Abstract: Provided herein are cell-distancing devices that protect cells that comprise them against host immune response when administered in a host. The disclosed cell-distancing devices engage with host immune cells and reduce their activity against cells that comprise the devices. Compositions of cell-distancing devices, cells comprising cell-distancing devices, and method of making and using such compositions are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel blocking chimeric antigen receptors (“bCARs”) and immune cells (e.g., effector and regulatory immune cells) that express such bCARs. Such blocking CARs prevent undesired activation of the immune cells, particularly undesired activation of the immune cells against normal tissue in therapeutic applications. Thus, such bCARs advantageously allow for selective immune cell activation only upon interaction with specific target cells (e.g., tumor cell).

Abstract: A synthetic nucleic acid expression system for production of a transcript of interest in a predefined cell-state is provided, the system comprising (a) a first nucleic acid sequence comprising a first promoter operably linked to a nucleic acid sequence encoding a first trans-spliceable pre-mRNA sequence comprising at least one exon encoding a 5? fragment of said transcript of interest and a first RNA sequence required for spliceosome-dependent trans-splicing; and (b) a second nucleic acid sequence comprising a second promoter operably linked to a nucleic acid sequence encoding a second trans-spliceable pre-mRNA sequence comprising at least one exon encoding a 3? fragment of said transcript of interest and a second RNA sequence required for spliceosome-dependent trans-splicing; wherein said first promoter and said second promoter are different and each one is specifically regulated by said predefined cell-state.

Abstract: A nucleic acid molecule encoding an activating chimeric antigen receptor (aCAR) comprising at least one signal transduction element derived from CD40 is provided.

Abstract: Nucleic acid molecules comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding an activating chimeric antigen receptor (aCARs) are provided, said aCARs comprising (i) an extracellular binding-domain specifically binding an antigen selected from an antigen of the commensal gut microflora and a self-cell surface antigen specific to the lamina propria (LP) or submucosa of the gastrointestinal tract; (ii) a transmembrane domain; (iii) an intracellular domain including at least one signal transduction element that activates and/or co-stimulates a T cell; and optionally (iv) a stalk region linking the extracellular domain and the transmembrane domain.

Abstract: A nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a homodimeric IL-10 linked to a transmembrane-intracellular stretch, optionally through a flexible hinge, is provided as well as a mammalian regulatory T cell (Treg) comprising and expressing the nucleic acid molecule and uses thereof.

Abstract: A nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a homodimeric IL-10 linked to a transmembrane-intracellular stretch, optionally through a flexible hinge, is provided as well as a mammalian regulatory T cell (Treg) comprising and expressing the nucleic acid molecule and uses thereof.