Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to efficiently produce microglia from pluripotent stem cells. Provided is a method for producing microglia from pluripotent stem cells, comprising the following steps: (a) a step of co-culturing a pluripotent stem cell together with a feeder cell for 7 days or longer, and obtaining a blood progenitor cell; (b) a step of co-culturing the blood progenitor cell obtained in step (a) together with a feeder cell in the presence of IL-3 and/or GM-CSF, and obtaining an embryonic monocyte; and (c) a step of, in the presence of M-CSF, co-culturing the embryonic monocyte obtained in step (b) together with an astrocyte, or culturing the embryonic monocyte using an astrocyte supernatant.

Abstract: The object is to remove thrombocytes from apheresis blood. Mononuclear cells are prepared so as not to contain thrombocytes. The present invention provides a method for preparing mononuclear cells, which comprises (1) the step of mixing a non-cytotoxic and nonionic density-adjusting agent with apheresis blood to adjust density of plasma to be 1.066 to 1.078 g/ml, and (2) the step of centrifuging stratified layers including the following layers a and b to separate mononuclear cells: a. a layer of a density gradient centrifugation medium for separation of mononuclear cells, b. a layer of the density-adjusted apheresis blood layered under the layer a.

Abstract: The invention provides improved T cell compositions and methods for manufacturing T cells. More particularly, the invention provides methods of T cell manufacturing that result in adoptive T cell immunotherapies with improved survival, expansion, and persistence in vivo.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a genetically-modified cell comprising in its genome a modified human T cell receptor alpha constant region gene, wherein the cell has reduced cell-surface expression of the endogenous T cell receptor. The present disclosure further relates to methods for producing such a genetically-modified cell, and to methods of using such a cell for treating a disease in a subject.

Abstract: Provided herein are single-chain and multi-chain chimeric antigen receptors, nucleic acids encoding the same, and mammalian cells expressing the same. Also provided are methods of treating a cancer in a subject using a mammalian cell expressing any of these single-chain and multi-chain chimeric antigen receptors.

Abstract: A method for determining immunogenicity of a protein agent. The method includes constructing a library of peripheral blood mononuclear cells having various HLA-DRB1 genotypes; culturing peripheral blood mononuclear cell CD14+ monocyte-derived immature dendritic cells for each genotype in a medium containing a protein to be measured, GM-CSF, IL-4, TNF-?, IL-1?, IL-6 and PGF2 to prepare mature dendritic cells; removing CD8+ T cells from the peripheral blood mononuclear cells for each genotype to prepare CD8+ T cell-free peripheral blood mononuclear cells; co-culturing the mature dendritic cells and the CD8+ T cell-free peripheral blood mononuclear cells at a cell count ratio of approximately 1:5 to 1:20; and quantifying the CD4+ T cells proliferated by co-cultivation per genotype.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure concern methods and compositions for immunotherapy for diseases and malignancies associated with viruses other than HPV or with non-virus-associated diseases and malignancies, such as wherein the VST encodes a CAR specific for a non-viral cancer and the VST can be stimulated in vitro or in vivo using viruses, viral vaccines or oncolytic viruses. In specific embodiments, methods concern production of immune cells that target one or more antigens of HIV, EBV, CMV, adenovirus, vaccinia virus, and/or VZV, including methods with stimulation steps that employ IL-7 and IL-15, but not IL-2, IL-4, or both. Other specific embodiments utilize stimulations in the presence of certain cells, such as costimulatory cells and certain antigen presenting cells.

Abstract: The present invention provides a human cell population that can self-renew extensively and yet retain the capacity to differentiate into red blood cells (RBCs). These cells are referred to as extensively self-renewing erythroblasts (ESREs). The cells of the invention serve among other things as a renewable source of transfusable RBCs.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a technique for stably, inexpensively, and safely culturing stem cells having a differentiation ability while maintaining an undifferentiated state. The present invention relates to a medium for culturing stem cells, comprising at least one or more compounds selected from the group consisting of a ROCK inhibitor, a PKC inhibitor, a histone methyltransferase inhibitor, and a retinoic acid receptor agonist, and not containing a growth factor or having a low growth factor concentration; a method for culturing stem cells using the medium; a growth promoter for stem cell; as well as a cell composition containing stem cells or differentiated cells therefrom; and a method for producing the cell composition.

