Disclosed herein are compositions of retroviruses and methods of using the same for gene delivery, wherein the retroviruses comprise a viral envelope protein comprising at least one mutation that diminishes its native function, a non-viral membrane-bound protein comprising a membrane-bound domain and an extracellular targeting domain.

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.

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.

Fusion compounds and methods of using same are provided which bind and neutralize human receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand and are agonistic to parathyroid hormone receptor 1 signaling, said compounds are useful as agents for bone healing or treating conditions associated with bone mass loss or degeneration including treating osteoporosis.

A construct for detecting cellular membrane potential includes a nanoparticle operable as an electron donor; a modular peptide attached to the nanoparticle, the peptide comprising a nanoparticle association domain, a motif configured to mediate peptide insertion into the plasma membrane, and at least one attachment point for an electron acceptor positioned at a controlled distance from the nanoparticle; and an electron acceptor. The nanoparticle can be a quantum dot and the electron acceptor can be C.sub.60 fullerene. Emission correlates with cellular membrane potential.

Methods and compositions are provided for displaying a protein of interest (POI) on the surface of a eukaryotic cell by fusing the POI to a signal polypeptide, a stalk polypeptide, and a surface anchor polypeptide to generate a surface accessible fusion protein. Nucleic acids are provided that include nucleotide sequences encoding a signal polypeptide, a stalk polypeptide, and a surface anchor polypeptide. In some cases, a subject nucleic acid includes and insertion site for the insertion of a POI. In some cases, a subject nucleic acid includes a nucleotide sequence that encodes a POI. In some cases a stalk polypeptide is a synthetic stalk polypeptide and various example synthetic stalk polypeptides are disclosed. In some cases, a surface anchor polypeptide is a glycosylphosphatidylinisotol (GPI) anchor domain, which can be synthetic. Kits are also provided for practicing the subject methods.

The technology relates generally to the field of immunology and relates in part to compositions and methods for activating T cells and other cells resulting in an immune response against a target antigen. The technology also relates to compositions and methods for enhancing and maintaining chimeric antigen receptor-expressing T cells, while reducing cytotoxic effects of CAR-T cell therapies

Targeted pharmaceuticals, particularly targeted radiopharmaceuticals, are provided which possess extended tumor retention time.

The present invention provides methods and compositions for the remote control of cell function based on the use of radiofrequency waves to excite nanoparticles targeted to specific cell types. The nanoparticles may be applied to the target cell extracellularly and/or expressed intracellularly. The cell type of interest expresses a temperature sensitive channel wherein excitation of the nanoparticles results in a localized temperature increase that is transduced into a cellular response. Such cellular responses may include, for example, increases in gene expression resulting in production of one or more physiologically active proteins. The expression of such proteins can be used to treat a variety of different inherited or acquired diseases or disorders in a subject. Accordingly, the invention provides a generic approach for treatment of any disease associated with a protein deficiency.

The present invention relates to exosomes, loaded with genetic material and methods of producing them and to the use of such exosomes for delivering genetic material in vivo, in particular the use of such exosomes in methods of gene therapy or gene silencing.