PROSTATE-SPECIFIC MEMBRANE ANTIGEN CARS AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF
The present disclosure provides modified immune cells (e.g., modified T cells) comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) having affinity for a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) (e.g., human PSMA). The present disclosure provides modified immune cells (e.g., modified T cells) comprising a CAR having affinity for PSMA and a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor. The present disclosure provides modified immune cells (e.g., modified T cells) comprising a CAR having affinity for PSMA and a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor, wherein the modified cell is capable of expressing and secreting a bispecific antibody.
The present application is entitled to priority under 35 U.S.C. § 365(a) to International Application PCT/US2019/020729, filed Mar. 5, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONBreaking the tolerance to self-antigens is a major challenge in the application of immunotherapy to solid malignancies. Vaccine strategies aimed at harnessing endogenous anti-tumor T cells are limited by the T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire, which can be deleted within the thymus as part of central tolerance or rendered non-functional by post-thymic mechanisms of peripheral tolerance. One strategy to overcome such obstacles is to produce genetically engineered T cells redirected toward tumor antigens using a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) approach. CAR T cells use genetically programmed, patient-derived lymphocytes transduced with chimeric receptor genes in order to combine the antigen recognition domains of a specific antibody with the signaling domains of a TCR.
Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a membrane-bound protein expressed on the cell surface and is reported to be highly overexpressed in prostate cancer tissues. PSMA expression is directly correlated with advancing tumor grade and stage, and is believed to confer a selective growth advantage to prostate cancer cells. As such, PSMA may be an ideal target for immunotherapies for prostate cancer.
Another major challenge in cancer immunotherapy is the hostile microenvironment in which the targeted tumor resides. For example, immunosuppressive receptor ligands such as, PDL1 (CD274) which binds to PD1 (CD279), are up-regulated and negatively regulate T cell activity in the tumor microenvironment. In addition, TGF-β, which is over-expressed in prostate tumor cells, can act as an immunosuppressive molecule.
Thus, there is a need in the art for novel cancer immunotherapies targeting PSMA. The present invention satisfies this need.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTIONThe present invention is based on the finding that humanized prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cells exhibit potent anti-tumor activity. The present invention is also based on the finding that PSMA-CAR T cells comprising a dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor exhibit significantly enhanced anti-tumor activity.
Accordingly, in certain aspects, the instant disclosure provides a modified immune cell or precursor cell thereof, comprising: (a) a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) comprising an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain, wherein the antigen binding domain comprises: a heavy chain variable region (VH) that comprises the consensus sequence of SEQ ID NO:183; and a light chain variable region (VL) that comprises the consensus sequence of SEQ ID NO:184; and (b) a dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the VH comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:191. In certain exemplary embodiments, the VL comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:192.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof. In certain exemplary embodiments, the the antigen-binding fragment is selected from the group consisting of a Fab, a single-chain variable fragment (scFv), or a single-domain antibody.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the transmembrane domain comprises a transmembrane region derived from CD8. In certain exemplary embodiments, the transmembrane region derived from CD8 comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 88. In certain exemplary embodiments, the transmembrane domain further comprises a hinge region derived from CD8. In certain exemplary embodiments, the hinge region is derived from CD8 comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:86.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises a 4-1BB signaling domain and a CD3 zeta signaling domain. In certain exemplary embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises an ICOS signaling domain and a CD3 zeta signaling domain. In certain exemplary embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises a variant ICOS signaling domain and a CD3 zeta signaling domain. In certain exemplary embodiments, the 4-1BB signaling domain comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:92. In certain exemplary embodiments, the ICOS signaling domain comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:203. In certain exemplary embodiments, the variant ICOS signaling domain comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ II) NO:95. In certain exemplary embodiments, the the CD3 zeta signaling domain comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:97 or 100.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the dominant negative receptor is a truncated variant of a wild-type protein associated with a negative signal. In certain exemplary embodiments, the truncated variant of a wild-type protein associated 115 a negative signal comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 115.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the the switch receptor comprises: a first domain, wherein the first domain is derived from a first polypeptide that is associated with a negative signal; and a second domain, wherein the second domain is derived from a second polypeptide that is associated with a positive signal. In certain exemplary embodiments, the the first domain comprises at least a portion of the extracellular domain of the first polypeptide that is associated with a negative signal, and wherein the second domain comprises at least a portion of the intracellular domain of the second polypeptide that is associated with a positive signal. In certain exemplary embodiments, the switch receptor further comprises a switch receptor transmembrane domain. In certain exemplary embodiments, the switch receptor transmembrane domain comprises: the transmembrane domain of the first polypeptide that is associated with a negative signal; or the transmembrane domain of the second polypeptide that is associated with a positive signal.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the first polypeptide that is associated with a negative signal is selected from the group consisting of CTLA4, PD-1, BTLA, TIM-3, and a TGFβR. In certain exemplary embodiments, the second polypeptide that is associated with a positive signal is selected from the group consisting of CD28, ICOS, 4-1BB, and a IL-12R.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the switch receptor comprises: a first domain comprising at least a portion of the extracellular domain of PD1; a switch receptor transmembrane domain comprising at least a portion of the transmembrane domain of CD28; and a second domain comprising at least a portion of the intracellular domain of CD28. In certain exemplary embodiments, the switch receptor comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 117.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the switch receptor comprises: a first domain comprising at least a portion of the extracellular domain of PD1; a switch receptor transmembrane domain comprising at least a portion of the transmembrane domain of PD1; and a second domain comprising at least a portion of the intracellular domain of CD28. In certain exemplary embodiments, the switch receptor comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 119.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the first domain comprises at least a portion of the extracellular domain of PD1 comprises an alanine (A) to leucine (L) substitution at amino acid position 132. In certain exemplary embodiments, the switch receptor comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 121.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the switch receptor comprises: a first domain comprising at least a portion of the extracellular domain of PD1 comprising an alanine (A) to leucine (L) substitution at amino acid position 132; and a second domain comprising at least a portion of the intracellular domain of CD28. In certain exemplary embodiments, the switch receptor comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 121.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the switch receptor comprises: a first domain comprising at least a portion of the extracellular domain of PD1 comprising an alanine (A) to leucine (L) substitution at amino acid position 132; and a second domain comprising at least a portion of the intracellular domain of 4-1BB. In certain exemplary embodiments, the switch receptor comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:215.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the switch receptor comprises: a first domain comprising at least a portion of the extracellular domain of TIM-3; and a second domain comprising at least a portion of the intracellular domain of CD28. In certain exemplary embodiments, the switch receptor comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 127.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the switch receptor comprises: a first domain comprising at least a portion of the extracellular domain of a TGFβR; and a second domain comprising at least a portion of the intracellular domain of IL12Rα1. In certain exemplary embodiments, the switch receptor comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 123.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the switch receptor comprises: a first domain comprising at least a portion of the extracellular domain of a TGFβR; and a second domain comprising at least a portion of the intracellular domain of IL12Rβ1. In certain exemplary embodiments, the switch receptor comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 125.
In another aspect, the instant disclosure provides a modified immune cell or precursor cell thereof, comprising: a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) having affinity for a prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on a target cell, wherein the CAR comprises a PSMA binding domain comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:191; and a light chain variable region (VL) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 192; and a dominant negative receptor comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 115.
In another aspect, the instant disclosure provides a modified immune cell or precursor cell thereof, comprising: a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) having affinity for a prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on a target cell, wherein the CAR comprises a PSMA binding domain comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:191; and a light chain variable region (VL) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 192; and a switch receptor comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:213 or 215.
In another aspect, the instant disclosure provides a modified immune cell or precursor cell thereof, comprising: a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) having affinity for a prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on a target cell, wherein the CAR comprises a PSMA binding domain comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:191; and a light chain variable region (VL) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 192; and a switch receptor comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 117 or 119.
In another aspect, the instant disclosure provides a modified immune cell or precursor cell thereof, comprising: a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) having affinity for a prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on a target cell, wherein the CAR comprises a PSMA binding domain comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:191; and a light chain variable region (VL) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 192; and a switch receptor comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 121.
In another aspect, the instant disclosure provides a modified immune cell or precursor cell thereof, comprising: a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) having affinity for a prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on a target cell, wherein the CAR comprises a PSMA binding domain comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:191; and a light chain variable region (VL) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 192; and a switch receptor comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 127.
In another aspect, the instant disclosure provides a modified immune cell or precursor cell thereof, comprising: a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) having affinity for a prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on a target cell, wherein the CAR comprises a PSMA binding domain comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:191; and a light chain variable region (VL) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 192; and a switch receptor comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 123.
In another aspect, the instant disclosure provides a modified immune cell or precursor cell thereof, comprising: a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) having affinity for a prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on a target cell, wherein the CAR comprises a PSMA binding domain comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:191; and a light chain variable region (VL) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 192; and a switch receptor comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 125.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the modified cell is a modified T cell. In certain exemplary embodiments, the modified T cell is an autologous cell. In certain exemplary embodiments, the modified T cell is an allogeneic cell. In certain exemplary embodiments, the modified cell is a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL). In certain exemplary embodiments, the modified cell is derived from a human cell.
In another aspect, the instant disclosure provides an isolated nucleic acid, comprising: (a) a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) comprising an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain, wherein the antigen binding domain comprises: a heavy chain variable region (VH) that comprises the consensus sequence of SEQ ID NO: 183; and a light chain variable region (VL) that comprises the consensus sequence of SEQ ID NO: 184; and (b) a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the VH comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:191. In certain exemplary embodiments, the VL comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 192.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the first nucleic acid sequence comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 246, 248, 250, 252, 254, or 256.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the second nucleic acid sequence comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126 128, 214, or 216.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the first nucleic acid sequence and the second nucleic acid sequence are separated by a linker. In certain exemplary embodiments, the linker comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an internal ribosome entry site (IRES). In certain exemplary embodiments, the linker comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a self-cleaving peptide. In certain exemplary embodiments, the self-cleaving peptide is a 2A peptide. In certain exemplary embodiments, the 2A peptide is selected from the group consisting of porcine teschovirus-1 2 A (P2A), Thoseaasigna virus 2A (T2A), equine rhinitis A virus 2A (E2A), and foot-and-mouth disease virus 2A (F2A). In certain exemplary embodiments, the 2A peptide is T2A. In certain exemplary embodiments, the 2A peptide is F2A.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid comprises from 5′ to 3′ the first nucleic acid sequence, the linker, and the second nucleic acid sequence.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the isolated nucleic acid comprises from 5′ to 3′ the second nucleic acid sequence, the linker, and the first nucleic acid sequence.
In another aspect, the instant disclosure provides an isolated nucleic acid, comprising: a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) comprising an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain, wherein the antigen binding domain comprises: a heavy chain variable region (VH) that comprises the consensus sequence of SEQ ID NO:191; and a light chain variable region (VL) that comprises the consensus sequence of SEQ ID NO: 192; and a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor comprising the nucleic acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 214, or 216.
In another aspect, the instant disclosure provides an isolated nucleic acid, comprising: a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) comprising an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain, wherein the antigen binding domain comprises: a heavy chain variable region (VH) that comprises the consensus sequence of SEQ ID NO:191; and a light chain variable region (VL) that comprises the consensus sequence of SEQ ID NO: 192; and a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor comprising the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 116.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the first nucleic acid sequence and the second nucleic acid sequence is separated by a linker comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding T2A. In certain exemplary embodiments, the first nucleic acid sequence and the second nucleic acid sequence is separated by a linker comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding F2A.
In another aspect, the instant disclosure provides an expression construct comprising the isolated nucleic acid as described in the foregoing.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the expression construct is a viral vector selected from the group consisting of a retroviral vector, a lentiviral vector, an adenoviral vector, and an adeno-associated viral vector. In certain exemplary embodiments, the expression construct is a lentiviral vector. In certain exemplary embodiments, the lentiviral vector further comprises an EF-1 a promoter. In certain exemplary embodiments, the lentiviral vector further comprises a rev response element (RRE). In certain exemplary embodiments, the lentiviral vector further comprises a woodchuck hepatitis virus posttranscriptional regulatory element (WPRE). In certain exemplary embodiments, the lentiviral vector further comprises a cPPT sequence.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the lentiviral vector further comprises an EF-1 a promoter, a rev response element (RRE), a woodchuck hepatitis virus posttranscriptional regulatory element (WPRE), and a cPPT sequence.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the lentiviral vector is a self-inactivating lentiviral vector.
In another aspect, the instant disclosure provides a method for generating the modified immune cell or precursor cell thereof as described in the foregoing, comprising introducing into the immune cell one or more of the nucleic acid as described in the foregoing, or the expression construct as described in the foregoing.
In another aspect, the instant disclosure provides a method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising the modified immune cell as described in the foregoing.
In certain exemplary embodiments, the method further comprises administering to the subject a lymphodepleting chemotherapy. In certain exemplary embodiments, the lymphodepleting chemotherapy comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of cyclophosphamide and/or fludarabine.
In another aspect, the instant disclosure provides a method of treating prostate cancer in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising: administering to the subject a lymphodepleting chemotherapy comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of cyclophosphamide; and administering to the subject a modified T cell comprising: a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) having affinity for a prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on a target cell, wherein the CAR comprises an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain, wherein the antigen binding domain comprises: a heavy chain variable region (VH) that comprises the consensus sequence of SEQ ID NO:191; and a light chain variable region (VL) that comprises the consensus sequence of SEQ ID NO: 192; and a dominant negative receptor comprising an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 115.
In another aspect, the instant disclosure provides a method of treating metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising: administering to the subject a lymphodepleting chemotherapy comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of cyclophosphamide; and administering to the subject a modified T cell comprising: a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) having affinity for a prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on a target cell, wherein the CAR comprises an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain, wherein the antigen binding domain comprises: a heavy chain variable region (VH) that comprises the consensus sequence of SEQ ID NO:191; and a light chain variable region (VL) that comprises the consensus sequence of SEQ ID NO: 192; and a dominant negative receptor comprising an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 115.
The foregoing and other features and advantages of the present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of illustrative embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities of the embodiments shown in the drawings.
The present invention provides compositions and methods for modified immune cells, e.g., T cells and NK cells, or precursors thereof, e.g., modified T cells, comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). In some embodiments, the CAR comprises a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) binding domain (PSMA-CAR), and has affinity for PSMA on a target cell, e.g., a prostate cancer cell. In some embodiments, the modified immune cell comprises a PSMA-CAR comprising a murine PSMA binding domain. In some embodiments, the modified immune cell comprises a PSMA-CAR comprising a human PSMA binding domain. Also provided are methods of producing such genetically engineered cells. In some embodiments, the cells and compositions can be used in adoptive cell therapy, e.g., adoptive tumor immunotherapy.
In some embodiments, the provided immune cells comprise additional receptors, e.g., a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor, to enhance the efficacy of the immune cell in the tumor microenvironment. Such cells are capable of altering or reducing the effects of immunosuppressive signals in the tumor microenvironment. The modified immune cells of the invention counteract the upregulation and/or expression of inhibitor receptor or ligands that can negatively control T cell activation and T cell function. For example, expression of certain immune checkpoint proteins, e.g., PD-1 or PD-L1, on T cells and/or in the tumor microenvironment can reduce the potency and efficacy of adoptive T cell therapy. For example, expression of TGF-3 on T cells and/or in the tumor microenvironment can reduce the potency and efficacy of adoptive T cell therapy. Such immunosuppressive signals may otherwise impair certain desirable effector functions in the context of adoptive cell therapy. Tumor cells and/or cells in the tumor microenvironment often upregulate immunosuppressive proteins, e.g., PD-L1, delivering an immunosuppressive signal. Such immunosuppressive proteins may also be upregulated on T cells in the tumor microenvironment, e.g., on tumor-infiltrating T cells, which can occur following signaling through the antigen receptor or certain other activating signals. Such events may contribute to genetically engineered immune cells (e.g., PSMA targeting) T cells acquiring an exhausted phenotype, such as when present in proximity with other cells that express such protein, which in turn can lead to reduced functionality. Thus, the modified immune cells of the invention address the T cell exhaustion and/or the lack of T cell persistence that is a barrier to the efficacy and therapeutic outcomes of conventional adoptive cell therapies.
The present invention includes a PSMA CAR and its use in treating cancer. In certain embodiments, the invention includes a human PSMA CAR with a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor. One of the major obstacles for cancer immunotherapy is the tumor microenvironment. Up-regulation of immunosuppressive molecules, e.g., PD-1, negatively regulates T cell activity.
The present invention is based on the finding that T cells comprising a PSMA-CAR and a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor are capable of bypassing the effect of immunosuppressive molecules in the tumor microenvironment, providing continued and potent anti-tumor activity.
It is to be understood that the methods described in this disclosure are not limited to particular methods and experimental conditions disclosed herein as such methods and conditions may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.
Furthermore, the experiments described herein, unless otherwise indicated, use conventional molecular and cellular biological and immunological techniques within the skill of the art. Such techniques are well known to the skilled worker, and are explained fully in the literature. See, e.g., Ausubel, et al., ed., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., NY, N.Y. (1987-2008), including all supplements, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (Fourth Edition) by M R Green and J. Sambrook and Harlow et al., Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Chapter 14, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor (2013, 2nd edition).
A. DefinitionsUnless otherwise defined, scientific and technical terms used herein have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. In the event of any latent ambiguity, definitions provided herein take precedent over any dictionary or extrinsic definition. Unless otherwise required by context, singular terms shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular. The use of“or” means “and/or” unless stated otherwise. The use of the term “including,” as well as other forms, such as “includes” and “included,” is not limiting.
Generally, nomenclature used in connection with cell and tissue culture, molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, genetics and protein and nucleic acid chemistry and hybridization described herein is well-known and commonly used in the art. The methods and techniques provided herein are generally performed according to conventional methods well known in the art and as described in various general and more specific references that are cited and discussed throughout the present specification unless otherwise indicated. Enzymatic reactions and purification techniques are performed according to manufacturer's specifications, as commonly accomplished in the art or as described herein. The nomenclatures used in connection with, and the laboratory procedures and techniques of, analytical chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, and medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry described herein are those well-known and commonly used in the art. Standard techniques are used for chemical syntheses, chemical analyses, pharmaceutical preparation, formulation, and delivery, and treatment of patients.
That the disclosure may be more readily understood, select terms are defined below.
The articles “a” and “an” are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” means one element or more than one element.
“About” as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of ±20% or ±10%, more preferably ±5%, even more preferably ±1%, and still more preferably ±0.1% from the specified value, as such variations are appropriate to perform the disclosed methods.
“Activation,” as used herein, refers to the state of a T cell that has been sufficiently stimulated to induce detectable cellular proliferation. Activation can also be associated with induced cytokine production, and detectable effector functions. The term “activated T cells” refers to, among other things, T cells that are undergoing cell division.
As used herein, to “alleviate” a disease means reducing the severity of one or more symptoms of the disease.
The term “antibody,” as used herein, refers to an immunoglobulin molecule which specifically binds with an antigen. Antibodies can be intact immunoglobulins derived from natural sources or from recombinant sources and can be immunoreactive portions of intact immunoglobulins (e.g., a binding fragment of an antibody). Antibodies are typically tetramers of immunoglobulin molecules. The antibodies in the present invention may exist in a variety of forms including, for example, polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal antibodies, Fv, Fab and F(ab)2, as well as single chain antibodies (scFv) and humanized antibodies (Harlow et al., 1999, In: Using Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, NY; Harlow et al., 1989, In: Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.; Houston et al., 1988, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:5879-5883; Bird et al., 1988, Science 242:423-426).
The term “antibody fragment” refers to a portion of an intact antibody and refers to the antigenic determining variable regions of an intact antibody. Examples of antibody fragments include, but are not limited to, Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)2, and Fv fragments, linear antibodies, scFv antibodies, and multispecific antibodies formed from antibody fragments.
An “antibody heavy chain,” as used herein, refers to the larger of the two types of polypeptide chains present in all antibody molecules in their naturally occurring conformations.
An “antibody light chain,” as used herein, refers to the smaller of the two types of polypeptide chains present in all antibody molecules in their naturally occurring conformations. α and β light chains refer to the two major antibody light chain isotypes.
By the term “synthetic antibody” as used herein, is meant an antibody which is generated using recombinant DNA technology, such as, for example, an antibody expressed by a bacteriophage as described herein. The term should also be construed to mean an antibody which has been generated by the synthesis of a DNA molecule encoding the antibody and which DNA molecule expresses an antibody protein, or an amino acid sequence specifying the antibody, wherein the DNA or amino acid sequence has been obtained using synthetic DNA or amino acid sequence technology which is available and well known in the art.
The term “antigen” or “Ag” as used herein is defined as a molecule that provokes an immune response. This immune response may involve either antibody production, or the activation of specific immunologically-competent cells, or both. The skilled artisan will understand that any macromolecule, including virtually all proteins or peptides, can serve as an antigen.
Furthermore, antigens can be derived from recombinant or genomic DNA. A skilled artisan will understand that any DNA, which comprises a nucleotide sequences or a partial nucleotide sequence encoding a protein that elicits an immune response therefore encodes an “antigen” as that term is used herein. Furthermore, one skilled in the art will understand that an antigen need not be encoded solely by a full length nucleotide sequence of a gene. It is readily apparent that the present invention includes, but is not limited to, the use of partial nucleotide sequences of more than one gene and that these nucleotide sequences are arranged in various combinations to elicit the desired immune response. Moreover, a skilled artisan will understand that an antigen need not be encoded by a “gene” at all. It is readily apparent that an antigen can be generated synthesized or can be derived from a biological sample. Such a biological sample can include, but is not limited to a tissue sample, a tumor sample, a cell or a biological fluid.
As used herein, the term “autologous” is meant to refer to any material derived from the same individual to which it is later to be re-introduced into the individual. “Allogeneic” refers to any material derived from a different animal of the same species. “Xenogeneic” refers to any material derived from an animal of a different species.
The term “chimeric antigen receptor” or “CAR,” as used herein refers to an artificial T cell receptor that is engineered to be expressed on an immune cell and specifically bind an antigen. CARs may be used as a therapy with adoptive cell transfer. T cells are removed from a patient and modified so that they express the receptors specific to an antigen or particular form of an antigen. In some embodiments, the CARs have specificity to a selected target, e.g., cells expressing a prostate-specific membrane antigen. CARs may also comprise an intracellular activation domain, a transmembrane domain and an extracellular domain comprising a tumor associated antigen binding region.
“Co-stimulatory ligand,” as the term is used herein, includes a molecule on an antigen presenting cell (e.g., an artificial APC (aAPC), dendritic cell, B cell, and the like) that specifically binds a cognate co-stimulatory molecule on a T cell, thereby providing a signal which, in addition to the primary signal provided by, for instance, binding of a TCR/CD3 complex with an MHC molecule loaded with peptide, mediates a T cell response, including, but not limited to, proliferation, activation, differentiation, and the like. A co-stimulatory ligand can include, but is not limited to, CD7, B7-1 (CD80), B7-2 (CD86), PD-L1, PD-L2, 4-1BBL, OX40L, inducible costimulatory ligand (ICOS-L), intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), CD30L, CD40, CD70, CD83, HLA-G, MICA, MICB, HVEM, lymphotoxin beta receptor, 3/TR6, ILT3, ILT4, HVEM, an agonist or antibody that binds Toll ligand receptor and a ligand that specifically binds with B7-H3. A co-stimulatory ligand also encompasses, inter alia, an antibody that specifically binds with a co-stimulatory molecule present on a T cell, such as, but not limited to, CD27, CD28, 4-1BB, OX40, CD30, CD40, PD-1, ICOS, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), CD2, CD7, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, and a ligand that specifically binds with CD83.
A “co-stimulatory molecule” refers to the cognate binding partner on a T cell that specifically binds with a co-stimulatory ligand, thereby mediating a co-stimulatory response by the T cell, such as, but not limited to, proliferation. Co-stimulatory molecules include, but are not limited to an MHC class I molecule, BTLA and a Toll ligand receptor.
A “co-stimulatory signal”, as used herein, refers to a signal, which in combination with a primary signal, such as TCR/CD3 ligation, leads to T cell proliferation and/or upregulation or downregulation of key molecules.
A “disease” is a state of health of an animal wherein the animal cannot maintain homeostasis, and wherein if the disease is not ameliorated then the animal's health continues to deteriorate. In contrast, a “disorder” in an animal is a state of health in which the animal is able to maintain homeostasis, but in which the animal's state of health is less favorable than it would be in the absence of the disorder. Left untreated, a disorder does not necessarily cause a further decrease in the animal's state of health.
The term “downregulation” as used herein refers to the decrease or elimination of gene expression of one or more genes.
“Effective amount” or “therapeutically effective amount” are used interchangeably herein, and refer to an amount of a compound, formulation, material, or composition, as described herein effective to achieve a particular biological result or provides a therapeutic or prophylactic benefit. Such results may include, but are not limited to an amount that when administered to a mammal, causes a detectable level of immune suppression or tolerance compared to the immune response detected in the absence of the composition of the invention. The immune response can be readily assessed by a plethora of art-recognized methods. The skilled artisan would understand that the amount of the composition administered herein varies and can be readily determined based on a number of factors such as the disease or condition being treated, the age and health and physical condition of the mammal being treated, the severity of the disease, the particular compound being administered, and the like.
“Encoding” refers to the inherent property of specific sequences of nucleotides in a polynucleotide, such as a gene, a cDNA, or an mRNA, to serve as templates for synthesis of other polymers and macromolecules in biological processes having either a defined sequence of nucleotides (i.e., rRNA, tRNA and mRNA) or a defined sequence of amino acids and the biological properties resulting therefrom. Thus, a gene encodes a protein if transcription and translation of mRNA corresponding to that gene produces the protein in a cell or other biological system. Both the coding strand, the nucleotide sequence of which is identical to the mRNA sequence and is usually provided in sequence listings, and the non-coding strand, used as the template for transcription of a gene or cDNA, can be referred to as encoding the protein or other product of that gene or cDNA.
As used herein “endogenous” refers to any material from or produced inside an organism, cell, tissue or system.
The term “epitope” as used herein is defined as a small chemical molecule on an antigen that can elicit an immune response, inducing B and/or T cell responses. An antigen can have one or more epitopes. Most antigens have many epitopes; i.e., they are multivalent. In general, an epitope is roughly about 10 amino acids and/or sugars in size. Preferably, the epitope is about 4-18 amino acids, more preferably about 5-16 amino acids, and even more most preferably 6-14 amino acids, more preferably about 7-12, and most preferably about 8-10 amino acids. One skilled in the art understands that generally the overall three-dimensional structure, rather than the specific linear sequence of the molecule, is the main criterion of antigenic specificity and therefore distinguishes one epitope from another. Based on the present disclosure, a peptide of the present invention can be an epitope.
As used herein, the term “exogenous” refers to any material introduced from or produced outside an organism, cell, tissue or system.
The term “expand” as used herein refers to increasing in number, as in an increase in the number of T cells. In one embodiment, the T cells that are expanded ex vivo increase in number relative to the number originally present in the culture. In another embodiment, the T cells that are expanded ex vivo increase in number relative to other cell types in the culture. The term “ex vivo,” as used herein, refers to cells that have been removed from a living organism, (e.g., a human) and propagated outside the organism (e.g., in a culture dish, test tube, or bioreactor).
The term “expression” as used herein is defined as the transcription and/or translation of a particular nucleotide sequence driven by its promoter.
“Expression vector” refers to a vector comprising a recombinant polynucleotide comprising expression control sequences operatively linked to a nucleotide sequence to be expressed. An expression vector comprises sufficient cis-acting elements for expression; other elements for expression can be supplied by the host cell or in an in vitro expression system. Expression vectors include all those known in the art, such as cosmids, plasmids (e.g., naked or contained in liposomes) and viruses (e.g., Sendai viruses, lentiviruses, retroviruses, adenoviruses, and adeno-associated viruses) that incorporate the recombinant polynucleotide.
“Humanized” forms of non-human (e.g., murine) antibodies are chimeric immunoglobulins, immunoglobulin chains or fragments thereof (such as Fv, Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)2 or other antigen-binding subsequences of antibodies) which contain minimal sequence derived from non-human immunoglobulin. For the most part, humanized antibodies are human immunoglobulins (recipient antibody) in which residues from a complementary-determining region (CDR) of the recipient are replaced by residues from a CDR of a non-human species (donor antibody) such as mouse, rat or rabbit having the desired specificity, affinity, and capacity. In some instances, Fv framework region (FR) residues of the human immunoglobulin are replaced by corresponding non-human residues. Furthermore, humanized antibodies can comprise residues which are found neither in the recipient antibody nor in the imported CDR or framework sequences. These modifications are made to further refine and optimize antibody performance. In general, the humanized antibody will comprise substantially all of at least one, and typically two, variable domains, in which all or substantially all of the CDR regions correspond to those of a non-human immunoglobulin and all or substantially all of the FR regions are those of a human immunoglobulin sequence. The humanized antibody may also comprise at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region (Fc), typically that of a human immunoglobulin. For further details, see Jones et al., Nature, 321: 522-525, 1986; Reichmann et al., Nature, 332: 323-329, 1988; Presta, Curr. Op. Struct. Biol., 2: 593-596, 1992. “Fully human” refers to an immunoglobulin, such as an antibody, or binding fragment thereof, where the whole molecule is of human origin or consists of an amino acid sequence identical to a human form of the antibody.
The term “immunoglobulin” or “Ig,” as used herein is defined as a class of proteins, which function as antibodies. The five members included in this class of proteins are IgA, IgG, IgM, IgD, and IgE. IgA is the primary antibody that is present in body secretions, such as saliva, tears, breast milk, gastrointestinal secretions and mucus secretions of the respiratory and genitourinary tracts. IgG is the most common circulating antibody. IgM is the main immunoglobulin produced in the primary immune response in most subjects. It is the most efficient immunoglobulin in agglutination, complement fixation, and other antibody responses, and is important in defense against bacteria and viruses. IgD is the immunoglobulin that has no known antibody function, but may serve as an antigen receptor. IgE is the immunoglobulin that mediates immediate hypersensitivity by causing release of mediators from mast cells and basophils upon exposure to allergen.
“Identity” as used herein refers to the subunit sequence identity between two polymeric molecules particularly between two amino acid molecules, such as, between two polypeptide molecules. When two amino acid sequences have the same residues at the same positions; e.g., if a position in each of two polypeptide molecules is occupied by an arginine, then they are identical at that position. The identity or extent to which two amino acid sequences have the same residues at the same positions in an alignment is often expressed as a percentage. The identity between two amino acid sequences is a direct function of the number of matching or identical positions; e.g., if half (e.g., five positions in a polymer ten amino acids in length) of the positions in two sequences are identical, the two sequences are 50% identical; if 90% of the positions (e.g., 9 of 10), are matched or identical, the two amino acids sequences are 90% identical.
The term “immune response” as used herein is defined as a cellular response to an antigen that occurs when lymphocytes identify antigenic molecules as foreign and induce the formation of antibodies and/or activate lymphocytes to remove the antigen.
The term “immunosuppressive” is used herein to refer to reducing overall immune response.
“Isolated” means altered or removed from the natural state. For example, a nucleic acid or a peptide naturally present in a living animal is not “isolated,” but the same nucleic acid or peptide partially or completely separated from the coexisting materials of its natural state is “isolated.” An isolated nucleic acid or protein can exist in substantially purified form, or can exist in a non-native environment such as, for example, a host cell.
A “lentivirus” as used herein refers to a genus of the Retroviridae family. Lentiviruses are unique among the retroviruses in being able to infect non-dividing cells; they can deliver a significant amount of genetic information into the DNA of the host cell, so they are one of the most efficient methods of a gene delivery vector. HIV, SIV, and FIV are all examples of lentiviruses. Vectors derived from lentiviruses offer the means to achieve significant levels of gene transfer in vivo.
By the term “modified” as used herein, is meant a changed state or structure of a molecule or cell of the invention. Molecules may be modified in many ways, including chemically, structurally, and functionally. Cells may be modified through the introduction of nucleic acids.
By the term “modulating,” as used herein, is meant mediating a detectable increase or decrease in the level of a response in a subject compared with the level of a response in the subject in the absence of a treatment or compound, and/or compared with the level of a response in an otherwise identical but untreated subject. The term encompasses perturbing and/or affecting a native signal or response thereby mediating a beneficial therapeutic response in a subject, preferably, a human.
In the context of the present invention, the following abbreviations for the commonly occurring nucleic acid bases are used. “A” refers to adenosine, “C” refers to cytosine, “G” refers to guanosine, “T” refers to thymidine, and “U” refers to uridine.
Unless otherwise specified, a “nucleotide sequence encoding an amino acid sequence” includes all nucleotide sequences that are degenerate versions of each other and that encode the same amino acid sequence. The phrase nucleotide sequence that encodes a protein or an RNA may also include introns to the extent that the nucleotide sequence encoding the protein may in some version contain an intron(s).
The term “operably linked” or “operatively linked” refers to functional linkage between a regulatory sequence and a heterologous nucleic acid sequence resulting in expression of the latter. For example, a first nucleic acid sequence is operably linked with a second nucleic acid sequence when the first nucleic acid sequence is placed in a functional relationship with the second nucleic acid sequence. For instance, a promoter is operably linked to a coding sequence if the promoter affects the transcription or expression of the coding sequence.
The term “polynucleotide” as used herein is defined as a chain of nucleotides. Furthermore, nucleic acids are polymers of nucleotides. Thus, nucleic acids and polynucleotides as used herein are interchangeable. One skilled in the art has the general knowledge that nucleic acids are polynucleotides, which can be hydrolyzed into the monomeric “nucleotides.” The monomeric nucleotides can be hydrolyzed into nucleosides. As used herein polynucleotides include, but are not limited to, all nucleic acid sequences which are obtained by any means available in the art, including, without limitation, recombinant means, i.e., the cloning of nucleic acid sequences from a recombinant library or a cell genome, using ordinary cloning technology and PCR, and the like, and by synthetic means.
As used herein, the terms “peptide,” “polypeptide,” and “protein” are used interchangeably, and refer to a compound comprised of amino acid residues covalently linked by peptide bonds. A protein or peptide must contain at least two amino acids, and no limitation is placed on the maximum number of amino acids that can comprise a protein's or peptide's sequence. Polypeptides include any peptide or protein comprising two or more amino acids joined to each other by peptide bonds. As used herein, the term refers to both short chains, which also commonly are referred to in the art as peptides, oligopeptides and oligomers, for example, and to longer chains, which generally are referred to in the art as proteins, of which there are many types. “Polypeptides” include, for example, biologically active fragments, substantially homologous polypeptides, oligopeptides, homodimers, heterodimers, variants of polypeptides, modified polypeptides, derivatives, analogs, fusion proteins, among others. The polypeptides include natural peptides, recombinant peptides, synthetic peptides, or a combination thereof.
By the term “specifically binds,” as used herein with respect to an antibody, is meant an antibody which recognizes a specific antigen, but does not substantially recognize or bind other molecules in a sample. For example, an antibody that specifically binds to an antigen from one species may also bind to that antigen from one or more species. But, such cross-species reactivity does not itself alter the classification of an antibody as specific. In another example, an antibody that specifically binds to an antigen may also bind to different allelic forms of the antigen. However, such cross reactivity does not itself alter the classification of an antibody as specific. In some instances, the terms “specific binding” or “specifically binding,” can be used in reference to the interaction of an antibody, a protein, or a peptide with a second chemical species, to mean that the interaction is dependent upon the presence of a particular structure (e.g., an antigenic determinant or epitope) on the chemical species; for example, an antibody recognizes and binds to a specific protein structure rather than to proteins generally. If an antibody is specific for epitope “A”, the presence of a molecule containing epitope A (or free, unlabeled A), in a reaction containing labeled “A” and the antibody, will reduce the amount of labeled A bound to the antibody.
By the term “stimulation,” is meant a primary response induced by binding of a stimulatory molecule (e.g., a TCR/CD3 complex) with its cognate ligand thereby mediating a signal transduction event, such as, but not limited to, signal transduction via the TCR/CD3 complex. Stimulation can mediate altered expression of certain molecules, such as downregulation of TGF-beta, and/or reorganization of cytoskeletal structures, and the like.
A “stimulatory molecule,” as the term is used herein, means a molecule on a T cell that specifically binds with a cognate stimulatory ligand present on an antigen presenting cell.
A “stimulatory ligand,” as used herein, means a ligand that when present on an antigen presenting cell (e.g., an aAPC, a dendritic cell, a B-cell, and the like) can specifically bind with a cognate binding partner (referred to herein as a “stimulatory molecule”) on a T cell, thereby mediating a primary response by the T cell, including, but not limited to, activation, initiation of an immune response, proliferation, and the like. Stimulatory ligands are well-known in the art and encompass, inter alia, an MHC Class I molecule loaded with a peptide, an anti-CD3 antibody, a superagonist anti-CD28 antibody, and a superagonist anti-CD2 antibody.
The term “subject” is intended to include living organisms in which an immune response can be elicited (e.g., mammals). A “subject” or “patient,” as used herein, may be a human or non-human mammal. Non-human mammals include, for example, livestock and pets, such as ovine, bovine, porcine, canine, feline and murine mammals. Preferably, the subject is human.
A “target site” or “target sequence” refers to a genomic nucleic acid sequence that defines a portion of a nucleic acid to which a binding molecule may specifically bind under conditions sufficient for binding to occur.
The term “therapeutic” as used herein means a treatment and/or prophylaxis. A therapeutic effect is obtained by suppression, remission, or eradication of a disease state.
“Transplant” refers to a biocompatible lattice or a donor tissue, organ or cell, to be transplanted. An example of a transplant may include but is not limited to skin cells or tissue, bone marrow, and solid organs such as heart, pancreas, kidney, lung and liver. A transplant can also refer to any material that is to be administered to a host. For example, a transplant can refer to a nucleic acid or a protein.
The term “transfected” or “transformed” or “transduced” as used herein refers to a process by which exogenous nucleic acid is transferred or introduced into the host cell. A “transfected” or “transformed” or “transduced” cell is one which has been transfected, transformed or transduced with exogenous nucleic acid. The cell includes the primary subject cell and its progeny.
To “treat” a disease as the term is used herein, means to reduce the frequency or severity of at least one sign or symptom of a disease or disorder experienced by a subject.
