Abstract: This invention provides a fluid therapeutic placental product comprising placental cells and a placental dispersion comprising placental factors. The placental cells and the placental dispersion are derived from placental tissue. A placental tissue can optionally be an amnion, chorion, or a trophoblast-depleted chorion. The placental product of the present invention is useful in treating a patient with a tissue injury (e.g. wound or burn) by applying the placental product to the injury. Similar application is useful with ligament and tendon repair and for engraftment procedures such as bone engraftment.

Abstract: An isolated truncated desmoglein 4 (DSG4) polypeptide splice variant of the invention is characterized by an amino acid sequence that lacks a region encoded before exon 9 or beyond exon 10 of the DSG4 gene having the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 75. Also disclosed is a method of diagnosing a cancer, or monitoring the course thereof, in a patient. The method comprises detecting in a tissue sample of a patient the expression of a tumor-associated antigen comprising the extracellular domain of a DSG4 polypeptide encoded by a DSG4 gene having the polynucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 75, or a truncated DSG4 polypeptide splice variant characterized by an amino acid sequence that lacks a region encoded before exon 9 or beyond exon 10 of the DSG4 gene.

Abstract: A technique is needed which can amplify NK cells in vitro and prepare optimum number of NK cells for the adoptive immunotherapy. A method for amplifying NK cells is provided which comprises steps of: preparing cell population which is comprised of NK cells, removing T cells from the cell population which is comprised of NK cells, and, after removal of T cells, cultivating the remaining cells in a medium supplemented with 2500 to 2831 IU/mL of IL-2. The method for amplifying NK cells of the present invention may comprise a step of removing hematopoietic progenitor cells from the cell population. The present invention provides a pharmaceutical composition for adoptive immunotherapy, comprising NK cells which are prepared by the amplifying method of the present invention.

Abstract: Disclosed are fragments of oncofetal antigen, otherwise known as immature laminin receptor protein that specifically stimulate one T cell subclass. The fragments may be formulated into compositions for potentiating T cell-mediated responses in mammalian cancer patients. They also have therapeutic uses in vitro.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method of cancer immuno-therapy and to a kit for use in this method. Specifically, the present invention relates to a novel method of collecting lymphocytes from sentinel lumph nodes and in vitro culture for the multiplication thereof lymphocytes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method for priming genetically modified T cells suitable for administration to a patient having a tumor. The invention is also directed to the composition obtained by the method and uses thereof.

Abstract: A unique type of regulatory T cell has been identified in muscle. These tissue-regenerative Treg cells play a role in regulating wound healing. These cells, as well as agents that control their differentiation and/or activity and agents produced by the cells, can be used to modulate wound healing and the differentiation of muscle cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are compositions and methods for related to monoclonal antibodies specific for single amino acid variation in an antigen.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for treating relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in a patient by administering to the patient autologous, ex vivo-expanded CD4+CD25+Foxp3+CD127low T reg cells when the patient is in remission. Also disclosed is a method of inhibiting the activity of autoimmune, autologous cytotoxic T and B cells in a patient suffering from relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of autologous CD4+CD25+Foxp3+CD127low T reg cells to the patient.

Abstract: A flowable biomedical implant for application to a bone defect to promote bone growth is provided. The flowable biomedical implant comprises a carrier matrix including a biodegradable polysaccharide and ceramic material. An impermeable membrane can be integrally formed at the surface of the carrier matrix by applying a crosslinking agent to the biodegradable polysaccharide mixed with ceramic materials.

Abstract: The invention provides an animal model and methods of generating large numbers of diverse, functional, naïve T cells in mice using bone marrow cells from adult donors.

Abstract: The present invention provides CD 14+ cell compositions and methods of using same in treating disorders, such as inflammatory disorders, such as atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of spironolactone for the preparation of a pharmaceutical composition intended for preventing and/or treating multiple sclerosis. Alternatively, the invention relates to the use of spironolactone directly in T-lymphocytes or dendritic cells obtained from a blood sample taken from a patient and then injected back into the circulation. Therefore, the present invention relates to the use of a composition comprising spironolactone that can be used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, which covers the administration of spironolactone directly or lymphocytes pre-treated with spironolactone, or dendritic cells to individuals requiring such treatment. Spironolactone is an orally administered drug that is less expensive than many of the treatments available for MS and, furthermore, has the advantage of being a known compound already used in humans for extended periods and therefore the adverse effects thereof have been described in clinical studies.

