Abstract: Disclosed herein are mannan nanogels as a novel vaccine delivery platform as well as a novel method of making a self-assembling mannan nanogel for in vivo delivery of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for inhibiting TGF-?. Trap molecules are provided in which a ligand-binding domain of transforming growth factor-beta receptor type 2 (TGF?RII) is fused to an immunoglobulin Fc domain that contains an N-terminal immunoglobulin hinge region where at least one unpaired cysteine residue of said hinge region is replaced by a serine residue.

Abstract: An ACE2-Fc hybrid construct is used as a therapeutic and/or analytic entity to treat an individual infected with a coronavirus or to detect a coronavirus in an analyte. In selected embodiments, the Fc portion of the hybrid construct is an IgA Fc portion, and in still further embodiments the ACE2 portion has a mutation that reduces or abolishes ACE2 catalytic activity.

Abstract: Self-activating chimeric signaling proteins, and especially chimeric TNF family member ligand-receptor proteins are contemplated. In preferred methods, the chimeric protein comprises an extracellular portion of CD40L that is coupled via a flexible linker to CD40 such that the fusion protein, when expressed in an APC, is capable of folding back on itself and transmits a CD40-mediated signal as if it had been contacted by CD40L located on another cell. Advantageously, cells expressing such chimeric proteins contemporaneously with presentation of an antigen will enhance an immune reaction against the antigen.

Abstract: Microorganisms and methods of producing n-butyraldehyde with enhanced yields are presented in which a microorganism is engineered to enhance the conversion of a carbon source into n-butyraldehyde. The n-butyraldehyde is recovered by way of a gas stripping process that occurs during the conversion process, providing significantly greater product yield than post-fermentation recovery of n-butyraldehyde alone.

Abstract: Microorganisms and methods of producing n-butyraldehyde with enhanced yields are presented in which a microorganism is engineered to enhance the conversion of a carbon source into n-butyraldehyde. The n-butyraldehyde is recovered by way of a gas stripping process that occurs during the conversion process, providing significantly greater product yield than post-fermentation recovery of n-butyraldehyde alone.

Abstract: Microorganisms and methods of producing n-butyraldehyde with enhanced yields are presented in which a microorganism is engineered to enhance the conversion of a carbon source into n-butyraldehyde. The n-butyraldehyde is recovered by way of a gas stripping process that occurs during the conversion process, providing significantly greater product yield than post-fermentation recovery of n-butyraldehyde alone.