Abstract: Cancer-testis antigens were simultaneously packaged with CpG adjuvant and incorporated into an E2 nanoparticle platform to increase cancer vaccine efficacy. Also described herein is a combination of checkpoint blockade therapy and the nanoparticle vaccine platform to deliver cancer antigens with adjuvant for treatment of tumors and prevention of future tumors. The nanoparticle vaccine platform includes a protein capsule to which are attached adjuvants in the internal hollow cavity and cancer epitopes to the surface. Whereas single-therapies only increase survival, the combined therapy can both increase survival time as well as prevent tumor development in pre-existing tumor conditions by increasing tumor antigen-specific responses (via the nanoparticle vaccines) while simultaneously blocking checkpoints to remove immune suppression (via immune checkpoint inhibition). Furthermore, tumor rechallenge studies show evidence of T cell memory which can prevent tumor development in some individuals.

Abstract: For applications in drug delivery, “smart” materials have been designed to respond to conditions within microenvironments of tissues or cells. The present invention features stimuli-responsive cross-linked hydrogels that respond to specific metabolites of disease. For example, protein-polymer materials of the present invention are configured to release their drug cargo upon encountering the higher lactate concentrations within tumor microenvironments.

Abstract: Cancer-testis antigens were simultaneously packaged with CpG adjuvant and incorporated into an E2 nanoparticle platform to increase cancer vaccine efficacy. Also described herein is a combination of checkpoint blockade therapy and the nanoparticle vaccine platform to deliver cancer antigens with adjuvant for treatment of tumors and prevention of future tumors. The nanoparticle vaccine platform includes a protein capsule to which are attached adjuvants in the internal hollow cavity and cancer epitopes to the surface. Whereas single-therapies only increase survival, the combined therapy can both increase survival time as well as prevent tumor development in pre-existing tumor conditions by increasing tumor antigen-specific responses (via the nanoparticle vaccines) while simultaneously blocking checkpoints to remove immune suppression (via immune checkpoint inhibition). Furthermore, tumor re-challenge studies show evidence of T cell memory which can prevent tumor development in some individuals.

Abstract: For applications in drug delivery, “smart” materials have been designed to respond to conditions within microenvironments of tissues or cells. The present invention features stimuli-responsive cross-linked hydrogels that respond to specific metabolites of disease. For example, protein-polymer materials of the present invention are configured to release their drug cargo upon encountering the higher lactate concentrations within tumor microenvironments.

Abstract: A process that utilizes a panel of primary monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for cell markers that are directly conjugated to fluorophores (Alexa Fluor dyes and Quantum Dots). The mAb-fluorophore conjugates are used to interrogate the presence or absence and relative level of expression of each of the cell markers using laser scanning confocal microscopy. Complex tissues contain various cellular subsets each of which contribute in different ways to the biological behavior and each of which has, if selected well, a unique pattern of cell marker molecules capable of being identified by monoclonal antibodies and therefore provide a specific phenotype. The cell markers may be cell surface or intracellular in location. The expression patterns of heterogeneous mixtures of cells are detected by the mAb-fluorophore conjugates, and are used to decipher the identity of the cells based on their expression or lack thereof, of the cell markers.

Abstract: A recombinant polynucleotide encoding a Her2/neu target antigen is provided, as is a recombinant Her2/neu target antigen polypeptide. Also provided are methods of using such a recombinant polynucleotide to express a Her2/neu target antigen in a cell. In addition, methods are provided for using the recombinant polynucleotide or the recombinant polypeptide to stimulate an immune response in a subject against cancer that expresses Her2/neu. Methods of making a target antigen also are provided.

Abstract: A recombinant polynucleotide encoding a Her2/neu target antigen is provided, as is a recombinant Her2/neu target antigen polypeptide. Also provided are methods of using such a recombinant polynucleotide to express a Her2/neu target antigen in a cell. In addition, methods are provided for using the recombinant polynucleotide or the recombinant polypeptide to stimulate an immune response in a subject against cancer that expresses Her2/neu. Methods of making a target antigen also are provided.

Abstract: Methods of generating IL-3 expanded populations of monocytes and differentiating the cells into dendritic cells are provided. The methods include use of the dendritic cells to activate T-cells, in vitro and in vivo, and for ex vivo and other therapeutic methods.