Abstract: A composition and method of ex vivo producing genetically modified natural killer (NK) cells is disclosed. The method comprising: (a) downregulating expression of a gene of interest in a population of NK cells so as to obtain a population of NK cells having been genetically modified to down-regulate a gene of interest; (b) expanding the population of NK cells having been genetically modified to down-regulate a gene of interest so as to obtain ex vivo expanded population of NK cells; and (c) upregulating expression of at least one membrane bound protein in the ex vivo expanded population of NK cells. A method of ex vivo producing natural killer (NK) cells expressing at least one membrane bound protein is also disclosed. Pharmaceutical compositions and methods of treatment are also disclosed.

Abstract: A composition and method of ex vivo producing natural killer (NK) cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or a transgenic T cell receptor (tg-TCR) capable of binding HER2 is disclosed. The method comprising: (a) expanding a population of NK cells by a method comprising: (i) culturing the population of NK cells under conditions allowing for cell proliferation, wherein the conditions comprise providing an effective amount of nutrients, serum, IL-15 and nicotinamide; and (ii) supplementing the population of NK cells with an effective amount of fresh nutrients, serum, IL-15 and nicotinamide 5-10 days following step (i) to produce expanded NK cells; so as to obtain an ex vivo expanded population of NK cells, and (b) upregulating expression of a CAR or a tg-TCR capable of binding HER2 in the ex vivo expanded population of NK cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mammalian-avian chimeric model system comprising a fertilized avian egg comprising a chorioallantoic membrane (CAM); and multiple types of mammalian cells dispersed in a hydrogel. Further provided is a method for preparing the system and a method of using the same.

Abstract: An egg sealing unit for an automated biological sample collection system and method of use. The egg sealing unit seals the section of egg from which the shell has been removed. The egg sealing unit includes a sampler, an applicator and an imaging adaptor providing an optical conduit between the surface of an egg and the CAM. The applicator is configured to deliver exogenous material to the CAM, the sampler is configured to collect samples from the CAM and the imaging adaptor allows the CAM to be monitored.

Abstract: An egg sealing unit for an automated biological sample collection system and method of use. The egg sealing unit seals the section of egg from which the shell has been removed. The egg sealing unit includes a sampler, an applicator and an imaging adaptor providing an optical conduit between the surface of an egg and the CAM. The applicator is configured to deliver exogenous material to the CAM, the sampler is configured to collect samples from the CAM and the imaging adaptor allows the CAM to be monitored.

Abstract: An automated biological sample collection system and methods are disclosed. The system comprises an incubator, an applicator and a sampler. The incubator is configured to control the environment of a plurality of eggs, the applicator is configured to deliver exogenous material to the plurality of eggs, at least one sampler is configured to collect samples from the plurality of eggs, invasively or non-invasively and a system controller is operable to drive the various components of the system automatically according to assay specifications and configuration.

Abstract: An automated biological sample collection system and methods are disclosed. The system comprises an incubator, an applicator and a sampler. The incubator is configured to control the environment of a plurality of eggs, the applicator is configured to deliver exogenous material to the plurality of eggs, at least one sampler is configured to collect samples from the plurality of eggs, invasively or non-invasively and a system controller is operable to drive the various components of the system automatically according to assay specifications and configuration.