Abstract: The present invention relates to the stimulation of the IL-15Rbeta/gamma signalling pathway, to thereby induce and/or stimulate the activation and/or proliferation of IL-15Rbeta/gamma-positive cells, such as NK and/or T cells. Appropriate compounds include compounds comprising at least one IL-15Rbeta/gamma binding entity, directly or indirectly linked by covalence to at least one polypeptide which contains the sushi domain of the extracellular region of an IL-15Ralpha.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides microRNA-based therapies using a hydrogel delivery system that provides regenerative approach to myocardial infarction by targeting cardiomyocytes. The hydrogel provides for local and sustained cardiac delivery of microRNAs, such miR-302 mimics that can be used to promote cardiomyocyte proliferation. Also provided are compositions suitable for local and sustained release and methods for intramyocardial gel delivery of a miRNA oligonucleotide.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials involved in assessing immune system profiles. For example, methods and materials for performing flow cytometry to determine the number of CD4+ lymphocytes, CD8+ lymphocytes, regulatory T cells, B cells, NK cells, granulocytes, CD14+HLA-DRlo/neg monocytes, and/or CD86+ monocytes per unit volume (e.g., cells per ?L or mL) of whole blood (e.g., fresh, un-manipulated whole blood) obtained from a mammal (e.g., a human) are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method for preparing a biomaterial having selectively functionalized tyrosine, a biomaterial having selectively functionalized tyrosine, and a pharmaceutical composition containing same as an active ingredient. The method for preparing a biomaterial to which a compound represented by chemical formula 2 is coupled, of the present invention, allows the compound represented by chemical formula 2 to be selectively coupled, in a high yield in a biomaterial, to tyrosine, which is present on the surface of an aqueous solution such that the coupling thereof to amino acids other than tyrosine does not occur and, when only one tyrosine is present, heterogeneous mixtures are not present and the inherent activity of the biomaterial is maintained, and thus the compound can be effectively used as a pharmaceutical composition containing a biomaterial drug as an active ingredient.

Abstract: Provided herein are peptide amphiphiles (PAs) and supramolecular PA nanostructures that mimic brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a growth factor that induces neuronal survival, maturation, and increased electrical activity. In particular, injectable biomaterials comprising BDNF mimetic PAs are provided, as well as methods of using BDNF mimetic PAs for the treatment or prevention of neurological injuries, diseases, and disorders.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods and compositions comprising IL-21 polypeptides, targeted cytokine construct that selectively activates target immune cells (e.g., CD8+ T cells) over other immune cell types. The cytokine of the present disclosure can further comprise mutations that alter its charge distribution to improve its half-life within the blood.

Abstract: The application relates to a dual cytokine fusion protein composition, pharmaceutical composition, and/or formulation thereof comprising IL-10 or IL-10 variant molecules fused to a single chain variable fragment scaffolding system and a second cytokine, where the second cytokine is linked in the hinge region of the scFv. The application also relates to methods of using the dual cytokine fusion protein composition for treating cancer, inflammatory diseases or disorders, and immune and immune mediated diseases or disorders.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of treating an aging-related disease or inflammatory disease in a subject that include (i) a therapeutically effective amount of an NK cell activating agent and/or an NK cell and/or monoclonal antibody; and (ii) a therapeutically effective amount of a Treg cell activating agent and/or a Treg cell and/or a monoclonal antibody and/or AGE inhibitor.

Abstract: The application relates to a dual cytokine fusion protein composition, pharmaceutical composition, and/or formulation thereof comprising IL-10 or IL-10 variant molecules fused to a single chain variable fragment scaffolding system and a second cytokine, where the second cytokine is linked in the hinge region of the scFv. The application also relates to methods of using the dual cytokine fusion protein composition for treating cancer, inflammatory diseases or disorders, and immune and immune mediated diseases or disorders.

Abstract: The application relates to a dual cytokine fusion protein composition, pharmaceutical composition, and/or formulation thereof comprising IL-10 or IL-10 variant molecules fused to a single chain variable fragment scaffolding system and a second cytokine, where the second cytokine is linked in the hinge region of the scFv. The application also relates to methods of using the dual cytokine fusion protein composition for treating cancer, inflammatory diseases or disorders, and immune and immune mediated diseases or disorders.

