Cell-targeted serine protease constructs are provided. Such constructs can be used in methods for targeted cell killing such as for treatment cell of proliferative diseases (e.g., cancer). In some aspects, recombinant serine proteases, such as Granzyme B polypeptides, are provided that exhibit improved stability and cell toxicity. Methods and compositions for treating lapatinib or trastuzumab-resistant cancers are also provided.

Disclosed are methods for conditionally immortalizing stem cells, including adult and embryonic stem cells, the cells produced by such methods, therapeutic and laboratory or research methods of using such cells, and methods to identify compounds related to cell differentiation and development or to treat diseases, using such cells. A mouse model of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and cells and methods related to such mouse model are also described.

In one aspect, a method of treating a disorder associated with chronic inflammation includes administering to an individual in need thereof a therapeutically effective amount of isomyosmine or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In some aspects, the disorder is a cancer, an autoimmune disorder, hypertension, or autism. In other aspects, isomyosmine is administered to treat viral infections or disorders associated with elevated levels of hydrogen peroxide and/or other Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS).

The present invention relates to interleukin-2 fusion proteins. More specifically, the invention provides, in part, fusion proteins that include a interleukin-2 protein moiety joined to a Bcl-2 family member protein moiety.

Provided is a pharmaceutical composition for preventing or treating neuronal diseases comprising, as an active ingredient, an exon 2-deleted AIMP2 variant (AIMP2-DX2) gene or a vector comprising the gene, and a method for treating neuronal diseases in animals other than humans, comprising administering the same to a subject in need of treatment. The pharmaceutical composition comprising, as an active ingredient, a AIMP2-DX2 gene or a vector comprising the gene has the effects of apoptosis inhibition, dyskinesia amelioration and oxidative stress inhibition and thus can be widely used for preventing and treating neuronal diseases such as Parkinson's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

This disclosure describes chimeric antigen receptors for expression in a Natural Killer (NK) cell, pharmaceutical compositions that include NK cells (and/or iPSCs) modified to express a chimeric antigen receptor, and methods involving such chimeric antigen receptors. Generally, the chimeric antigen receptor includes an ectodomain that includes an antigen recognition region, a transmembrane domain linked to the ectodomain, and an endodomain linked to the transmembrane domain. The endodomain can include a signaling peptide that activates an NK cell.

The present invention provides compositions and methods of treating various disorders associated with aberrant cell growth.

The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules comprising viral genes or derivatives thereof for use in the production of retroviral packaging vectors, and retroviral packaging and producer cell lines. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid molecules comprise env and gag-pol genes wherein the coding sequences of the env and gag-pol genes are in opposing orientations.

Disclosed are methods for conditionally immortalizing stem cells, including adult and embryonic stem cells, the cells produced by such methods, therapeutic and laboratory or research methods of using such cells, and methods to identify compounds related to cell differentiation and development or to treat diseases, using such cells. A mouse model of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and cells and methods related to such mouse model are also described.

Provided herein are peptides selective for combinations of Mcl-1/Bfl-1/Bc1-xL. Also provided are compositions containing these polypeptides and methods of using such peptides in the treatment of cancer that include administering to a subject one of the polypeptides.