, structures or cells targeted by the peptide.

Abstract: Single chain, multimerized, and/or glycosylated NKG2D decoys are described. The NKG2D decoys have high affinity and avidity for surface bound and soluble NKG2D ligands and can be used to (i) identify NKG2D ligands; (ii) treat cancer, graft vs. host disease (GVHD), and inflammatory conditions; and (iii) potentiate an immune response against a vaccine as well as many other potential uses.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing fusion proteins and peptides are disclosed. Fusion proteins and peptides created using the methods are also provided. Also provided are methods of using the fusion proteins and peptides produced according to the present disclosure.

Abstract: Uses of expanded cord blood hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPC) are described. Examples include to reduce transplant rejection, to induce immune tolerance, to reduce total parenteral nutrition (TPN) feeding, opioid use, mucositis, and hospitalization following a medical procedure and to reduce graft versus host disease (GVHD) following an allogeneic transplant.

Abstract: Water delivery apparatuses and associated methods that minimize the amount of time and preparation and/or maintenance work required for a user to supply water to one or more animals are disclosed. In an aspect, water delivery apparatuses and associated methods of use are disclosed that are configured to maintain a substantially consistent water quantity within at least one water reservoir that provides drinkable water to one or more animals. The substantially consistent water quantity may be maintained by configuring at least one float mechanism that comprises at least one sealing element to at least partially block at least one orifice associated with at least one water supply inlet connected to a continuous water supply once the water within the reservoir reaches a certain level, thereby slowing and/or stopping the incoming water flow.

Abstract: Methods to create chemically-induced dimerizing (CID) protein systems and uses thereof are described. The methods utilize antibody binding domain dimerizing proteins. The created systems can be used to regulate cellular events such as gene expression, receptor signaling and cell death to effectuate a variety of clinically relevant treatment outcomes.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains generally to double-stranded small interfering RNAs that modulate gene expression for use in research, diagnostics, and/or therapeutics. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides double-stranded small interfering RNAs that modulate DUX4 gene expression. In certain embodiments, the present disclosure provides methods of inhibiting DUX4 gene expression by contacting a cell with double-stranded small interfering RNAs.

Abstract: A method of carrying out adoptive immunotherapy by administering a subject an antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) preparation in a treatment-effective amount is described. In the method, the CTL preparation is preferably administered as a preparation of an in vitro antigen-stimulated and expanded primate CTL population, the CTL population: (i) depleted of FoxP3+ T lymphocytes prior to antigen stimulation; (ii) antigen-stimulated in vitro in the presence of interleukin-21; or (iii) both depleted of FoxP3+ T lymphocytes prior to antigen stimulation and then antigen-stimulated in vitro in the presence of interleukin-21. Methods of preparing such compositions, and compositions useful for carrying out the adoptive immunotherapy, are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments methods and compositions involving inhibitors of the immunoreceptor Natural Killer Group 2, Member D, (NKG2D) for inhibiting tumor progression and treating cancer.

Abstract: Provided herein are Cocal vesiculovirus envelope pseudotyped retroviral vectors that exhibit high titers, broad species and cell-type tropism, and improved serum stability. Disclosed Cocal vesiculovirus envelope pseudotyped retroviral vectors may be suitably employed for gene therapy applications and, in particular, for the ex vivo and in vivo delivery of a gene of interest to a wide variety of target cells.