Abstract: Provided is a method for separating and extracting mesenchymal stem cells from the human umbilical cord. The method uses healthy neonatal umbilical cord tissue; after cleaning and disinfection, mechanically pulverising same, separating the Wharton's jelly, and after treating with erythrocyte lysate, carrying out suspension culture in a serum-free culture medium. Replacing the liquid every 3-5 days; after the plate adherence rate reaches 30-70%, carrying out trypsin digestion, and then collecting the cells by centrifugation for passage amplification, until the rate of confluence of the cells reaches 80-90% confluence, thereby obtaining high purity umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells.

Abstract: Mesenchymal stromal cells are engineered to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), that specifically binds a marker of activated myeloid cells, including without limitation folate receptor beta; and are administered to an individual for treatment of inflammation at sites characterized by the presence of activated myeloid cells.

Abstract: Antibodies and meditopes that bind to the antibodies are provided, as well as complexes, compositions and combinations containing the meditopes and antibodies, and methods of producing, using, testing, and screening the same, including therapeutic and diagnostic methods and uses.

Abstract: Peptides that specifically bind erythrocytes are described. These are provided as peptidic ligands having sequences that specifically bind, or as antibodies or fragments thereof that provide specific binding, to erythrocytes. The peptides may be prepared as molecular fusions with therapeutic agents, tolerizing antigens, or targeting peptides. Immunotolerance may be created by use of the fusions and choice of an antigen on a substance for which tolerance is desired.

Abstract: Provided herein are cytoplasts, compositions comprising cytoplasts, methods of using cytoplasts, and methods of treating a subject, such as providing benefits to a healthy or unhealthy subject, or treating or diagnosing a disease or condition in a subject. In some embodiments, methods of treating a subject include: administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising a cytoplast. Also, provided herein are compositions (e.g., pharmaceutical compositions) that include a cytoplast. Also, provided herein are kits comprising instructions for using the compositions or methods.

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods and compositions for treating or preventing arthritis and joint injury.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a therapeutic peptide T specific immune therapy for use in the treatment of a cancer of an HLA-A2 (Human Leukocyte Antigen A2) positive patient, said treatment comprises a priming period consisting in two to three administrations of said therapeutic peptide T specific immune therapy, thereby inducing a memory T cell response.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for developing engineered immune cells such as T-cells for immunotherapy that have a higher potential of persistence and/or engraftment in host organism. IN particular, this method involves an inactivation of at least one gene involved in self/non self recognition, combined with a step of contact with at least one non-endogenous immunosuppressive polypeptide. The invention allows the possibility for a standard and affordable adoptive immunotherapy, whereby the risk of GvH is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprising peptide-coupled biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLG) particles. In particular, PLG particles are surface-functionalized to allow for coupling of peptide molecules to the surface of the particles (e.g., for use in eliciting induction of immunological tolerance).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are nucleic acid molecules comprising one or more nucleic acid sequences that encode a synthetic consensus BORIS antigen. Vectors, compositions, and vaccines comprising one or more nucleic acid sequences that encode a synthetic consensus BORIS antigen are disclosed. Methods of treating a subject with a BORIS-expressing tumor and methods of preventing a BORIS-expressing tumor are disclosed. A synthetic consensus BORIS antigen is disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein is a composition comprising: 1) an ARC polypeptide or an endogenous gag (endo-gag) polypeptide; 2) a pathogen-associated antigen; and 3) an adjuvant. Also described herein are vaccines and methods of vaccination using compositions comprising: 1) an ARC polypeptide or an endogenous gag (endo-gag) polypeptide; 2) a pathogen-associated antigen; and 3) an adjuvant.

