Abstract: The present invention is directed to Saccharomyces-generated extracellular vesicles (EVs) comprising a foreign RNA molecule or protein and at least one foreign membrane surface exposed ligand that specifically binds to a target receptor displayed on a target cell. The present invention also relates to methods of making and using these Saccharomyces-generated EVs for targeted gene silencing. The present invention also relates to fusion proteins comprising a Saccharomyces extracellular vesicle anchor protein and a second peptide designed to bind to cell-specific receptors.

Abstract: Generally, the inventive technology relates to novel strategies for disease control in animal systems. Specifically, the inventive technology relates to novel methods, systems and compositions for the biocontrol of pathogens in aquatic systems. Specifically, the invention may comprise novel techniques, systems, and methods for the biocontrol of disease-transmitting pathogens affecting shrimp in aquaculture systems.

Abstract: The invention is directed to novel probiotic bacterial strains that colonize animal tissues, and in particular the gastrointestinal (GI) tract of aquatic animals grown in aquaculture environments and may further be engineered to express and deliver interfering RNA molecules configured to downregulate expression of one or more pathogen, or endogenous host genes.

Abstract: The inventive technology relates to novel paratransgenic strategies for the biocontrol of pathogens in animal systems using interfering RNA molecules expressed in genetically modified bacteria that may be configured to colonize a target host. In one preferred embodiment, the invention includes novel paratransgenic strategies for the biocontrol of pathogens in aquatic organisms raised in aquaculture environments.

Abstract: The invention relates to novel systems, methods, and compositions for the competitive inhibition of bacterial toxins expressed in animal systems, and preferably the inhibition of toxins produced by pathogenic bacteria that affect aquatic animals. One aspect of the invention includes methods and compositions for the treatment of Early-Mortality Syndrome (EMS) in shrimp through the use of truncated PirBVp peptides used as competitor inhibitors to reduce formation of the cytotoxic PirAVp/PirBVp dimer complex.

Abstract: The inventive technology relates to novel paratransgenic strategies for the biocontrol of pathogens in animal systems using interfering RNA molecules expressed in genetically modified bacteria that may be configured to colonize a target host. In one preferred embodiment, the invention includes novel paratransgenic strategies for the biocontrol of pathogens in aquatic organisms raised in aquaculture environments.

Abstract: The inventive technology relates to novel paratransgenic strategies for the biocontrol of pathogens in animal systems using interfering RNA molecules expressed in genetically modified bacteria that may be configured to colonize a target host. In one preferred embodiment, the invention includes novel paratransgenic strategies for the biocontrol of pathogens in aquatic organisms raised in aquaculture environments.

Abstract: The inventive technology relates to novel paratransgenic strategies for the biocontrol of pathogens in animal systems using interfering RNA molecules expressed in genetically modified bacteria that may be configured to colonize a target host. In one preferred embodiment, the invention includes novel paratransgenic strategies for the biocontrol of pathogens in aquatic organisms raised in aquaculture environments.

Abstract: Generally, the inventive technology relates to novel strategies for disease control in animal systems. Specifically, the inventive technology relates to novel methods, systems and compositions for the biocontrol of pathogens in aquatic systems. Specifically, the invention may comprise novel techniques, systems, and methods for the biocontrol of disease-transmitting pathogens affecting shrimp in aquaculture systems.

Abstract: The inventive technology may include novel systems for regulation of the expression of bacterial genes through the introduction of antisense RNA (asRNA) that may disrupt expression of targeted pathogenic genes and/or their products (mRNA, proteins). In some embodiments, the inventive technology may include novel genetically engineered donor bacterial strains that are configured to efficiently and continuously deliver asRNA polynucleotides to a recipient pathogen and downregulate expression or one or more essential genes.

Abstract: The inventive technology relates to novel paratransgenic strategies for the biocontrol of pathogens in animal systems using interfering RNA molecules expressed in genetically modified bacteria that may be configured to colonize a target host. In one preferred embodiment, the invention includes novel paratransgenic strategies for the biocontrol of pathogens in aquatic organisms raised in aquaculture environments.