Abstract: Methods, kits and compositions for generating cancer stem cells are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for de-differentiating somatic cells into stem-like cells without generating embryos or fetuses. More specifically, the present invention provides methods for effecting the de-differentiation of somatic cells to cells having stem cell characteristics, in particular pluripotency, by introducing RNA encoding factors inducing the de-differentiation of somatic cells into the somatic cells and culturing the somatic cells allowing the cells to de-differentiate.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and compositions related to generation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). Improved techniques for establishing highly efficient, reproducible reprogramming using non-integrating episomal plasmid vectors. Using the described reprogramming protocol, one is able to consistently reprogram non-T cells with close to 100% success from non-T cell or non-B cell sources. Further advantages include use of a defined reprogramming media E7 and using defined clinically compatible substrate recombinant human L-521. Generation of iPSCs from these blood cell sources allows for recapitulation of the entire genomic repertoire, preservation of genomic fidelity and enhanced genomic stability.

Abstract: Provided herein is an in vitro model of the blood brain barrier. In some embodiments, the model includes: an endothelial cell layer, and brain tissue layer comprising neuronal cells, and optionally one or more of astrocytes, pericytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia. In some embodiments, the model further comprises a porous membrane between said endothelial cell layer and the neuronal cell layer. A microfluidic device comprising the same and methods of use thereof are also provided.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for increasing the production of recombinant proteins by introducing ICP0 to cells capable of producing a recombinant protein are encompassed. In one method, the recombinant protein is a protein that is required for the replication of a replication defective virus, wherein the recombinant protein is provided to the replication defective virus in trans.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purifying viruses or virus-like particles using a crosslinked cellulose hydrate membrane and to a kit for purifying viruses or virus-like particles and the use thereof.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to methods of producing Enterovirus C, e.g., for poliomyelitis vaccine production. In some embodiments, the methods include adding polysorbate to the cell culture medium during or prior to inoculation with the virus and/or culturing cells in a fixed bed bioreactor. Further provided herein is an Enterovirus C produced by the methods of production disclosed herein, as well as compositions, immunogenic compositions, and vaccines related thereto.