Abstract: Vaccines, methods of producing, and methods of using are provided in which a protective response to Valley Fever disease is produced when administered to an animal. The vaccine provides for expression of Coccidioides sp. Ag2 polypeptide in a plant or plant part, linked to a promoter preferentially directing expression to seed tissue of the plant or plant part. Further embodiments provide the polypeptide is targeted to the cell wall, vacuole or endoplasmic reticulum. The polypeptide may be fused to a dendritic cell targeting dendritic cell or a heat labile enterotoxin. Increased expression levels in the plant or plant part are obtained. The vaccine comprising the plant-produced Ag2 polypeptide may be a glucan chitin particle comprising the Ag2 polypeptide. The plant or plant materials in an embodiment may be orally administered.

Abstract: The invention features homo-multimers, e.g., homo-trimers, of TNFSF or TNF-like ligand muteins in which each TNFSF ligand or TNF-like ligand mutein monomer contains at least one cysteine residue substitution or insertion that promotes the formation of a disulfide bond with a cysteine residue on a neighboring TNFSF or TNF-like ligand mutein monomer. The invention features methods of producing such TNFSF and TNF-like ligand muteins, pharmaceutical compositions containing such muteins, and methods of using such muteins in cancer immunotherapy, in treating autoimmune and neurological diseases, and in reducing or eliminating the complications and risks of rejection in organ transplantation or tissue or organ repair or regeneration.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of modulating an immune response in an individual. The present disclosure provides methods of treatment. The present disclosure provides methods comprising administering a multimeric polypeptide (synTac) and an immune checkpoint inhibitor to an individual. The present disclosure provides methods comprising administering a multimeric polypeptide (synTac) to an individual who is undergoing treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitor.

Abstract: A peptide consisting of an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, 2, 3, or 4, a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating skin disease including the peptide, a cosmetic composition for skin condition improvement including the peptide, a food composition for skin condition improvement including the peptide, a method of preventing or treating skin disease using the peptide, and a use of the peptide in preventing or treating skin disease or improving skin condition are described.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition contains an antibody or a fragment thereof specific for COL6A3 for the treatment of a cancer. A method of treating a cancer includes administering to a subject in need thereof the pharmaceutical composition. A kit includes a container that contains the pharmaceutical composition. A method of producing an antibody or a fragment thereof against a peptide or a MHC/peptide complex. A method for detecting a diseased tissue includes administering to a subject in need thereof an antibody or a fragment thereof conjugated to a radioisotope and detecting a signal from the radioisotope in the subject. A method for treating a diseased tissue includes administering to a subject in need thereof an antibody or a fragment thereof conjugated to a toxin.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions of matter and methods for treating cancer. The compositions comprise altered human telomerase polypeptides containing T cell epitopes that have been altered to increase immunogenicity. The methods comprise administration of the polypeptides or nucleic acids, such as DNA or RNA encoding the polypeptides, to individuals afflicted with, or at risk of, developing cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed are yeast-based immunotherapeutic compositions comprising mucin-1 (MUC1), as well as methods for the prevention and/or treatment of cancers characterized by the expression or overexpression of mucin-1 (MUC1).

Abstract: The present invention describes a method of treating, preventing, reducing the likelihood of or alleviating a symptom of Alzheimer's disease and associated conditions by increasing OPN expression. The invention further provides for a method of improving cognitive function in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Methods of treating an age-related disorder in a subject are provided. Aspects of the methods include administering to the subject a nucleic acid vector including a coding sequence for telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and/or telomerase RNA (TR). Gene therapy methods are also provided. Aspects of the invention further include compositions, e.g., nucleic acid vectors and kits, etc., that find use in methods of the invention.

Abstract: The invention provides microRNA markers and methods for determining the risk a subject has for developing mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI). In some aspects, the methods further include determine the fitness of a subject for participating in an activity with increased chances of receiving a head impact. Certain embodiments are directed to kits designed for these purposes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to peptides, proteins, nucleic acids and cells for use in immunotherapeutic methods. In particular, the present invention relates to the immunotherapy of cancer. The present invention furthermore relates to tumor-associated T-cell peptide epitopes, alone or in combination with other tumor-associated peptides that can for example serve as active pharmaceutical ingredients of vaccine compositions that stimulate anti-tumor immune responses, or to stimulate T cells ex vivo and transfer into patients. Peptides bound to molecules of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC), or peptides as such, can also be targets of antibodies, soluble T-cell receptors, and other binding molecules.

