A fusion protein is provided which is based on a self-assembling gene- regulatory NSP10 protein and a protein or peptide capable of being fused to NSP10 without interfering with the assembly or aggregation of the resulting fusion protein. The disclosure also relates to any nanoparticle formed thereby whether complete or not, and methods for the use of the NSP10 fusion protein are also disclosed, including use as vaccines for any indication in humans or animals, therapeutic methods involving the use of the fusion proteins such as using the protein to targeted an antibody or receptor, such as for treating or diagnosing cancer, biosensors using the fusion protein, or the use of the fusion proteins in cell sorting or any imaging application.