The subject matter disclosed herein is generally directed to compositions and methods related to FAS-STAT1 interactions. Modulation of FAS-STAT1 interaction can be used to shift Th17-to-Th1 cell balance. The methods and cell compositions can be used for treating autoimmunity in a subject in need thereof. Cell compositions with altered FAS-STAT1 interactions can be used for adoptive cell transfer. The invention also relates to screening for agents capable of modulating FAS-STAT1 interactions.

A method for producing natural killer cells is disclosed. The method comprises isolating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a blood sample; isolating at least one of CD56+ cells and/or CD3/CD56+ cells from the PBMCs; and co-culturing the at least one of CD56+ cells and/or CD3/CD56+ cells with a combination of feeder cells in the presence of a cytokine. A composition for treating cancer is also disclosed. The composition comprises the CD56+ natural killer cells produced by the disclosed method and a cytokine.

A method for producing natural killer cells is disclosed. The method comprises isolating peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from a blood sample; isolating at least one of CD56+ cells and/or CD3/CD56+ cells from the PBMCs; and co-culturing the at least one of CD56+ cells and/or CD3/CD56+ cells with a combination of feeder cells in the presence of a cytokine. A composition for treating cancer is also disclosed. The composition comprises the CD56+ natural killer cells produced by the disclosed method and a cytokine.

The invention features compositions and methods useful in treating inflammation of the gut, such as inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease, by modulating ?? T cells (e.g., V?4+ cells). Particular embodiments include V?4+ cells expressing heterologous protein; polynucleotides containing genes contributing to functional expression of BTNL3, BTNL8, and HNF4A; methods of treating a subject using V?4+ cells or gene therapy; and methods of identifying a subject having imitations associated with inflammation of the gut. Compositions and methods of the invention can be used in the treatment of inflammation and cancer of the gut.

The invention relates to immunogenic peptides derived from Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) for use in the treatment of Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders (NMOSD) and to the generation of cytolytic CD4+ T cells or NKT cells against antigen presenting cells that present the wild-type AQP4 epitope sequence.

The present invention includes compositions and methods for an DPP6 specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). In certain embodiments the DPP6 specific CAR is expressed on a T regulatory cell. In certain embodiments, the DPP6 specific CAR is used to treat type 1 diabetes.

The invention relates to an immunomodulatory substance(s) and/or a skin-conditioning agent for use in a method for treating and/or preventing an inflammatory disease, immunological disease and/or autoimmunological disease in a subject, wherein the method comprises a step (A) selected from one or more of: generating an accumulation of PBMCs within the skin, generating a vasodilation of the capillaries within the skin, generating an increased blood volume within the skin, generating an increased sO.sub.2 within the skin, generating an increased rHb within the skin, generating an increased temperature on the skin, generating a redness on the skin, administering conditioning energy to the skin, administering a skin-conditioning agent to the skin or administering PBMCs to the skin of the subject; and the method further comprises step (B) administering a first immunomodulatory substance(s) to the skin of the subject and/or step (C) administering a second immunomodulatory substance(s) to the skin of the subject.

Provided herein are ex vivo methods for expanding regulatory T cells (Tregs), including engineered Tregs, while maintaining their stability and activity. In addition to improving growth and expansion of Tregs, the methods, which can comprise the use of discontinuous stimulation of regulatory T cells (DSORT?), produce Tregs with increased stability and activity.

The invention features compositions and methods useful in treating inflammation of the gut, such as inflammation associated with inflammatory bowel disease, by modulating ?? T cells (e.g., V?4+ cells). Particular embodiments include V?4+ cells expressing heterologous protein; polynucleotides containing genes contributing to functional expression of BTNL3, BTNL8, and HNF4A; methods of treating a subject using V?4+ cells or gene therapy; and methods of identifying a subject having imitations associated with inflammation of the gut. Compositions and methods of the invention can be used in the treatment of inflammation and cancer of the gut.

Compositions and methods of selectively activating Akt3 are provided.