Abstract: A method of generating a population of genetically modified veto cells is disclosed. The method comprising: (a) providing a population of cells comprising T cells, the T cells comprising at least 40% memory CD8+ T cells; (b) culturing the population of cells comprising T cells with an antigen or antigens under conditions which allow enrichment of tolerance-inducing antigen-specific cells having a central memory T-lymphocyte (Tcm) phenotype, the cells being depleted of graft versus host (GVH) reactivity; and (c) transducing the cells with a polynucleotide encoding a heterologous cell surface receptor comprising a T cell receptor signaling module, thereby generating the population of genetically modified veto cells.

Abstract: A method of treating or preventing a T cell mediated autoimmune disease in a subject in need thereof is disclosed. The method comprising: (a) transplanting immature hematopoietic cells into the subject; and (b) administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of an isolated population of non-GVHD inducing anti-third party cells comprising cells having a central memory T-lymphocyte (Tcm) phenotype, the cells being tolerance inducing cells and capable of homing to the lymph nodes following transplantation.