Abstract: Yes-associated protein (Yap), a downstream co-activator of the Hippo pathway, is highly expressed in the Treg cell subset, and is critical to maintain its suppressive activity. Originally discovered in Drosophila melanogaster, the Hippo signaling pathway is a major regulator of cellular growth and proliferation in mammals. Loss of Yap expression in Treg cells can lead to superior anti-tumor immune responses, and thus, Yap is an important immunotherapeutic target for cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating cancer by targeting the Activin signaling pathway. In certain embodiments, combining Activin blockade with immunomodulation alters regulatory T (Treg) cell-mediated immune regulation and treats cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating cancer by targeting the Activin signaling pathway. In certain embodiments, combining Activin blockade with immunomodulation alters regulatory T (Treg) cell-mediated immune regulation and treats cancer.

Abstract: We demonstrate herein that neuritin controls the homeostasis of regulatory T cells in an antigen dependent manner. Based on this discovery, we describe herein the application of neuritin as a therapeutic agent to manipulate antigen specific regulatory T cells in various disease settings is described. Thus manipulation of Treg cells and DCs through neuritin can be used to enhance immunotherapy of autoimmune diseases, cancer and infectious diseases, as well as enhance lymphocyte engraftment in settings of donor lymphocyte infusion, bone marrow transplant, as well as other types of transplants, and adoptive transfer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions and methods for treating cancer by targeting the Activin signaling pathway. In certain embodiments, combining Activin blockade with immunomodulation alters regulatory T (Treg) cell-mediated immune regulation and treats cancer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel compositions and methods to produce 3D organ equivalents of the brain (i.e. “mini-brains”). The invention also relates to methods of using human induced pluripotent stem cells, a combination of growth and other soluble factors and gyratory shaking. Cells from healthy or diseased donors or animals can be used to allow testing different genetic backgrounds. The model can be further enhanced by using genetically modified cells, adding micro-glia or their precursors or indicator cells (e.g. with reporter genes or tracers) as well as adding endothelial cells to form a blood-brain-barrier.

Abstract: Yes-associated protein (Yap), a downstream co-activator of the Hippo pathway, is highly expressed in the Treg cell subset, and is critical to maintain its suppressive activity. Originally discovered in Drosophila melanogaster, the Hippo signaling pathway is a major regulator of cellular growth and proliferation in mammals. Loss of Yap expression in Treg cells can lead to superior anti-tumor immune responses, and thus, Yap is an important immunotherapeutic target for cancer.