Abstract: Methods are disclosed for fabricating a three-dimensional engineered blood retinal barrier (BRB) comprising a choroid and retinal pigment epithelial cells. The methods include the use of bioprinting. Also disclosed is a three-dimensional engineered BRB, and its use. Methods are also disclosed for using the three-dimensional engineered BRB, such as for the treatment of retinal degeneration in a subject or screening. A three-dimensional printing insert that is adapted for bioprinting on a culture substrate sheet that is securely retained within and exposed through a printing frame is also disclosed.

Abstract: High efficiency methods for producing retinal pigment epithelial cells from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are disclosed herein. The iPSCs are produced from somatic cells, including retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells, such as fetal RPE stem cells. In some embodiments, the iPSC include a tyrosinase promoter operably linked to a marker. Methods are disclosed for using the RPE cells, such as for treatment. Methods for screening for agents that affect RPE differentiation are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are monoclonal antibodies and antigen binding fragments that specifically bind epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) variant (v) III, conjugates thereof, and chimeric antigen receptors. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the heavy and light chain domains of the antibodies, and the chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), are also disclosed, as are host cells expressing the nucleic acid molecules. In addition, disclosed is the use of these monoclonal antibodies, antigen binding fragments, conjugates, and T cells expressing the CARs, such as for the treatment of a tumor expressing EGFRvIII. Also disclosed are methods for detecting a tumor that expresses EGFRvIII.

Abstract: Methods for treating diseases and conditions mediated by the high affinity IgE receptor (Fc?RI). Antisense oligomers for modulating splicing of mRNA encoding the Fc?RI? protein, thereby down-regulating cell-surface expression of Fc?RI, and uses of the antisense oligomers for inhibiting mast cell degranulation, cytokine release, migration, and proliferation.

Abstract: The present application provides methods for the detection and classification of cancer. In one aspect, the application provides a method for detecting the presence of cancer in a subject or identifying a biological sample as from a subject with cancer by detecting the methylation status of a panel of eight genomic DNA segments. In another aspect, the application provides a method for classifying a cancer type in a subject or classifying a biological sample as from a subject with a particular cancer type by detecting the methylation status of a panel of 39 genomic DNA segments.

Abstract: Provided herein are GRFT variants and methods of using such GRFT variants. The GRFT variants described herein can be PEGylated, which significantly improves the pharmacokinetics and decreases the immunogenicity of the GFRT composition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods and devices for the inactivation of pathogens (e.g., bacteria, viruses, etc.) in ex vivo stored blood products, such as plasma and/or platelets, by means of directing visible light radiation from an illuminating device into blood product storage containers in order to achieve effective pathogen inactivation without the presence of an added photosensitising agent in the blood product. An exemplary apparatus includes a control unit that operates a light source that emits light in the wavelength region of about 380-500 nm which is directed onto blood product storage bags at sufficient intensity to penetrate the bag material and the opaque blood product therein in order to inactivate pathogens in the blood product but at dose levels that cause no significant detrimental effects on the blood product.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compounds having a structure according to Formula I and optionally Formula IV. The compounds may be radiolabeled compounds useful for diagnosis and/or imaging fungal infections. In such embodiments, at least one substituent is a radionuclide, such as 18F. Also disclosed are precursor compounds according to Formula I and/or IV that are useful for making the radiolabeled compounds. In such embodiments, the precursor compound comprises at least one leaving group suitable for introducing a radionuclide, such as 18F, at a desired position. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the compounds, including embodiments of a method for imaging and/or diagnosing a fungal infection in a subject.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to chimeric antigen receptors binding to Glypican 2, nucleic acids encoding the same, and cells expressing the same, and methods of using such cells to treat cancers that express or overexpress the Glypican 2 antigen.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods of preventing and/or reducing the risk or severity of an allergic reaction in an individual. In some embodiments, particular small molecules are employed for prevention and/or reduction in the risk or severity of anaphylaxis. In at least particular cases, the small molecules are inhibitors of STAT3. In some cases, the small molecule comprises N-(1?,2-dihydroxy-1,2?-binaphthalen-4?-yl)-4-methoxybenzenesulfonamide.

