Abstract: Disclosed is a biological anti-tumor approach that delivers specific antigen stimulation in the presence of co-stimulatory signals to the immune system. Tumor cells are engineered such that processed antigens and co-stimulatory molecules are incorporated into virus-like particles capable of modulating immune responses without cellular entry and nucleic acid genomic host cell integration. The invention describes constructing antigen presenting particles that will themselves present tumor antigens in an immunogenic fashion to therapeutically activate anti-tumor immunity within a mammalian host.

Abstract: Disclosed is a mesenchymal stem cell and/or cell of the adipocyte lineage that (i) has been modified to have at least one exogenous antigen bound to at least one primary surface molecule of said cell such that said at least one antigen can initiate an immune response and (ii) also expresses at least one co-stimulatory molecule. The antigen is preferably a protein, polypeptide, lipid or glycolipid. The primary surface molecule is MHC I, MHC II or CD1. Also disclosed is a method for stimulating presentation of at least one exogenous antigen fragment on a mesenchymal stem cell primary surface molecule by contacting a mesenchymal stem cell that is capable of expressing at least one co-stimulatory molecule with (i) an exogenous antigen or (ii) genetic material that codes for the exogenous antigen which the mesenchymal stem cell processes into at least one antigen fragment. The method can further include contacting the mesenchymal stem cell with interferon-?.

Abstract: Disclosed is a generalized protein delivery system that (i) contain one or more recombinant molecule(s) that are expressed on a cellular surface and (ii) incorporated and/or associated with a particle that does not require cellular entry for delivery. The recombinant protein is preferably a protein, peptide, and/or antibody. The particle is preferably a virus-like-particle devoid of any intrinsic infectivity. Also disclosed is a method for formation and production of the particles able to carry at least one recombinant molecule. In addition, methods are disclosed for the delivery of the recombinant particles into a mammalian host for the prophylactic therapeutic treatment and/or as a diagnostic reagent for human diseases.

Abstract: This application provides a method to establish and construct cell lines expressing pathogens without destruction of the host cells. The invention allows for the formation of cell lines for the purpose of continuous expression, release, and harvesting of the pathogen and maintain the consistency of the final biological pro duct Although the invention is intended for pathogen antigen expression, the invention allows for the production of any antigen by the described methods. The establishment of a chronically infected celline can be used for reagent, diagnostic, quantification, or vaccine purposes. We have used the procedure to select for a host cell line that naturally adapts to HIV-1 replication without affecting the host cell's ability to survive. This allowed for the establishmentof a chronic HIV-1 expressing cell line that continuously expresses HIV-1 particles.

Abstract: A carrier assembly includes an internal pressurized fluid circuit applying positioning forces to a ring extension. Also included is an internal diaphragm having a flexible portion providing gimbal action for the carrier assembly. The pressure between the diaphragm and a pressure plate changes the surface curvature of the pressure plate in a controlled manner. An automatic ring extension is also provided.

Abstract: The carrier assembly includes an internal pressurized fluid circuit which places an incompressible fluid layer between a pressure plate and an internal diaphragm. The internal diaphragm has a flexible portion providing gimbal action for the carrier assembly. The diaphragm and hydrostatic forces of the internal fluid circuitry combine to form a gimbal action exhibiting low friction, but which is otherwise rigid in other axes.