Abstract: The development of the method of the invention enables the efficient and reproducible production of genetically modified GMP-grade human macrophages. The inventors have described the effects of the method described on cell viability and efficiency of introduction of genetic material into macrophages. Unlike previous methods of introducing genetic material into macrophages, excellent conditions are demonstrated which produce efficient transgene expression, without compromising cell viability. Critically, the method of the invention does not use virus to introduce genetic material, is efficacious on mature cells, are functional with in vitro assay and in vivo transfer in a liver disease model and complies with practices compatible with manufacture and delivery of these cells to patients.

Abstract: The improved 4-5 day, optionally 3-5 day GMP-compliant in-vitro method enables the production of macrophages from monocytes that benefits from a shorter cell culture time, fewer interventions whilst maintaining the desired characteristics of the human macrophages. The present invention describes a method wherein the monocytes are cultured in medium comprising one or more growth actors to stimulate macrophages with a pro-regenerative phenotype. The method described herein is xeno-free, serum-free and GMP compliant. In addition, further disclosed are macrophages produced according to the present invention and the use of said macrophages in the treatment of liver diseases, such as liver cirrhosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of improving the viability of macrophages subjected to cryopreservation, particularly for macrophages which are to be used in therapy, wherein the method comprises a step of maintaining the macrophages at a temperature of 2-12° C. for at least 30 minutes during either freezing or thawing procedures. Following the holding step during cooling, a cooling rate of 1 to 5° C. is used until the macrophages in a medium are frozen. For thawing the macrophages, a warming rate of 1 to 5° C. per minute is used until a temperature of 35-37° C. is reached. The present invention further relates to the cryopreserved macrophages, and the thawed macrophages produced by such methods. The technique may provide macrophages that are GMP-compliant and have a viability of at least 60%.

Abstract: A weapon mount for controlling targeting of a weapon includes a base, an arm that extends from the base, and an attachment component that is rotatably coupled with the arm. The base is attachable to a platform and is rotatable to control a yaw of the weapon relative to the platform. The attachment component is configured to couple with the weapon and is rotatable to control a pitch of the weapon relative to the platform. The arm is positioned relative to the base so that a recoil vector of the weapon is within 0.5 inches radially of an axis of rotation of the base.

Abstract: A trigger device that is attachable to a firearm includes a device body, a trigger mechanism, and a safety mechanism. The trigger device is configured to enable remote firing of the firearm. The device body that is attachable to the firearm to removably couple the trigger device to the firearm. The trigger mechanism is coupled with the device body and is configured to engage a trigger of the firearm to effect firing of the firearm. The safety mechanism is also coupled with the device body and is configured to engage a safety of the firearm to adjust the firearm between a firing mode and a safe mode.

Abstract: A weapon mount for controlling targeting of a weapon includes a base, an arm that extends from the base, and an attachment component that is rotatably coupled with the arm. The base is attachable to a platform and is rotatable to control a yaw of the weapon relative to the platform. The attachment component is configured to couple with the weapon and is rotatable to control a pitch of the weapon relative to the platform. The arm is positioned relative to the base so that a recoil vector of the weapon is within 0.5 inches radially of an axis of rotation of the base.

Abstract: A weapon mount for controlling targeting of a weapon includes a base, an arm that extends from the base, and an attachment component that is rotatably coupled with the arm. The base is attachable to a platform and is rotatable to control a yaw of the weapon relative to the platform. The attachment component is configured to couple with the weapon and is rotatable to control a pitch of the weapon relative to the platform. The arm is positioned relative to the base so that a recoil vector of the weapon is within 0.5 inches radially of an axis of rotation of the base.

Abstract: A trigger device that is attachable to a firearm includes a device body, a trigger mechanism, and a safety mechanism. The trigger device is configured to enable remote firing of the firearm. The device body that is attachable to the firearm to removably couple the trigger device to the firearm. The trigger mechanism is coupled with the device body and is configured to engage a trigger of the firearm to effect firing of the firearm. The safety mechanism is also coupled with the device body and is configured to engage a safety of the firearm to adjust the firearm between a firing mode and a safe mode.