The present invention describes a method of treating, preventing, reducing the likelihood of or alleviating a symptom of Alzheimer's disease and associated conditions by increasing OPN expression. The invention further provides for a method of improving cognitive function in a subject in need thereof.

The present invention provides inducible chimeric cytokine receptors responsive to a ligand, e.g., a small molecule or protein, uses of such receptors for improving the functional activities of genetically modified immune cells, such as T cells, comprising the inducible chimeric cytokine receptors, and compositions comprising such cells.

The invention provides an isolated, purified population of human cells comprising CD8.sup.+ T cells with reduced Cbl-b activity. The invention provides uses of such cells in methods for inducing or enhancing an anti-tumor immune response in a subject. These methods comprise: (a) providing a cell population, from a subject or from another source, which comprises CD8.sup.+ T cells, (b) reducing Cbl-b activity in the CD8.sup.+ T-cells, (c) administering the cells of step (b) to the subject. The invention provides methods for making CD8.sup.+ T cells that do not require stimulation through a co-receptor in order for the cell to become activated or proliferated in response to contact via its T cell receptor. Such methods are based upon reducing function of Cbl-b. The invention also provides methods for identifying agents which affect Cbl-b expression or activity.

Chimeric antigen receptors containing tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily member transmembrane domains are disclosed. Nucleic acids, recombinant expression vectors, host cells, antigen binding fragments, and pharmaceutical compositions, relating to the chimeric antigen receptors are also disclosed. Methods of treating or preventing cancer in a subject, and methods of making chimeric antigen receptor T cells are also disclosed.

Disclosed herein are methods for culturing CAR-modified immune cells with at least one Retinoic Acid Receptor and/or Retinoid X Receptor active agent.

The present disclosure provides methods and compositions related to the modification of immune effector cells to increase therapeutic efficacy. In some embodiments, immune effector cells modified to reduce expression of one or more endogenous target genes, or to reduce one or more functions of an endogenous protein to enhance effector functions of the immune cells are provided. In some embodiments, immune effector cells further modified by introduction of transgenes conferring antigen specificity, such as exogenous T cell receptors (TCRs) or chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are provided. Methods of treating a cell proliferative disorder, such as a cancer, using the modified immune effector cells described herein are also provided.

The present disclosure provides methods and compositions related to the modification of immune effector cells to increase therapeutic efficacy. In some embodiments, immune effector cells modified to reduce expression of one or more endogenous target genes, or to reduce one or more functions of an endogenous protein to enhance effector functions of the immune cells are provided. In some embodiments, immune effector cells further modified by introduction of transgenes conferring antigen specificity, such as exogenous T cell receptors (TCRs) or chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are provided. Methods of treating a cell proliferative disorder, such as a cancer, using the modified immune effector cells described herein are also provided.

Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) are provided that comprise a CD123-specific antigen recognition domain and IL7Ra transmembrane and intracellular signaling domains (CD123/IL7Ra CARs). In particular embodiments, provided herein are engineered lymphocytes that express and display CD123/IL7Ra CARs, and methods of targeting CD123-positive leukemic cells and treating leukemias, such as acute myeloid leukemia (AML), therewith.

Compounds that either produced a higher proportion or greater absolute number of phenotypically identified nave, stem cell memory, central memory T cells, adaptive NK cells, and type I NKT cells are identified. Compositions and methods for modulating immune cells including T, NK, and NKT cells for adoptive cell therapies with improved efficacy are provided.

Provided are: a compound represented by formula (I); a retinoid metabolic pathway inhibitor comprising the same; an agent for increasing the ratio of memory T cells; a prophylactic and/or therapeutic agent for cancer or an infectious disease; a cancer immunotherapeutic adjuvant; an immunopotentiator; and a method for preparing a T cell population wherein the ratio of memory T cells is increased, said method comprising using the compound of formula (I).