The present invention relates to the field of cancer. More specifically, the present invention provides compositions and methods for treating cancer using albumin-proaerolysin prodrugs. Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides prodrug compositions. In certain embodiments, a prodrug composition comprises a prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-activated pro-aerolysin (PA), wherein a PSA cleavable linker replaces the native furin cleavage site within PA; and human serum albumin (HSA) or a fragment thereof fused to the N-terminus of the PSA-activated PA.

The present invention refers to a composition comprising a viral protein or fragment thereof, wherein the viral protein or fragment thereof is enclosed within a self-assembling protein nanocapsule, preferably ferritin, and wherein the viral protein, or fragment thereof is selected from a virus of the Togaviridae family. The viral protein or fragment thereof may also further be selected from a virus of the alphavirus subfamily.

The present invention refers to a composition comprising a viral protein or fragment thereof, wherein the viral protein or fragment thereof is enclosed within a self-assembling protein nanocapsule, preferably ferritin, and wherein the viral protein, or fragment thereof is selected from a virus of the Togaviridae family. The viral protein or fragment thereof may also further be selected from a virus of the alphavirus subfamily.

An antibody that specifically binds to a glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (GITR), an antibody fragment and a polymer thereof, and a conjugate and a fusion comprising the antibody or the antibody fragment are provided in the present invention. A nucleic acid encoding the antibody, the antibody fragment, the polymer, the conjugate and the fusion, a vector, and a host cell expressing the nucleic acid are also provided in the present invention. In addition, a composition comprising the antibody and the antibody fragment thereof, the polymer, the conjugate or the fusion, and use thereof in therapy and diagnosis are also provided in the present invention.

An antibody that specifically binds to a glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (GITR), an antibody fragment and a polymer thereof, and a conjugate and a fusion comprising the antibody or the antibody fragment are provided in the present invention. A nucleic acid encoding the antibody, the antibody fragment, the polymer, the conjugate and the fusion, a vector, and a host cell expressing the nucleic acid are also provided in the present invention. In addition, a composition comprising the antibody and the antibody fragment thereof, the polymer, the conjugate or the fusion, and use thereof in therapy and diagnosis are also provided in the present invention.

The invention features combination therapies using an IL-15-based superagonist complex and an antibody to effectively treat subjects with cancer and infectious diseases.

The invention features combination therapies using an IL-15-based superagonist complex and an antibody to effectively treat subjects with cancer and infectious diseases.

In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for altering iron metabolism to increase red blood cell and/or hemoglobin levels in vertebrates, including rodents and primates, and particularly in humans.

In certain aspects, the present invention provides compositions and methods for altering iron metabolism to increase red blood cell and/or hemoglobin levels in vertebrates, including rodents and primates, and particularly in humans.

Provided herein are improved gene therapy vectors and methods of use, in some embodiments, comprising sequences for improved expression and cellular targeting of a therapeutic protein.