Abstract: Compositions and methods for utilizing spore systems for medicinal and industrial protein applications are provided. Compositions comprise spores that produce and/or display carbohydrates, proteins, peptides, and nucleic acids of interest. Such spores are useful as therapeutic or prophylactic agents or vaccines against a broad spectrum of immunogens and bacterial and viral pathogens. Additionally, spore systems are useful in production, packaging, delivery, and presentation of polypeptides and/or nucleic acids for industrial catalysts, medical applications, and diagnostic applications.