Abstract: The present invention provides methods for producing cell populations enriched for stable, regulatory T cells (Tregs). In particular, the invention relates to methods for culturing T cells such that the final culture is enriched for stable, regulatory T cells. It also relates to methods for stabilizing regulatory T cells. Also provided are compositions enriched for stable, regulatory T cells, which are useful for treating individuals in need of such treatment. The methods and compositions disclosed herein can also be used to treat an individual suffering from an immune-mediated disease.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods for the production of antigen-specific effector T cells and NK cells from pluripotent stem cells which express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). Further provided herein are methods for the adoptive cell therapy by administering the effector T cells and/or NK cells provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides inducible chimeric cytokine receptors responsive to a ligand, e.g., a small molecule or protein, uses of such receptors for improving the functional activities of genetically modified immune cells, such as T cells, comprising the inducible chimeric cytokine receptors, and compositions comprising such cells.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of producing platelets and red blood cells using synthetic biology and uses thereof. The methods disclosed herein can also be used to produce platelets and red blood cells comprising a therapeutic agent. The cells produced by the methods disclosed herein can be used to treat, manage, prevent and diagnosis various diseases and disorders and be used as a research tool.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing lymphoid progenitors. The inventors took advantage of their original and relevant Warts, Hypogammaglobulinemia, Infections and Myelokathexis (WHIM) Syndrome (WS) model and the access to blood samples from five WS patients to investigate the impact of CXCR4 desensitization on BM and extra-medullary (i.e. splenic) hematopoiesis and hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) recirculation. They developed, for the first time, an original in vitro system permitting to selectively expand HSPCs to obtain lymphoid progenitors by using an original cocktail of cytokines. In particular, the present invention relates to an in vitro method for preparing lymphoid progenitors by culturing HSPCs in an appropriate culture medium comprising an effective amount of a cocktail of cytokines consisting in SCF, IL-3, IL-6, IL-7, Flt-3, and CXCL12.

Abstract: Techniques regarding screening for mutations using nanoscale deterministic arrays are provided. For example, one or more embodiments described herein can comprise a method, which can comprise cleaving a deoxyribonucleic acid segment hybridized with a molecular probe to form a sample fluid. The cleaving can occur at a first end and a second end of the molecular probe. Also, the cleaving can comprise a cleaving agent that targets base pair mismatches. The method can also comprise supplying the sample fluid to a nanoscale deterministic lateral displacement array to screen for a single nucleotide polymorphism.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include methods and compositions for enhancing expansion of immune cells for immunotherapy. In particular embodiments, immune cells, such as T-cells, express a constitutively active cytokine receptor in which the transmembrane and endodomains are able to provide an activating signal separately from any input to the corresponding exodomain to which they are operably linked. In specific embodiments, the transmembrane and endodomain from IL-7R? is utilized with the exodomain of CD34.

Abstract: Provided herein are ST-?DC1 and populations of those cells, methods for making ST-?DC1 and populations of those cells, and methods for using ST-?DC1 and populations of those cells for the treatment of cancer, precancerous conditions and chronic infections.

Abstract: Provided are combination therapies for treating and preventing relapse of a tumor and infectious diseases in a subject, as well as methods for use thereof. The combination therapies comprise an Hsp70 based pharmaceutical ingredient and at least one further immunotherapeutic agent that specifically inhibits and/or preferably binds to an immune checkpoint molecule or tumor immune microenvironment immune regulator. Furthermore, a kit and methods of using the combination therapies of the invention are described.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are synthetic leathers, artificial epidermal layers, artificial dermal layers, layered structures, products produced therefrom and methods of producing the same.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of preparing an isolated population of dendritic cells, isolated populations of dendritic cells prepared by the methods, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the isolated population of dendritic cells. Also disclosed are methods of treating or preventing cancer using the isolated population of dendritic cells or pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: In some embodiments herein, methods, compositions, and uses for modulating lymphatic vessels of the central nervous system are described. In some embodiments, methods, compositions, or uses for treating, preventing, or ameliorating symptoms of a neurodegenerative disease comprise by increasing flow via meningeal lymphatic vessels are described. In some embodiments, methods, compositions, or uses for treating, preventing, or ameliorating symptoms of inflammatory neurological disease be inhibiting or preventing immune cell migration through meningeal lymphatic vessels are described.

