Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method of promoting regression of cancer in a mammal comprising obtaining a tumor tissue sample from the mammal; culturing the tumor tissue sample in a first gas permeable container containing cell medium therein; obtaining tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) from the tumor tissue sample; expanding the number of TIL in a second gas permeable container containing cell medium therein using irradiated allogeneic feeder cells and/or irradiated autologous feeder cells; and administering the expanded number of TIL to the mammal. Methods of obtaining an expanded number of TIL from a mammal for adoptive cell immunotherapy are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and kits for preparing re-usable single cells are described. Cell components are anchored using a nano-scale scaffold to create a re-usable single cell. The nano-scale scaffold may be a polyacrylamide nano-scale scaffold. Methods to determine modifications of the genome, transcriptome, or epigenome are described.

Abstract: Antibodies and antigen binding fragments that specifically bind to P. falciparum circumsporozoite protein are disclosed. Nucleic acids encoding these antibodies, vectors and host cells are also provided. The disclosed antibodies, antigen binding fragments, nucleic acids and vectors can be used, for example, to inhibit a P. falciparum infection.

Abstract: A virtual 511 KeV attenuation map is generated from CT data. Spectral or multiple energy CT is used to more accurately extrapolate the 511 KeV attenuation map. Since spectral or multiple energy CT may allow for material decomposition and/or due to additional information in the form of measurements at different energies, the modeling used to generate the 511 KeV attenuation map may better account for all materials including high density material. The extrapolated 511 KeV attenuation map may more likely represent actual attenuation at 511 KeV without requiring extra scanning using a 511 KeV source external to the patient. The virtual 511 KeV attenuation map (e.g., CT data at 511 KeV) may provide more accurate PET image reconstruction.

Abstract: Polypeptides and proteins that specifically bind to and immunologically recognize human mesothelin582-598 (IP-NGYLVLDLSMQEALS) (SEQ ID NO: 1) are disclosed. Anti-mesothelin binding moieties, nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, populations of cells, pharmaceutical compositions, and conjugates relating to the polypeptides and proteins are disclosed. Methods of reducing mesothelin shed from cell membranes, methods of reducing the activity of TNF? converting enzyme, methods of detecting the presence of cancer, and methods of treating or preventing cancer are also disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure concerns the discovery of the use of fenoterol analogues for regulating cannabinoid (CB) receptor activity-related disorders and disease, such as dysregulated CB receptors, including treating a disorder or disease, such as a glioblastoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, liver cancer, colon cancer, and/or lung cancer, which is associated with altered cannabinoid receptor activity. In one example, the method includes administering to a subject having or at risk of developing a disorder or disease regulated by CB receptor activity an effective amount of a fenoterol analogue to reduce one or more symptoms associated with the disorder or disease regulated by CB receptor activity.

Abstract: A human monoclonal antibody that specifically binds tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNFR2), and a defucosylated form of the antibody, are described. The TNFR2-specific antibody was isolated from a human scFv phage display antibody library. The disclosed antibodies promote antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) of human TNFR2+ CD4+ T regulatory cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Methods of using the TNFR2 antibodies, such as for tumor immunotherapy, are described.

Abstract: A construct, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, comprising: (a) a polyethylene glycol-block-poly(L-lysine) polymer moiety, wherein the polyethylene glycol is thiol-functionalized; (b) a cholecystokinin-B (CCK-B) receptor ligand coupled to the polyethylene glycol of the polymer moiety; and (c) a siRNA complexed with the poly(L-lysine) of the polymer moiety, wherein the construct is neutralized.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated and purified nucleic acid sequence encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) directed against B-cell Maturation Antigen (BCMA). The invention also provides host cells, such as T-cells or natural killer (NK) cells, expressing the CAR and methods for destroying multiple myeloma cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of preparing an isolated population of human papillomavirus (HPV)-specific T cells comprise dividing an HPV-positive tumor sample into multiple fragments; separately culturing the multiple fragments; obtaining T cells from the cultured multiple fragments; testing the T cells for specific autologous HPV-positive tumor recognition; selecting the T cells that exhibit specific autologous HPV-positive tumor recognition; and expanding the number of selected T cells to produce a population of HPV-specific T cells for adoptive cell therapy. Related methods of treating or preventing cancer using the T cells are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) directed against CD19, which comprises an amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 1-SEQ ID NO: 13. The invention also provides T-cells expressing the CAR and methods for destroying malignant B-cells.

