Described herein is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) platform with the ability to (a) serve as an ON/OFF switch (with the ability for tenability/titrability), (b) sense multiple antigens and perform logic computations, and/or (c) independently regulate multiple signaling pathways. The compositions provided herein permit the degree of control and discrimination necessary to optimize CAR T cell therapy. Also described herein are cells comprising such compositions and the use of these compositions and/or cells in the treatment of cancer.

This invention provides for a fusion protein between a single chain TNFR2 Selective Agonist protein (scTNFR2 Selective Agonist) and a dimerization domain, such as an IgGFc protein. The single chain TNFR2 Selective Agonist moiety provides a therapeutic activity by selectively activating the TNFR2 form of the TNF-α receptor, thus selectively stimulating Tregs and/or increasing myelin deposition.

Cyclic peptide pro-gelator compositions, and methods of therapeutic use, which assemble into macromolecular hydrogel when administered through cleavage by endogenous enzymes upregulated at a site of tissue injury, such as a myocardial infarction.

The present disclosure provides a genetically encoded calcium indicator (GECI), nucleic acids encoding the GECI, and host cells comprising the GECI. The present disclosure also provides methods of detecting a change in the intracellular concentration of a cell expressing a GECI of the present disclosure.

Disclosed herein are fusion proteins for use in treating an inflammatory or immune disorder and methods of use. In some examples, the fusion proteins include an anchor domain and a therapeutic polypeptide. In some examples, the fusion proteins and methods herein can be used to treat inflammatory or immune disorders.

Provided herein are cell surface conjugates containing a cell surface molecule and at least one agent, such as at least one affinity tag, and engineered cells expressing such cell surface conjugates. In some embodiments, the cell surface molecule does not contain an intracellular signaling domain or is not capable of mediating intracellular signaling. In some embodiments, the cells engineered to contain the cell surface conjugate, such as T cells, further contain a genetically engineered recombinant receptor that specifically binds to antigens, such as a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). Also provided are methods of detecting, identifying, selecting or targeting cells expressing the cell surface conjugates, such as in connection with methods of manufacturing engineered cells or in connection with administration of such cells to subjects, including methods of adoptive cell therapy.

Provided is a bispecific recombinant protein, comprising a high affinity tumor-targeting arm and a low affinity fusion protein blocking the interaction of CD47 with SIRPα. The antibody corresponding to the high affinity tumor-targeting arm does not bind to CD47, and its binding affinity to the target antigen on the tumor cell is at least 6 times as great as the binding affinity of monomer fusion protein homodimer corresponding to the low affinity fusion protein blocking the interaction of CD47 with SIRPα, to a CD47 on the tumor cell, wherein the low affinity fusion protein blocking the interaction of CD47 with SIRPα comprises a SIRPα extracellular truncation. Also provided are nucleic acid molecules encoding recombinant proteins and the use of the recombinant proteins and nucleic acid molecules in the manufacture of a medicament for treating tumors.

The present invention provides gene editing systems comprising gene editing dimerization switches comprising a first and second gene editing switch domain that allow for the regulation of a gene editing function by the introduction, e.g., administration, of a gene editing dimerization molecule having the ability to bring together a first gene editing switch domain and a second gene editing switch domain. A regulated gene editing function provides, e.g., less off-target side effects, and increases the therapeutic window.

The present invention also provides improved FKBP/FRB-based dimerization switches wherein the FRB switch domain or the FKBP switch domain, or both the FRB and FKBP switch domains, comprise one or more mutations that optimize performance, e.g., that alter, e.g., enhance the formation of a complex between the first switch domain, the second switch domain, and the dimerization molecule, rapamycin, or a rapalog, e.g., RAD001.

The present invention relates to nucleic acid molecules comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a membrane-bound biotin mimetic peptide (BMP) or biotin acceptor peptide (BAP). The invention also relates to a method for selection of high producer cells secreting a protein of interest.

A peptide is described herein that has: (i) a simple structure compared to existing natural human erythropoietin, thus capable of easily passing through a tissue-blood barrier, (ii) excellent bioactivity with respect to cell-protecting activity, (iii) a low manufacturing cost, thus being economically advantageous, and (iv) no side effects on cell proliferation. Also, a pharmaceutical composition comprising the erythropoietin-derived peptide described herein as an active ingredient is described. The pharmaceutical composition may be used for preventing or treating cell damage-related illnesses, such as stroke, mechanical damage or ischemic damage to the nervous system, myocardial infarction, retinal damage, and diabetes. Also, the described pharmaceutical composition may be used for preventing cell damage.