Abstract: The present disclosure relates to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods comprising (i) obtaining a baseline chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI image of a patient, (ii) administering an effective amount of a non-nutritive sweetener to the patient, and (iii) obtaining one or more test CEST MRI image of the patient subsequent to the administering step (ii); wherein the step (i) and (iii) acquisition parameters are substantially the same. The non-nutritive sweetener may include a natural or artificial sugar alcohol, polyol, or combinations or derivatives thereof.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure provides systems, compositions, and methods for regulating expression or activity of an endogenous cytokine of a cell. In some cases, the present disclosure provides a system comprising an actuator moiety capable of complexing with a target gene encoding the endogenous cytokine to regulate expression or activity of the endogenous cytokine. The actuator moiety can be heterologous to the cell. The actuator moiety can be activatable upon exposing the cell to an external stimulus. Upon the exposure of the cell to the external stimulus, the actuator moiety can be activated to regulate expression or activity of the endogenous cytokine.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for assessing activity of engineered cells, such as engineered immune cells by using non-cellular substrates. Also described herein are methods for determining suitability of the engineered cells for treatment (e.g., via administration of the engineered cells) of a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods comprising (i) obtaining a baseline chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) MRI image of a patient, (ii) administering an effective amount of a non-nutritive sweetener to the patient, and (iii) obtaining one or more test CEST MRI image of the patient subsequent to the administering step (ii); wherein the step (i) and (iii) acquisition parameters are substantially the same. The non-nutritive sweetener may include a natural or artificial sugar alcohol, polyol, or combinations or derivatives thereof.