Abstract: The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to be a threat to global public health. While some individuals exhibit mild symptoms, others develop severe disease leading to severe lymphopenia and death. Provided herein are methods for determining whether a subject suffering from a SARS-Cov-2 infection is more likely to suffer from severe or mild disease. Also provided are methods for predicting whether a subject suffering from a SARS-Cov-2 infection with mild disease will progress to more severe disease and methods for treating patients having an infection via SARS-Cov-2 and related family members.

Abstract: Provided herein are Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) polypeptides, polynucleotides encoding the CARs, host cells containing or expressing the CARs and polynucleotides and methods of use to treat viral infections such as COVID or cancers in patients in need thereof.

Abstract: The present application generally relates to the discovery that glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) is an upstream signalling molecule that controls PD-1 transcription and Tbet expression by immune cells and in particular T-cells. Based on this discovery, and in view of the known immunosuppressive effect of PD-1 on immunity and the promoting effect of Tbet on T cell immunity, the present invention relates to the use of GSK-3 inhibitors to promote immunity, including cytotoxic T cell immunity in subjects in need thereof, especially subjects with chronic conditions wherein inhibiting PD-1 expression and/or blockade or Tbet up-regulation is therapeutically desirable such as cancer and infectious conditions. Further, based on this discovery the present invention relates to the use of compounds which promote GSK-3 expression or activity to suppress immunity, especially aberrant T cell immunity in subjects in need thereof, e.g.

Abstract: The invention concerns the identification of a pathway where the co-receptor CD28 inactivates glycogen synthase 3 (GSK-3) and where a reagent that inhibits GSK-3 can enhance, or substitute for CD28-dependent T-cell mediated immune responses. Altered T-cell responses are applied to increased proliferation, cytokine production and in the generation of increased cytolytic T-cell responses (CTLs) in the context of infection by virus', bacterial, fungi or prions. For example, the use of GSK-3 inhibitor SB415286 preferentially cooperated with CD28 costimulation to increase interleukin 2 (IL-2) transcription, and to provide CD28-replacement signals leading to increased IL-2 transcription. Similarly, inhibitors SB415286 and lithium chloride increased the CD28-dependent generation of cytolytic T-cell responses (CTLs) against a virally or baterially infected cells.

Abstract: This invention concerns alteration of the interaction of PTKs and T-cell receptors. We have found that PTKs and T-cell receptors are complexed within the T-cell and the formation of this complex dictates the susceptibility of the T-cell to activation and to infection by viruses such as HIV. The nature of the interaction between the kinase and the T-cell receptor in a human is also related to the potential for cancer cell formation in that human, and to susceptibility to an autoimmune disease. Modified p56.sup.lck and transfected mammalian cells expressing the same are disclosed.

Abstract: This invention concerns alteration of the interaction of PTKs and T-cell receptors. We have found that PTKs and T-cell receptors are complexed within the T-cell and the formation of this complex dictates the susceptibility of the T-cell to activation and to infection by viruses such as HIV. The nature of the interaction between the kinase and the T-cell receptor in a human is also related to the potential for cancer cell formation in that human, and to susceptibility to an autoimmune disease. Modified CD4 and CD8 T cell receptors and transfected mammalian cells expressing the same are disclosed.

Abstract: An essentially purified antigen comprising a protein present in the T-cells of Aotus trivirgatus having molecular weights of 140 KD and 105 KD under reducing conditions and 120 KD and 90 KD under non-reducing conditions, antibodies against this antigen, and a method of using these antibodies to activate T-cells. The antibodies are able to induce T-cell activation in synergy with phorbol myristate acetate alone and with antibody against the T 11.sub.3 epitope of T 11 (CD.sub.2) antigen alone.