Abstract: The present invention discloses cell lines and recombinant growth factor receptors useful in adoptive cell therapy (ACT), wherein the recombinant growth factor receptor can act as a molecular switch enabling cells expressing the rGFR protein to be expanded in-vitro or in-vivo. Thus the invention provides a T or NK cell, comprising a recombinant growth factor receptor (rGFR) comprising: (i) an extracellular (EC) domain; (ii) a thrombopoietin receptor transmembrane (TM) domain; and (iii) a growth factor receptor intracellular (IC) domain.

Abstract: The present invention discloses cell lines and recombinant growth factor receptors useful in adoptive cell therapy (ACT), wherein the recombinant growth factor receptor can act as a molecular switch enabling cells expressing the rGFR protein to be expanded in-vitro or in- vivo. Thus the invention provides a T or NK cell, comprising a recombinant growth factor receptor (rGFR) comprising: (i) an extracellular (EC) domain; (ii) a thrombopoietin receptor transmembrane (TM) domain; and (iii) a growth factor receptor intracellular (IC) domain.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a biomarker useful in adoptive cell therapy. The biomarker in question is CD150, otherwise termed SLAM or SLAMF1. Herein Applicants demonstrate that expression of CD150 on tumour infiltrating lymphocytes infusion products correlates with the response rate seen in those patients. High CD150 expression is found on patients who go on to have a complete response and low expression on patients who do not respond to therapy. The invention relates to the use of the biomarker to predict response rate or stratify patients for treatment. It also covers exploitation of this receptor in adoptive cell therapy regimens in general, including but not limited to over expression of the receptor in T-cell populations or isolation of cells expressing CD150 in an effort to increase efficacy.

Abstract: Adoptive cell therapy involves the transfer of autologous or allogeneic cells to patients in an effort to treat a variety of diseases. In the area of immunotherapy, tumour specific T-cells can be grown ex vivo, or engrafted with tumour specificity via genetic engineering approaches, prior to reinfusion. T-cell infusions require a pre-conditioning treatment, and often a post infusion treatment of IL-2, in an effort to enhance persistence and engraftment. Herein Applicants show that T-cells can be engineered to express a Chimeric recombinant Growth Factor Receptor (CrGFR) which allows the selective survival and/or expansion of T-cells upon administration of a clinically available drug, Eltrombopag.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a biomarker useful in adoptive cell therapy. The biomarker in question is CDI50, otherwise termed SLAM or SLAMF1. Herein Applicants demonstrate that expression of CD 150 on tumour infiltrating lymphocytes infusion products correlates with the response rate seen in those patients. High CDI50 expression is found on patients who go on to have a complete response and low expression on patients who do not respond to therapy. The invention relates to the use of the biomarker to predict response rate or stratify patients for treatment. It also covers exploitation of this receptor in adoptive cell therapy regimens in general, including but not limited to over expression of the receptor in T-cell populations or isolation of cells expressing CD 150 in an effort to increase efficacy.

Abstract: The present invention discloses cell lines and recombinant growth factor receptors useful in adoptive cell therapy (ACT), wherein the recombinant growth factor receptor can act as a molecular switch enabling cells expressing the rGFR protein to be expanded in-vitro or in- vivo. Thus the invention provides a T or NK cell, comprising a recombinant growth factor receptor (rGFR) comprising: (i) an extracellular (EC) domain; (ii) a thrombopoietin receptor transmembrane (TM) domain; and (iii) a growth factor receptor intracellular (IC) domain.