Abstract: Technology provided herein relates to methods of treating cancer comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a first stem cell (SC) modified to release an oncolytic virus and a second SC which is gene edited to inactivate a receptor for the oncolytic virus, thereby generating a stem cell resistant to the virus, wherein the second SC is also engineered to express an immunomodulatory polypeptide agent. Compositions comprising a first and second SC, and uses thereof, are also provided herein.

Abstract: This technology describes novel cell based combined therapeutic modalities that include a stem cell engineered to secrete a multispecific T cell engager (MiTE) polypeptide construct and an isolated population of T cells that are autologous to the subject.

Abstract: Insulin therapy revolutionized the care of patients with diabetes, yet insulin-induced hypoglycemia remains a serious life-threatening complication of insulin therapy. Glucagon is a highly effective treatment for hypoglycemia; however, current dosage forms remain under-utilized due to poor patient compliance. High-density, readily soluble, and thermostable solid glucagon formulations applied with painless, application-specific microneedle-patches can treat hypoglycemia in type 1 diabetes patients who are awake or asleep. On-demand patches can prevent or treat mild hypoglycemia during the day, and enzyme-driven hypoglycemia-responsive patches can release glucagon autonomously during the night. These patches have excellent in vitro glucagon stability, loading, and release kinetics and can treat hypoglycemia in diabetic humans and animals. These delivery systems enable new modes of glucagon therapy, thereby expanding the clinical role of glucagon beyond the emergency setting.

Abstract: The present invention features methods for increasing sensitivity and/or reversing resistance to chemotherapy, methods for treating or preventing a cancer in a subject, methods for treating clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential in a subject, and methods of identifying resistance or sensitivity to chemotherapy in a subject. In some embodiments, the methods contain the step of administering an agent that inhibits the expression or activity of a Protein phosphatase 1D (PPM1D) polypeptide or polynucleotide. The present invention also features compositions for increasing sensitivity and/or reversing resistance to chemotherapy.

Abstract: Compositions and methods relating to a panel of antigen biomarkers for the early detection of ovarian cancer. The compositions and methods encompass antigen biomarkers coupled to a substrate, with the biomarkers being selected from the group consisting of one or more of ICAM3, CTAG2, p53, STYXL1, PVR, POMC, NUDT11, TRIM39, UHMK1, KSR1, and NXF3.

Abstract: The subject matter disclosed herein is generally directed to tissue specific modulation of Th17 differentiation and pathogenicity by targeting tissue specific Th17 gene programs and gene targets. The tissue specific modulation may be used therapeutically to treat a disease or condition in the tissue where it arises. The subject matter disclosed herein is also directed to detecting tissue specific Th17 cells for diagnostic and therapeutic methods.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide nucleic acids and compositions comprising gene regulatory elements (GREs) for specific expression in nociceptor cells. Other aspects of the disclosure relate to the use of vectors and compositions comprising the gene regulatory elements for treating or managing pain and other neurological diseases in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to pectin-based polymer compositions and methods of use thereof to cover, protect, and seal injuries, e.g., surgical wounds, in a mesothelial tissue. The methods include obtaining a bioadhesive pectin-based polymer composition including a complex of high-methoxyl pectin (HMP) and carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) in a ratio from about 10 to 1 to 1 to 10 by weight; applying the composition to an injured mesothelial tissue; and applying pressure for at least one minute to enable the composition to bind to the mesothelial tissue.

Abstract: Provided are methods of treating diabetes and/or obesity in a subject in need thereof, and methods of increasing the amount of cholic acid-7-sulfate (CA7S) in a subject. Further provided herein are methods of administering CA7S to a subject. Also provided are compositions and kits comprising cholic acid-7-sulfate, or a salt thereof for use in the treatment of diabetes and/or obesity.

Abstract: The systems and methods described herein determine metrics of cardiac performance via a mechanical circulatory support device and use the cardiac performance to calibrate, control and deliver mechanical circulatory support for the heart. The systems include a controller configured to operate the device, receive inputs indicative of device operating conditions and hemodynamic parameters, and determine vascular performance, including vascular resistance and compliance, and native cardiac output. The systems and methods operate by using the mechanical circulatory support device (e.g., a heart pump) to introduce controlled perturbations of the vascular system and, in response, determine heart parameters such as stroke volume, vascular resistance and compliance, left ventricular end diastolic pressure, and ultimately determine native cardiac output.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, inter alia, anti-peripheral lymph node addressin antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof. The present disclosure also provides compositions comprising drug-containing polymeric particles that mimic lymphocyte migration in vivo and can specifically deliver immunosuppressive or immunoregulatory drugs to lymphoid tissues and sites of chronic inflammation where T-cell activation and T-cell mediated injury are occurring; such compositions comprise the antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof described in the disclosure. The present disclosure also comprises antibody-drug conjugates and compositions comprising the antibody-drug conjugates. Methods of preparing and using these antibodies, antigen-binding fragments thereof, and compositions thereof are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to compounds that are, e.g., PAP Associated Domain Containing 5 (PAPD5) inhibitors and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Provided herein are recombinant antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof useful for binding to and inhibiting carcinoembryonic antigen-related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1). Also provided are methods of using the disclosed CEACAM1 antibodies and antigen-binding fragments thereof for reducing T-cell tolerance and for the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Articles and methods for delivering a therapeutic agent to a subject are described. These articles and methods may be useful, in some cases, for the delivery of therapeutic agents to the colon of a subject. In some embodiments, an article is configured to release a secretion inducing agent e.g., to stimulate the release of intestinal fluids. The article, in some embodiments, comprises a therapeutic agent such that the stimulated release of intestinal fluid increases the amount of therapeutic agent available for absorption by the colon. For example, in some embodiments, the articles and methods described herein advantageously promote increased absorption of therapeutic agents in subjects as compared to traditionally administered therapeutic agents without additional components such as a secretion inducing agent. In some embodiments, articles and methods described herein may increase the motility of the colon of a subject.

