Abstract: Chemically induced dimerizers (AbCIDs) have emerged as one of the most powerful tools to artificially regulate signaling pathways in cells; however, no facile method to identify or design these systems currently exists. The present invention provides a methodology to rapidly generate antibody-based chemically induced dimerizers (AbCIDs) from known small-molecule-protein complexes by selecting for synthetic antibodies that recognize the chemical epitope created by the bound small molecule. Success of this strategy is demonstrated by generating ten chemically-inducible antibodies against the BCL-xL/ABT-737 complex. Three of the antibodies are highly selective for the BCL-xL/ABT-737 complex over BCL-xL alone. Two exemplary important cellular applications of AbCIDs are demonstrated by applying them intracellularly to induce CRISPRa-mediated gene expression and extracellularly to regulate CAR T-cell activation with the small molecule, ABT-737.

Abstract: A lighting assembly is provided for an inflatable structure with hook and loop fasteners disposed along an external surface of the inflatable structure. The lighting assembly includes a strip of light emitting diodes (LEDs), a backing including hook and loop fasteners and a layer of transparent material to secure the strip of LEDs to the backing. The hook and loop fasteners of the backing are configured to be attached to the hook and loop fasteners along the external surface of the inflatable structure. The LEDs of the strip are configured to illuminate the external surface of the inflatable structure upon receiving electrical power. A method is also provided for illuminating the external surface of the inflatable structure.