Abstract: Methods for developing disease-related nanobodies and related products and kits are provided. The disease-specific proteins are extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, domains or epitopes that are associated with various aspects of disease and are not present, or are present in very low quantities, in non-diseased individuals. Highly effective nanobodies capable of specifically binding to these ECM protein epitopes useful in in vivo imaging assays, the detection, diagnosis and treatment of diseases as well as monitoring therapeutic progress in a patient with a disease are provided herein.

Abstract: Provided herein are engineered cells that comprising a chimeric antigen receptor comprising an extracellular target-binding moiety and an intracellular signaling domain; and secrets a heavy-chain antibody (VHH) or a VHH fusion protein. Methods of using the engineered cell to treat a disease (e.g., cancer or autoimmune disease) are also provided.