Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for creation of vector nucleic acid sequences (e.g., retroviral nucleic acid sequences) that comprise two or more exogenous nucleic acid sequences that encode highly homologous (e.g., identical) polypeptide sequences, yet wherein at least one of the exogenous nucleic acid sequences has been mutated using degenerate codons for purpose of reducing homology between the two or more exogenous nucleic acid sequences while maintaining the encoded polypeptide sequence. Preferred nucleic acid sequences include those encoding multi-chimeric immune receptor (CIR) genes. Specific nucleic acid sequences of such CIR genes are also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides compositions of matter, articles of manufacture and methods for delivering and/or affixing a stem cell to a target tissue. This invention also provides related nucleic acids, vectors, cells, methods of production, and kits.

Abstract: The invention features nucleic acid constructs encoding chimeric immune T-cell receptors (CIRs) that are useful for treating HIV in patients. In general, the CIRs contain an extracellular domain which targets HIV or HIV infected cells (e.g., the extracellular domain of CD4), a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic domain for mediating T-cell activation (e.g., CD3 zeta and/or the partial extracellular domain of CD28). The invention also features the use of host cells expressing CIRs in the treatment of HIV.

Abstract: The arming of activated T cells (ATC) with BiAbs can overcome major barriers for successful adoptive immunotherapy. The BiAb approach takes the advantage of the targeting specificity of monoclonal antibodies and the cytotoxic capacity of T cells to lyse tumors. Arming of ATC with BiAb makes every T cell an antigen-specific CTL and infusions of such cells will markedly increase the effective precursor frequency of CTL in the cancer patient. Furthermore, the ability of such armed ATC to kill multiple times without rearming with BiAb, secrete tumoricidal cytokines, secrete chemokines, and survive in patients for up to 8 days after the last infusion or in Beige/SCID mice for over 13 weeks after cessation of treatment. The persistence of cells in the Beige/SCID after infusion show long-term survival capability in the host.

Abstract: The arming of activated T cells (ATC) with BiAbs can overcome major barriers for successful adoptive immunotherapy. The BiAb approach takes the advantage of the targeting specificity of monoclonal antibodies and the cytotoxic capacity of T cells to lyse tumors. Arming of ATC with BiAb makes every T cell an antigen-specific CTL and infusions of such cells will markedly increase the effective precursor frequency of CTL in the cancer patient. Furthermore, the ability of such armed ATC to kill multiple times without rearming with BiAb, secrete tumoricidal cytokines, secrete chemokines, and survive in patients for up to 8 days after the last infusion or in Beige/SCID mice for over 13 weeks after cessation of treatment. The persistence of cells in the Beige/SCID after infusion show long-term survival capability in the host.

Abstract: Liposome carrier systems, methods and pharmaceutical compositions that target an organ preferentially with high concentrations of at least one therapeutic agent utilize a liposome carrier having a lipid membrane and an aqueous space to deliver pharmacologically active agents, such as free radical scavengers and antioxidants, to a target organ such as the liver. At least one free radical scavenger and/or antioxidant and a liposome carrier may be provided to a liver donor prior to harvesting to preserve the liver for transplantation.