This document provides methods and materials for treating cancer. For example, methods and materials for identifying antigens and combinations of antigens that can be used to treat cancer as well as combinations of antigens having the ability to reduce established tumors (e.g., gliomas) within a mammal (e.g., a human) are provided.

The method disclosed herein describes a novel technology offering unparalleled efficiency, flexibility, utility and speed for the stable integration of transgenes into lymphocytes and other mammalian cells. The novel method is based on the use of an mRNA-encoded transposase (e.g. sleeping beauty transposase) in combination with a minicircle DNA-encoded transposable element. The novel method enables higher gene-transfer rates and is at the same time less toxic than the conventional approach, which is the use of plasmid DNA-encoded transposase in combination with a plasmid DNA-encoded transposable element. Applications of the invention include but are not limited to the stable integration of a transgene encoding an immune receptor (e.g. a T-cell receptor or synthetic chimeric antigen receptor) into human T lymphocytes, with the immune receptor conferring specificity for a molecule expressed by a tumor cell. The transposase mRNA and transposon minicircle DNA may be introduced into lymphocytes by methods including but not limited to electrotransfer such as electroporation and nucleofection.

Disclosed herein are compositions and methods of treating a subject with cancer. The compositions and methods utilize immunoresponsive cells to effect killing of tumor cells.

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

The present invention provides chimeric antigen receptors, cells expressing same and methods of using same for treatment various disorders such as cancer, autoimmune disorders and graft vs host disease.

Disclosed are a pharmaceutical composition comprising a PD-1 antibody and non-specifically amplified and activated T cells, and the use thereof. The pharmaceutical composition of the present invention comprises the PD-1 antibody and non-specifically amplified and activated T cells. The two components have a synergistic effect, can inhibit the growth of renal cancer cells and have a killing effect on renal cancer cells.

The invention provides compositions and methods for treating diseases associated with expression of an antigen, e.g., a solid tumor antigen or antigen expressed on a tumor associated with TAMs and/or MDSCs, by administering a recombinant T cell comprising a CAR binding to said antigen, as described herein, in combination with an inhibitor of a pro-M2 macrophage molecule, e.g., described herein. The invention also provides kits and compositions described herein.

The invention provides improved compositions for adoptive immune effector cell therapies for treatment, prevention, or amelioration of numerous conditions including, but not limited to cancer, infectious disease, autoimmune disease, inflammatory disease, and immunodeficiency.

Provided is a method for inducing CD4.sup.?CD8.sup.+ T cells having an antigen specific cytotoxic activity from pluripotent stem cells, comprising the steps of: (1) differentiating pluripotent stem cells to give a cell culture comprising CD4.sup.?CD8.sup.? T cells and CD4.sup.+CD8.sup.+ T cells, (2) removing CD4.sup.?CD8.sup.? cells from the cell culture obtained in step (1), and (3) differentiating the CD4.sup.+CD8.sup.+ cells in the cell culture into CD4.sup.?CD8.sup.+ T cells.

Provided are compounds that target the lanthionine synthetase C-like protein 2 pathway and cells, such as immune cells, prepared in vitro with the compounds. The compounds and cells can be used to treat a number of conditions, including infectious diseases, hyperproliferative disorders, inborn errors of metabolism, chronic immunometabolic diseases, autoimmune diseases, organ transplant rejection, inflammatory disorders, and chronic pain, among others.