Cell-based compositions and methods for targeting and treating human diseases, including cancers and infectious diseases, are provided, wherein exogenous intracellular sarcosine is used for improved delivery of the composition.

The invention provides universally acceptable “off-the-shelf” hypoimmune pluripotent (HIP) cells and hypoimmune chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) cells derived from the HIP cells. The engineered therapeutic cells can be administered to subjects as an adoptive cell-based immunotherapy to treat cancer.

This disclosure relates to the combination of soluble β-glucan and immune suppression-relieving agents that affect the tumor microenvironment. Soluble β-glucan promotes an immunostimulatory environment, which allows enhanced effectiveness of anti-angiogenics, checkpoint inhibitors including non-tumor targeting antibodies.

The present invention relates to cells which are engineered so as to increase the cellular level of cellular FLICE [Fas-associated death domain (FADD)-like IL-1β-converting enzyme]—inhibitory protein (CFLAR). The engineered cells have the ability to induce tolerance. Enhanced tolerogenicity is useful for prolonging survival of a foreign transplant and for treatment of autoimmune diseases.

The present invention relates to compositions and methods that provide novel anti-tumor therapies in cancer. In one aspect, the present invention features a hybrid neutrophil in a non-naturally occurring container, wherein the hybrid neutrophil expresses at least one neutrophil associated molecule selected from the group consisting of: Arg1, MPO, CD66b, and CD15, and at least one antigen-presenting cell (APC) associated molecule selected from the group consisting of: CD14, HLA-DR, CD32, CD64, and CD89. In another aspect, the present invention features methods of generating a hybrid neutrophil. In still another aspect, the present invention features methods of inhibiting tumor growth in a subject, treating a tumor in a subject, and increasing efficacy of an antibody against a tumor in a subject. The methods comprise (a) administering to the subject an effective amount of an anti-tumor antibody and (b) administering to or generating in the subject an effective amount of a hybrid neutrophil.

The present invention relates to methods for deriving human hematopoietic progenitors, primitive macrophages, and microglial cells from human pluripotent stem cells. In particular, provided herein are highly efficient and reproducible methods of obtaining human primitive macrophages and microglia from human pluripotent stem cells, where the primitive macrophages and microglia can be suitable for clinically relevant therapeutic applications.

The present disclosure provides populations of cells comprising partially mature and optimally activated dendritic cells that can be used for administration to individuals having a cancer and/or tumor. Partially matured dendritic cells, those contacted with a dendritic cell maturation agent for about 10 to about 19 hours, upon administration efficiently take up and process tumor antigens in the area of the tumor site, complete maturation, and can subsequently migrate to the lymph nodes of a treated individual. Once in a lymph node the now fully mature antigen presenting dendritic cells secrete the appropriate cytokines (e.g., TNFa, IL-6, IL-8, and/or IL-12) and contact T cells inducing a substantial and optimal clinical and/or anti-tumor immune response.

The invention provides culture platforms, cell media, and methods of differentiating pluripotent cells into hematopoietic cells. The invention further provides pluripotent stem cell-derived hematopoietic cells generated using the culture platforms and methods disclosed herein, which enable feed-free, monolayer culturing and in the absence of EB formation. Specifically, pluripotent stem cell-derived hematopoietic cell of this invention include, and not limited to, iHSC, definitive hemogenic endothelium, hematopoietic multipotent progenitors, T cell progenitors, NK cell progenitors, T cells, NK cells, NKT cells and B cells.

The invention provides culture platforms, cell media, and methods of differentiating pluripotent cells into hematopoietic cells. The invention further provides pluripotent stem cell-derived hematopoietic cells generated using the culture platforms and methods disclosed herein, which enable feed-free, monolayer culturing and in the absence of EB formation. Specifically, pluripotent stem cell-derived hematopoietic cell of this invention include, and not limited to, iHSC, definitive hemogenic endothelium, hematopoietic multipotent progenitors, T cell progenitors, NK cell progenitors, T cells, NK cells, NKT cells and B cells.

The present disclosure relates to compositions of ULSCs and/or conditioned media thereof. In particular, the disclosure relates to conditioned media containing therapeutic factors including growth factors, cytokines, chemokines and extra cellular matrix components.