Abstract: Ephrin type receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors, also known as Eph tyrosine kinase receptor inhibitors, for treating cancer, an inflammatory disease, an autoimmune disease, or a degenerative disease characterized at least in part by the abnormal activity or expression of the Eph receptor tyrosine kinase. The inhibitors are particularly useful for treating certain cancers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a class of molecules termed remodilins that are effective in treating asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and associated disorders. The molecules ameliorate asthma and pulmonary fibrosis symptoms by various mechanisms, including inhibiting airway smooth muscle contractile protein accumulation, reducing airway constrictor hyperresponsiveness, inhibiting bronchial fibroblast transformation into myofibroblasts, and/or treating or preventing airway or pulmonary fibrosis.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a biosignature that distinguishes Lyme disease, including early Lyme disease, from STARI. The present disclosure also provides methods for detecting Lyme disease and STARI, as well as methods for treating subjects diagnosed with Lyme disease or STARI.

Abstract: Embodiments of immunogens based on the outer domain of HIV-1 gp120 and methods of their use and production are disclosed. Nucleic acid molecules encoding the immunogens are also provided. In several embodiments, the immunogens can be used to prime an immune response to gp120 in a subject, for example, to treat or prevent an HIV-1 infection in the subject.

Abstract: Embodiments of a novel platform for delivering a peptide antigen to a subject to induce an immune response to the peptide antigen are provided. For example, nanoparticle polyplexes are provided that comprise a polymer linked to a peptide conjugate by an electrostatic interaction. The conjugate comprises a peptide antigen linked to a peptide tag through an optional linker. An adjuvant may be included in the nanoparticle polyplex, linked to either the polymer or the conjugate, or admixed with the nanoparticles. The nanoparticle polyplex can be administered to a subject to induce an immune response to the peptide antigen.

Abstract: In some embodiments, the present invention provides respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) F proteins, polypeptides and protein complexes that comprise one or more cross-links to stabilize the protein, polypeptide or protein complex in its pre-fusion conformation. In some embodiments the present invention provides RSV F proteins, polypeptides and protein complexes comprising one or more mutations to facilitate such cross-linking. In some embodiments the present invention provides compositions comprising such proteins, polypeptides or protein complexes, including vaccine compositions, and methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: Neutralizing antibodies that specifically bind to HIV-1 Env and antigen binding fragments of these antibodies are disclosed. Nucleic acids encoding these antibodies, vectors and host cells are also provided. Methods for detecting HIV-1 using these antibodies are disclosed. In addition, the use of these antibodies, antigen binding fragment, nucleic acids and vectors to prevent and/or treat an HIV-1 infection is disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to methods and compositions for the diagnosis and/or treatment of tumors, such as ocular tumors, using virus-like particles conjugated to photosensitive molecules.

Abstract: Antibodies and antigen binding fragments that specifically bind to IL-7R? are disclosed. Nucleic acids encoding the antibodies and antigen binding fragments, and vectors including the nucleic acid molecules are also provided. Methods for detecting a ca cancer or a cell that expresses IL-7R? using the antibodies and antigen binding fragments are disclosed, as is the use of the antibodies and antigen binding fragments to prevent and/or treat a subject with a cancer that expresses IL-7R?, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Abstract: Embodiments of a recombinant Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) F ectodomain trimer stabilized in a prefusion conformation are provided. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding the RSV F ectodomain trimer and methods of producing the RSV F ectodomain trimer. Methods for inducing an immune response in a subject are also disclosed. In some embodiments, the method can be a method for treating or preventing a RSV infection in a subject by administering a therapeutically effective amount of the recombinant RSV F ectodomain trimer to the subject.