Abstract: A composition for treating type 1 diabetes mellitus autoimmunity can include a therapeutically effective amount of two or more overlapping fragments of preproinsulin and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein at least one of the polypeptide fragments is antigenic.

Abstract: The present invention provides engineered phosphopentomutase (PPM) enzymes, polypeptides having PPM activity, and polynucleotides encoding these enzymes, as well as vectors and host cells comprising these polynucleotides and polypeptides. Methods for producing PPM enzymes are also provided. The present invention further provides compositions comprising the PPM enzymes and methods of using the engineered PPM enzymes. The present invention finds particular use in the production of pharmaceutical compounds.

Abstract: Therapeutic combinations of immunoconjugates that bind to FOLR1 (e.g., IMGN853) with anti-VEGF agents (e.g., bevacizumab), a platinum-based agent, and/or doxorubicin are provided. Methods of administering the combinations to treat cancers, e.g., ovarian cancers, with greater clinical efficacy and/or decreased toxicity are also provided.

Abstract: A lysophospholipid receptor-activating substance is able to normalize abnormal blood vessels in tumors without affecting normal blood vessels and to thus induce or promote infiltration of leukocytes into the whole or partial region of a tumor. Therefore, such a lysophospholipid receptor-activating substance is useful as a leukocyte infiltration promoter and an antitumor immunostimulant. Moreover, such a lysophospholipid receptor-activating substance can enhance cancer immunotherapy when used in combination with cancer immunotherapy, and is therefore useful as an agent for enhancing cancer immunotherapy.

Abstract: The invention relates to combinations of peptides derived from a portion of an amino sequence of a grass pollen allergen, e.g. the allergens Phl p 1, Phl p 2, Phl p 3, Phl p 4 and/or Phl p 5, or a peptide variant thereof. Such peptides comprise at least one T cell epitope mid a high number of patients in a worldwide population will have HLA Class II alleles with the potential to bind the peptides of the peptide combinations. The invention also relates to the use of such peptide combinations in relieving an immune response caused by grass pollen species.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of treating multiple sclerosis with a fumarate, wherein the fumarate is a dialkyl fumarate, a monoalkyl fumarate, a combination of a dialkyl fumarate and a monoalkyl fumarate, a prodrug of monoalkyl fumarate, a deuterated form of any of the foregoing, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, clathrate, solvate, tautomer, or stereoisomer of any of the foregoing, or a combination of any of the foregoing. The methods provided herein improve the safety of treatment by informing and monitoring patients undergoing treatment regarding progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, and/or by monitoring lymphocyte count.

Abstract: An adjuvant composition includes a pH-sensitive carrier and a substance with stimulus to activate innate immune system. The adjuvant composition serves as a carrier which is highly safe and capable of efficient induction of CTL.

Abstract: The present invention provides a universal, yet adaptable, anti-tag chimeric antigen receptor (AT-CAR) system which provides T cells with the ability and specificity to recognize and kill target cells, such as tumor cells, that have been marked by tagged antibodies. As an example, ?FITC-CAR-expressing T cells have been developed that specifically recognize various human cancer cells when those cells are bound by cancer-reactive FITC-labeled antibodies. The activation of ?FITC-CAR-expressing T cells is shown to induce efficient target lysis, T cell proliferation, and cytokine/chemokine production. The system can be used to treating subjects having cancer.

Abstract: Novel compounds carrying ligands capable of binding to counter receptors on relevant target cells are disclosed. The compounds possess a number of advantageous features, rendering them very suitable for a wide range of applications, including use as detection systems, detection of relevant target cells as well as a number of other methods. In particular, novel MHC complexes comprising one or more MHC molecules containing one or more Borrelia derived peptides are disclosed. The possibility of presenting to the target cells a plurality of MHC-peptide complexes makes the MHC complexes according to the present invention an extremely powerful tool e.g. in the field of therapy and diagnosis. The invention generally relates to the sample-mounted use of MHC complexes and MHC multimers. Also comprised by the invention is the field of therapy and vaccine, including therapeutic/vaccine methods and therapeutic/vaccine compositions.

