The invention relates to the field of cell culture technology. It concerns the knockdown, using RNA interference, or gene knockout, of activating transcription factor 6 beta (ATF6B), or the combination of ceramide synthase 2 (CERS2) and TBC1 domain family member 20 (TBC1D20) proteins, which play central roles in the cellular secretion pathway. This downregulation leads to improved secretion of biopharmaceutically relevant products produced in mammalian cells. The invention specifically relates to mammalian cells having enhanced secretion of a recombinant therapeutic protein compared to a control cell, a method of producing said mammalian cell, a method for the production of a recombinant secreted therapeutic protein and the use of said mammalian cell for increasing the yield of a recombinant secreted therapeutic protein.

Provided herein are tumor-antigen VGLL 1 specific T cell receptors. The TCR may be utilized in various therapies, such as autologous cell transplantation, to treat a cancer. Methods for expanding a population of T cells that target VGLL 1 are also provided.

The present invention relates inter alia to methods of determining whether or not a subject suffering from oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) is suitable for de-escalated treatment. The invention also provides methods of treating OPSCC, and associated assays and kits.

Disclosed are nucleic acid constructs comprising a promoter; a nucleic acid sequence encoding a single-chain variable fragment (scFv); a nucleic acid sequence encoding a notch transmembrane domain; and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a transcription factor. Disclosed are vectors comprising any of the disclosed nucleic acid constructs. Disclosed are proteins comprising a scFv; a notch transmembrane domain; and a transcription activator. Disclosed are methods of increasing human leukocyte antigen class I (HLA-I) on the surface of a tumor cell in a subject comprising administering to the subject one or more of the recombinant cells or compositions comprising a recombinant cell disclosed herein.

Provided are compositions and methods for production of anti-inflammatory cytokines, growth factors, or chemokines. Provided are nucleic acids (e.g., expression vectors) that include an NFκB inflammation response element operably linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding an anti-inflammatory cytokine (e.g., IL-4). In some cases, the nucleic acid is an expression vector selected from: a linear expression vector, a circular expression vector, a plasmid, and a viral expression vector. Also provided are cells (e.g., mesenchymal stem cells—MSCs) comprising a nucleic acid that includes an NFκB inflammation response element operably linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding an anti-inflammatory cytokine. In some cases, the nucleic acid is integrated into the cell's genome. Also provided are methods for treating an individual having an inflammation-associated ailment, which can include administering an MSC to the individual, where the MSC includes an NFκB inflammation response element operably linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding an anti-inflammatory cytokine.

Glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper protein (GILZ) peptide compositions and their methods of use in wound healing are disclosed herein. An exemplary GILZ peptide composition includes a GILZ fusion protein. The GILZ peptide compositions can be administered topically to wounds, for example in the form of a cream, ointment, or lotion. The GILZ peptide compositions can be used to treat acute wounds, induce wound healing in chronic wounds, and reduce scar formation.

Provided herein are genetically engineered mammalian stem and progenitor cells that have increased potential to differentiate into regulatory T cells. Also provided are methods of making and use thereof.

Provided herein are compositions and methods for treating and preventing hearing loss, for treating and preventing a disorder associated with loss, damage, or absence of sensory auditory hair cells, and/or for improving auditory function in a subject in need thereof. Also provided are compositions and methods for the generation of auditory hair cells that allow perception of stimuli in a subject in need thereof.

A peptide is described herein that has: (i) a simple structure compared to existing natural human erythropoietin, thus capable of easily passing through a tissue-blood barrier, (ii) excellent bioactivity with respect to cell-protecting activity, (iii) a low manufacturing cost, thus being economically advantageous, and (iv) no side effects on cell proliferation. Also, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the erythropoietin-derived peptide described herein as an active ingredient is described. The pharmaceutical composition may be used for preventing or treating cell damage-related illnesses, such as stroke, mechanical damage or ischemic damage to the nervous system, myocardial infarction, retinal damage, and diabetes. Also, the described pharmaceutical composition may be used for preventing cell damage.

Disclosed are pharmaceutical compositions containing saposin C and phosphatidylserine that are useful for treating various cancers. Also disclosed are methods for assaying potency of a test composition comprising saposin C and an anionic phospholipid.