Multi subunit protein modules are provided. Accordingly, there is provided a multi subunit protein module comprising at least three cell membrane polypeptides each comprising an amino acid sequence of an Fc receptor common gamma chain (FcRgamma), said amino acid sequence is capable of transmitting an activating signal; wherein at least one but not all of said at least three polypeptides comprises an extracellular binding domain capable of binding a target that is presented on a cell surface of a target cell of an immune cell, such that upon binding of said extracellular binding domain to said target said activating signal is transmitted in an immune cell expressing said multi subunit protein module. Also provided are cells expressing the multi subunit protein modules and uses thereof.

The present invention discloses an apparatus and method for sprouting seeds. The apparatus comprises a loading chamber with an open upper end for receiving seeds and dispensing a predefined quantity upon command, disposed in an operative upright position. A soaking chamber, engaged with the lower end of the loading chamber, receives the predefined quantity of seeds. The apparatus includes a liquid inlet coupled to the soaking chamber, delivering a predetermined amount of liquid for soaking the seeds. A sprouting chamber, engaged with the lower end of the soaking chamber, receives the seeds post-soaking and maintains a controlled environment for the required sprouting period. Finally, a collection chamber, coupled to the lower end of the sprouting chamber, receives the sprouted seeds upon completion of the sprouting period.

The presently disclosed subject matter provides methods and compositions for treating cancer (e.g., melanoma). It relates to chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that specifically target MDA (e.g., Trp1), and immunoresponsive cells comprising such CARs. The presently disclosed MDA-specific CARs have enhanced immune-activating properties, including anti-tumor activity.

Methods and compositions for treating cancers (e.g., neural cancers) by dendritic cell vaccination are provided herein.

The present invention relates to an agent for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of an autoimmune disease, an agent for the formation of regulatory T cells (T.sub.Reg) in an organism and various methods in which the agents according to the invention are used.

The present invention relates to an agent for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of an autoimmune disease, an agent for the formation of regulatory T cells (T.sub.Reg) in an organism and various methods in which the agents according to the invention are used.

Methods of generating an autologous cellular vaccine comprising monocytes or neutrophils and an antigenic polypeptide or nucleotide encoding the antigenic polypeptide are provided. The antigen-loaded cell-based vaccine compositions made using these methods are also provided. Methods of using the antigen-loaded cell-based vaccine compositions are also provided and these vaccines may be used to treat cancer. Kits for carrying out the methods described herein are also provided.

Methods of generating an autologous cellular vaccine comprising monocytes or neutrophils and an antigenic polypeptide or nucleotide encoding the antigenic polypeptide are provided. The antigen-loaded cell-based vaccine compositions made using these methods are also provided. Methods of using the antigen-loaded cell-based vaccine compositions are also provided and these vaccines may be used to treat cancer. Kits for carrying out the methods described herein are also provided.

The present invention relates to an agent for the treatment and/or prophylaxis of an autoimmune disease, an agent for the formation of regulatory T cells (T.sub.Reg) in an organism and various methods in which the agents according to the invention are used.

Described herein are compositions and methods for treating a disease, particularly a cancer, with primed dendritic cells recognizing a tumor antigen. The methods may comprise storing, shipping and/or culturing dendritic cells, where the dendritic cells are stored on a hard surface. Lysis protocols are described where the lysis does not result in complete lysis of cells in order to provide cell surface molecules maintained in a cell surface-embedded state. Non-lethal Dengue virus strains are also provided for therapeutic purposes.