The present invention refers to single-chain fusion proteins comprising three soluble TNF superfamily (TNFSF) cytokine domains and nucleic acid molecules encoding these fusion proteins. The fusion proteins are substantially non-aggregating and suitable for therapeutic, diagnostic and/or research applications.

An object of this invention is to provide a streptavidin mutant reduced in affinity to the naturally-occurring biotin, and to provide a modified biotin which shows a high affinity to such streptavidin mutant reduced in affinity to the naturally-occurring biotin. This invention can provide a compound composed of a dimer of modified biotin, a streptavidin mutant, angsd usage of them.

The present disclosure provides antigenic prefusion hMPV F polypeptides, nucleic acid sequences (e.g., RNA sequences, e.g., mRNA sequences) encoding prefusion hMPV F polypeptides, compositions comprising antigenic prefusion hMPV F polypeptides, compositions comprising nucleic acid sequences encoding prefusion hMPV F polypeptides, and hMPV vaccines.

The present document describes a dual-affinity probe comprising an inorganic surface binding peptide and a target-specific capture element, which may bind to various targets, such as pathogens. This document further describes uses of the dual-affinity probe, e.g., to determine the presence of and/or quantity of a target in a sample. In particular embodiments, the dual-affinity probe is specific for SARS-CoV-2 (Spike or Nucleocapsid) protein and may be used to determine whether a subject is infected with SARS-CoV-2.

Lipocalin muteins specific to a predetermined antigen can be transduced into a T cell to bring therapeutic benefits to patients in need. In one example, a lipocalin mutein specific to a predetermined antigen (e.g., a target differentially expressed on the surface of a tumor cell) can be transduced into a T cell membrane to serve as an antigen receptor, offering benefits over conventionally deployed antibody-derived protein moieties such as a single chain variable fragment (scFv). Benefits include a more stable structure, leading to superior target engagement, for example. Further, lipocalin muteins specific to a predetermined antigen (e.g. an immunomodulatory target such as an immune checkpoint or costimulatory molecule) can be transduced into a T cell for secretion thereby, bringing an added therapeutic benefit. Specific examples of such modified T cells and methods of making and using the same are provided herein.

Disclosed is a method for manufacturing a monoclonal antibody without using animal individuals. This method includes a step of introducing a DNA fragment comprising a gene that encodes a secretory signal, a gene that encodes a nanobody, and a gene that encodes a peptide barcode, or a vector containing the DNA fragment, into a yeast cell; and a step of collecting a polypeptide comprising the nanobody and the peptide barcode that has been expressed in the cell and secreted to the outside of the cell. According to the method, it is possible to manufacture a monoclonal nanobody more efficiently in a shorter period of time without using animal individuals.

Lipocalin muteins specific to a predetermined antigen can be transduced into a T cell to bring therapeutic benefits to patients in need. In one example, a lipocalin mutein specific to a predetermined antigen (e.g., a target differentially expressed on the surface of a tumor cell) can be transduced into a T cell membrane to serve as an antigen receptor, offering benefits over conventionally deployed antibody-derived protein moieties such as a single chain variable fragment (scFv). Benefits include a more stable structure, leading to superior target engagement, for example. Further, lipocalin muteins specific to a predetermined antigen (e.g. an immunomodulatory target such as an immune checkpoint or costimulatory molecule) can be transduced into a T cell for secretion thereby, bringing an added therapeutic benefit. Specific examples of such modified T cells and methods of making and using the same are provided herein.

The invention relates to a method of determining the dissociation rate constant (k.sub.off) of a receptor molecule R on a target cell using a combination of reversible and irreversible cell labeling. The invention further relates to a cell comprising such a receptor molecule R, wherein the cell has bound to it such a combination of cell labeling. The invention further relates to a kit and an apparatus useful in performing the methods of the invention. The invention further relates to a method of isolation a high-avidity T cell.

The invention relates generally to the field of nanopores and the use thereof in various applications, such as analysis of biopolymers and macromolecules, typically by making electrical measurements during translocation through a nanopores. Provided is a system comprising a funnel-shaped proteinaceous nanopore comprising an α-helical pore-forming toxin that is a member from the actinoporin protein family, more in particular Fragaceatoxin C (FraC), a mutant FraC, a FraC paralog, or a FraC homolog.

Disclosed herein are compositions, methods, and kits for a cell incorporating unnatural amino acids into an unnatural polypeptide. Also disclosed herein are compositions, methods, and kits for increasing activity and yield of the unnatural polypeptide synthesized by the cell.