Disclosed herein are rodents (such as, but not limited to, mice and rats) genetically modified to comprise a humanized Cxcl13 gene. The rodents disclosed herein have been shown to support better engraftment and proliferation of human cells such as chronic lymphocytic leukemic cells. Compositions and methods for making such genetically modified rodents, as well as methods of using such genetically modified rodents for testing candidate therapeutic agents (e.g., candidate anti-cancer drugs), are provided.

The disclosure provides immunogenic cells expressing LMP1, and use thereof in activating T cells and treating cancer. Also provided are methods of producing the immunogenic cells.

The present invention relates to methods of treating chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. In particular, the methods provide a new way of reducing neuropathic pain associated with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy by administering a nucleic acid construct encoding human HGF proteins. This application further provides nucleic acid constructs, pharmacological compositions, and methods of administration of the nucleic acid constructs that are effective in treating the neuropathic pain.

There is provided method for making a cell composition which comprises step of transducing a population of cells with a mixture of at least two viral vectors, wherein at least one vector comprises a nucleic acid sequence which encodes a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR); and wherein at least one vector comprises a nucleic acid encoding an activity modulator which modulates the activity of the CAR, of a cell expressing the CAR, or of a target cell. There is also provided a cell composition made by such a method and its use in the treatment of diseases such as cancer.

The invention relates generally to genetically modified non-human animals expressing human polypeptides and their methods of use.

The present disclosure relates to genetically modified non-human animals that express a human or chimeric (e.g., humanized) CD276, and methods of use thereof.

Bispecific aptamers having a first end that specifically binds to a first tumor specific marker, tumor antigen, or viral protein and a second end that specifically binds to a second tumor specific marker, tumor antigen, or viral protein are provide. The bispecific aptamers can be used to treat cancer or virally infected cells. Generally, the bispecific aptamers bind to two surface proteins, preferably different proteins, on the same cell. In a preferred embodiment the bispecific aptamers bind to two different tumor markers, tumor antigens, tumor specific proteins and combinations thereof.

The present invention is in the field of oncolytic viruses. The invention provides new poxviruses which are engineered to be defective for the function encoded by the M2L locus (i.e., m2 function). Such poxviruses lack a functional m2 binding activity to at least one or both of CD80 and CD86 co-stimulatory antigens. Said oncolytic poxviruses are preferably vaccinia virus having a total or partial deletion of the M2L locus. The present invention also relates to cells and compositions comprising such poxviruses and their use for treating proliferative diseases such as cancers and for preventing diseases (vaccination, especially in veterinary field). More precisely, the invention provides an alternative to the existing oncolytic viruses which are largely used in virotherapy. The m2-defective poxviruses are particularly useful for the expression of immunomodulatory polypeptides such as anti-CTLA-4 antibodies with the purposes of stimulating or improve immune response.

Disclosed are compositions and methods relating to antibodies that bind soluble Major Histocompatibility Complex class I chain-related (sMIC). Specifically, disclosed are antibodies designed or selected to inhibit sMIC (e.g. to neutralize sMIC) shed from MIC+ tumors. Further disclosed are methods of using the antibodies for the treatment of MIC-positive cancers.

Provided herein are phosphorylated Dicer 1 (pDicer1) antibodies, including those that selectively bind Serine 1728 and/or Serine 1852. Further provided herein are methods of treating cancer by administering the pDicer1 antibodies alone or in combination with other therapies.