Abstract: The disclosure provides improved methods and devices to create a hammock effect to stabilize the urethra without creating an incision in the abdomen or the vagina, and without using a surgical mesh. Such implementations can also leave no permanent material in the body. The simplicity afforded by such procedures and methods permits treatment of patients on an outpatient basis, and avoids risks and disadvantages associated with the installation of a permanent mesh.

Abstract: A system and method for diffusion weighted magnetic resonance measurement includes performing a diffusion encoding sequence that comprises a diffusion encoding time-dependent magnetic field gradient g(t) with non-zero components gl(t) along two orthogonal directions (y, z), and a b-tensor having at least two non-zero eigenvalues. The gradient g(t) comprises a first and second encoding block. An n-th order gradient moment magnitude along direction l?(y,z) is given by |Mnl(t)|=?0tgl(t?)t?ndt?|, and the first encoding block is adapted to yield, at an end of the first encoding block, along y, |Mny(t)|?Tn for each 0?n?m, where Tn is a predetermined n-th order threshold, and, along z, |Mnz(t)|?Tn for each 0? n? m?1 and |Mnz(t)|>Tn for n=m. The second encoding block is adapted to yield, at an end of the second encoding block, along each one of l?(y,z): |Mnl(t)|?Tn for each 0?n? m, wherein m is an integer order equal to or greater than 1.

Abstract: Computational and functional analysis identified the neuropeptide receptor Nmur1 as selectively expressed on Type 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s). While both IL-33 and IL-25 promote ILC activation in vivo, IL-33 induces robust ILC proliferation, whereas ILCs activated with IL-25 do not proliferate as robustly and up-regulate Nmur1 expression. Treatment with neuromedin U (NMU), the neuropeptide ligand of Nmur1, had little effect on its own. Co-administration of IL-25 with NMU, however, dramatically amplified allergic lung inflammation and induced the proliferation and expansion of specific ILC2 subsets, characterized by a molecular signature unique to pro-inflammatory ILC2s. The results demonstrate that Nmur1 signaling strongly modulates IL-25-mediated ILC2 responses, resulting in highly proliferative pro-inflammatory ILCs, and highlights the importance of neuro-immune crosstalk in allergic inflammatory responses at mucosal surfaces.

Abstract: Drug delivery articles, resident articles, and retrieval systems e.g., for gram-level dosing, are generally provided. In some embodiments, the residence articles are configured for transesophageal administration, transesophageal retrieval, and/or gastric retention to/in a subject. In certain embodiments, the residence article includes dimensions configured for transesophageal administration with a gastric resident system. In some cases, the residence article may be configured to control drug release e.g., with zero-order drug kinetics with no potential for burst release for weeks to months. In some embodiments, the residence articles described herein comprise biocompatible materials and/or are safe for gastric retention. In certain embodiments, the residence article includes dimensions configured for transesophageal retrieval. In some cases, the residence articles described herein may comprise relatively large doses of drug (e.g., greater than or equal to 1 gram).

Abstract: In some aspects, the invention teaches pharmaceutical compositions that include a TGF-? ligand trap, and methods of using a TGF-? ligand trap to treat, prevent, or reduce the progression rate of pulmonary hypertension (PH). The invention also provides methods of using a TGF-? ligand trap to treat, prevent, or reduce the progression rate of a variety of conditions including, but not limited to, pulmonary vascular remodeling, pulmonary fibrosis, right ventricular hypertrophy, diseases associated with excessive TGF-? signaling, diseases associated with excessive GDF15 signaling, and diseases associated with excessive PAI-1 signaling. The invention further provides methods of using a TGF-? ligand trap to reduce right ventricular systolic pressure in a subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions, methods, and kits that enable the in situ growth of polymers on or within a subject. In some aspects, the monomer, dopamine, polymerizes in vivo to form a polymer on a tissue. In additional aspects, the compositions, methods, and kits are useful for treating or preventing a disease or disorder.