A “vector” is a composition of matter which comprises an isolated nucleic acid and which can be used to deliver the isolated nucleic acid to the interior of a cell. Numerous vectors are known in the art including, but not limited to, linear polynucleotides, polynucleotides associated with ionic or amphiphilic compounds, plasmids, and viruses. Thus, the term “vector” includes an autonomously replicating plasmid or a virus. The term should also be construed to include non-plasmid and non-viral compounds which facilitate transfer of nucleic acid into cells, such as, for example, polylysine compounds, liposomes, and the like. Examples of viral vectors include, but are not limited to, Sendai viral vectors, adenoviral vectors, adeno-associated virus vectors, retroviral vectors, lentiviral vectors, and the like.
Ranges: throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the invention can be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.3, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.
B. Chimeric Antigen ReceptorsThe present invention provides compositions and methods for modified immune cells or precursors thereof, e.g., modified T cells, comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). Thus, in some embodiments, the immune cell has been genetically modified to express the CAR. CARs of the present invention comprise an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, a hinge domain, and an intracellular signaling domain.
The antigen binding domain may be operably linked to another domain of the CAR, such as the transmembrane domain or the intracellular domain, both described elsewhere herein, for expression in the cell. In one embodiment, a first nucleic acid sequence encoding the antigen binding domain is operably linked to a second nucleic acid encoding a transmembrane domain, and further operably linked to a third a nucleic acid sequence encoding an intracellular domain.
The antigen binding domains described herein can be combined with any of the transmembrane domains described herein, any of the intracellular domains or cytoplasmic domains described herein, or any of the other domains described herein that may be included in a CAR of the present invention. A subject CAR of the present invention may also include a spacer domain as described herein. In some embodiments, each of the antigen binding domain, transmembrane domain, and intracellular domain is separated by a linker.
Antigen Binding DomainThe antigen binding domain of a CAR is an extracellular region of the CAR for binding to a specific target antigen including proteins, carbohydrates, and glycolipids. In some embodiments, the CAR comprises affinity to a target antigen on a target cell. The target antigen may include any type of protein, or epitope thereof, associated with the target cell. For example, the CAR may comprise affinity to a target antigen on a target cell that indicates a particular disease state of the target cell.
In an exemplary embodiment, the target cell antigen is a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA). PSMA is a membrane-bound protein expressed on the cell surface and is reported to be highly overexpressed in prostate cancer tissues. PSMA expression is directly correlated with advancing tumor grade and stage, and is believed to confer a selective growth advantage to prostate cancer cells. As such, an exemplary CAR of the present disclosure has affinity for PSMA on a target cell.
As described herein, a CAR of the present disclosure having affinity for a specific target antigen on a target cell may comprise a target-specific binding domain. In some embodiments, the target-specific binding domain is a murine target-specific binding domain, e.g., the target-specific binding domain is of murine origin. In some embodiments, the target-specific binding domain is a human target-specific binding domain, e.g., the target-specific binding domain is of human origin. In an exemplary embodiment, a CAR of the present disclosure having affinity for PSMA on a target cell may comprise a PSMA binding domain. In some embodiments, the PSMA binding domain is a murine PSMA binding domain, e.g., the PSMA binding domain is of murine origin. In some embodiments, the PSMA binding domain is a human PSMA binding domain, e.g., the PSMA binding domain is of human origin.
In some embodiments, a CAR of the present disclosure may have affinity for one or more target antigens on one or more target cells. In some embodiments, a CAR may have affinity for one or more target antigens on a target cell. In such embodiments, the CAR is a bispecific CAR, or a multispecific CAR. In some embodiments, the CAR comprises one or more target-specific binding domains that confer affinity for one or more target antigens. In some embodiments, the CAR comprises one or more target-specific binding domains that confer affinity for the same target antigen. For example, a CAR comprising one or more target-specific binding domains having affinity for the same target antigen could bind distinct epitopes of the target antigen. When a plurality of target-specific binding domains is present in a CAR, the binding domains may be arranged in tandem and may be separated by linker peptides. For example, in a CAR comprising two target-specific binding domains, the binding domains are connected to each other covalently on a single polypeptide chain, through an oligo- or polypeptide linker, an Fc hinge region, or a membrane hinge region.
In some embodiments, the antigen binding domain is selected from the group consisting of an antibody, an antigen binding fragment (Fab), and a single-chain variable fragment (scFv). In some embodiments, a PSMA binding domain of the present invention is selected from the group consisting of a PSMA-specific antibody, a PSMA-specific Fab, and a PSMA-specific scFv. In one embodiment, a PSMA binding domain is a PSMA-specific antibody. In one embodiment, a PSMA binding domain is a PSMA-specific Fab. In one embodiment, a PSMA binding domain is a PSMA-specific scFv.
The antigen binding domain can include any domain that binds to the antigen and may include, but is not limited to, a monoclonal antibody, a polyclonal antibody, a synthetic antibody, a human antibody, a humanized antibody, a non-human antibody, and any fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the antigen binding domain portion comprises a mammalian antibody or a fragment thereof. The choice of antigen binding domain may depend upon the type and number of antigens that are present on the surface of a target cell.
As used herein, the term “single-chain variable fragment” or “scFv” is a fusion protein of the variable regions of the heavy (VH) and light chains (VL) of an immunoglobulin (e.g., mouse or human) covalently linked to form a VH::VL heterodimer.
The heavy (VH) and light chains (VL) are either joined directly or joined by a peptide-encoding linker, which connects the N-terminus of the VH with the C-terminus of the VL, or the C-terminus of the VH with the N-terminus of the VL. In some embodiments, the antigen binding domain (e.g., PSMA binding domain) comprises an scFv having the configuration from N-terminus to C-terminus, VH-linker-VL. In some embodiments, the antigen binding domain (e.g., PSMA binding domain) comprises an scFv having the configuration from N-terminus to C-terminus, VL-linker-VH. Those of skill in the art would be able to select the appropriate configuration for use in the present invention.
The linker is usually rich in glycine for flexibility, as well as serine or threonine for solubility. The linker can link the heavy chain variable region and the light chain variable region of the extracellular antigen-binding domain. Non-limiting examples of linkers are disclosed in Shen et al., Anal. Chem. 80(6):1910-1917 (2008) and WO 2014/087010, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. Various linker sequences are known in the art, including, without limitation, glycine serine (GS) linkers such as (GS)n, (GSGGS)n (SEQ ID NO: 1), (GGGS)n (SEQ ID NO:2), and (GGGGS)n(SEQ ID NO:3), where n represents an integer of at least 1. Exemplary linker sequences can comprise amino acid sequences including, without limitation, GGSG (SEQ ID NO:4), GGSGG (SEQ ID NO:5), GSGSG (SEQ ID NO:6), GSGGG (SEQ ID NO:7), GGGSG (SEQ ID NO:8), GSSSG (SEQ ID NO:9), GGGGS (SEQ ID NO:10), GGGGSGGGGSGGGGS (SEQ ID NO: 11) and the like. Those of skill in the art would be able to select the appropriate linker sequence for use in the present invention. In one embodiment, an antigen binding domain (e.g., PSMA binding domain) of the present invention comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL), wherein the VH and VL is separated by the linker sequence having the amino acid sequence GGGGSGGGGSGGGGS (SEQ ID NO: 11), which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence GGTGGCGGTGGCTCGGGCGGTGGTGGGTCGGGTGGCGGCGGATCT (SEQ ID NO:12).
Despite removal of the constant regions and the introduction of a linker, scFv proteins retain the specificity of the original immunoglobulin. Single chain Fv polypeptide antibodies can be expressed from a nucleic acid comprising VH- and VL-encoding sequences as described by Huston, et al. (Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA, 85:5879-5883, 1988). See, also, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,091,513, 5,132,405 and 4,956,778; and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 20050196754 and 20050196754. Antagonistic scFvs having inhibitory activity have been described (see, e.g., Zhao et al., Hyrbidoma (Larchmt) 2008 27(6):455-51; Peter et al., J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2012 August 12; Shieh et al., J Imunol 2009 183(4):2277-85; Giomarelli et al., Thromb Haemost 2007 97(6):955-63; Fife eta., J Clin Invst 2006 116(8):2252-61; Brocks et al., Immunotechnology 1997 3(3):173-84; Moosmayer et al., Ther Immunol 1995 2(10:31-40). Agonistic scFvs having stimulatory activity have been described (see, e.g., Peter et al., J Bioi Chem 2003 25278(38):36740-7; Xie et al., Nat Biotech 1997 15(8):768-71; Ledbetter et al., Crit Rev Immunol 1997 17(5-6):427-55; Ho et al., BioChim Biophys Acta 2003 1638(3):257-66).
As used herein, “Fab” refers to a fragment of an antibody structure that binds to an antigen but is monovalent and does not have a Fc portion, for example, an antibody digested by the enzyme papain yields two Fab fragments and an Fc fragment (e.g., a heavy (H) chain constant region; Fc region that does not bind to an antigen).
As used herein, “F(ab′)2” refers to an antibody fragment generated by pepsin digestion of whole IgG antibodies, wherein this fragment has two antigen binding (ab) (bivalent) regions, wherein each (ab′) region comprises two separate amino acid chains, a part of a H chain and a light (L) chain linked by an S—S bond for binding an antigen and where the remaining H chain portions are linked together. A “F(ab′)2” fragment can be split into two individual Fab′ fragments.
In some embodiments, the antigen binding domain may be derived from the same species in which the CAR will ultimately be used. For example, for use in humans, the antigen binding domain of the CAR may comprise a human antibody as described elsewhere herein, or a fragment thereof.
In an exemplary embodiment, a PSMA-CAR of the present invention comprises a PSMA binding domain, e.g., PSMA-specific scFv.
(a) Murine PSMA Binding Domains and Variants Thereof
In certain embodiments, a PSMA-CAR of the present invention comprises a murine PSMA binding domain or variant thereof.
In certain embodiments, a PSMA-CAR of the present invention comprises a PSMA binding domain of a non-human PSMA antibody (e.g., a mouse or rat PSMA antibody), or a variant thereof. As is well known in the art, a murine or other non-human antibody may be raised by immunizing the non-human (e.g., a mouse) with human PSMA or a fragment thereof.
In one embodiment, the PSMA binding domain is a murine J591 PSMA binding domain that is comprised in the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the murine J591 PSMA binding domain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining binding to PSMA. For example, in some embodiments, the PSMA binding domain is a murine J591 PSMA binding domain comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the murine J591 PSMA binding domain amino acid sequence that is comprised in SEQ ID NO: 14. In one embodiment, the PSMA binding domain is a murine J591 PSMA binding domain that is comprised in the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:14.
In some embodiments, the PSMA binding domain is a murine J591 PSMA binding domain encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the murine J591 PSMA binding domain coding sequence comprised in SEQ ID NO:15. In one embodiment, the PSMA binding domain is a murine J591 PSMA binding domain encoded by the coding sequence comprised in the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:15.
In an exemplary embodiment, a PSMA-CAR of the present invention comprises a PSMA binding domain, e.g., PSMA-specific scFv. In one embodiment, the PSMA binding domain is a murine J591 PSMA binding domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the murine J591 PSMA binding domain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining binding to human PSMA. For example, in some embodiments, the PSMA binding domain is a murine J591 PSMA binding domain comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in in SEQ ID NO:13. In one embodiment, the PSMA binding domain is a murine J591 PSMA binding domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13.
In some embodiments, the PSMA binding domain is a murine J591 PSMA binding domain encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 180. In one embodiment, the PSMA binding domain is a murine J591 PSMA binding domain encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:180.
In one embodiment, the murine J591 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the light chain variable region will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its contribution to the binding of human PSMA. For example, in some embodiments, the murine J591 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%/a, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 16. In one embodiment, the murine J591 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:16.
In some embodiments, the murine J591 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70/%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:17. In one embodiment, the murine J591 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 17.
In one embodiment, the murine J591 PSMA binding domain comprises the light chain variable region described in NCBI GenBank sequence database ID: CCA78125.1, comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the light chain variable region will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its contribution to the binding of human PSMA. For example, in some embodiments, the murine J591 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:181. In one embodiment, the murine J591 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:181. The light chain variable region of the murine J591 PSMA binding domain comprises three light chain complementarity-determining regions (CDRs). As used herein, a “complementarity-determining region” or “CDR” refers to a region of the variable chain of an antigen binding molecule that binds to a specific antigen. Accordingly, a murine J591 PSMA binding domain may comprise a light chain variable region that comprises a CDR1 represented by the amino acid sequence KASQDVGTAVD (SEQ ID NO: 18); a CDR2 represented by the amino acid sequence WASTRHT (SEQ ID NO: 19); and a CDR3 represented by the amino acid sequence QQYNSYPLT (SEQ ID NO:20). Tolerable variations to the CDRs of the light chain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its contribution to the binding of PSMA. For example, a murine J591 PSMA binding domain may comprise a light chain variable region comprising a CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR1 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 18. For example, a murine J591 PSMA binding domain may comprise a light chain variable region comprising a CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR2 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 19. For example, a murine J591 PSMA binding domain may comprise a light chain variable region comprising a CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR3 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:20. In one embodiment, the murine J591 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising the three aforementioned light chain variable region CDRs.
In one embodiment, the murine J591 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the heavy chain variable region will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its contribution to the binding of human PSMA. For example, in some embodiments, the murine J591 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:21. In one embodiment, the murine J591 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:21.
In some embodiments, the murine J591 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:22. In one embodiment, the murine J591 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:22.
In one embodiment, the murine J591 PSMA binding domain comprises the heavy chain variable region described in NCBI GenBank sequence database ID: CCA78124.1, comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the heavy chain variable region will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its contribution to the binding of PSMA. For example, in some embodiments, the murine J591 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 182. In one embodiment, the murine J591 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 182.
The heavy chain variable region of the murine J591 PSMA binding domain comprises three heavy chain complementarity-determining regions (CDRs). Accordingly, a murine J591 PSMA binding domain may comprise a heavy chain variable region that comprises a CDR1 represented by the amino acid sequence GYTFTEYTIH (SEQ ID NO:23); a CDR2 represented by the amino acid sequence NINPNNGGTTYNQKFED (SEQ ID NO:24); and a CDR3 represented by the amino acid sequence GWNFDY (SEQ ID NO:25). Tolerable variations to the CDRs of the heavy chain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its contribution to the binding of human PSMA. For example, a murine J591 PSMA binding domain may comprise a heavy chain variable region comprising a CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%/a, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR1 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:23. For example, a murine J591 PSMA binding domain may comprise a heavy chain variable region comprising a CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%/a, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR2 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:24. For example, a murine J591 PSMA binding domain may comprise a heavy chain variable region comprising a CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%/a, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR3 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:25. In one embodiment, the murine J591 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the three aforementioned heavy chain variable region CDRs.
In one embodiment, the PSMA binding domain is a murine J591 PSMA binding domain comprising an amino acid sequence that comprises at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%/a, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:16 and 21.
In one embodiment, the PSMA binding domain is a murine J591 PSMA binding domain comprising an amino acid sequence that comprises at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 181 and 182
(b) Humanized PSMA Binding Domains
In certain embodiments, a PSMA-CAR of the present invention comprises a humanized variant of a PSMA binding domain of a non-human PSMA antibody, or a variant or fragment thereof. In certain exemplary embodiments, the PSMA CAR comprises a humanized variant of the murine J591 antibody which binds human PSMA. Methods for humanizing murine antibodies are well known in the art.
In one embodiment, the PSMA binding domain is a humanized PSMA-specific binding domain. In certain embodiments, the PSMA binding domain is a humanized J591 PSMA binding domain. In certain embodiments, the PSMA binding domain comprises any of the heavy and light chain variable regions disclosed in PCT Publication Nos. WO2017212250A1 and WO2018033749A1, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. For example, a PSMA binding domain of the present invention can comprise an scFv comprising any of the heavy and light chain variable regions disclosed therein. Accordingly, a PSMA-CAR of the present invention comprises a humanized variant of the murine J591 antibody which binds human PSMA, as disclosed in WO2017212250A1 and WO2018033749A1.
In certain embodiments, a PSMA binding domain of the present invention can comprise a heavy chain variable region and a light chain variable region of any of those set forth in Table 19:
In certain embodiments, a PSMA-CAR of the present disclosure comprises a humanized PSMA-specific binding domain. In one embodiment, the PSMA binding domain is a humanized J591(“huJ591”) binding domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In certain embodiments, the PSMA binding domain is a huJ591 binding domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In certain embodiments, the PSMA binding domain is a huJ591 binding domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the huJ591 PSMA binding domain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining binding to human PSMA. For example, in some embodiments, the PSMA binding domain is a huJ591 PSMA binding domain comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQ ID NO: 239, or SEQ ID NO: 241. In one embodiment, the PSMA binding domain is a huJ591 PSMA binding domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 237, SEQ ID NO: 239, or SEQ ID NO: 241.
In some embodiments, the PSMA binding domain is a huJ591 PSMA binding domain encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 238 or SEQ ID NO: 240. In one embodiment, the PSMA binding domain is a huJ591 PSMA binding domain encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 238 or SEQ ID NO: 240.
In one embodiment, the huJ591 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 191, which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the heavy chain variable region will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its contribution to the binding of human PSMA. For example, in some embodiments, the huJ591 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 191. In one embodiment, the huJ591 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 191.
In some embodiments, the huJ591 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 242. In one embodiment, the huJ591 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 242.
The heavy chain variable region of the huJ591 PSMA binding domain comprises three heavy chain complementarity-determining regions (CDRs). Accordingly, a huJ591 PSMA binding domain may comprise a heavy chain variable region that comprises a CDR1 represented by the amino acid sequence EYTIH (SEQ ID NO: 243); a CDR2 represented by the amino acid sequence NINPNNGGTTYNQKFED (SEQ ID NO: 24); and a CDR3 represented by the amino acid sequence GWNFDY (SEQ ID NO: 25). Tolerable variations to the CDRs of the heavy chain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its contribution to the binding of PSMA. For example, a huJ591 PSMA binding domain may comprise a heavy chain variable region comprising a CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR1 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 243. For example, a huJ591 PSMA binding domain may comprise a heavy chain variable region comprising a CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR2 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 24. For example, a huJ591 PSMA binding domain may comprise a heavy chain variable region comprising a CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR3 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 25. In one embodiment, the huJ591 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the three aforementioned heavy chain variable region CDRs.
In one embodiment, the huJ591 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 192, which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the light chain variable region will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its contribution to the binding of human PSMA. For example, in some embodiments, the huJ591 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 192. In one embodiment, the huJ591 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 192.
In some embodiments, the huJ591 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%/a, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 244. In one embodiment, the huJ591 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 244.
The light chain variable region of the huJ591 PSMA binding domain comprises three light chain complementarity-determining regions (CDRs). Accordingly, a huJ591 PSMA binding domain may comprise a light chain variable region that comprises a CDR1 represented by the amino acid sequence KASQDVGTAVD (SEQ ID NO: 18); a CDR2 represented by the amino acid sequence WASTRHT (SEQ ID NO: 19); and a CDR3 represented by the amino acid sequence QQYNSYPLT (SEQ ID NO: 20). Tolerable variations to the CDRs of the light chain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its contribution to the binding of PSMA. For example, a huJ591 PSMA binding domain may comprise a light chain variable region comprising a CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR1 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 18. For example, a huJ591 PSMA binding domain may comprise a light chain variable region comprising a CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR2 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 19. For example, a huJ591 PSMA binding domain may comprise a light chain variable region comprising a CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR3 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 20. In one embodiment, the huJ591 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising the three aforementioned light chain variable region CDRs.
(c) Human PSMA Binding Domains
In certain embodiments, a PSMA-CAR of the present invention comprises a PSMA binding domain of a human PSMA antibody, or a variant thereof. In one embodiment, the PSMA binding domain is a human 1C3 PSMA binding domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the human 1C3 PSMA binding domain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining binding to human PSMA. For example, in some embodiments, the PSMA binding domain is a human 1C3 PSMA binding domain comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:26. In one embodiment, the PSMA binding domain is a human 1C3 PSMA binding domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:26.
In some embodiments, the PSMA binding domain is a human 1C3 PSMA binding domain encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:27. In one embodiment, the PSMA binding domain is a human 1C3 PSMA binding domain encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:27.
In one embodiment, the human 1C3 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the heavy chain variable region will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its contribution to the binding of human PSMA. For example, in some embodiments, the human 1C3 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:28. In one embodiment, the human 1C3 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:28.
In some embodiments, the human 1C3 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:29. In one embodiment, the human 1C3 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:29.
The heavy chain variable region of the human 1C3 PSMA binding domain comprises three heavy chain complementarity-determining regions (CDRs). Accordingly, a human 1C3 PSMA binding domain may comprise a heavy chain variable region that comprises a CDR1 represented by the amino acid sequence SYAMH (SEQ ID NO:30); a CDR2 represented by the amino acid sequence VISYDGNNKYYADSVKG (SEQ ID NO:31); and a CDR3 represented by the amino acid sequence AVPWGSRYYYYGMDV (SEQ ID NO:32). Tolerable variations to the CDRs of the heavy chain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its contribution to the binding of PSMA. For example, a human 1C3 PSMA binding domain may comprise a heavy chain variable region comprising a CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR1 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:30. For example, a human 1C3 PSMA binding domain may comprise a heavy chain variable region comprising a CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR2 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:31. For example, a human 1C3 PSMA binding domain may comprise a heavy chain variable region comprising a CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR3 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:32. In one embodiment, the human 1C3 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the three aforementioned heavy chain variable region CDRs.
In one embodiment, the human 1C3 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the light chain variable region will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its contribution to the binding of human PSMA. For example, in some embodiments, the human 1C3 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:33. In one embodiment, the human 1C3 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:33.
In some embodiments, the human 1C3 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:34. In one embodiment, the human 1C3 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:34.
The light chain variable region of the human 1C3 PSMA binding domain comprises three light chain complementarity-determining regions (CDRs). Accordingly, a human 1C3 PSMA binding domain may comprise a light chain variable region that comprises a CDR1 represented by the amino acid sequence RASQGISSALA (SEQ ID NO:35); a CDR2 represented by the amino acid sequence DASSLES (SEQ ID NO:36); and a CDR3 represented by the amino acid sequence QQFNSYPLT (SEQ ID NO:37). Tolerable variations to the CDRs of the light chain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its contribution to the binding of PSMA. For example, a human 1C3 PSMA binding domain may comprise a light chain variable region comprising a CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR1 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:35. For example, a human 1C3 PSMA binding domain may comprise a light chain variable region comprising a CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR2 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:36. For example, a human 1C3 PSMA binding domain may comprise a light chain variable region comprising a CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR3 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:37. In one embodiment, the human 1C3 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising the three aforementioned light chain variable region CDRs.
In one embodiment, the PSMA binding domain is a human 2A10 PSMA binding domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the human 2A10 PSMA binding domain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining binding to human PSMA. For example, in some embodiments, the PSMA binding domain is a human 2A10 PSMA binding domain comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:38. In one embodiment, the PSMA binding domain is a human 2A10 PSMA binding domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:38.
In some embodiments, the PSMA binding domain is a human 2A10 PSMA binding domain encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:39. In one embodiment, the PSMA binding domain is a human 2A10 PSMA binding domain encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:39.
In one embodiment, the human 2A10 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the heavy chain variable region will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its contribution to the binding of human PSMA. For example, in some embodiments, the human 2A10 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:40. In one embodiment, the human 2A10 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:40.
In some embodiments, the human 2A10 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:41. In one embodiment, the human 2A10 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:41.
The heavy chain variable region of the human 2A10 PSMA binding domain comprises three heavy chain complementarity-determining regions (CDRs). Accordingly, a human 2A10 PSMA binding domain may comprise a heavy chain variable region that comprises a CDR1 represented by the amino acid sequence SNWIG (SEQ ID NO:42); a CDR2 represented by the amino acid sequence IIYPGDSDTRYSPSFQG (SEQ ID NO:43); and a CDR3 represented by the amino acid sequence QTGFLWSSDL (SEQ ID NO:44). Tolerable variations to the CDRs of the heavy chain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its contribution to the binding of human PSMA. For example, a human 2A10 PSMA binding domain may comprise a heavy chain variable region comprising a CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR1 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:42. For example, a human 2A10 PSMA binding domain may comprise a heavy chain variable region comprising a CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%/a, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR2 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:43. For example, a human 2A10 PSMA binding domain may comprise a heavy chain variable region comprising a CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%/a, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR3 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:44. In one embodiment, the human 2A10 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the three aforementioned heavy chain variable region CDRs.
In one embodiment, the human 2A10 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the light chain variable region will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its contribution to the binding of human PSMA. For example, in some embodiments, the human 2A10 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:45. In one embodiment, the human 2A10 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:45.
In some embodiments, the human 2A10 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:46. In one embodiment, the human 2A10 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:46.
The light chain variable region of the human 2A10 PSMA binding domain comprises three light chain complementarity-determining regions (CDRs). Accordingly, a human 2A10 PSMA binding domain may comprise a light chain variable region that comprises a CDR1 represented by the amino acid sequence CRASQDISSAL (SEQ ID NO:47); a CDR2 represented by the amino acid sequence YDASSLES (SEQ ID NO:48); and a CDR3 represented by the amino acid sequence CQQFNSYPLT (SEQ ID NO:49). Tolerable variations to the CDRs of the light chain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its contribution to the binding of PSMA. For example, a human 2A10 PSMA binding domain may comprise a light chain variable region comprising a CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR1 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:47. For example, a human 2A10 PSMA binding domain may comprise a light chain variable region comprising a CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR2 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:48. For example, a human 2A10 PSMA binding domain may comprise a light chain variable region comprising a CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR3 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:49. In one embodiment, the human 2A10 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising the three aforementioned light chain variable region CDRs.
In one embodiment, the PSMA binding domain is a human 2F5 PSMA binding domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the human 2F5 PSMA binding domain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining binding to human PSMA. For example, in some embodiments, the PSMA binding domain is a human 2F5 PSMA binding domain comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:50. In one embodiment, the PSMA binding domain is a human 2F5 PSMA binding domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:50.
In some embodiments, the PSMA binding domain is a human 2F5 PSMA binding domain encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:51. In one embodiment, the PSMA binding domain is a human 2F5 PSMA binding domain encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:51.
In one embodiment, the human 2F5 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the heavy chain variable region will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its contribution to the binding of human PSMA. For example, in some embodiments, the human 2F5 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:52. In one embodiment, the human 2F5 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:52.
In some embodiments, the human 2F5 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:53. In one embodiment, the human 2F5 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:53.
The heavy chain variable region of the human 2F5 PSMA binding domain comprises three heavy chain complementarity-determining regions (CDRs). Accordingly, a human 2F5 PSMA binding domain may comprise a heavy chain variable region that comprises a CDR1 represented by the amino acid sequence SNWIG (SEQ ID NO:54); a CDR2 represented by the amino acid sequence IIYPGDSDTRYSPSFQG (SEQ ID NO:55); and a CDR3 represented by the amino acid sequence QTGFLWSFDL (SEQ ID NO:56). Tolerable variations to the CDRs of the heavy chain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its contribution to the binding of PSMA. For example, a human 2F5 PSMA binding domain may comprise a heavy chain variable region comprising a CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR1 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:54. For example, a human 2F5 PSMA binding domain may comprise a heavy chain variable region comprising a CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR2 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:55. For example, a human 2F5 PSMA binding domain may comprise a heavy chain variable region comprising a CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR3 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:56. In one embodiment, the human 2F5 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the three aforementioned heavy chain variable region CDRs.
In one embodiment, the human 2F5 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the light chain variable region will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its contribution to the binding of human PSMA. For example, in some embodiments, the human 2F5 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%/a, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:57. In one embodiment, the human 2F5 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:57.
In some embodiments, the human 2F5 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%/a, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:58. In one embodiment, the human 2F5 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:58.
The light chain variable region of the human 2F5 PSMA binding domain comprises three light chain complementarity-determining regions (CDRs). Accordingly, a human 2F5 PSMA binding domain may comprise a light chain variable region that comprises a CDR1 represented by the amino acid sequence RASQDISSALA (SEQ ID NO:59); a CDR2 represented by the amino acid sequence DASSLES (SEQ ID NO:60); and a CDR3 represented by the amino acid sequence QQFNSYPLT (SEQ ID NO:61). Tolerable variations to the CDRs of the light chain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its contribution to the binding of PSMA. For example, a human 2F5 PSMA binding domain may comprise a light chain variable region comprising a CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR1 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:59. For example, a human 2F5 PSMA binding domain may comprise a light chain variable region comprising a CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR2 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:60. For example, a human 2F5 PSMA binding domain may comprise a light chain variable region comprising a CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR3 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:61. In one embodiment, the human 2F5 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising the three aforementioned light chain variable region CDRs.
In one embodiment, the PSMA binding domain is a human 2C6 PSMA binding domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the human 2C6 PSMA binding domain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining binding to human PSMA. For example, in some embodiments, the PSMA binding domain is a human 2C6 PSMA binding domain comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:62. In one embodiment, the PSMA binding domain is a human 2C6 PSMA binding domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:62.
In some embodiments, the PSMA binding domain is a human 2C6 PSMA binding domain encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:63. In one embodiment, the PSMA binding domain is a human 2C6 PSMA binding domain encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:63.
In one embodiment, the human 2C6 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the heavy chain variable region will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its contribution to the binding of human PSMA. For example, in some embodiments, the human 2C6 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:64. In one embodiment, the human 2C6 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:64.
In some embodiments, the human 2C6 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:65. In one embodiment, the human 2C6 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:65.
The heavy chain variable region of the human 2C6 PSMA binding domain comprises three heavy chain complementarity-determining regions (CDRs). Accordingly, a human 2C6 PSMA binding domain may comprise a heavy chain variable region that comprises a CDR1 represented by the amino acid sequence TNYWI (SEQ ID NO:66); a CDR2 represented by the amino acid sequence GIIYPGDSDTRYSPSFQG (SEQ ID NO:67); and a CDR3 represented by the amino acid sequence SPGYTSSWTS (SEQ ID NO:68). Tolerable variations to the CDRs of the heavy chain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its contribution to the binding of PSMA. For example, a human 2C6 PSMA binding domain may comprise a heavy chain variable region comprising a CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR1 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:66. For example, a human 2C6 PSMA binding domain may comprise a heavy chain variable region comprising a CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR2 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:67. For example, a human 2C6 PSMA binding domain may comprise a heavy chain variable region comprising a CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR3 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:68. In one embodiment, the human 2C6 PSMA binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the three aforementioned heavy chain variable region CDRs.
In one embodiment, the human 2C6 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the light chain variable region will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its contribution to the binding of human PSMA. For example, in some embodiments, the human 2C6 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:69. In one embodiment, the human 2C6 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:69.
In some embodiments, the human 2C6 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:70. In one embodiment, the human 2C6 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:70.
The light chain variable region of the human 2C6 PSMA binding domain comprises three light chain complementarity-determining regions (CDRs). Accordingly, a human 2C6 PSMA binding domain may comprise a light chain variable region that comprises a CDR1 represented by the amino acid sequence CRASQSVSSYL (SEQ ID NO:71); a CDR2 represented by the amino acid sequence YDASNRAT (SEQ ID NO:72); and a CDR3 represented by the amino acid sequence CQQRSNWPLFT (SEQ ID NO:73). Tolerable variations to the CDRs of the light chain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its contribution to the binding of PSMA. For example, a human 2C6 PSMA binding domain may comprise a light chain variable region comprising a CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR1 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:71. For example, a human 2C6 PSMA binding domain may comprise a light chain variable region comprising a CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR2 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:72. For example, a human 2C6 PSMA binding domain may comprise a light chain variable region comprising a CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the CDR3 amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:73. In one embodiment, the human 2C6 PSMA binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising the three aforementioned light chain variable region CDRs.
Transmembrane DomainCARs (e.g., PSMA-CARs) of the present invention comprise may comprise a transmembrane domain that connects the antigen binding domain of the CAR to the intracellular domain of the CAR. The transmembrane domain of a subject CAR is a region that is capable of spanning the plasma membrane of a cell (e.g., an immune cell or precursor thereof). The transmembrane domain is for insertion into a cell membrane, e.g., a eukaryotic cell membrane. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain is interposed between the antigen binding domain and the intracellular domain of a CAR.
In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain is naturally associated with one or more of the domains in the CAR. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain can be selected or modified by one or more amino acid substitutions to avoid binding of such domains to the transmembrane domains of the same or different surface membrane proteins, to minimize interactions with other members of the receptor complex.
The transmembrane domain may be derived either from a natural or a synthetic source. Where the source is natural, the domain may be derived from any membrane-bound or transmembrane protein, e.g., a Type I transmembrane protein. Where the source is synthetic, the transmembrane domain may be any artificial sequence that facilitates insertion of the CAR into a cell membrane, e.g., an artificial hydrophobic sequence. Examples of the transmembrane domain of particular use in this invention include, without limitation, transmembrane domains derived from (i.e. comprise at least the transmembrane region(s) of) the alpha, beta or zeta chain of the T cell receptor, CD28, CD3 epsilon, CD45, CD4, CD5, CD7, CD8, CD9, CD16, CD22, CD33, CD37, CD64, CD80, CD86, CD134 (OX-40), CD137 (4-1BB), CD154 (CD40L), Toll-like receptor 1 (TLR), TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6, TLR7, TLR8, and TLR9. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain may be synthetic, in which case it will comprise predominantly hydrophobic residues such as leucine and valine. Preferably a triplet of phenylalanine, tryptophan and valine will be found at each end of a synthetic transmembrane domain.
The transmembrane domains described herein can be combined with any of the antigen binding domains described herein, any of the intracellular domains described herein, or any of the other domains described herein that may be included in a subject CAR.
In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain further comprises a hinge region. A subject CAR of the present invention may also include an hinge region. The hinge region of the CAR is a hydrophilic region which is located between the antigen binding domain and the transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, this domain facilitates proper protein folding for the CAR. The hinge region is an optional component for the CAR. The hinge region may include a domain selected from Fc fragments of antibodies, hinge regions of antibodies, CH2 regions of antibodies, CH3 regions of antibodies, artificial hinge sequences or combinations thereof. Examples of hinge regions include, without limitation, a CD8a hinge, artificial hinges made of polypeptides which may be as small as, three glycines (Gly), as well as CH1 and CH3 domains of IgGs (such as human IgG4).
In some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present disclosure includes a hinge region that connects the antigen binding domain with the transmembrane domain, which, in turn, connects to the intracellular domain. The hinge region is preferably capable of supporting the antigen binding domain to recognize and bind to the target antigen on the target cells (see, e.g., Hudecek et al., Cancer Immunol. Res. (2015) 3(2): 125-135). In some embodiments, the hinge region is a flexible domain, thus allowing the antigen binding domain to have a structure to optimally recognize the specific structure and density of the target antigens on a cell such as tumor cell (Hudecek et al., supra). The flexibility of the hinge region permits the hinge region to adopt many different conformations.
In some embodiments, the hinge region is an immunoglobulin heavy chain hinge region. In some embodiments, the hinge region is a hinge region polypeptide derived from a receptor (e.g., a CD8-derived hinge region).
The hinge region can have a length of from about 4 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, e.g., from about 4 aa to about 10 aa, from about 10 aa to about 15 aa, from about 15 aa to about 20 aa, from about 20 aa to about 25 aa, from about 25 aa to about 30 aa, from about 30 aa to about 40 aa, or from about 40 aa to about 50 aa.
Suitable hinge regions can be readily selected and can be of any of a number of suitable lengths, such as from 1 amino acid (e.g., Gly) to 20 amino acids, from 2 amino acids to 15 amino acids, from 3 amino acids to 12 amino acids, including 4 amino acids to 10 amino acids, 5 amino acids to 9 amino acids, 6 amino acids to 8 amino acids, or 7 amino acids to 8 amino acids, and can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 amino acids.
For example, hinge regions include glycine polymers (G)n, glycine-serine polymers (including, for example, (GS)n, (GSGGS)n (SEQ ID NO: 1) and (GGGS)n (SEQ ID NO:2), where n is an integer of at least one), glycine-alanine polymers, alanine-serine polymers, and other flexible linkers known in the art. Glycine and glycine-serine polymers can be used; both Gly and Ser are relatively unstructured, and therefore can serve as a neutral tether between components. Glycine polymers can be used; glycine accesses significantly more phi-psi space than even alanine, and is much less restricted than residues with longer side chains (see, e.g., Scheraga, Rev. Computational. Chem. (1992) 2: 73-142). Exemplary hinge regions can comprise amino acid sequences including, but not limited to, GGSG (SEQ ID NO:4), GGSGG (SEQ ID NO:5), GSGSG (SEQ ID NO:6), GSGGG (SEQ ID NO:7), GGGSG (SEQ ID NO:8), GSSSG (SEQ ID NO:9), and the like.
In some embodiments, the hinge region is an immunoglobulin heavy chain hinge region. Immunoglobulin hinge region amino acid sequences are known in the art; see, e.g., Tan et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1990) 87(1):162-166; and Huck et al., Nucleic Acids Res. (1986) 14(4): 1779-1789. As non-limiting examples, an immunoglobulin hinge region can include one of the following amino acid sequences: DKTHT (SEQ ID NO:74); CPPC (SEQ ID NO:75); CPEPKSCDTPPPCPR (SEQ ID NO:76) (see, e.g., Glaser et al., J. Biol. Chem. (2005) 280:41494-41503); ELKTPLGDTTHT (SEQ ID NO:77); KSCDKTHTCP (SEQ ID NO:78); KCCVDCP (SEQ ID NO:79); KYGPPCP (SEQ ID NO:80); EPKSCDKTHTCPPCP (SEQ ID NO:81) (human IgG1 hinge); ERKCCVECPPCP (SEQ ID NO:82) (human IgG2 hinge); ELKTPLGDTTHTCPRCP (SEQ ID NO:83) (human IgG3 hinge); SPNMVPHAHHAQ (SEQ ID NO:84) (human IgG4 hinge); and the like.
