Delivery systems and methods are provided for delivering a biologically active protein to a host animal. The systems and methods provided include obtaining an algal cell transformed by an expression vector, the expression vector comprising a nucleotide sequence coding for the biologically active protein, operably linked to a promoter. In one illustrated embodiment, the biologically active protein is an antigenic epitope and upon administration to the animal the algal cell induces an immune response in the host animal.

Compositions and methods of protecting aquatic invertebrates from disease is shown. In one embodiment, dsRNA or antisense RNA to a nucleic acid molecule of the disease-causing microorganism is prepared and delivered to the animal. In another embodiment, a nucleic acid molecule of the disease-causing microorganism is delivered to the animal. In another embodiment, the RNA or nucleic acid molecule is delivered to the animal by replicon particle. In a further embodiment, the protective molecule is delivered to the digestive tract of the animal. Protection from disease is obtained.

The present invention is to a safe, biodegradable trace metal binding system that effectively delivers chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, manganese, molybdenum, selenium and zinc to animals. The method of preparing an animal foodstuff composition involves the steps of: providing transgenic algal cells comprising a nucleotide sequence, the nucleotide sequence being capable of expressing a non-native metal-binding protein in the transgenic algal cells; binding the metal-binding protein with at least one metal so as to produce a metal-bound adduct of the metal-binding protein; and admixing the metal-bound adduct with animal foodstuff. The invention is also to a animal foodstuff composition comprising animal foodstuff and transgenic algal cells expressing a non-native metal-binding protein in the transgenic algal cells, such that the transgenic algal cells contain the metal-binding protein and the metal-binding protein being bound to a metal.

An in vitro expansion process for rapid expansion of antigen specific T cells, such as allogeneic antigen specific T cells comprising the steps culturing in a gas permeable vessel a population of PBMCs (such as allogeneic PBMCs) in the presence of antigen, for example a peptide or peptide mix relevant to a target antigen(s), in the presence of an exogenous cytokine characterized in that the expansion to provide the desired population of T cells is 14 days or less, or example 9, 10, 11 or 12 days, such as 10 days. The disclosure also extends to T cell populations generated by and obtained from the method and the use of same in therapy.