Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising an anti-CD7 chimeric activating receptor (CAR) and an anti-CD7 protein expression blocker, and methods of using such compositions in cancer therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chimeric receptor capable of signaling both a primary and a co-stimulatory pathway, thus allowing activation of the co-stimulatory pathway without binding to the natural ligand. The cytoplasmic domain of the receptor contains a portion of the 4-1BB signaling domain. Embodiments of the invention relate to polynucleotides that encode the receptor, vectors and host cells encoding a chimeric receptor, particularly including T cells and natural killer (NK) cells and methods of use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to genetically engineered cell populations derived from an immortalised/cancerous cell that do not express MHC class I molecules but that are modified to express membrane-bound IL-15, membrane-bound 4-1 BBL ligand, and at least one other membrane bound molecule, such as an interleukin or anti-CD3 antibody. The co-culture of said cells with a population of immune cells results in the activation and expansion of at least one subpopulation of immune cells. Expanded populations of NK cells derived from the co-culture of a mixed cell culture with the stimulatory cell lines may be used in methods of treating cancer or an infectious disease. In a separate embodiment, a plurality of nucleic acids for use in preparing the engineered cell population are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a chimeric receptor comprising NKG2D, DAP10 and CD3 zeta. Also disclosed is a composition comprising this chimeric receptor and methods for making and using it to enhance the cytotoxicity and antitumor capacity of NK cells. The invention also encompasses methods for use of NKG2D-DAP10-CD3 zeta polypeptides, vectors and cells in methods for treating cancer and other proliferative disorders, as well as infectious diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising a protein expression blocker or PEBL comprising a target-binding molecule and localizing domain, and methods of using such compositions in cancer therapy. PEBLs are useful as a blockade of expression of target surface receptors (peptides or antigens) in immune cells. Also provided herein are CD3/TCR??-deficient T cells and CD3/TCR??-deficient chimeric antigen receptor T cells that express such PEBLs.

Abstract: Methods for detecting the presence of proteins in a subject are described. The proteins detected can be indicative of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The proteins can be particularly useful for monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD) in AML.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in certain aspects, a natural killer (NK) cell that expresses all or a functional portion of interleukin-15 (IL-15), and methods for producing such cells. The invention further provides methods of using a natural killer (NK) cell that expresses all or a functional portion of interleukin-15 (IL-15) to treat cancer in a subject or to enhance expansion and/or survival of NK cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using a receptor (e.g., chimeric antigen receptor—CAR) that activates an immune response upon binding a cancer cell ligand in conjunction with a target-binding molecule that targets a protein or molecule for removal or neutralization to generate enhanced anti-cancer immune cells. The present invention also relates to engineered immune cells having enhanced therapeutic efficacy and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chimeric receptor capable of signaling both a primary and a co-stimulatory pathway, thus allowing activation of the co-stimulatory pathway without binding to the natural ligand. The cytoplasmic domain of the receptor contains a portion of the 4-1BB signaling domain. Embodiments of the invention relate to polynucleotides that encode the receptor, vectors and host cells encoding a chimeric receptor, particularly including T cells and natural killer (NK) cells and methods of use.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising a protein expression blocker or PEBL comprising a target-binding molecule and localizing domain, and methods of using such compositions in cancer therapy. PEBLs are useful as a blockade of expression of target surface receptors (peptides or antigens) in immune cells. Also provided herein are CD3/TCR??-deficient T cells and CD3/TCR??-deficient chimeric antigen receptor T cells that express such PEBLs.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in certain aspects, a natural killer (NK) cell that expresses all or a functional portion of interleukin-15 (IL-15), and methods for producing such cells. The invention further provides methods of using a natural killer (NK) cell that expresses all or a functional portion of interleukin-15 (IL-15) to treat cancer in a subject or to enhance expansion and/or survival of NK cells.

Abstract: Several embodiments disclosed herein relate to the compositions comprising engineered Natural Killer (NK) cells that express a chimeric receptor, the chimeric receptor imparting to the NK cells an enhanced ability to target specific cells, such as cancerous cells or those affected by an infectious disease. Several embodiments relate to NK cells that target cells expressing natural ligands of NKG2D, where the NK cells comprise transmembrane and/or signaling domains that lead to cytotoxic and/or cytolytic effects when the NK cells bind a target cell. Uses of NK cell compositions to treat diseases are also provided for in several embodiments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using a receptor (e.g., chimeric antigen receptor—CAR) that activates an immune response upon binding a cancer cell ligand in conjunction with a target-binding molecule that targets a protein or molecule for removal or neutralization to generate enhanced anti-cancer immune cells. The present invention also relates to engineered immune cells having enhanced therapeutic efficacy and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising an anti-CD7 chimeric activating receptor (CAR) and an anti-CD7 protein expression blocker, and methods of using such compositions in cancer therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of using a receptor (e.g., chimeric antigen receptor—CAR) that activates an immune response upon binding a cancer cell ligand in conjunction with a target-binding molecule that targets a protein or molecule for removal or neutralization to generate enhanced anti-cancer immune cells. The present invention also relates to engineered immune cells having enhanced therapeutic efficacy and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising an anti-CD7 chimeric activating receptor (CAR) and an anti-CD7 protein expression blocker, and methods of using such compositions in cancer therapy.

Abstract: The invention relates to an in vivo functional ligands (IFLs) including a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) domain, a fragment crystallizable (Fc) domain, and a hinge domain joining the scFv and Fc domains The IFLs specifically bind target receptors and are capable of triggering antibody-dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC), antibody-dependent cell phagocytosis (ADCP) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), as well as cytokine stimulation. The IFLs may be joined to a chimeric antigen receptor via a self-cleaving peptide. The IFLs may be expressed in immune cells, such as a natural killer cell or a T lymphocyte. Vectors, host cells, and methods of making IFLs are also described.

Abstract: Several embodiments disclosed herein relate to the compositions comprising engineered Natural Killer (NK) cells that express a chimeric receptor, the chimeric receptor imparting to the NK cells an enhanced ability to target specific cells, such as cancerous cells or those affected by an infectious disease. Several embodiments relate to NK cells that target cells expressing natural ligands of NKG2D, where the NK cells comprise transmembrane and/or signaling domains that lead to cytotoxic and/or cytolytic effects when the NK cells bind a target cell. Uses of NK cell compositions to treat diseases are also provided for in several embodiments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vector encoding a wildtype or truncated form of erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) to promote T cell survival and proliferation. Specifically, it exemplifies a bicistronic vector that expresses a truncated EpoR with an anti-CD19-41 BB-003? chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that has a greater ex vivo expansion than CAR-T cells and demonstrates a significantly higher anti-leukemic activity in vivo. It also describes the method of producing cells expressing said vector and the use of these cells to kill CD19+ tumour cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides engineered immune cells comprising an anti-CD2 protein expression blocker (PEBL) and an anti-CD2 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). In some embodiments, such engineered immune cells lack surface expression CD2. Also, provided herein are methods of using such cells in cancer therapies.