The hinge region can comprise an amino acid sequence of a human IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4, hinge region. In one embodiment, the hinge region can include one or more amino acid substitutions and/or insertions and/or deletions compared to a wild-type (naturally-occurring) hinge region. For example, His229 of human IgG1 hinge can be substituted with Tyr, so that the hinge region comprises the sequence EPKSCDKTYTCPPCP (SEQ ID NO:85); see, e.g., Yan et al., J. Biol. Chem. (2012) 287: 5891-5897. In one embodiment, the hinge region can comprise an amino acid sequence derived from human CD8, or a variant thereof.
The transmembrane domain may be combined with any hinge region and/or may comprise one or more transmembrane domains described herein. In one embodiment, the transmembrane domain comprises a CD8 transmembrane domain. In one embodiment, the transmembrane domain comprises a CD8 hinge region and a CD8 transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, a subject CAR comprises a CD8 hinge region having the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the transmembrane domain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its intended function. For example, in some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention comprises a transmembrane domain comprising a CD8 hinge region comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:86. In one embodiment, the CAR comprises a transmembrane domain comprising a CD8 hinge region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:86.
In some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention comprises a transmembrane domain comprising a CD8 hinge region encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:87. In one embodiment, the CAR comprises a transmembrane domain comprising a CD8 hinge region encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:87.
In some embodiments, a subject CAR comprises a CD8 transmembrane domain having the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the transmembrane domain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its intended function. For example, in some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention comprises a transmembrane domain comprising a CD8 transmembrane domain comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:88. In one embodiment, the CAR comprises a transmembrane domain comprising a CD8 transmembrane domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:88.
In some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention comprises a transmembrane domain comprising a CD8 transmembrane domain encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:89. In one embodiment, the CAR comprises a transmembrane domain comprising a CD8 transmembrane domain encoded by the acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:89.
In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain comprises a CD8 hinge region and a CD8 transmembrane domain, having the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the transmembrane domain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its intended function. For example, in some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention comprises a transmembrane domain comprising a CD8 hinge region and a CD8 transmembrane domain, comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%/a, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:90. In one embodiment, the CAR comprises a transmembrane domain comprising a CD8 hinge region and a CD8 transmembrane domain, comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:90.
In some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention comprises a transmembrane domain comprising a CD8 hinge region and a CD8 transmembrane domain, encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:91. In one embodiment, the CAR comprises a transmembrane domain comprising a CD8 hinge region and a CD8 transmembrane domain, encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:91.
Between the extracellular domain and the transmembrane domain of the CAR, or between the intracellular domain and the transmembrane domain of the CAR, there may be incorporated a spacer domain. As used herein, the term “spacer domain” generally means any oligo- or polypeptide that functions to link the transmembrane domain to, either the extracellular domain or, the intracellular domain in the polypeptide chain. A spacer domain may comprise up to 300 amino acids, e.g., 10 to 100 amino acids, or 25 to 50 amino acids. In some embodiments, the spacer domain may be a short oligo- or polypeptide linker, e.g., between 2 and 10 amino acids in length. For example, glycine-serine doublet provides a particularly suitable linker between the transmembrane domain and the intracellular signaling domain of the subject CAR.
Intracellular Signaling DomainA subject CAR of the present invention also includes an intracellular signaling domain. The terms “intracellular signaling domain” and “intracellular domain” are used interchangeably herein. The intracellular signaling domain of the CAR is responsible for activation of at least one of the effector functions of the cell in which the CAR is expressed (e.g., immune cell). The intracellular signaling domain transduces the effector function signal and directs the cell (e.g., immune cell) to perform its specialized function, e.g., harming and/or destroying a target cell.
Examples of an intracellular domain for use in the invention include, but are not limited to, the cytoplasmic portion of a surface receptor, co-stimulatory molecule, and any molecule that acts in concert to initiate signal transduction in the T cell, as well as any derivative or variant of these elements and any synthetic sequence that has the same functional capability.
Examples of the intracellular signaling domain include, without limitation, the ζ chain of the T cell receptor complex or any of its homologs, e.g., η chain, FcsRIγ and β chains, MB 1 (Iga) chain, B29 (Ig) chain, etc., human CD3 zeta chain, CD3 polypeptides (Δ, δ and ε), syk family tyrosine kinases (Syk, ZAP 70, etc.), src family tyrosine kinases (Lck, Fyn, Lyn, etc.), and other molecules involved in T cell transduction, such as CD2, CD5 and CD28. In one embodiment, the intracellular signaling domain may be human CD3 zeta chain, FcyRIII, FcsRI, cytoplasmic tails of Fc receptors, an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) bearing cytoplasmic receptors, and combinations thereof.
In one embodiment, the intracellular signaling domain of the CAR includes any portion of one or more co-stimulatory molecules, such as at least one signaling domain from CD3, CD8, CD27, CD28, ICOS, 4-1BB, PD-1, any derivative or variant thereof, any synthetic sequence thereof that has the same functional capability, and any combination thereof.
Other examples of the intracellular domain include a fragment or domain from one or more molecules or receptors including, but not limited to, TCR, CD3 zeta, CD3 gamma, CD3 delta, CD3 epsilon, CD86, common FcR gamma, FcR beta (Fc Epsilon Rib), CD79a, CD79b, Fcgamma R11a, DAPl0, DAP 12, T cell receptor (TCR), CD8, CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX9, OX40, CD30, CD40, PD-1, ICOS, a KIR family protein, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), CD2, CD7, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, a ligand that specifically binds with CD83, CDS, ICAM-1, GITR, BAFFR, HVEM (LIGHTR), SLAMF7, NKp80 (KLRF), CD127, CD 160, CD19, CD4, CD8alpha, CD8beta, IL2R beta, IL2R gamma, IL7R alpha, ITGA4, VLA, CD49a, ITGA4, IA4, CD49D, ITGA6, VLA-6, CD49f, ITGAD, CD1 Id, ITGAE, CD 103, ITGAL, CD 11 a, LFA-1, ITGAM, CD lib, ITGAX, CD 11c, ITGB1, CD29, ITGB2, CD 18, LFA-1, ITGB7, TNFR2, TRANCE/RANKL, DNAM1 (CD226), SLAMF4 (CD244, 2B4), CD84, CD 96 (Tactile), CEACAM1, CRT AM, Ly9 (CD229), CD160 (BY55), PSGL1, CD100 (SEMA4D), CD69, SLAMF6 (NTB-A, Ly108), SLAM (SLAMF, CD150, IPO-3), BLAME (SLAMF8), SELPLG (CD 162), LTBR, LAT, GADS, SLP-76, PAG/Cbp, NKp44, NKp30, NKp46, NKG2D, Toll-like receptor 1 (TLR), TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6, TLR7, TLR8, TLR9, other co-stimulatory molecules described herein, any derivative, variant, or fragment thereof, any synthetic sequence of a co-stimulatory molecule that has the same functional capability, and any combination thereof.
Additional examples of intracellular domains include, without limitation, intracellular signaling domains of several types of various other immune signaling receptors, including, but not limited to, first, second, and third generation T cell signaling proteins including CD3, B7 family costimulatory, and Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptor (TNFR) superfamily receptors (see, e.g., Park and Brentjens, J. Clin. Oncol. (2015) 33(6): 651-653). Additionally, intracellular signaling domains may include signaling domains used by NK and NKT cells (see, e.g., Hermanson and Kaufman, Front. Immunol. (2015) 6: 195) such as signaling domains of NKp30 (B7-H6) (see, e.g., Zhang et al., J. Immunol. (2012) 189(5): 2290-2299), and DAP 12 (see, e.g., Topfer et al., J. Immunol. (2015) 194(7): 3201-3212), NKG2D, NKp44, NKp46, DAPl0, and CD3z.
Intracellular signaling domains suitable for use in a subject CAR of the present invention include any desired signaling domain that provides a distinct and detectable signal (e.g., increased production of one or more cytokines by the cell; change in transcription of a target gene; change in activity of a protein; change in cell behavior, e.g., cell death; cellular proliferation; cellular differentiation; cell survival; modulation of cellular signaling responses; etc.) in response to activation of the CAR (i.e., activated by antigen and dimerizing agent). In some embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain includes at least one (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, six, etc.) ITAM motifs as described below. In some embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain includes DAP10/CD28 type signaling chains. In some embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain is not covalently attached to the membrane bound CAR, but is instead diffused in the cytoplasm.
Intracellular signaling domains suitable for use in a subject CAR of the present invention include immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)-containing intracellular signaling polypeptides. In some embodiments, an ITAM motif is repeated twice in an intracellular signaling domain, where the first and second instances of the ITAM motif are separated from one another by 6 to 8 amino acids. In one embodiment, the intracellular signaling domain of a subject CAR comprises 3 ITAM motifs.
In some embodiments, intracellular signaling domains includes the signaling domains of human immunoglobulin receptors that contain immunoreceptor tyrosine based activation motifs (ITAMs) such as, but not limited to, FcgammaRI, FcgammaRIIA, FcgammaRIIC, FcgammaRIIIA, FcRL5 (see, e.g., Gillis et al., Front. Immunol. (2014) 5:254).
A suitable intracellular signaling domain can be an ITAM motif-containing portion that is derived from a polypeptide that contains an ITAM motif. For example, a suitable intracellular signaling domain can be an ITAM motif-containing domain from any ITAM motif-containing protein. Thus, a suitable intracellular signaling domain need not contain the entire sequence of the entire protein from which it is derived. Examples of suitable ITAM motif-containing polypeptides include, but are not limited to: DAPl2, FCERIG (Fc epsilon receptor I gamma chain), CD3D (CD3 delta), CD3E (CD3 epsilon), CD3G (CD3 gamma), CD3Z (CD3 zeta), and CD79A (antigen receptor complex-associated protein alpha chain).
In one embodiment, the intracellular signaling domain is derived from DAP12 (also known as TYROBP; TYRO protein tyrosine kinase binding protein; KARAP; PLOSL; DNAX-activation protein 12; KAR-associated protein; TYRO protein tyrosine kinase-binding protein; killer activating receptor associated protein; killer-activating receptor-associated protein; etc.). In one embodiment, the intracellular signaling domain is derived from FCERIG (also known as FCRG; Fc epsilon receptor I gamma chain; Fc receptor gamma-chain; fc-epsilon RI-gamma; fcRgamma; fceR1 gamma; high affinity immunoglobulin epsilon receptor subunit gamma; immunoglobulin E receptor, high affinity, gamma chain; etc.). In one embodiment, the intracellular signaling domain is derived from T-cell surface glycoprotein CD3 delta chain (also known as CD3D; CD3-DELTA; T3D; CD3 antigen, delta subunit; CD3 delta; CD3d antigen, delta polypeptide (TiT3 complex); OKT3, delta chain; T-cell receptor T3 delta chain; T-cell surface glycoprotein CD3 delta chain; etc.). In one embodiment, the intracellular signaling domain is derived from T-cell surface glycoprotein CD3 epsilon chain (also known as CD3e, T-cell surface antigen T3/Leu-4 epsilon chain, T-cell surface glycoprotein CD3 epsilon chain, AI504783, CD3, CD3epsilon, T3e, etc.). In one embodiment, the intracellular signaling domain is derived from T-cell surface glycoprotein CD3 gamma chain (also known as CD3G, T-cell receptor T3 gamma chain, CD3-GAMMA, T3G, gamma polypeptide (TiT3 complex), etc.). In one embodiment, the intracellular signaling domain is derived from T-cell surface glycoprotein CD3 zeta chain (also known as CD3Z, T-cell receptor T3 zeta chain, CD247, CD3-ZETA, CD3H, CD3Q, T3Z, TCRZ, etc.). In one embodiment, the intracellular signaling domain is derived from CD79A (also known as B-cell antigen receptor complex-associated protein alpha chain; CD79a antigen (immunoglobulin-associated alpha); MB-1 membrane glycoprotein; ig-alpha; membrane-bound immunoglobulin-associated protein; surface IgM-associated protein; etc.). In one embodiment, an intracellular signaling domain suitable for use in an FN3 CAR of the present disclosure includes a DAP10/CD28 type signaling chain. In one embodiment, an intracellular signaling domain suitable for use in an FN3 CAR of the present disclosure includes a ZAP70 polypeptide. In some embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain includes a cytoplasmic signaling domain of TCR zeta, FcR gamma, FcR beta, CD3 gamma, CD3 delta, CD3 epsilon, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b, or CD66d. In one embodiment, the intracellular signaling domain in the CAR includes a cytoplasmic signaling domain of human CD3 zeta.
While usually the entire intracellular signaling domain can be employed, in many cases it is not necessary to use the entire chain. To the extent that a truncated portion of the intracellular signaling domain is used, such truncated portion may be used in place of the intact chain as long as it transduces the effector function signal. The intracellular signaling domain includes any truncated portion of the intracellular signaling domain sufficient to transduce the effector function signal.
The intracellular signaling domains described herein can be combined with any of the antigen binding domains described herein, any of the transmembrane domains described herein, or any of the other domains described herein that may be included in the CAR.
In one embodiment, the intracellular domain of a subject CAR comprises a 4-1BB domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
or the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the intracellular domain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its intended function. For example, in some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention comprises an intracellular domain comprising a 4-1BB domain comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:92. In one embodiment, the CAR comprises an intracellular domain comprising a 4-1BB domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:92.
In some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention comprises an intracellular domain comprising a 4-1BB domain encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:93 or 94. In one embodiment, the CAR comprises an intracellular domain comprising a 4-1BB domain encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:93 or 94.
In one embodiment, the intracellular domain of a subject CAR comprises an ICOS domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the intracellular domain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its intended function. For example, in some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention comprises an intracellular domain comprising an ICOS domain comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:203. In one embodiment, the CAR comprises an intracellular domain comprising an ICOS domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:203.
In some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention comprises an intracellular domain comprising an ICOS domain encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:204. In one embodiment, the CAR comprises an intracellular domain comprising an ICOS domain encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:204.
In one embodiment, the intracellular domain of a subject CAR comprises a variant ICOS domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below: TKKKYSSSVHDPNGEYMNMRAVNTAKKSRLTDVTL (SEQ ID NO:95), which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
The variant ICOS domain is also referred to herein as ICOS(YMNM).
Tolerable variations of the intracellular domain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its intended function. For example, in some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention comprises an intracellular domain comprising an ICOS domain comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:95. In one embodiment, the CAR comprises an intracellular domain comprising an ICOS domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:95.
In some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention comprises an intracellular domain comprising an ICOS domain encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:96. In one embodiment, the CAR comprises an intracellular domain comprising an ICOS domain encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:96.
In one embodiment, the intracellular domain of a subject CAR comprises a CD3 zeta domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
or the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the intracellular domain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its intended function. For example, in some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention comprises an intracellular domain comprising a CD3 zeta domain comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:97. In one embodiment, a subject CAR of the present invention comprises an intracellular domain comprising a CD3 zeta domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:97.
In some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention comprises an intracellular domain comprising a CD3 zeta domain encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:98 or 99. In one embodiment, a subject CAR of the present invention comprises an intracellular domain comprising a CD3 zeta domain encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:98 or 99 A CD3 zeta domain may comprise an amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the intracellular domain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its intended function. For example, in some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention comprises an intracellular domain comprising a CD3 zeta domain comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 100. In one embodiment, a subject CAR of the present invention comprises an intracellular domain comprising a CD3 zeta domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 100.
In some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention comprises an intracellular domain comprising a CD3 zeta domain encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 101. In one embodiment, a subject CAR of the present invention comprises an intracellular domain comprising a CD3 zeta domain encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:101.
In one embodiment, the CAR comprises an intracellular domain comprising a CD3 zeta domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:97 or 100.
In one exemplary embodiment, the intracellular domain of a subject CAR comprises a 4-1BB domain and a CD3 zeta domain, comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
or the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the intracellular domain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its intended function. For example, in some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention comprises an intracellular domain comprising a 4-1BB domain and a CD3 zeta domain, comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 102. In one embodiment, the CAR comprises an intracellular domain comprising a 4-1BB domain and a CD3 zeta domain, comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 102.
In some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention comprises an intracellular domain comprising a 4-1BB domain and a CD3 zeta domain, encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%/a, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:103 or 104. In one embodiment, the CAR comprises an intracellular domain comprising a 4-1BB domain and a CD3 zeta domain, encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs:103 or 104.
In one exemplary embodiment, the intracellular domain of a subject CAR comprises an ICOS domain and a CD3 zeta domain, comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the intracellular domain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its intended function. For example, in some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention comprises an intracellular domain comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3 zeta domain, comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:205. In one embodiment, the CAR comprises an intracellular domain comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3 zeta domain, comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:205.
In some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention comprises an intracellular domain comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3 zeta domain, encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:206. In one embodiment, the CAR comprises an intracellular domain comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3 zeta domain, encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:206.
In one exemplary embodiment, the intracellular domain of a subject CAR comprises a variant ICOS domain and a CD3 zeta domain, comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the intracellular domain will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its intended function. For example, in some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention comprises an intracellular domain comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3 zeta domain, comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:207. In one embodiment, the CAR comprises an intracellular domain comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3 zeta domain, comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:207.
In some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention comprises an intracellular domain comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3 zeta domain, encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:208. In one embodiment, the CAR comprises an intracellular domain comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3 zeta domain, encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:208.
CAR SequencesA subject CAR of the present invention may be selected from the group consisting of a J591 murine PSMA-CAR, a humanized J591 PSMA-CAR, a 1C3 human PSMA-CAR, a 2A10 human PSMA-CAR, a 2F5 human PSMA-CAR, and a 2C6 human PSMA-CAR.
In one embodiment, a subject CAR of the present invention is a J591 murine PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the J591 murine PSMA-CAR comprises the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In one embodiment, a subject CAR of the present invention is a humanized PSMA-CAR, e.g., a humanized J591 PSMA-CAR. In such an embodiment, the humanized PSMA-CAR comprises any of the heavy and light chain variable regions disclosed in PCT Publication Nos. WO2017212250A1 and WO2018033749A1. For example, a humanized PSMA-CAR of the present invention can comprise an scFv comprising any of the heavy and light chain variable regions disclosed therein, see, e.g., sequences set forth in Table 19 of the present disclosure.
In one embodiment, a subject CAR of the present invention is a huJ591 PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the huJ591 PSMA-CAR comprises the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In one embodiment, a subject CAR of the present invention is a huJ591 PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the huJ591 PSMA-CAR comprises the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In one embodiment, a subject CAR of the present invention is a huJ591 PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the huJ591 PSMA-CAR comprises the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In one embodiment, a subject CAR of the present invention is a huJ591 PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the huJ591 PSMA-CAR comprises the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In one embodiment, a subject CAR of the present invention is a huJ591 PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the huJ591 PSMA-CAR comprises the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In one embodiment, a subject CAR of the present invention is a huJ591 PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the huJ591 PSMA-CAR comprises the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In one embodiment, a subject CAR of the present invention is a 1C3 human PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the 1C3 human PSMA-CAR comprises the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In one embodiment, a subject CAR of the present invention is a 2A10 human PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the 2A10 human PSMA-CAR comprises the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In one embodiment, a subject CAR of the present invention is a 2F5 human PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the 2F5 human PSMA-CAR comprises a 4-1BB domain and a CD3 zeta domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In one embodiment, a subject CAR of the present invention is a 2F5 human PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the 2F5 human PSMA-CAR comprises an ICOS domain and a CD3 zeta domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In one embodiment, a subject CAR of the present invention is a 2F5 human PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the 2F5 human PSMA-CAR comprises a variant ICOS domain and a CD3 zeta domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In one embodiment, a subject CAR of the present invention is a 2C6 human PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the 2C6 human PSMA-CAR comprises the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the sequences of the subject CARs will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its function.
For example, in some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention is a J591 murine PSMA-CAR comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 105. In one embodiment, the CAR is a J591 murine PSMA-CAR comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:105.
For example, in some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention is a humanized J591 PSMA-CAR. A humanized J591 PSMA-CAR comprises a humanized J591 PSMA binding domain comprising a heavy and light chain variable region selected from any of the heavy and light chain variable region sequences set forth in Table 19. In some embodiments, the humanized J591 PSMA-CAR comprises a 4-1BB domain and a CD3zeta domain.
For example, in some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention is a huJ591 PSMA-CAR comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%/a, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 245, 247, 249, 251, 253, or 255. In one embodiment, the CAR is a huJ591 PSMA-CAR comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 245, 247, 249, 251, 253, or 255.
For example, in some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention is a 1C3 human PSMA-CAR comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%/a, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 107. In one embodiment, the CAR is a 1C3 human PSMA-CAR comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:107.
For example, in some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention is a 2A10 human PSMA-CAR comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%/a, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 109. In one embodiment, the CAR is a 2A10 human PSMA-CAR comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:109.
For example, in some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention is a 2F5 human PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the CAR is a 2F5 human PSMA-CAR that comprises a 4-1BB domain and a CD3zeta domain comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 111. In one embodiment, the CAR is a 2F5 human PSMA-CAR that comprises a 4-1BB domain and a CD3zeta domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:111. In one embodiment, the CAR is a 2F5 human PSMA-CAR that comprises an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:209. In one embodiment, the CAR is a 2F5 human PSMA-CAR that comprises an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:209. In one embodiment, the CAR is a 2F5 human PSMA-CAR that comprises a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:211. In one embodiment, the CAR is a 2F5 human PSMA-CAR that comprises a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:211. For example, in some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention is a 2C6 human PSMA-CAR comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 113. In one embodiment, the CAR is a 2C6 human PSMA-CAR comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:113.
In some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention is a J591 murine PSMA-CAR encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 106. In one embodiment, the CAR is a J591 murine PSMA-CAR encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 106.
For example, in some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention is a huJ591 PSMA-CAR encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%/a, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 246, 248, 250, 252, 254, or 256. In one embodiment, the CAR is a huJ591 PSMA-CAR encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 246, 248, 250, 252, 254, or 256.
For example, in some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention is a 1C3 human PSMA-CAR encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%/a, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:108. In one embodiment, the CAR is a 1C3 human PSMA-CAR encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 108. For example, in some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention is a 2A10 human PSMA-CAR encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:110. In one embodiment, the CAR is a 2A10 human PSMA-CAR encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 110. For example, in some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention is a 2F5 human PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the CAR is a 2F5 human PSMA-CAR that comprises a 4-1BB domain and a CD3zeta domain, encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 112. In one embodiment, the CAR is a 2F5 human PSMA-CAR that comprises a 4-1BB domain and a CD3zeta domain, encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 112. In one embodiment, the CAR is a 2F5 human PSMA-CAR that comprises an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain, encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:210. In one embodiment, the CAR is a 2F5 human PSMA-CAR that comprises an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain, encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:210. In one embodiment, the CAR is a 2F5 human PSMA-CAR that comprises a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain, encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:212. In one embodiment, the CAR is a 2F5 human PSMA-CAR that comprises a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain, encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:212. For example, in some embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention is a 2C6 human PSMA-CAR encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 114. In one embodiment, the CAR is a 2C6 human PSMA-CAR encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 114.
In certain embodiments, a subject CAR of the present invention may comprise any one of the amino acid sequences corresponding to SEQ ID NOs: 209, 211, 227-236, 245, 247, 249, 251, 253, or 255.
Accordingly, the present invention provides a modified immune cell or precursor cell thereof, e.g., a modified T cell, comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) having affinity for a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on a target cell (e.g., a prostate cancer cell). In some embodiments, the CAR comprises a PSMA binding domain. In some embodiments, the CAR comprises a murine PSMA binding domain. In one embodiment, the CAR comprises a J591 murine PSMA binding domain. In one embodiment, the CAR comprises a humanized J591 PSMA binding domain. In some embodiments, the CAR comprises a human PSMA binding domain. In some embodiments, the CAR comprises a human PSMA binding domain selected from the group consisting of a 1C3, a 2A10, a 2F5, and a 2C6 human PSMA binding domain.
Accordingly, a subject CAR of the present invention comprises a PSMA binding domain and a transmembrane domain. In one embodiment, the CAR comprises a PSMA binding domain and a transmembrane domain, wherein the transmembrane domain comprises a CD8 hinge region. In one embodiment, the CAR comprises a PSMA binding domain and a transmembrane domain, wherein the transmembrane domain comprises a CD8 transmembrane domain. In one embodiment, the CAR comprises a PSMA binding domain and a transmembrane domain, wherein the transmembrane domain comprises a CD8 hinge region and a CD8 transmembrane domain.
Accordingly, a subject CAR of the present invention comprises a PSMA binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain. In one embodiment, the CAR comprises a PSMA binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain, wherein the intracellular domain comprises a 4-1BB domain. In one embodiment, the CAR comprises a PSMA binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain, wherein the intracellular domain comprises a CD3 zeta domain. In one embodiment, the CAR comprises a PSMA binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain, wherein the intracellular domain comprises a 4-1BB domain and a CD3 zeta domain.
C. Dominant Negative Receptors and Switch ReceptorsThe present invention provides compositions and methods for modified immune cells or precursors thereof, e.g., modified T cells, comprising a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor. Thus, in some embodiments, the immune cell has been genetically modified to express the dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor. As used herein, the term “dominant negative receptor” refers to a molecule designed to reduce the effect of a negative signal transduction molecule, e.g., the effect of a negative signal transduction molecule on a modified immune cell of the present invention. A dominant negative receptor of the present invention may bind a negative signal transduction molecule, e.g., TGF-3 or PD-1, by virtue of an extracellular domain associated with the negative signal, and reduce the effect of the negative signal transduction molecule. Such dominant negative receptors are described herein. For example, a modified immune cell comprising a dominant negative receptor may bind a negative signal transduction molecule in the microenvironment of the modified immune cell, and reduce the effect the negative signal transduction molecule may have on the modified immune cell.
A switch receptor of the present invention may be designed to, in addition to reducing the effects of a negative signal transduction molecule, to convert the negative signal into a positive signal, by virtue of comprising an intracellular domain associated with the positive signal. Switch receptors designed to convert a negative signal into a positive signal are described herein. Accordingly, switch receptors comprise an extracellular domain associated with a negative signal and/or an intracellular domain associated with a positive signal.
Tumor cells generate an immunosuppressive microenvironment that serves to protect them from immune recognition and elimination. This immunosuppressive microenvironment can limit the effectiveness of immunosuppressive therapies such as CAR-T cell therapy. The secreted cytokine Transforming Growth Factor β (TGFβ) directly inhibits the function of cytotoxic T cells and additionally induces regulatory T cell formation to further suppress immune responses. T cell immunosuppression due to TGFβ in the context of prostate cancers has been previously demonstrated (Donkor et al., 2011; Shalapour et al., 2015). To reduce the immunosuppressive effects of TGFβ, immune cells can be modified to express a dominant negative receptor that is a dominant negative receptor for TGF-β.
In some embodiments, the dominant negative receptor is a truncated variant of a wild-type protein associated with a negative signal. In some embodiments, the dominant negative receptor is a dominant negative receptor for TGF-β. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the dominant negative receptor for TGF-3 is a truncated variant of a wild-type TGF-3 receptor. In some embodiments, the dominant negative receptor is a truncated dominant negative variant of the TGF-β receptor type II (TGFβRII-DN). In one embodiment, the TGFβRII-DN comprises the amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the sequence of TGFβRII-DN will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its intended function. For example, in some embodiments, a dominant negative receptor of the present invention is TGFβRII-DN comprising an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 115 In one embodiment, the dominant negative receptor is TGFβRII-DN comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 115.
In some embodiments, a dominant negative receptor of the present invention is TGFβRII-DN encoded by a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 116. In one embodiment, the dominant negative receptor is TGFβRII-DN encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 116.
In one embodiment, a switch receptor suitable for use in the present invention is a PD1-CTM-CD28 receptor. The PD1-CTM-CD28 receptor converts a negative PD1 signal into a positive CD28 signal when expressed in a cell. The PD1-CTM-CD28 receptor comprises a variant of the PD1 extracellular domain, a CD28 transmembrane domain, and a CD28 cytoplasmic domain. In one embodiment, the PD1-CTM-CD28 receptor comprises an amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the PD1-CTM-CD28 receptor will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its intended biological activity (e.g., converting a negative PD1 signal into a positive CD28 signal when expressed in a cell). Accordingly, a PD1-CTM-CD28 receptor of the present invention may comprise an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the PD1-CTM-CD28 receptor amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 117. Accordingly, a PD1-CTM-CD28 receptor of the present invention may be encoded by a nucleic acid comprising a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%/a, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the PD1-CTM-CD28 receptor nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 118.
In one embodiment, a switch receptor suitable for use in the present invention is a PD1-PTM-CD28 receptor. The PD1-PTM-CD28 receptor converts a negative PD1 signal into a positive CD28 signal when expressed in a cell. The PD1-PTM-CD28 receptor comprises a variant of the PD1 extracellular domain, a PD1 transmembrane domain, and a CD28 cytoplasmic domain. In one embodiment, the PD1-PTM-CD28 receptor comprises an amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the PD1-PTM-CD28 receptor will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its intended biological activity (e.g., converting a negative PD1 signal into a positive CD28 signal when expressed in a cell). Accordingly, a PD1-PTM-CD28 receptor of the present invention may comprise an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the PD1-PTM-CD28 receptor amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 119. Accordingly, a PD1-PTM-CD28 receptor of the present invention may be encoded by a nucleic acid comprising a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%/a, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the PD1-PTM-CD28 receptor nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 120.
In one embodiment, a switch receptor suitable for use in the present invention is a PD1A132L-PTM-CD28 receptor. The PD1A132L-PTM-CD28 receptor converts a negative PD1 signal into a positive CD28 signal when expressed in a cell. A point mutation at amino acid position 132, substituting alanine with leucine (A132L), of PD1 was found to increase its affinity with PD-L1 by two fold (see, e.g., Zhang et al., Immunity (2004) 20(3), 337-347). The PD1A132L-PTM-CD28 receptor comprises a variant of the PD1 extracellular domain that has an amino acid substitution at position 132 (A132L), a PD1 transmembrane domain, and a CD28 cytoplasmic domain. In one embodiment, the PD1A132L-PTM-CD28 receptor comprises an amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the PD1A132L-PTM-CD28 receptor will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its intended biological activity (e.g., converting a negative PD1 signal into a positive CD28 signal when expressed in a cell). Accordingly, a PD1A132L-PTM-CD28 receptor of the present invention may comprise an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the PD1A132L-PTM-CD28 receptor amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 121. Accordingly, a PD1A132L-PTM-CD28 receptor of the present invention may be encoded by a nucleic acid comprising a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the PD1A132L-PTM-CD28 receptor nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 122. In one embodiment, a switch receptor suitable for use in the present invention is a PD1-4-1BB receptor. The PD1-4-1BB receptor (also referred to herein as PD1-BB) converts a negative PD1 signal into a positive 4-1BB signal when expressed in a cell. In one embodiment, the PD1-4-1BB receptor comprises an amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the PD1-4-1BB receptor will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its intended biological activity (e.g., converting a negative PD1 signal into a positive 4-1BB signal when expressed in a cell). Accordingly, a PD1-4-1BB receptor of the present invention may comprise an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%/a, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the PD1-4-1BB receptor amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:213. Accordingly, a PD1-4-1BB receptor of the present invention may be encoded by a nucleic acid comprising a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%/a, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%/a, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the PD1-4-1BB receptor nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:214.
In one embodiment, a switch receptor suitable for use in the present invention is a PD1A132L-4-1BB receptor. The PD1A132L-4-1BB receptor (also referred to herein as PD1*BB) converts a negative PD1 signal into a positive 4-1BB signal when expressed in a cell. In one embodiment, the PD1A132L-4-1BB receptor comprises an amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the PD1A132L-4-1BB receptor will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its intended biological activity (e.g., converting a negative PD1 signal into a positive 4-1BB signal when expressed in a cell). Accordingly, a PD1A132L-4-1BB receptor of the present invention may comprise an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the PD1A132L-4-1BB receptor amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:215. Accordingly, a PD1A132L-4-1BB receptor of the present invention may be encoded by a nucleic acid comprising a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the PD1A132L-4-1BB receptor nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:216.
In one embodiment, a switch receptor suitable for use in the present invention is a TGFβR-IL12Rβ1 receptor. The TGFβR-IL12Rβ1 receptor converts a negative TGF-3 signal into a positive IL-12 signal when expressed in a cell. In one embodiment, the TGFβR-IL12Rβ1 receptor comprises an amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the TGFβR-IL12Rβ1 receptor will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its intended biological activity (e.g., converting a negative TGF-β signal into a positive IL-12 signal when expressed in a cell). Accordingly, a TGFβR-IL12Rβ1 receptor of the present invention may comprise an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the TGFβR-IL12Rβ1 receptor amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:123. Accordingly, a TGFβR-IL12Rβ1 receptor of the present invention may be encoded by a nucleic acid comprising a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the TGFβR-IL12Rβ1 receptor nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 124.
In one embodiment, a switch receptor suitable for use in the present invention is a TGFβR-IL12Rβ2 receptor. The TGFβR-IL12Rβ2 receptor converts a negative TGF-3 signal into a positive IL-12 signal when expressed in a cell. In one embodiment, the TGFβR-IL12R32 receptor comprises an amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the TGFβR-IL12Rβ2 receptor will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its intended biological activity (e.g., converting a negative TGF-β signal into a positive IL-12 signal when expressed in a cell). Accordingly, a TGFβR-IL12R32 receptor of the present invention may comprise an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the TGFβR-IL12R32 receptor amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:125. Accordingly, a TGFβR-IL12R32 receptor of the present invention may be encoded by a nucleic acid comprising a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the TGFβR-IL12Rβ2 receptor nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:126.
In one embodiment, a switch receptor suitable for use in the present invention is a TIM3-CD28 receptor. The TIM3-CD28 receptor converts a negative TIM-3 signal into a positive CD28 signal when expressed in a cell. In one embodiment, the TIM3-CD28 receptor comprises an amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the TIM3-CD28 receptor will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its intended biological activity (e.g., converting a negative TIM-3 signal into a positive CD28 signal when expressed in a cell). Accordingly, a TIM3-CD28 receptor of the present invention may comprise an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the TIM3-CD28 receptor amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 127. Accordingly, a TIM3-CD28 receptor of the present invention may be encoded by a nucleic acid comprising a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the TIM3-CD28 receptor nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:128.
Other suitable dominant negative receptors and switch receptors for use in the present invention are described in PCT Publication No. WO2013019615A2, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
D. Bispecific AntibodiesThe present invention provides compositions and methods for modified immune cells or precursors thereof, e.g., modified T cells, comprising a nucleic acid encoding a bispecific antibody. Thus, in some embodiments, the immune cell has been genetically modified to express the bispecific antibody. A “bispecific antibody,” as used herein, refers to an antibody having binding specificities for at least two different antigenic epitopes. In one embodiment, the epitopes are from the same antigen. In another embodiment, the epitopes are from two different antigens. Methods for making bispecific antibodies are known in the art. For example, bispecific antibodies can be produced recombinantly using the co-expression of two immunoglobulin heavy chain/light chain pairs. See, e.g., Milstein et al. (1983) Nature 305: 537-39. Alternatively, bispecific antibodies can be prepared using chemical linkage. See, e.g., Brennan et al. (1985) Science 229:81. Bispecific antibodies include bispecific antibody fragments. See, e.g., Holliger et al. (1993) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 90:6444-48, Gruber et al. (1994) J. Immunol. 152:5368.
In certain embodiments, the modified cell of the present invention comprises a CAR having affinity for a prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on a target cell and a bispecific antibody. In certain embodiments, the modified cell of the present invention secretes a bispecific antibody.
In one embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises a first antigen binding domain that binds to a first antigen and a second antigen binding domain that binds to a second antigen. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody comprises an antigen binding domain comprising a first and a second single chain variable fragment (scFv) molecules. In one embodiment, the first and a second antigen binding domains bind an antigen on a target cell and an antigen on an activating T cell.
In one embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises specificity to at least one antigen on an activating T cell. The activating T cell antigen includes antigens found on the surface of a T cell that can activate another cell. The activating T cell antigen may bind a co-stimulatory molecule. A costimulatory molecule is a cell surface molecule, other than an antigen receptor or their ligands, that is required for an efficient response of lymphocytes to an antigen. Examples of the activating T cell antigen can include but are not limited to CD3, CD4, CD8, T cell receptor (TCR), CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, CD40, PD-1, ICOS, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), CD2, CD7, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, a ligand that specifically binds with CD83, or any fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody comprises specificity to the T cell antigen CD28.
Other costimulatory elements are also within the scope of the invention. In these examples, the bispecific antibody recognizes a T cell antigen and may be referred to as a Bispecific T Cell Engager (BiTE). However, the present invention is not limited by the use of any particular bispecific antibody. Rather, any bispecific antibody or BiTE can be used. The bispecific antibody or BiTE molecule may also be expressed as a soluble protein with specificity for at least one target cell associated antigen.
In one embodiment, the bispecific antibody comprises more than one antigen binding domain. In this embodiment, at least one antigen binding domain includes a synthetic antibody, human antibody, a humanized antibody, single chain variable fragment, single domain antibody, an antigen binding fragment thereof, and any combination thereof. Techniques for making human and humanized antibodies are described elsewhere herein.
In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody comprises more than one antigen binding domain, wherein at least one antigen binding domain binds to a negative signal transduction molecule (e.g., a negative signal transduction molecule that may be found in the microenvironment of the cell secreting the bispecific antibody) or an interacting partner thereof (e.g., receptor). In some embodiments, at least one antigen binding domain of the bispecific antibody binds to TGF-β or an interacting partner thereof (e.g., receptor). In some embodiments, at least one antigen binding domain of the bispecific antibody binds to PD-1 or an interacting partner thereof. In one embodiment, at least one antigen binding domain of the bispecific antibody binds to TGF-βR. In another embodiment, at least one antigen binding domain of the bispecific antibody binds to PD-L1.
In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody comprises at least one antigen binding domain that binds to a molecule on a T cell and activates the T cell. For example, a bispecific antibody of the present disclosure may comprise a superagonistic anti-CD28 binding domain as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,585,960, contents of which are incorporated herein in its entirety.