Abstract: Provided herein, inter alia, are human interleukin-2 (IL-2) muteins or variants thereof. In particular, provided herein are IL-2 muteins that have a decreased binding capacity for IL-2R?. Such IL-2 muteins are useful, for example, as IL-2 partial agonist in applications where reduction or inhibition of one or more IL-2 and/or IL-15 functions is useful (e.g., in the treatment of autoimmune diseases or conditions). Also provided are nucleic acids encoding such IL-2 muteins, methods of making such IL-2 muteins, pharmaceutical compositions that include such IL-2 muteins and methods of treatment using such pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: Various methods and compositions are provided which can be employed to modulate the immune system. Compositions include a fusion protein comprising: (a) a first polypeptide comprising Interleukin-2 (IL-2) or a functional variant or fragment thereof; and (b) a second polypeptide, fused in frame to the first polypeptide, wherein the second polypeptide comprises an extracellular domain of Interleukin-2 Receptor alpha (IL-2R?) or a functional variant or fragment thereof, and wherein the fusion protein has IL-2 activity. Various methods are provided for modulating the immune response in a subject comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of the IL-2/IL-2R? fusion protein disclosed herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides the gene therapy compositions comprising vectors (e.g., viral vectors) suitable for delivery of nucleic acids encoding immunomodulatory proteins or functional fragments thereof, and methods of using the same. Certain aspects of the disclosure are directed to an adeno-viral vector (AAV) delivery of nucleic acids encoding two or more immunomodulatory proteins or functional fragments thereof to a tumor.

Abstract: The application relates to a dual cytokine fusion protein composition, pharmaceutical composition, and/or formulation thereof comprising IL-10 or IL-10 variant molecules fused to a single chain variable fragment scaffolding system and a second cytokine, where the second cytokine is linked in the hinge region of the scFv. The application also relates to methods of using the dual cytokine fusion protein composition for treating cancer, inflammatory diseases or disorders, and immune and immune mediated diseases or disorders.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods for determining the likelihood of the formation of a clinical response in an individual to therapy with an immunomodulatory agent for treatment of a disease or condition of the individual.

Abstract: Provided is a method of administering to a patient having cancer: (a) a 4-1BB agonist; (b) an IL-2R?-activating amount of a long-acting, IL-2R?-selective agonist; and/or (c) a toll-like receptor agonist, as well as related compositions, kits and compositions.

Abstract: A CD19-OR-CD20 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) protein construct is provided. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding the CD19-OR-CD20 CAR; and methods of use, e.g. in the treatment of B cell malignancies. The CD19-OR-CD20 CAR of the invention is a bispecific CAR that can trigger T-cell activation upon detection of either CD19 or CD20 (or both). It is a single molecule that confers two-input recognition capability upon human T cells engineered to stably express this CAR.

Abstract: Compositions that include an albumin binding domain and a fusion partner (e.g., a cytokine or a binding moiety) are provided. Such therapeutics have increased serum half-life and find use in applications where one or more such therapeutics are needed, for example, in oncology applications.

Abstract: The application relates to a dual cytokine fusion protein composition, pharmaceutical composition, and/or formulation thereof comprising IL-10 or IL-10 variant molecules fused to a single chain variable fragment scaffolding system and a second cytokine, where the second cytokine is linked in the hinge region of the scFv. The application also relates to methods of using the dual cytokine fusion protein composition for treating cancer, inflammatory diseases or disorders, and immune and immune mediated diseases or disorders.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for IL2 engrafted into the CDR sequences of an antibody having preferred therapeutic profiles over molecules known and used in the clinic. In particular, the provided antibody cytokine engrafted protein compositions increase or maintain CD8+ T effector cells while reducing the activity of Treg cells. Additionally, provided compositions convey improved half-life, stability and producibility over recombinant human IL2 formulations such as Proleukin®.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for construction of pharmamers i.e. vaccine components characterized by their multimerization domain and the attached biologically active molecules, and their use in preparation of vaccines that contains the pharmamers alone or in combination with other molecules. The individual molecules of the construct can be bound to each other or the multimerization domain(s) by covalent or non-covalent bonds, directly or via linkers. The invention further relates to the use of such preparations in vaccine settings aimed to function as preventive/prophylactic or therapeutic vaccines in humans and animals.

Abstract: The invention relates to bivalent bispecific monoclonal antibodies (bbmAb) or variants thereof, and methods of manufacturing such antibodies by co-expressing modified Fc-mutated derivatives of two different monoclonal antibodies in mammalian cell lines.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions, methods and treatment regimens for treating cancer comprising periodic subcutaneous administration of the fusion protein of SEQ ID NO:1 to a cancer patient resulting in enhanced activation of CD8+ T-cells with minimal effects on regulatory T cell (Treg) expansion and providing enhanced anti-tumor efficacy while also mitigating T cell inactivation/exhaustion.

Abstract: IL-7R??c binding compounds and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the IL-7R??c binding compounds are disclosed. IL-7R??c bonding compounds can act as IL-7R agonists and are useful in treating cancer, viral diseases, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory diseases.

