Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods for B-cell reduction in an individual using CD37-specific binding molecules. In particular, the invention provides methods for B-cell reduction using CD37-specific binding molecules alone, or a combination of CD37-specific binding molecules and CD20-specific binding molecules, in some instances a synergistic combination. The invention further provides materials and methods for treatment of diseases involving aberrant B-cell activity. In addition, the invention provides humanized CD37-specific binding molecules.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a B-lymphocyte targeting agent for use in a method for the treatment or diagnosis of cardiac insufficiency. Furthermore, it is related to a composition comprising such B-lymphocyte targeting agent and methods for determining whether a patient suffering from cardiac insufficiency is amenable to the use of the B-lymphocyte targeting agent for its treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a distinct B cell subset, B10 cells, that regulate T cell mediated inflammatory responses through the secretion of interleukin-10 (IL-10). The invention also relates to the use of B10 cells in the manipulation of immune and inflammatory responses, and in the treatment of disease. Therapeutic approaches involving adoptive transfer of B10 cells, or expansion of their endogenous levels for controlling autoimmune or inflammatory diseases and conditions are described. Ablation of B10 cells, or inhibition of their IL-10 production can be used to upregulate immunodeficient conditions, ameliorate infectious diseases and/or to treat tumors/cancer. Diagnostic applications are also encompassed.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved and/or shortened methods for expanding TILs and producing therapeutic populations of TILs, including novel methods for expanding TIL populations in a closed system that lead to improved efficacy, improved phenotype, and increased metabolic health of the TILs in a shorter time period, while allowing for reduced microbial contamination as well as decreased costs. Such TILs find use in therapeutic treatment regimens.

Abstract: Cell culture media comprising antioxidants are provided herein as are methods of using the media for cell culturing and polypeptide production from cells. Compositions comprising polypeptides, such as therapeutic polypeptides, produced by the methods herein are also provided.

Abstract: Methods of neutralizing circulating antibody and mitigating the risk of clinically significant adverse responses to incompatible transfusions and transplantations are described. The methods comprise the administration to the subject of dispersible antigen-lipid constructs.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for diagnosing or predicting acute cellular and/or humoral rejection in a subject. In one example, a method of assessing organ rejection includes contacting a first sample comprising antigen presenting cells (APCs) obtained from a subject in need of or having received an organ transplant with a donor antigen from a donor under conditions sufficient to induce uptake of the donor antigen; contacting a second sample comprising APCs obtained from the subject in need of or having received an organ transplant with a third-party antigen under conditions sufficient to induce uptake of the third-party antigen; and determining an antigen presenting index by determining a ratio of uptake of the donor antigen in the first sample to uptake of the third-party antigen in the second sample, wherein the ratio of greater than one indicates organ rejection and the APCs are monocytes or monocyte-derived cells.

Abstract: New monoclonal antibodies for use in pre-treatments prior to stem cell transplantations are disclosed. The antibodies may be used to kill malignant cells and/or stem cells prior to stem cell transplantation. The antibodies can be used for treating hematologic diseases and hematological malignancies, such as leukemia and MDS. The antibodies of the invention might be multi- or bi-specific, such as BiTEs.

Abstract: The current invention discloses compositions of matter, protocols and methods of screening test compounds to identifying agonists and antagonists of the orphan nuclear receptor NR2F6 by measuring the ability of a test compound to occupy the active site of NR2F6, in the presence of a reference compound.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for combined transplantation of a solid organ and hematopoietic cells to an HLA mismatched recipient, where tolerance to the graft is established through development of a persistent mixed chimerism. An individual with persistent mixed chimerism, usually for a period of at least six months, is able to withdraw from the use of immunosuppressive drugs after a period of time sufficient to establish tolerance.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for influencing the stability of an antibody producing cell, comprising directly or indirectly influencing the amount of BCL6 and/or Blimp 1 expression product within said antibody producing cell. Stable antibody producing cells and cell lines are also provided, as well as methods for producing antibodies using such cells and/or cell lines.

Abstract: The present invention provides a clinically applicable method of stem cell transplantation that facilitates engraftment and reconstitutes immunocompetence of the recipient without requiring radiotherapy or chemotherapy, and without development of GVHD or graft rejection. Aspects of the present invention are based on the discovery that the depletion of the endogenous stem cell niche facilitates efficient engraftment of stem cells into that niche. In particular, the present invention combines the use of selective ablation of endogenous stem cells, in combination with the administration to the recipient of exogenous stem cells, resulting in efficient, long-term engraftment and tolerance.

Abstract: The inventive subject matter relates to methods for treating a T-cell deficiency in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to said subject a T-cell precursor isolated from an allogeneic donor, provided that said allogeneic donor is not MHC-matched to said subject. The inventive methods can be further enhanced by genetic engineering for targeted immunotherapy.

Abstract: Cell culture media comprising antioxidants are provided herein as are methods of using the media for cell culturing and polypeptide production from cells. Compositions comprising polypeptides, such as therapeutic polypeptides, produced by the methods herein are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of expanding B cells, and in particularly B10 cells capable of producing IL-10, ex vivo. The methods include incubation of harvested B cells in the presence of IL-21. Compositions comprising the ex vivo expanded B cells and methods of using the expanded B cell-containing compositions to treat diseases or conditions are also provided. Methods of assessing B10 cell function in a subject are also provided.

Abstract: An in-vitro method of activating T cells is disclosed. The method comprises incubating T cells with pathogenic cells in the presence of a multimeric peptide comprising at least two peptide monomers linked to one another, each of the at least two peptide monomers comprising at least 6 consecutive amino acids from the amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the at least two peptide monomers are each no longer than 30 amino acids, wherein the multimeric peptide is capable of reducing binding of PLIF to human leukocytes under conditions which allow expansion of the T cells.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided for combined transplantation of a solid organ and hematopoietic cells to a recipient, where tolerance to the graft is established through development of a persistent mixed chimerism. An individual with persistent mixed chimerism, usually for a period of at least six months, is able to withdraw from the use of immunosuppressive drugs after a period of time sufficient to establish tolerance.

Abstract: Finding biologically relevant cancer markers is key to developing an effective treatment. Once specific antigens have been identified that are present on the cell population responsible for propagating tumors, T cells can be genetically altered to target these antigens and then used for personalized T cell therapy. A method to identify and select peptide antigens that effectively associate with and are presented by host HLA surface molecules originating from tumor cells responsible for the persistence and propagation of a cancer has been developed. The system of using these data to produce T cells engineered to express T cell receptors recognizing the peptide antigens is used in the production of a personalized adoptive T cell therapy for cancer that eliminates the cells capable of tumor propagation and cancer progression. The system is especially useful in the production of cancer treatments to achieve complete durable remission of cancers of epithelial origin.

Abstract: The invention provides means and methods for producing high-affinity antibodies against an antigen of interest, usually stable B-cell cultures.

Abstract: The present invention encompasses methods and compositions for the generation and use of cytotoxic T lymphocytes that target multiple viruses or that are specific for multiple tumor antigens. In specific embodiments, the generation methods employ use of certain cytokines to promote proliferation and reduce cell death in an activated T cell population and/or that employ a particular bioreactor having a gas permeable membrane.