Abstract: Provided herein are isolated neural stem cells and methods of making neural stem cells from human trophoblast stem cells. The isolated neural stem cells can be immune privileged and express one or more protein(s). Also provided are methods for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases using suitable preparations comprising the isolated neural stem cells.

Abstract: The subject invention concerns materials and methods for culture of cell aggregates. The subject invention utilizes three-dimensional (3-D) inserts comprising micro-channels having selected dimensions. The inserts are provided in or on tissue culture plates that can be supported on a programmable rocking platform/station, thereby providing for a hydrodynamic environment that promotes 3-D aggregation of cells cultured on the plates. The supporting rocker is programmed to provide motion that generates hydrodynamic conditions that support 3-D cell aggregation and long-term culture. The subject invention also concerns an apparatus comprising a tissue culture vessel that comprises a 3-D insert of the present invention, and a programmable rocking platform/station that can provide motion to the vessel provided thereon, thereby generating hydrodynamic conditions and wave motion that support 3-D cell aggregation and cell culture. The subject invention also concerns methods for growing 3-D aggregates of cells.

Abstract: Certain populations of small cells present in adult human tissue can undergo activation/development to form human pluripotent stem cell populations. These small cells are generally less than six micrometers in diameter and are CD49f-positive, and are referred to herein as human early stage precursors or CD49f+ cells. Accordingly, provided are cell populations and compositions with enriched CD49f+ cells from adult human tissue samples and methods and compositions for promoting activation/development of these CD49f+ cells. Upon differentiation, the activated stem cells can be used for various therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: A method for providing a sub-population of stem cell or plurality of stem cells by determining or modulating GSTT1 expression level or genotype is disclosed together with uses of the stem cells.

Abstract: Disclosed are means, methods, and compositions of matter useful for treatment of neuroinflammation, autoimmunity, transplant rejection, or graft versus host disease (GVHD) comprising exposing autologous immune cells to allogeneic amniotic fluid derived stem cells. In one embodiment peripheral blood mononuclear cells are cultured in the presence of amniotic fluid stem cells in the presence of interleukin-2 for a period of time sufficient to endow tolerogenic properties. Said tolerogenic properties include ability to suppress adaptive or innate immune responses. In another embodiment the invention provides methods of generating antigen specific immune regulatory cells by culture of lymphocytes together with amniotic fluid stem cells in the presence of antigen to which specific immune regulation is desired.

Abstract: A repaired ex vivo organ suitable for transplantation in a human, said repaired ex vivo organ having undergone ex vivo organ perfusion for a maintenance period, wherein said organ had been assessed as being unsuitable for transplantation into a human before the maintenance period and was determined to be suitable for transplantation after the maintenance period.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods can be used for the automated production of dendritic cells (DC) from dendritic cell progenitors, such as monocytes obtained from peripheral blood, and the automated generation of immunotherapeutic products from those dendritic cells, all within a closed system. The invention makes it possible to obtain sufficient quantities of a subject's own DC for use in preparing and characterizing vaccines, for activating and characterizing the activation state of the subject's immune response, and to aid in preventing and/or treating cancer or infectious disease.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are synthetic leathers, artificial epidermal layers, artificial dermal layers, layered structures, products produced therefrom and methods of producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a FUBP1 inhibitor for use in treatment of an HBV infection, in particular a chronic HBV infection. The invention in particular relates to the use of FUBP1 inhibitors for destabilizing cccDNA, such as HBV cccDNA. The invention also relates to nucleic acid molecules, such as oligonucleotides including siRNA, shRNA and antisense oligonucleotides, which are complementary to FUBP1 and capable of reducing a FUBP1 mRNA. Also comprised in the present invention is a pharmaceutical composition and its use in the treatment and/or prevention of a HBV infection.

Abstract: A fluid mixing system includes a support housing having an interior surface bounding a chamber. A flexible bag is disposed within the chamber of the support housing, the flexible bag having an interior surface bounding a compartment. An impeller is disposed within the chamber of the flexible bag. A drive shaft is coupled with the impeller such that rotation of the drive shaft facilitates rotation of the impeller. A drive motor assembly is coupled with the draft shaft and is adapted to rotate the drive shaft. An adjustable arm assembly is coupled with the drive motor assembly and is adapted to move the drive motor assembly which in turn moves the position of the drive shaft and impeller. An electrical controller can control movement of the adjustable arm.