In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody comprises at least one antigen binding domain that binds PD-L1. For example, a bispecific antibody of the present disclosure may comprise, without limitation, a PD-L1 binding domain derived from 10A5, 13G4, or 1B12 as described in PCT Publication No. WO2007005874A2, contents of which are incorporated herein in its entirety. In some embodiments, the bispecific antibody comprises at least one antigen binding domain that binds a TGF-β receptor, e.g., TGFβRII. For example, a bispecific antibody of the present disclosure may comprise, without limitation, a TGFβRII binding domain derived from TGF1 or TGFβ as described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,147,834, contents of which are incorporated herein in its entirety.
Accordingly, in one embodiment, a bispecific antibody of the present disclosure comprises at least one antigen binding domain that binds PD-L1 or TGFβRII, and an antigen binding domain that binds CD28.
In some embodiments, the target cell antigen may be the same antigen that a T cell receptor binds to or may be a different antigen. The target cell antigen includes any tumor associated antigen (TAA) or viral, bacterial and parasitic antigen, or any fragment thereof. The target cell antigen may include any type of ligand that defines the target cell. For example, the target cell antigen may be chosen to recognize a ligand that acts as a cell marker on target cells associated with a particular disease state. Thus, cell markers may act as ligands for the antigen binding domain in the bispecific antibody, including those associated with viral, bacterial and parasitic infections, autoimmune disease and cancer cells.
In some embodiments, the target cell antigen is the same antigen as the activating T cell antigen including, but not limited to, CD3, CD4, CD8, T cell receptor (TCR), CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, CD30, CD40, PD-1, ICOS, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), CD2, CD7, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, a ligand that specifically binds with CD83, and fragments thereof. In one aspect, the invention includes a nucleic acid encoding a bispecific antibody comprising bispecificity for an antigen on a target cell and an antigen on an activating T cell, wherein the T cell transiently secretes the bispecific antibody. Techniques for engineering and expressing bispecific antibodies include, but are not limited to, recombinant co-expression of two immunoglobulin heavy chain-light chain pairs having different specificities (see, e.g., Milstein and Cuello, Nature 305: 537 (1983), WO 93/08829, and Traunecker et al, EMBO J. 10: 3655 (1991)), and “knob-in-hole” engineering (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,731,168). Multi-specific antibodies may also be made by engineering electrostatic steering effects for making antibody Fc-heterodimeric molecules (WO 2009/089004A1); cross-linking two or more antibodies or fragments (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,676,980, and Brennan et al, Science 229:81 (1985)); using leucine zippers to produce bispecific antibodies (see, e.g., Kostelny et al, J. Immunol. 148(5): 1547-1553 (1992)); using “diabody” technology for making bispecific antibody fragments (see, e.g., Hollinger et al, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 90:6444-6448 (1993)); and using single-chain Fv (scFv) dimers (see, e.g. Gruber et al, J. Immunol, 152:5368 (1994)); and preparing trispecific antibodies as described, e.g., in Tutt et al. J. Immunol. 147: 60 (1991). Engineered antibodies with three or more functional antigen binding sites, including “Octopus antibodies,” are also included herein (see, e.g. US 2006/0025576A1). Bispecific antibodies can be constructed by linking two different antibodies, or portions thereof. For example, a bispecific antibody can comprise Fab, F(ab′)2, Fab′, scFv, and sdAb from two different antibodies.
A bispecific antibody of the present invention includes a bispecific antibody having affinity for PD-L1 and CD28. In one embodiment, a 13G4-1211 PD-L1/CD28 bispecific antibody of the present invention comprises an amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the 13G4-1211 PD-L1/CD28 bispecific antibody will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its intended biological activity (e.g., binding to PD-L1 and CD28). Accordingly, a 13G4-1211 PD-L1/CD28 bispecific antibody of the present invention may comprise an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the 13G4-1211 PD-L1/CD28 bispecific antibody amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:129. Accordingly, a 13G4-1211 PD-L1/CD28 bispecific antibody of the present invention may be encoded by a nucleic acid comprising a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the 13G4-1211 PD-L1/CD28 bispecific antibody nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 130.
A bispecific antibody of the present invention includes a bispecific antibody having affinity for PD-L1 and CD28. In one embodiment, a 10A5-1412 PD-L1/CD28 bispecific antibody of the present invention comprises an amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the 10A5-1412 PD-L1/CD28 bispecific antibody will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its intended biological activity (e.g., binding to PD-L1 and CD28). Accordingly, a 10A5-1412 PD-L1/CD28 bispecific antibody of the present invention may comprise an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%/a, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the 10A5-1412 PD-L1/CD28 bispecific antibody amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:131. Accordingly, a 10A5-1412 PD-L1/CD28 bispecific antibody of the present invention may be encoded by a nucleic acid comprising a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%/a, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the 10A5-1412 PD-L1/CD28 bispecific antibody nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 132.
A bispecific antibody of the present invention includes a bispecific antibody having affinity for PD-L1 and CD28. In one embodiment, a 1B12-1412 PD-L1/CD28 bispecific antibody of the present invention comprises an amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the 1B12-1412 PD-L1/CD28 bispecific antibody will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its intended biological activity (e.g., binding to PD-L1 and CD28). Accordingly, a 1B12-1412 PD-L1/CD28 bispecific antibody of the present invention may comprise an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%/a, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the 1B12-1412 PD-L1/CD28 bispecific antibody amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:133. Accordingly, a 1B12-1412 PD-L1/CD28 bispecific antibody of the present invention may be encoded by a nucleic acid comprising a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%/a, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the 1B12-1412 PD-L1/CD28 bispecific antibody nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 134.
A bispecific antibody of the present invention includes a bispecific antibody having affinity for TGF-β receptor type II (TGFβRII) and CD28. In one embodiment, a TGFβR-1-1412 TGFβRII/CD28 bispecific antibody of the present invention comprises an amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the TGFβR-1-1412 TGFβRII/CD28 bispecific antibody will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its intended biological activity (e.g., binding to TGFβRII and CD28). Accordingly, a TGFβR-1-1412 TGFβRII/CD28 bispecific antibody of the present invention may comprise an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the TGFβR-1-1412 TGFβRII/CD28 bispecific antibody amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:135. Accordingly, a TGFβR-1-1412 TGFβRII/CD28 bispecific antibody of the present invention may be encoded by a nucleic acid comprising a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%/a, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the TGFβR-1-1412 TGFβRII/CD28 bispecific antibody nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:136.
A bispecific antibody of the present invention includes a bispecific antibody having affinity for TGF-β receptor type II (TGFβRII) and CD28. In one embodiment, a TGFβR-3-1412 TGFβRII/CD28 bispecific antibody of the present invention comprises an amino acid sequence set forth below:
which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the TGFβR-3-1412 TGFβRII/CD28 bispecific antibody will be known to those of skill in the art, while maintaining its intended biological activity (e.g., binding to TGFβRII and CD28). Accordingly, a TGFβR-3-1412 TGFβRII/CD28 bispecific antibody of the present invention may comprise an amino acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the TGFβR-3-1412 TGFβRII/CD28 bispecific antibody amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:137. Accordingly, a TGFβR-3-1412 TGFβRII/CD28 bispecific antibody of the present invention may be encoded by a nucleic acid comprising a nucleic acid sequence that has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%/a, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the TGFβR-3-1412 TGFβRII/CD28 bispecific antibody nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:138.
Other suitable bispecific antibodies for use in the present invention are described in PCT Publication No. WO2016122738A1, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
E. Nucleic Acids and Expression VectorsThe present invention provides a nucleic acid encoding a CAR and/or a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a subject CAR of the present invention (e.g., PSMA-CAR). In one embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor (e.g., a PD1-PTM-CD28 receptor).
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure provides for the production of a CAR and/or dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor as described herein, e.g., in a mammalian cell. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure provides for amplification of the CAR and/or dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor-encoding nucleic acid.
As described herein, a subject CAR comprises an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain. Accordingly, the present disclosure provides a nucleic acid encoding an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain of a subject CAR. As described herein, various dominant negative receptors and switch receptors are provided. Accordingly, the present invention provides a nucleic acid encoding a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor.
In some embodiments, the nucleic acid encoding a CAR is separate from the nucleic acid encoding a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor. In an exemplary embodiment, the nucleic acid encoding a CAR, and the nucleic acid encoding a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor, resides within the same nucleic acid.
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid comprising a CAR coding sequence and a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor coding sequence. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid comprising a CAR coding sequence and a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor coding sequence that is separated by a linker. A linker for use in the present invention (e.g., in the context of linking a CAR coding sequence and a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor coding sequence) allows for multiple proteins to be encoded by the same nucleic acid sequence (e.g., a multicistronic or bicistronic sequence), which are translated as a polyprotein that is dissociated into separate protein components. For example, a linker for use in a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprising a CAR coding sequence and a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor coding sequence, allows for the CAR and dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor to be translated as a polyprotein that is dissociated into separate CAR and dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor components.
In some embodiments, the linker comprises a nucleic acid sequence that encodes for an internal ribosome entry site (IRES). As used herein, “an internal ribosome entry site” or “IRES” refers to an element that promotes direct internal ribosome entry to the initiation codon, such as ATG, of a protein coding region, thereby leading to cap-independent translation of the gene. Various internal ribosome entry sites are known to those of skill in the art, including, without limitation, IRES obtainable from viral or cellular mRNA sources, e.g., immunogloublin heavy-chain binding protein (BiP); vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); fibroblast growth factor 2; insulin-like growth factor; translational initiation factor eIF4G; yeast transcription factors TFIID and HAP4; and IRES obtainable from, e.g., cardiovirus, rhinovirus, aphthovirus, HCV, Friend murine leukemia virus (FrMLV), and Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMLV). Those of skill in the art would be able to select the appropriate IRES for use in the present invention.
In some embodiments, the linker comprises a nucleic acid sequence that encodes for a self-cleaving peptide. As used herein, a “self-cleaving peptide” or “2A peptide” refers to an oligopeptide that allow multiple proteins to be encoded as polyproteins, which dissociate into component proteins upon translation. Use of the term “self-cleaving” is not intended to imply a proteolytic cleavage reaction. Various self-cleaving or 2A peptides are known to those of skill in the art, including, without limitation, those found in members of the Picornaviridae virus family, e.g., foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV), equine rhinitis A virus (ERAVO, Thosea asigna virus (TaV), and porcine tescho virus-1 (PTV-1); and carioviruses such as Theilovirus and encephalomyocarditis viruses. 2A peptides derived from FMDV, ERAV, PTV-1, and TaV are referred to herein as “F2A,” “E2A,” “P2A,” and “T2A,” respectively. Those of skill in the art would be able to select the appropriate self-cleaving peptide for use in the present invention.
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises a nucleic acid sequence comprising a CAR coding sequence and a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor coding sequence that is separated by a linker comprising a T2A peptide sequence. In some embodiments, the T2A peptide sequence comprises the amino acid sequence EGRGSLLTCGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO:139), which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence GAGGGCAGAGGAAGTCTTCTAACATGCGGTGACGTGGAGGAGAATCCCGGCCCT (SEQ ID NO: 140). In some embodiments, the linker comprising a T2A peptide sequence may further comprise a spacer sequence as described herein. For example, the linker comprising a T2A peptide sequence may further comprise a spacer sequence comprising the amino acid sequence SGRSGGG (SEQ ID NO: 141), which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence TCCGGAAGATCTGGCGGCGGA (SEQ ID NO: 142).
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises a nucleic acid sequence comprising a CAR coding sequence and a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor coding sequence that is separated by a linker comprising a F2A peptide sequence. In some embodiments, the F2A peptide sequence comprises the amino acid sequence VKQTLNFDLLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 143), which may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence
In some embodiments, a linker further comprises a nucleic acid sequence that encodes a furin cleavage site. Furin is a ubiquitously expressed protease that resides in the trans-golgi and processes protein precursors before their secretion. Furin cleaves at the COOH— terminus of its consensus recognition sequence. Various furin consensus recognition sequences (or “furin cleavage sites”) are known to those of skill in the art, including, without limitation, Arg-X-Lys-Arg (SEQ ID NO: 145) or Arg-X-Arg-Arg (SEQ ID NO: 146), and Arg-X-X-Arg (SEQ ID NO: 147), such as an Arg-Gln-Lys-Arg (SEQ ID NO: 148), where X is any naturally occurring amino acid. Another example of a furin cleavage site is X1-Arg-X2-X3-Arg (SEQ ID NO: 149), where X1 is Lys or Arg, X2 is any naturally occurring amino acid, and X3 is Lys or Arg. Those of skill in the art would be able to select the appropriate Furin cleavage site for use in the present invention.
In some embodiments, the linker comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a combination of a Furin cleavage site and a 2A peptide. Examples include, without limitation, a linker comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding Furin and F2A, a linker comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding Furin and E2A, a linker comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding Furin and P2A, a linker comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding Furin and T2A. Those of skill in the art would be able to select the appropriate combination for use in the present invention. In such embodiments, the linker may further comprise a spacer sequence between the Furin and 2A peptide. Various spacer sequences are known in the art, including, without limitation, glycine serine (GS) spacers such as (GS)n, (GSGGS)n (SEQ ID NO: 1) and (GGGS)n (SEQ ID NO:2), where n represents an integer of at least 1. Exemplary spacer sequences can comprise amino acid sequences including, without limitation, GGSG (SEQ ID NO:4), GGSGG (SEQ ID NO:5), GSGSG (SEQ ID NO:6), GSGGG (SEQ ID NO:7), GGGSG (SEQ ID NO:8), GSSSG (SEQ ID NO:9), and the like. Those of skill in the art would be able to select the appropriate spacer sequence for use in the present invention.
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises a nucleic acid sequence comprising a CAR coding sequence and a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor coding sequence that is separated by a Furin-(G4S)2-T2A (F-GS2-T2A) linker. The F-GS2-T2A linker may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence
and may comprise the amino acid sequence RAKRGGGGSGGGGSEGRGSLLTCGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO:151). Those of skill in the art would appreciate that linkers of the present invention may include tolerable sequence variations.
In some embodiments, the present invention provides a nucleic acid comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor as described herein. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR as described herein (e.g., a PSMA-CAR). In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the dominant negative receptor and/or the switch receptor and the nucleic acid sequence encoding the CAR resides on separate nucleic acids. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the dominant negative receptor and/or the switch receptor and the nucleic acid sequence encoding the CAR resides within the same nucleic acid. In such an embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the dominant negative receptor and/or the switch receptor and the nucleic acid sequence encoding the CAR is separated by a linker as described herein.
For example, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure may comprise a nucleic acid sequence encoding a dominant receptor, a linker, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR. In one embodiment, the linker comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a 2A peptide (e.g., T2A). In an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure may comprise a nucleic acid sequence encoding a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR separated by a linker sequence comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding T2A.
Accordingly, in one embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor.
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising T2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR. In one embodiment, the dominant negative receptor is TGFβRII-DN. In one embodiment, the CAR is a murine J591 PSMA-CAR. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TGFβRII-DN, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising T2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a murine J591 PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TGFβRII-DN, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising T2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a murine J591 PSMA-CAR, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In one embodiment, the CAR is a humanized J591 PSMA-CAR. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TGFβRII-DN, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising a 2A peptide (e.g., T2A), and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a humanized J591 PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid encoding a humanized PSMA-CAR, a nucleic acid encoding a linker comprising a 2A peptide (e.g., T2A), and a nucleic acid encoding a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor.
In one embodiment, the CAR is a humanized J591 PSMA-CAR. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TGFβRII-DN, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising T2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a humanized J591 PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TGFβRII-DN, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising T2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a humanized J591 PSMA-CAR.
The humanized PSMA-CAR can comprise any of the heavy and light chain variable regions disclosed in PCT Publication Nos. WO2017212250A1 and WO2018033749A1. For example, the humanized PSMA-CAR of the present invention can comprise an scFv comprising any of the heavy and light chain variable regions disclosed therein. In some embodiments, the humanized J591 PSMA-CAR comprises a humanized J591 PSMA binding domain comprising a heavy and light chain variable region selected from any of the heavy and light chain variable region sequences set forth in Table 19.
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TGFβRII-DN, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising a 2A peptide (e.g., T2A), and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a humanized J591 PSMA-CAR, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TGFβRII-DN, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising a 2A peptide (e.g., T2A), and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a humanized J591 PSMA-CAR, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TGFβRII-DN, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising a 2A peptide (e.g., T2A), and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a humanized J591 PSMA-CAR, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In one embodiment, the CAR is a human 1C3 PSMA-CAR. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TGFβRII-DN, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising T2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 1C3 PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TGFβRII-DN, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising T2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 1C3 PSMA-CAR, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In one embodiment, the CAR is a human 2A10 PSMA-CAR. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TGFβRII-DN, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising T2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2A10 PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TGFβRII-DN, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising T2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2A10 PSMA-CAR, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In one embodiment, the CAR is a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TGFβRII-DN, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising T2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TGFβRII-DN, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising T2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In one embodiment, the CAR is a human 2C6 PSMA-CAR. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TGFβRII-DN, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising T2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2C6 PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TGFβRII-DN, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising T2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2C6 PSMA-CAR, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the nucleic acid sequence encoding for TGFβRII-DN and a PSMA-CAR will be known to those of skill in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%/a, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 152-156, 258, 260, or 262. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding for TGFβRII-DN and murine J591 PSMA-CAR comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 152. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding for TGFβRII-DN and human 1C3 PSMA-CAR comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:153. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding for TGFβRII-DN and human 2A10 PSMA-CAR comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 154. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding for TGFβRII-DN and human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 155. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding for TGFβRII-DN and human 2C6 PSMA-CAR comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 156. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding for TGFβRII-DN and humanized J591 PSMA-CAR comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 258, 260, or 262.
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding a switch receptor, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR. In one embodiment, the switch receptor is PD1-CTM-CD28.
In one embodiment, the CAR is a humanized J591 CAR (huJ591 PSMA-CAR). Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1-CTM-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker (e.g., a 2A linker), and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a huJ591 PSMA-CAR. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′ a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1-CTM-CD28 having an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 117, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker (e.g., a 2A linker), and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a huJ591 PSMA-CAR having an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 245 or 247.
In one embodiment, the CAR is a human 1C3 PSMA-CAR. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1-CTM-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 1C3 PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1-CTM-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 1C3 PSMA-CAR, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding a switch receptor, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR. In one embodiment, the switch receptor is PD1-CTM-CD28. In one embodiment, the CAR is a human 2A10 PSMA-CAR. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1-CTM-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2A10 PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1-CTM-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2A10 PSMA-CAR, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding a switch receptor, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR. In one embodiment, the switch receptor is PD1-CTM-CD28. In one embodiment, the CAR is a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1-CTM-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1-CTM-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding a switch receptor, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR. In one embodiment, the switch receptor is PD1-CTM-CD28. In one embodiment, the CAR is a human 2C6 PSMA-CAR. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1-CTM-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2C6 PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1-CTM-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2C6 PSMA-CAR, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1-CTM-CD28 and a PSMA-CAR will be known to those of skill in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%/a, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:157-160. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding for PD1-CTM-CD28 and human 1C3 PSMA-CAR comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 157. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding for PD1-CTM-CD28 and human 2A10 PSMA-CAR comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 158. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding for PD1-CTM-CD28 and human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 159. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding for PD1-CTM-CD28 and human 2C6 PSMA-CAR comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:160.
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding a switch receptor, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR. In one embodiment, the switch receptor is PD1A132L-PTM-CD28. In one embodiment, the CAR is a human 1C3 PSMA-CAR. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A132L-PTM-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 1C3 PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A132L-PTM-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 1C3 PSMA-CAR, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding a switch receptor, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR. In one embodiment, the switch receptor is PD1A132L-PTM-CD28.
In one embodiment, the CAR is a humanized J591 CAR (huJ591 PSMA-CAR). Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A132L-PTM-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker (e.g., a 2A linker), and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a huJ591 PSMA-CAR. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′ a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A132L-PTM-CD28 having an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 121, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker (e.g., a 2A linker), and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a huJ591 PSMA-CAR having an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 245 or 247.
In one embodiment, the CAR is a human 2A10 PSMA-CAR. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A132L-PTM-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2A10 PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A32L-PTM-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2A10 PSMA-CAR, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding a switch receptor, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR. In one embodiment, the switch receptor is PD1A132L-PTM-CD28. In one embodiment, the CAR is a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A132L-PTM-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A132L-PTM-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding a switch receptor, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR. In one embodiment, the switch receptor is PD1A132L-PTM-CD28. In one embodiment, the CAR is a human 2C6 PSMA-CAR. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A132L-PTM-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2C6 PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A132L-PTM-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2C6 PSMA-CAR, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A132L-PTM-CD28 and a PSMA-CAR will be known to those of skill in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%/a, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs:161-164. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding for PD1A132L-PTM-CD28 and human 1C3 PSMA-CAR comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 161. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding for PD1A132L-PTM-CD28 and human 2A10 PSMA-CAR comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 162. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding for PD1A132L-PTM-CD28 and human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 163. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding for PD1A132L-PTM-CD28 and human 2C6 PSMA-CAR comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:164.
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding a switch receptor, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR. In one embodiment, the switch receptor is TIM3-CD28. In one embodiment, the CAR is a human 1C3 PSMA-CAR. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TIM3-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 1C3 PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TIM3-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 1C3 PSMA-CAR, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding a switch receptor, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR. In one embodiment, the switch receptor is TIM3-CD28.
In one embodiment, the CAR is a humanized J591 CAR (huJ591 PSMA-CAR). Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TIM3-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker (e.g., a 2A linker), and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a huJ591 PSMA-CAR. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′ a nucleic acid sequence encoding TIM3-CD28 having an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 127, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker (e.g., a 2A linker), and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a huJ591 PSMA-CAR having an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 245 or 247.
In one embodiment, the CAR is a human 2A10 PSMA-CAR. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TIM3-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2A10 PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TIM3-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2A10 PSMA-CAR, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding a switch receptor, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR. In one embodiment, the switch receptor is TIM3-CD28. In one embodiment, the CAR is a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TIM3-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TIM3-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding a switch receptor, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR. In one embodiment, the switch receptor is TIM3-CD28. In one embodiment, the CAR is a human 2C6 PSMA-CAR. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TIM3-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2C6 PSMA-CAR. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TIM3-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2C6 PSMA-CAR, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the nucleic acid sequence encoding TIM3-CD28 and a PSMA-CAR will be known to those of skill in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%/a, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 165-168. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding for TIM3-CD28 and human 1C3 PSMA-CAR comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 165. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding for TIM3-CD28 and human 2A10 PSMA-CAR comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 166. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding for TIM3-CD28 and human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 167. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding for TIM3-CD28 and human 2C6 PSMA-CAR comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 168.
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding a switch receptor, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR. In one embodiment, the switch receptor is PD1-CTM-CD28.
In one embodiment, the CAR is a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1-CTM-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1-CTM-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1-CTM-CD28 and a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain will be known to those of skill in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:217. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding for PD1-CTM-CD28 and human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:217.
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding a switch receptor, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR. In one embodiment, the switch receptor is PD1-CTM-CD28. In one embodiment, the CAR is a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1-CTM-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1-CTM-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1-CTM-CD28 and a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain will be known to those of skill in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:218. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding for PD1-CTM-CD28 and human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:218.
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding a switch receptor, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR. In one embodiment, the switch receptor is PD1A132L-PTM-CD28. In one embodiment, the CAR is a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A132L-PTM-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A132L-PTM-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A132L-PTM-CD28 and a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain will be known to those of skill in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:219. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding for PD1A132L-PTM-CD28and human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:219.
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding a switch receptor, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR. In one embodiment, the switch receptor is PD1A132L-PTM-CD28. In one embodiment, the CAR is a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A132L-PTM-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A132L-PTM-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A132L-PTM-CD28and a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain will be known to those of skill in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:220. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding for PD1A132L-PTM-CD28and human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:220.
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding a switch receptor, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR. In one embodiment, the switch receptor is PD1A132L-4-1BB. In one embodiment, the CAR is a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A132L-4-1BB, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A132L-4-1BB, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A132L-4-1BB and a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain will be known to those of skill in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:221. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding for PD1A132L-4-1BB and human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:221.
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding a switch receptor, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR. In one embodiment, the switch receptor is PD1A132L-4-1BB. In one embodiment, the CAR is a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A132L-4-1BB, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A132L-4-1BB, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A132L-4-1BB and a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain will be known to those of skill in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:222. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding for PD1A132L-4-1BB and human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:222.
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding a switch receptor, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR. In one embodiment, the switch receptor is TIM3-CD28. In one embodiment, the CAR is a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TIM3-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TIM3-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the nucleic acid sequence encoding TIM3-CD28and a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain will be known to those of skill in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:223. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding for TIM3-CD28and human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:223.
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding a switch receptor, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR. In one embodiment, the switch receptor is TIM3-CD28. In one embodiment, the CAR is a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TIM3-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TIM3-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the nucleic acid sequence encoding TIM3-CD28and a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain will be known to those of skill in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:224. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding for TIM3-CD28and human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:224.
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding a first switch receptor, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a first linker comprising F2A, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a second switch receptor, a nucleic acid encoding a second linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR. In one embodiment, the first switch receptor is TIM3-CD28, and the second switch receptor is PD1A132L-4-1BB. In one embodiment, the first switch receptor is PD1A132L-4-1BB, and the second switch receptor is TIM3-CD28. In one embodiment, the CAR is a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain. In one embodiment, the first and second linkers are the same. In one embodiment, the first and second linkers are different. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A132L-4-1BB, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a first linker comprising F2A, a nucleic acid sequence encoding TIM3-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a second linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A132L-4-1BB, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a first linker comprising F2A, a nucleic acid sequence encoding TIM3-CD28, a nucleic acid encoding a second linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A132L-4-1BB, TIM3-CD28, and a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain will be known to those of skill in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence has at least 60%/a, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%/a, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:225. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding for PD1A132L-4-1BB, TIM3-CD28, and a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising an ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:225.
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding a first switch receptor, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a first linker comprising F2A, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a second switch receptor, a nucleic acid encoding a second linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR. In one embodiment, the first switch receptor is TIM3-CD28, and the second switch receptor is PD1A132L-4-1BB. In one embodiment, the first switch receptor is PD1A132L-4-1BB, and the second switch receptor is TIM3-CD28. In one embodiment, the CAR is a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain. In one embodiment, the first and second linkers are the same. In one embodiment, the first and second linkers are different. Accordingly, in an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A132L-4-1BB, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a first linker comprising F2A, a nucleic acid sequence encoding TIM3-CD28, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a second linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid comprising from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A132L-4-1BB, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a first linker comprising F2A, a nucleic acid sequence encoding TIM3-CD28, a nucleic acid encoding a second linker comprising F2A, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain, comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth below:
Tolerable variations of the nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1A132L-4-1BB, TIM3-CD28, and a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain will be known to those of skill in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence has at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99% sequence identity to the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:226. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding for PD1A132L-4-1BB, TIM3-CD28, and a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR comprising a variant ICOS domain and a CD3zeta domain comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:226.
In some embodiments, the present invention provides a nucleic acid comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a dominant negative receptor and a switch receptor as described herein. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a dominant negative receptor and a switch receptor and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR as described herein (e.g., a PSMA-CAR). In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the dominant negative receptor and the switch receptor and the nucleic acid sequence encoding the CAR resides on separate nucleic acids. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the dominant negative receptor and the switch receptor and the nucleic acid sequence encoding the CAR resides within the same nucleic acid. In such an embodiment, the nucleic acid sequences encoding the dominant negative receptor and the switch receptor and the nucleic acid sequence encoding the CAR are separated by a linker as described herein.
The nucleic acid of the present disclosure may comprise a 5′ to 3′ orientation of the nucleic acid sequence encoding the dominant negative receptor, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the switch receptor, and the nucleic acid sequence encoding the CAR, in any order. Those of skill in the art will readily be able to determine the optimal 5′ to 3′ orientation of the nucleic acid sequence encoding the dominant negative receptor, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the switch receptor, and the nucleic acid sequence encoding the CAR.
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding a dominant negative receptor, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a first linker, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a switch receptor, a nucleic acid encoding a second linker, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR.
In one embodiment, the dominant negative receptor is TGFβRII-DN (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 115), and the switch receptor is PD1-CTM-CD28 (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 117). In one embodiment, the dominant negative receptor is TGFβRII-DN (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 115), and the switch receptor is PD1-PTM-CD28 (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 119). In one embodiment, the dominant negative receptor is TGFβRII-DN (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 115), and the switch receptor is PD1A132L-PTM-CD28 (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 121). In one embodiment, the dominant negative receptor is TGFβRII-DN (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 115), and the switch receptor is PD1-4-1BB (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 213). In one embodiment, the dominant negative receptor is TGFβRII-DN (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 115), and the switch receptor is PD1A132L-4-1BB (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 215). In one embodiment, the dominant negative receptor is TGFβRII-DN (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 115), and the switch receptor is TGFβR-IL12Rβ1 (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 123). In one embodiment, the dominant negative receptor is TGFβRII-DN (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 115), and the switch receptor is TGFβR-IL12R32 (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 125). In one embodiment, the dominant negative receptor is TGFβRII-DN (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 115), and the switch receptor is TIM3-CD28 (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 127).
In an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TGFβRII-DN (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 115), a nucleic acid sequence encoding a first linker, a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1-CTM-CD28 (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 117), a nucleic acid encoding a second linker, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a J591 murine PSMA-CAR (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 105). In an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TGFβRII-DN (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 115), a nucleic acid sequence encoding a first linker, a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1-PTM-CD28 (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 119), a nucleic acid encoding a second linker, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a J591 murine PSMA-CAR (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 105).
In an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TGFβRII-DN (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 115), a nucleic acid sequence encoding a first linker, a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1-CTM-CD28 (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 117), a nucleic acid encoding a second linker, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a huJ591 PSMA-CAR (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 245, 247, 249, 251, 253, or 255). In an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TGFβRII-DN (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 115), a nucleic acid sequence encoding a first linker, a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1-PTM-CD28 (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 119), a nucleic acid encoding a second linker, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a huJ591 PSMA-CAR (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 245, 247, 249, 251, 253, or 255).
In an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TGFβRII-DN (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 115), a nucleic acid sequence encoding a first linker, a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1-CTM-CD28 (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 117), a nucleic acid encoding a second linker, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a huJ591 PSMA-CAR (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 245). In an exemplary embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises from 5′ to 3′: a nucleic acid sequence encoding TGFβRII-DN (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 115), a nucleic acid sequence encoding a first linker, a nucleic acid sequence encoding PD1-PTM-CD28 (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 119), a nucleic acid encoding a second linker, and a nucleic acid sequence encoding a huJ591 PSMA-CAR (for example, having the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 247).
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure may be operably linked to a transcriptional control element, e.g., a promoter, and enhancer, etc. Suitable promoter and enhancer elements are known to those of skill in the art.
For expression in a bacterial cell, suitable promoters include, but are not limited to, lacI, lacZ, T3, T7, gpt, lambda P and trc. For expression in a eukaryotic cell, suitable promoters include, but are not limited to, light and/or heavy chain immunoglobulin gene promoter and enhancer elements; cytomegalovirus immediate early promoter; herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase promoter; early and late SV40 promoters; promoter present in long terminal repeats from a retrovirus; mouse metallothionein-I promoter; and various art-known tissue specific promoters. Suitable reversible promoters, including reversible inducible promoters are known in the art. Such reversible promoters may be isolated and derived from many organisms, e.g., eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Modification of reversible promoters derived from a first organism for use in a second organism, e.g., a first prokaryote and a second a eukaryote, a first eukaryote and a second a prokaryote, etc., is well known in the art.
Such reversible promoters, and systems based on such reversible promoters but also comprising additional control proteins, include, but are not limited to, alcohol regulated promoters (e.g., alcohol dehydrogenase I (alcA) gene promoter, promoters responsive to alcohol transactivator proteins (AlcR), etc.), tetracycline regulated promoters, (e.g., promoter systems including TetActivators, TetON, TetOFF, etc.), steroid regulated promoters (e.g., rat glucocorticoid receptor promoter systems, human estrogen receptor promoter systems, retinoid promoter systems, thyroid promoter systems, ecdysone promoter systems, mifepristone promoter systems, etc.), metal regulated promoters (e.g., metallothionein promoter systems, etc.), pathogenesis-related regulated promoters (e.g., salicylic acid regulated promoters, ethylene regulated promoters, benzothiadiazole regulated promoters, etc.), temperature regulated promoters (e.g., heat shock inducible promoters (e.g., HSP-70, HSP-90, soybean heat shock promoter, etc.), light regulated promoters, synthetic inducible promoters, and the like.
In some embodiments, the promoter is a CD8 cell-specific promoter, a CD4 cell-specific promoter, a neutrophil-specific promoter, or an NK-specific promoter. For example, a CD4 gene promoter can be used; see, e.g., Salmon et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1993) 90:7739; and Marodon et al. (2003) Blood 101:3416. As another example, a CD8 gene promoter can be used. NK cell-specific expression can be achieved by use of an NcrI (p46) promoter; see, e.g., Eckelhart et al. Blood (2011) 117:1565.
For expression in a yeast cell, a suitable promoter is a constitutive promoter such as an ADH1 promoter, a PGK1 promoter, an ENO promoter, a PYK1 promoter and the like; or a regulatable promoter such as a GAL1 promoter, a GAL10 promoter, an ADH2 promoter, a PHOS promoter, a CUP1 promoter, a GALT promoter, a MET25 promoter, a MET3 promoter, a CYC1 promoter, a HIS3 promoter, an ADH1 promoter, a PGK promoter, a GAPDH promoter, an ADC1 promoter, a TRP 1 promoter, a URA3 promoter, a LEU2 promoter, an ENO promoter, a TP1 promoter, and AOX1 (e.g., for use in Pichia). Selection of the appropriate vector and promoter is well within the level of ordinary skill in the art. Suitable promoters for use in prokaryotic host cells include, but are not limited to, a bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase promoter; a trp promoter; a lac operon promoter; a hybrid promoter, e.g., a lac/tac hybrid promoter, a tac/trc hybrid promoter, a trp/lac promoter, a T7/lac promoter; a trc promoter; a tac promoter, and the like; an araBAD promoter; in vivo regulated promoters, such as an ssaG promoter or a related promoter (see, e.g., U.S. Patent Publication No. 20040131637), a pagC promoter (Pulkkinen and Miller, J. Bacteriol. (1991) 173(1): 86-93; Alpuche-Aranda et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1992) 89(21): 10079-83), a nirB promoter (Harborne et al. Mol. Micro. (1992) 6:2805-2813), and the like (see, e.g., Dunstan et al., Infect. Immun. (1999) 67:5133-5141; McKelvie et al., Vaccine (2004) 22:3243-3255; and Chatfield et al., Biotechnol. (1992) 10:888-892); a sigma70 promoter, e.g., a consensus sigma70 promoter (see, e.g., GenBank Accession Nos. AX798980, AX798961, and AX798183); a stationary phase promoter, e.g., a dps promoter, an spy promoter, and the like; a promoter derived from the pathogenicity island SPI-2 (see, e.g., WO96/17951); an actA promoter (see, e.g., Shetron-Rama et al., Infect. Immun. (2002) 70:1087-1096); an rpsM promoter (see, e.g., Valdivia and Falkow Mol. Microbiol. (1996). 22:367); a tet promoter (see, e.g., Hillen, W. and Wissmann, A. (1989) In Saenger, W. and Heinemann, U. (eds), Topics in Molecular and Structural Biology, Protein-Nucleic Acid Interaction. Macmillan, London, UK, Vol. 10, pp. 143-162); an SP6 promoter (see, e.g., Melton et al., Nucl. Acids Res. (1984) 12:7035); and the like. Suitable strong promoters for use in prokaryotes such as Escherichia coli include, but are not limited to Trc, Tac, T5, T7, and PLambda. Non-limiting examples of operators for use in bacterial host cells include a lactose promoter operator (LacI repressor protein changes conformation when contacted with lactose, thereby preventing the Lad repressor protein from binding to the operator), a tryptophan promoter operator (when complexed with tryptophan, TrpR repressor protein has a conformation that binds the operator; in the absence of tryptophan, the TrpR repressor protein has a conformation that does not bind to the operator), and a tac promoter operator (see, e.g., deBoer et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. (1983) 80:21-25).
Other examples of suitable promoters include the immediate early cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter sequence. This promoter sequence is a strong constitutive promoter sequence capable of driving high levels of expression of any polynucleotide sequence operatively linked thereto. Other constitutive promoter sequences may also be used, including, but not limited to a simian virus 40 (SV40) early promoter, a mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter, a MoMuLV promoter, an avian leukemia virus promoter, an Epstein-Barr virus immediate early promoter, a Rous sarcoma virus promoter, the EF-1 alpha promoter, as well as human gene promoters such as, but not limited to, an actin promoter, a myosin promoter, a hemoglobin promoter, and a creatine kinase promoter. Further, the invention should not be limited to the use of constitutive promoters. Inducible promoters are also contemplated as part of the invention. The use of an inducible promoter provides a molecular switch capable of turning on expression of the polynucleotide sequence which it is operatively linked when such expression is desired, or turning off the expression when expression is not desired. Examples of inducible promoters include, but are not limited to a metallothionine promoter, a glucocorticoid promoter, a progesterone promoter, and a tetracycline promoter.
In some embodiments, the locus or construct or transgene containing the suitable promoter is irreversibly switched through the induction of an inducible system. Suitable systems for induction of an irreversible switch are well known in the art, e.g., induction of an irreversible switch may make use of a Cre-lox-mediated recombination (see, e.g., Fuhrmann-Benzakein, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (2000) 28:e99, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference). Any suitable combination of recombinase, endonuclease, ligase, recombination sites, etc. known to the art may be used in generating an irreversibly switchable promoter. Methods, mechanisms, and requirements for performing site-specific recombination, described elsewhere herein, find use in generating irreversibly switched promoters and are well known in the art, see, e.g., Grindley et al. Annual Review of Biochemistry (2006) 567-605; and Tropp, Molecular Biology (2012) (Jones & Bartlett Publishers, Sudbury, Mass.), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure further comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a TCR/CAR inducible expression cassette. In one embodiment, the TCR/CAR inducible expression cassette is for the production of a transgenic polypeptide product that is released upon TCR/CAR signaling. See, e.g., Chmielewski and Abken, Expert Opin. Biol. Ther. (2015) 15(8): 1145-1154; and Abken, Immunotherapy (2015) 7(5): 535-544. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present disclosure further comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a cytokine operably linked to a T-cell activation responsive promoter. In some embodiments, the cytokine operably linked to a T-cell activation responsive promoter is present on a separate nucleic acid sequence. In one embodiment, the cytokine is IL-12.