Abstract: Systems and methods for inhibiting bone loss using FoxP3+ CD8 T-cells (TcREG). Osteoclasts are induced to produce FoxP3+ CD8 T-cells (TcREG) either in vivo or ex vivo. The FoxP3+ CD8 T-cells (TcREG) are provided to the patient to subsequently regulate osteoclast function, thereby establishing a bi-directional regulatory loop between osteoclasts and FoxP3+ CD8 T-cells(TcREG).

Abstract: Provided herein are placental perfusate, placental perfusate cells, and placenta-derived intermediate natural killer cells, and combinations thereof. Also provided herein are compositions comprising the same, and methods of using placental perfusate, placental perfusate cells, and placenta-derived intermediate natural killer cells, and combinations thereof, to suppress the growth or proliferation of tumor cells, cancer cells, and the like, and to treat individuals having tumor cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an in vitro method for priming T cells suitable for administration to a patient having a viral infection. The invention is also directed to the composition obtained by the method and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a biomaterial, specifically a hydrogel, formed from the extracellular matrix of the umbilical cord for its application in regenerative medicine. The invention particularly relates to a biomaterial made up of glycosaminoglycans isolated exclusively from the Wharton's jelly of the umbilical cord which can optionally contain cells, and also to the methods for the production and use thereof.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to a composition comprising an enriched NK cell population. The invention further relates to a method of treating a solid tumor or a hyperproliferative disorder by administering the enriched NK cell population to a mammalian subject in need thereof.

Abstract: A method for generating/expanding in vitro a CD4+CD25+ T regulatory (Tr) cell and the use thereof in the treatment of diseases associated with a cell-mediated immune response (including T- and antibody-mediated responses).

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions utilizing gold nanoparticles for therapy for a medical condition, such as cancer. In particular aspects, the nanoparticles are included with or in a T cell to facilitate targeting of the nanoparticles to a desired location in vivo and/or to facilitate therapeutic treatment for the condition. In specific cases, the nanoparticle/T cell compositions further comprise microRNAs and/or peptides, and so forth.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods and compositions for treatment of locoregional nasopharyngeal carcinoma utilizing EBV-specific T cells. In specific embodiments, locoregional solid tumors are treated with cytotoxic T lymphocytes specific for at least one EBV antigen, such as LMP2, LMP1, and/or EBNA1, for example.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the discovery that increases in invariant NKT cell (iNKT) number and/or activity can reduce the incidence or severity of metabolic disorders such as obesity and diabetes. The invention accordingly features methods, kits, and compositions for the treatment of such metabolic disorders by administration of a composition capable of increasing iNKT activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for activating a Natural Killer (NK) cell by contacting the NK cell in vitro with an activating tumour cell preparation (ATCP). The invention also provides an activated NK cell produced by such a method and its use in the treatment of cancer.

Abstract: The present invention describes blood cells chemically coupled with immunodominant myelin peptides and their use in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the production of a cellular allogeneic vaccine, which is based upon an allogeneic APC, comprising the following steps: isolation of an APC from a subject or providing an APC already established and/or isolated from a myeloid leukemia cell line, and modifying the APC with an antigen using any of the following methods: pulsing, transfection, infection or fusion; treatment using an agent capable of removing sialic acid on cell surfaces; and optionally culturing the APC in a suitable medium, an allogeneic vaccine obtainable by the above method, a composition comprising said vaccine and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and therapeutic use of said vaccine or said composition.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods to prepare NK and LTi-like, NK22 cells from HSCs and uses of those cells.

Abstract: Methods for treating blood. The methods comprise obtaining whole blood from a donor, mixing the whole blood with a red blood cell enhancement composition, and incubating the mixture of whole blood and red blood cell enhancement composition. The method can be performed at a time proximate to the time of obtaining blood from the donor, or after the blood has been stored for a period of time. The method rejuvenates red blood cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of expanding B cells, and in particularly B10 cells capable of producing IL-10, ex vivo. The methods include incubation of harvested B cells in the presence of IL-21. Compositions comprising the ex vivo expanded B cells and methods of using the expanded B cell-containing compositions to treat diseases or conditions are also provided. Methods of assessing B10 cell function in a subject are also provided.

