Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include methods and compositions for inhibiting the immune suppressive tumor microenvironment using cell therapy wherein the cells express a chimeric protein having an extracellular domain that binds TRAIL-R2 and an intracellular domain that in specific embodiments comprises one or more costimulatory domains that enhance activity of the cells upon activation. In specific embodiments, the chimeric protein comprises an scFv that targets TRAIL-R2 and an intracellular region that comprises a costimulatory domain from 4-1BB. In particular embodiments, the cells also express a therapeutic protein, such as a chimeric antigen receptor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention employ methods and compositions for enhancing potency of immune cells that express one or more therapeutic proteins. In certain cases, the methods modulate expression of a CAR transgene in an immune cell, such as a T cell. Specific embodiments employ the exposure of cells and/or individuals to be treated with the cells with an effective amount of at least one agent that upregulates expression of the therapeutic protein, such as a mitogen, histone deacetylase inhibitor, and or DNA methyltransferase inhibitor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention employ methods and compositions for enhancing potency of immune cells that express one or more therapeutic proteins. In certain cases, the methods modulate expression of a CAR transgene in an immune cell, such as a T cell. Specific embodiments employ the exposure of cells and/or individuals to be treated with the cells with an effective amount of at least one agent that upregulates expression of the therapeutic protein, such as a mitogen, histone deacetylase inhibitor, and or DNA methyltransferase inhibitor.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention employ methods and compositions for enhancing potency of immune cells that express one or more therapeutic proteins. In certain cases, the methods modulate expression of a CAR transgene in an immune cell, such as a T cell. Specific embodiments employ the exposure of cells and/or individuals to be treated with the cells with an effective amount of at least one agent that upregulates expression of the therapeutic protein, such as a mitogen, histone deacetylase inhibitor, and or DNA methyltransferase inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention concerns immunotherapy for cancers having cells that comprise the ganglioside GD2 antigen. In specific embodiment, T cells having a chimeric receptor that targets GD2 is employed. In particular cases, the chimeric receptor comprises antibody, cytoplasmic signaling domain from the T cell receptor, and/or costimulatory molecule(s).

Abstract: The present invention concerns immunotherapy for cancers having cells that comprise the ganglioside GD2 antigen. In specific embodiment, T cells having a chimeric receptor that targets GD2 is employed. In particular cases, the chimeric receptor comprises antibody, cytoplasmic signaling domain from the T cell receptor, and/or costimulatory molecule(s).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention employ methods and compositions for enhancing potency of immune cells that express one or more therapeutic proteins. In certain cases, the methods modulate expression of a CAR transgene in an immune cell, such as a T cell. Specific embodiments employ the exposure of cells and/or individuals to be treated with the cells with an effective amount of at least one agent that upregulates expression of the therapeutic protein, such as a mitogen, histone deacetylase inhibitor, and or DNA methyltransferase inhibitor.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for treatment of locoregional nasopharyngeal carcinoma utilizing EBV-specific T cells. In specific embodiments, locoregional solid tumors are treated with cytotoxic T lymphocytes specific for at least one EBV antigen, such as LMP2, LMP1, and/or EBNA1, for example.

Abstract: The present invention concerns immunotherapy for cancers having cells that comprise the ganglioside GD2 antigen. In specific embodiment, T cells having a chimeric receptor that targets GD2 is employed. In particular cases, the chimeric receptor comprises antibody, cytoplasmic signaling domain from the T cell receptor, and/or costimulatory molecule(s).