Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for systemically editing a gene in a subject and for systemically treating a genetic condition in a subject using a dual-vector CRISPR-Cas therapy. The methods comprise administering to the subject, via systemic administration, a gene editing AAV vector encoding a CRISPR effector protein (e.g., a Cas protein) and a targeting AAV vector providing one or more gRNAs targeted to the gene. In the methods, the ratio of the targeting AAV vector to the gene editing vector is greater than or equal to 2. Also provided are dual-vector systems for editing a gene or treating a genetic disease in a subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to treatments for fibrosis by administering a neutrophil elastase inhibitor, such as alvelestat. In particular, the invention relates to treatments for fibrosis in combination with another disease, such as organ rejection, for example bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome optionally associated with graft-versus-host-disease.

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: HIV-1 Env ectodomain trimers stabilized in a prefusion mature closed conformation and methods of their use and production are disclosed. In several embodiments, the HIV-1 Env ectodomain trimers and/or nucleic acid molecules can be used to generate an immune response to HIV-1 in a subject. In additional embodiments, the therapeutically effective amount of the HIV-1 Env ectodomain trimers can be administered to a subject in a method of treating or preventing HIV-1 infection.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for detecting presence of a target nucleic acid (such as an influenza virus nucleic acid) in a sample. In some embodiments, the methods include contacting the sample with a first probe capable of hybridizing to the target nucleic acid and a second probe capable of hybridizing to the target nucleic acid, contacting the resulting complex with one or more gap filling reagents, thereby producing a gap-filled target nucleic acid, isolating and amplifying the gap-filled target nucleic acid. The amplified gap-filled target nucleic acid covalently linked to the substrate is then detected, for example with a detectably labeled probe. Also disclosed herein are probes capable of hybridizing to influenza virus nucleic acids. The disclosure also includes kits for detecting and/or discriminating influenza virus nucleic acids in a sample. In some examples, the kits include two or more of the disclosed probes.

Abstract: The disclosure of a compound of Formula I or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof The variables W, R1, R2, R3, and R4 are defined in the disclosure. The disclosure provides a compound or salt of Formula I together with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. The disclosure also provides methods of treating a patient for Parkinson's disease and related syndromes, dyskinesia, especially dyskinesias secondary to treating Parkinson's disease with L-DOPA, neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia, Huntington's disease, restless legs syndrome, bipolar disorder and depression, schizophrenia, cognitive dysfunction, or substance use disorders, the methods comprising administering a compound of Formula I or salt thereof to the patient. The disclosure provides combination methods of treatment in which the compound of Formula I is administered to the patient together with one or more additional active agents.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind glypican-1 (GPC1) are described. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells, immunotoxins and other antibody conjugates based on the GPC1-specific antibodies are also described. The disclosed CAR T cells, immunotoxins, GPC1-specific antibodies and conjugates thereof can be used, for example, in the diagnosis or treatment of GPC1-positive pancreatic cancer and other cancers.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions for viral gene therapy, e.g. Adeno-Associated virus-directed gene therapy, and methods of using the same for the treatment and/or prevention of cholesterol storage diseases or disorders, such as Niemann-Pick disease, Type C.

Abstract: Administration of aquaporin-1 (AQP1) complementary deoxyribonucleic acid (cDNA) to a salivary gland prior to treatment with ionizing radiation (IR) prevents the subsequent IR-induced loss in function. The administration of AQPI (e.g., human AQP1: hAQP1) prior to IR treatment (e.g., in patients with head and neck cancer) can reduce or prevent IR-induced salivary hypofunction, resulting in an elevated salivary output.

Abstract: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection may lead to severe respiratory illness in young children. Thus, there is a need for a live attenuated vaccine, which would mimic the natural course of infection without causing illness; however, restricting viral replication also reduces the immune response. Reported herein is a method of vaccination using a single dose of a recombinant RSV lacking the M2-2 protein that surprisingly induced a stronger immune response to RSV than previous vaccine candidates despite being more restricted in replication.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for determining whether a subject has a synucleinopathy. Methods are also disclosed for detecting misfolded alpha synuclein (?Syn) in a biological sample or fraction thereof. These methods include the use of an ?Syn seeding assay.

