This document provides methods and materials for expanding antigen-specific T cells (e.g., antigen-specific CD4.sup.+ T cells and/or antigen-specific CD8.sup.+ T cells) in culture. For example, methods and materials for performing a polyclonal stimulation step for a particular duration (e.g., from about 1 hour to about 48 hours) to increase the expansion of T cells having a desired antigen specificity are provided.

Cell-based compositions and methods for targeting and treating human diseases, including cancers and infectious diseases, are provided, wherein exogenous intracellular sarcosine is used for improved delivery of the composition.

The present invention describes a pharmaceutical composition whose active ingredient includes conjugates of membrane vesicles of Neisseria meningitidis and the GM3 ganglioside in a conjugation ratio in excess of proteins, has particular characteristics of size, surface charge and a morphology associated with nano-particulate systems that give it advantageous properties as an immunomodulator, because it induces a convenient and significant reduction of myeloid-derived suppressor cells that has an impact on the response of lymphocytes and on the survival of patients with tumors. The invention further discloses the use of the pharmaceutical composition disclosed in the treatment of cancer, particularly those cancers where the myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are high; as well as a method of treatment with said composition in cancer patients and a method to select those who will receive said treatment.

This disclosure relates to uses of galectin-9 specific binding agents and chimeric antigen receptors in methods of treating cancer such as hematological cancers or solid tumors. In certain embodiments, the galectin-9 specific binding agent is a TIM3, CD44, CD40, CLEC7a (Dectin-1), or CD137 (4- IBB) extracellular domain, an anti-galectin-9 antibody, specific binding single chain antibody, fragment, or variant thereof. In certain embodiments, cancer treatment is a cell-based therapy using chimeric antigen receptors having a galectin-9 targeting sequence.

The present invention provides vaccines comprising carbohydrate antigen conjugated to a diphtheria toxin (DT) as a carrier protein, wherein the ratio of the number of carbohydrate antigen molecule to the carrier protein molecule is higher than 5:1. Also disclosed herein is a novel saponin adjuvant and methods to inhibit cancer cells, by administering an effective amount of the vaccine disclose herein.

This document provides methods and materials for expanding antigen-specific T cells (e.g., antigen-specific CD4.sup.+ T cells and/or antigen-specific CD8.sup.+ T cells) in culture. For example, methods and materials for performing a polyclonal stimulation step for a particular duration (e.g., from about 1 hour to about 48 hours) to increase the expansion of T cells having a desired antigen specificity are provided.

The invention features a compositions and methods for inducing an immune response to targeted cells. The compositions induce targeting of a cell by positioning carbohydrate epitopes on the surface of the cell by conjugation of the epitope to a pH-triggered membrane peptide (pHLIP®).

Cell-based compositions and methods for targeting and treating human diseases, including cancers and infectious diseases, are provided, wherein exogenous intracellular sarcosine is used for improved delivery of the composition.

The invention relates to novel compounds with the ability to link an immune response to a defined therapeutic target, to the use of said compounds in treating cancer and infectious diseases, to compositions containing said compounds, processes for their preparation and to novel intermediates used in said process.

Disclosed herein are genetically engineered immune cells, which express one or more glucose importation polypeptides and optionally a chimeric receptor polypeptide, for example, an antibody-coupled T cell receptor (ACTR) polypeptide or a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) polypeptide. Also disclosed herein are uses of such genetically engineered immune cells for inhibiting cells expressing a target antigen in a subject in need of the treatment, either taken alone or in combination with an Fc-comprising agent (e.g., an antibody) that binds the target antigen.