Abstract: Methods and compositions generating and using an interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra)-rich solution. Methods for generating and isolating interleukin-1 receptor antagonist include incubating a liquid volume of white blood cells and platelets with polyacrylamide beads to produce interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. The interleukin-1 receptor antagonist is isolated from the polyacrylamide beads to obtain the solution rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist. Methods for treating a site of inflammation in a patient include administering to the site of inflammation the solution rich in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of treatment of individuals having an immune-related disease, disorder or condition, for example, inflammatory bowel disease, graft-versus-host disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus erythematosus, diabetes, mycosis fungoides (Alibert-Bazin syndrome), or scleroderma using placental stem cells or umbilical cord stem cells.

Abstract: Provided herein are engineered red blood cells expressing rare blood antigen group profiles, and methods of making use the same, are described. Also provided are recombinant reagent red blood cells that express or lack the expression of at least one protein (e.g., a blood group antigen) on its surface and uses thereof.

Abstract: Provided are a ligand-bearing substrate which has a surface at least partially coated with a polymer (P3) containing structural units represented by the formulae (1a) and (1b) (in the formulae, R1, R2, X, Y, L, Q1, Q2, Q3, m1, m2 and n are as described in the claims and description); a raw material for such a substrate; and a method for producing such substrates.

Abstract: The present invention includes methods for handling live cell compositions in non-nutritive buffer. The cells in the compositions maintain their identity and functional characteristics after being stored in non-nutritive media up to about 72 hours. The storage method enables the cells to be manufactured at a processing facility and shipped to a point of care site. The invention also includes compositions that have been stored in non-nutritive buffer at storage temperatures while maintaining the functional characteristics.

Abstract: Provided herein is a placental product comprising an immunocompatible chorionic membrane. Such placental products can be cryopreserved and contain viable therapeutic cells after thawing. 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: A method for coordinating the manufacturing of an expanded cell therapy product for a patient may include receiving a cell order request to expand the cell therapy product for the patient; generating a patient-specific identifier or cell order identifier associated with the cell order request; and initiating a process to expand the cell therapy product from at least some of a solid tumor obtained from the patient. If acceptance parameters for the expansion cell therapy product do not meet certain acceptance criteria at a second time point subsequent to a first time point in the expansion process, it is determined whether re-performing the expansion of the cell therapy product using the cell expansion technique is possible from the first time point based on the acceptance parameters at the second time point. If such re-performing the expansion is possible, patient treatment events that use the expanded cell therapy product are rescheduled.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are synthetic leathers, artificial epidermal layers, artificial dermal layers, layered structures, products produced therefrom and methods of producing the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a chemically defined medium for eukaryotic cell culture, comprising water, at least one carbon source, one or more vitamins, one or more salts, one or more growth factors, one or more fatty acids, one or more buffer components, selenium and one or more further trace elements and its use in the culture of cancer stem cells, in particular tumorsphere culture of cancer stem cells.

Abstract: This invention relates to Natural Killer (NK) cell populations, to methods of producing the same and therapeutic applications thereof. More specifically, the invention relates to the expansion of NK cells by increasing the expression of specific transcription factors associated with NK cell production.

