Abstract: Provided are modified microorganisms, such as live recombinant commensal bacteria, that express a non-native antigen, or are surface-labeled with a non-native antigen, and methods of using the modified microorganisms to induce an antigen-specific immune response to the non-native antigen. The modified microorganism can be used to induce a regulatory T cell immune response to the heterologous antigen to treat an autoimmune disease in a subject in need thereof, or can be used to induce an effector T cell immune response to the heterologous antigen to treat an infectious disease or proliferative disease in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to genetically engineered bacterial strains for modulation of levels of the bacterial metabolite 4-ethylphenol (4EP) and its sulfated form, 4-ethylphenyl sulfate (4EPS). In some embodiments, the bacteria reduce or inhibit production of 4EP or 4EPS in the gut of a subject. The bacteria can ameliorate, delay the onset, or reduce the likelihood of one or more symptoms associated with anxiety and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides high-complexity defined gut microbial communities capable of achieving substantial engraftment and having stability following human fecal community microbial challenge and methods of producing the same. Also provided are methods of using high-complexity defined gut microbial communities for the treatment of dysbiosis or a pathological condition in an animal.

Abstract: Provided are modified microorganisms, such as live recombinant commensal bacteria, that express a heterologous antigen, and methods of using the modified microorganisms to induce an antigen-specific immune response to the heterologous antigen. The modified microorganism can be used to induce a regulatory T cell immune response to the heterologous antigen to treat an autoimmune disease in a subject in need thereof, or can be used to induce an effector T cell immune response to the heterologous antigen to treat a proliferative disease in a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to genetically engineered bacterial strains for modulation of levels of the bacterial metabolite 4-ethylphenol (4EP) and its sulfated form, 4-ethylphenyl sulfate (4EPS). In some embodiments, the bacteria reduce or inhibit production of 4EP or 4EPS in the gut of a subject. The bacteria can ameliorate, delay the onset, or reduce the likelihood of one or more symptoms associated with anxiety and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention provides high-complexity defined gut microbial communities capable of achieving substantial engraftment and having stability following human fecal community microbial challenge and methods of producing the same. Also provided are methods of using high-complexity defined gut microbial communities for the treatment of dysbiosis or a pathological condition in an animal.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to genetically engineered bacterial strains for modulation of levels of the bacterial metabolite 4-ethylphenol (4EP) and its sulfated form, 4-ethylphenyl sulfate (4EPS). In some embodiments, the bacteria reduce or inhibit production of 4EP or 4EPS in the gut of a subject. The bacteria can ameliorate, delay the onset or reduce the likelihood of one or more symptoms associated with anxiety and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the subject.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, inter alia, are compositions for modulating protease activity and treating cancer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, inter alia, are compositions for modulating protease activity and treating cancer.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to genetically engineered bacterial strains for modulation of levels of the bacterial metabolite 4-ethylphenol (4EP) and its sulfated form, 4-ethylphenyl sulfate (4EPS). In some embodiments, the bacteria reduce or inhibit production of 4EP or 4EPS in the gut of a subject. The bacteria can ameliorate, delay the onset or reduce the likelihood of one or more symptoms associated with anxiety and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the subject.

Abstract: Provided herein are sphingolipid compounds that are useful for activating natural killer T cells. Also provided are methods for treating or preventing a disease or disorder that is treatable by activating the immune system by stimulating natural killer T cells. The compounds are therefore useful for treating or reducing the likelihood of occurrence of an immune diseases and disorders, such as autoimmune diseases or disorders. The compounds may also be used for treating or reducing the likelihood of occurrence of a microbial infection or for treating or reducing the likelihood of occurrence of a cancer in a subject by administering the sphingolipid compounds described herein.

Abstract: Provided herein are sphingolipid compounds that are useful for activating natural killer T cells. Also provided are methods for treating or preventing a disease or disorder that is treatable by activating the immune system by stimulating natural killer T cells. The compounds are therefore useful for treating or reducing the likelihood of occurrence of an immune diseases and disorders, such as autoimmune diseases or disorders. The compounds may also be used for treating or reducing the likelihood of occurrence of a microbial infection or for treating or reducing the likelihood of occurrence of a cancer in a subject by administering the sphingolipid compounds described herein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method producing a modified assembly line, such as those that produce non-ribosomal peptides and polyketides. The modified assembly lines of the invention can be used to produce novel compounds with therapeutic activities. The invention also provides organisms containing modified assembly lines and libraries of modified assembly lines.

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and apparatuses for guiding and emitting electromagnetic radiation from a fluid waveguide. Various methods for changing optical properties (e.g., refractive index, absorption, and fluorescence) and/or physical properties (e.g., magnetic susceptibility, electrical conductivity, and temperature) of either the waveguide core or the cladding, or both, are provided herein. In one embodiment, electromagnetic radiation is guided and/or emitted at multiple distinct wavelengths, including emission in the form of an essentially continuous band, in some cases covering at least 150 nanometers. In another embodiment, methods for splitting a waveguide core and/or the joining of at least two waveguide cores in a waveguide are provided. In yet another embodiment, the invention includes the use of thermal gradients to generate a waveguide and/or to change the properties of waveguides. Embodiments of the waveguides may be used for optical detection or spectroscopic analysis.