Provided are methods for isolating T-cells with T cell receptors (TCRs) optimized for reactivity to specific peptides and decreased cross-reactivity to non-target peptides. Advantageously, TCRs of the invention can be optimized to target cancer antigens and peptides while having reducing reactivity to healthy cells. Methods of the invention utilize a novel combination of culturing conditions that increase T-cell activation and allow for validation of TCR activity. Culturing conditions of the invention further reduce culturing times generally needed to achieve expanded reactive T-cells. Because of the robust nature of the activation and validation conditions of the present invention, variants of identified TCRs can also be optimized and validated for their response to peptides, including cancer peptides.

Provided are methods for isolating T-cells with T cell receptors (TCRs) optimized for reactivity to specific peptides and decreased cross-reactivity to non-target peptides. Advantageously, TCRs of the invention can be optimized to target cancer antigens and peptides while having reducing reactivity to healthy cells. Methods of the invention utilize a novel combination of culturing conditions that increase T-cell activation and allow for validation of TCR activity. Culturing conditions of the invention further reduce culturing times generally needed to achieve expanded reactive T-cells. Because of the robust nature of the activation and validation conditions of the present invention, variants of identified TCRs can also be optimized and validated for their response to peptides, including cancer peptides.

The present invention provides methods for preselecting TILs based on PD-1, CD39, CD38, CD103, CD101, LAG3, TIM3 and/or TIGIT expression, as well as methods for expanding those preselected PD-1, CD39, CD38, CD103, CD101, LAG3, TIM3 and/or TIGIT positive TILs in order to produce therapeutic populations of TILs with enhanced tumor-specific killing capacity (e.g., enhanced cytotoxicity).

Provided herein are methods for preparing and characterizing CTL cultures and preparations. Also provided herein are methods of determining the presence or absence of trace amounts of viral vectors following the preparation of CTLs.

The disclosure provides means of treating autoimmunity through reprogramming of antigen presenting cells in an individual in need of treatment through administration of fibroblasts and/or derivatives of fibroblasts. In one embodiment, fibroblasts are administered in an allogeneic manner subsequent to modification which endows fibroblast ability to alter antigen presenting cells in a manner which supports the generation of immunological tolerance as opposed to immunological rejection. In one embodiment, fibroblasts are utilized to decrease costimulatory molecule expression on antigen presenting cells, in order to allow for production of antigen-specific immunological tolerance promoting cells.

Cell culture systems and methods provide improved immunotherapeutic product manufacturing with greater scalability, flexibility, and automation. Cell culture systems are configured with interchangeable cartridges, allowing versatility and scalability. Systems are configured to have multiple connected cell culture chambers, which allows parallel processing of different types of cells. Gas-impermeable cell culture chambers and methods for generating cells in closed systems prevent contamination and user error. Methods for recycling cell culture medium provide additional efficiencies.

A method of generating an isolated population of cells comprising anti-third party cells having a central memory T-lymphocyte (Tcm) phenotype, the cells being tolerance-inducing cells and/or endowed with anti-disease activity, and capable of homing to the lymph nodes following transplantation is disclosed. The method comprising: (a) contacting peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with a third party antigen or antigens in the presence of IL-21 so as to allow enrichment of antigen reactive cells; and (b) culturing the cells resulting from step (a) in the presence of IL-21, IL-15 and IL-7 in an antigen free environment so as to allow proliferation of cells comprising the central memory T-lymphocyte (Tcm) phenotype.

The present disclosure provides methods for re-stimulating TIL populations that lead to improved phenotype and increased metabolic health of the TILs and provides methods of assaying for TIL populations to determine suitability for more efficacious infusion after re-stimulation.

The present disclosure provides methods for re-stimulating TIL populations that lead to improved phenotype and increased metabolic health of the TILs and provides methods of assaying for TIL populations to determine suitability for more efficacious infusion after re-stimulation.

Provided methods of obtaining a plurality of T cell receptors specifically recognizing a target tumor antigen peptide from an individual that has clinically benefitted from an immunotherapy, such as Multiple Antigen Specific Cell Therapy. Also provided tumor-specific TCRs, engineered immune cells expressing the TCRs and methods of treating a disease using the engineered immune cells.