A nucleic acid of the present disclosure may be present within an expression vector and/or a cloning vector. An expression vector can include a selectable marker, an origin of replication, and other features that provide for replication and/or maintenance of the vector.
Suitable expression vectors include, e.g., plasmids, viral vectors, and the like. Large numbers of suitable vectors and promoters are known to those of skill in the art; many are commercially available for generating a subject recombinant construct. The following vectors are provided by way of example, and should not be construed in anyway as limiting: Bacterial: pBs, phagescript, PsiX174, pBluescript SK, pBs KS, pNH8a, pNH16a, pNH18a, pNH46a (Stratagene, La Jolla, Calif., USA); pTrc99A, pKK223-3, pKK233-3, pDR540, and pRIT5 (Pharmacia, Uppsala, Sweden). Eukaryotic: pWLneo, pSV2cat, pOG44, PXR1, pSG (Stratagene) pSVK3, pBPV, pMSG and pSVL (Pharmacia).
Expression vectors generally have convenient restriction sites located near the promoter sequence to provide for the insertion of nucleic acid sequences encoding heterologous proteins. A selectable marker operative in the expression host may be present. Suitable expression vectors include, but are not limited to, viral vectors (e.g. viral vectors based on vaccinia virus; poliovirus; adenovirus (see, e.g., Li et al., Invest. Opthalmol. Vis. Sci. (1994) 35: 2543-2549; Borras et al., Gene Ther. (1999) 6: 515-524; Li and Davidson, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1995) 92: 7700-7704; Sakamoto et al., H. Gene Ther. (1999) 5: 1088-1097; WO 94/12649, WO 93/03769; WO 93/19191; WO 94/28938; WO 95/11984 and WO 95/00655); adeno-associated virus (see, e.g., Ali et al., Hum. Gene Ther. (1998) 9: 81-86, Flannery et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1997) 94: 6916-6921; Bennett et al., Invest. Opthalmol. Vis. Sci. (1997) 38: 2857-2863; Jomary et al., Gene Ther. (1997) 4:683 690, Rolling et al., Hum. Gene Ther. (1999) 10: 641-648; Ali et al., Hum. Mol. Genet. (1996) 5: 591-594; Srivastava in WO 93/09239, Samulski et al., J. Vir. (1989) 63: 3822-3828; Mendelson et al., Virol. (1988) 166: 154-165; and Flotte et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1993) 90: 10613-10617); SV40; herpes simplex virus; human immunodeficiency virus (see, e.g., Miyoshi et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1997) 94: 10319-23; Takahashi et al., J. Virol. (1999) 73: 7812-7816); a retroviral vector (e.g., Murine Leukemia Virus, spleen necrosis virus, and vectors derived from retroviruses such as Rous Sarcoma Virus, Harvey Sarcoma Virus, avian leukosis virus, human immunodeficiency virus, myeloproliferative sarcoma virus, and mammary tumor virus); and the like.
Additional expression vectors suitable for use are, e.g., without limitation, a lentivirus vector, a gamma retrovirus vector, a foamy virus vector, an adeno-associated virus vector, an adenovirus vector, a pox virus vector, a herpes virus vector, an engineered hybrid virus vector, a transposon mediated vector, and the like. Viral vector technology is well known in the art and is described, for example, in Sambrook et al., 2012, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, volumes 1-4, Cold Spring Harbor Press, NY), and in other virology and molecular biology manuals. Viruses, which are useful as vectors include, but are not limited to, retroviruses, adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, herpes viruses, and lentiviruses.
In general, a suitable vector contains an origin of replication functional in at least one organism, a promoter sequence, convenient restriction endonuclease sites, and one or more selectable markers, (e.g., WO 01/96584; WO 01/29058; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,326,193).
In some embodiments, an expression vector (e.g., a lentiviral vector) may be used to introduce the TCR/CAR and/or the dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor into an immune cell or precursor thereof (e.g., a T cell). Accordingly, an expression vector (e.g., a lentiviral vector) of the present invention may comprise a nucleic acid encoding for a TCR/CAR and/or the dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor. In some embodiments, the expression vector (e.g., lentiviral vector) will comprise additional elements that will aid in the functional expression of the TCR/CAR and/or the dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor encoded therein. In some embodiments, an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding for a TCR/CAR and/or the dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor further comprises a mammalian promoter. In one embodiment, the vector further comprises an elongation-factor-1-alpha promoter (EF-1α promoter). Use of an EF-1α promoter may increase the efficiency in expression of downstream transgenes (e.g., a TCR/CAR and/or the dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor encoding nucleic acid sequence). Physiologic promoters (e.g., an EF-1α promoter) may be less likely to induce integration mediated genotoxicity, and may abrogate the ability of the retroviral vector to transform stem cells. Other physiological promoters suitable for use in a vector (e.g., lentiviral vector) are known to those of skill in the art and may be incorporated into a vector of the present invention. In some embodiments, the vector (e.g., lentiviral vector) further comprises a non-requisite cis acting sequence that may improve titers and gene expression. One non-limiting example of a non-requisite cis acting sequence is the central polypurine tract and central termination sequence (cPPT/CTS) which is important for efficient reverse transcription and nuclear import. Other non-requisite cis acting sequences are known to those of skill in the art and may be incorporated into a vector (e.g., lentiviral vector) of the present invention. In some embodiments, the vector further comprises a posttranscriptional regulatory element. Posttranscriptional regulatory elements may improve RNA translation, improve transgene expression and stabilize RNA transcripts. One example of a posttranscriptional regulatory element is the woodchuck hepatitis virus posttranscriptional regulatory element (WPRE). Accordingly, in some embodiments a vector for the present invention further comprises a WPRE sequence. Various posttranscriptional regulator elements are known to those of skill in the art and may be incorporated into a vector (e.g., lentiviral vector) of the present invention. A vector of the present invention may further comprise additional elements such as a rev response element (RRE) for RNA transport, packaging sequences, and 5′ and 3′ long terminal repeats (LTRs). The term “long terminal repeat” or “LTR” refers to domains of base pairs located at the ends of retroviral DNAs which comprise U3, R and U5 regions. LTRs generally provide functions required for the expression of retroviral genes (e.g., promotion, initiation and polyadenylation of gene transcripts) and to viral replication. In one embodiment, a vector (e.g., lentiviral vector) of the present invention includes a 3′ U3 deleted LTR. Accordingly, a vector (e.g., lentiviral vector) of the present invention may comprise any combination of the elements described herein to enhance the efficiency of functional expression of transgenes. For example, a vector (e.g., lentiviral vector) of the present invention may comprise a WPRE sequence, cPPT sequence, RRE sequence, 5′LTR, 3′ U3 deleted LTR′ in addition to a nucleic acid encoding for a TCR/CAR and/or the dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor.
Vectors of the present invention may be self-inactivating vectors. As used herein, the term “self-inactivating vector” refers to vectors in which the 3′ LTR enhancer promoter region (U3 region) has been modified (e.g., by deletion or substitution). A self-inactivating vector may prevent viral transcription beyond the first round of viral replication. Consequently, a self-inactivating vector may be capable of infecting and then integrating into a host genome (e.g., a mammalian genome) only once, and cannot be passed further.
Accordingly, self-inactivating vectors may greatly reduce the risk of creating a replication-competent virus.
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid of the present invention may be RNA, e.g., in vitro synthesized RNA. Methods for in vitro synthesis of RNA are known to those of skill in the art; any known method can be used to synthesize RNA comprising a sequence encoding a TCR/CAR and/or the dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor of the present disclosure. Methods for introducing RNA into a host cell are known in the art. See, e.g., Zhao et al. Cancer Res. (2010) 15: 9053. Introducing RNA comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a TCR/CAR and/or the dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor of the present disclosure into a host cell can be carried out in vitro or ex vivo or in vivo. For example, a host cell (e.g., an NK cell, a cytotoxic T lymphocyte, etc.) can be electroporated in vitro or ex vivo with RNA comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a TCR/CAR and/or the dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor of the present disclosure.
In order to assess the expression of a polypeptide or portions thereof, the expression vector to be introduced into a cell may also contain either a selectable marker gene or a reporter gene, or both, to facilitate identification and selection of expressing cells from the population of cells sought to be transfected or infected through viral vectors. In some embodiments, the selectable marker may be carried on a separate piece of DNA and used in a co-transfection procedure. Both selectable markers and reporter genes may be flanked with appropriate regulatory sequences to enable expression in the host cells. Useful selectable markers include, without limitation, antibiotic-resistance genes.
Reporter genes are used for identifying potentially transfected cells and for evaluating the functionality of regulatory sequences. In general, a reporter gene is a gene that is not present in or expressed by the recipient organism or tissue and that encodes a polypeptide whose expression is manifested by some easily detectable property, e.g., enzymatic activity.
Expression of the reporter gene is assessed at a suitable time after the DNA has been introduced into the recipient cells. Suitable reporter genes may include, without limitation, genes encoding luciferase, beta-galactosidase, chloramphenicol acetyl transferase, secreted alkaline phosphatase, or the green fluorescent protein gene (e.g., Ui-Tei et al., 2000 FEBS Letters 479: 79-82).
F. Modified Immune CellsThe present invention provides a modified immune cell or precursor cell thereof (e.g., a T cell), comprising a CAR and/or a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor. Accordingly, such modified cells possess the specificity directed by the CAR that is expressed therein. For example, a modified cell of the present invention comprising a PSMA-CAR possesses specificity for PSMA on a target cell.
In some embodiments, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a CAR. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a CAR having affinity for a prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on a target cell. In some embodiments, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a dominant negative receptor capable of reducing the effect of a negative signal transduction molecule in the microenvironment. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a switch receptor capable of reducing the effect of a negative signal transduction molecule in the microenvironment, and converting the negative signal into a positive signal within the modified cell. In some embodiments, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a CAR and a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a CAR having affinity for PSMA on a target cell, and a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor. Modified cells comprising a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor of the present invention are able to engage negative signal transduction molecules (e.g., inhibitory ligands) in the microenvironment by virtue of their respective extracellular domains. In some embodiments, a modified cell of the present invention comprising a dominant negative receptor is capable of reducing the effect of a negative signal transduction molecule in the microenvironment, wherein the dominant negative receptor comprises an extracellular domain associated with the negative signal. In some embodiments, a modified cell of the present invention comprising a switch receptor is capable of converting the effect of a negative signal transduction molecule in the microenvironment into a positive signal, wherein the switch receptor comprises an extracellular domain associated with the negative signal and an intracellular domain associated with the positive signal.
In an exemplary embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a dominant negative receptor that is capable of reducing the effect of a negative signal transduction molecule. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises TGFβRII-DN.
In an exemplary embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a switch receptor that is capable of converting the effect of a negative signal transduction molecule into a positive (e.g., activating) signal within the modified cell. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises PD1-CTM-CD28. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises PD1A132L-PTM-CD28. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises TIM3-CD28.
In an exemplary embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a PSMA-CAR and a dominant negative receptor that is capable of reducing the effect of a negative signal transduction molecule. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a murine J591 PSMA-CAR and TGFβRII-DN. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a humanized J591 PSMA-CAR and TGFβRII-DN. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 1C3 PSMA-CAR and TGFβRII-DN. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 2A10 PSMA-CAR and TGFβRII-DN. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR and TGFβRII-DN. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 2C6 PSMA-CAR and TGFβRII-DN. Such modified cells (e.g., modified T cells) in addition to having affinity for PSMA on a target cell, are capable of reducing inhibitory TGF-β signals from the microenvironment they reside in.
In an exemplary embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a PSMA-CAR and a switch receptor that is capable of converting the inhibitory effect of a negative signal transduction molecule into a positive signal within the modified cell. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a murine J591 PSMA-CAR and PD1-CTM-CD28. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a humanized J591 PSMA-CAR (huJ591 PSMA-CAR) and PD1-CTM-CD28. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 1C3 PSMA-CAR and PD1-CTM-CD28. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 2A10 PSMA-CAR and PD1-CTM-CD28. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR and PD1-CTM-CD28. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 2C6 PSMA-CAR and PD1-CTM-CD28. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a murine J591 PSMA-CAR and PD1-PTM-CD28. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a humanized J591 PSMA-CAR (huJ591 PSMA-CAR) and PD1-PTM-CD28. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 1C3 PSMA-CAR and PD1-PTM-CD28. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 2A10 PSMA-CAR and PD1-PTM-CD28. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR and PD1-PTM-CD28. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 2C6 PSMA-CAR and PD1-PTM-CD28. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a murine J591 PSMA-CAR and PD1A132L-PTM-CD28. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a humanized J591 PSMA-CAR (huJ591 PSMA-CAR) and PD1A132L-PTM-CD28. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 1C3 PSMA-CAR and PD1A132L-PTM-CD28. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 2A10 PSMA-CAR and PD1A132L-PTM-CD28. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR and PD1A132L-PTM-CD28. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 2C6 PSMA-CAR and PD1A132L-PTM-CD28. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a murine J591 PSMA-CAR and TIM3-CD28. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a humanized J591 PSMA-CAR (huJ591 PSMA-CAR) and TIM3-CD28. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 1C3 PSMA-CAR and TIM3-CD28. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 2A10 PSMA-CAR and TIM3-CD28. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR and TIM3-CD28. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 2C6 PSMA-CAR and TIM3-CD28. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a murine J591 PSMA-CAR and PD1-4-1BB. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a humanized J591 PSMA-CAR (huJ591 PSMA-CAR) and PD1-4-1BB. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 1C3 PSMA-CAR and PD1-4-1BB. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 2A10 PSMA-CAR and PD1-4-1BB. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR and PD1-4-1BB. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 2C6 PSMA-CAR and PD1-4-1BB. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a murine J591 PSMA-CAR and PD1A132L-4-1BB. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a humanized J591 PSMA-CAR (huJ591 PSMA-CAR) and PD1A132L-4-1BB. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 1C3 PSMA-CAR and PD1A132L-4-1BB. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 2A10 PSMA-CAR and PD1A132L-4-1BB. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR and PD1A132L-4-1BB. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 2C6 PSMA-CAR and PD1A132L-4-1BB. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a murine J591 PSMA-CAR and TGFβR-IL12Rβ1. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a humanized J591 PSMA-CAR (huJ591 PSMA-CAR) and TGFβR-IL12Rβ1. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 1C3 PSMA-CAR and TGFβR-IL12Rβ1. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 2A10 PSMA-CAR and TGFβR-IL12Rβ1. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR and TGFβR-IL12Rβ1. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 2C6 PSMA-CAR and TGFβR-IL12Rβ1. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a murine J591 PSMA-CAR and TGFβR-IL12β2. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a humanized J591 PSMA-CAR (huJ591 PSMA-CAR) and TGFβR-IL12Rβ2. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 1C3 PSMA-CAR and TGFβR-IL12Rβ2. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 2A10 PSMA-CAR and TGFβR-IL12Rβ2. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR and TGFβR-IL12Rβ2. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a human 2C6 PSMA-CAR and TGFβR-IL12Rβ2. Such modified cells (e.g., modified T cells) in addition to having affinity for PSMA on a target cell, are capable of converting inhibitory PD-1 or TGFβ signals from the microenvironment into a positive (e.g., activating) signal within the modified cell. Such modified cells (e.g., modified T cells) in addition to having affinity for PSMA on a target cell, are capable of converting inhibitory PD-1 or TIM-3 signals from the microenvironment into a positive (e.g., activating) CD28 signal within the modified cell.
In an exemplary embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a murine J591 PSMA-CAR, TGFβRII-DN, and PD1-CTM-CD28. In an exemplary embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a murine J591 PSMA-CAR, TGFβRII-DN, and PD1-PTM-CD28.
In an exemplary embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a humanized J591 PSMA-CAR (huJ591 PSMA-CAR), TGFβRII-DN, and PD1-CTM-CD28. In an exemplary embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a humanized J591 PSMA-CAR (huJ591 PSMA-CAR), TGFβRII-DN, and PD1-PTM-CD28.
In an exemplary embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid encoding a bispecific antibody. In one embodiment, such modified cells can secrete the bispecific antibody outside of the modified cell. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid encoding a bispecific antibody, wherein the bispecific antibody comprises more than one antigen binding domain, wherein at least one antigen binding domain binds to a negative signal transduction molecule (e.g., a negative signal transduction molecule found in the microenvironment of the modified cell), and at least one antigen binding domain binds a co-stimulatory molecule on the surface of the modified cell. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid encoding a 13G4-1211 PD-L1/CD28 bispecific antibody as described herein. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid encoding a 10A5-1412 PD-L1/CD28 bispecific antibody as described herein. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid encoding a 1B12-1412 PD-L1/CD28 bispecific antibody as described herein. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid encoding a TGFβR-1-1412 TGFβRII/CD28 bispecific antibody as described herein. In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a nucleic acid encoding a TGFβR-3-1412 TGFβRII/CD28 bispecific antibody as described herein.
In an exemplary embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a PSMA-CAR, a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor, and may further comprise a nucleic acid encoding a bispecific antibody. Such modified cells (e.g., modified T cells) in addition to having affinity for PSMA on a target cell, are capable of reducing inhibitory signals from the microenvironment they reside in, and secreting the bispecific antibody into the microenvironment they reside in. In such cells, the activity of the bispecific antibody may further increase the activation of the modified cell (e.g., modified T cell). In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a PSMA-CAR selected from the group consisting of a murine J591 PSMA-CAR, a humanized J591 PSMA-CAR (huJ591 PSMA-CAR), a human 1C3 PSMA-CAR, a human 2A10 PSMA-CAR, a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR, and a human 2C6 PSMA-CAR; TGFβRII-DN; and expresses and secretes a bispecific antibody selected from the group consisting of a 13G4-1211 PD-L1/CD28 bispecific antibody, a 10A5-1412 PD-L1/CD28 bispecific antibody, a 1B12-1412 PD-L1/CD28 bispecific antibody, a TGFβR-1-1412 TGFβRII/CD28 bispecific antibody, and a TGFβR-3-1412 TGFβRII/CD28 bispecific antibody.
In an exemplary embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a PSMA-CAR, a switch receptor, and may further comprise a nucleic acid encoding a bispecific antibody. Such modified cells (e.g., modified T cells) in addition to having affinity for PSMA on a target cell, are capable of converting inhibitory signals from the microenvironment they reside in into a positive (e.g., activating) signal within the modified cell, and secreting the bispecific antibody into the microenvironment they reside in. In such cells, the activity of the bispecific antibody may further increase the activation of the modified cell (e.g., modified T cell). In one embodiment, a modified cell of the present invention comprises a PSMA-CAR selected from the group consisting of a murine J591 PSMA-CAR, a humanized J591 PSMA-CAR (huJ591 PSMA-CAR), a human 1C3 PSMA-CAR, a human 2A10 PSMA-CAR, a human 2F5 PSMA-CAR, and a human 2C6 PSMA-CAR; a switch receptor selected from the group consisting of a PD1-CTM-CD28 switch receptor, a PD1A132L-PTM-CD28 switch receptor, and a TIM3-CD28 switch receptor; and expresses and secretes a bispecific antibody selected from the group consisting of a 13G4-1211 PD-L1/CD28 bispecific antibody, a 10A5-1412 PD-L1/CD28 bispecific antibody, a 1B12-1412 PD-L1/CD28 bispecific antibody, a TGFβR-1-1412 TGFβRII/CD28 bispecific antibody, and a TGFβR-3-1412 TGFβRII/CD28 bispecific antibody.
Any modified cell comprising a PSMA-CAR of the present invention, a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor of the present invention, and/or expresses and secretes a bispecific antibody of the present invention is envisioned, and can readily be understood and made by a person of skill in the art in view of the disclosure herein.
G. Methods of Producing Modified Immune CellsThe present invention provides methods for producing or generating a modified immune cell or precursor thereof (e.g., a T cell) of the invention for tumor immunotherapy, e.g., adoptive immunotherapy. The cells generally are engineered by introducing one or more nucleic acids encoding a subject CAR, dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor, and/or bispecific antibody, and/or combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, one or more nucleic acids encoding the subject CAR, dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor, and/or bispecific antibody is introduced into a cell by an expression vector. Expression vectors comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding a subject CAR, dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor, and/or bispecific antibody, and/or combinations thereof, of the present invention are provided herein. Suitable expression vectors include lentivirus vectors, gamma retrovirus vectors, foamy virus vectors, adeno associated virus (AAV) vectors, adenovirus vectors, engineered hybrid viruses, naked DNA, including but not limited to transposon mediated vectors, such as Sleeping Beauty, Piggybak, and Integrases such as Phi31. Some other suitable expression vectors include Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and retrovirus expression vectors.
Adenovirus expression vectors are based on adenoviruses, which have a low capacity for integration into genomic DNA but a high efficiency for transfecting host cells. Adenovirus expression vectors contain adenovirus sequences sufficient to: (a) support packaging of the expression vector and (b) to ultimately express the subject CAR, dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor, and/or bispecific antibody, and/or combinations thereof, in the host cell. In some embodiments, the adenovirus genome is a 36 kb, linear, double stranded DNA, where a foreign DNA sequence (e.g., a nucleic acid encoding a subject CAR, dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor, and/or bispecific antibody, and/or combinations thereof) may be inserted to substitute large pieces of adenoviral DNA in order to make the expression vector of the present invention (see, e.g., Danthinne and Imperiale, Gene Therapy (2000) 7(20): 1707-1714).
Another expression vector is based on an adeno associated virus, which takes advantage of the adenovirus coupled systems. This AAV expression vector has a high frequency of integration into the host genome. It can infect non-dividing cells, thus making it useful for delivery of genes into mammalian cells, for example, in tissue cultures or in vivo. The AAV vector has a broad host range for infectivity. Details concerning the generation and use of AAV vectors are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,139,941 and 4,797,368.
Retrovirus expression vectors are capable of integrating into the host genome, delivering a large amount of foreign genetic material, infecting a broad spectrum of species and cell types and being packaged in special cell lines. The retrovirus vector is constructed by inserting a nucleic acid (e.g., a nucleic acid encoding a subject CAR, dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor, and/or bispecific antibody, and/or combinations thereof) into the viral genome at certain locations to produce a virus that is replication defective. Though the retrovirus vectors are able to infect a broad variety of cell types, integration and stable expression of the subject CAR, dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor, and/or bispecific antibody, and/or combinations thereof, requires the division of host cells.
Lentivirus vectors are derived from lentiviruses, which are complex retroviruses that, in addition to the common retroviral genes gag, pol, and env, contain other genes with regulatory or structural function (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,013,516 and 5,994,136). Some examples of lentiviruses include the Human Immunodeficiency Viruses (HIV-1, HIV-2) and the Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV). Lentivirus vectors have been generated by multiply attenuating the HIV virulence genes, for example, the genes env, vif, vpr, vpu and nef are deleted making the vector biologically safe. Lentivirus vectors are capable of infecting non-dividing cells and can be used for both in vivo and ex vivo gene transfer and expression, e.g., of a nucleic acid encoding a subject CAR, dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor, and/or bispecific antibody, and/or combinations thereof (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 5,994,136).
Expression vectors including a nucleic acid of the present disclosure can be introduced into a host cell by any means known to persons skilled in the art. The expression vectors may include viral sequences for transfection, if desired. Alternatively, the expression vectors may be introduced by fusion, electroporation, biolistics, transfection, lipofection, or the like. The host cell may be grown and expanded in culture before introduction of the expression vectors, followed by the appropriate treatment for introduction and integration of the vectors. The host cells are then expanded and may be screened by virtue of a marker present in the vectors. Various markers that may be used are known in the art, and may include hprt, neomycin resistance, thymidine kinase, hygromycin resistance, etc. As used herein, the terms “cell,” “cell line,” and “cell culture” may be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, the host cell an immune cell or precursor thereof, e.g., a T cell, an NK cell, or an NKT cell.
The present invention also provides genetically engineered cells which include and stably express a subject CAR, dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor, and/or bispecific antibody, and/or combinations thereof, of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, the genetically engineered cells are genetically engineered T-lymphocytes (T cells), naive T cells (TN), memory T cells (for example, central memory T cells (TCM), effector memory cells (TEM)), natural killer cells (NK cells), and macrophages capable of giving rise to therapeutically relevant progeny. In one embodiment, the genetically engineered cells are autologous cells.
Modified cells (e.g., comprising a subject CAR, dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor, and/or expresses and secretes a bispecific antibody, and/or combinations thereof) may be produced by stably transfecting host cells with an expression vector including a nucleic acid of the present disclosure. Additional methods to generate a modified cell of the present disclosure include, without limitation, chemical transformation methods (e.g., using calcium phosphate, dendrimers, liposomes and/or cationic polymers), non-chemical transformation methods (e.g., electroporation, optical transformation, gene electrotransfer and/or hydrodynamic delivery) and/or particle-based methods (e.g., impalefection, using a gene gun and/or magnetofection). Transfected cells expressing a subject CAR, dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor, and/or bispecific antibody, and/or combinations thereof, of the present disclosure may be expanded ex vivo.
Physical methods for introducing an expression vector into host cells include calcium phosphate precipitation, lipofection, particle bombardment, microinjection, electroporation, and the like. Methods for producing cells including vectors and/or exogenous nucleic acids are well-known in the art. See, e.g., Sambrook et al. (2001), Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York. Chemical methods for introducing an expression vector into a host cell include colloidal dispersion systems, such as macromolecule complexes, nanocapsules, microspheres, beads, and lipid-based systems including oil-in-water emulsions, micelles, mixed micelles, and liposomes.
Lipids suitable for use can be obtained from commercial sources. For example, dimyristyl phosphatidylcholine (“DMPC”) can be obtained from Sigma, St. Louis, Mo.; dicetyl phosphate (“DCP”) can be obtained from K & K Laboratories (Plainview, N.Y.); cholesterol (“Choi”) can be obtained from Calbiochem-Behring; dimyristyl phosphatidylglycerol (“DMPG”) and other lipids may be obtained from Avanti Polar Lipids, Inc. (Birmingham, Ala.). Stock solutions of lipids in chloroform or chloroform/methanol can be stored at about −20° C. Chloroform may be used as the only solvent since it is more readily evaporated than methanol. “Liposome” is a generic term encompassing a variety of single and multilamellar lipid vehicles formed by the generation of enclosed lipid bilayers or aggregates. Liposomes can be characterized as having vesicular structures with a phospholipid bilayer membrane and an inner aqueous medium. Multilamellar liposomes have multiple lipid layers separated by aqueous medium. They form spontaneously when phospholipids are suspended in an excess of aqueous solution. The lipid components undergo self-rearrangement before the formation of closed structures and entrap water and dissolved solutes between the lipid bilayers (Ghosh et al., 1991 Glycobiology 5: 505-10). Compositions that have different structures in solution than the normal vesicular structure are also encompassed. For example, the lipids may assume a micellar structure or merely exist as non-uniform aggregates of lipid molecules. Also contemplated are lipofectamine-nucleic acid complexes.
Regardless of the method used to introduce exogenous nucleic acids into a host cell or otherwise expose a cell to the inhibitor of the present invention, in order to confirm the presence of the nucleic acids in the host cell, a variety of assays may be performed. Such assays include, for example, molecular biology assays well known to those of skill in the art, such as Southern and Northern blotting, RT-PCR and PCR biochemistry assays, such as detecting the presence or absence of a particular peptide, e.g., by immunological means (ELISAs and Western blots) or by assays described herein to identify agents falling within the scope of the invention.
In one embodiment, the nucleic acids introduced into the host cell are RNA. In another embodiment, the RNA is mRNA that comprises in vitro transcribed RNA or synthetic RNA. The RNA may be produced by in vitro transcription using a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-generated template. DNA of interest from any source can be directly converted by PCR into a template for in vitro mRNA synthesis using appropriate primers and RNA polymerase. The source of the DNA may be, for example, genomic DNA, plasmid DNA, phage DNA, cDNA, synthetic DNA sequence or any other appropriate source of DNA.
PCR may be used to generate a template for in vitro transcription of mRNA which is then introduced into cells. Methods for performing PCR are well known in the art. Primers for use in PCR are designed to have regions that are substantially complementary to regions of the DNA to be used as a template for the PCR. “Substantially complementary,” as used herein, refers to sequences of nucleotides where a majority or all of the bases in the primer sequence are complementary. Substantially complementary sequences are able to anneal or hybridize with the intended DNA target under annealing conditions used for PCR. The primers can be designed to be substantially complementary to any portion of the DNA template. For example, the primers can be designed to amplify the portion of a gene that is normally transcribed in cells (the open reading frame), including 5′ and 3′ UTRs. The primers may also be designed to amplify a portion of a gene that encodes a particular domain of interest. In one embodiment, the primers are designed to amplify the coding region of a human cDNA, including all or portions of the 5′ and 3′ UTRs. Primers useful for PCR are generated by synthetic methods that are well known in the art. “Forward primers” are primers that contain a region of nucleotides that are substantially complementary to nucleotides on the DNA template that are upstream of the DNA sequence that is to be amplified. “Upstream” is used herein to refer to a location 5, to the DNA sequence to be amplified relative to the coding strand. “Reverse primers” are primers that contain a region of nucleotides that are substantially complementary to a double-stranded DNA template that are downstream of the DNA sequence that is to be amplified. “Downstream” is used herein to refer to a location 3′ to the DNA sequence to be amplified relative to the coding strand.
Chemical structures that have the ability to promote stability and/or translation efficiency of the RNA may also be used. The RNA preferably has 5′ and 3′ UTRs. In one embodiment, the 5′ UTR is between zero and 3000 nucleotides in length. The length of 5′ and 3′ UTR sequences to be added to the coding region can be altered by different methods, including, but not limited to, designing primers for PCR that anneal to different regions of the UTRs. Using this approach, one of ordinary skill in the art can modify the 5′ and 3′ UTR lengths required to achieve optimal translation efficiency following transfection of the transcribed RNA.
The 5′ and 3′ UTRs can be the naturally occurring, endogenous 5′ and 3′ UTRs for the gene of interest. Alternatively, UTR sequences that are not endogenous to the gene of interest can be added by incorporating the UTR sequences into the forward and reverse primers or by any other modifications of the template. The use of UTR sequences that are not endogenous to the gene of interest can be useful for modifying the stability and/or translation efficiency of the RNA. For example, it is known that AU-rich elements in 3′ UTR sequences can decrease the stability of mRNA. Therefore, 3′ UTRs can be selected or designed to increase the stability of the transcribed RNA based on properties of UTRs that are well known in the art.
In one embodiment, the 5′ UTR can contain the Kozak sequence of the endogenous gene. Alternatively, when a 5′ UTR that is not endogenous to the gene of interest is being added by PCR as described above, a consensus Kozak sequence can be redesigned by adding the 5′ UTR sequence. Kozak sequences can increase the efficiency of translation of some RNA transcripts, but does not appear to be required for all RNAs to enable efficient translation. The requirement for Kozak sequences for many mRNAs is known in the art. In other embodiments the 5′ UTR can be derived from an RNA virus whose RNA genome is stable in cells. In other embodiments various nucleotide analogues can be used in the 3′ or 5′ UTR to impede exonuclease degradation of the mRNA.
To enable synthesis of RNA from a DNA template without the need for gene cloning, a promoter of transcription should be attached to the DNA template upstream of the sequence to be transcribed. When a sequence that functions as a promoter for an RNA polymerase is added to the 5′ end of the forward primer, the RNA polymerase promoter becomes incorporated into the PCR product upstream of the open reading frame that is to be transcribed. In one embodiment, the promoter is a T7 polymerase promoter, as described elsewhere herein. Other useful promoters include, but are not limited to, T3 and SP6 RNA polymerase promoters. Consensus nucleotide sequences for T7, T3 and SP6 promoters are known in the art.
In one embodiment, the mRNA has both a cap on the 5′ end and a 3′ poly(A) tail which determine ribosome binding, initiation of translation and stability mRNA in the cell. On a circular DNA template, for instance, plasmid DNA, RNA polymerase produces a long concatameric product which is not suitable for expression in eukaryotic cells. The transcription of plasmid DNA linearized at the end of the 3′ UTR results in normal sized mRNA which is not effective in eukaryotic transfection even if it is polyadenylated after transcription.
On a linear DNA template, phage T7 RNA polymerase can extend the 3′ end of the transcript beyond the last base of the template (Schenborn and Mierendorf, Nuc Acids Res., 13:6223-36 (1985); Nacheva and Berzal-Herranz, Eur. J. Biochem., 270:1485-65 (2003).
The polyA/T segment of the transcriptional DNA template can be produced during PCR by using a reverse primer containing a polyT tail, such as 100T tail (size can be 50-5000 T), or after PCR by any other method, including, but not limited to, DNA ligation or in vitro recombination. Poly(A) tails also provide stability to RNAs and reduce their degradation. Generally, the length of a poly(A) tail positively correlates with the stability of the transcribed RNA. In one embodiment, the poly(A) tail is between 100 and 5000 adenosines.
Poly(A) tails of RNAs can be further extended following in vitro transcription with the use of a poly(A) polymerase, such as E. coli polyA polymerase (E-PAP). In one embodiment, increasing the length of a poly(A) tail from 100 nucleotides to between 300 and 400 nucleotides results in about a two-fold increase in the translation efficiency of the RNA. Additionally, the attachment of different chemical groups to the 3′ end can increase mRNA stability. Such attachment can contain modified/artificial nucleotides, aptamers and other compounds. For example, ATP analogs can be incorporated into the poly(A) tail using poly(A) polymerase. ATP analogs can further increase the stability of the RNA.
5′ caps also provide stability to RNA molecules. In a preferred embodiment, RNAs produced by the methods disclosed herein include a 5′ cap. The 5′ cap is provided using techniques known in the art and described herein (Cougot, et al., Trends in Biochem. Sci., 29:436-444 (2001); Stepinski, et al., RNA, 7:1468-95 (2001); Elango, et al., Biochim. Biophys. Res. Commun., 330:958-966 (2005)).
In some embodiments, the RNA is electroporated into the cells, such as in vitro transcribed RNA. Any solutes suitable for cell electroporation, which can contain factors facilitating cellular permeability and viability such as sugars, peptides, lipids, proteins, antioxidants, and surfactants can be included.
In some embodiments, a nucleic acid encoding a subject CAR, dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor, and/or bispecific antibody, and/or combinations thereof, of the present disclosure will be RNA, e.g., in vitro synthesized RNA. Methods for in vitro synthesis of RNA are known in the art; any known method can be used to synthesize RNA comprising a sequence encoding a subject CAR, dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor, and/or bispecific antibody, and/or combinations thereof. Methods for introducing RNA into a host cell are known in the art. See, e.g., Zhao et al. Cancer Res. (2010) 15: 9053. Introducing RNA comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a subject CAR, dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor, and/or bispecific antibody, and/or combinations thereof, into a host cell can be carried out in vitro or ex vivo or in vivo. For example, a host cell (e.g., an NK cell, a cytotoxic T lymphocyte, etc.) can be electroporated in vitro or ex vivo with RNA comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a subject CAR, dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor, and/or bispecific antibody, and/or combinations thereof.
The disclosed methods can be applied to the modulation of T cell activity in basic research and therapy, in the fields of cancer, stem cells, acute and chronic infections, and autoimmune diseases, including the assessment of the ability of the genetically modified T cell to kill a target cancer cell.
The methods also provide the ability to control the level of expression over a wide range by changing, for example, the promoter or the amount of input RNA, making it possible to individually regulate the expression level. Furthermore, the PCR-based technique of mRNA production greatly facilitates the design of the mRNAs with different structures and combination of their domains.
One advantage of RNA transfection methods of the invention is that RNA transfection is essentially transient and a vector-free. A RNA transgene can be delivered to a lymphocyte and expressed therein following a brief in vitro cell activation, as a minimal expressing cassette without the need for any additional viral sequences. Under these conditions, integration of the transgene into the host cell genome is unlikely. Cloning of cells is not necessary because of the efficiency of transfection of the RNA and its ability to uniformly modify the entire lymphocyte population.
Genetic modification of T cells with in vitro-transcribed RNA (IVT-RNA) makes use of two different strategies both of which have been successively tested in various animal models. Cells are transfected with in vitro-transcribed RNA by means of lipofection or electroporation. It is desirable to stabilize IVT-RNA using various modifications in order to achieve prolonged expression of transferred IVT-RNA.
Some IVT vectors are known in the literature which are utilized in a standardized manner as template for in vitro transcription and which have been genetically modified in such a way that stabilized RNA transcripts are produced. Currently protocols used in the art are based on a plasmid vector with the following structure: a 5′ RNA polymerase promoter enabling RNA transcription, followed by a gene of interest which is flanked either 3′ and/or 5′ by untranslated regions (UTR), and a 3′ polyadenyl cassette containing 50-70 A nucleotides. Prior to in vitro transcription, the circular plasmid is linearized downstream of the polyadenyl cassette by type II restriction enzymes (recognition sequence corresponds to cleavage site). The polyadenyl cassette thus corresponds to the later poly(A) sequence in the transcript. As a result of this procedure, some nucleotides remain as part of the enzyme cleavage site after linearization and extend or mask the poly(A) sequence at the 3′ end. It is not clear, whether this nonphysiological overhang affects the amount of protein produced intracellularly from such a construct.
In another aspect, the RNA construct is delivered into the cells by electroporation. See, e.g., the formulations and methodology of electroporation of nucleic acid constructs into mammalian cells as taught in US 2004/0014645, US 2005/0052630A1, US 2005/0070841A1, US 2004/0059285A1, US 2004/0092907A1. The various parameters including electric field strength required for electroporation of any known cell type are generally known in the relevant research literature as well as numerous patents and applications in the field. See e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,678,556, 7,171,264, and 7,173,116. Apparatus for therapeutic application of electroporation are available commercially, e.g., the MedPulser™ DNA Electroporation Therapy System (Inovio/Genetronics, San Diego, Calif.), and are described in patents such as U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,567,694; 6,516,223, 5,993,434, 6,181,964, 6,241,701, and 6,233,482; electroporation may also be used for transfection of cells in vitro as described e.g. in US20070128708A1. Electroporation may also be utilized to deliver nucleic acids into cells in vitro. Accordingly, electroporation-mediated administration into cells of nucleic acids including expression constructs utilizing any of the many available devices and electroporation systems known to those of skill in the art presents an exciting new means for delivering an RNA of interest to a target cell.