Abstract: A CD19-OR-CD20 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) protein construct is provided. Also provided are nucleic acids encoding the CD19-OR-CD20 CAR; and methods of use, e.g. in the treatment of B cell malignancies. The CD19-OR-CD20 CAR of the invention is a bispecific CAR that can trigger T-cell activation upon detection of either CD19 or CD20 (or both). It is a single molecule that confers two-input recognition capability upon human T cells engineered to stably express this CAR.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods of treating cancer in a patient with a combination therapy comprising a fusion protein of SEQ ID NO: 1 in combination with an immune checkpoint inhibitor. Preferably the patient has failed to achieve complete or partial response with prior or ongoing treatment with an immune checkpoint inhibitor.

Abstract: Provided herein are an interleukin-2 polypeptide and a fusion protein thereof. Also provided herein are their pharmaceutical compositions and methods of use for treating, preventing, or ameliorating one or more symptoms of a proliferative disease.

Abstract: An exosome-based skincare product containing exosomes excreted by lab cultured human umbilical mesenchymal stem cells within a solvent. Most frequently the solvent is a mixture of water and glycerin. Optional ingredients such as skin-conditioning agents, antioxidants, surfactants, buffering agents, viscosity decreasing agents, viscosity increasing agents, peptides, binders, and/or humectants may be included.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for re-stimulating TIL populations that lead to improved phenotype and increased metabolic health of the TILs and provides methods of assaying for TIL populations to determine suitability for more efficacious infusion after restimulation.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a polypeptide and method for treating and/or preventing nephrotic syndrome, such as but not limited to those associated with minimal change disease and membranous nephropathy, and conditions related to nephrotic syndrome, such as but not limited to, proteinuria and edema, as well as diabetic nephropathy, diabetes mellitus, lupus nephritis or primary glomerular disease. The present disclosure further provides methods for reducing proteinuria and other disease states as discussed herein. Such methods comprise the therapeutic delivery of an Angptl4 polypeptide or Angptl4 polypeptide derivative to a subject.

Abstract: Provided herein are cytokines or functional fragments thereof that, in some embodiments, are engineered to be masked by a masking moiety at one or more receptor binding site(s) of the cytokine or functional fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the cytokines are engineered to be activatable by a protease at a target site, such as in a tumor microenvironment, by including a proteolytically cleavable linker. In some embodiments, the proteolytically cleavable linker links the cytokine to the masking moiety, links the cytokine to a half-life extension domain, and/or links the masking moiety to a half-life extension domain. The masking moiety blocks, occludes, inhibits (e.g., decreases) or otherwise prevents (e.g., masks) the activity or binding of the cytokine to its cognate receptor or protein. Upon proteolytic cleavage of the cleavable linker at the target site, the cytokine becomes activated, which renders it capable of binding to its cognate receptor or protein with increased affinity.

Abstract: The ?c-family cytokines, Interleukin-2 (IL-2), Interleukin-4 (IL-4), Interleukin-7 (IL-7), Interleukin-9 (IL-9), Interleukin-15 (IL-15), and Interleukin-21 (IL-21), are associated with important human diseases, such as leukemia, autoimmune diseases, collagen diseases, diabetes mellitus, skin diseases, degenerative neuronal diseases and graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Thus, inhibitors of ?c-cytokine activity are valuable therapeutic and cosmetic agents as well as research tools. Peptide and/or peptide derivative antagonists based on the consensus ?c-subunit binding site to inhibit ?c-cytokine activity are described. Also described are peptide and/or peptide derivative antagonists exhibiting Simul-Block activity, and inhibiting the activity of multiple ?c-cytokine family members.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to methods and compositions for modulating an immune response. In certain aspects the immune response is a type I hypersensitivity response. In particular aspects the subject has allergic asthma or allergic rhinitis. Using a conventional experimental asthma mouse model (BALB/c), the inventors demonstrate that aerosol administration of TLR agonists, in particular a combination of TLR2/6 and TLR9 agonist (e.g., TLR9 oligonucleotide agonist/PAM2CSK4) along with an antigen (e.g., ovalbumin (OVA)) suppresses the immune response as exemplified by the production of antigen-specific IgE and decreases the number of airway eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BAL) in response to intraperitoneal (IP) immunization with an antigen mixed with alum.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides chimeric antigen receptors, compostions, and methods thereof. In one embodiment the present disclosure provides a method of treating autoimmune diseases, asthma, and preventing or mediating organ rejection in a subject.