Abstract: Disclosed is an isolated or purified T cell receptor (TCR), wherein the TCR has antigenic specificity for mutated Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) presented by a human leukocyte antigen (HLA) Class II molecule. Related polypeptides and proteins, as well as related nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, populations of cells, and pharmaceutical compositions are also provided. Also disclosed are methods of detecting the presence of cancer in a mammal and methods of treating or preventing cancer in a mammal.

Abstract: The invention features compositions and methods for the prevention or treatment of one or more strains of Chikungunya virus, as well as other alphavirus-mediated diseases.

Abstract: Methods of using biomarkers in determining the efficacy of a treatment for an organic acidemia in a subject are disclosed herein. Methods of using biomarkers in determining the efficacy of a liver-directed treatment for an organic acidemia in a subject are likewise disclosed herein.

Abstract: Universal influenza virus vaccine compositions that include multiple inactivated influenza A viruses are described. The compositions include four or more different influenza A viruses, each virus having a different hemagglutinin (HA) subtype. The vaccine compositions can be used, for example, to elicit an immune response against influenza virus, to immunize a subject against seasonal influenza virus, and/or mitigate a future pandemic by serving as a pre-pandemic vaccine.

Abstract: The invention provides an isolated or purified T cell receptor (TCR) having antigenic specificity for a) melanoma antigen family A (MAGE A)-3 in the context of HLA-A1 or b) MAGE-A12 in the context of HLA-Cw7. The invention further provides related polypeptides and proteins, as well as related nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, and populations of cells. Further provided by the invention are antibodies, or an antigen binding portion thereof, and pharmaceutical compositions relating to the TCRs of the invention. Methods of detecting the presence of cancer in a host and methods of treating or preventing cancer in a host are further provided by the invention.

Abstract: Methods for stereoselective synthesis and manufacturing of 2?-deoxynucleosides, such as 2?-ribonucleosides, are disclosed. In some embodiments, the 2?-deoxynucleoside is a ?-anomer of a 2?-deoxynucleoside having a 3? ? hydroxyl, 4? ? hydroxymethyl configuration. Nonlimiting examples of compounds prepared by the disclosed methods include 4?-thio-2?-deoxycytidine (T-dCyd) and 5-aza-4?-thio-2?-deoxycytidine (5-aza-T-dCyd; aza-T-dCyd; aza-T-dC).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are a series of modafinil analogue compounds that bind with moderate to high affinity to the dopamine (DA) transporter (DAT) and several analogues also having affinity for the serotonin (5-HT) transporter (SERT) and/or sigma-1 receptor. Employing aminopiperidine, piperidineamino, spirobicyclodiaza, or substituted piperazine functional groups, desired dopamine transporter affinity has been retained along with improved metabolic stability over unsubstituted piperazine ring analogues. Importantly, these compounds have no predicted addictive liability. Also disclosed are methods for treating substance use disorders as well as other neuropsychiatric disorders such as ADHD, depression, narcolepsy, and cognitive impairment.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods of killing cells in vitro or in vivo. In particular examples, the method includes contacting a cell having a cell surface protein with a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody-IR700 molecule, wherein the antibody specifically binds to the cell surface protein. In particular examples the antibody recognizes a tumor-specific antigen on the surface of a tumor cell. The cell is subsequently irradiated, such as at a wavelength of 660 to 740 nm at a dose of at least 1 J cm?2, thereby killing the cell. Also provided are wearable devices that include an article of clothing, jewelry, or covering; and an NIR LED incorporated into the article, which can be used with the disclosed methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions and methods of killing cells. In particular examples, the method includes contacting a cell having a cell surface protein with a therapeutically effective amount of an antibody-IR700 molecule, wherein the antibody specifically binds to the cell surface protein, such as a tumor-specific antigen on the surface of a tumor cell. The cell is subsequently irradiated, such as at a wavelength of 660 to 740 nm at a dose of at least 1 J cm?2. The cell is also contacted with one or more therapeutic agents (such as an anti-cancer agent), for example about 0 to 8 hours after irradiating the cell, thereby killing the cell. Also provided are methods of imaging cell killing in real time, using fluorescence lifetime imaging. Also provided are wearable devices that include an article of clothing, jewelry, or covering; and an NIR LED incorporated into the article, which can be used with the disclosed methods.