Abstract: A method for treating a tumor by administering to a subject in need of such treatment an effective amount for treating the tumor of a Poxviridae decapping deficient mutant virus. Also disclosed are mutant Poxviridae and pharmaceutical formulations for use in the method.

Abstract: The present invention relates to fibronectin based scaffold domain proteins that bind PCSK9. The invention also relates to the use of the innovative proteins in therapeutic applications to treat atherosclerosis, hypercholesterolemia and other cholesterol related diseases. The invention further relates to cells comprising such proteins, polynucleotides encoding such proteins or fragments thereof, and to vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the innovative protein.

Abstract: Controlled-release formulations of carboxy-terminal C5a analogs (such as sustained-release formulations of the analogs), and their use in methods for treating and preventing an infection or a disease such as cancer, for directly killing microorganisms, for vaccine preparation, for inducing an immune response and for targeting antigen-presenting cells and other cells bearing a C5a receptor, are provided.

Abstract: Provided is a recombinant vector including a porcine Fc fragment. By fusing the porcine Fc fragment with various target proteins by using the recombinant vector of the present invention, not only target proteins may be expressed using various hosts including plants, but the productivity and stability of target proteins may also be increased.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition contains an antibody or a fragment thereof specific for COL6A3 for the treatment of a cancer. A method of treating a cancer includes administering to a subject in need thereof the pharmaceutical composition. A kit includes a container that contains the pharmaceutical composition. A method of producing an antibody or a fragment thereof against a peptide or a MHC/peptide complex. A method for detecting a diseased tissue includes administering to a subject in need thereof an antibody or a fragment thereof conjugated to a radioisotope and detecting a signal from the radioisotope in the subject. A method for treating a diseased tissue includes administering to a subject in need thereof an antibody or a fragment thereof conjugated to a toxin.

Abstract: Genetically engineered hematopoietic cells such as hematopoietic stem cells having one or more genetically edited genes of lineage-specific cell-surface proteins and therapeutic uses thereof, either alone or in combination with immune therapy that targets the lineage-specific cell-surface proteins.

Abstract: Provided is a method for producing a short-chain peptide-immobilized carrier that maintains a secondary structure of a short-chain peptide, the method including a step of preparing an alcohol solution containing an alcohol solvent, and a short-chain peptide having a plurality of immobilizing functional groups, the short-chain peptide having a secondary structure induced in the alcohol solvent; and a step of bringing a carrier coupled with a spacer having a reactive group that reacts with the immobilizing functional group, into contact with the alcohol solution, and thereby immobilizing the short-chain peptide to the spacer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for decontaminating a biological material by partitioning and inactivation techniques. The process includes the formation of a three-layer liquid system (a-b-c), where the layers are placed one onto the other and are different from each other in density and/or miscibility properties. The upper layer (a) has an aqueous solution of the biological material to decontaminate; the lower layer (c) has the solution inactivating viruses, prions or bacteria; the intermediate layer (b), interposed between the upper and lower layers, separates and protects the biological material from the inactivating solution which has an organic solvent or a mixture of more such solvents, immiscible at least with the upper layer. Moreover, the invention provides specific indications about the density difference between the layers in order to preserve system stability and, at the same time, protect the efficiency of decontamination and the biological activity of the material undergoing decontamination.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods of modulating an immune response in an individual. The present disclosure provides methods of treatment. The present disclosure provides methods comprising administering a multimeric polypeptide (synTac) and an immune checkpoint inhibitor to an individual. The present disclosure provides methods comprising administering a multimeric polypeptide (synTac) to an individual who is undergoing treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitor.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition contains an antibody or a fragment thereof specific for COL6A3 for the treatment of a cancer. A method of treating a cancer includes administering to a subject in need thereof the pharmaceutical composition. A kit includes a container that contains the pharmaceutical composition. A method of producing an antibody or a fragment thereof against a peptide or a MHC/peptide complex. A method for detecting a diseased tissue includes administering to a subject in need thereof an antibody or a fragment thereof conjugated to a radioisotope and detecting a signal from the radioisotope in the subject. A method for treating a diseased tissue includes administering to a subject in need thereof an antibody or a fragment thereof conjugated to a toxin.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition contains an antibody or a fragment thereof specific for COL6A3 for the treatment of a cancer. A method of treating a cancer includes administering to a subject in need thereof the pharmaceutical composition. A kit includes a container that contains the pharmaceutical composition. A method of producing an antibody or a fragment thereof against a peptide or a MHC/peptide complex. A method for detecting a diseased tissue includes administering to a subject in need thereof an antibody or a fragment thereof conjugated to a radioisotope and detecting a signal from the radioisotope in the subject. A method for treating a diseased tissue includes administering to a subject in need thereof an antibody or a fragment thereof conjugated to a toxin.

