The present invention regards methods and/or compositions related to Natural Killer T cells that are engineered to harbor an expression construct that encodes IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, and/or IL-15 and additionally or alternatively comprise a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). In specific embodiments, the CAR is a CAR that targets the GD2 antigen, for example in neuroblastoma.

Provided herein are de novo binding domain containing polypeptides (DBDpp) that specifically bind a target of interest. Nucleic acids encoding the DBDpp, and vectors and host cells containing the nucleic acids are also provided. Libraries of DBDpp, methods of producing and screening such libraries and the DBDpp identified from such libraries and screens are also encompassed. Methods of making and using the DBDpp are additionally provided. Such uses include, without limitation, affinity purification, and diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

The present disclosure provides methods for enhancing the immunogenicity of a poorly immunogenic antigen-specific vaccine as well as methods for promoting diversification of the gut microbiome in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a beta-glucan extract derived from yeast. Kits for use in practicing the methods are also provided.

The disclosure provides chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), T cells comprising such CARs, nucleic acids that encode such CARS, and methods of use thereof, e.g., to treat cancer such as B cell malignancies.

The disclosure provides chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), T cells comprising such CARs, nucleic acids that encode such CARS, and methods of use thereof, e.g., to treat cancer such as B cell malignancies.

The present disclosure provides materials and methods for the treatment of autoimmune diseases (including vitiligo).

The present invention regards methods and/or compositions related to Natural Killer T cells that are engineered to harbor an expression construct that encodes IL-2, IL-4, IL-7, and/or IL-15 and additionally or alternatively comprise a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). In specific embodiments, the CAR is a CAR that targets the GD2 antigen, for example in neuroblastoma.

Provided herein are immunogenic compositions comprising a recombinant modified vaccinia virus Ankara (MVA) comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CD40 ligand (CD40L) and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a heterologous disease-associated antigen, wherein the immunogenic composition induces increases T-cell immune responses specific for the heterologous disease-associated antigen when administered to a human host, and related methods and uses.

The success of anti-tumor immune responses requires effector T cells to infiltrate solid tumors, a process guided by chemokines. Herein, we demonstrate that in vivo post-translational processing of chemokines by dipeptidylpeptidase 4 (DPP4, also known as CD26) limits lymphocyte migration to sites of inflammation and tumors. Inhibition of DPP4 enzymatic activity enhanced tumor rejection by preserving biologically active CXCL10, and increasing trafficking into the tumor by lymphocytes expressing the counter-receptor CXCR3. Furthermore, DPP4 inhibition improved adjuvant-based immunotherapy, adoptive T cell transfer and checkpoint blockade. These findings provide the first direct in vivo evidence for controlling lymphocyte trafficking through CXCL10 cleavage and support the use of DPP4 inhibitors for stabilizing the biologically active form of chemokines as a strategy to enhance tumor immunotherapy.

Provided herein are de novo binding domain containing polypeptides (DBDpp) that specifically bind a target of interest. Nucleic acids encoding the DBDpp, and vectors and host cells containing the nucleic acids are also provided. Libraries of DBDpp, methods of producing and screening such libraries and the DBDpp identified from such libraries and screens are also encompassed. Methods of making and using the DBDpp are additionally provided. Such uses include, without limitation, affinity purification, and diagnostic and therapeutic applications.