Abstract: Provided are methods, compositions, recombinant DNA molecules, and kits for cloning T cell receptors (TCRs). The methods facilitate construction of TCR expression libraries from biological samples containing antigen-specific T cells, including but not limited to tumor biopsies, including frozen tumor biopsies. Peripheral T cells that were engineered with library-derived TCR genes show potent therapeutic anti-tumor effects. The method can be performed using any sample that contains T cells, and can be performed with oligoclonal populations of T cells, such as T cells that have infiltrated a tumor. Primer combinations for first strand cDNA synthesis, second strand cDNA synthesis, and for cloning a plurality of distinct TCR ? and TCR ? chains into a plurality of vectors are provided. Cells containing the vectors are provided, as are kits for use in rapid cloning of the TCR ? and TCR ? chains.

Abstract: Antibody derivatives are provided as binding partners. The binding partners bind to a one or a combination of antigens that include antigens present CD24, CD105 (endoglin), CD79 Beta (CD79b), and an antigen present in a CD3 T cell co-receptor. The antibody derivatives include single chain variable fragments (scFvs), Bi-specific T-cell engagers (BiTEs). Also provided are modified cells that express the binding partners, modified cells that secrete the binding partners, expression vectors that encode the binding partners, and methods of using the binding partners for treatment of a variety of cancers, autoimmune diseases, and modification of immune responses mounted to transplanted organs.

Abstract: Provided are methods, compositions, recombinant DNA molecules, and kits for cloning T cell receptors (TCRs). The methods facilitate construction of TCR expression libraries from biological samples containing antigen-specific T cells, including but not limited to tumor biopsies, including frozen tumor biopsies. Peripheral T cells that were engineered with library-derived TCR genes show potent therapeutic anti-tumor effects. The method can be performed using any sample that contains T cells, and can be performed with oligoclonal populations of T cells, such as T cells that have infiltrated a tumor. Primer combinations for first strand cDNA synthesis, second strand cDNA synthesis, and for cloning a plurality of distinct TCR ? and TCR ? chains into a plurality of vectors are provided. Cells containing the vectors are provided, as are kits for use in rapid cloning of the TCR ? and TCR ? chains.