Abstract: Highly potent dendritic cells are generated in vivo or ex vivo by exposing precursor cells to an effective dose of IL-32.

Abstract: Methods for inducing, expanding, and/or generating alloantigen-specific regulatory T cells. Alloantigen-specific regulatory T cells can be induced, expanded, and/or generated from naive CD4+CD25? T cells by using CD40-activated B cells. The regulatory T cells can be human T cells. In one embodiment, the alloantigen-specific human regulatory T cells can be CD4highCD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composition comprising a lysosomal enzyme conjugated to a negatively charged scavenger receptor ligand. In some embodiments, the lysosomal enzyme is conjugated to the scavenger receptor ligand by way of a linker. The present invention also relates to a composition comprising lysosomal enzyme encapsulated by a liposome, said liposome externally comprising a negatively charged scavenger receptor ligand. The invention further encompasses a method of treating a lysosomal storage disease with the compositions listed above. The invention further encompasses a method of treating a lysosomal storage disease with an acylated, acetylated, or aconitylated lysosomal enzyme.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of treating Th2-associated diseases and disorders by modulating the expression or secretion of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 using interferon lambda (IFN-?). For Th2-associated diseases and disorders, cells of a patient having a Th2-associated disease or disorder are treated ex vivo, with IFN-? and returned to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing accessory cells, said accessory cells may themselves be used for preparing activated NK cells that may be used in various therapeutic protocols (e.g. cancer treatment). More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for preparing an accessory cell comprising the steps consisting of i) providing a cell and ii) inhibiting in said cell the expression of a gene encoding for a Killer-Cell Immunoglobulin-like Receptor(s) (KIR) ligand.

Abstract: The invention relates to dendritic cells produced from human induced pluripotent stems cells (iPSC). The invention also relates to methods for making and methods of using the dendritic cells of the invention.

Abstract: A method of regulating the immune system of a subject that involves removing antigen presenting cells from subject and loading preselected class II peptide fragments onto the subjects APC's outside the body of the subject.

Abstract: A method of regulatory cell therapy for a treating a patient in need thereof, wherein 104 to 106 regulatory T cells are administrated to the patient.

Abstract: Centrifuges are useful to, among other things, remove red blood cells from whole blood and retain platelets and other factors in a reduced volume of plasma. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) can be obtained rapidly and is ready for immediate injection into the host. Embodiments may include valves, operated manually or automatically, to open ports that discharge the excess red blood cells and the excess plasma while retaining the platelets and other facts. Highs speeds used allow simple and small embodiments to be used at the patient's side during surgical procedures. The embodiments can also be used for the separation of liquids or slurries in other fields such as, for example, the separation of pigments or lubricants.

Abstract: A molecular marker for detecting a cancer stem cell in a cell mass which is a subject of interest, wherein the molecular marker can be detected in a cancer stem cell contained in the subject of interest but cannot be detected in a normal cell and a cancer cell that is different from a cancer stem cell; a method for determining the presence or absence of a cancer stem cell in a subject of interest by using the molecular marker as an measure; a kit for determining the presence or absence of a cancer stem cell, which comprises at least a reagent for detecting the molecular marker; a polypeptide encoded by the molecular marker; an antibody capable of recognizing an epitope of an expression product of a gene derived from the molecular marker; a nucleic acid capable of inhibiting the expression of the molecular marker; and a nucleic acid vaccine comprising a gene derived from the molecular marker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to cancer vaccines and more particularly to compositions and methods for producing activated antigen presenting cells (dendritic cells, macrophages, monocytes, or other cells capable of presenting antigen to T lymphocytes); to pharmaceutical compositions including such cells; and to methods of using such cells (e.g., in treating patients who are suffering from or at risk of developing cancer).

