Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a novel IL-2 variant which has improved selectivity for IL-2R??? and selectively activates Tregs. The present invention relates to an IL-2 variant, a method for producing the IL-2 variant, a composition and a therapeutic agent for an immune disease, comprising the IL-2 variant, a method for increasing selectivity of IL-2 for IL-2R???, a method for improving an affinity of IL-2 for an IL-2R? subunit, a method of reducing an affinity of IL-2 for at least one of an IL-2R? subunit and an IL-2R? subunit, and a method for selectively activating regulatory T cells.

Abstract: Silica nanocarriers hybridized with superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (“SPIONs”) and curcumin through equilibrium or enforced adsorption technique. Methods for dual delivery of SPIONs and curcumin to a target for diagnosis or therapy, for example, for SPION-based magnetic resonance imaging or for targeted delivery of curcumin to a cell or tissue. The technique can be extend to co-precipitation of mixed metal oxide involving Ni, Mn, Co and Cu oxide. The calcination temperature can be varied from 500-900° C. The nanocombination is functionalized with chitosan, polyacrylic acid, PLGA or another agent to increase its biocompatibility in vivo.

Abstract: This invention relates to antibacterial compounds and compositions thereof. The invention also relates to the use of the compounds and compositions in methods of treating bacterial infections, particularly those bacterial infections including bacteria that exhibit antibiotic resistance. More specifically, the present invention provides a star shaped peptide polymer comprising a multifunctional core with a plurality of terminal arms extending therefrom, wherein the terminal arms are statistical or random peptide copolymers of at least a cationic amino acid residue and a hydrophobic amino acid residue.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions comprising modified oligonucleotides. In some embodiments, the oligonucleotide includes a hydrophobic moiety. In some embodiments, the oligonucleotide includes a vinyl phosphonate. In some embodiments, the oligonucleotide includes modified oligonucleotide sugars such as 2? modified ribose molecules. In some embodiments, the oligonucleotide includes modified internucleoside linkages such as phosphorothioate linkages. In some embodiments, the oligonucleotide includes an siRNA. In some embodiments, the siRNA comprises a duplex region with overhangs on either end.

Abstract: Siderocalin-metal chelator combinations that bind metallic radioisotopes used in nuclear medicine with high affinity are described. The high affinity siderocalin-metal chelator combinations include a number of chelator backbone arrangements with functional groups that coordinate with metals. The siderocalin-metal chelator combinations can be used to deliver radionuclides for imaging and therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: A method for treating a disease in a subject in need thereof is provided involving infusing 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) and a phosphor-containing drug activator into a diseased site in the subject; and delivering a dose of x-rays to the subject for production of the ultraviolet and visible light inside the subject to activate the photoactivatable drug and induce a persistent therapeutic response, the dose including a pulsed sequence of x-rays delivering from 0.5-2 Gy to the tumor, wherein the phosphor-containing drug activator includes an admixture of two or more phosphors capable of emitting ultraviolet and visible light upon interaction with x-rays; the two or more phosphors including Zn2SiO4:Mn2+ and (3Ca3(PO4)2Ca(F, Cl)2:Sb3+, Mn2+) at a ratio (Zn2SiO4:Mn2+):(3Ca3(PO4)2Ca(F, Cl)2:Sb3+, Mn2+)) of from 1:10 to 10:1; wherein each of the two or more phosphors have at least one coating selected from an ethyl cellulose coating or a diamond-like carbon coating.

Abstract: The present invention provides multi-armed high MW polymers containing hydrophilic groups conjugated to Factor VIII, and methods of preparing such polymers.

Abstract: The present invention provides targeting probe, imaging probes, and probes for use as a medicament to treat damaged cartilage, where the probe targets injured tissue and can then be imaged and/or release agents to trigger the migration of surrounding chondrocytes from healthy tissue to injured tissue and/or recruit synovial stem cells.

Abstract: Complexes comprising a coordinated Cu(II) ion are described herein, which are capable of binding to an extracellular portion of Ctr1 such that the complex with the Cu(II) ion is transported through the Ctr1. The complexes may comprise a Cu(II) ion coordinated to a ligand and to a peptide, wherein the peptide is released upon contact of the complex with an extracellular portion of Ctr1, thereby forming a second complex comprising the ligand, the copper ion and the extracellular portion of Ctr1. Further described herein are uses and methods utilizing the complex, in imaging, in radiation therapy, and for determining a redox state of cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions and methods of making high density nucleic acid polymers.

