The present invention provides compositions and methods useful for regulating fertilization and for use as a contraceptive based on the discovery herein of an oocyte specific protein, SAS1R (Sperm Acrosomal SLLP1 Receptor), which is a sperm protein receptor. Six SAS1R variants, including the full length SAS1R, were identified. mSLLP1 and SAS1R co-localized to oocytes and to acrosomes of acrosome-reacted sperm. Interactions between mSLLP1 and SAS1R were demonstrated by far-western analysis, in a yeast two-hybrid system under stringent selection conditions, and by immunoprecipitation of SAS1R by anti-mSLLP1 as well as the converse. Purified recombinant SAS1R was found to have protease activity, to inhibit fertilization in-vitro, and to induce an immune response in females. Together, the results suggest SAS1R is a proteolytically active, oocyte and early embryo specific oolemmal metalloprotease receptor for the sperm intra-acrosomal ligand SLLP1 and is a target for regulating fertilization and as a contraceptive.

The invention relates to human targets of interest (TOI), anti-TOI ligands, kits compositions and method.

Disclosed herein are cells including cells expressing CD24 and related methods of their use and generation. In some embodiments, the cells disclosed herein do not express one or more MHC I and/or MHC II human leukocyte antigens. In some embodiments, the cells are hypoimmunogenic.

The compounds disclosed herein (e.g., compounds having a structure according to Formula (I), (II), (III), (IV), and (V)) are polymers wherein an organic polymeric segment (e.g., a polyethylene glycol (PEG) group) comprises covalent attachments to two or more lipid substructures, and each lipid substructure independently comprises a hydrophobic moiety and a hydrophilic moiety. The compounds provided herein can be useful for delivery and expression of mRNA and encoded protein, e.g., as a component of liposomal delivery vehicle, and accordingly can be useful for treating various diseases, disorders and conditions, such as those associated with deficiency of one or more proteins.

The present invention provides a recombinant exosome comprising a membrane-bound EGF protein on the surface of the recombinant exosome and provides a use of the recombinant exosome.

The present invention relates to compounds and their compositions, and the use of such compounds and compositions in the prevention and/or treatment of respiratory infections, or diseases or conditions associated with coronavirus infections. The compositions comprise therapeutically effective amounts of a TLR2 agonist. Certain embodiments specify that the TLR2 agonist is a pegylated, palmitoylated-cysteine compound of Formula (I), (VI), (VII) or (VIII).

Provided herein are methods of using modified caveolin-1 (Cav-1) peptides to treat or prevent pathogen-induced lung injury and disrepair. In particular, provided are methods of using the modified Cav-1 peptides for the treatment of pathogen-induced lung injury and disrepair caused by a coronavirus, such as, for example, SARS-CoV-2.

Provided herein are methods of using modified caveolin-1 (Cav-1) peptides to treat or prevent pathogen-induced lung injury and disrepair. In particular, provided are methods of using the modified Cav-1 peptides for the treatment of pathogen-induced lung injury and disrepair caused by a coronavirus, such as, for example, SARS-CoV-2.

Isolated polypeptides of CD44 are provided. Accordingly, there is provided an isolated polypeptide consisting of an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 1-3. Also provided is an isolated end-capping modified polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NO: 1-3, wherein the modified polypeptide comprises an anti-inflammatory activity. Also provided are compositions of matter, fusion proteins and pharmaceutical compositions and their use in the treatment of inflammatory disease.

Disclosed are methods of treating obesity or an obesity-related condition comprising administering an effective amount of soluble (pro)renin receptor (sPRR) to a subject that is obese or having an obesity-related condition. In some instances, obesity-related conditions can be, but are not limited to, steatosis, hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, chronic renal disease. Disclosed are methods of reducing body weight comprising administering an effective amount of sPRR to a subject in need thereof. Disclosed are methods of treating fatty liver in a subject comprising administering an effective amount of sPRR to a subject in need thereof. Disclosed are methods of treating a fluid and electrolyte disorder comprising administering an effective amount of sPRR to a subject diagnosed with a fluid and electrolyte disorder.