Disclosed herein are methods and platforms for increasing utility and efficacy of a cellular vaccine. Specifically, disclosed are steps that optimize ex vivo B cell expansion and boost host in vivo immunity. Also disclosed is a platform for enhancing effectiveness of antigen presentation and antigen-specific immune responses. Also disclosed is a method for enhancing effectiveness of APCs in a subject. Also disclosed are vaccines and kits based on the platform.

The present disclosure provides systems for immune cell regulation and methods of immunotherapy. Systems of the present disclosure for immune cell regulation comprise a chimeric receptor polypeptide, a chimeric adaptor polypeptide, a gene modulating polypeptide (GMP), and a cleavage moiety.

Immunotherapeutic methods and compositions are contemplated where one or more neoepitopes and/or tumor associated antigens are produced in, or delivered to dendritic cells, and in which so modified dendritic cells are co-cultured with immune competent cells of a patient, preferably in the presence of stimulatory signals. Cells are then transfused to the patient that has preferably undergone immune checkpoint inhibition treatment.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention include substituted riluzole prodrugs useful for the treatment of cancers including melanoma, breast cancer, brain cancer, and prostate cancer through the release of riluzole. Prodrugs of riluzole have enhanced stability to hepatic metabolism and are delivered into systemic circulation by oral administration, and then cleaved to release riluzole in the plasma via either an enzymatic or general biophysical release process.

Pharmaceutical compositions of the invention include substituted riluzole prodrugs useful for the treatment of cancers including melanoma, breast cancer, brain cancer, and prostate cancer through the release of riluzole. Prodrugs of riluzole have enhanced stability to hepatic metabolism and are delivered into systemic circulation by oral administration, and then cleaved to release riluzole in the plasma via either an enzymatic or general biophysical release process.

A method of therapy for a tumor or other pathology by administering a combination of thermotherapy, immunotherapy, and vaccination optionally combined with gene delivery. The combination therapy beneficially treats the tumor and prevents tumor recurrence, either locally or at a different site, by boosting the patient's immune response both at the time or original therapy and/or for later therapy. With respect to gene delivery, the inventive method may be used in cancer therapy, but is not limited to such use; it will be appreciated that the inventive method may be used for gene delivery in general. The controlled and precise application of thermal energy enhances gene transfer to any cell, whether the cell is a neoplastic cell, a pre-neoplastic cell, or a normal cell.

The present invention provides compositions and methods for treating cancer.

The present invention provides for methods and compositions for enhancing the immune response toward cancers and pathogens. It relates to immunoresponsive cells bearing antigen receptors, which can be chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), which express introduced ligands for immunomodulatory molecules. In particular embodiments, engineered immunoresponsive cells are antigen-directed and resist immunosuppression and/or have enhances immune-activating properties.

Provided is a transgenic killer cell, the genome of which is stably integrated with a coding sequence comprising an antibody of a human Fc section, or an expression cassette of a coding sequence comprising a chimeric antigen receptor or an inhibitory or agonistic antibody, and an inverted terminal repeat sequence from a transposon at both ends. Also provided is a pharmaceutical composition comprising the transgenic killer cell, and uses thereof.

The present invention provides a cell-based platform for controllable, regionalized, and cost-effective delivery of immunomodulator and other therapeutic proteins, which is widely applicable in cancer immunotherapy.