Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a biodegradable particle comprising a polyester or polyester blend, a first protein that binds to an immune cell, and a second protein that promotes proliferation and/or activation of immune cells, and a third soluble protein or small molecule encapsulated within the particle. The second protein is a fusion protein comprising at least a portion of an antibody and at least a portion of a cytokine (i.e., an immunocytokine). The disclosure also is directed to methods for treating a disease or condition in a subject (e.g., an autoimmune disease) comprising administering the aforementioned biodegradable particle to the subject.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials for targeted expansion of immune effector (Eff) T cells. For example, a composition containing one or more amino acid chains (e.g., one or more single-chain antibody/cytokine fusion proteins (immunocytokines)) that can bind to a heterodimeric receptor including an interleukin-2 receptor-? (IL-2R?) polypeptide and a common gamma chain (?c) polypeptide (e.g., an IL-2R?/?c polypeptide complex) can be administered to a mammal to stimulate Effs within the mammal to activate an immune response in that mammal. In some cases, methods and materials that can be used to treat a mammal having a condition that can benefit from activating an immune response (e.g., a cancer and/or an infectious disease) are provided. For example, a composition containing one or more single-chain immunocytokines that can bind to an IL-2R?/?c polypeptide complex can be administered to a mammal having a cancer and/or an infectious disease to treat the mammal.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a biodegradable particle comprising a polyester or polyester blend, a first protein that binds to an immune cell, and a second protein that promotes proliferation and/or activation of immune cells, and a third soluble protein or small molecule encapsulated within the particle. The second protein is a fusion protein comprising at least a portion of an antibody and at least a portion of a cytokine (i.e., an immunocytokine). The disclosure also is directed to methods for treating a disease or condition in a subject (e.g., an autoimmune disease) comprising administering the aforementioned biodegradable particle to the subject.