Abstract: Provided are NK-92 cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). The CAR can comprise an intracellular domain of Fc?RI?. Also described are methods for treating a patient having or suspected of having a disease that is treatable with NK-92 cells, such as cancer or a viral infection, comprising administering to the patient NK-92-CAR cells.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions and methods related to use of cardiosphere-derived cells and their extracellular vesicles, such as exosomes and microvesicles, for achieving anti-aging and rejuvenation. This includes discoveries for effects on heart structure, function, gene expression, and systemic parameters. For animal studies, intra-cardiac injections of neonatal rat CDCs was compared to in old and young rats including evaluation of blood, echocardiographic, haemodynamic and treadmill stress tests. For in vitro studies, human heart progenitors from older donors, or cardiomyocytes from aged rats were exposed to human CDCs or cardiosphere derived cell (CDC) derived exosomes (CDC-XO) from pediatric donors. CDCs and CDC-XOs were capable of effectuating youthful patterns of gene expression in the hearts of old, along with a variant of physiological and function benefits, including elongation of telomere length.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of detecting symptoms of peritonitis, wherein the method comprises the following steps: taking a photo of a drainage solution and/or of a catheter exit site using a smartphone and/or inputting at least one query parameter which is input by a patient through the input zone of a smartphone; and, evaluating the photo and/or the query parameter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a composition comprising a double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) having two complementary strands, comprising at least one block of poly A and the complementary block of poly U, each strand having a length of between 50 and 200 bases, preferably between 55 and 200 bases, and a pharmaceutically acceptable vehicle, carrier or excipient, for use in a method of treating a cancer expressing a TLR3 receptor.

Abstract: A first terminal determines a collection date of a somatic cell based on a desired collection date and a collectable date transmitted by a second medium; and outputs the collection date to a first medium. A second terminal outputs the collectable date to the second medium; and determines an acceptance date based on the collection date transmitted by the first medium and a production period of an iPS cell transmitted by a third medium. A third terminal determines the production period based on the collection date and a producible period, and determines a shipment date based on the production period and stockable location and period transmitted by a fourth medium; and outputs the production period to the third medium. A fourth terminal outputs the stockable location and period to the fourth medium; and determines stock location and period based on the production period and the stockable location and period.

Abstract: A system for an iPS cell bank includes a terminal and a server. The terminal receives and sends a production request including a desired collection date of a somatic cell and a customer ID to the server. The server stores a collectable date for collecting the somatic cell, a producible period for producing an iPS cell, and a location and a stockable period for stocking the iPS cell; and determines: a collection date based on the desired collection date and the collectable date; a production period based on the collection date and the producible period; an acceptance date of the somatic cell based on the collection date and the production period; a stock location and a stock period based on the production period, the stockable location, and the stockable period; and a shipment date of the iPS cell based on the production period, the stockable location, and the stockable period.

Abstract: A method of treating spinal cord injuries in a patient using sagittal MR images of the spinal cord injury to guide the extent of exposure of the neuro/orthopedic surgeon during a posterior spinal fusion for the purpose of autologous stem cell therapy in the setting of spinal injury; the method using large volumes of the patient's bone marrow aspirated to yield a large quantity of heterogeneous autologous stem cell concentrate containing cellular and subcellular fractions, in addition to soluble protein factors (defined as heterogeneous concentrate) exhibiting regenerative potential which is then applied directly over the spinal cord (under the dura/arachnoid) in the areas affected.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for inducing amplification of human type I NKT cells in vitro using a “specific stimulant+staged cytokine” mode, which consists of two culture stages, wherein the first culture stage focuses on specific amplification of the number of the type I NKT cells, in which a specific stimulant ?-GalCer is used to advantageously amplify the type I NKT cells and ?-GalCer-loaded CD1d-expressing cells are used to stimulate continuous proliferation of the type I NKT cells while adding cytokines IL-2 and IL-7 to assist growth of the type I NKT cells; and the second culture stage is to synchronously perform amplification of the number of the type I NKT cells and guide directed function differentiation, in which CD1d-expressing cells incubated with ?-GalCer continue to stimulate proliferation of the type I NKT cells while adding IL-2, IL-7 and IL-15 to assist amplification of the type I NKT cells and guide differentiation, and IL-12 is added to the culture system 1-2 days before the e

Abstract: Compositions and methods of promoting wound healing in a human by administering to the human mesenchymal stem cells in an effective amount.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, are recombinant polypeptides comprising one or more homologous amino acid repeats; and, non-immunogenic bioconjugates comprising recombinant polypeptides comprising one or more homologous amino acid repeats and one or more therapeutic agents. Also, disclosed herein are pharmaceutical compositions including the recombinant polypeptides; and methods of administering the recombinant polypeptides to patients for the treatment of cancer or infections.

