The present invention provides for novel compositions and methods for delivering genes of interest to stem cells using vectors that contain differentiation-specific transcriptional regulatory elements. For example, stem cells in the internal epithelia could be transfected with a vaccine construct, which has an epithelial cell differentiation-specific promoter driving the expression of viral envelope proteins. When the promoter used is specific for terminally differentiated epithelial cells, then the viral envelope proteins will be expressed only in the upper part of the epithelia and therefore, stimulate the immune response. The infected epithelial stem cells in the basal layer will continue to produce new antigen-expressing cells, without being eliminated by the immune response. This invention will be useful in the development of vaccines against viral agents that target the internal mucosa like HIV.

Provided herein are methods of obtaining induced pluripotent stem cells from cells of a hematopoietic lineage.

Provided herein are methods of obtaining induced pluripotent stem cells from cells of a hematopoietic lineage.

The present invention relates to a cell which comprises a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and a signal transduction modifying protein, selected from one of the following: (i) a truncated protein which comprises an SH2 domain from a protein which binds a phosphorylated immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM), but lacks a kinase domain; (ii) a truncated protein which comprises an SH2 domain from a protein which binds a phosphorylated immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif (ITIM) but lacks a phosphatase domain; (iii) a fusion protein which comprises (a) an SH2 domain from a protein which binds a phosphorylated immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) or from a protein which binds a phosphorylated immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif (ITIM); and (ii) a heterologous domain.

The present invention relates to a cell which comprises a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and a signal transduction modifying protein, selected from one of the following: (i) a truncated protein which comprises an SH2 domain from a protein which binds a phosphorylated immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM), but lacks a kinase domain; (ii) a truncated protein which comprises an SH2 domain from a protein which binds a phosphorylated immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif (ITIM) but lacks a phosphatase domain; (iii) a fusion protein which comprises (a) an SH2 domain from a protein which binds a phosphorylated immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) or from a protein which binds a phosphorylated immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif (ITIM); and (ii) a heterologous domain.

The present invention relates to a method for transducing a target cell, the method comprising the step of contacting a target cell with a retroviral vector and a poloxamer having a molecular weight of 12.8 kDa to about 15 kDa. Further, the invention relates to the use of a poloxamer as defined herein, optionally in combination with a polycationic substance as defined herein, for transducing a target cell with a retroviral vector and a kit comprising a retroviral vector, a poloxamer as defined herein and, optionally, instructions for use.

The present invention relates to a method for transducing a target cell, the method comprising the step of contacting a target cell with a retroviral vector and a poloxamer having a molecular weight of 12.8 kDa to about 15 kDa. Further, the invention relates to the use of a poloxamer as defined herein, optionally in combination with a polycationic substance as defined herein, for transducing a target cell with a retroviral vector and a kit comprising a retroviral vector, a poloxamer as defined herein and, optionally, instructions for use.

Methods and compositions relating to the engineering of an improved protein with homocyst(e)inase enzyme activity are described. For example, there are disclosed modified cystathionine-γ-lyase (CGL) enzymes comprising one or more amino acid substitutions and capable of degrading homocyst(e)ine. Furthermore, provided are compositions and methods for the treatment of homocystinuria or hyperhomocysteinemia with homocyst(e)ine depletion using the disclosed enzymes or nucleic acids.

Methods and compositions relating to the engineering of an improved protein with homocyst(e)inase enzyme activity are described. For example, there are disclosed modified cystathionine-γ-lyase (CGL) enzymes comprising one or more amino acid substitutions and capable of degrading homocyst(e)ine. Furthermore, provided are compositions and methods for the treatment of homocystinuria or hyperhomocysteinemia with homocyst(e)ine depletion using the disclosed enzymes or nucleic acids.

Disclosed are a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) targeting CLD18A2, and preparation method and use thereof. The extracellular binding region of the CAR comprises a protein specifically recognizing CLD18A2. The immune effector cell modified by the CAR can be used to treat tumors such as pancreatic cancer and stomach cancer.