Abstract: The invention relates to new prodrugs of active molecules. These prodrugs allow, in particular, the subcutaneous or intramuscular administration of active molecules of which the subcutaneous or intramuscular administration is problematic or impossible, in particular because of the toxicity at the injection site. The prodrugs according to the invention comprise an active ingredient, covalently linked with a polymer chain, preferably a hydrophilic and/or thermosensitive polymer chain. The invention relates, in particular, to polymeric prodrugs comprising a polymer chain formed at least in part by acrylamide monomer or one of its derivatives, said polymer comprising a proximal part and a terminal part; a first pharmaceutically active molecule covalently coupled to the proximal part of the polymer; possibly a second pharmaceutically active molecule covalently coupled to the terminal part of the polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are semiconducting polymers of formula I and polymeric composite materials containing said polymer, where said polymer displays near-infrared afterglow luminescence. The polymers of formula I have the following structure: where n, m, o, p, A and R1 to R7 are as defined herein, and r is used to denote a random order to the repeating units.

Abstract: Polyphosphate glass microspheres (PGMs) are prepared using a polyphosphate coacervate. PGMs can be loaded with various therapeutic agents and can be used for various medical and dental procedures and treatments.

Abstract: The present invention describes new compounds that are useful for image-guided surgery and photodynamic therapy. In particular the compounds may be targeted to the nucleus or the mitochondria after compounds were delivered to diseased tissues such as cancer using a ligand that target receptor that express on the diseased tissue and followed by receptor mediated endocytosis and provide effective activity against cancer cells as well as other disorders. Methods and compositions for use of the same are described.

Abstract: Provided are methods, imaging agents and kits for determination of the distribution and expression levels of an immune checkpoint ligand (such as PD-L1 or a PD-L1 like ligand) in an individual having a disease or condition. Anti-PD-L1 antibody agents are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention refers to cells from a subpopulation of progenitors of endothelial cells loaded with gold nanoparticles sensitive to excitation with infrared radiation with consequent release of thermal energy, to a composition having a plurality of these cells and to their use in the diagnosis and treatment of solid tumours thanks to the selective localization of the composition in the tumour mass, which can be thus identified easily for diagnostic purposes by marking the cells with appropriate marking agents, or treated by stimulation with pulsed laser beam up to the complete cauterization of the tumour mass for a targeted and highly effective therapeutic action.

Abstract: Provided are a stem cell-nano anticancer drug complex in which an anticancer drug based on carbon nanotubes (CNT) and gold (Au) nano particles is loaded on the surface of stem cells, which can overcome side effects of conventional stem cells and targeting limitations of nano anticancer drugs and whose anticancer effect is very excellent, the use thereof, and a method for preparing the same.

Abstract: The present invention provides nanoparticles comprising: (a) an amphiphilic polymer with a number average molecular weight (Mn) of 20,000 g/mol or less; and (b) a peptide that is covalently linked to the polymer, wherein the peptide comprises 8 to 50 amino acids, including an N-terminal linker sequence comprising at least one Arg amino acid residue and a sequence comprising an MHC binding sequence comprising a T cell receptor epitope. The present invention further comprises compositions comprising respective nanoparticles and a liquid or lyophilized carrier as well as nanoparticles and compositions of the invention for use in inducing tolerance to a therapeutic compound (protein, viral vector, lipid vesicle), an allergen or to an autoantigen or for treating an allergy, an autoimmune disease, an exogenous antigen (transplantation antigens, drugs) or a food intolerance.

Abstract: In one aspect, compositions are described herein. In some embodiments, a composition described herein comprises, consists of, or consists essentially of an MRI-active or MRI-sensitive polymer or oligomer formed from (i) a non-alkoxylated and non-alkenoxylated citric acid, citrate, or ester/amide of citric acid, and optionally an alkoxylated or alkenoxylated citric acid, citrate, or ester/amide of citric acid, (ii) a polyol/polyamine such as a diol/diamine, (iii) a monomer comprising an MRI contrast agent, and (iv) an amino acid monomer. The polymer or oligomer may be photoluminescent and MRI-sensitive. In another aspect, imaging methods utilizing the compositions described herein are described. In another aspect, scaffolds, grafts, and films comprising, consisting of, or consisting essentially of the compositions described herein are described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods related to differentiation of stem cells into pancreatic islet 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.