Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a biodegradable particle comprising a polyester or polyester blend, a first protein that binds to an immune cell, and a second protein that promotes proliferation and/or activation of immune cells, and a third soluble protein or small molecule encapsulated within the particle. The second protein is a fusion protein comprising at least a portion of an antibody and at least a portion of a cytokine (i.e., an immunocytokine). The disclosure also is directed to methods for treating a disease or condition in a subject (e.g., an autoimmune disease) comprising administering the aforementioned biodegradable particle to the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides biodegradable, biomimetic particles for interacting with cells, including immune cells. In various embodiments, the particles comprise a polymer blend comprising a polyester, such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and a polyamine, such as poly(beta-amino ester) (PBAE). The particles further comprise, on their surface, one or more ligands for one or more cell surface receptor(s) or cell surface molecule(s). In some embodiments, the cell surface receptor or cell surface molecule is on an immune cell, such as a lymphocyte (T cell or B cell), natural killer cell, dendritic cell, or other cell of the immune system or tumor microenvironment.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides compositions and methods for using a non-spherical biomimetic artificial cell comprising a three-dimensional microparticle or nanoparticle having an asymmetrical shape and a supported lipid bilayer (SLB). The non-spherical biomimetic artificial cells can be used in cell biomimicry and for active targeting mediated drug delivery.

Abstract: The present invention is a new controlled drug system that can be used for targeting non-invasive neuromodulation enabled by focused ultrasound gated release of one or more small molecule neuromodulatory agents.

Abstract: Biodegradable particles for interacting with immune cells to generate an immunosuppressive effect are disclosed. The biodegradable particle comprises a polyester or polyester blend with at least one soluble protein or small molecule encapsulated within the particle and at least two types of protein attached to a surface of the particle or to a coating on the surface thereof, which can be used to induce targeting regulatory T cells (Tregs). The at least two types of protein attached to a surface of the particle or to a coating on the surface thereof include a “Signal 1” protein that binds to an immune cell and a “Signal 2” protein that acts as a co-stimulatory molecule to immune cells. The encapsulated protein can be an interleukin and/or a cytokine. Methods of their use for treating a disease or condition, including an autoimmune disease, are disclosed.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides a biomimetic particle platform that can be used to simulate natural cells found throughout the body. The particle comprises a polymeric core of defined shape, size, and mechanical properties and a surface comprising naturally derived cell membranes, such as red blood cells or platelets. Together these features enable a level of biomimicry that can be appropriated for various drug delivery applications and cell engineering applications.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a biodegradable particle comprising a polyester or polyester blend, a first protein that binds to an immune cell, and a second protein that promotes proliferation and/or activation of immune cells, and a third soluble protein or small molecule encapsulated within the particle. The second protein is a fusion protein comprising at least a portion of an antibody and at least a portion of a cytokine (i.e., an immunocytokine). The disclosure also is directed to methods for treating a disease or condition in a subject (e.g., an autoimmune disease) comprising administering the aforementioned biodegradable particle to the subject.

Abstract: Synthetic, biodegradable nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulating at least one of a signal 1 protein, a signal 2 protein, and/or a signal 3 protein are disclosed, which, when transfected into one or more a cancer cells, reprogram the one or more cancer cells into “tumor-derived APCs” in vivo to activate T-cells and natural killer (NK) cells for systemic tumor rejection. The NPs can be used for treating cancers, in particular metastatic cancers.

Abstract: The present invention provides biodegradable, biomimetic particles for interacting with cells, including immune cells. In various embodiments, the particles comprise a polymer blend comprising a polyester, such as poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) and a polyamine, such as poly(beta-amino ester) (PBAE). The particles further comprise, on their surface, one or more ligands for one or more cell surface receptor(s) or cell surface molecule(s). In some embodiments, the cell surface receptor or cell surface molecule is on an immune cell, such as a lymphocyte (T cell or B cell), natural killer cell, dendritic cell, or other cell of the immune system or tumor microenvironment.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides compositions, methods, and kits comprising shape memory particles that can be used for delivering a drug and/or treating a disease or disorder in a patient. Specifically, shape changes in the presently disclosed shape memory particles can be used to control drug delivery spatially and/or temporally in a patient. Also provided are compositions, methods, and kits comprising nanoparticles and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) inhibitors with or without chemotherapeutic agents for inhibiting HIF activity in a patient and/or treating a hypoxia-associated disease or disorder.

Abstract: The present invention is a new controlled drug system that can be used for targeting non-invasive neuromodulation enabled by focused ultrasound gated release of one or more small molecule neuromodulatory agents.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides compositions, methods, and kits comprising shape memory particles that can be used for delivering a drug and/or treating a disease or disorder in a patient. Specifically, shape changes in the presently disclosed shape memory particles can be used to control drug delivery spatially and/or temporally in a patient. Also provided are compositions, methods, and kits comprising nanoparticles and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) inhibitors with or without chemotherapeutic agents for inhibiting HIF activity in a patient and/or treating a hypoxia-associated disease or disorder.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a self-enclosed tube, sized and shaped to fit within and engage a human or animal body cavity, the tube comprising an inner surface defining an enclosed region and an outer surface that turns outward to engage the body cavity and turns inward to encompass a central region defining a concentric longitudinal path, wherein the tube is powerable to provide relative movement of the tube relative to the cavity in at least one of a forward or reverse direction with respect to the longitudinal path, and a compressible structure, configured to bias the outer surface of the tube outward to engage the body cavity at a first outer diameter, the compressible structure being deformable inward in response to a compressive force to provide a second outer diameter that is less than the first outer diameter.

Abstract: A therapeutic pillow for supporting the neck and head of the user is described. The pillow has a generally rectangular shape. However, all of the four sides are concaved rather than straight. The radius of curvature is selected to approximate the position of the shoulders of the user when the user lies on his or her back in an at rest position. The pillow also has an irregular-shaped central hollow. This configuration yields four lobes each of which is designed to support the neck and head in a different way.