In some embodiments, the immune cells (e.g. T cells) can be incubated or cultivated prior to, during and/or subsequent to introducing the nucleic acid molecule encoding the subject CAR, dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor, and/or bispecific antibody, and/or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the cells (e.g. T cells) can be incubated or cultivated prior to, during or subsequent to the introduction of the nucleic acid molecule encoding the subject CAR, dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor, and/or bispecific antibody, and/or combinations thereof, such as prior to, during or subsequent to the transduction of the cells with a viral vector (e.g. lentiviral vector) encoding the subject CAR, dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor, and/or bispecific antibody, and/or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the method includes activating or stimulating cells with a stimulating or activating agent (e.g. anti-CD3/anti-CD28 antibodies) prior to introducing the nucleic acid molecule encoding the subject CAR, dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor, and/or bispecific antibody, and/or combinations thereof.
In some embodiments, where the nucleic acid sequences encoding the subject CAR, dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor, and/or bispecific antibody, and/or combinations thereof, of the present invention reside on one or more separate nucleic acid sequences, the order of introducing each of the one or more nucleic acid sequences may vary.
For example, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a subject CAR and dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor may first be introduced into the host cell, followed by introduction of a nucleic acid sequence encoding a subject bispecific antibody. For example, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a subject bispecific antibody may first be introduced into the host cell, followed by introduction of a nucleic acid sequence encoding a subject CAR and dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor. In some embodiments, each of the one or more nucleic acid sequences are introduced into the host cell simultaneously. Those of skill in the art will be able to determine the order in which each of the one or more nucleic acid sequences are introduced into the host cell.
H. Sources of Immune CellsPrior to expansion, a source of immune cells is obtained from a subject for ex vivo manipulation. Sources of target cells for ex vivo manipulation may also include, e.g., autologous or heterologous donor blood, cord blood, or bone marrow. For example, the source of immune cells may be from the subject to be treated with the modified immune cells of the invention, e.g., the subject's blood, the subject's cord blood, or the subject's bone marrow. Non-limiting examples of subjects include humans, dogs, cats, mice, rats, and transgenic species thereof. Preferably, the subject is a human.
Immune cells can be obtained from a number of sources, including blood, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, bone marrow, lymph node tissue, spleen tissue, umbilical cord, lymph, or lymphoid organs. Immune cells are cells of the immune system, such as cells of the innate or adaptive immunity, e.g., myeloid or lymphoid cells, including lymphocytes, typically T cells and/or NK cells. Other exemplary cells include stem cells, such as multipotent and pluripotent stem cells, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). In some aspects, the cells are human cells. With reference to the subject to be treated, the cells may be allogeneic and/or autologous. The cells typically are primary cells, such as those isolated directly from a subject and/or isolated from a subject and frozen.
In certain embodiments, the immune cell is a T cell, e.g., a CD8+ T cell (e.g., a CD8+ naive T cell, central memory T cell, or effector memory T cell), a CD4+ T cell, a natural killer T cell (NKT cells), a regulatory T cell (Treg), a stem cell memory T cell, a lymphoid progenitor cell a hematopoietic stem cell, a natural killer cell (NK cell) or a dendritic cell. In some embodiments, the cells are monocytes or granulocytes, e.g., myeloid cells, macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells, mast cells, eosinophils, and/or basophils. In an embodiment, the target cell is an induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell or a cell derived from an iPS cell, e.g., an iPS cell generated from a subject, manipulated to alter (e.g., induce a mutation in) or manipulate the expression of one or more target genes, and differentiated into, e.g., a T cell, e.g., a CD8+ T cell (e.g., a CD8+ naive T cell, central memory T cell, or effector memory T cell), a CD4+ T cell, a stem cell memory T cell, a lymphoid progenitor cell or a hematopoietic stem cell.
In some embodiments, the cells include one or more subsets of T cells or other cell types, such as whole T cell populations, CD4+ cells, CD8+ cells, and subpopulations thereof, such as those defined by function, activation state, maturity, potential for differentiation, expansion, recirculation, localization, and/or persistence capacities, antigen-specificity, type of antigen receptor, presence in a particular organ or compartment, marker or cytokine secretion profile, and/or degree of differentiation. Among the sub-types and subpopulations of T cells and/or of CD4+ and/or of CD8+ T cells are naive T (TN) cells, effector T cells (TEFF), memory T cells and sub-types thereof, such as stem cell memory T (TSCM), central memory T (TCM), effector memory T (TEM), or terminally differentiated effector memory T cells, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), immature T cells, mature T cells, helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, mucosa-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, naturally occurring and adaptive regulatory T (Treg) cells, helper T cells, such as TH1 cells, TH2 cells, TH3 cells, TH17 cells, TH9 cells, TH22 cells, follicular helper T cells, alpha/beta T cells, and delta/gamma T cells. In certain embodiments, any number of T cell lines available in the art, may be used.
In some embodiments, the methods include isolating immune cells from the subject, preparing, processing, culturing, and/or engineering them. In some embodiments, preparation of the engineered cells includes one or more culture and/or preparation steps. The cells for engineering as described may be isolated from a sample, such as a biological sample, e.g., one obtained from or derived from a subject. In some embodiments, the subject from which the cell is isolated is one having the disease or condition or in need of a cell therapy or to which cell therapy will be administered. The subject in some embodiments is a human in need of a particular therapeutic intervention, such as the adoptive cell therapy for which cells are being isolated, processed, and/or engineered. Accordingly, the cells in some embodiments are primary cells, e.g., primary human cells. The samples include tissue, fluid, and other samples taken directly from the subject, as well as samples resulting from one or more processing steps, such as separation, centrifugation, genetic engineering (e.g. transduction with viral vector), washing, and/or incubation. The biological sample can be a sample obtained directly from a biological source or a sample that is processed. Biological samples include, but are not limited to, body fluids, such as blood, plasma, serum, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, urine and sweat, tissue and organ samples, including processed samples derived therefrom.
In some aspects, the sample from which the cells are derived or isolated is blood or a blood-derived sample, or is or is derived from an apheresis or leukapheresis product. Exemplary samples include whole blood, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), leukocytes, bone marrow, thymus, tissue biopsy, tumor, leukemia, lymphoma, lymph node, gut associated lymphoid tissue, mucosa associated lymphoid tissue, spleen, other lymphoid tissues, liver, lung, stomach, intestine, colon, kidney, pancreas, breast, bone, prostate, cervix, testes, ovaries, tonsil, or other organ, and/or cells derived therefrom. Samples include, in the context of cell therapy, e.g., adoptive cell therapy, samples from autologous and allogeneic sources.
In some embodiments, the cells are derived from cell lines, e.g., T cell lines. The cells in some embodiments are obtained from a xenogeneic source, for example, from mouse, rat, non-human primate, and pig. In some embodiments, isolation of the cells includes one or more preparation and/or non-affinity based cell separation steps. In some examples, cells are washed, centrifuged, and/or incubated in the presence of one or more reagents, for example, to remove unwanted components, enrich for desired components, lyse or remove cells sensitive to particular reagents. In some examples, cells are separated based on one or more property, such as density, adherent properties, size, sensitivity and/or resistance to particular components.
In some examples, cells from the circulating blood of a subject are obtained, e.g., by apheresis or leukapheresis. The samples, in some aspects, contain lymphocytes, including T cells, monocytes, granulocytes, B cells, other nucleated white blood cells, red blood cells, and/or platelets, and in some aspects contains cells other than red blood cells and platelets. In some embodiments, the blood cells collected from the subject are washed, e.g., to remove the plasma fraction and to place the cells in an appropriate buffer or media for subsequent processing steps. In some embodiments, the cells are washed with phosphate buffered saline (PBS). In some aspects, a washing step is accomplished by tangential flow filtration (TFF) according to the manufacturer's instructions. In some embodiments, the cells are resuspended in a variety of biocompatible buffers after washing. In certain embodiments, components of a blood cell sample are removed and the cells directly resuspended in culture media. In some embodiments, the methods include density-based cell separation methods, such as the preparation of white blood cells from peripheral blood by lysing the red blood cells and centrifugation through a Percoll or Ficoll gradient.
In one embodiment, immune are obtained cells from the circulating blood of an individual are obtained by apheresis or leukapheresis. The apheresis product typically contains lymphocytes, including T cells, monocytes, granulocytes, B cells, other nucleated white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. The cells collected by apheresis may be washed to remove the plasma fraction and to place the cells in an appropriate buffer or media, such as phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or wash solution lacks calcium and may lack magnesium or may lack many if not all divalent cations, for subsequent processing steps. After washing, the cells may be resuspended in a variety of biocompatible buffers, such as, for example, Ca-free, Mg-free PBS. Alternatively, the undesirable components of the apheresis sample may be removed and the cells directly resuspended in culture media.
In some embodiments, the isolation methods include the separation of different cell types based on the expression or presence in the cell of one or more specific molecules, such as surface markers, e.g., surface proteins, intracellular markers, or nucleic acid. In some embodiments, any known method for separation based on such markers may be used. In some embodiments, the separation is affinity- or immunoaffinity-based separation. For example, the isolation in some aspects includes separation of cells and cell populations based on the cells' expression or expression level of one or more markers, typically cell surface markers, for example, by incubation with an antibody or binding partner that specifically binds to such markers, followed generally by washing steps and separation of cells having bound the antibody or binding partner, from those cells having not bound to the antibody or binding partner.
Such separation steps can be based on positive selection, in which the cells having bound the reagents are retained for further use, and/or negative selection, in which the cells having not bound to the antibody or binding partner are retained. In some examples, both fractions are retained for further use. In some aspects, negative selection can be particularly useful where no antibody is available that specifically identifies a cell type in a heterogeneous population, such that separation is best carried out based on markers expressed by cells other than the desired population. The separation need not result in 100% enrichment or removal of a particular cell population or cells expressing a particular marker. For example, positive selection of or enrichment for cells of a particular type, such as those expressing a marker, refers to increasing the number or percentage of such cells, but need not result in a complete absence of cells not expressing the marker. Likewise, negative selection, removal, or depletion of cells of a particular type, such as those expressing a marker, refers to decreasing the number or percentage of such cells, but need not result in a complete removal of all such cells.
In some examples, multiple rounds of separation steps are carried out, where the positively or negatively selected fraction from one step is subjected to another separation step, such as a subsequent positive or negative selection. In some examples, a single separation step can deplete cells expressing multiple markers simultaneously, such as by incubating cells with a plurality of antibodies or binding partners, each specific for a marker targeted for negative selection. Likewise, multiple cell types can simultaneously be positively selected by incubating cells with a plurality of antibodies or binding partners expressed on the various cell types.
In some embodiments, one or more of the T cell populations is enriched for or depleted of cells that are positive for (marker+) or express high levels (markerhigh) of one or more particular markers, such as surface markers, or that are negative for (marker−) or express relatively low levels (markerlow) of one or more markers. For example, in some aspects, specific subpopulations of T cells, such as cells positive or expressing high levels of one or more surface markers, e.g., CD28+, CD62L+, CCR7+, CD27+, CD127+, CD4+, CD8+, CD45RA+, and/or CD45RO+ T cells, are isolated by positive or negative selection techniques. In some cases, such markers are those that are absent or expressed at relatively low levels on certain populations of T cells (such as non-memory cells) but are present or expressed at relatively higher levels on certain other populations of T cells (such as memory cells). In one embodiment, the cells (such as the CD8+ cells or the T cells, e.g., CD3+ cells) are enriched for (i.e., positively selected for) cells that are positive or expressing high surface levels of CD45RO, CCR7, CD28, CD27, CD44, CD 127, and/or CD62L and/or depleted of (e.g., negatively selected for) cells that are positive for or express high surface levels of CD45RA. In some embodiments, cells are enriched for or depleted of cells positive or expressing high surface levels of CD 122, CD95, CD25, CD27, and/or IL7-Ra (CD 127). In some examples, CD8+ T cells are enriched for cells positive for CD45RO (or negative for CD45RA) and for CD62L. For example, CD3+, CD28+ T cells can be positively selected using CD3/CD28 conjugated magnetic beads (e.g., DYNABEADS@ M-450 CD3/CD28 T Cell Expander).
In some embodiments, T cells are separated from a PBMC sample by negative selection of markers expressed on non-T cells, such as B cells, monocytes, or other white blood cells, such as CD14. In some aspects, a CD4+ or CD8+ selection step is used to separate CD4+ helper and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. Such CD4+ and CD8+ populations can be further sorted into sub-populations by positive or negative selection for markers expressed or expressed to a relatively higher degree on one or more naive, memory, and/or effector T cell subpopulations. In some embodiments, CD8+ cells are further enriched for or depleted of naive, central memory, effector memory, and/or central memory stem cells, such as by positive or negative selection based on surface antigens associated with the respective subpopulation. In some embodiments, enrichment for central memory T (TCM) cells is carried out to increase efficacy, such as to improve long-term survival, expansion, and/or engraftment following administration, which in some aspects is particularly robust in such sub-populations. In some embodiments, combining TCM-enriched CD8+ T cells and CD4+ T cells further enhances efficacy.
In embodiments, memory T cells are present in both CD62L+ and CD62L− subsets of CD8+ peripheral blood lymphocytes. PBMC can be enriched for or depleted of CD62L-CD8+ and/or CD62L+CD8+ fractions, such as using anti-CD8 and anti-CD62L antibodies. In some embodiments, a CD4+ T cell population and a CD8+ T cell sub-population, e.g., a sub-population enriched for central memory (TCM) cells. In some embodiments, the enrichment for central memory T (TCM) cells is based on positive or high surface expression of CD45RO, CD62L, CCR7, CD28, CD3, and/or CD 127; in some aspects, it is based on negative selection for cells expressing or highly expressing CD45RA and/or granzyme B. In some aspects, isolation of a CD8+ population enriched for TCM cells is carried out by depletion of cells expressing CD4, CD 14, CD45RA, and positive selection or enrichment for cells expressing CD62L. In one aspect, enrichment for central memory T (TCM) cells is carried out starting with a negative fraction of cells selected based on CD4 expression, which is subjected to a negative selection based on expression of CD 14 and CD45RA, and a positive selection based on CD62L. Such selections in some aspects are carried out simultaneously and in other aspects are carried out sequentially, in either order. In some aspects, the same CD4 expression-based selection step used in preparing the CD8+ cell population or subpopulation, also is used to generate the CD4+ cell population or sub-population, such that both the positive and negative fractions from the CD4-based separation are retained and used in subsequent steps of the methods, optionally following one or more further positive or negative selection steps.
CD4+ T helper cells are sorted into naive, central memory, and effector cells by identifying cell populations that have cell surface antigens. CD4+ lymphocytes can be obtained by standard methods. In some embodiments, naive CD4+ T lymphocytes are CD45RO−, CD45RA+, CD62L+, CD4+ T cells. In some embodiments, central memory CD4+ cells are CD62L+ and CD45RO+. In some embodiments, effector CD4+ cells are CD62L- and CD45RO. In one example, to enrich for CD4+ cells by negative selection, a monoclonal antibody cocktail typically includes antibodies to CD14, CD20, CD11b, CD16, HLA-DR, and CD8. In some embodiments, the antibody or binding partner is bound to a solid support or matrix, such as a magnetic bead or paramagnetic bead, to allow for separation of cells for positive and/or negative selection.
In some embodiments, the cells are incubated and/or cultured prior to or in connection with genetic engineering. The incubation steps can include culture, cultivation, stimulation, activation, and/or propagation. In some embodiments, the compositions or cells are incubated in the presence of stimulating conditions or a stimulatory agent. Such conditions include those designed to induce proliferation, expansion, activation, and/or survival of cells in the population, to mimic antigen exposure, and/or to prime the cells for genetic engineering, such as for the introduction of a recombinant antigen receptor. The conditions can include one or more of particular media, temperature, oxygen content, carbon dioxide content, time, agents, e.g., nutrients, amino acids, antibiotics, ions, and/or stimulatory factors, such as cytokines, chemokines, antigens, binding partners, fusion proteins, recombinant soluble receptors, and any other agents designed to activate the cells. In some embodiments, the stimulating conditions or agents include one or more agent, e.g., ligand, which is capable of activating an intracellular signaling domain of a TCR complex. In some aspects, the agent turns on or initiates TCR/CD3 intracellular signaling cascade in a T cell. Such agents can include antibodies, such as those specific for a TCR component and/or costimulatory receptor, e.g., anti-CD3, anti-CD28, for example, bound to solid support such as a bead, and/or one or more cytokines. Optionally, the expansion method may further comprise the step of adding anti-CD3 and/or anti CD28 antibody to the culture medium (e.g., at a concentration of at least about 0.5 ng/ml). In some embodiments, the stimulating agents include IL-2 and/or IL-15, for example, an IL-2 concentration of at least about 10 units/mL.
In another embodiment, T cells are isolated from peripheral blood by lysing the red blood cells and depleting the monocytes, for example, by centrifugation through a PERCOLL™ gradient. Alternatively, T cells can be isolated from an umbilical cord. In any event, a specific subpopulation of T cells can be further isolated by positive or negative selection techniques.
The cord blood mononuclear cells so isolated can be depleted of cells expressing certain antigens, including, but not limited to, CD34, CD8, CD14, CD19, and CD56. Depletion of these cells can be accomplished using an isolated antibody, a biological sample comprising an antibody, such as ascites, an antibody bound to a physical support, and a cell bound antibody.
Enrichment of a T cell population by negative selection can be accomplished using a combination of antibodies directed to surface markers unique to the negatively selected cells. A preferred method is cell sorting and/or selection via negative magnetic immunoadherence or flow cytometry that uses a cocktail of monoclonal antibodies directed to cell surface markers present on the cells negatively selected. For example, to enrich for CD4+ cells by negative selection, a monoclonal antibody cocktail typically includes antibodies to CD14, CD20, CD11b, CD16, HLA-DR, and CD8.
For isolation of a desired population of cells by positive or negative selection, the concentration of cells and surface (e.g., particles such as beads) can be varied. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to significantly decrease the volume in which beads and cells are mixed together (i.e., increase the concentration of cells), to ensure maximum contact of cells and beads. For example, in one embodiment, a concentration of 2 billion cells/ml is used. In one embodiment, a concentration of 1 billion cells/ml is used. In a further embodiment, greater than 100 million cells/ml is used. In a further embodiment, a concentration of cells of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 million cells/ml is used. In yet another embodiment, a concentration of cells from 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100 million cells/ml is used. In further embodiments, concentrations of 125 or 150 million cells/ml can be used. Using high concentrations can result in increased cell yield, cell activation, and cell expansion.
T cells can also be frozen after the washing step, which does not require the monocyte-removal step. While not wishing to be bound by theory, the freeze and subsequent thaw step provides a more uniform product by removing granulocytes and to some extent monocytes in the cell population. After the washing step that removes plasma and platelets, the cells may be suspended in a freezing solution. While many freezing solutions and parameters are known in the art and will be useful in this context, in a non-limiting example, one method involves using PBS containing 20% DMSO and 8% human serum albumin, or other suitable cell freezing media. The cells are then frozen to −80° C. at a rate of 1° C. per minute and stored in the vapor phase of a liquid nitrogen storage tank. Other methods of controlled freezing may be used as well as uncontrolled freezing immediately at −20° C. or in liquid nitrogen.
In one embodiment, the population of T cells is comprised within cells such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells, cord blood cells, a purified population of T cells, and a T cell line. In another embodiment, peripheral blood mononuclear cells comprise the population of T cells. In yet another embodiment, purified T cells comprise the population of T cells.
In certain embodiments, T regulatory cells (Tregs) can be isolated from a sample. The sample can include, but is not limited to, umbilical cord blood or peripheral blood. In certain embodiments, the Tregs are isolated by flow-cytometry sorting. The sample can be enriched for Tregs prior to isolation by any means known in the art. The isolated Tregs can be cryopreserved, and/or expanded prior to use. Methods for isolating Tregs are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,754,482, 8,722,400, and 9,555,105, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/639,927, contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.
I. Expansion of Immune CellsWhether prior to or after modification of cells to express a subject CAR, dominant negative receptor, and/or switch receptor, and/or bispecific antibody, and/or combinations thereof, the cells can be activated and expanded in number using methods as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,352,694; 6,534,055; 6,905,680; 6,692,964; 5,858,358; 6,887,466; 6,905,681; 7,144,575; 7,067,318; 7,172,869; 7,232,566; 7,175,843; 5,883,223; 6,905,874; 6,797,514; 6,867,041; and U.S. Publication No. 20060121005. For example, the T cells of the invention may be expanded by contact with a surface having attached thereto an agent that stimulates a CD3/TCR complex associated signal and a ligand that stimulates a co-stimulatory molecule on the surface of the T cells. In particular, T cell populations may be stimulated by contact with an anti-CD3 antibody, or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, or an anti-CD2 antibody immobilized on a surface, or by contact with a protein kinase C activator (e.g., bryostatin) in conjunction with a calcium ionophore. For co-stimulation of an accessory molecule on the surface of the T cells, a ligand that binds the accessory molecule is used. For example, T cells can be contacted with an anti-CD3 antibody and an anti-CD28 antibody, under conditions appropriate for stimulating proliferation of the T cells. Examples of an anti-CD28 antibody include 9.3, B-T3, XR-CD28 (Diaclone, Besancon, France) and these can be used in the invention, as can other methods and reagents known in the art (see, e.g., ten Berge et al., Transplant Proc. (1998) 30(8): 3975-3977; Haanen et al., J. Exp. Med. (1999) 190(9): 1319-1328; and Garland et al., J. Immunol. Methods (1999) 227(1-2): 53-63).
Expanding T cells by the methods disclosed herein can be multiplied by about 10 fold, 20 fold, 30 fold, 40 fold, 50 fold, 60 fold, 70 fold, 80 fold, 90 fold, 100 fold, 200 fold, 300 fold, 400 fold, 500 fold, 600 fold, 700 fold, 800 fold, 900 fold, 1000 fold, 2000 fold, 3000 fold, 4000 fold, 5000 fold, 6000 fold, 7000 fold, 8000 fold, 9000 fold, 10,000 fold, 100,000 fold, 1,000,000 fold, 10,000,000 fold, or greater, and any and all whole or partial integers therebetween. In one embodiment, the T cells expand in the range of about 20 fold to about 50 fold.
Following culturing, the T cells can be incubated in cell medium in a culture apparatus for a period of time or until the cells reach confluency or high cell density for optimal passage before passing the cells to another culture apparatus. The culturing apparatus can be of any culture apparatus commonly used for culturing cells in vitro. Preferably, the level of confluence is 70% or greater before passing the cells to another culture apparatus. More preferably, the level of confluence is 90% or greater. A period of time can be any time suitable for the culture of cells in vitro. The T cell medium may be replaced during the culture of the T cells at any time. Preferably, the T cell medium is replaced about every 2 to 3 days. The T cells are then harvested from the culture apparatus whereupon the T cells can be used immediately or cryopreserved to be stored for use at a later time. In one embodiment, the invention includes cryopreserving the expanded T cells. The cryopreserved T cells are thawed prior to introducing nucleic acids into the T cell.
In another embodiment, the method comprises isolating T cells and expanding the T cells. In another embodiment, the invention further comprises cryopreserving the T cells prior to expansion. In yet another embodiment, the cryopreserved T cells are thawed for electroporation with the RNA encoding the chimeric membrane protein.
Another procedure for ex vivo expansion cells is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,942 (incorporated herein by reference). Expansion, such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,942 can be an alternative or in addition to other methods of expansion described herein. Briefly, ex vivo culture and expansion of T cells comprises the addition to the cellular growth factors, such as those described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,199,942, or other factors, such as flt3-L, IL-1, IL-3 and c-kit ligand. In one embodiment, expanding the T cells comprises culturing the T cells with a factor selected from the group consisting of flt3-L, IL-1, IL-3 and c-kit ligand.
The culturing step as described herein (contact with agents as described herein or after electroporation) can be very short, for example less than 24 hours such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, or 23 hours. The culturing step as described further herein (contact with agents as described herein) can be longer, for example 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, or more days.
Various terms are used to describe cells in culture. Cell culture refers generally to cells taken from a living organism and grown under controlled condition. A primary cell culture is a culture of cells, tissues or organs taken directly from an organism and before the first subculture. Cells are expanded in culture when they are placed in a growth medium under conditions that facilitate cell growth and/or division, resulting in a larger population of the cells. When cells are expanded in culture, the rate of cell proliferation is typically measured by the amount of time required for the cells to double in number, otherwise known as the doubling time.
Each round of subculturing is referred to as a passage. When cells are subcultured, they are referred to as having been passaged. A specific population of cells, or a cell line, is sometimes referred to or characterized by the number of times it has been passaged. For example, a cultured cell population that has been passaged ten times may be referred to as a P10 culture. The primary culture, i.e., the first culture following the isolation of cells from tissue, is designated P0. Following the first subculture, the cells are described as a secondary culture (P1 or passage 1). After the second subculture, the cells become a tertiary culture (P2 or passage 2), and so on. It will be understood by those of skill in the art that there may be many population doublings during the period of passaging; therefore the number of population doublings of a culture is greater than the passage number. The expansion of cells (i.e., the number of population doublings) during the period between passaging depends on many factors, including but is not limited to the seeding density, substrate, medium, and time between passaging.
In one embodiment, the cells may be cultured for several hours (about 3 hours) to about 14 days or any hourly integer value in between. Conditions appropriate for T cell culture include an appropriate media (e.g., Minimal Essential Media or RPMI Media 1640 or, X-vivo 15, (Lonza)) that may contain factors necessary for proliferation and viability, including serum (e.g., fetal bovine or human serum), interleukin-2 (IL-2), insulin, IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-7, GM-CSF, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, TGF-beta, and TNF-α. or any other additives for the growth of cells known to the skilled artisan. Other additives for the growth of cells include, but are not limited to, surfactant, plasmanate, and reducing agents such as N-acetyl-cysteine and 2-mercaptoethanol. Media can include RPMI 1640, AIM-V, DMEM, MEM, α-MEM, F-12, X-Vivo 15, and X-Vivo 20, Optimizer, with added amino acids, sodium pyruvate, and vitamins, either serum-free or supplemented with an appropriate amount of serum (or plasma) or a defined set of hormones, and/or an amount of cytokine(s) sufficient for the growth and expansion of T cells. Antibiotics, e.g., penicillin and streptomycin, are included only in experimental cultures, not in cultures of cells that are to be infused into a subject. The target cells are maintained under conditions necessary to support growth, for example, an appropriate temperature (e.g., 37° C.) and atmosphere (e.g., air plus 5% CO2).
The medium used to culture the T cells may include an agent that can co-stimulate the T cells. For example, an agent that can stimulate CD3 is an antibody to CD3, and an agent that can stimulate CD28 is an antibody to CD28. A cell isolated by the methods disclosed herein can be expanded approximately 10 fold, 20 fold, 30 fold, 40 fold, 50 fold, 60 fold, 70 fold, 80 fold, 90 fold, 100 fold, 200 fold, 300 fold, 400 fold, 500 fold, 600 fold, 700 fold, 800 fold, 900 fold, 1000 fold, 2000 fold, 3000 fold, 4000 fold, 5000 fold, 6000 fold, 7000 fold, 8000 fold, 9000 fold, 10,000 fold, 100,000 fold, 1,000,000 fold, 10,000,000 fold, or greater. In one embodiment, the T cells expand in the range of about 20 fold to about 50 fold, or more. In one embodiment, human T regulatory cells are expanded via anti-CD3 antibody coated KT64.86 artificial antigen presenting cells (aAPCs). In one embodiment, human T regulatory cells are expanded via anti-CD3 antibody coated K562 artificial antigen presenting cells (aAPCs). Methods for expanding and activating T cells can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,754,482, 8,722,400, and 9,555,105, contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.
In one embodiment, the method of expanding the T cells can further comprise isolating the expanded T cells for further applications. In another embodiment, the method of expanding can further comprise a subsequent electroporation of the expanded T cells followed by culturing. The subsequent electroporation may include introducing a nucleic acid encoding an agent, such as transducing the expanded T cells, transfecting the expanded T cells, or electroporating the expanded T cells with a nucleic acid, into the expanded population of T cells, wherein the agent further stimulates the T cell. The agent may stimulate the T cells, such as by stimulating further expansion, effector function, or another T cell function.
J. Methods of TreatmentThe modified cells (e.g., T cells) described herein may be included in a composition for immunotherapy. The composition may include a pharmaceutical composition and further include a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A therapeutically effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition comprising the modified T cells may be administered.
In one aspect, the invention includes a method for adoptive cell transfer therapy comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a modified T cell of the present invention. In another aspect, the invention includes a method of treating a disease or condition in a subject comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a population of modified T cells.
Also included is a method of treating a disease or condition in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject a modified cell (e.g., modified T cell) of the present invention. In one embodiment, the method of treating a disease or condition in a subject in need thereof comprises administering to the subject a modified cell (e.g., a modified T cell) comprising a subject CAR, dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor, and/or a bispecific antibody, and/or combinations thereof. In one embodiment, the method of treating a disease or condition in a subject in need thereof comprises administering to the subject a modified cell (e.g., a modified T cell) comprising a subject CAR (e.g., a CAR having affinity for PSMA on a target cell) and a dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor. In one embodiment, the method of treating a disease or condition in a subject in need thereof comprises administering to the subject a modified cell (e.g., a modified T cell) comprising a subject CAR (e.g., a CAR having affinity for PSMA on a target cell), a dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor, and wherein the modified cell is capable of expressing and secreting a bispecific antibody.
Methods for administration of immune cells for adoptive cell therapy are known and may be used in connection with the provided methods and compositions. For example, adoptive T cell therapy methods are described, e.g., in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0170238 to Gruenberg et al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,690,915 to Rosenberg; Rosenberg (2011) Nat Rev Clin Oncol. 8(10):577-85). See, e.g., Themeli et al. (2013) Nat Biotechnol. 31(10): 928-933; Tsukahara et al. (2013) Biochem Biophys Res Commun 438(1): 84-9; Davila et al. (2013) PLoS ONE 8(4): e61338. In some embodiments, the cell therapy, e.g., adoptive T cell therapy is carried out by autologous transfer, in which the cells are isolated and/or otherwise prepared from the subject who is to receive the cell therapy, or from a sample derived from such a subject. Thus, in some aspects, the cells are derived from a subject, e.g., patient, in need of a treatment and the cells, following isolation and processing are administered to the same subject.
In some embodiments, the cell therapy, e.g., adoptive T cell therapy, is carried out by allogeneic transfer, in which the cells are isolated and/or otherwise prepared from a subject other than a subject who is to receive or who ultimately receives the cell therapy, e.g., a first subject. In such embodiments, the cells then are administered to a different subject, e.g., a second subject, of the same species. In some embodiments, the first and second subjects are genetically identical. In some embodiments, the first and second subjects are genetically similar. In some embodiments, the second subject expresses the same HLA class or supertype as the first subject.
In some embodiments, the subject has been treated with a therapeutic agent targeting the disease or condition, e.g., the tumor, prior to administration of the cells or composition containing the cells. In some aspects, the subject is refractory or non-responsive to the other therapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the subject has persistent or relapsed disease, e.g., following treatment with another therapeutic intervention, including chemotherapy, radiation, and/or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), e.g., allogenic HSCT. In some embodiments, the administration effectively treats the subject despite the subject having become resistant to another therapy.
In some embodiments, the subject is responsive to the other therapeutic agent, and treatment with the therapeutic agent reduces disease burden. In some aspects, the subject is initially responsive to the therapeutic agent, but exhibits a relapse of the disease or condition over time. In some embodiments, the subject has not relapsed. In some such embodiments, the subject is determined to be at risk for relapse, such as at a high risk of relapse, and thus the cells are administered prophylactically, e.g., to reduce the likelihood of or prevent relapse. In some aspects, the subject has not received prior treatment with another therapeutic agent.
In some embodiments, the subject has persistent or relapsed disease, e.g., following treatment with another therapeutic intervention, including chemotherapy, radiation, and/or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), e.g., allogenic HSCT. In some embodiments, the administration effectively treats the subject despite the subject having become resistant to another therapy.
The modified immune cells of the present invention can be administered to an animal, preferably a mammal, even more preferably a human, to treat a cancer. In addition, the cells of the present invention can be used for the treatment of any condition related to a cancer, especially a cell-mediated immune response against a tumor cell(s), where it is desirable to treat or alleviate the disease. The types of cancers to be treated with the modified cells or pharmaceutical compositions of the invention include, carcinoma, blastoma, and sarcoma, and certain leukemia or lymphoid malignancies, benign and malignant tumors, and malignancies e.g., sarcomas, carcinomas, and melanomas. Other exemplary cancers include but are not limited breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, skin cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, renal cancer, liver cancer, brain cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, lung cancer, thyroid cancer, and the like. The cancers may be non-solid tumors (such as hematological tumors) or solid tumors. Adult tumors/cancers and pediatric tumors/cancers are also included.
Solid tumors are abnormal masses of tissue that usually do not contain cysts or liquid areas. Solid tumors can be benign or malignant. Different types of solid tumors are named for the type of cells that form them (such as sarcomas, carcinomas, and lymphomas). Examples of solid tumors, such as sarcomas and carcinomas, include fibrosarcoma, myxosarcoma, liposarcoma, chondrosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and other sarcomas, synovioma, mesothelioma, Ewing's tumor, leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, colon carcinoma, lymphoid malignancy, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, lung cancers, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, sweat gland carcinoma, medullary thyroid carcinoma, papillary thyroid carcinoma, pheochromocytomas sebaceous gland carcinoma, papillary carcinoma, papillary adenocarcinomas, medullary carcinoma, bronchogenic carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, hepatoma, bile duct carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, Wilms' tumor, cervical cancer, testicular tumor, seminoma, bladder carcinoma, melanoma, and CNS tumors (such as a glioma (such as brainstem glioma and mixed gliomas), glioblastoma (also known as glioblastoma multiforme) astrocytoma, CNS lymphoma, germinoma, medulloblastoma, Schwannoma craniopharyogioma, ependymoma, pinealoma, hemangioblastoma, acoustic neuroma, oligodendroglioma, menangioma, neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma and brain metastases).
Carcinomas that can be amenable to therapy by a method disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, esophageal carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma (a form of skin cancer), squamous cell carcinoma (various tissues), bladder carcinoma, including transitional cell carcinoma (a malignant neoplasm of the bladder), bronchogenic carcinoma, colon carcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, gastric carcinoma, lung carcinoma, including small cell carcinoma and non-small cell carcinoma of the lung, adrenocortical carcinoma, thyroid carcinoma, pancreatic carcinoma, breast carcinoma, ovarian carcinoma, prostate carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, sweat gland carcinoma, sebaceous gland carcinoma, papillary carcinoma, papillary adenocarcinoma, cystadenocarcinoma, medullary carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, ductal carcinoma in situ or bile duct carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, seminoma, embryonal carcinoma, Wilm's tumor, cervical carcinoma, uterine carcinoma, testicular carcinoma, osteogenic carcinoma, epithelial carcinoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
Sarcomas that can be amenable to therapy by a method disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, fibrosarcoma, myxosarcoma, liposarcoma, chondrosarcoma, chordoma, osteogenic sarcoma, osteosarcoma, angiosarcoma, endotheliosarcoma, lymphangiosarcoma, lymphangioendotheliosarcoma, synovioma, mesothelioma, Ewing's sarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and other soft tissue sarcomas.
Prostate adenocarcinoma is an extremely common and lethal disease. Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy among men. Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men, accounting for an estimated 10% of annual male cancer deaths. PSMA is highly expressed in malignant prostate tissue, with low-levels of expression in some normal human tissues. Under normal physiologic conditions, PSMA is expressed in the prostate gland (secretory acinar epithelium), kidney (proximal tubules), nervous system glia (astrocytes and Schwann cells), and the small intestine (jejunal brush border). PSMA is much more highly expressed in prostate epithelium and is significantly upregulated in malignant prostate tissues. PSMA expression in normal cells has been found to be 100-fold to 1000-fold less than in prostate carcinoma cells. PSMA expression increases significantly during the transformation from benign prostatic hyperplasia to prostatic adenocarcinoma. PSMA expression has been found to be directly correlated with the histologic grade of malignant prostate tissue and increases with more advanced disease (i.e. highest PSMA expression found in prostate cancer metastases in lymph node and bone).
In one embodiment, the methods of the invention are useful for treating prostate cancer, for example advanced castrate-resistant prostate cancer. It should be readily understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that any type of cancer wherein the PSMA tumor antigen is expressed, can be treated using the methods of the present invention. For example, neovascular expression of PSMA was found in non-small cell lung cancer, see, e.g., PLoS One. 2017 Oct. 27; 12(10). Accordingly, the methods of the invention may also be useful for treating non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
In certain exemplary embodiments, the modified immune cells of the invention are used to treat prostate cancer. In one embodiment, a method of the present disclosure is used to treat castrate-resistant prostate cancer. In one embodiment, a method of the present disclosure is used to treat advanced castrate-resistant prostate cancer. In one embodiment, a method of the present disclosure is used to treat metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer. In one embodiment, a method of the present disclosure is used to treat metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer, wherein the patient with metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer has ≥10% tumor cells expressing PSMA. In one embodiment, a method of the present disclosure is used to treat castrate-resistant prostate adenocarcinoma, wherein the patient has castrate levels of testosterone (e.g., <50 ng/mL) with or without the use of androgen deprivation therapy.
In certain embodiments, the subject is provided a secondary treatment. Secondary treatments include but are not limited to chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and medications.
Cells of the invention can be administered in dosages and routes and at times to be determined in appropriate pre-clinical and clinical experimentation and trials. Cell compositions may be administered multiple times at dosages within these ranges. Administration of the cells of the invention may be combined with other methods useful to treat the desired disease or condition as determined by those of skill in the art.
