Abstract: The present invention provides methods for stimulating an immune response to an antigen comprising administering to an individual, an anucleate cell-derived vesicle comprising an antigen and/or an adjuvant. In some embodiments, the anucleate cell-derived vesicle comprising the antigen and/or adjuvant is generated by passing a cell suspension containing an input anucleate cell through a constriction, wherein the constriction deforms the input anucleate cell thereby causing a perturbation of the cell to form an anucleate cell-derived vesicle such that an antigen and/or an adjuvant enters the anucleate cell-derived vesicle. In some embodiments, the anucleate cell-derived vesicle comprising the antigen and/or adjuvant is delivered to an individual and the antigen is delivered to and processed in an immunogenic environment to treat a disease, prevent a disease, and/or vaccinate an individual against an antigen.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a cell culture incubator having a gas flow regulation system that exerts control over atmospheric parameters within the incubator. Particular embodiments include an enclosed environmental chamber and a control unit operably linked thereto, the control unit having an oxygen module and a pressure module. Control unit embodiments, by way of these modules, are configured to regulate both oxygen partial pressure and total gas pressure within the enclosed environmental chamber. Embodiments of the control unit are adapted (a) to provide instructions to the oxygen module to regulate an oxygen level to an instructed hypoxic oxygen level and (b) to provide instructions to the pressure module to regulate total gas pressure to an instructed positive pressure level. The regulation of oxygen to the instructed hypoxic level prevails despite an oxygen partial pressure-increasing effect of the positive pressure condition associated with the instructed positive pressure level.

Abstract: The present application provides enhanced antigen presenting cells comprising an agent that enhances the viability and/or function of the antigen presenting cell and/or an antigen and/or an adjuvant, methods of manufacturing such modified antigen presenting cells, and methods of using such modified antigen presenting cells, such as for modulating an immune response in an individual.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a cell culture incubator having a gas flow regulation system that exerts control over atmospheric parameters within the incubator. Particular embodiments include an enclosed environmental chamber and a control unit operably linked thereto, the control unit having an oxygen module and a pressure module. Control unit embodiments, by way of these modules, are configured to regulate both oxygen partial pressure and total gas pressure within the enclosed environmental chamber. Embodiments of the control unit are adapted (a) to provide instructions to the oxygen module to regulate an oxygen level to an instructed hypoxic oxygen level and (b) to provide instructions to the pressure module to regulate total gas pressure to an instructed positive pressure level. The regulation of oxygen to the instructed hypoxic level prevails despite an oxygen partial pressure-increasing effect of the positive pressure condition associated with the instructed positive pressure level.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for the propagation of a subpopulation of cells. The subpopulation of cells can be grown in specific culture conditions to promote growth and enrichment of the subpopulation of cells. The method can be used to determine biomarkers, and guide treatment of cancer patients.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a cell culture incubator having a gas flow regulation system that exerts control over atmospheric parameters within the incubator. Particular embodiments include an enclosed environmental chamber and a control unit operably linked thereto, the control unit having an oxygen module and a pressure module. Control unit embodiments, by way of these modules, are configured to regulate both oxygen partial pressure and total gas pressure within the enclosed environmental chamber. Embodiments of the control unit are adapted (a) to provide instructions to the oxygen module to regulate an oxygen level to an instructed hypoxic oxygen level and (b) to provide instructions to the pressure module to regulate total gas pressure to an instructed positive pressure level. The regulation of oxygen to the instructed hypoxic level prevails despite an oxygen partial pressure-increasing effect of the positive pressure condition associated with the instructed positive pressure level.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for increasing transfection efficiency of cells. The present invention further provides a method for increasing the efficiency of stem cell reprogramming.