Abstract: The invention provides antibodies that specifically bind tau. The antibodies inhibit or delay tau-associated pathologies and associated symptomatic deterioration.

Abstract: The present invention provides peptidic TGF-? antagonists capable of inhibiting TGF-? signaling and disrupting the biochemical events that promote fibrosis and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition. The peptidic TGF-? antagonist may contain from 11 to 28 amino acid residues (for instance, may consist of from 12 to 16 amino acid residues) and may have the following structure (II): NH2? ETWIWLDTNMG-Xaa1-Y?COOH (II) wherein Xaa1 is any amino acid and Y is a peptide having from 0 to 9 amino acids. The peptidic TGF-? antagonists can advantageously be used for the prevention, treatment, and/or alleviation of the symptoms of a condition associated with an increase in TGF-? activity, including fibrosis (such as fibrosis of the skin, liver, lungs, and heart, among others) and cancer (including various carcinomas, such as squamous cell carcinoma, sarcomas, and metastatic cancers).

Abstract: Gram-negative bacterial strains are generated by inactivating at least one LytM catalytic domain-containing protein, such as NT013, NT017 and NT022 of non typeable H influenzae. The vesicles from these strains are useful for vaccination.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a recombinant microorganism capable of producing 2,4-dihydroxybutyrate, which is characterized by an increased cellular export, and preferably by a decreased cellular import, of said 2,4 DHB. The invention also relates to a method for the optimized production of 2,4-dihydroxybutyrate by culturing said microorganism in a fermentation medium and recovering 2,4-DHB from said medium.

Abstract: Disclosed are bacterial toxins and uses thereof as specific proteases for Ras sarcoma oncoproteins (Ras proteins). The bacterial toxins may be modified for use as pharmaceutical agents for treating Ras-dependent diseases and disorders including cell proliferation diseases and disorders such as cancer.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, methods, and vaccines that may stimulate the immune system and that may be used for treating malignancies associated with overexpression of the HER3 protein. Such compositions include epitopes of the HER3 protein.

Abstract: The methods and compounds disclosed herein are useful in treating a subject having cancer or a viral infection by modulating the innate and adaptive immune systems typically by both inhibiting the function of inhibitory receptors and enhancing activity of activating receptors. Preferred therapeutic compositions comprise a carrier; at least one agent selected from the group consisting of: an anti-inflammatory agent, a cytotoxic T cell proliferation agent, or a NK cell proliferation agent; and a therapeutic peptide of the invention. In certain embodiments the compositions further include a second therapeutic peptide and/or an immunoglobulin admixed therewith in an amount sufficient to enhance passive immunoprotection in the subject.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the identification of peptide sequences that are ligands for a T cell receptor (TCR) of interest, in a given MHC context.