The cells of the invention to be administered may be autologous, with respect to the subject undergoing therapy.
The administration of the cells of the invention may be carried out in any convenient manner known to those of skill in the art. The cells of the present invention may be administered to a subject by aerosol inhalation, injection, ingestion, transfusion, implantation or transplantation. The compositions described herein may be administered to a patient transarterially, subcutaneously, intradermally, intratumorally, intranodally, intramedullary, intramuscularly, by intravenous (i.v.) injection, or intraperitoneally. In other instances, the cells of the invention are injected directly into a site of inflammation in the subject, a local disease site in the subject, alymph node, an organ, a tumor, and the like.
In some embodiments, the cells are administered at a desired dosage, which in some aspects includes a desired dose or number of cells or cell type(s) and/or a desired ratio of cell types. Thus, the dosage of cells in some embodiments is based on a total number of cells (or number per kg body weight) and a desired ratio of the individual populations or sub-types, such as the CD4+ to CD8+ ratio. In some embodiments, the dosage of cells is based on a desired total number (or number per kg of body weight) of cells in the individual populations or of individual cell types. In some embodiments, the dosage is based on a combination of such features, such as a desired number of total cells, desired ratio, and desired total number of cells in the individual populations.
In some embodiments, the populations or sub-types of cells, such as CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, are administered at or within a tolerated difference of a desired dose of total cells, such as a desired dose of T cells. In some aspects, the desired dose is a desired number of cells or a desired number of cells per unit of body weight of the subject to whom the cells are administered, e.g., cells/kg. In some aspects, the desired dose is at or above a minimum number of cells or minimum number of cells per unit of body weight. In some aspects, among the total cells, administered at the desired dose, the individual populations or sub-types are present at or near a desired output ratio (such as CD4+ to CD8+ ratio), e.g., within a certain tolerated difference or error of such a ratio.
In some embodiments, the cells are administered at or within a tolerated difference of a desired dose of one or more of the individual populations or sub-types of cells, such as a desired dose of CD4+ cells and/or a desired dose of CD8+ cells. In some aspects, the desired dose is a desired number of cells of the sub-type or population, or a desired number of such cells per unit of body weight of the subject to whom the cells are administered, e.g., cells/kg. In some aspects, the desired dose is at or above a minimum number of cells of the population or subtype, or minimum number of cells of the population or sub-type per unit of body weight. Thus, in some embodiments, the dosage is based on a desired fixed dose of total cells and a desired ratio, and/or based on a desired fixed dose of one or more, e.g., each, of the individual sub-types or sub-populations. Thus, in some embodiments, the dosage is based on a desired fixed or minimum dose of T cells and a desired ratio of CD4+ to CD8+ cells, and/or is based on a desired fixed or minimum dose of CD4+ and/or CD8+ cells.
In certain embodiments, the cells, or individual populations of sub-types of cells, are administered to the subject at a range of about one million to about 100 billion cells, such as, e.g., 1 million to about 50 billion cells (e.g., about 5 million cells, about 25 million cells, about 500 million cells, about 1 billion cells, about 5 billion cells, about 20 billion cells, about 30 billion cells, about 40 billion cells, or a range defined by any two of the foregoing values), such as about 10 million to about 100 billion cells (e.g., about 20 million cells, about 30 million cells, about 40 million cells, about 60 million cells, about 70 million cells, about 80 million cells, about 90 million cells, about 10 billion cells, about 25 billion cells, about 50 billion cells, about 75 billion cells, about 90 billion cells, or a range defined by any two of the foregoing values), and in some cases about 100 million cells to about 50 billion cells (e.g., about 120 million cells, about 250 million cells, about 350 million cells, about 450 million cells, about 650 million cells, about 800 million cells, about 900 million cells, about 3 billion cells, about 30 billion cells, about 45 billion cells) or any value in between these ranges.
In some embodiments, the dose of total cells and/or dose of individual sub-populations of cells is within a range of between at or about 1×105 cells/kg to about 1×1011 cells/kg, 104, and at or about 1011 cells/kilograms (kg) body weight, such as between 105 and 106 cells/kg body weight, for example, at or about 1×105 cells/kg, 1.5×105 cells/kg, 2×105 cells/kg, or 1×106 cells/kg body weight. For example, in some embodiments, the cells are administered at, or within a certain range of error of, between at or about 104 and at or about 109 T cells/kilograms (kg) body weight, such as between 105 and 106 T cells/kg body weight, for example, at or about 1×105 T cells/kg, 1.5×105 T cells/kg, 2×105 T cells/kg, or 1×106 T cells/kg body weight. In other exemplary embodiments, a suitable dosage range of modified cells for use in a method of the present disclosure includes, without limitation, from about 1×105 cells/kg to about 1×106 cells/kg, from about 1×106 cells/kg to about 1×107 cells/kg, from about 1×107 cells/kg about 1×108 cells/kg, from about 1×108 cells/kg about 1×109 cells/kg, from about 1×109 cells/kg about 1×1010 cells/kg, from about 1×1010 cells/kg about 1×1011 cells/kg. In an exemplary embodiment, a suitable dosage for use in a method of the present disclosure is about 1×10s cells/kg. In an exemplary embodiment, a suitable dosage for use in a method of the present disclosure is about 1×107 cells/kg. In other embodiments, a suitable dosage is from about 1×107 total cells to about 5×107 total cells. In some embodiments, a suitable dosage is from about 1×108 total cells to about 5×108 total cells. In some embodiments, a suitable dosage is from about 1.4×107 total cells to about 1.1×109 total cells. In an exemplary embodiment, a suitable dosage for use in a method of the present disclosure is about 7×109 total cells. In an exemplary embodiment, a suitable dosage is from about 1×107 total cells to about 3×107 total cells.
In some embodiments, the dose of total cells and/or dose of individual sub-populations of cells is within a range of between at or about 1×105 cells/m2 to about 1×1011 cells/m2. In an exemplary embodiment, the dose of total cells and/or dose of individual sub-populations of cells is within a range of between at or about 1×107/m2 to at or about 3×107/m2. In an exemplary embodiment, the dose of total cells and/or dose of individual sub-populations of cells is within a range of between at or about 1×108/m2 to at or about 3×108/m2. In some embodiments, the dose of total cells and/or dose of individual sub-populations of cells is the maximum tolerated dose by a given patient.
In some embodiments, the cells are administered at or within a certain range of error of between at or about 104 and at or about 109 CD4+ and/or CD8+ cells/kilograms (kg) body weight, such as between 105 and 106 CD4+ and/or CD8+ cells/kg body weight, for example, at or about 1×105 CD4+ and/or CD8+ cells/kg, 1.5×105 CD4+ and/or CD8+ cells/kg, 2×105 CD4+ and/or CD8+ cells/kg, or 1×106 CD4+ and/or CD8+ cells/kg body weight. In some embodiments, the cells are administered at or within a certain range of error of, greater than, and/or at least about 1×106, about 2.5×106, about 5×106, about 7.5×106, or about 9×106 CD4+ cells, and/or at least about 1×106, about 2.5×106, about 5×106, about 7.5×106, or about 9×106 CD8+ cells, and/or at least about 1×106, about 2.5×106, about 5×106, about 7.5×106, or about 9×106 T cells. In some embodiments, the cells are administered at or within a certain range of error of between about 108 and 1012 or between about 1010 and 1011 T cells, between about 108 and 1012 or between about 1010 and 1011 CD4+ cells, and/or between about 108 and 1012 or between about 1010 and 1011 CD8+ cells.
In some embodiments, the cells are administered at or within a tolerated range of a desired output ratio of multiple cell populations or sub-types, such as CD4+ and CD8+ cells or sub-types. In some aspects, the desired ratio can be a specific ratio or can be a range of ratios, for example, in some embodiments, the desired ratio (e.g., ratio of CD4+ to CD8+ cells) is between at or about 5:1 and at or about 5:1 (or greater than about 1:5 and less than about 5:1), or between at or about 1:3 and at or about 3:1 (or greater than about 1:3 and less than about 3:1), such as between at or about 2:1 and at or about 1:5 (or greater than about 1:5 and less than about 2:1, such as at or about 5:1, 4.5:1, 4:1, 3.5:1, 3:1, 2.5:1, 2:1, 1.9:1, 1.8:1, 1.7:1, 1.6:1, 1.5:1, 1.4:1, 1.3:1, 1.2:1, 1.1:1, 1:1, 1:1.1, 1:1.2, 1:1.3, 1:1.4, 1:1.5, 1:1.6, 1:1.7, 1:1.8, 1:1.9:1:2, 1:2.5, 1:3, 1:3.5, 1:4, 1:4.5, or 1:5. In some aspects, the tolerated difference is within about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4% about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%/a, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50% of the desired ratio, including any value in between these ranges.
In some embodiments, a dose of modified cells is administered to a subject in need thereof, in a single dose or multiple doses. In some embodiments, a dose of modified cells is administered in multiple doses, e.g., once a week or every 7 days, once every 2 weeks or every 14 days, once every 3 weeks or every 21 days, once every 4 weeks or every 28 days. In an exemplary embodiment, a single dose of modified cells is administered to a subject in need thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, a single dose of modified cells is administered to a subject in need thereof by rapid intravenous infusion.
For the prevention or treatment of disease, the appropriate dosage may depend on the type of disease to be treated, the type of cells or recombinant receptors, the severity and course of the disease, whether the cells are administered for preventive or therapeutic purposes, previous therapy, the subject's clinical history and response to the cells, and the discretion of the attending physician. The compositions and cells are in some embodiments suitably administered to the subject at one time or over a series of treatments.
In some embodiments, the cells are administered as part of a combination treatment, such as simultaneously with or sequentially with, in any order, another therapeutic intervention, such as an antibody or engineered cell or receptor or agent, such as a cytotoxic or therapeutic agent. The cells in some embodiments are co-administered with one or more additional therapeutic agents or in connection with another therapeutic intervention, either simultaneously or sequentially in any order. In some contexts, the cells are co-administered with another therapy sufficiently close in time such that the cell populations enhance the effect of one or more additional therapeutic agents, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the cells are administered prior to the one or more additional therapeutic agents. In some embodiments, the cells are administered after the one or more additional therapeutic agents. In some embodiments, the one or more additional agents includes a cytokine, such as IL-2, for example, to enhance persistence. In some embodiments, the methods comprise administration of a chemotherapeutic agent.
Following administration of the cells, the biological activity of the engineered cell populations in some embodiments is measured, e.g., by any of a number of known methods. Parameters to assess include specific binding of an engineered or natural T cell or other immune cell to antigen, in vivo, e.g., by imaging, or ex vivo, e.g., by ELISA or flow cytometry. In certain embodiments, the ability of the engineered cells to destroy target cells can be measured using any suitable method known in the art, such as cytotoxicity assays described in, for example, Kochenderfer et al., J. Immunotherapy, 32(7): 689-702 (2009), and Herman et al. J. Immunological Methods, 285(1): 25-40 (2004). In certain embodiments, the biological activity of the cells is measured by assaying expression and/or secretion of one or more cytokines, such as CD 107a, IFNy, IL-2, and TNF. In some aspects the biological activity is measured by assessing clinical outcome, such as reduction in tumor burden or load.
In some embodiments, a specific dosage regimen of the present disclosure includes a lymphodepletion step prior to the administration of the modified T cells. In an exemplary embodiment, the lymphodepletion step includes administration of cyclophosphamide and/or fludarabine.
In some embodiments, the lymphodepletion step includes administration of cyclophosphamide at a dose of between about 200 mg/m2/day and about 2000 mg/m2/day (e.g., 200 mg/m2/day, 300 mg/m2/day, or 500 mg/m2/day). In an exemplary embodiment, the dose of cyclophosphamide is about 300 mg/m2/day. In some embodiments, the lymphodepletion step includes administration of fludarabine at a dose of between about 20 mg/m2/day and about 900 mg/m2/day (e.g., 20 mg/m2/day, 25 mg/m2/day, 30 mg/m2/day, or 60 mg/m2/day). In an exemplary embodiment, the dose of fludarabine is about 30 mg/m2/day.
In some embodiment, the lymphodepletion step includes administration of cyclophosphamide at a dose of between about 200 mg/m2/day and about 2000 mg/m2/day (e.g., 200 mg/m2/day, 300 mg/m2/day, or 500 mg/m2/day), and fludarabine at a dose of between about 20 mg/m2/day and about 900 mg/m2/day (e.g., 20 mg/m2/day, 25 mg/m2/day, 30 mg/m2/day, or 60 mg/m2/day). In an exemplary embodiment, the lymphodepletion step includes administration of cyclophosphamide at a dose of about 300 mg/m2/day, and fludarabine at a dose of about 30 mg/m2/day.
In an exemplary embodiment, for a subject having castrate-resistant prostate cancer, the subject receives lymphodepleting chemotherapy prior to the administration of the modified T cells. In an exemplary embodiment, for a subject having castrate-resistant prostate cancer, the subject receives lymphodepleting chemotherapy including at or about 500 mg/m2 to at or about 1 g/m2 of cyclophosphamide by intravenous infusion. In an exemplary embodiment, for a subject having castrate-resistant prostate cancer, the subject receives lymphodepleting chemotherapy including at or about 500 mg/m2 to at or about 1 g/m2 of cyclophosphamide by intravenous infusion about 3 days (+1 day) prior to administration of the modified T cells. In an exemplary embodiment, for a subject having castrate-resistant prostate cancer, the subject receives lymphodepleting chemotherapy including at or about 500 mg/m2 to at or about 1 g/m2 of cyclophosphamide by intravenous infusion up to 4 days prior to administration of the modified T cells. In an exemplary embodiment, for a subject having castrate-resistant prostate cancer, the subject receives lymphodepleting chemotherapy including at or about 500 mg/m2 to at or about 1 g/m2 of cyclophosphamide by intravenous infusion 4 days prior to administration of the modified T cells. In an exemplary embodiment, for a subject having castrate-resistant prostate cancer, the subject receives lymphodepleting chemotherapy including at or about 500 mg/m2 to at or about 1 g/m2 of cyclophosphamide by intravenous infusion 3 days prior to administration of the modified T cells. In an exemplary embodiment, for a subject having castrate-resistant prostate cancer, the subject receives lymphodepleting chemotherapy including at or about 500 mg/m2 to at or about 1 g/m2 of cyclophosphamide by intravenous infusion 2 days prior to administration of the modified T cells.
In an exemplary embodiment, for a subject having castrate-resistant prostate cancer, the subject receives lymphodepleting chemotherapy including 300 mg/m2 of cyclophosphamide by intravenous infusion 3 days prior to administration of the modified T cells. In an exemplary embodiment, for a subject having castrate-resistant prostate cancer, the subject receives lymphodepleting chemotherapy including 300 mg/m2 of cyclophosphamide by intravenous infusion for 3 days prior to administration of the modified T cells.
In an exemplary embodiment, for a subject having castrate-resistant prostate cancer, the subject receives lymphodepleting chemotherapy including fludarabine at a dose of between about 20 mg/m2/day and about 900 mg/m2/day (e.g., 20 mg/m2/day, 25 mg/m2/day, 30 mg/m2/day, or 60 mg/m2/day). In an exemplary embodiment, for a subject having castrate-resistant prostate cancer, the subject receives lymphodepleting chemotherapy including fludarabine at a dose of 30 mg/m2 for 3 days.
In an exemplary embodiment, for a subject having castrate-resistant prostate cancer, the subject receives lymphodepleting chemotherapy including cyclophosphamide at a dose of between about 200 mg/m2/day and about 2000 mg/m2/day (e.g., 200 mg/m2/day, 300 mg/m2/day, or 500 mg/m2/day), and fludarabine at a dose of between about 20 mg/m2/day and about 900 mg/m2/day (e.g., 20 mg/m2/day, 25 mg/m2/day, 30 mg/m2/day, or 60 mg/m2/day). In an exemplary embodiment, for a subject having castrate-resistant prostate cancer, the subject receives lymphodepleting chemotherapy including cyclophosphamide at a dose of about 300 mg/m2/day, and fludarabine at a dose of 30 mg/m2 for 3 days.
Cells of the invention can be administered in dosages and routes and at times to be determined in appropriate pre-clinical and clinical experimentation and trials. Cell compositions may be administered multiple times at dosages within these ranges. Administration of the cells of the invention may be combined with other methods useful to treat the desired disease or condition as determined by those of skill in the art.
It is known in the art that one of the adverse effects following infusion of CAR T cells is the onset of immune activation, known as cytokine release syndrome (CRS). CRS is immune activation resulting in elevated inflammatory cytokines. Clinical and laboratory measures range from mild CRS (constitutional symptoms and/or grade-2 organ toxicity) to severe CRS (sCRS; grade ≥3 organ toxicity, aggressive clinical intervention, and/or potentially life threatening). Clinical features include: high fever, malaise, fatigue, myalgia, nausea, anorexia, tachycardia/hypotension, capillary leak, cardiac dysfunction, renal impairment, hepatic failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Dramatic elevations of cytokines including interferon-gamma, granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor, IL-10, and IL-6 have been shown following CAR T-cell infusion. The presence of CRS generally correlates with expansion and progressive immune activation of adoptively transferred cells. It has been demonstrated that the degree of CRS severity is dictated by disease burden at the time of infusion as patients with high tumor burden experience a more sCRS.
Accordingly, the invention provides for, following the diagnosis of CRS, appropriate CRS management strategies to mitigate the physiological symptoms of uncontrolled inflammation without dampening the antitumor efficacy of the engineered cells (e.g., CAR T cells). CRS management strategies are known in the art. For example, systemic corticosteroids may be administered to rapidly reverse symptoms of sCRS (e.g., grade 3 CRS) without compromising initial antitumor response.
In some embodiments, an anti-IL-6R antibody may be administered. An example of an anti-IL-6R antibody is the Food and Drug Administration-approved monoclonal antibody tocilizumab, also known as atlizumab (marketed as Actemra, or RoActemra). Tocilizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody against the interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R). Administration of tocilizumab has demonstrated near-immediate reversal of CRS.
CRS is generally managed based on the severity of the observed syndrome and interventions are tailored as such. CRS management decisions may be based upon clinical signs and symptoms and response to interventions, not solely on laboratory values alone.
Mild to moderate cases generally are treated with symptom management with fluid therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and antihistamines as needed for adequate symptom relief. More severe cases include patients with any degree of hemodynamic instability; with any hemodynamic instability, the administration of tocilizumab is recommended. The first-line management of CRS may be tocilizumab, in some embodiments, at the labeled dose of 8 mg/kg IV over 60 minutes (not to exceed 800 mg/dose); tocilizumab can be repeated Q8 hours. If suboptimal response to the first dose of tocilizumab, additional doses of tocilizumab may be considered. Tocilizumab can be administered alone or in combination with corticosteroid therapy. Patients with continued or progressive CRS symptoms, inadequate clinical improvement in 12-18 hours or poor response to tocilizumab, may be treated with high-dose corticosteroid therapy, generally hydrocortisone 100 mg IV or methylprednisolone 1-2 mg/kg. In patients with more severe hemodynamic instability or more severe respiratory symptoms, patients may be administered high-dose corticosteroid therapy early in the course of the CRS. CRS management guidance may be based on published standards (Lee et al. (2019) Biol Blood Marrow Transplant, doi.org/10.1016/j.bbmt.2018.12.758; Neelapu et al. (2018) Nat Rev Clin Oncology, 15:47; Teachey et al. (2016) Cancer Discov, 6(6):664-679).
Features consistent with Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS) or Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) have been observed in patients treated with CAR-T therapy (Henter, 2007), coincident with clinical manifestations of the CRS. MAS appears to be a reaction to immune activation that occurs from the CRS, and should therefore be considered a manifestation of CRS. MAS is similar to HLH (also a reaction to immune stimulation). The clinical syndrome of MAS is characterized by high grade non-remitting fever, cytopenias affecting at least two of three lineages, and hepatosplenomegaly. It is associated with high serum ferritin, soluble interleukin-2 receptor, and triglycerides, and a decrease of circulating natural killer (NK) activity.
In some embodiments, the methods of the invention involve selecting and treating a subject having failed at least one prior course of standard of cancer therapy. For example, a suitable subject may have had a confirmed diagnosis of relapsed prostate cancer. In some embodiments, the methods of the invention involve selecting and treating a subject having had at least one prior course of standard of cancer therapy. For example, a suitable subject may have had prior therapy with at least one standard 17a lyase inhibitor or second-generation anti-androgen therapy for the treatment of metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer.
In an exemplary embodiment, a suitable subject is a subject having metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer. In an exemplary embodiment, a suitable subject is a subject having metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer having ≥10% tumor cells expressing PSMA as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry analysis on fresh tissue.
In some embodiments, a suitable subject is a subject that has radiographic evidence of osseous metastatic disease and/or measurable, non-osseous metastatic disease (nodal or visceral).
In some embodiments, a suitable subject is a subject that has an ECOG performance status of 0-1.
In some embodiments, a suitable subject is a subject that has adequate organ function, as defined by: serum creatinine ≤1.5 mg/dl or creatinine clearance ≥60 cc/min; and/or serum total bilirubin <1.5×ULN; serum ALT/AST<2×ULN.
In some embodiments, a suitable subject is a subject that has adequate hematologic reserve as defined by: Hgb>10 g/dl; PLT>100 k/ul; and/or ANC>1.5 k/ul.
In some embodiments, a suitable subject is a subject that is not transfusion dependent.
In some embodiments, a suitable subject is a subject that has evidence of progressive castrate resistant prostate adenocarcinoma, as defined by: castrate levels of testosterone (<50 ng/ml) with or without the use of androgen deprivation therapy; and/or evidence of one of the following measures of progressive disease: soft tissue progression by RECIST 1.1 criteria, osseous disease progression with 2 or more new lesions on bone scan (as per PCWG2 criteria), increase in serum PSA of at least 25% and an absolute increase of 2 ng/ml or more from nadir (as per PCWG2 criteria).
In some embodiments, a suitable subject has had previous treatment with at least one second-generation androgen signaling inhibitor. In some embodiments, a suitable subject has had previous treatment with abiraterone. In some embodiments, a suitable subject has had previous treatment with enzalutamide.
In some embodiments, a suitable subject has ≥10% tumor cells expressing PSMA by immunohistochemistry (IHC) on a metastatic tissue biopsy.
In some embodiments, a suitable subject has radiographic evidence for metastatic disease (osseous or nodal/visceral).
In some embodiments, a suitable subject has ≤4 lines of therapy for metastatic CRPC.
K. Pharmaceutical Compositions and FormulationsAlso provided are populations of immune cells of the invention, compositions containing such cells and/or enriched for such cells, such as in which cells expressing the recombinant receptor make up at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or more of the total cells in the composition or cells of a certain type such as T cells or CD8+ or CD4+ cells. Among the compositions are pharmaceutical compositions and formulations for administration, such as for adoptive cell therapy. Also provided are therapeutic methods for administering the cells and compositions to subjects, e.g., patients.
Also provided are compositions including the cells for administration, including pharmaceutical compositions and formulations, such as unit dose form compositions including the number of cells for administration in a given dose or fraction thereof. The pharmaceutical compositions and formulations generally include one or more optional pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or excipient. In some embodiments, the composition includes at least one additional therapeutic agent.
The term “pharmaceutical formulation” refers to a preparation which is in such form as to permit the biological activity of an active ingredient contained therein to be effective, and which contains no additional components which are unacceptably toxic to a subject to which the formulation would be administered. A “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” refers to an ingredient in a pharmaceutical formulation, other than an active ingredient, which is nontoxic to a subject. A pharmaceutically acceptable carrier includes, but is not limited to, a buffer, excipient, stabilizer, or preservative. In some aspects, the choice of carrier is determined in part by the particular cell and/or by the method of administration.
Accordingly, there are a variety of suitable formulations. For example, the pharmaceutical composition can contain preservatives. Suitable preservatives may include, for example, methylparaben, propylparaben, sodium benzoate, and benzalkonium chloride. In some aspects, a mixture of two or more preservatives is used. The preservative or mixtures thereof are typically present in an amount of about 0.0001% to about 2% by weight of the total composition. Carriers are described, e.g., by Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences 16th edition, Osol, A. Ed. (1980). Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are generally nontoxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed, and include, but are not limited to: buffers such as phosphate, citrate, and other organic acids; antioxidants including ascorbic acid and methionine; preservatives (such as octadecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride; hexamethonium chloride; benzalkonium chloride; benzethonium chloride; phenol, butyl or benzyl alcohol; alkyl parabens such as methyl or propyl paraben; catechol; resorcinol; cyclohexanol; 3-pentanol; and m-cresol); low molecular weight (less than about 10 residues) polypeptides; proteins, such as serum albumin, gelatin, or immunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone; amino acids such as glycine, glutamine, asparagine, histidine, arginine, or lysine; monosaccharides, disaccharides, and other carbohydrates including glucose, mannose, or dextrins; chelating agents such as EDTA; sugars such as sucrose, mannitol, trehalose or sorbitol; salt-forming counter-ions such as sodium; metal complexes (e.g. Zn-protein complexes); and/or non-ionic surfactants such as polyethylene glycol (PEG).
Buffering agents in some aspects are included in the compositions. Suitable buffering agents include, for example, citric acid, sodium citrate, phosphoric acid, potassium phosphate, and various other acids and salts. In some aspects, a mixture of two or more buffering agents is used. The buffering agent or mixtures thereof are typically present in an amount of about 0.001% to about 4% by weight of the total composition. Methods for preparing administrable pharmaceutical compositions are known. Exemplary methods are described in more detail in, for example, Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 21st ed. (May 1, 2005).
The formulations can include aqueous solutions. The formulation or composition may also contain more than one active ingredient useful for the particular indication, disease, or condition being treated with the cells, preferably those with activities complementary to the cells, where the respective activities do not adversely affect one another. Such active ingredients are suitably present in combination in amounts that are effective for the purpose intended. Thus, in some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition further includes other pharmaceutically active agents or drugs, such as chemotherapeutic agents, e.g., asparaginase, busulfan, carboplatin, cisplatin, daunorubicin, doxorubicin, fluorouracil, gemcitabine, hydroxyurea, methotrexate, paclitaxel, rituximab, vinblastine, and/or vincristine. The pharmaceutical composition in some embodiments contains the cells in amounts effective to treat or prevent the disease or condition, such as a therapeutically effective or prophylactically effective amount. Therapeutic or prophylactic efficacy in some embodiments is monitored by periodic assessment of treated subjects. The desired dosage can be delivered by a single bolus administration of the cells, by multiple bolus administrations of the cells, or by continuous infusion administration of the cells.
Formulations include those for oral, intravenous, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, pulmonary, transdermal, intramuscular, intranasal, buccal, sublingual, or suppository administration. In some embodiments, the cell populations are administered parenterally. The term “parenteral,” as used herein, includes intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, rectal, vaginal, and intraperitoneal administration. In some embodiments, the cells are administered to the subject using peripheral systemic delivery by intravenous, intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous injection. Compositions in some embodiments are provided as sterile liquid preparations, e.g., isotonic aqueous solutions, suspensions, emulsions, dispersions, or viscous compositions, which may in some aspects be buffered to a selected pH. Liquid preparations are normally easier to prepare than gels, other viscous compositions, and solid compositions. Additionally, liquid compositions are somewhat more convenient to administer, especially by injection. Viscous compositions, on the other hand, can be formulated within the appropriate viscosity range to provide longer contact periods with specific tissues. Liquid or viscous compositions can comprise carriers, which can be a solvent or dispersing medium containing, for example, water, saline, phosphate buffered saline, polyol (for example, glycerol, propylene glycol, liquid polyethylene glycol) and suitable mixtures thereof.
Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by incorporating the cells in a solvent, such as in admixture with a suitable carrier, diluent, or excipient such as sterile water, physiological saline, glucose, dextrose, or the like. The compositions can contain auxiliary substances such as wetting, dispersing, or emulsifying agents (e.g., methylcellulose), pH buffering agents, gelling or viscosity enhancing additives, preservatives, flavoring agents, and/or colors, depending upon the route of administration and the preparation desired. Standard texts may in some aspects be consulted to prepare suitable preparations.
Various additives which enhance the stability and sterility of the compositions, including antimicrobial preservatives, antioxidants, chelating agents, and buffers, can be added. Prevention of the action of microorganisms can be ensured by various antibacterial and antifungal agents, for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol, and sorbic acid. Prolonged absorption of the injectable pharmaceutical form can be brought about by the use of agents delaying absorption, for example, aluminum monostearate and gelatin.
The formulations to be used for in vivo administration are generally sterile. Sterility may be readily accomplished, e.g., by filtration through sterile filtration membranes.
The contents of the articles, patents, and patent applications, and all other documents and electronically available information mentioned or cited herein, are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Applicants reserve the right to physically incorporate into this application any and all materials and information from any such articles, patents, patent applications, or other physical and electronic documents.
While the present invention has been described with reference to the specific embodiments thereof, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. It will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that other suitable modifications and adaptations of the methods described herein may be made using suitable equivalents without departing from the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation, material, composition of matter, process, process step or steps, to the objective, spirit and scope of the present invention. All such modifications are intended to be within the scope of the claims appended hereto. Having now described certain embodiments in detail, the same will be more clearly understood by reference to the following examples, which are included for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to be limiting.
EXAMPLESThe invention is now described with reference to the following Examples. These Examples are provided for the purpose of illustration only, and the invention is not limited to these Examples, but rather encompasses all variations that are evident as a result of the teachings provided herein.
The materials and methods employed in these experiments are now described.
RNA CAR Construct Design: Four human scFvs specifically targeting human PSMA, 1C3, 2A10, 2C6 and 2F5, were synthesized from IDT as gBlocks. CARs with 4-1BB-zeta (BBZ) were assembled by overlapping PCR and cloned into the RNA in vitro transcription vector pD-A. The pD-A vector was optimized for T cell transfection, CAR expression and RNA production. The four human PSMA CARs and one mouse PSMA CAR (J591) were linearized by SpeI digestion prior to RNA IVT. The T7 mScript Standard mRNA Production System (Cellscript, Inc., Madison, Wis.) was utilized to generate capped/tailed IVT RNA. The IVT RNA was purified by RNeasy Mini Kit (Qiagen, Inc., Valencia, Calif.). Purified RNA was eluted in RNase-free water at 1-2 mg/mL and stored at −80° C. until use. RNA integrity was confirmed by 260/280 absorbance and visually on an Agarose gel.
Lenti CAR Construct Design: All PSMA CARs were subcloned into pTRPE Lenti vectors. Switch receptor: PD1.CD28-F2A (SW), PD1A132L-PTM.CD28-F2A (SW*) and a dominant negative TGFRβII sequence, dnTGFRβII-T2A (dn), were then subcloned into each Lenti vector followed by human PSMA scFv.
Examples of sequences comprised by a Lenti vector are as follows:
Transduction protocol: Bulk T cells (CD4 and CD8) obtained from the Human Immunology Core were diluted to 106 cells/mL, and stimulated with CD3/28 beads (T cell expanders, Invitrogen) at a cell:bead ratio of 1:3. Transductions of packaged lentiviral vectors were performed on day 1 post-stimulation using a MOI of 3:1, and allowed to expand in a 37° C./5% CO2 incubator.
Transduction efficacy: The CAR transduction efficacy was evaluated by flow cytometry using Biotin-SP-AffiniPure Goat Anti-Mouse IgG (Cat #: 115-065-072, Jackson ImmunoResearch Labs) or Biotin-SP-AffiniPure Rabbit Anti-Human IgG (Cat #: 309-065-082, Jackson ImmunoResearch Labs) followed by Streptavidin APC (Cat #: 17-4317-82, eBioscience) or Streptavidin PE (Cat #: 554061, BD Pharmingen). APC anti-human CD279 (PD-1) antibody (Cat #: 329908, BioLegend) and Human TGF-beta RII APC-conjugated Antibody (Catalog # FAB241A, R&D systems) were used to examine the switch receptor or dominant negative TGFRβII portion.
T cell expansion: Cells were fed and split every 2 days starting at day 3 post stimulation. T cells were de-beaded at day 4 and frozen at day 10 for later use.
RNA electroporation: Resting T cells were electroporated with 10 or 20 μg IVT PSMA RNA CARs using BTX830 at 500 V and 700 μs. Nalm6.CBG or K562 cells were electroporated with 5 μg or 15 μg PSMA IVT RNA using BTX830 at 300 V and 500 μs. PC3.PSMA cells were electroporated with 0.5 μg, 2 μg or 5 μg PDL1 IVT RNA using BTX830 at 300 V and 500 μs. Following electroporation, the cells were immediately placed in pre-warmed culture media at 37° C. and 5% CO2. 18 hr later, PSMA or PDL1 electroporated tumor cells were stained by APC anti-human PSMA (FOLH1) antibody (Cat #: 342507, BioLegend) or APC anti-human CD274 (PDL-1 or B7-H1) antibody (Cat #: 17-5983-42, BD Biosciences) and analyzed by Flow Cytometry.
Cell counting: At various time-points during the expansion-resting cycles, cells were gently mixed and a 40 μL aliquot of cells was collected from known culture volume and placed into accuvettes (Beckman Coulter) with 20 mL Isoton II Diluent Buffer for counting using a Coulter Multisizer 3 (Beckman Coulter) in accordance with the CCI laboratory SOP. These assays determined cell concentration, total cell numbers, growth rates, and cell volumes and were used to calculate dilution volumes and determine when cells were rested for freezing.
Quantitative-PCR: Primary cells or tumor cell lines were lysed and passed through QIA shredder (Cat #79656). Total RNA was extracted by RNeasy Mini kit (Cat #74104) according to the manufacturer's protocol. Reverse transcription (Cat #: 11904-018, Invitrogen) was performed to obtain cDNA. cDNA was subjected to quantitative PCR with primers specific for PSMA:
ELISA for IL-2 and IFN-γ: The T cells or target cells were washed and suspended in R10 medium at 1×106 cells/mL. Approximately 0.1 mL of each cell line was added to a well of a 96-well plate (Corning) and incubated at 37° C. for 18 to 20 hours. The supernatant was harvested and subjected to ELISA.
CD107a Assay: An E:T ratio of 1:2 (5×104 effectors: 1×105 targets) of cells were prepared in 100 μL of R10 medium and plated in a 96 well plate. 10 μL of phycoerythrin-labeled anti-CD107a Ab was added and the plate was incubated at 37° C. for 1 hour. Golgi Stop (2 ul Golgi Stop in 3 ml R10 medium, 10 ul/well; BD Biosciences, 51-2092KZ) was added and the plate was incubated for another 2.5 hours. Then 2 μL FITC-anti-CD8 (Cat #: 551347, BD Pharmingen) and 2 uL APC-anti-CD3 (Cat #: 555342, BD Pharmingen) was added and incubated at 37° C. for 30 min. After incubation, the samples were washed with FACS buffer and analyzed by flow cytometry.
Luciferase based CTL assay: Nalm6-CBG, PC3-CBG, PC3.PSMA-CBG tumor cells were resuspended at 1×105 cells/mL in R10 medium and incubated with different ratios of T cells (e.g. 10:1, 5:1, 2.5 etc.) for 18 hr at 37° C. Equal volume of substrate was added and the luminescence was immediately determined. Results are reported as percent killing based on luciferase activity in wells with only tumor in the absence of T cells (% killing=100−((RLU from well with effector and target cell co-culture)/(RLU from well with target cells)×100)).
PC3.PSMA tumor model: 2E6 PC3.PSMA.7SC cells transduced with click beetle were injected to the mice (i.v.), and 28 days later, 2E6 PSMA CAR-T positive transduced T cells were injected to the tumor bearing mice (i.v.). Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) was conducted at multiple time points.
The results of the experiments are now described.
Example 1: Human RNA PSMA CARs have Equivalent Anti-Tumor Activity as Mouse RNA PSMA CAR, J591Four human RNA CARs targeting PSMA were constructed using one of four scFv sequences, 1C3 (SEQ ID NO:169), 2A10 (SEQ ID NO:170), 2C6 (SEQ ID NO:172) and 2F5 (SEQ ID NO: 171), (from U.S. patent application, US 2009/0297438 A1, incorporated by reference herein in its entirety). ScFvs were linked to a CD8 transmembrane domain and 4-1BB and CD3 zeta intracellular signaling domains. Purified RNA was visualized on an Agarose gel (
Full length PSMA was cloned into a PD-A vector for optimal RNA expression. Purified RNA was visualized on an Agarose gel (
Nalm6.CBG or K562 electroporated with PSMA RNA, PC3 or PC3.PSMA.PSCA.CBG tumor cells were co-cultured with various PSMA RNA CARs. CD107a assays, Luciferase based CTL assays and ELISA assays were performed to determine the functionality of the four new human CARs. All four human PSMA CARs had equivalent de-granulation activity as mouse PSMA CAR, J591, when co-cultured with PSMA positive cells (
The four human PSMA CARs were subcloned into pTRPE Lenti vector. Primary human T cells transduced with human PSMA CARs had different CAR expression levels: 40% for 1C3.BBZ, 66% for 2A10.BBZ, 50% for 2C6.BBZ and 61% for 2F5.BBZ (
A switch receptor (PD1.CD28), comprising a truncated extracellular domain of PD1 and the transmembrane and cytoplasmic signaling domains of CD28 was designed and linked to each human PSMA CAR via a T2A sequence. A point mutation at the 132 (99 for mouse) position from Alanine to Leucine on PD 1 increases its affinity with PDL 1 by two fold (Zhang et al. Immunity 20, 337-347, 2004). Thus, the second version of switch receptor, “PD1A32LPTM.CD28” (with truncated extracellular and transmembrane domains of PD1 and cytoplasmic signaling domain of CD28) was linked to each human PSMA CAR. The dominant negative TGFRβII sequence was subcloned into each human PSMA CARs as well. Flow cytometry was performed to examine the transduction efficiency of each switch receptor-CAR (
To examine the functionality of the switch receptors, various amounts of PDL1 RNA, 0.5 ug, 2 ug, and 5 ug, were electroporated into PC3.PSMA cells (
The following six human PSMA CARs were selected for use in PC3.PSMA.7SC mouse xenograft model: 1C3.BBZ, PD1CD28.1C3.BBZ, 2A10.BBZ, PD1CD28.2A10.BBZ, dnTGFRβII-2A10.BBZ and dnTGFRβII-J591.BBZ. CAR expression was tested by flow cytometry (
To ensure the safety of using the above-mentioned human PSMA CARs, a panel of primary human cells (Table 1) was tested for PSMA expression by quantitative PCR (FIG. 5G). Normalized by Nalm6.CBG, all primary cells tested had various PSMA expression levels even for PC3 cells which only had limited reactivity toward PSMA RNA CARs (
The in vivo NSG mouse experiment was designed for 7 groups (five mice per group) to test the six above-mentioned PSMA CARs plus a non-transduced control group. 2E6 PC3.PSMA.7SC cells transduced with click beetle green were injected in the mice (i.v.) and 28 days later, 2E6 CAR positive transduced T cells were injected into the tumor bearing mice (i.v.). Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) was conducted at different time points: day 27, 34, 42, 49 post tumor injection (
Transduction protocol: Bulk T cells (CD4 and CD8) obtained from the Human Immunology Core were diluted to 106 cells/ml, and stimulated with CD3/28 beads (T cell expanders, Invitrogen) at a cell:bead ratio of 1:3. Transductions of packaged lentiviral vectors were performed on day 1 post-stimulation using a MOI of 3:1, and allowed to expand in a 37° C./5% CO2 incubator.