Abstract: Provided is a microorganism that is capable of efficiently producing para-aminobenzoic acid (4-ABA) or a salt thereof, using saccharides as raw materials, and a method for efficiently producing 4-ABA or a salt thereof by using this microorganism. A transformant obtained by introducing, into a coryneform bacterium, a gene that encodes 4-amino-4-deoxychorismate lyase, a gene that encodes a para-aminobenzoate synthase component I, and a gene that encodes a para-aminobenzoate synthase component II, is capable of efficiently producing 4-ABA or a salt thereof from saccharides.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions and methods for using hydrogenotrophic microorganisms capable of biologically utilizing or converting H2 and CO and/or CO2 gas into high-value molecules and biological material, such as essential amino acids (e.g., lysine, threonine, methionine) and animal feed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to isolated polypeptides having lipase activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides genetically modified cells and non-human organisms, and methods of producing such cells and organisms. Also provided are methods of editing the genome of such cells and organisms. The cells and non-human organisms of the disclosure are genetically modified such that their genome includes an integrated heterologous nucleic acid (that includes a CRISPR/Cas target sequence) at one or more (e.g., 2 or more, 3 or more, 4 or more, etc.) positions within the genome. The integrated nucleic acids, which include the same CRISPR/Cas target sequence, allow for simultaneous gene editing at multiple different positions within a genome using a single species of CRISPR/Cas guide RNA (i.e., one guide RNA will target multiple sites because the multiple sites have the same target sequence).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for programming immune cell function though targeted gene regulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having cellulase activity, in particular to variants derived from the 20K-cellulase enzyme. The invention discloses a number of amino acid residue positions important for the properties of the cellulase enzyme and thereby for the stability and/or performance thereof. The novel variants have improved stability compared to the parental cellulase. In particular, the novel variants have good performance in an antigreying application and excellent stability in the presence of a protease in several detergent compositions even in long-term experiments.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polypeptides having xylanase activity and polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides. The invention also relates to nucleic acid constructs, vectors, and host cells comprising the polynucleotides as well as methods of producing and using the polypeptides. The invention also relates to compositions comprising the polypeptides of the invention and the use of the polypeptides of the invention to solubilise xylan and in animal feed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is one or more subtilisin variant useful for cleaning applications and in methods of cleaning. One embodiment is directed to one or more subtilisin variant, including one or more Bacillus sp. subtilisin polypeptide variant, and one or more cleaning composition comprising one or more such variant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of antimicrobial enzymes. In particular, the present invention relates to a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence exhibiting at least 90% sequence identity with the sequence of SEQ ID NO:1, with the proviso that the polypeptide does neither comprise the sequence according to SEQ ID NO:2, nor the sequence according to SEQ ID NO:3, nor the sequence according to SEQ ID NO:4. The present invention relates also to nucleic acids encoding an inventive polypeptide, vectors or bacteriophages comprising an inventive nucleic acid as well as host cells comprising an inventive polypeptide, nucleic acid, vector, and/or bacteriophage. Similarly, the present invention relates to compositions comprising a polypeptide, nucleic acid, vector, bacteriophage, and/or host cell according to the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention refers to an enzyme consisting of a fusion protein particularly useful as shown through-out the present invention for carrying out the carbon-carbon bond-forming reaction known as the aldol Reaction, preferably for carrying out an aldol reaction by using aldehydes as substrates and preferably pyruvate or a salt thereof, for producing hydroxyketoacids. Said enzyme is made by binding an aldolase to a maltose binding protein. The enzymes display full activity under “highly denaturing” substrate loadings (aldehydes, >1 M).

Abstract: The present invention relates to pectate lyase variants exhibiting alterations relative to a parent enzyme exhibiting pectate lyase activity; to a method of producing such enzymes; and to methods for using such enzymes in the textile, detergent and cellulose fiber processing industries. Compared to the parent enzyme, the pectate lyase variants of the present invention exhibit improved stability in detergents.

Abstract: Reverse transcriptase mixtures with improved storage stability are provided.

Abstract: Site-specific modification of proteins with microbial transglutaminase (MTG) is a powerful and versatile strategy for a controlled modification of proteins under physiological conditions. Solid-phase microbead-immobilization is used to site-specifically and efficiently attach different functional molecules important for further downstream applications to proteins of therapeutic relevance including scFV, Fab-fragment and antibodies. MTG remained firmly immobilized with no detectable column bleeding and enzyme activity was sustained during continuous operation. Immobilized MTG shows enhanced selectivity towards a certain residue in the presence of several reactive residues which are all targeted when the conjugation was carried out in solution. The generation of dual site-specifically conjugated IgG1 with immobilized and MTG in solution is reported, i.e. site-specific conjugation to glutamine and lysine residues of IgG1 antibody.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for purification of viral vectors, more closely it relates to purification of viral vectors from producer cells by using a single automated process. The method comprises the following steps: a) adding producer cells and cell lysis buffer to a processing container; b) mixing said producer cells and cell lysis buffer in said processing container to obtain a mixture; c) flowing said mixture through a chromatography column for purification of viral vectors, wherein the viral vectors are adsorbed on said chromatography column; and d) eluting viral vectors from the chromatography column into a product container.

Abstract: Described herein are methods for making and using magnetic ionic liquid that have at least one cationic component and at least one anionic component, where at least one of the cationic components or the anionic components is a paramagnetic component. The magnetic ionic liquids are capable of manipulation by an external magnetic field.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for controlling pests are disclosed. In particular, methods for modulating the activity of Cry1Ba proteins against lepidopteran or coleopteran pests are provided. Further, mutant Cry1Ba proteins having modulated insecticidal activity compared to native Cry1Ba proteins are disclosed.

