Provided are: a nucleic acid including a nucleic acid sequence encoding a chimeric protein including at least part of an ion-transporting receptor rhodopsin and at least part of a G protein-coupled receptor rhodopsin and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a signal sequence; and a nucleic acid including a nucleic acid sequence encoding a chimeric protein including at least part of an ion channeling receptor rhodopsin and at least part of a G protein-coupled receptor rhodopsin; and a nucleic acid construct including the nucleic acid sequences. The use of the nucleic acids or nucleic acid constructs prevents and suppresses the progress of retinal diseases, and enhances the visual cognitive behavioral function and visual function.

In one aspect, provided herein are recombinant neuraminidases comprising an ectodomain of influenza virus neuraminidase with amino acid substitutions or insertions of cysteines in the stalk domain to generate a more stable, tetrameric influenza virus neuraminidase. In specific embodiments, the influenza virus neuraminidase further comprises influenza virus neuraminidase transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains. In another aspect, provided herein are recombinant neuraminidase comprising a globular head domain of influenza virus neuraminidase and a tetramerization domain, wherein the recombinant neuraminidase lacks influenza virus neuraminidase stalk, transmembrane and cytoplasmic domains. In another aspect, provided herein are methods of immunizing against influenza virus using such recombinant neuraminidases or compositions thereof.

The subject invention pertains to a chimeric antigen receptor, a T cell comprising said CAR and methods of making and using said CAR and said T cell for the treatment of a cancer and/or an immune disease. In specific embodiments, the method comprises the use of T cells comprising CARs to target different antigens on target cells. In further specific embodiments, the CARs of the invention comprise NS3 protease domains and cleavage sites, which NS3 domains are inhibited by small molecule inhibitors for customized CAR-T cell therapy.

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.

Provided is an antibody that specifically recognizes IL-13RA2, which can be used in the manufacture of a targeting anti-tumor medicament as well as a medicament for diagnosing a tumor.

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.

Provided herein, in some embodiments, are artificial secretion peptides capable of directing secretion from Lactobacillus for use, for example, in producing heterologous proteins, including therapeutic proteins.

This invention provides chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) targeting human EphA3 and dual targeting CARs that bind to human EphA3 and to human mutant epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII). This invention also relates to CAR-T cells comprising the provided CARs or the dual targeting CARs. Methods for treating a solid tumor cancer by administering the CARs are provided.

Provided in the present invention are a specific antibody of BCMA and a BCMA-targeting immune effector cell, and also provided are a chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cell prepared using the antibody and the use thereof.

Compositions and methods for controlling pests are provided. The methods involve transforming organisms with a nucleic acid sequence encoding an insecticidal protein. In particular, the nucleic acid sequences are useful for preparing plants and microorganisms that possess insecticidal activity. Thus, transformed bacteria, plants, plant cells, plant tissues and seeds are provided. Compositions are insecticidal nucleic acids and proteins of bacterial species. The sequences find use in the construction of expression vectors for subsequent transformation into organisms of interest including plants, as probes for the isolation of other homologous (or partially homologous) genes. The pesticidal proteins find use in controlling, inhibiting growth or killing Lepidopteran, Coleopteran, Dipteran, fungal, Hemipteran and nematode pest populations and for producing compositions with insecticidal activity.