Abstract: Disclosed are methods, compositions of matter, and protocols useful for the detection of altered cells in a patient. Immune cells capable of clonal expansion are engineered to produce a soluble signal upon activation and/or clonal expansion. The cells may possess a suicide gene, inducible upon administration pharmacological or light/radiation activatable, so as to eliminate the cells from body when desired. In another embodiment, immune cells produce a localized marker, the marker being visible with imaging technology. In other embodiments cells capable of non-clonal expansion are utilized. The disclosure provides means of utilizing the immunosurveillance properties of immune cells to diagnose and localize diseases associated with alteration of host cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are means of stimulating innate and/or adaptive immunity to cancer by administration of exosomes. Stimulation of innate immunity involves modifying exosomes by chemical addition of innate immune stimulators, whereas stimulation of adaptive immunity involves pulsing dendritic cells generating exosomes with antigens, in some cases, pulsing with Brother of the Regulator of Imprinted Sites (BORIS) proteins, peptides, or altered peptide ligands thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions of matter, therapeutic protocols, and immunization means to induce an active immune response to vasculature feeding glioma or other brain neoplasia. In one embodiment the invention provides administration of placental derived endothelial cells at concentrations of 10 million to 50 million administered in a manner to stimulate immunity toward blood vessels supplying glioma or other brain neoplastic malignancies. The invention provides means of blocking augmenting efficacy of immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy.

Abstract: Compositions and methods useful to enhancing, improving, or eliciting anti-tumor immune responses are disclosed. A pterostilbene containing composition is administered to a cancer patient at a sufficient concentration and frequency to induce de-repression of tumor targeting immune responses. The composition enhances antibody dependent cellular toxicity (ADCC) and augments efficacy of antigen specific immunotherapeutics such as trastuzumab and other monoclonal antibody therapies useful for treating cancer.

Abstract: There are provided, inter alia, compositions including a scintillator nanocrystal linked to a chemical agent moiety through a scintillator-activated photocleavable linker, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed are allogeneic cells useful for the treatment of cancer in a universal donor, off the shelf, manner. In one embodiment of the invention cord blood derived T cell progenitors are matured with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28, interleukin-7 and transfected with a construct encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting a tumor antigen or a tumor endothelial associated antigen on the antigen binding domain. The intracellular domain containing CD3 zeta chain and at least one shRNA domain encoding a transcript which generates at least one siRNA capable of inhibiting expression of HLA I and/or HLA II. In another embodiment mesenchymal stem cells are transfected with CAR to enhance migration into tumors and induce tumor death, reduction of inflammation, or immune sensitization. In another embodiment universal donor CAR-MSC are disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are composite cancer vaccines, in one embodiment generated through 3-dimensional bioprinting or through inoculation of roller cultures. The utilization of decellularized biological matrices such as placental tissue or subintestinal submucosal tissue is disclosed as a substrate for 3-dimensional tissue culture. In one embodiment tumor cells are assembled with monocytes and/or mesenchymal stem cells to represent in vivo existing tumors.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions of matter, methods, and protocols useful for treatment of cancer through induction of anti-angiogenic immune responses. The invention provides means of differentiating tumor cells directly into endothelial or endothelial-like cells and utilizing said cells as immunogens for the purpose of inducing immunity against blood vessels feeding tumors. In one embodiment glioma cells are cultured under hypoxic conditions in the presence of endothelial-differentiating factors. In another embodiment, PECAM-1 positive cells are derived from a tumor mass or cell line and utilized as an antigenic source to induce immunity towards tumor derived endothelial cells, endothelial-like cells, and tumor vascular channels.

Abstract: The use of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) present in CSF as biomarkers for particular brain malignancies and disease activity.

Abstract: The use of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) present in CSF as biomarkers for particular brain malignancies and disease activity.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel compositions and methods to inhibit Olig2 activity. The Olig2 inhibitors and methods of using the same are useful, inter alia, for treating cancer. In particular the Olig2 inhibitors may be used to treat glioblastoma. Further, provided are peptide compositions capable of inhibiting Olig 2.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel methods of making liposomally encapsulated drugs using reverse pH gradients and optimizing internal buffer compositions. Further provided herein are liposome compositions including an active pharmaceutical ingredient and uses thereof to treat a variety of diseases (e.g. cancer, inflammatory, neurological and cardiovascular diseases).

Abstract: The use of specific microRNAs (miRNAs) present in CSF as biomarkers for particular brain malignancies and disease activity.

Abstract: In alternative embodiments, the invention provides products of manufacture, such as arrays or microarrays, comprising cells and compounds such as small molecules or drugs for e.g., drug screening or toxicity testing.