Abstract: A device is provided for capturing a nucleic acid in a single cell, having: a two-dimensional array comprising a substrate, a plurality of single cell capturing holes provided on one surface of the substrate, and a nucleic acid capturing region comprising, on the inside of the substrate, a nucleic acid capturing body, which is configured to capture the nucleic acids extracted from the individual cells respectively captured by the single cell capturing hole; a flow channel which is provided adjacent to the nucleic acid capturing region of the substrate, and is configured to discharge a solution in the nucleic acid capturing region; and a cylindrical structure body which is arranged on the substrate at the time of introducing a cell suspension and encloses a plurality of the single cell capturing holes, wherein the cylindrical structure body is removed after the cells are captured by the single cell capturing holes.

Abstract: A rapid and simplified method of developing antibodies or other monoclonal antigen-recognizing polypeptides comprised of amino acids (polypeptides capable of forming complexes with targeted antigens, comprised of natural or non-natural molecular targets), using a Bioparticle Display Library approach, with each bioparticle of the Bioparticle Display Library containing gene coding polypeptide and capable of multiplying in the presence of some particular multiplication limiting factor. A polypeptide-carrying bioparticle insulated from a complex mixture of similar bioparticles of the Bioparticle Display Library using a first Blocking Agent, said Blocking Agent consisting of a bioparticle strain which lacks resistant to this multiplication limiting factor (for example for Phage Display Library multiplication limiting factor can be some antibiotic, and blocking agent would be phage strain which is lacks resistance to this particular antibiotic).

Abstract: The present disclosure describes methods for generating microbial strains expressing a heterologous bacterial glucose permease gene that produce biomolecules of interest. In aspects, the disclosure provides novel bacterial strains, which express a heterologous bacterial glucose permease gene whose expression is controlled by a native Corynebacterium glutamicum promoter or a mutant promoter derived therefrom. Also provided herein are methods for producing a library of bacterial glucose permease genes using a promoter ladder comprising a plurality of promoters derived from Corynebacterium glutamicum.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a construction method for serial sequencing libraries of RAD tags, including the following steps: conducting an enzyme digestion reaction with DNA using endonuclease; ligating; enzyme-digested fragments with adaptors that contain restriction enzyme sites of SapI, featured base sequences for serial ligation of RAD tags, and universal sequences for the binding of amplification primers; conducting PCR amplification using a combination of biotin primers and general primers; collecting target PCR product by gel; amplifying again; and equally mixing and purifying; conducting enzyme digestion on the PCR products using the SapI enzyme and heating tags in series; purifying the long serial tags through gels and then conducting PCR.

Abstract: A method is provided comprising the following steps: (a) treating a nucleic acid with one or more bisulphites to convert non-methylated cytosines in the nucleic acid into uracils while leaving methylated cytosines unchanged to form a treated nucleic acid strand that is part of two joined nucleic acid strands; (b) ligating a first adapter to a 3? end of the treated nucleic acid strand to thereby form a once adapter ligated nucleic acid strand, the first adapter having a first protruding random sequence that is at least 3 bases long and that acts as a splint for the two joined nucleic acid strands; (c) ligating a second adapter to a 5? end of the once adapter ligated nucleic acid strand to thereby form a twice ligated nucleic acid strand, the second adapter having a second protruding random sequence that is at least 3 bases long and that acts as a splint for the two joined nucleic acid strands; and (d) performing polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification on the twice ligated nucleic acid strand to thereby g

Abstract: Provided herein are methods and composition for trackable genetic variant libraries. Further provided herein are methods and compositions for recursive engineering. Further provided herein are methods and compositions for multiplex engineering. Further provided herein are methods and compositions for enriching for editing and trackable engineered sequences and cells using nucleic acid-guided nucleases.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides oligonucleotides that comprise semi-random barcode sequences. Such oligonucleotides may be incorporated into reverse transcription primers, PCR primers, or portions of sequencing adapters in preparing sequencing libraries. The resulting sequencing libraries can be used for accurate sequencing, including DNA or RNA counting and mutation detection. Methods and kits for preparing sequencing adapters and sequencing libraries are also provided.

