The inventive technology includes novel systems, methods, and compositions for the generation of genetically engineered prokaryotic organisms configured to produce eukaryotic-like mRNA that may be introduced to, and translated in a eukaryotic host. Additional aspects may include novel eukaryotic-like nucleotide constructs and mRNA molecules, as well as methods and systems for the efficient delivery from prokaryotic cells to target eukaryotic hosts cells. Still further aspects of the invention include systems, methods and compositions for the the non-integrative transformation of eukaryotic cell.

Provided herein are de novo binding domain containing polypeptides (DBDpp) that specifically bind a target of interest. Nucleic acids encoding the DBDpp, and vectors and host cells containing the nucleic acids are also provided. Libraries of DBDpp, methods of producing and screening such libraries and the DBDpp identified from such libraries and screens are also encompassed. Methods of making and using the DBDpp are additionally provided. Such uses include, without limitation, affinity purification, and diagnostic and therapeutic applications.

Provided herein are fusion polypeptides comprising at least two Mycobacterial antigens, wherein one Mycobacterial antigen is a strong central memory T cell activator, and wherein one Mycobacterial antigen is a strong effector memory T cell activator. Also provided herein are methods of making and using such fusion polypeptides for the prevention or treatment of a secondary Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection as well as for the prevention or treatment of a nontuberculous Mycobacterium infection in a mammal.

A nucleic acid molecule comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding an inhibitory chimeric antigen receptor (i CAR) capable of preventing or attenuating undesired activation of an effector immune cell, wherein the i CAR comprises an extracellular domain that specifically binds to a single allelic variant of a polymorphic cell surface epitope absent from mammalian tumor cells due to loss of heterozygosity (LOH) but present at least on all cells of related mammalian normal tissue; and an intracellular domain comprising at least one signal transduction element that inhibits an effector immune cell is provided. Vectors and transduced effector immune cells comprising the nucleic acid molecule and methods for treatment of cancer comprising administering the transduced effector immune cells are further provided.

Signal sequences useful for targeting proteins and peptides to the surface of endospores produced by Paenibacillus family members and methods of using the same are provided. The display of heterologous molecules, such as peptides, polypeptides and other recombinant constructs, on the spore surface of Paenibacillus family members, using particular N-terminal targeting sequences and derivatives of the same, are also provided.

Methods for single cell analysis by determining the presence and/or amount of one or more target molecules in a plurality of cells may include: (i) immobilizing said plurality of cells on a solid substrate, wherein the cells are immobilized in form of a monolayer; (ii) determining the position of the individual immobilized cells on the solid substrate; (iii) measuring the auto-fluorescence of the individual immobilized cells: (iv) contacting the immobilized cells with a first detection reagent comprising (a) a moiety that specifically recognizes and binds a first target molecule and (b) a fluorescent label under conditions that allow binding of the detection reagent to the first target molecule; (v) measuring the fluorescence of the fluorescent label of the detection reagent bound to the first target molecule for the individual immobilized cells; (vi) determining the presence and/or amount of the first target molecule in the individual immobilized cells by comparing the fluorescence measured in step(v) with the fluorescence measured in step (iii) on a cell-by-cell basis.

A Twin Immune Cell Engager (TWICE) is a kit or composition for treating cancer comprising a first component and second component. Each component comprises a targeting moiety that binds a tumor antigen expressed by the cancer or an antigen expressed by a non-cancer cell in the tumor microenvironment. In some embodiments, the first and second components each comprise an immune cell binding domain capable of immune cell binding activity when binding the immune cell binding domain in the other component, and a complementary binding domain capable of binding to a complementary antigen when binding the complementary binding domain in the other component. In some embodiments, the first and/or second components comprise a complementary functional domain with activity when targeted to the cancer cell or its microenvironment.

The present TWICE complexes offer a unique ability to combine multiple functions into a two-component complex that becomes activated in the tumor microenvironment. The present complexes, thus, provide meaningful advantages in having a single approach to administering a two-component complex that is localized to the tumor microenvironment and has the ability to effect two different signals to benefit patients. This unique construct offers benefits that were not present in prior art constructs.

The present invention discloses crystal structure of Staphylococcus aureus Clumping factor A (ClfA) in complex with fibrinogen (Fg) derived peptide. Also, the present invention also discloses the use of this structure in the design of ClfA targeted vaccines and therapeutic agents (including monoclonal antibodies). In addition, the present invention discloses isolated and purified engineered Staphylococcus clumping factor A protein (ClfA) with a stabilized, closed conformation and immunogenic compositions thereof including methods of treating a Staphylococcus infection in an individual.

Fusion proteins containing a targeting sequence, an exosporium protein, or an exosporium protein fragment that targets the fusion protein to the exosporium of a Bacillus cereus family member are provided. Recombinant Bacillus cereus family members expressing such fusion proteins are also provided. Genetically inactivated Bacillus cereus family members and recombinant Bacillus cereus family members that overexpress exosporium proteins are also provided. Seeds coated with the recombinant Bacillus cereus family members and methods for using the recombinant Bacillus cereus family members (e.g., for stimulating plant growth) are also provided. Various modifications of the recombinant Bacillus cereus family members that express the fusion proteins are further provided. Fusion proteins comprising a spore coat protein and a protein or peptide of interest, recombinant bacteria that express such fusion proteins, seeds coated with such recombinant bacteria, and methods for using such recombinant bacteria (e.g., for stimulating plant growth) are also provided.

The invention features multi-specific protein complexes with one domain comprising IL-15 or a functional variant and a binding domain specific to a disease antigen, immune checkpoint or signaling molecule.