The present invention provides nucleic acid, vectors, viruses, and recombinant cells comprising triple-stranded structures, such as those resulting from central initiation and termination of HIV-1 reverse transcription at the center of HIV-1 linear DNA genomes. These triplex structures can act as a cis-determinant of HIV-1 DNA nuclear import, allowing infection of non-dividing target cells. In one aspect, the presence of the DNA triplex sequence in an HIV vector strongly stimulates gene transfer in hematopoietic stem cells. The invention also provides methods of using these triplex structures for making recombinant cells, as well as methods of using the recombinant cells to express proteins of interest both in vitro and in vivo.

Disclosed herein is a composition including a recombinant nucleic acid sequence that encodes an antibody. Also disclosed herein is a method of generating a synthetic antibody in a subject by administering the composition to the subject. The disclosure also provides a method of preventing and/or treating disease in a subject using said composition and method of generation.

This disclosure relates to the genetic modification of DNMT3A gene in immune cells. In certain embodiments, the modified immune cells may be used in adoptive T cells therapies to enhance immune responses against cancer or chronic infections. In certain embodiments, the disclosure relates to deleting, changing, or inserting nucleotides within the DNMT3A gene in immune cells, e.g., human CD8 T cells, such that the DNMT3A gene product does not function for methylation. In certain embodiments, modification of the DNMT3A gene provides an improvement in antigen-specific T cells functions and/or an enhancement of the longevity of the cells.

The present invention relates to anti-HIV antibodies. Also disclosed are related methods and compositions. HIV causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a condition in humans characterized by clinical features including wasting syndromes, central nervous system degeneration and profound immunosuppression that results in life-threatening opportunistic infections and malignancies. Since its discovery in 1981, HIV type 1 (HIV-1) has led to the death of at least 25 million people worldwide.

The present invention relates to a composition including a recombinant nucleic acid sequence that encodes an antibody and a method of generating a synthetic antibody in a subject by administering the composition to the subject. The invention also provides a method of preventing and/or treating disease in a subject using the composition and method of generation.

Disclosed are nucleic acid sequences comprising a modified HIV Gag sequence, wherein the modified HIV Gag sequence comprises, from 5 to 3, a matrix domain (MA), capsid (CA) domain, SP1 region, nucleocapsid (NC) domain, SP2 region, and p6 domain, wherein the modified HIV Gag sequence further comprises an exogenous sequence of interest between the NC domain and the SP2 region. Disclosed are methods of producing a recombinant lentivirus comprising transfecting a cell with a plasmid comprising the nucleic acid sequence of one or more of the disclosed nucleic acid sequences in combination with an envelope plasmid. Disclosed are methods of monitoring lentivirus assembly, budding, and/or maturation comprising transfecting a cell with a plasmid comprising any one of the disclosed nucleic acid sequences in combination with an envelope plasmid, wherein the exogenous sequence of interest encodes a detection agent. Disclosed are methods of treating a subject with a therapeutic agent comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a recombinant lentivirus, wherein the recombinant lentivirus comprises one or more of the disclosed nucleic acid sequences, wherein the exogenous sequence of interest encodes a therapeutic agent.

A method for making metal nanorods comprises combining a source of metal cations with at least one surfactant to form a mixture, wherein the metal cations are reduced and the metal nanorods are produced. Metal nanorods produced by the method and uses thereof. The metal nanorods are useful in devices such as lateral flow devices.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to compositions and methods for anti-HIV (anti-CD4 binding site) potent VRC01-like (PVL) antibodies targeted to gp120 having an amino acid substitution at a residue in the anti-CD4 binding site PVL antibody that is equivalent to Phe43 in CD4, these antibodies having improved potency and breadth.

Embodiments of the present invention are directed to compositions and methods for anti-HIV (anti-CD4 binding site) broadly neutralizing antibodies having improved potency and breadth for neutralizing a range of HIV strains. Combinations of broadly neutralizing antibodies can also improve potency over a single antibody composition.

The present invention relates to anti-HIV antibodies. Also disclosed are related methods and compositions. HIV causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a condition in humans characterized by clinical features including wasting syndromes, central nervous system degeneration and profound immunosuppression that results in life-threatening opportunistic infections and malignancies. Since its discovery in 1981, HIV type 1 (HIV-1) has led to the death of at least 25 million people worldwide.