Abstract: This invention provides methods to prepare and use immunostimulatory cells for enhancing an immune response. The invention provides a method for preparing mature dendritic cells (DCs), comprising the sequential steps of: (a) signaling isolated immature dendritic cells (iDCs) with a first signal comprising an interferon gamma receptor (IFN-?R) agonist and/or a tumor necrosis factor alpha receptor (TNF-?R) agonist to produce signaled dendritic cells; and (b) signaling said signaled dendritic cells with a second transient signal comprising an effective amount of a CD40 agonist to produce CCR7+ mature dendritic cells. Also provided by this invention are enriched populations of dendritic cells prepared by the methods of the invention. Such dendritic cells have enhanced immunostimulatory properties and increased IL-12 secretion and/or decreased IL-10 secretion. CD40 signaling can be initiated by one or more of polypeptide translated from an exogenous polynucleotide encoding CD40L (e.g.

Abstract: Tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are white blood cells that are actively recruited to the tumor site to mount an immune response against tumor growth and metastasis. The disclosure provides methods for treating cancer that comprise steps of isolating CD8+ T cells from a sample derived from a subject, expanding the CD8+ T cells in the presence of interleukin-10, and ad ministering the expanded CD8+ T cells to the subject. Methods of treating cancer may be used in combination with inhibitors of the complement signaling pathway.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates generally to immunotherapy and, more specifically, to the use of immunotherapy for treating tumors and pathogen infected tissues by first priming patients with allogeneic cells designed to be rejected by a Th1 mediated mechanism, then inducing necrosis or apoptosis in a tumor or pathogen infected lesion by methods such as cryotherapy, irreversible electroporation, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, ultrasound therapy, ethanol chemoablation, microwave thermal ablation, radiofrequency energy or a combination thereof applied against at least a portion of the tumor or pathogen infected tissue, and then delivering one or more doses of allogeneic cells (e.g., Th1 cells) within or proximate to the tumor or pathogen-infected tissue in the primed patient. The present invention provides an immunotherapeutic strategy to develop de-novo systemic (adaptive) immunity to a tumor or pathogen.

Abstract: A method of in vitro fertilization wherein the embryo is implanted into the uterus of a female patient at least two, and preferably three to twelve months after the eggs are retrieved from the patient in order to reduce the effect of autoimmune rejection of the embryo by the patient's autoimmune system and increase the probability and success of pregnancy and wherein prior to embryo implantation, the endometrium in the uterus is prepared for embryo implantation by introducing peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) into the uterus. The procedure is combined with cryopreservation techniques to preserve the oocytes or the IVF-produced embryos of the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), the method comprising culturing a primitive mesoderm cell in a mesenchymal colony forming medium (M-CFM) comprising LiCl and FGF2, but excluding PDGF, under normoxic conditions for sufficient time for a mesenchymal colony to form, and culturing the mesenchymal colony adherently to produce the MSC, wherein the MSC has superior T-cell immunosuppressive properties relative to an MSC not produced in said M-CFM. The invention also relates to an MSC produced by the method, a population of MSCs produced by the method, a therapeutic composition comprising the MSC produced by the method, an M-CFM and an M-CFM in concentrated form, and method and uses of the MSC or population in treating a disease.

Abstract: Described in the present application are methods for preparing populations of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), e.g., autologous and/or allogenic HSCs, using mechanical stretching or Trpv4 agonisists, and methods of use of the HSCs in transplantation. In some embodiments, the methods include providing a population comprising hemogenic endothelial (HE) cells, and (i) contacting the HE cells with an amount of an agonist of transient receptor potential cation channel-subfamily vanilloid member 4 (Trpv4); and/or (ii) subjecting the cells to cyclic 2-dimensional stretching, for a time and under conditions sufficient to stimulating endothelial-to-HSC transition. Also provided herein are methods for treating subjects who have, bone marrow, metabolic, and immune diseases; the methods include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) obtained by a method described herein.

Abstract: Methods and composition for production of T cells are provided. Also provided are therapeutic methods using engineered T cells. For example, in certain aspects methods include preparing three dimensional cell culture compositions comprising stroma cells and hematopoietic stem or progenitor cells in a serum-free medium for producing T cells.

Abstract: A device that includes a scaffold composition and a bioactive composition with the bioactive composition being incorporated into or coated onto the scaffold composition such that the scaffold composition and/or a bioactive composition controls egress of a resident cell or progeny thereof. The devices mediate active recruitment, modification, and release of host cells from the material.