Abstract: The present invention embraces a RNA replicon that can be replicated by a replicase of alphavirus origin and comprises an open reading frame encoding a reprogramming factor. Such RNA replicons are useful for expressing a reprogramming factor in a cell, in particular a somatic cell. Cells engineered to express such reprogramming factors are useful in cell transplantation therapies.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for targeted treatment of cancer. The present disclosure provides chimeric antigen receptors and cells expressing such chimeric antigen receptors. In certain embodiments, engineered cells expressing the chimeric antigen receptors are specific for a low density cancer antigen or peptide in groove antigen.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for manufacturing adoptive cell therapies. In particular embodiments, the invention provides methods of harvesting populations of cells, isolating and activating PBMCs, expanding T cells, and administering the T cell therapeutic to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic ornamental fish, as well as methods of making such fish by germ cell transplantation techniques. Also disclosed are methods of establishing a population of such transgenic fish and methods of providing them to the ornamental fish industry for the purpose of marketing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to transgenic ornamental barbs, as well as methods of making such fish by in vitro fertilization techniques. Also disclosed are methods of establishing a population of such transgenic barbs and methods of providing them to the ornamental fish industry for the purpose of marketing.

Abstract: Provided herein are a method for isolation and transplantation of intact mitochondria to a lymphoid organ (a primary lymphoid tissue or a secondary lymphoid tissue), a composition of cells prepared by using a method described herein, and a method for manufacturing cells described herein. In particular, provided herein are methods of isolating intact mitochondria from a donor cell. Also provided herein are methods of transplanting mitochondria into a recipient cell. In some aspects, the methods can be performed in vivo. Further provided are a composition of cells that include the cells prepared using the methods of the present invention.

Abstract: Provided herein, in some aspects, are methods for preventing or treating diabetes in a subject, the method comprising assaying a genomic sample obtained from the subject for an intergenic variant located in a region between a C2 calcium-dependent domain containing 4A gene (C2CD4A) and a C2 calcium-dependent domain containing 4B gene (C2CD4B), and when the intergenic variant is present in the genomic sample, administering to the subject a therapy for diabetes. Also provided herein are rodent cells homozygous for a C2cd4a mutation and/or homozygous for a C2cd4h mutation, and methods for producing the rodent cells.

Abstract: There is provided method for making a cell composition which comprises step of transducing a population of cells with a mixture of at least two viral vectors, wherein at least one vector comprises a nucleic acid sequence which encodes a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR); and wherein at least one vector comprises a nucleic acid encoding an activity modulator which modulates the activity of the CAR, of a cell expressing the CAR, or of a target cell. There is also provided a cell composition made by such a method and its use in the treatment of diseases such as cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods related to differentiation of stem cells into pancreatic endocrine cells. In some aspects, the methods provided herein relate to generation of pancreatic ? cell, ? cell, ? cells, and EC cells in vitro. In some aspects, the disclosure provides pharmaceutical compositions including the cells generated according to the methods disclosed herein, as well as methods of treatment making use thereof.

Abstract: Compositions of polynucleotide(s), pharmaceutical compositions thereof, and methods of use thereof are disclosed. A polynucleotide may encode for a cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein or a functional fragment thereof. The polynucleotide may be assembled with a lipid composition for targeted delivery to a cell or an organ, such as a lung cell or a lung of a subject. Methods for enhancing an expression or activity of CFTR protein in a cell are provided. Methods for treating a subject having or suspected of having a CFTR-associated condition are also provided.

Abstract: Corneal stromal scars are the leading cause of corneal blindness. The present invention relates to methods and compositions useful in therapies for this pathological condition. The invention provides corneal stromal stem cells and certain other stem cells and as well as exosome polynucleotides produced by such cells, and methods for making and using these cells and compositions. The invention is based upon the discovery that exosomes and their associate active components obtained from these cells comprise agents having the same capacity as corneal stromal stem cells to reduce scarring and prevent scar formation in patients having corneal damage.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for eradicating tumor cells using novel compositions are contemplated. In one aspect, a pharmaceutical composition comprising a CAR scaffold and an antigen binding domain in a single chimeric species is provided. In some aspects, the CAR scaffold may comprise a CD28 costimulatory signaling region and a CD3? activation domain or a complete CD3? activation domain. In some aspects, the CAR scaffold may be codon-optimized for improved expression in mammalian cell lines and/or for improved function upon transfection into natural killer (NK) or other immune cells. In further aspects, the antigen binding domain may comprise a VL and VH domain linked by a spacer and may be codon optimized. A CD64 leader sequence may be attached to the antigen binding domain, e.g., at the N-terminus of the antigen binding domain.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition for inducing a T cell mediated immune response for the treatment or prevention of prostate cancer comprising a modified Vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) vector expressing the 5T4 antigen polypeptide under control of a poxvirus F11 promoter. Suitably said poxvirus F11 promoter is the endogenous MVA F11 promoter. More suitably said vector expresses a polypeptide having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 or said vector expresses a polypeptide encoded by a polynucleotide having the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ. ID NO: 2. The invention also relates to uses and methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides stem cells enriched with healthy functional mitochondria, pharmaceutical compositions comprising these cells and methods of use thereof for treating ocular diseases, disorders and symptoms thereof where the disease may or may not be associated with acquired mitochondrial dysfunction.

Abstract: Provided herein are improved rAAV (e.g., rAAV2, rAAVrh8R, etc.) for enhanced gene therapy of ocular disorders or CNS disorders wherein the rAAV comprise one or more substitutions of amino acids that interact with heparan sulfate proteoglycan. The invention provides methods for improved transduction of retinal cells and methods for treating ocular diseases with improved compositions of rAAV particles. Further provided herein are improved recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV) (e.g., rAAV2, rAAVrh8R, etc.) for enhanced gene therapy of disorders of the CNS. The invention provides methods for delivering the rAAV to the CNS, methods for treating disorders of the CNS with improved compositions of rAAV particles, and kits for delivering the rAAV to the CNS and/or treating a CNS disorder.

Abstract: Provided is a resin film having excellent cell extensibility in cell culture. The resin film formed of a scaffold material for cell culture containing a synthetic resin, the resin film having a compressive modulus of 5.5 GPa or more at a frequency of 1 Hz as measured using a nanoindenter device in ion-exchanged water in accordance with ISO14577-1 after being immersed in the ion-exchanged water at 37° C. for 24 hours.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods related to differentiation of stem cells into pancreatic endocrine cells. In some aspects, the methods provided herein relate to generation of pancreatic ? cell, ? cell, ? cells, and EC cells in vitro. In some aspects, the disclosure provides pharmaceutical compositions including the cells generated according to the methods disclosed herein, as well as methods of treatment making use thereof.

Abstract: The specification describes a composition comprising an improved eukaryotic cell culture medium, which can be used for the production of a protein of interest. TaXULne can be added to the serum-free media or chemically-defined media to increase the production of a protein of interest. Methods for recombinantly expressing high levels of protein using the media compositions are included.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition includes a silicified cell or fraction thereof, a cationic layer disposed on at least a portion of the surface of the silicified cell or fraction thereof, and an immunomodulatory moiety bound to at least a portion of the cationic layer. Alternatively, the pharmaceutical composition includes a silicified cell or fraction thereof, a cationic layer disposed on at least a portion of the surface of the silicified cell or fraction thereof, an anionic layer disposed on at least a portion of the cationic layer, and an immunomodulatory moiety bound to at least a portion of the anionic layer.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to materials and method for genetically modifying Wolbachia, as well as arthropods comprising the modified Wolbachia.