Peptides that specifically bind erythrocytes are described. These are provided as peptidic ligands having sequences that specifically bind, or as antibodies or fragments thereof that provide specific binding, to erythrocytes. The peptides may be prepared as molecular fusions with therapeutic agents, tolerizing antigens, or targeting peptides. Immunotolerance may be created by use of the fusions and choice of an antigen on a substance for which tolerance is desired.

The invention relates to methods and materials for extending a circulating half-life of a protein. The method comprises conjugating a protein with a polymerizable acryloyl group and encapsulating the protein with a layer of poly(2-methacryloxyloxyethyl phosphorycholine) (pMPC). The layer of pMPC comprises a plurality of 2-methacryloxyloxyethyl phosphorycholine monomers (MPC) polymerized with a N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (BIS) crosslinker.

Compositions and methods for treating various cardiovascular disorders include targeted delivery of glutamate for impairing a targeted portion of the autonomic nervous system (ANS). Targeted delivery may be via direct injection into the targeted portion of the ANS or via vascular injection of magnetically-targetable nanoparticles.

The disclosure relates to tropical diseases such as viral mosquito borne illnesses and the treatment thereof. The invention includes ribonucleic acid vaccines and combination vaccines, as well as methods of using the vaccines and compositions comprising the vaccines for treating and preventing tropical disease.

Provided herein are peptides comprising an amino acid sequence having at least about 85% sequence identity to RYRPRAPIIAVT (SEQ ID NO: 1). These cationic peptides inhibit PKM2 methylation and may be used in the treatment of breast cancer and other diseases or conditions in which PKM2 is overexpressed. Such PKM2 peptides may be delivered to cancer cells using pH sensitive unimolecular nanoparticles comprising anionic polymers.

Symmetrically and asymmetrically branched homopolymers are modified at the surface level with functional groups that enable forming aggregates with a taxane, such as, paclilaxei and its derivatives, which are water insoluble or poorly water soluble. The aggregates are formed by interaction of a taxane and a homopolymer. Such aggregates improve drug solubility, stability, delivery and efficacy.

Compositions and methods for targeted delivery of active agents to cells are provided. The compositions comprise a wholly or partially double-stranded synthetic DNA carrier, and an active agent intercalated in double-stranded portions of the DNA carrier. The DNA carrier may also be linked to a targeting agent. The compositions are useful for delivering an active agent into a targeted cell type, for example a cytotoxic agent.

The present disclosure relates to nanoparticles, controlled-release dosage forms, and methods for the administration of an immunotherapeutic agent.

Provided are nanoparticles comprising heparin, chitosan, and at least one immunomodulatory agent, e.g. a cytokine. The cytokine can be selected from the group consisting of TNF, IL-12, IL-2, IL-23, IL-1α, IL-10, IL-18, and combinations thereof. Further provided are methods of making a nanoparticle comprising mixing a first composition comprising heparin with a second composition comprising chitosan in the presence of at least one cytokine to form a third composition. Further provided are methods of modulating an immune response comprising co-administering to a subject an antigen or vaccine with nanoparticles comprising heparin, chitosan, and at least one cytokine.

Provided herein are methods that include introducing into an inner ear of a mammal a therapeutically effective amount of an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector that includes a nucleotide sequence encoding (a) a polypeptide including an antibody heavy chain variable domain operably linked to a signal peptide and a polypeptide including an antibody light chain variable domain operably linked to a signal peptide; (b) a polypeptide including an antigen-binding antibody fragment operably linked to a signal peptide; or (c) a soluble vascular endothelial growth factor receptor operably linked to a signal peptide.