Abstract: A method of performing a clinical trial for a gene editing or gene excising system for treating HIV in humans, by recruiting HIV infected individuals currently receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) that is effective in lowering viral load and entering qualified individuals as participants in a clinical trial, administering the gene editing or gene excising system treatment to the participants in Phase 1a, Phase 1b, and Phase 1c, and performing assays to confirm HIV viral genome excision from the participants' cells. A method of performing a clinical trial for a gene editing or gene excising system for treating a latent viral infection in humans.

Abstract: An expression construct is disclosed which comprises: (i) a DNA sequence which encodes at least one guide RNA (gRNA) operatively linked to a transcriptional regulatory sequence so as to allow expression of the gRNA in a target cell; (ii) a barcode sequence for identification of the at least one gRNA operatively linked to a transcriptional regulatory sequence so as to allow expression of the barcode sequence in the target cell.

Abstract: The present invention features methods of treating cancer with an immunomodulatory agent, such as an anti-PD-L1 antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, and an antisense compound targeted to STAT3 in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The invention features a hybridized polynucleotide construct including a passenger strand, a guide strand loadable into a RISC complex, and one or more auxiliary moieties. At least one of the auxiliary moieties is non-bioreversibly linked to an internucleoside phosphate or phosphorothioate in the passenger strand. The invention further features methods of delivery a polynucleotide construct to a cell and methods of reducing the expression of a protein in a cell. The methods typically involve contacting the cell with the hybridized polynucleotide construct.

Abstract: The current invention provides an improved oligonucleotide and its use for treating, ameliorating, preventing and/or delaying DMD or BMD.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for modulating the activities of connexins are provided, including, for example, for use in post-surgical, trauma, or tissue engineering applications. These compounds and methods can be used therapeutically, for example, to reduce the severity of adverse effects associated diseases and disorders where localized disruption in direct cell-cell communication is desirable.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and reagents useful in modulating gene expression in a variety of applications, including use in therapeutic, diagnostic, target validation, and genomic discovery applications. Specifically, the invention relates to synthetic chemically modified small nucleic acid molecules, such as short interfering nucleic acid (siNA), short interfering RNA (siRNA), double-stranded RNA (dsRNA), micro-RNA (miRNA), and short hairpin RNA (shRNA) molecules capable of mediating RNA interference (RNAi) against target nucleic acid sequences. The small nucleic acid molecules are useful in the treatment of any disease or condition that responds to modulation of gene expression or activity in a cell, tissue, or organism.

Abstract: Antisense polynucleotides and their use in pharmaceutical compositions to induce exon skipping in targeted exons of the gamma sarcoglycan gene are provided, along with methods of preventing or treating dystrophic diseases such as Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to antagonists that target Serine/Arginine-Rich Splicing Factor 1 (SRSF1); expression vectors comprising SRSF1 antagonists; and the use of such antagonists in therapy for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and cancer and screening methods that identify agents that inhibit the expression or activity of SRSF1.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for repairing aberrant splicing in Pompe patients that carry the IVS1 variant, wherein such aberrant splicing is caused by the expression of a natural pseudo exon present in GAA intron 1, comprising blocking of either the natural cryptic 3? splice site or the natural cryptic 5? splice site of said natural pseudo exon with an antisense oligomeric compound (AON). Further, the invention comprises an antisense oligomeric compound targeting SEQ ID NO: 1 or SEQ ID NO: 180, preferably selected from the sequences of SEQ ID NO: 91-179, sequences that are complementary to said sequences or sequences that have an identity of 80% with said sequences or the complementary sequences and a second AON from the sequences of SEQ ID NO: 346-508, sequences that are complementary to said sequences or sequences that have an identity of 80% with said sequences or the complementary sequences.

Abstract: The present invention provides oligonucleotide inhibitors of miR-92 and methods of using said inhibitors for inhibiting the function and/or activity of miR-92 in a subject in need thereof. The present invention also provides methods for evaluating or monitoring the efficacy of a therapeutic for promoting wound healing and selecting a subject for treatment with a therapeutic that modulates miR-92 function and/or activity.