Abstract: Disclosed are pharmaceutical formulations comprising a compound of formula (I): in which R1, R2, R3, and R4 are as described herein, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Also provided are methods for treating pancreatic adenocarcinoma comprising administration of a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, and methods of detecting the change in expression levels of one or both of FoxA1 and FoxO6 in a pancreatic adenocarcinoma tumor sample from a mammal, wherein the mammal has been administered a compound of formula (I), or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides for novel methods for regulating and detecting the cytosine methylation status of DNA. The invention is based upon identification of a novel and surprising catalytic activity for the family of TET proteins, namely TET1, TET2, TET3, and CXXC4. The novel activity is related to the enzymes being capable of converting the cytosine nucleotide 5-methylcytosine into 5-hydroxymethylcytosine by hydroxylation.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel methods of treating pain in a patient in need thereof by providing to the patient a selective dopamine D3 receptor antagonist/partial agonist which when used with an opioid analgesic, can mitigate the development of opioid dependence, by preventing the need for dose escalation while either maintaining the opioid analgesic effect or providing analgesia with a lower dose of the opioid. In addition, the D3 antagonists/partial agonists described herein may be used to augment the effectiveness of current Medication Assisted Treatment regimens (e.g. methadone or buprenorphine) for the treatment of opioid use disorders.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes the grafting of epitope residues from human PCSK9 to non-human PCSK9 or PCSK9 structural homologs and elimination of 9-mers oligopeptides that are found in human protein to reduce self-targeting response. Anti-genicity of the epitope-scaffold constructs was demonstrated toward anti-human PCSK9 antibodies. similar to wild type human PCSK9. It was shown that disclosed PCSK9 immunogens could significantly reduce LDL and cholesterol levels in immunized mice.

Abstract: Anti-EBV gH antibodies, anti-EBV gL antibodies, anti-EBV gH/gL antibodies, and compositions of matter useful for the detection, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of Epstein Barr Virus infection in humans, and methods of using those compositions of matter for the same.

Abstract: A self-reinforcing composite gel includes a solvent, and a plurality of swellable crosslinked polymer particles dispersed in a crosslinked polymer matrix, wherein the crosslinked polymer matrix and the plurality of swellable crosslinked polymer particles are immersed in the solvent, wherein the swellable crosslinked polymer particles absorb more solvent at equilibrium than the matrix polymer, and wherein the plurality of swellable crosslinked polymer particles swell in the solvent and are present in an amount sufficient to maintain or increase the elastic modulus and/or load-bearing ability of the self-reinforcing composite gel, i.e., compared to that of the crosslinked matrix polymer alone, upon swelling in the solvent.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of purifying extracellular vesicles in a sample comprising extracellular vesicles and molecules that are not bound to the extracellular vesicles. The method includes (a) providing a mixed mode resin composition containing a first resin having pores with a pore size that traps unbound molecules by at least by a size exclusion mechanism, and a second resin containing at least one affinity ligand; (b) contacting the sample with the mixed mode resin composition to trap at least a portion of the unbound molecules; and (c) separating the sample from the mixed mode resin composition and obtaining a sample containing extracellular vesicles at a higher concentration than prior to step (b). Further disclosed is a method of labeling an extracellular vesicle with a fluorophore that labels proteins which includes the use of a mixed mode resin composition.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides for methods and compositions for treating cancer (e.g., multiple myeloma). It relates to anti-CD56 antibodies, chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that specifically target human CD56, and immunoresponsive cells comprising such CARs. The presently disclosed CD56-specific CARs have enhanced immune-activating properties, including anti-tumor activity.

Abstract: The present invention relates to monoclonal antibodies for a spike protein of the Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), and a use thereof. Particularly, monoclonal antibodies 77-A5, 77-A6, 90-A3, 90-A9, 90-B2, 90-B7, 90-C4, 90-E5, 90-E6, 90-F1 and 90-F2 according to the present invention have excellent attachment force with respect to a full-length spike protein of MERS-CoV and the S1 domain of the protein, and, of the monoclonal antibodies, the monoclonal antibodies 90-F1, 90-E5, 90-E6, 90-F2, 77-A5 and 77-A6 have excellent attachment force with respect to an RBD antigen of MERS-CoV. Also, the antibodies 77-A5, 77-A6, 90-E5, 90-E6, 90-F1 and 90-F2 exhibit neutralizing capacity with respect to a MERS pseudovirus and MERS-CoV, and the antibodies 90-B2 and 90-B7 exhibit neutralizing capacity only with respect to MERS-CoV. Further, the monoclonal antibodies have a particular monomeric form, and have excellent stability and thus may be useful for treating or diagnosing MERS.