Abstract: The present invention provides isolated or substantially purified polypeptides, nucleic acids, and virus-like particles (VLPs) derived from a Merkel cell carcinoma virus (MCV), which is a newly-discovered virus. The invention further provides monoclonal antibody molecules that bind to MCV polypeptides. The invention further provides diagnostic, prophylactic, and therapeutic methods relating to the identification, prevention, and treatment of MCV-related diseases.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing the weight of a subject, preventing weight gain in a subject, lowering blood glucose, or treating hepatic steatosis, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising interleukin-25 or IL-25-activated macrophages. In addition, the present invention provides a method of treating cachexia or promoting weight gain in a mammal in need of such treatment, comprising administering to the mammal a therapeutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising an inhibitor or antagonist of interleukin-25 in a mammal in the treatment of cachexia.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a culture medium suitable for inducing dendritic cell differentiation comprising an effective amount of secretory immunoglobulins A (SIgA) and also to a method for obtaining a population of tolerogenic dendritic cells from cells, in particular monocytes. The present invention relates to uses of tolerogenic dendritic cells thus obtained in therapy and in induction of transplant tolerance.

Abstract: Provided are an agent for inhibition of cancer development, an agent for improvement of antibody productivity, and an agent for treatment of hepatitis. The agents have been completed by finding that cancer development is inhibited in a healthy subject by administering NK cells, and antibody productivity is improved by administering NK cells and a vaccine to a patient.

Abstract: Methods of ex-vivo culture of natural killer (NK) cells are provided and, more particularly, methods for enhancing propagation and/or functionality of NK cells by treating the cells with an aryl hydrocarbon antagonist in combination with cytokines driving NK cell proliferation. Also envisioned are compositions comprising cultured NK cells and therapeutic uses thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for delivering agents to localized regions, tissues, or organs in vivo by conjugating agent-loaded nanoparticles to cells having homing capability. The agents may be therapeutic or diagnostic agents such as cancer chemotherapeutic agents and imaging agents respectively.

Abstract: This invention relates to cellular-based therapies for increasing the level of regulatory T cells (Treg) and/or decreasing the level of pro-inflammatory T cells (Th17) to induce anergy or immune tolerance. To provide these therapeutic effects, two allogeneic leukocyte populations are contacted (in vivo, in vitro or ex vivo) and one of these leukocyte population is modified to bear on its surface a low-immunogenic biocompatible polymer so as to prevent pro-inflammatory allo-recognition. Cellular-based preparations and processes for achieving cellular therapy are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to genetic products the expression of which is associated with cancer diseases. The invention also relates to the therapy and diagnosis of diseases in which the genetic products are expressed or aberrantly expressed, in particular cancer diseases.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a use of dendritic killer cell population for manufacturing medication. The dendritic killer cell population is generated by culturing peripheral blood mononuclear cells with effective amounts of various cytokines for an appropriate time period, and the conserved cytokine is IL-15. Meanwhile a pharmaceutical composition comprises the above dendritic killer cell population for treating cancers is also disclosed in the present invention.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved methods of suppressing and/or preventing an undesired immune response comprising the use of CD83. In some embodiments, CD83 is coadministered to a subject with at least one other immunosuppressive compound. Methods are also provided for generating tolerogenic dendritic cells and regulatory T cells. These cells can be used in vitro to produce additional cells for therapeutic purposes or they can be used in vivo to suppress and/or prevent an undesired immune response. Methods of the invention can be used to prevent or reduce the severity of autoimmune diseases and can also be used to induce tolerance to at least one therapeutic composition, such as a therapeutic protein or transplanted tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a formulation and method for preparing specific T cells, and a method for fabricating the above formulation is also disclosed. The formulation can induce specific T cell responses and comprises at least a cell population of dendritic killer cells presenting specific antigens. In addition, the method mentioned above for preparing specific T cells comprises following steps. A cell population of T cells is provided at first. And then, a formulation of preparing specific T cells is added to mix with the cell population of T cells. After cultivating, the specific T cells are harvested. Furthermore, the method for fabricating the above formulation comprises the following steps. First, a cell population of dendritic killer cells is provided. A target sample is then provided, and a step of making the cell population of the dendritic killer cells co-cultivate with the target sample is performed.