The present invention relates to virus-like particles (VLPs) having a high affinity protein attachment system which allows interchangeable decoration with any functional molecule of choice. The present invention further relates to processes of producing the VLPs, including a rapid single cell process, and uses of the VLPs in research, diagnosis and as vaccines for use in prevention/treatment of diseases.

Genetically modified non-human animals expressing human EPO from the animal genome are provided. Also provided are methods for making non-human animals expressing human EPO from the non-human animal genome, and methods for using non-human animals expressing human EPO from the non-human animal genome. These animals and methods find many uses in the art, including, for example, in modeling human erythropoiesis and erythrocyte function; in modeling human pathogen infection of erythrocytes; in in vivo screens for agents that modulate erythropoiesis and/or erythrocyte function, e.g. in a healthy or a diseased state; in in vivo screens for agents that are toxic to erythrocytes or erythrocyte progenitors; in in vivo screens for agents that prevent against, mitigate, or reverse the toxic effects of toxic agents on erythrocytes or erythrocyte progenitors; in in vivo screens of erythrocytes or erythrocyte progenitors from an individual to predict the responsiveness of an individual to a disease therapy.

De novo designed polypeptides that bind to IL-2 receptor .sub.c heterodimer (IL-2R.sub.c), IL-4 receptor .sub.c heterodimer (IL-4R.sub.c), or IL-13 receptor subunit (IL-13R) are disclosed, as are methods for using and designing the polypeptides.

Disclosed herein are compositions of retroviruses and methods of using the same for gene delivery, wherein the retroviruses comprise a viral envelope protein comprising at least one mutation that diminishes its native function, a non-viral membrane-bound protein comprising a membrane-bound domain and an extracellular targeting domain.

Described is a method of producing a storage stable autologous composition comprising regenerative growth factors and cytokines obtained from platelets. The method comprises the steps of collecting or providing blood from a mammal; delivering the blood to a receptacle; centrifuging the blood to separate a platelet rich plasma component from the blood; collecting the platelet rich plasma component; passing the platelet rich plasma component through a small pore filter to produce the storage stable autologous composition comprising regenerative growth factors and cytokines derived from platelets; and collecting the storage stable autologous composition. The storage stable autologous composition retains regenerative biological activity for up to at least nine months when stored in a frozen state. Also described is a storage stable autologous composition comprising regenerative growth factors and cytokines obtained from platelets produced by the method as described.

Provided herein are cancer stem cell targeted cancer vaccines and methods for treating and vaccinating against cancer. Also contained herein are regimens by which cancer stem cell targeted cancer vaccines are administered, such regimens comprising peptides, compositions, immunomodulatory agents, and emulsifiers. Also provided are the patient populations to which the regimens are to be administered, and the dosages, schedules, and route of administration for the regimens.

Genetically modified non-human animals expressing human EPO from the animal genome are provided. Also provided are methods for making non-human animals expressing human EPO from the non-human animal genome, and methods for using non-human animals expressing human EPO from the non-human animal genome. These animals and methods find many uses in the art, including, for example, in modeling human erythropoiesis and erythrocyte function; in modeling human pathogen infection of erythrocytes; in in vivo screens for agents that modulate erythropoiesis and/or erythrocyte function, e.g. in a healthy or a diseased state; in in vivo screens for agents that are toxic to erythrocytes or erythrocyte progenitors; in in vivo screens for agents that prevent against, mitigate, or reverse the toxic effects of toxic agents on erythrocytes or erythrocyte progenitors; in in vivo screens of erythrocytes or erythrocyte progenitors from an individual to predict the responsiveness of an individual to a disease therapy.

Disclosed are cysteine variants of interleukin-11 (IL-11) and methods of making and using such proteins in therapeutic applications.

Variant IL-13 polypeptides are provided, which are engineered to have one or more of the following properties: (a) altered affinity for IL-13R?2, relative to the native human IL-13 protein; (b) altered affinity for IL-13R?1 relative to the native human IL-13 protein; (c) a disruption in the binding site for IL-4R? relative to the native human IL-13 protein.

A compound comprising, in combination: a cell surface binding ligand or internalizing factor, such as an IL-13R?2 binding ligand; at least one effector molecule (e.g., one, two, three or more effector molecules); optionally but preferably, a cytosol localization element covalently coupled between said binding ligand and said at least one effector molecule; and a subcellular compartment localization signal element covalently coupled between said binding ligand and said at least one effector molecule (and preferably with said cytosol localization element between said binding ligand and said subcellular compartment localization signal element). Methods of using such compounds and formulations containing the same are also described.