Provided herein are immune cells having increased immunity or resistance to an immunosuppressive cytokine and use of the same.

The present disclosure provides antibodies that specifically bind to human glucocorticoid-induced TNFR family related receptor (GITR) and compositions comprising such antibodies. In a specific aspect, the antibodies specifically bind to human GITR and modulate GITR activity, e.g., enhance, activate or induce GITR activity, utilizing such antibodies. The present disclosure also provides methods for treating disorders, such as cancer and infectious diseases, by administering an antibody that specifically binds to human GITR and modulates GITR activity e.g., enhances, activates or induces GITR activity.

The present invention provides chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells modified to express a CAR fusion protein comprising from N-terminus to C-terminus: (i) a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) comprising V.sub.H and V.sub.L, wherein scFv has an activity against a tumor antigen CD19, (ii) a transmembrane domain, (iii) at least one co-stimulatory domains, and (iv) an activating domain; wherein the fusion protein further comprises a FLAG tag N-terminus to scFv, C-terminus to scFv , or between V.sub.H and V.sub.L. Using CD19-FLAG CAR-T cells instead of CD19 CAR-T cells, cytokine levels (Interferon-?, IL-2 and IL6) caused by infused CAR-T cells are reduced.

Genetically modified compositions, such as non-viral vectors and T cells, for treating cancer are disclosed. Also disclosed are the methods of making and using the genetically modified compositions in treating cancer.

Genetically modified compositions, such as non-viral vectors and T cells, for treating cancer are disclosed. Also disclosed are the methods of making and using the genetically modified compositions in treating cancer.

In some aspects, the present disclosure provides vaccine compositions comprising an antigen and a diblock copolymer wherein the diblock copolymer is pH responsive. In some embodiments, these compositions activate the STING and/or the interferon receptor pathways. In some embodiments, the diblock copolymer hits a pKa from about 6 to about 7.5. Also provided herein are methods of treatment using these compositions to treat an infectious disease or cancer.

Provided herein are methods and compositions for the treatment of melanoma using anti-tumor immune cells treated with a PTD-MYC fusion protein (e.g., an HIV TAT-MYC fusion protein).

Down-regulating autoimmune regulator (AIRE) function in B cells to produce antibodies is described. The antibodies can be class-switched, high affinity, and neutralizing, and have a high degree of somatic hypermutations, even in the framework region, as compared to antibodies produced in the absence of AIRE downregulation.

Disclosed herein are methods for treating cancer comprising administering CAR-modified immune cells and at least one Retinoic Acid Receptor agonist.

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.