Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the in vitro maintenance, expansion, culture, and/or differentiation of pluripotent cells, such as human embryonic stem cells (hESC) or induced pluripotent cells (iPSC), into hematopoietic precursor cells or endothelial cells. The pluripotent cells may be maintained and differentiated under defined conditions; thus, the use of mouse feeder cells or serum is not required in certain embodiments for the differentiation of the pluripotent cells into hematopoietic precursor cells or endothelial cells. The resulting hematopoietic precursor cells may be further differentiated into various myeloid or lymphoid lineages.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a set of biomarkers, microarrays that provide for detection thereof, an expression signature comprising 16 genes or a subset thereof, and the use thereof in determining the regulation status of IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway in a cell sample or subject, as well as compositions for the detection thereof. The regulation status of IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway in a cell sample or subject may be assayed based on the level of expression of one or more of these genes. The methods and compositions provided herein may be used to evaluate IL-6/STAT3 pathway regulation status in a sample; classify a cell sample as having a deregulated or regulated IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway; determine whether an agent modulates the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway; predict the response of a subject to an agent that modulates the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway; assign treatment to a subject; and/or evaluate the pharmacodynamic effects of therapies designed to regulate IL-6/STAT3 pathway signaling.

Abstract: Recombinant cells and methods are provided that relate to the use of isolated, engineered recombinant cells to directly or indirectly treat diseases or disorders in a mammalian host such as endocrine, gastrointestinal or autoimmune disorders. A recombinant cell is provided that comprises a signal sequence and a promoter, wherein: the signal sequence is capable of regulating signal-dependent expression of a target nucleic acid in a host or is capable of regulating signal-dependent expression of a target nucleic acid in response to an environmental stimulus, the cell is derived from an enteric or a commensal bacterium, and the target nucleic acid encodes a mammalian factor that promotes normal functioning of a physiological process in the host or is effective in preventing onset, establishment, or spread of a non-infectious disease in the host. The recombinant cell is administered to the host to treat the disease or disorder.

Abstract: Genetically modified rodents such as mice and rats, and methods and compositions for making and using the same, are provided. The rodents comprise a humanization of at least one endogenous rodent Tmprss gene, such as an endogenous rodent Tmprss2, Tmprss4, or Tmprss11d gene.

Abstract: Genetically modified rodents such as mice and rats, and methods and compositions for making and using the same, are provided. The rodents comprise a humanization of at least one endogenous rodent Tmprss gene, such as an endogenous rodent Tmprss2, Tmprss4, or Tmprss11d gene.

Abstract: The disclosure in some aspects relates to recombinant adeno-associated viruses having distinct tissue targeting capabilities. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to gene transfer methods using the recombinant adeno-associate viruses. In some aspects, the disclosure relates to isolated AAV capsid proteins and isolated nucleic acids encoding the same.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the treatment of cancer. An immune effector cell population is pre-infected with an oncolytic virus. The combined therapeutic is safe and highly effective, producing an enhanced anti-tumor effect compared to either therapy alone. The methods of the invention thus provide for a synergistic effect based on the combined biotherapeutics.