Abstract: This document provides methods and materials relating to isolated polypeptides, polypeptide preparations, vaccine preparations (e.g., anti-cancer vaccine preparations), and methods for vaccinating mammals. For example, polypeptides (e.g., CMV, MUC1, HER2, Mesothelin (MESO), TRAG-3, or CALR polypeptides) having the ability to be processed into different polypeptides such that the processed polypeptides as a group are capable of being presented by different MHC molecules present in a particular mammalian population are provided.

Abstract: This document relates to methods and materials related to isolated polypeptides, polypeptide preparations, and methods for using one or more isolated polypeptides to activate T cells. For example, polypeptides that can be used to activate T cells to generate antigen-specific T cells are provided. In some cases, T cells activated as described herein can be administered to a mammal having cancer (e.g., MM) or a precancerous condition (e.g., MGUS) to treat the mammal (e.g., to induce an immune response against the cancer or the precancerous condition).

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for expanding antigen-specific T cells (e.g., antigen-specific CD4+ T cells and/or antigen-specific CD8+ T cells) in culture. For example, methods and materials for performing a polyclonal stimulation step for a particular duration (e.g., from about 1 hour to about 48 hours) to increase the expansion of T cells having a desired antigen specificity are provided.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials relating to isolated polypeptides, polypeptide preparations, vaccine preparations (e.g., anti-cancer vaccine preparations), and methods for vaccinating mammals. For example, polypeptides (e.g., CMV, MUC1, HER2, Mesothelin (MESO), TRAG-3, or CALR polypeptides) having the ability to be processed into different polypeptides such that the processed polypeptides as a group are capable of being presented by different MHC molecules present in a particular mammalian population are provided.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials relating to isolated polypeptides, polypeptide preparations, vaccine preparations (e.g., anti-cancer vaccine preparations), and methods for vaccinating mammals. For example, polypeptides (e.g., CMV, MUC1, HER2, Mesothelin (MESO), TRAG-3, or CALR polypeptides) having the ability to be processed into different polypeptides such that the processed polypeptides as a group are capable of being presented by different MHC molecules present in a particular mammalian population are provided.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for expanding antigen-specific T cells (e.g., antigen-specific CD4+ T cells and/or antigen-specific CD8+ T cells) in culture. For example, methods and materials for performing a polyclonal stimulation step for a particular duration (e.g., from about 1 hour to about 48 hours) to increase the expansion of T cells having a desired antigen specificity are provided.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for expanding antigen-specific T cells (e.g., antigen-specific CD4+ T cells and/or antigen-specific CD8+ T cells) in culture. For example, methods and materials for performing a polyclonal stimulation step for a particular duration (e.g., from about 1 hour to about 48 hours) to increase the expansion of T cells having a desired antigen specificity are provided.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials relating to isolated polypeptides, polypeptide preparations, vaccine preparations (e.g., anti-cancer vaccine preparations), and methods for vaccinating mammals. For example, polypeptides (e.g., CMV, MUC1, HER2, Mesothelin (MESO), TRAG-3, or CALR polypeptides) having the ability to be processed into different polypeptides such that the processed polypeptides as a group are capable of being presented by different MHC molecules present in a particular mammalian population are provided.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to using inhibitors of IL-9 signaling in conjunction with chemotherapy to treat cancer (e.g., solid tumors). For example, methods and materials for using inhibitors of IL-9 signaling (e.g., anti-IL9 antibody preparations) in conjunction with chemotherapy to treat cancer (e.g., solid tumors such as breast cancer tumors or colon cancer tumors) or to reduce the growth rate of cancer (e.g., solid tumors such as breast cancer tumors or colon cancer tumors) within a mammal are provided.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials for expanding antigen-specific T cells (e.g., antigen-specific CD4+ T cells and/or antigen-specific CD8+ T cells) in culture. For example, methods and materials for performing a polyclonal stimulation step for a particular duration (e.g., from about 1 hour to about 48 hours) to increase the expansion of T cells having a desired antigen specificity are provided.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to using inhibitors of IL-9 signaling in conjunction with chemotherapy to treat cancer (e.g., solid tumors). For example, methods and materials for using inhibitors of IL-9 signaling (e.g., anti-IL9 antibody preparations) in conjunction with chemotherapy to treat cancer (e.g., solid tumors such as breast cancer tumors or colon cancer tumors) or to reduce the growth rate of cancer (e.g., solid tumors such as breast cancer tumors or colon cancer tumors) within a mammal are provided.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to using inhibitors of IL-9 signaling in conjunction with chemotherapy to treat cancer (e.g., solid tumors). For example, methods and materials for using inhibitors of IL-9 signaling (e.g., anti-IL9 antibody preparations) in conjunction with chemotherapy to treat cancer (e.g., solid tumors such as breast cancer tumors or colon cancer tumors) or to reduce the growth rate of cancer (e.g., solid tumors such as breast cancer tumors or colon cancer tumors) within a mammal are provided.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials related to using inhibitors of IL-9 signaling in conjunction with chemotherapy to treat cancer (e.g., solid tumors). For example, methods and materials for using inhibitors of IL-9 signaling (e.g., anti-IL9 antibody preparations) in conjunction with chemotherapy to treat cancer (e.g., solid tumors such as breast cancer tumors or colon cancer tumors) or to reduce the growth rate of cancer (e.g., solid tumors such as breast cancer tumors or colon cancer tumors) within a mammal are provided.

Abstract: A glycolipopeptide comprising a carbohydrate component, a lipid component, and a MUC1 peptide component that induces both a humoral and a cellular immune response for use as a therapeutic or prophylactic vaccine.

Abstract: A glycolipopeptide comprising a carbohydrate component, a lipid component, and a MUC1 peptide component that induces both a humoral and a cellular immune response for use as a therapeutic or prophylactic vaccine.

Abstract: A method of generating a population of dendritic cell (DC) precursors includes obtaining a population of progenitor cells from a subject and culturing the progenitor cells in a culture medium. The culture medium can include Flt3 ligand and interleukin-6 and be free of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor.

Abstract: A method of generating a population of dendritic cell (DC) precursors includes obtaining a population of progenitor cells from a subject and culturing the progenitor cells in a culture medium. The culture medium can include Flt3 ligand and interleukin-6 and be free of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of increasing the antigen presenting ability of leukemia cells by contacting them with an agent which increases the intracellular calcium level. Methods of treating leukemia are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of increasing the antigen presenting ability of monocytes by contacting them with an agent which increases the intracellular calcium level. Methods of obtaining the monocytes are also disclosed. In addition, the present invention relates to methods of inducing bone marrow progenitor cells and endothelial cells to express molecules involved in generating immune responses. Methods of modulating the expression of molecules involved in generating immune responses are also disclosed, as are methods of treating cancer and leukemia.

Abstract: A method of isolating dendritic cells is described. This method involves elutriating peripheral blood samples in at least four flow rates from an elutriation rotor. Calcium ionophore is used to stimulate monocytes isolated during the process into dendritic cells. Treatments for diseases involving re-introduction of activated dentritic cells are also described.