Genetically modified non-human animals are provided that may be used to model human hematopoietic cell development, function, or disease. The genetically modified non-human animals comprise a nucleic acid encoding human IL-6 operably linked to an IL-6 promoter. In some instances, the genetically modified non-human animal expressing human IL-6 also expresses at least one of human M-CSF, human IL-3, human GM-CSF, human SIRPa or human TPO. In some instances, the genetically modified non-human animal is immunodeficient. In some such instances, the genetically modified non-human animal is engrafted with healthy or diseased human hematopoietic cells. Also provided are methods for using the subject genetically modified non-human animals in modeling human hematopoietic cell development, function, and/or disease, as well as reagents and kits thereof that find use in making the subject genetically modified non-human animals and/or practicing the subject methods.

Disclosed are methods of identifying immunosuppressive T.sub.R1 regulatory T cells, including methods of diagnosing the presence of immune tolerance, methods of producing immunosuppressive regulatory T cells, and methods of eliciting immune tolerance in a subject. These methods include screening T cells to detect Eomes.sup.+IL-10.sup.+ T cells or expressing recombinant Eomes in T cell populations to generate immunosuppressive regulatory T cells.

The subject matter of the present disclosure generally relates to techniques for addressing or correcting dysregulation of the trauma regulation pathway. The dysregulation may be associated with a physiological condition, such as a SARS-CoV-2 viral infection. In an embodiment, the techniques include treating dysregulation based on a renin-angiotensin pathway molecule or cell and/or a splenic pathway molecule or cell using targeted neuromodulation. In an embodiment, neuromodulation is used to regulate the immune system, e.g., as an energy-based adjuvant for a vaccine.

The present invention relates to engineered extracellular vesicles (EVs) as a therapeutic modality for the treatment of various severe diseases. More specifically, the invention relates to a novel approach to manufacturing engineered EVs which extends their half-life and alters their biodistribution, resulting in a novel therapeutic modality able to carry various types of drugs suitable for application in not only genetic diseases but more broadly across essentially all therapeutic areas.

The present disclosure provides immunodeficient NOD.Cg-Prkdc.sup.scid Il2rg.sup.tm.sup.1Wjl/SzJ (NSG™) mouse models that comprise an inactivated mouse Flt3 allele and, in some models, additional genetic modifications. These mouse models useful, for example, for superior engraftment of diverse hematopoietic lineages and for immune-oncology, immunology and infectious disease studies.

A method of determining a management course for treating a subject showing symptoms of a disease is disclosed. The method comprises measuring the TRAIL protein level in a blood sample of the subject, wherein when the TRAIL level is below a predetermined amount, the subject is treated as a high-risk patient.

Compositions and methods for enhancing T cell response which increases the efficacy of CAR T cell therapy for treating cancer are described. Embodiments include a modified cell comprising an isolated nucleic acid comprising a first nucleic acid and a second nucleic acid, the first nucleic acid encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), the second nucleic acid encoding a therapeutic agent comprising at least one of IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-6, IL-7, IL-15, IL-17, and IL-23. The modified cell expresses and secretes the therapeutic agent.

A selective IL-6-trans-signalling inhibitor can be used to treat a variety of IL-6-mediated conditions, including inflammatory diseases and cancer. The inhibitor can safely be administered to humans at a variety of doses.

The present invention relates to methods, kits and compositions for expansion of embryonic hematopoietic stem cells and providing hematopoietic function to human patients in need thereof. In one aspect, it relates to kits and compositions comprising a Notch agonist, one or more growth factors, and, optionally, an inhibitor of the TGFβ pathway. Also provided herein are methods for expanding embryonic hematopoietic stem cells using kits and compositions comprising a Notch agonist, one or more growth factors, and, optionally, an inhibitor of the TGFβ pathway. The embryonic hematopoietic stem cells expanded using the disclosed kits, compositions and methods include cells derived from an embryo (e.g., aorta-gonad-mesonephros region of the embryo), embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, or reprogrammed cells of other types. The present invention also relates to administering the embryonic hematopoietic stem cells expanded using a combination of a Notch agonist, one or more growth factors, and, optionally, an inhibitor of the TGFβ pathway to a patient for short-term and/or long-term in vivo repopulation benefits.

The present invention relates to polypeptides which are covalently bound to molecular scaffolds such that two or more peptide loops are subtended between attachment points to the scaffold. In particular, the invention describes peptides which are high affinity binders of CD137. The invention also includes drug conjugates comprising said peptides, conjugated to one or more effector and/or functional groups, to pharmaceutical compositions comprising said peptide ligands and drug conjugates and to the use of said peptide ligands and drug conjugates in preventing, suppressing or treating a disease or disorder mediated by CD137.