Abstract: Disclosed are compounds suitable for enhancing cancer treatment, for example, a compound of formula (I): (I) wherein R1 is as defined herein. Also disclosed is a method of enhancing the response of cancer cells in a mammal to treatment with an apoptosis inducing ligand, a method of inducing apoptosis in cancer cells in a mammal, and a method of treating prostate cancer in mammal in need thereof comprising administration of a compound described herein.

Abstract: A method is provided for non-invasively predicting characteristics of one or more cells and cell derivatives. The method includes training a machine learning model using at least one of a plurality of training cell images representing a plurality of cells and data identifying characteristics for the plurality of cells. The method further includes receiving at least one test cell image representing at least one test cell being evaluated, the at least one test cell image being acquired noninvasively and based on absorbance as an absolute measure of light, and providing the at least one test cell image to the trained machine learning model. Using machine learning based on the trained machine learning model, characteristics of the at least one test cell are predicted. The method further includes generating, by the trained machine learning model, release criteria for clinical preparations of cells based on the predicted characteristics of the at least one test cell.

Abstract: Monoclonal antibodies that bind glypican-2 (GPC2) with high affinity are described. Immunotoxins and chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that include the disclosed antibodies or antigen-binding fragments thereof are further described. In some instances, the antibody or antigen-binding fragment is humanized. The disclosed GPC2-specific antibodies and conjugates can be used, for example, for the diagnosis or treatment of GPC2-positive cancers, including neuroblastoma, medulloblastoma and retinoblastoma.

Abstract: Among other things, there is disclosed structure and methods for maintaining access to a location in the body while reducing or eliminating the potential for pulling an access device (e.g. a catheter) back through an opening. An introducer sheath includes a distal indented portion and a balloon, so that once placed in a desired location through tissue, the balloon can be inflated to anchor the sheath against retraction. In particular embodiments, structure and methods for accessing the pericardial cavity via the right atrial appendage are shown.

Abstract: Human monoclonal antibodies that specifically bind Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) are described. Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and other antibody conjugates that include the FLT3-specific monoclonal antibodies are also described. Methods for the diagnosis and treatment of FLT3-associated cancer, such as acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML), are further described.

Abstract: Kits and methods to distinguish between false and true labor are provided. The kits and methods can utilize differences in abundance and/or differences in the rate of change in abundance of B7-H2, SORC2, TF, C1-Esterase Inhibitor, Ran, IMDH1 and/or PGAM1, as markers of true labor.

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: Vaccines are provided that elicit neutralizing antibodies to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Some vaccines comprise nanoparticles that display envelope proteins from EBV on their surface. The nanoparticles comprise fusion proteins comprising a monomeric subunit of a self-assembly protein, such as ferritin, joined to at least a portion of an EBV envelope protein. The fusion proteins self-assemble to form the envelope protein-displaying nanoparticles. Such vaccines can be used to vaccinate an individual against infection by different types of Epstein-Barr viruses as well as Epstein-Barr viruses that are antigenically divergent from the virus from which the EBV envelope protein was obtained. Also provided are fusion proteins and nucleic acid molecules encoding such proteins.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carrier-formulated mRNA comprising at least one coding sequence encoding an influenza HA stem polypeptide, and to related aspects.

Abstract: The invention provides a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) having antigenic specificity for CD70, the CAR comprising: an antigen binding—transmembrane domain comprising a CD27 amino acid sequence lacking all or a portion of the CD27 intracellular T cell signaling domain; a 4-1BB intracellular T cell signaling domain; a CD3? intracellular T cell signaling domain; and optionally, a CD28 intracellular T cell signaling domain. Nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, populations of cells, and pharmaceutical compositions relating to the CARs are disclosed. Methods of detecting the presence of cancer in a mammal and methods of treating or preventing cancer in a mammal are also disclosed.

Abstract: A chimeric antigen receptor is disclosed that includes: (a) an scFv comprising a light chain variable domain (VL) and a heavy chain variable domain (VH), wherein the scFv specifically binds to CCR4; (b) a hinge and transmembrane domain from CD8; (c) an intracellular 4-1BB signaling domain; and (d) an intracellular CD3 zeta signaling domain, wherein (a)-(d) are in N to C terminal order. Uses of the chimeric antigen receptor, such as for treating a malignancy, are also disclosed.

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: The present invention relates to influenza virus immunisation using at least one influenza HA stem polypeptide in conjunction with squalene emulsion adjuvants, and to related aspects.

Abstract: An aspect of the invention provides nucleic acids comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) amino acid constructs. Polypeptides, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, populations of cells, and pharmaceutical compositions relating to the CAR constructs are disclosed. Methods of detecting the presence of cancer in a mammal and methods of treating or preventing cancer in a mammal are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is related to the development of novel compounds and methods for the treatment and/or prevention of malaria. The compounds prevent the formation by the malaria parasite of the plasmodium surface anion channel (PSAC) on the surface of the host cell. The compounds and methods described herein are effective against infection by a wide variety of Plasmodia strains known as the causative agent of malaria.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a solid support suitable for synthesizing nucleic acid sequences. The solid support may have a structure according to Formula I, where CPG is controlled pore glass, and m, n, x, y, R1 and R2 are as defined herein. Also disclosed are methods for making and using the solid support, kits including solid support, and a universal linker phosphoramidite suitable for use in the solid support.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides bicistronic chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) amino acid constructs. Nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, populations of cells, and pharmaceutical compositions relating to the CAR constructs are disclosed. Methods of detecting the presence of cancer in a mammal and methods of treating or preventing cancer in a mammal are also disclosed. Methods of making the CAR constructs are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) antigens including a recombinant RSV F protein stabilized in a prefusion conformation. Also disclosed are nucleic acids encoding the antigens and methods of producing the antigens. Methods for generating an immune response in a subject are also disclosed. In some embodiments, the method is a method for treating or preventing a RSV infection in a subject by administering a therapeutically effective amount of the antigen to the subject.

Abstract: Disclosed are compounds for treating or preventing a disease or disorder responsive to antagonism of a P2Y14R receptor agonist in a mammal in need thereof, for example, compounds of formulas (I) and (II), wherein R1-R8, X, Y, Z, X?, Y?, Z?, and A are as defined herein, that are useful in treating an inflammatory such as asthma, cystic fibrosis, and sterile inflammation of the kidney.

Abstract: Antibodies and antigen binding fragments that specifically bind to ebolavirus glycoprotein and neutralize ebolavirus infection 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 an ebolavirus infection in a subject.