Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery of a role of the nuclear receptor retinoid-related orphan receptor gamma (RORgamma) in tumor suppression. The introduction and expression of RORgamma result in genes activation within innate immune cells that trigger recognition and suppression of tumor cells. Thus, in various embodiments described herein, the invention encompasses a composition or a cell comprising a viral vector comprising nucleic acid sequences encoding RORgamma under the control of a neutrophil specific promoter. Additionally, the invention relates to methods of treating cancer by administering to a subject a composition that confers or increases innate immune cell anti-tumor immunity, methods for providing anti-tumor immunity in a subject, methods of stimulating innate immune response to a cell population or a tissue in a mammal and methods of diagnosing anti-tumor immunity response. Furthermore, the invention encompasses a kit for carrying out the aforementioned methods.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the identification of a series of biomarkers, the detection of which is prognostic for women at risk of becoming hyperglycemic during pregnancy and/or fetuses at risk of developing congenital anomalies as a result of maternal hyperglycemia.

Abstract: Genetically engineered cells are provided which can serve as universal donor cells in such applications as reconstruction of vascular linings or the administration of therapeutic agents. The cells include a coding region which provides protection against complement-based lysis, i.e., hyperacute rejection. In addition, the cell's natural genome is changed so that functional proteins encoded by either the class II or both the class I and the class II major histocompatibility complex genes do not appear on the cell's surface. In this way, attack by T-cells is avoided. Optionally, the cells can include a self-destruction mechanism so that they can be removed from the host when no longer needed.

Abstract: Genetically engineered cells are provided which can serve as universal donor cells in such applications as reconstruction of vascular linings or the administration of therapeutic agents. The cells include a coding region which provides protection against complement-based lysis, i.e., hyperacute rejection. In addition, the cell's natural genome is changed so that functional proteins encoded by either the class II or both the class I and the class II major histocompatibility complex genes do not appear on the cell's surface. In this way, attack by T-cells is avoided. Optionally, the cells can include a self-destruction mechanism so that they can be removed from the host when no longer needed.

Abstract: Genetically engineered cells are provided which can serve as universal donor cells in such applications as reconstruction of vascular linings or the administration of therapeutic agents. The cells include a coding region which provides protection against complement-based lysis, i.e., hyperacute rejection. In addition, the cell's natural genome is changed so that functional proteins encoded by either the class II or both the class I and the class II major histocompatibility complex genes do not appear on the cell's surface. In this way, attack by T-cells is avoided. Optionally, the cells can include a self-destruction mechanism so that they can be removed from the host when no longer needed.

Abstract: Genetically engineered endothelial cells which exhibit enhanced cell migration and enhanced urokinase-type plasminogen activator (u-PA) activity are provided. The cells are modified by incorporation of the coding sequence for the c-src gene so that the cells express elevated levels of the tyrosine kinase protein, pp60.sup.c-src. The C-src gene is a naturally occurring gene which appears to be present in all animal species and is highly conserved. Because of their enhanced migration rates, the modified cells can be used to efficiently seed denuded segments of vessels or natural or synthetic grafts prior to implantation. Because of their enhanced u-PA activity, the cells can reduce the probability of thrombus formation at sites of vessel damage, such as that produced during such surgical procedures as coronary angioplasty and vessel reconstruction with grafts, stents, or the like.