Isolated cells are described that are not embryonic stem cells, not embryonic germ cells, and not germ cells. The cells can differentiate into at least one cell type of each of at least two of the endodermal, ectodermal, and mesodermal lineages. The cells do not provoke a harmful immune response. The cells can modulate immune responses. As an example, the cells can suppress an immune response in a host engendered by allogeneic cells, tissues, and organs. Methods are described for using the cells, by themselves or adjunctively, to treat subjects. For instance, the cells can be used adjunctively for immunosuppression in transplant therapy. Methods for obtaining the cells and compositions for using them also are described.

Disclosed are compositions comprising a sequence encoding a non-self polypeptide of interest (POI), and a sequence encoding a non-cleavable FASL, wherein expression of the non-cleavable FASL in the presence of IL-6 or TNF-alpha eliminates WIC-mediated immunogenic peptides and helper T cells specific to the expression of the POI. Methods of making and methods of using compositions of the disclosure are also provided. For example, compositions of the disclosure may be used in the combined treatment of a disease or disorder in a subject and immune masking activity specific to the treatment. Exemplary disease or disorders of the disclosure include genetic and epigenetic diseases or disorders.

Provided herein are methods for cell therapy by modifying transfused cells to express an inducible caspase 9 protein, so that the cells may be selectively killed if the patient experiences dangerous side effects. Provided also within relates in part to methods for preventing or treating Graft versus Host Disease by modifying T cells before administration to a patient, so that they may be selectively killed if GvHD develops in the patient.

Methods, compositions and kits for producing functional antigen-specific regulatory T cells (Tr1 cells) by reprogramming non-Tr1 target cells with suitable transcription factors.

Devices, and methods for preventing immune rejections are disclosed, in which trophoblasts or trophoblast-like cells are used to induce tolerance toward allogeneic cell and tissue grafts. The devices can be used as artificial placenta vaccines to avoid immunosuppression in organ transplantation.

The present invention utilizes carrier particles to present antigen peptides and proteins to the immune system in such a way as to include antigen specific tolerance. The carrier particle is designed in order to trigger an immune tolerance effect. The invention is useful for treatment of immune related disorders such as autoimmune disease, transplant rejection and allergic reactions.

A method of generating an isolated population of cells comprising anti-third party cells having a central memory T-lymphocyte (Tcm) phenotype, the cells being tolerance-inducing cells and/or endowed with anti-disease activity, and capable of homing to the lymph nodes following transplantation is disclosed. The method comprising: (a) contacting peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with a third party antigen or antigens in the presence of IL-21 so as to allow enrichment of antigen reactive cells; and (b) culturing the cells resulting from step (a) in the presence of IL-21, IL-15 and IL-7 in an antigen free environment so as to allow proliferation of cells comprising the central memory T-lymphocyte (Tcm) phenotype.

The technology described herein is directed to compositions comprising components of multi-component CALs or CARs, e.g., a TCR recognition domain; and one or both of: (a) an intracellular signaling domain; and (b) a first-type protein interaction domain. Further provided herein are methods for treating or preventing an autoimmune disease, a transplant rejection, or graft versus host disease.

Erythrocyte-binding moieties coupled to tolerizing antigens are described. Provided for are peptidic ligands having sequences that specifically bind, or as antibodies or fragments thereof that provide specific binding, to erythrocytes. The erythrocyte-binding moieties may be prepared as molecular fusions with therapeutic agents, tolerizing antigens, or targeting peptides. Immunotolerance may be created by use of the fusions and choice of an antigen on a substance for which tolerance is desired.

This invention relates, at least in part, to compositions comprising synthetic nanocarriers and immunosuppressants that result in immune suppressive effects. Such compositions can further comprise antigen and provide antigen-specific tolerogenic immune responses.