Abstract: Compositions and methods concern the sequence modification of an endogenous genomic DNA region. Certain aspects relate to a method for site-specific sequence modification of a target genomic DNA region in cells comprising: contacting the cells with an activating composition; transfecting the cells with a transfection composition comprising (a) donor DNA and (b) a DNA digesting agent; wherein the donor DNA comprises: (i) a homologous region comprising nucleic acid sequence homologous to the target genomic DNA region; and (ii) a sequence modification region; and wherein the genomic DNA sequence is modified specifically at the target genomic DNA region.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the transient modification of cells. In particular embodiments, the cells are immune systems, such as PBMC, PBL, T (CD3+ and/or CD8+) and Natural Killer (NK) cells. The modified cells provide a population of cells that express a genetically engineered chimeric receptor which can be administered to a patient therapeutically. The present invention further relates to methods that deliver mRNA coding for the chimeric receptor to unstimulated resting PBMC, PBL, T (CD3+ and/or CD8+) and NK cells and which delivers the mRNA efficiently to the transfected cells and promotes significant target cell killing.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for reducing nucleotide oxidation during electroporation, specifically the use of free radical scavengers to reduce electroporation-induced oxidation, are described. Compositions and methods for enhancing transfection efficiency are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the transient modification of cells. In particular embodiments, the cells are immune systems, such as PBMC, PBL, T (CD3+ and/or CD8+) and Natural Killer (NK) cells. The modified cells provide a population of cells that express a genetically engineered chimeric receptor which can be administered to a patient therapeutically. The present invention further relates to methods that deliver mRNA coding for the chimeric receptor to unstimulated resting PBMC, PBL, T (CD3+ and/or CD8+) and NK cells and which delivers the mRNA efficiently to the transfected cells and promotes significant target cell killing.

Abstract: Compositions and methods concern the sequence modification of an endogenous genomic DNA region. Certain aspects relate to a method for site-specific sequence modification of a target genomic DNA region in cells comprising: transfecting the cells by electroporation with a composition comprising (a) a DNA oligo; (b) a DNA digesting agent; and (c) a targeting RNA, wherein the targeting RNA is capped and/or polyadenylated; wherein the donor DNA comprises: (i) a homologous region comprising nucleic acid sequence homologous to the target genomic DNA region and (ii) a sequence modification region; and wherein the genomic DNA sequence is modified specifically at the target genomic DNA region.

Abstract: Compositions and methods concern the sequence modification of an endogenous genomic DNA region. Certain aspects relate to a method for site-specific sequence modification of a target genomic DNA region in cells comprising: contacting the cells with an activating composition; transfecting the cells with a transfection composition comprising (a) donor DNA and (b) a DNA digesting agent; wherein the donor DNA comprises: (i) a homologous region comprising nucleic acid sequence homologous to the target genomic DNA region; and (ii) a sequence modification region; and wherein the genomic DNA sequence is modified specifically at the target genomic DNA region.

Abstract: Compositions and methods concern the sequence modification of an endogenous genomic DNA region. Certain aspects relate to a method for site-specific sequence modification of a target genomic DNA region in cells comprising: transfecting the cells by electroporation with a composition comprising (a) a DNA oligo and (b) a DNA digesting agent wherein the donor DNA comprises: (i) a homologous region comprising nucleic acid sequence homologous to the target genomic DNA region and (ii) a sequence modification region; and wherein the genomic DNA sequence is modified specifically at the target genomic DNA region.

Abstract: Provided are immunotherapeutic compositions and methods for the treatment of cancers characterized by the presence of moderately to well-differentiated cancer cells. Exemplary immunotherapeutic compositions employ antigen presenting cells, including dendritic cells, activated by a protein conjugate such as fusion proteins including a prostatic acid phosphatase/granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulation factor fusion protein. Also disclosed are methods for assessing the susceptibility of cancer cells to treatment regimens employing one or more immunotherapeutic composition.