Embodiments of the disclosure encompass methods and compositions for producing engineered mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). The disclosure concerns large-scale processes for producing MSCs that are engineered to have disruption of expression of one or more genes using CRISPR and also express at least one heterologous antigen receptor. Specific embodiments include particular parameters for the process.

A method of predicting the likelihood of success of a gene therapy procedure includes inducing DNA damage in a cell sample from an individual. The ability of the individual's cells in the sample to repair the DNA damage is then assessed to determine whether the individual could tolerate DNA damage caused by a gene therapy vector. In preferred embodiments, the ability of the individual's cells to repair DNA damage is assessed by detecting, and monitoring the subsequent disappearance of, a marker of DNA damage repair (such as gamma H2AX or phosphorylated 53BP1) in the sample.

Provided are T cell receptors that recognize or bind to Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antigens, genetically engineered cells, and cell-based therapies.

The presently disclosed subject matter provides for methods and compositions for treating a neoplasia (e.g., multiple myeloma). It relates to chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) that specifically target Fc Receptor-like 5 (FcRL5), e.g., domain 9 of FcRL5, and immunoresponsive cells comprising such CARs. The presently disclosed FcRL5-targeted CARs have enhanced immune-activating properties, including anti-tumor activity.

The present disclosure provides an automated method of producing viral vectors, utilizing engineered viral vector-producing cell lines, or packaging cells, within a fully-enclosed cell engineering system. Exemplary viral vectors that can be produced include lentivirus vectors, adeno-associated virus vectors, baculovirus vectors and retrovirus vectors.

The presently disclosed subject matter provides methods and compositions for enhancing the immune response toward tumor and pathogen antigens. It relates to immunoresponsive cells comprising two or more chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), wherein the CARs comprise different intracellular signaling domains, in particular, the intracellular signaling domains of the CARs comprise different co-stimulatory molecules.

An exemplary combination drug includes (a1) an immunoresponsive cell expressing interleukine-7, CCL19, and a cell surface molecule that specifically recognizes a cancer antigen or (a2) one or more kinds of cells, one or more kinds of nucleic acid delivery vehicles, or a combination thereof, which cooperatively include a nucleic acid encoding interleukine-7 and a nucleic acid encoding CCL19; and (b) an immunosuppression inhibitor, and the drug is for use in treatment of a cancer in a subject. An exemplary immunoresponsive cell expresses interleukin-7, CCL19, an immunosuppression inhibiting polypeptide, and a cell surface molecule that specifically recognizes a cancer antigen.

Provided are a B-cell antibody receptor (BAR), a BAR-T cell and others which are effective for the treatment of diseases associated with antibodies produced in the bodies of patients. The B-cell antibody receptor (BAR) according to the present invention comprises (a) an antibody binding domain, (b) a transmembrane domain, (c) an intracellular domain of a costimulating factor and (d) an intracellular domain of an activated receptor which are linked together.

The present disclosure relates to methods and compositions to confer and/or increase immune responses mediated by cellular immunotherapy, such as by adoptively transferring tumor-specific genetically-modified subsets of lymphocytes. The disclosure provides compositions comprising genetically-modified lymphocytes that express at least two transgene(s) having the ability to modulate the immune system and the innate and adaptive immune response.

Provided herein are methods for preparing hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) having enhanced engraftment activity, for example, by contacting HSCs in the presence of a p38 MAPK inhibitor and a HIF-1a stabilizer.