Genetically modified cells, tissues, and organs for treating or preventing diseases are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of making the genetically modified cells and non-human animals.

Isolated IMP-3-derived epitope peptides having Th1 cell inducibility are disclosed herein. Such peptides can be recognized by MHC class II molecules and induce Th1 cells. The peptides of the present invention can promiscuously bind to MHC class II molecules and induce IMP-3-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in addition to Th1 cells. Such peptides are thus suitable for use in enhancing immune response in a subject, and accordingly find use in cancer immunotherapy, in particular, as cancer vaccines. Also disclosed herein are polynucleotides that encode any of the aforementioned peptides, APCs and Th1 cells induced by such peptides and methods of induction associated therewith. Pharmaceutical compositions that comprise any of the aforementioned components as active ingredients find use in the treatment and/or prevention of cancers or tumors expressing IMP-3.

The present invention is a preparation containing a statin-encapsulated nanoparticle obtained by encapsulating statin in a nanoparticle containing a bioabsorbable polymer. The nanoparticle has a number average particle diameter of less than 1000 nm. The preparation is used to enhance the function of a stem cell. The present invention is a stem cell with an enhanced function. The stem cell takes up and contains the statin-encapsulated nanoparticle.

The invention relates to a method for generation of T cell preparations that are specific for at least one target antigen, comprising the steps of expanding lymphoid cells in vitro in the presence of a target antigen or peptide fragments thereof in an expansion step, isolating cells that secrete interferon gamma and culturing, the cells in the presence of interleukin 2 and interleukin 7 and either an inhibitor of the mTOR Complex 1, or in the presence of an inhibitor of IL-2/IL-2R interaction. The invention further relates to preparations obtained by the method of the invention.

The invention relates to a method for generation of T cell preparations that are specific for at least one target antigen, comprising the steps of expanding lymphoid cells in vitro in the presence of a target antigen or peptide fragments thereof in an expansion step, isolating cells that secrete interferon gamma and culturing, the cells in the presence of interleukin 2 and interleukin 7 and either an inhibitor of the mTOR Complex 1, or in the presence of an inhibitor of IL-2/IL-2R interaction. The invention further relates to preparations obtained by the method of the invention.

The present embodiments provide for combinations of modulators that increase hematopoietic stem cell engraftment or increase mobilization in vivo. Methods and compositions for modulating the mobilization of stem cells, particularly for promoting or increasing the mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) from the bone marrow to the peripheral blood are disclosed. One aspect of the invention relates to the use of a CXCR4 antagonist that act in concert with specific molar ratios of S1P receptor 1 (S1PR1) modulator agents to promote HSC mobilization. The invention also relates to methods of using these combinations of CXCR4 antagonists and S1PR1 modulator agents for enhancing the mobilization of hematopoietic stem cells when harvesting of the stem cells, for example for the treatment of diseases, disabilities or conditions whereby transplantation of such cells would be beneficial in ameliorating a symptom associated with such diseases, disabilities or conditions. Another aspect of the invention relates to the use of a CXCR4 antagonist that act in concert with different, but specific molar ratios of S1P receptor 1 (S1PR1) modulator agents to promote HSC engraftment and methods for promoting HSC engraftment in a subject in need thereof, e.g., a recipient subject of a bone marrow or HSC transplant. Methods of screening for novel agents and pharmaceutical compositions comprising these agents are also disclosed.

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for generating a modified T cell with a nucleic acid capable of downregulating endogenous gene expression selected from the group consisting of TCR α chain, TCR β chain, beta-2 microglobulin and FAS further comprising a nucleic acid encoding a modified T cell receptor (TCR) comprising affinity for a surface antigen on a target cell or an electroporated nucleic acid encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). Also included are methods and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the modified T cell for adoptive therapy and treating a condition, such as an autoimmune disease.

The present invention relates to compositions and methods for generating a modified T cell with a nucleic acid capable of downregulating endogenous gene expression selected from the group consisting of TCR α chain, TCR β chain, beta-2 microglobulin and FAS further comprising a nucleic acid encoding a modified T cell receptor (TCR) comprising affinity for a surface antigen on a target cell or an electroporated nucleic acid encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). Also included are methods and pharmaceutical compositions comprising the modified T cell for adoptive therapy and treating a condition, such as an autoimmune disease.

The present invention relates to methods and compositions for transplanting non-lymphoid tissues into lymphoid organs. It may be used to cultivate organ tissues including for the purpose of supplementing or reconstituting organ function. Tissues that may be propagated in this manner include but are not limited to lung, kidney, thyroid, intestine, and brain.

The present invention relates to methods and compositions for transplanting non-lymphoid tissues into lymphoid organs. It may be used to cultivate organ tissues including for the purpose of supplementing or reconstituting organ function. Tissues that may be propagated in this manner include but are not limited to lung, kidney, thyroid, intestine, and brain.