T cell receptors (TCRs) that have higher affinity for the Survivin antigen are provided. The high affinity TCRs were engineered through the generation of mutational libraries of TCRs in a single-chain format, followed by selection for improved stability and affinity on the surface of yeast (i.e. directed evolution). In embodiments, the engineered TCRs can be used in soluble form for targeted delivery in vivo, or as genes introduced into T cells in an adoptive T cell setting.

The present invention is directed to the use of ASC (Apoptosis Associated Speck-Like Protein Containing CARD) specks in the cancer immunotherapy. The present invention also relates to the compositions containing an ASC speck carrier formed by ASC proteins, and a tumor antigen for the treatment of cancer cells and tumors.

FSP27 compositions and methods for treating cancers are described.

The invention relates generally to the THAP1 gene and mutations in this gene, as well as the THAP1 protein and mutations in this protein, that are associated with dystonia. The invention relates to the identification, isolation, cloning and characterization of the DNA sequence corresponding to the wild type and mutant THAP1 genes, as well as isolation and characterization of their transcripts and gene products. The invention further relates to methods and kits useful for detecting mutations in THAP1 that are associated with dystonia, as well as to methods and kits useful for diagnosing dystonia. The present invention also relates to therapies for treating dystonia, including gene therapeutics and protein/antibody based therapeutics.

Described herein are methods and compositions for the treatment of cancer. Aspects include administering (1) an agent that inhibits activity of a CBM signalosome complex, or (2) a cell engineered to have reduced CBM signalosome complex levels to a subject having cancer. In various embodiment, the methods further comprise administering second therapeutic, for example, a checkpoint inhibitor or anti-cancer therapy, to the subject.

The present invention is based, in part, on the novel discovery of the architecture and assembly pathway of three different classes of mammalian SWI/SNF complexes, compositions comprising the isolated modified SWI/SNF complexes, and methods of screening for modulators of the function and/or stability of same.

Compositions and methods of use thereof for delivering nucleic acid cargo into cells are provided. The compositions typically include (a) a 3E10 monoclonal antibody or an antigen binding, cell-penetrating fragment thereof; a monovalent, divalent, or multivalent single chain variable fragment (scFv); or a diabody; or humanized form or variant thereof, and (b) a nucleic acid cargo including, for example, a nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide, a functional nucleic acid, a nucleic acid encoding a functional nucleic acid, or a combination thereof. Elements (a) and (b) are typically non-covalently linked to form a complex.

A recombinant vaccinia virus containing a gene encoding sPD-1 or hyaluronidase and a pharmaceutical composition including the same are disclosed. The recombinant vaccinia virus containing a cancer therapy gene and having suppressed expression of K3L, TK, or VGF gene of the vaccinia virus has an excellent anti-tumor effect. Therefore, the recombinant vaccinia virus of the present invention can be advantageously used in cancer treatment.

The present invention relates to Mitochondrial Fission Factor (MFF)-derived peptides or peptide mimetics and to methods of making MFF-derived peptides or peptide mimetics. Also provided are methods of treating a disease in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a MFF-derived peptide or peptide mimetic.

The present invention relates to improved compounds for use in the treatment of diseases or conditions where the removal of senescent cells, scarred cells, and/or cancerous cells is beneficial, for example cancer. The invention also relates to methods of treating an individual suffering, or suspected of suffering, from a disease or condition wherein the removal of senescent cells, scarred cells, and/or cancerous cells is beneficial.