Abstract: The technology relates generally to the field of immunology and relates in part to methods for activating cells, including for example T cells and T cells that express chimeric antigen receptors, using an inducible chimeric polypeptide including CD40, MyD88, or CD40 and MyD88 polypeptides. The technology further relates in part to therapeutic methods for inducing an immune response and treating tumors in a patient.

Abstract: The technology relates in part to compositions comprising modified caspase-9 polypeptides, compositions comprising nucleic acids coding for modified caspase-9 polypeptides, chimeric modified caspase-9 polypeptides, and methods of use thereof, including methods for cell therapy. Methods for cell therapy include modifying transfused cells to express an inducible modified caspase-9 protein, with reduced basal activity in the absence of the inducer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition and method which to treat diseases and to enhance a regulated immune response. More particularly, the present invention is drawn to compositions that are based on dendritic cells modified to express an inducible form of a co-stimulatory polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition and method which to treat diseases and to enhance a regulated immune response. More particularly, the present invention is drawn to compositions that are based on dendritic cells modified to express an inducible form of a co-stimulatory polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition and method which to treat diseases and to enhance a regulated immune response. More particularly, the present invention is drawn to compositions that are based on dendritic cells modified to express an inducible form of a co-stimulatory polypeptide.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for treating a solid tumor in a subject in need thereof by activating an immune response against a tumor antigen. Also provided are methods for treating a solid tumor in a subject in need thereof by activating antigen-presenting cells and eliciting an immune response against a tumor antigen. Also provided herein are optimized therapeutic treatments of solid tumors, which comprise determining the presence, absence or amount of a biomarker after the therapy has been administered, and determining whether a subsequent dose of the therapy should be maintained, increased, or decreased based on the biomarker assessment.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for treating a solid tumor in a subject in need thereof by activating an immune response against a tumor antigen. Also provided are methods for treating a solid tumor in a subject in need thereof by activating antigen-presenting cells and eliciting an immune response against a tumor antigen. Also provided herein are optimized therapeutic treatments of solid tumors, which comprise determining the presence, absence or amount of a biomarker after the therapy has been administered, and determining whether a subsequent dose of the therapy should be maintained, increased, or decreased based on the biomarker assessment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition and method which to treat diseases and to enhance a regulated immune response. More particularly, the present invention is drawn to compositions that are based on dendritic cells modified to express an inducible form of a co-stimulatory polypeptide.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition and method which to treat diseases and to enhance a regulated immune response. More particularly, the present invention is drawn to compositions that are based on dendritic cells modified to express an inducible form of a co-stimulatory polypeptide.

Abstract: A method to predict benign prostatic hyperplasia symptom progression, acute urinary retention, need for surgical intervention and/or prostate cancer development in patients is provided.

Abstract: The present invention regards expression profiles of one or more nucleic acids indicative of the presence of, susceptibility to, and/or predicting response to therapy of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in an individual. The present invention identifies pathways not previously associated with BPH, therefore presenting novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets for the condition.

Abstract: A method for predicting the probability or risk of prostate cancer is provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a composition and method which to treat diseases and to enhance a regulated immune response. More particularly, the present invention is drawn to compositions that are based on dendritic cells modified to express an inducible form of a co-stimulatory polypeptide.

Abstract: A substantially pure and isolated novel form of prostate specific antigen (PSA) is provided. The novel form of PSA of the present invention comprises at least one clip at Lys 182 of the amino acid sequence of a mature form of PSA. Preferably, the novel form of PSA additionally comprises one or more clips at a location selected from a group consisting of Ile 1, Lys 145, and Lys 146. More preferably, the form of PSA contains at least two clips at Lys 145 and Lys 182 of the amino acid sequence of a mature form of PSA. The novel forms of PSA exist at an elevated level in patients suspected of having benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and therefore may be used as a serum mark or an immunohistological marker to help distinguish BPH from prostate cancer. Antibodies recognizing the novel forms of PSA and immunoassays that detect and determine the novel forms of PSA of the present invention in a sample are also provided.

Abstract: A substantially pure and isolated novel form of prostate specific antigen (PSA) is provided. The novel form of PSA of the present invention comprises at least one clip at Lys 182 of the amino acid sequence of a mature form of PSA. Preferably, the novel form of PSA additionally comprises one or more clips at a location selected from a group consisting of Ile 1, Lys 145, and Lys 146. More preferably, the form of PSA contains at least two clips at Lys 145 and Lys 182 of the amino acid sequence of a mature form of PSA. The novel forms of PSA exist at an elevated level in patients suspected of having benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and therefore may be used as a serum mark or an immunohistological marker to help distinguish BPH from prostate cancer. Antibodies recognizing the novel forms of PSA and immunoassays that detect and determine the novel forms of PSA of the present invention in a sample are also provided.

Abstract: A method of distinguishing prostate cancer from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is provided. The mathematical combination or ratio of proPSA and BPSA serum or tissue markers may be used for distinguishing benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) from prostate cancer. It is the discovery of the present invention that BPSA is preferentially elevated in transition zone prostate tissue whereas pPSA is elevated in the peripheral zone of prostate tissue. A kit for aiding in distinguishing BPH from prostate cancer is also provided.