Abstract: Antibody variants having decreased or increased ability to mediate CDC due to modifications at the C-terminus of their heavy chains are described. Methods of generating such antibodies, as well as nucleotide constructs and host cells suitable for the production of said antibodies are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to immune-stimulating IL-2 fusion proteins comprising antibodies joined to human interleukin-2 (hIL-2). The invention more specifically relates to humanized monoclonal antibodies or fragments thereof joined to hIL-2 or variants thereof and displaying a unique capability of preferentially stimulating cytotoxic T cells and NK cells compared to Treg cells. Furthermore, the invention relates to in vitro and in vivo therapeutic applications of the IL-2 fusion proteins, in particular as an immunotherapy in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: Provided herein are isolated DNA vectors comprising a heterologous gene, wherein the DNA vector is devoid of bacterial plasmid DNA and/or bacterial signatures, which can abrogate persistence in vivo. The invention also features pharmaceutical compositions (non-immunogenic pharmaceutical compositions) including the DNA vectors of the invention, which can be used for induction of long-term, episomal expression of a heterologous gene in a subject. The invention involves methods of treating a subject by administering the DNA vectors of the invention, including methods of treating disorders associated with a defect in a target gene.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in part, to chimeric proteins that bind a non-cellular structure and their use as therapeutic agents. The present invention further relates to pharmaceutical compositions comprising the chimeric proteins and their use in the treatment of various diseases.

Abstract: The invention is directed to roles for PARP-1 in disease.

Abstract: A method of treating cancer is provided. The method includes administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of a compound selected from the group consisting of a glycogen phosphorylase inhibitor, a glycogen synthase inhibitor, a glycogen degradation molecule, an anti-sense oligonucleotide that down-regulates glycogen synthesis, and combinations thereof, where the cancer includes elevated levels of glycogen.

Abstract: The present invention is related to novel methods for identifying a population of subjects that are at risk for developing of atopic allergic diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, and to the prevention and treatment of these allergic diseases.

Abstract: Immune compositions comprising (i) a respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) G polypeptide, which may be a modified G polypeptide relative to the wild-type counterpart, or a nucleic acid encoding such, and (ii) a solvent and one or more immune regulators, wherein the immune regulator(s) is dissolvable in the solvent. Also provided herein are methods for eliciting anti-RSV immune responses using the immune compositions disclosed herein and methods for producing the immune compositions.

Abstract: The present invention provides novel IL-12 Fc fusion proteins, methods of making and using the same. The IL-12 Fc fusion proteins are useful for treatment of cancer and can be used in combination with checkpoint blockade.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of treating a peripheral nerve injury in a subject. The methods include administering to the subject at or near the site of the peripheral nerve injury an effective amount of a composition comprising an agent that promotes remyelination of the peripheral nerve. Also provided are methods of determining whether a peripheral nerve injury has a capacity for recovery. The methods include selecting a subject with a peripheral nerve injury, administering to the subject a first dose of a composition comprising and agent that promote remyelination and detecting after the first dose one or more characteristics of peripheral nerve recovery, the presence of one or more characteristics of peripheral nerve recovery indicating a peripheral nerve injury has a capacity for recovery and the absence of characteristics of peripheral nerve recovery indicating a peripheral nerve injury without a capacity for recovery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising regulatory T (Treg) cells or effector T cells (Teff) which stably express an interleukin selected from the group consisting of interleukin-2 (IL-2) or interleukin-15 (IL-15).

Abstract: Recombinant interleukin-11 (rhIL-11) is expressed in yeast, then isolated from aerobic fermentation media by precipitation, solubilization of the precipitate in the presence of a denaturant, and renaturation of the solubilized protein. Renatured rhIL-11 is further purified by cation exchange and hydrophobic interaction chromatography to provide a highly purified rhIL-11 with high biological activity and low rhIL-11 dimer and oxidized rhIL-11 content.

Abstract: Ex vivo determination of increased tumor immunogenicity of a tumor biopsy is used as a guide to identify immunotherapy of a tumor in a patient. Most preferably, the ex vivo tests will include exposure of biopsy samples to stress conditions to produce pretreated tumor cells that are then assayed with immune competent cells for increased activation or activity. Test conditions include exposure of the biopsy samples to immune stimulatory compositions, antibodies against neoepitopes, and/or modified cells, and an increase of immunogenicity is preferably determined by their exposure to T cells and/or NK cells.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for treating Gaucher disease are described.

Abstract: Combination therapeutics for the treatment of cancer include the use of immune effector cells, IL-15 based superagonists and one or more immunotherapeutic agents such as Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG).

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide methods for harnessing the potential of proteins that occur naturally (e.g., in humans) and that have serious but finite toxicity. Aspects of the invention relate to a quantitative systems-biological and structural approach to design a class Mof chimeric proteins that avoid the toxicity of protein drugs while retaining their desired activities. In particular, chimeric proteins containing a variant form of a natural protein fused to a targeting moiety may be administered to a subject to target a signal (e.g., induction of apoptosis) to particular cells without having a generalized toxic effect.