Transduction efficacy: The transduction efficacy was evaluated by flow cytometry using the PE anti-human TCR V38 antibody (Cat #: 348104, BioLegend) and APC anti-human CD279 (PD-1) antibody (Cat #: 329908, BioLegend).
T cell expansion: Cells were fed and split every 2 days starting day 3 post stimulation. T cells were de-beaded at day 3 or day 4 and frozen at day 12 for later use.
Cell counting: At various time-points during the expansion-resting cycles, cells were gently mixed and a 40 μl aliquot of cells was collected from known culture volume and placed into accuvettes (Beckman Coulter) with 20 ml Isoton II Diluent Buffer for counting using a Coulter Multisizer 3 (Beckman Coulter) in accordance with the CCI laboratory SOP. These assays determined cell concentration, total cell numbers, growth rates, and cell volumes and were used to calculate dilution volumes and determine when cells were rested for freezing.
ELISA for IL-2 and IFNγ: The T cells were washed and suspended in R10 medium at 1×106 cells/ml. Approximately 0.1 ml of each cell line was added to a well of a 96-well plate (Corning) and incubated at 37° C. for 18 to 20 hours. The supernatant was harvested and subjected to ELISA.
CD107a assay: The cells were plated at an effector:target (E:T) cell ratio of 1:1 (105 effectors: 105 targets) in 160 μl of R/10 medium in a 96-well plate. An anti-CD107a antibody was added and incubated with the cells for 1 hour at 37° C. before Golgi Stop was added and incubated for an additional 2.5 hours. The anti-CD8 and anti-CD3 antibodies were added and incubated at 37° C. for 30 min. After incubation, the samples were washed once and subjected to flow cytometry with a BD Accuri C6. The data were analyzed with the FlowJo software.
PC3-PMSA tumor models: 1E6 PC3-PMSA-CBG were injected to the mice subcutaneously (s.c.), and 21 days later, lentiviral transduced T cells were injected to the tumor bearing mice intravenously (i.v.). Bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and tumor measurements were conducted at multiple time points.
Results: The sequences set forth in Table 2 were generated and tested for their ability to control tumors in vivo.
PSMA CARs with either ICOS or ICOS.YMNM signaling domain and combination of CAR+PD1 (or Tim3) switch receptors were constructed and cloned into a lentiviral vector (see, Table 2 for sequences). The CAR expression levels in transduced T cells were comparable for most of the CAR constructs (
Five bispecific antibodies using scFvs that could bind PD-L1 (10A5, 13G4 and 1B12, see, e.g., PCT Publication No. WO2007005874A2) or TGF beta receptor II (aTGFbRII-1 and aTGFbRII-3 (TGFb1 and TGFb3, see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,147,834) and an anti-CD28 scFv (1412, see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,585,960) were designed and the genes were synthesized by PCR. Sequence verified DNA was cloned into PGEM.64A based RNA in vitro transcription vector to generate pGEM.aTGFbR-1-1412 and pGEM.aTGFbR-3-1412. See, e.g., PCT Publication No. WO2016122738A1.
PSMA CAR-T cells are generated that co-express a bispecific antibody selected from the above described.
Example 8: Manufacture and Administration of Clinical CART-PSMA-TGFβRDN Autologous T CellsCART-PSMA-TGFβRDN investigational cell product manufacturing, final formulation, testing, and labeling were performed as described below, according to The Clinical Cell and Vaccine Production Facility's (CVPF) standard operating protocols (SOPs). The CVPF is a unit within the Division of Transfusion Medicine and Therapeutic Pathology in the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Within the Division, in addition to the CVPF and the apheresis collection facility, there is a separate hematopoietic stem cell processing laboratory that is responsible for bone marrow and peripheral blood stem cell products primarily dedicated to support the clinical hematopoietic stem cell transplantation service. The CVPF is a registered HCT Facility and accredited by the Foundation for the Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT).
Dynabeads CD3/C28 CTS™ (formerly named ClinExVivo) beads were used for T cell activations and expansions.
CART-PSMA-TGFβRDN investigational product manufacturing was initiated from a leukapheresis product. Based on the constitution of the leukaphereis product, as assessed by Beckman Coulter Multisizer and BD FACS Calibur devices, the following occured: depletion of monocytes via counterflow centrifugal elutriation on the TerumoBCT Elutra, which employs a single use closed system disposable set, washing step using a semi-automated, closed-system device Haemonetics CellSaver 5, and/or Ficoll separation of the buffy fraction of the PBMCs. On day 0, the CART-PSMATGFβRDN manufacturing process was initiated with activation of T lymphocytes with the Dynabeads CD3/CD28 CTS beads. The PSMA-TGFbRIIDN CAR LV vector was added on Day 1 at the total final MOI. Vector transduction occured between days 1 and 3. On day 3, the cells were washed and media was replaced. Cultures were allowed to continue expansion in the GE Wave Bioreactor System. On the final day of the culture, cells were harvested and concentrated using the Cell Saver Prior to harvest, the cell product was placed on the Baxter MaxSep for removal of the Dynabeads CD3/CD28 CTS beads. Following bead removal, the cell expansion was washed using the Haemonetics Cell Saver 5 to remove residual vector, viral particles, and cell debris. CART-PSMA-TGFβRDN cells were resuspended in cryopreservation media containing 31.25% Plasmalyte-A, 31.25% Dextrose 5%, 0.45% NaCl, 1% Dextran 40 and 5% Dextrose, 5% Human Serum Albumin, and 7.5% DMSO. Cells were frozen in Cryostore Ethylene-Vinyl Acetate (EVA) (OriGen Biomedical) or equivalent clear bags using a controlled-rate freezer.
Cryopreserved CART-PSMA-TGFβRDN: Each infusion bag contained ˜10-50 mL of cells. Cryopreserved cells were also retained in small aliquots in identical cell concentrations to the infusion dose and used as sentinel vials for performing a viability and endotoxin test prior to infusions, and for stability testing.
Leukapheresis collection and cell separation/enrichment: Autologous peripheral blood lymphocytes were obtained via leukapheresis collection at the Apheresis Unit at the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP). Cryopreserved historical apheresis products collected from the patient prior to study entry may be usable for CART-PSMA-TGFβRDN cell manufacturing. If used, the sample must have been collected at an appropriately certified apheresis center and the product must have met adequate mononuclear cell yields.
Approximately 10-15 L of blood was processed on the COBE Spectra Apheresis System or equivalent system to obtain a population of approximately 5×109 white blood cells. In addition to the screening testing requirements provided in the protocol, blood from all apheresis donors underwent infectious disease testing performed by the American Red Cross National Testing Laboratory.
The apheresis product was transported in an insulated container to the CVPF, and temperature was logged upon receipt. Samples were removed for bacterial and fungal cultures, real-time phenotyping by flow cytometry, and research and correlative study purposes. Apheresis products were cryopreserved or processed by elutriation. After Elutriation or cell washing, the cell number was determined on the Coulter Multisizer M3/M4 and viability by trypan blue dye exclusion assay. Elutriated products were cryopreserved or proceeded to further processing. Cryopreserved apheresis or elutriated products were thawed and washed prior to culture to remove cryopreservation medium.
These products were then processed via either 1) washing and seeding of elutriated lymphocytes, 2) positive selection with CD3/CD28 beads, or 3) Ficoll based gradient separation for further T-cell selection.
Culture Initiation and Expansion: Enriched lymphocytes were stimulated with Dynabeads CD3/CD28 CTS in static tissue culture flasks at an approximate range of 8×105-1×106 cells in XVIVO-15 media supplemented with 5% human AB Serum, 2 mM L-GlutaMAX, 20 mM Hepes, 1 mM Sodium Pyruvate, 1% MEM Vitamin Essential Mixture, 10 mM N-Acetylcysteine, and 100 IU/ml IL-2 (Modified X-VIVO 15 Media). Beads were added at a 3:1 bead to cell ratio. On day 5 of culture, if an acceptable cell number was achieved, cells were transferred to the WAVE 2/10EH Bioreactor for expansion to the appropriate cell number allowing for harvest, electroporation, sampling and final formulation. On the final day of the culture, cells were harvested and concentrated using the Cell Saver Wash system. Prior to harvest, the cell product was placed on the Baxter MaxSep for removal of the anti-CD3/CD28 magnetic microbeads. Post-harvest, the expanded T cells were resuspended at 2×106 cells per mL of X-VIVO media supplemented with 5% Human AB Serum. Cells were placed in a 37° C. incubator overnight.
CART-PSMA-TGFBRDN Dose Formulation: The dose formulation started at a dose of 1-3×107/m2 CART-PSMA-TGFBRDN cells for one cohort, and a dose of 1-3×108/m2 for other cohorts. Dosing was based on anti-PSMA CAR expression. The total dose was formulated as a single dose.
Final Formulation: Post-incubation, after all release testing samples and archives were removed, the cells were resuspended in infusible cryopreservation media containing 31.25% PlasmaLyte-A, 31.25% Dextrose (5%) in NaCl (0.45%), 7.5% DMSO, 5% Human Serum Albumin, and 1% Low Molecular Weight Dextran (LMD).
Product Administration:
Cell thawing: The cells were thawed at the CVPF or at the bedside using a water bath or comparable device maintained at 36° C. to 38° C. by trained personnel. There should be no frozen clumps left in the container by the time it is connected to the I.V. tube. If the CART-PSMA-TGFβRDN cell product appeared to have a damaged or leaking bag, or be compromised, it was not infused, and was returned to the CVPF.
Administration: The infusion took place in an isolated room in the CTRC or elsewhere in the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, using precautions for immunosuppressed patients. Prior to the infusion, two individuals independently verified the information on the infusion product label in the presence of the subject and confirmed that the information is correctly matched to the participant. Cells were infused within approximately 30 minutes after thaw. The CART cells were infused intravenously into an 18 gauge intravenous catheter, either through a peripheral vein (preferred) or central vein. Macrodrip intravenous tubing was used to infuse the CART cells by gravity (i.e., without an infusion pump) at a rate of approximately ˜10 mL/minute through a latex free-Y-type blood set with a 3-way stopcock. A leukoreduction filter was not used for the infusion of the CART cell product. Emergency medical equipment (i.e., emergency trolley) was available during the infusion in case the subject had an allergic response, or severe hypotensive crisis, or any other reaction to the infusion. Vital signs (temperature, respiration rate, pulse, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation by pulse oximetry) were measured prior, and after the infusion. If the subject's vital signs were not satisfactory and stable, vital signs were continually monitored at a minimum of every hour or as clinically indicated until stable. The subject was discharged after the physician managing their care has determined the subject was in satisfactory condition.
Example 9: CART-PSMA-TGFBRDN Clinical Trial DesignThis protocol tested the safety of 2 dose-levels of CART-PSMA-TGFβRDN cells administered intravenously alone or after lymphodepletion with a moderate dose of cyclophosphamide administered three days prior to CART-PSMA-TGFβRDN cells. The dose escalation followed a 3+3 design. CART-PSMA-TGFβRDN cells were permanently modified to be directed to the PSMA protein with an anti-PSMA CAR fused to the signaling domains of 4-1BB and TCR. The study population included patients with castrate resistant prostate cancer with radiographic evidence of lymph node, visceral, or osseous metastases. All patients must have progressed after therapy with at least one standard 17a lyase inhibitor or second-generation anti-androgen therapy.
The date the first patient was dosed was Aug. 31, 2017.
As part of informed consent, subjects were asked for permission to test their tumor for PSMA as one of the eligibility criteria. Evaluation of PSMA expression on a fresh tumor biopsy was preferred; however, if a biopsy was not feasible or clinically appropriate, then archived tissue from a recent metastatic tissue biopsy was used to determine eligibility if obtained within prior 90 days.
Patients with confirmed ≥10% of tumor cells with PSMA expression and who meet all other inclusion criteria were eligible to participate.
Cohort 1 subjects (N=3 or 6) received a single dose of 1-3×107/m2 lentivirally transduced CART-PSMA-TGFβRDN cells on day 0 without any conditioning chemotherapeutic regimen. If the number of manufactured CAR T cells did not meet the pre-specified minimum infused dose of 1×107/m2 cells, then the dose was not administered, and the subject was replaced in the study. If 1 DLT/3 subjects occurs, the study enrolls an additional 3 subjects at this dose level. If 0 DLT/3 subjects or 1 DLT/6 subjects occurs, the study advances to Cohort 2. If 2 DLT/3 subjects occurs at dose of 1-3×107/m2 cells, then enrollment in this Cohort is stopped and the dose is de-escalated by 10-fold to 1-3×106 cells/m2 (Cohort −1). In this situation, up to 6 subjects are enrolled in Cohort −1.
Cohort 2 subjects (N=3 or 6) received a single dose of 1-3×108/m2 lentivirally transduced CART-PSMA-TGFβRDN cells on day 0 without any conditioning chemotherapeutic regimen. If the number of manufactured CAR T cells did not meet the protocol-specified minimum of 1×108/m2 cells, but does meet the minimum dose requirement of at least 1×107/m2 cells, then the subject receives the dose and was not included in the DLT assessment for Cohort 2. This subject would be replaced for DLT assessment at this dose. If, the number of manufactured CAR T cells did not meet the pre-specified minimum infused dose as outlined for Cohort 1, then no dose was administered, and the subject was replaced in the study. If 1 DLT/3 subjects occurs, the study enrolls an additional 3 subjects at this dose level. If 0 DLT/3 subjects or 1 DLT/6 subjects occur, the study advances to Cohort 3. If 2 DLT/3 subjects occur, then the study stops and declares maximum tolerated dose (MTD).
Cohorts 1 and 2 served to identify the MTD of CART-PSMA-TGFβRDN cells. The MTD is defined as the highest dose at which 0/3 or 1/6 DLTs occur.
Cohort 3 subjects (N=3 or 6) received a single infusion at the MTD of lentivirally transduced CART-PSMA-TGFβRDN cells on day 0, following a single dose of 1.0 gram/m2 of cyclophosphamide administered up to 4 days prior to the CAR T cells (day −3+1 day). If 0 DLT/3 subjects occur, the study enrolls an additional 3 patients to confirm tolerability. If 1 DLT/3 subject occurs, the study enrolls an additional 3 subjects at this dose level. If two of the initial three subjects experience a DLT, three additional patients are accrued with a dose-reduction in the lymphodepleting chemotherapy to 500 mg/m2 administered up to 4 days prior to the CAR T cells (day −3±1 day).
Subjects were enrolled serially. Infusions were staggered to allow assessment of DLTs for cohort progression, expansion, or dose de-escalation. The infusions for the first 2 subjects in each cohort were staggered by 28 days; the second subject was not infused until 28 days after the infusion of the first subject. The 2nd and 3rd subjects in each cohort were infused and followed in parallel but only after the 1st subject in that cohort completed the day 28 visit without DLT.
DLT was defined as any new grade 3 or greater adverse event at least possibly related to the T cell regimen that occured within 28 days of T cell infusion. If 1 DLT occurs in the first 3 subjects treated at a dose level, the study enrolls an additional 3 subjects at that dose level. If 2 DLT/3 subjects occur, then the study stops and declares maximum tolerated dose, except for Cohort 1, where a 10-fold dose de-escalation occurs. If 0 DLT/3 subjects or 1 DLT/6 subjects at a dose level, the study advances to the next Cohort. For cohort 3, if two of the initial three subjects experience a DLT, three additional patients are accrued with a dose-reduction in the lymphodepleting chemotherapy to 500 mg/m2 administered up to 4 days prior to the CAR T cells (day −3±1 day). Otherwise, if 0-1 DLT/3 subjects occur in cohort 3, the study enrolls an additional 3 patients to confirm tolerability.
Subjects were followed up for safety assessments and research assessments. Subjects returned for study follow-up on Days 1, 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28 for safety assessments. On Day 28 (±5), disease staging was performed with a CT chest/abdomen/pelvis, bone scan, and serum PSA. The reasons for this early imaging assessment at day 28 were to assess for systemic inflammation effects and to monitor disease status at the time of the expected homing of CART-PSMA-TGFβRDN cells. Repeat disease assessments (including imaging) were performed at Months 3 and 6 and as standard of care thereafter. If a subject had relevant imaging data (CT abd/pelvis, MRI abd/pelvis, bone scan) within 4 weeks of Month 3 and/or 6 performed as part of their standard of care, this was not repeated at Month 3 and/or 6.
Adverse event reporting began at the time of consent and continues until the subject is off-study. While on study, subjects were continually reassessed for evidence of acute and cumulative toxicity. Upon discontinuation from the primary follow-up phase, subjects enter long-term follow-up for up to 5 years from their CART-PSMA-TGFβRDN infusion. During long-term follow-up, subjects are monitored for delayed adverse events that may be associated with the administration of the CART-PSMA-TGFβRDN cells.
Peripheral blood samples were obtained at defined time points to monitor for measures of safety and efficacy. Additional blood and tissue samples (e.g. fluids, tissue biopsy) that were obtained for clinical indications may also be sent for research analysis. At any time that tissue or body fluids were obtained (for example, drainage of pleural fluid or ascites fluid), fluid samples that would otherwise be discarded were used instead for research purposes. These studies include, but were not limited to, CART-PSMA-TGFβRDN cell persistence by Q-PCR and inflammation marker assessment with a Luminex-based cytokine and chemokine panel.
In case of unexpected AEs, additional blood and tissues were collected for research analysis, focused at evaluating the potential causality of the unexpected event with the infused CART-PSMA-TGFβRDN cells. The additional samples collected for research did not exceed 3 tablespoons of blood twice in one week, and one tissue sample collection procedure for per month.
Inclusion Criteria:
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- 1. Metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer
- 2. ≥10% tumor cells expressing PSMA as demonstrated by immunohistochemistry analysis on biopsied tissue.
- 3. Radiographic evidence of osseous metastatic disease and/or measurable, non-osseous metastatic disease (nodal or visceral)
- 4. Patients ≥18 years of age
- 5. ECOG performance status of 0-1
- 6. Adequate organ function, as defined by:
- a. Serum creatinine ≤1.5 mg/dl or creatinine clearance ≥60 cc/min
- b. Serum total bilirubin <1.5×ULN
- c. Serum ALT/AST<2×ULN
- 7. Adequate hematologic reserve within 4 weeks of study enrollment as defined by:
- a. Hgb>10 g/dl
- b. PLT>100 k/ul
- c. ANC>1.5 k/ul
- Note: Subjects must not be transfusion dependent
- 8. Evidence of progressive castrate resistant prostate adenocarcinoma, as defined by:
- a. Castrate levels of testosterone (<50 ng/ml) with or without the use of androgen-deprivation therapy AND
- b. Evidence of one of the following measures of progressive disease in the 12 weeks preceding study enrollment:
- i. soft tissue progression by RECIST 1.1 criteria
- ii. osseous disease progression with 2 or more new lesions on bone scan (as per PCWG2 criteria)
- iii. increase in serum PSA of at least 25% and an absolute increase of 2 ng/ml or more from nadir (as per PCWG2 criteria)
- 9. Prior therapy with at least one standard 17a lyase inhibitor or second-generation anti-androgen therapy for the treatment of metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer
- 10. Provides written informed consent
- 11. Subjects of reproductive potential must agree to use acceptable birth control methods.
Exclusion Criteria:
-
- 1. Prior treatment with an immune-based therapy for the treatment of prostate cancer, including cancer vaccine therapies (such as SipuleucelT, PROSTVAC), immune checkpoint inhibitors, radium-223 and immunoconjugate therapies
- 2. History of an active non-curative non-prostate primary malignancy within the prior 5 years
- 3. Subjects who require the chronic use of systemic corticosteroid therapy
- 4. Subjects who have received >3 prior therapies for the treatment of castrate resistant prostate cancer (excluding luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists or antagonists, or first generation anti-androgen therapies). This includes subjects who received Taxotere in non-castrate resistant setting.
- 5. Subjects with Class III/IV cardiovascular disability according to the New York Heart Association Classification (see Attachment 2)
- 6. Subjects with symptomatic vertebral metastases affecting spinal cord function (as determined by clinical history, physical exam, or MRI imaging)
- 7. History of active autoimmune disease requiring immunosuppressive therapy
- 8. Patients with ongoing or active infection.
- 9. History of allergy or hypersensitivity to study product excipients (human serum albumin, DMSO, and Dextran 40)
- 10. Active hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV infection.
A total of six subjects have been infused and two subjects remain on study as of Jul. 25, 2018. Three subjects were infused in Cohort 1 and three subjects were infused in Cohort 2. Thus, Cohort 2 was filled. In contract to Cohort 1, all three subjects infused in Cohort 2 experienced cytokine release syndrome (CRS): two subjects had grade 3 CRS and one subject had grade 1 CRS, all of which developed within 12 hours CAR T cell infusion. These toxicities were managed per protocol/institutional guidelines and resolved. Thus, Cohort 2 was completed without a DLT.
The study Site Initiation Visit was held on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2017 and the study was activated on Mar. 8, 2017. As of Jul. 25, 2018, the clinical site consented 8 subjects. Of the 8 subjects consented there was 1 screen failure, 1 subject withdrew prior to treatment, and 6 subjects were infused.
Table 3 shows a summary of the demographics of screened subjects (N=8).
Table 4 shows a summary of the current protocol status for infused subjects (N=6).
Table 5 shows a summary of deviations or exceptions for infused subjects (N=6).
Table 6 shows a summary of infusion dates and doses among infused subjects (N=6).
Table 7 is a summary of disease response for infused subjects (N=6).
Table 8 is a summary of serum PSA levels for infused subjects (N=6).
Table 9 is a summary showing PSMA-TGFβRDN cell marking in the peripheral blood by qPCR for infused subjects (N=6).
Table 10 is a summary showing PSMA-TGFβRDN cell marking in other tissues by qPCR for infused subjects (N=6).
Table 11 is a summary showing percent PSMA positive tumor cells for enrolled subjects as determined by immunohistochemistry (N=7).
Background:
Adoptive immunotherapy with CAR-T cells has transformative potential for the treatment of cancer. A primary challenge to the success of these therapies in prostate cancer is the immunosuppressive microenvironment, including high levels of TGFβ, encountered by re-directed T cells upon tumor infiltration. Importantly, these immunosuppressive functions of TGFβ can be inhibited in T cells using a dominant negative TGFβ receptor (TGFβRdn), thereby enhancing antitumor immunity. In in vivo disseminated tumor models, co-expression of TGFβRdn on PSMA-directed CAR-T cells led to increased T cell proliferation, enhanced cytokine secretion, long-term persistence, and greater induction of tumor eradication. Mechanisms of adaptive tumor resistance are unknown.
Study Design:
Study Overview: A first-in-human phase 1 clinical trial was initiated to evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of lentivirally-transduced PSMA-directed/TGFβ-insensitive CAR-T cells (CART-PSMA-TGFβRdn) in men with treatment-refractory metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) (NCT03089203). In preliminary dose-escalation cohorts, patients received a single dose of 1-3×107/m2 (Cohort 1) or 1-3×108/m2 (Cohort 2) CART-PSMA-TGFβRdn cells without lymphodepleting chemotherapy in a 3+3 design. In Cohort 3, patients receive the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of CART-PSMA-TGFβRdn cells following lymphodepleting chemotherapy with Cyclophosphamide 300 mg/m2 and Fludarabine 30 mg/m2 for 3 days. All treated patients underwent metastatic tumor biopsies at baseline, as well as on day +10 following the CAR-T cell infusion.
Key Eligibility Criteria: Metastatic CRPC, with previous treatment with at least one second-generation androgen signaling inhibitor (abiraterone or enzalutamide); ≥10% tumor cells expressing PSMA by IHC on metastatic tissue biopsy; radiographic evidence for metastatic disease (osseous or nodal/visceral); ≤4 lines of therapy for metastatic CRPC.
Study Schema:
Correlative Analyses: Quantitative PCR of CART-PSMA-TGFβRdn DNA was performed at serial timepoints to evaluate for CAR-T expansion and persistence in peripheral blood and trafficking to target tissues. Bioactivity of CART-PSMA-TGFβRdn cells in peripheral blood was evaluated through Luminex analyses of immune and inflammatory factors. Circulating tumor material was collected at serial time points and correlated with clinical response.
Study Status and Preliminary Findings: Six patients received CART-PSMA-TGFβRdn cell infusions at the specified dose levels (Cohort 1, N=3; Cohort 2, N=3). All CART-PSMA-TGFβRdn infusion products met target transduction efficiency. No dose limiting toxicitities were observed in preliminary dose escalation.
Evaluation of CAR-T cellular kinetics via qPCR of CART-PSMA-TGFβRdn DNA demonstrated peripheral blood T cell expansion (
In Cohort 2, two patients developed anticipated Grade 3 cytokine release syndrome (CRS), which is a critical marker of biologic activity with CAR-T therapy, and one patient developed Grade 3 CAR-T neurotoxicity requiring corticosteroids.
Marked increases in inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-15, IL-2, IFNgamma) and ferritin correlated with all Grade 3 CRS events (Subject 32816-06:
Cohort 3 enrollment (MTD with lymphodepleting chemotherapy) began in September 2018.
Example 12: Cohorts 1 and 2 Observations and Case StudySubject 32816-07: 74 year old with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC; initial diagnosis: May 2014). Fever to 103F several hours post-PSMA-TGFβRDN CART infusion (no lymphodepletion) was observed. Hypotension was observed approximately 6 hours post-PSMA-TGFβRDN CART at 83/44 mmHg nadir. Hypotension was managed with crystalloid infusion (no pharmacologic management required during ICU admission) and tocilizumab with resolution by the following day after PSMA-TGFβRDN CART infusion.
Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) was observed in patient 32816-07 following PSMA-TGFβRDN CART-infusion (
PSMA Positive CTC Observations in Cohorts 1 and 2: Table 18 shows a summary of the number of PSMA-positive circulating tumor cells (CTCs) detected in each subject across various time points, the data of which is graphed in
Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) were generated using a fully humanized antibody derived from the anti-PSMA monoclonal antibody, J591.
Materials and MethodsCell lines and primary human T lymphocyte cultures: PC3 is a prostate cancer tumor line (ATCC; Cat #: CRL-1435). Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) was lentivirally transduced into PC3 to produce PC3-PSMA. CBG was lentivirally transduced into PC3 and PC3-PSMA to produce PC3-CBG and PC3-PSMA-CBG.
Primary human CD4 and CD8 T cells were isolated from healthy volunteer donors following leukapheresis by negative selection using RosetteSep Kits (Stem Cell Technologies). All specimens were collected under a University Institutional Review Board-approved protocol, and written informed consent was obtained from each donor. Mixed primary human CD4 and CD8 T cells (1:1) were stimulated with anti-CD3/CD28 Dynabeads (Life Technologies).
CAR constructs and lentiviral transduction: CAR scFv domains against PSMA were synthesized and/or amplified by PCR, linked to CD8 transmembrane domain and 4-1BB or ICOS and CD3 zeta intracellular signaling domains, and subcloned into pTRPE lentiviral vectors. T cells were transduced with lentiviral vectors at an MOI of 5.
Flow cytometry: Flow cytometry was used to determine the transduction efficiency of transduced cells following staining with biotin-labeled polyclonal anti-mouse F(ab)2 antibody (Jackson Immunoresearch). The following antibodies were used in flow cytometry experiments: PE conjugated Streptavidin. Data acquisition was performed on FACSCalibur (BC Biosciences) and analyzed via FlowJo.
CD107a assay: Cells were plated at an E:T of 1:2 (1×105 effectors: 2×105) in 160 μL of R10 medium in a 96-well plate. Of note, 20 μL of phycoerythrin-labeled anti-CD107a Ab was added and the plate was incubated at 37° C. for 1 hour before adding Golgi Stop (2 mL Golgi Stop in 3 mL R10 medium, 20 mL/well; BD Biosciences, 51-2092 KZ) and incubating for another 2.5 hours. Then 5 mL FITC-anti-CD8 and 5 mL streptavidin-allophycocyanin (APC)-anti-CD3 were added and incubated at 37° C. for 30 minutes. After incubation, the samples were washed with FACS buffer and analyzed by flow cytometry.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA): Target cells were washed and suspended at 1×106 cells/mL in R10 medium. Of note, 100 μL each target cell type were added in triplicate to a 96-well round bottom plate (Corning). Effector T cells were washed and resuspended at 1×106 cells/mL in R10 cells and then 100 μL of T cells were combined with target cells in the indicated wells. The plates were incubated at 37C for 18 to 24 hours. After the incubation, supernatant was harvested and subjected to an ELISA assay (eBioscience).
Luciferase-based cytolytic T-cell (CTL) assay: Click beetle green luciferase (CBG)-T2A-eGFP was lentivirally transduced into PC3 and PC3-PSMA tumor cells and sorted for GFP expression. Tumor cells were incubated with different ratios of T cells 8 hours at 37° C. Of note, 100 mL of the mixture was transferred to a 96-well white luminometer plate, 100 mL of substrate was added, and the luminescence was immediately determined. Results are reported as percent killing based on luciferase activity in wells with tumor, but no T cells. (% killing=100−((RLU from well with effector and target cell coculture)/(RLU from well with target cells)×100).
ResultsIn
Two humanized J591 CARs, dnTGF.hJ591VHVK.BBZ and dnTGF.hJ591VKVH.BBZ, were constructed and cloned into a lentiviral vector (
CAR-T cells expressing the indicated PMSA CAR constructs were tested for the lytic activity using PC3-PMSA cells as target, showing T cells comprising hJ591 CARs specifically kill target cells (
Humanized J591 (hJ591) CARs were tested with different costimulatory domains.
Several constructs were generated and cloned into a lentiviral vector for in vitro and in vivo testing. The results are shown in
CAR expression in the transduced cells as indicated was tested by flow cytometry (
In vivo tumor killing efficacy of the various cells were assessed. The various transduced cells as indicated were administered to a mouse PSMA tumor model, and the bioluminescence of tumors were assessed on days 1, 7, 12, and 21 post-administration (
The disclosures of each and every patent, patent application, and publication cited herein are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. While this invention has been disclosed with reference to specific embodiments, it is apparent that other embodiments and variations of this invention may be devised by others skilled in the art without departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention. The appended claims are intended to be construed to include all such embodiments and equivalent variations.
Claims
1. A modified immune cell or precursor cell thereof, comprising
- (a) a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) comprising an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain, wherein the antigen binding domain comprises: a heavy chain variable region (VH) that comprises the consensus sequence of SEQ ID NO:183; and a light chain variable region (VL) that comprises the consensus sequence of SEQ ID NO:184; and
- (b) a dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor.
2. The modified cell of claim 1, wherein:
- (a) the VH comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:191; and/or
- (b) the VL comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:192.
3. (canceled)
4. The modified cell of claim 1, wherein:
- (a) the antigen binding domain comprises an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof; and/or
- (b) the antigen binding domain comprises an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, and wherein the antigen-binding fragment is selected from the group consisting of a Fab, a single-chain variable fragment (scFv), or a single-domain antibody.
5. (canceled)
6. The modified cell of claim 1, wherein the transmembrane domain:
- (a) comprises a transmembrane region derived from CD8; and/or
- (b) comprises a transmembrane region derived from CD8 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 88; and/or
- (c) further comprises a hinge region derived from CD8; and/or
- (d) further comprises a hinge region derived from CD8 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 86.
7.-9. (canceled)
10. The modified cell of claim 6, wherein the intracellular domain comprises:
- (a) a 4-1BB signaling domain and a CD3 zeta signaling domain; and/or
- (b) an ICOS signaling domain and a CD3 zeta signaling domain; and/or
- (c) a variant ICOS signaling domain and a CD3 zeta signaling domain; and/or
- (d) a 4-1BB signaling domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 92; and/or
- (e) an ICOS signaling domain and a CD3 zeta signaling domain, and wherein the ICOS signaling domain the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 203; and/or
- (f) a variant ICOS signaling domain and a CD3 zeta signaling domain, wherein the variant ICOS signaling domain comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ 1D NO: 95; and/or
- (g) a CD3 zeta signaling domain comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 97 or 100.
11.-16. (canceled)
17. The modified cell of claim 1, wherein the dominant negative receptor:
- (a) is a truncated variant of a wild-type protein associated with a negative signal; and/or
- (b) a truncated variant of a wild-type protein associated with a negative signal comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 115.
18. (canceled)
19. The modified cell of claim 1, wherein the switch receptor:
- (a) comprises a first domain, wherein the first domain is derived from a first polypeptide that is associated with a negative signal; and a second domain, wherein the second domain is derived from a second polypeptide that is associated with a positive signal; and/or
- (b) comprises a first domain, wherein the first domain is derived from a first polypeptide that is associated with a negative signal, wherein the first domain comprises at least a portion of the extracellular domain of the first polypeptide that is associated with a negative signal; and a second domain, wherein the second domain is derived from a second polypeptide that is associated with a positive signal, and wherein the second domain comprises at least a portion of the intracellular domain of the second polypeptide that is associated with a positive signal; and/or
- (c) further comprises a switch receptor transmembrane domain, and optionally wherein the transmembrane domain comprises the transmembrane domain of the first polypeptide that is associated with a negative signal; or the transmembrane domain of the second polypeptide that is associated with a positive signal; and/or
- (d) comprises a first domain, wherein the first domain is derived from a first polypeptide that is associated with a negative signal; and a second domain, wherein the second domain is derived from a second polypeptide that is associated with a positive signal, wherein the first polypeptide that is associated with a negative signal is selected from the group consisting of CTLA4, PD-1, BTLA, TIM-3, and a TGFβR, and/or
- (e) comprises a first domain, wherein the first domain is derived from a first polypeptide that is associated with a negative signal; and a second domain, wherein the second domain is derived from a. second polypeptide that is associated with a positive signal, wherein the second polypeptide that is associated with a positive signal is selected from the group consisting of CD28, ICOS, 4-1BB, and a IL-12R; and/or
- (f) comprises a first domain comprising at least a portion of the extracellular domain of PD1; a switch receptor transmembrane domain comprising at least a portion of the transmembrane domain of CD28; and a second domain comprising at least a portion of the intracellular domain of CD28; and/or
- (g) comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 117; and/or
- (h) comprises a first domain comprising at least a portion of the extracellular domain of PD1; a switch receptor transmembrane domain comprising at least a portion of the transmembrane domain of PD1; and a second domain comprising at least a portion of the intracellular domain of CD28, and optionally wherein the first domain comprises at least a portion of the extracellular domain of PD1 comprises an alanine (A) to leucine (L) substitution at amino acid position 132; and/or
- (i) comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 119; and/or
- (j) comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 121; and/or
- (k) the switch receptor comprises a first domain comprising at least a portion of the extracellular domain of PD1 comprising an alanine (A) to leucine (L) substitution at amino acid position 132; and a second domain comprising at least a portion of the intracellular domain of CD28; and/or
- (l) comprises a first domain comprising at least a portion of the extracellular domain of PD1 comprising an alanine (A) to leucine (L) substitution at amino acid position 132; and a second domain comprising at least a portion of the intracellular domain of 4-1BB; and/or
- (m) comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 215; and/or
- (n) comprises: a first domain comprising at least a portion of the extracellular domain of TIM-3; and a second domain comprising at least a portion of the intracellular domain of CD28; and/or
- (o) comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 127; and/or
- (p) comprises a first domain comprising at least a portion of the extracellular domain of a TGFβR; and a second domain comprising at least a portion of the intracellular domain of ILI2Rα1; and/or
- (q) comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 123; and/or
- (r) comprises a first domain comprising at least a portion of the extracellular domain of a TGFβR; and a second domain comprising at least a portion of the intracellular domain of IL12Rβ1; and/or
- (s) comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 125.
20.-40. (canceled)
41. A modified immune cell or precursor cell thereof, comprising:
- (a) a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) having affinity for a prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on a target cell, wherein the CAR comprises a PSMA binding domain comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:191; and a light chain variable region (VL) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:192; and a dominant negative receptor comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 115; or
- (b) a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) having affinity for a prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on a target cell, wherein the CAR comprises a PSMA binding domain comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 191; and a light chain variable region (VL) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 192; and a switch receptor comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 213 or 215; or
- (c) a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) having affinity for a prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on a target cell, wherein the CAR comprises a PSMA binding domain comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 191; and a light chain variable region (VL) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 192; and a switch receptor comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 117 or 119; or
- (d) a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) having affinity for a prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on a target cell, wherein the CAR comprises a PSMA binding domain comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 191; and a light chain variable region (VL) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 192; and a switch receptor comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 121; or
- (e) a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) having affinity for a prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on a target cell, wherein the CAR comprises a PSMA binding domain comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 191; and a light chain variable region (VL) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 192; and a switch receptor comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 127; or
- (f) a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) having affinity for a prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on a target cell, wherein the CAR comprises a PSMA binding domain comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 191; and a light chain variable region (VL) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 192; and a switch receptor comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 123; or
- (g) a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) having affinity for a prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on a target cell, wherein the CAR comprises a PSMA binding domain comprising a heavy chain variable region (VH) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 191; and a light chain variable region (VL) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 192; and a switch receptor comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 125.
42.-47. (canceled)
48. The modified cell of claim 1, wherein the modified cell is a modified T cell.
49. The modified T cell of claim 48, wherein the modified T cell is an autologous cell.
50. The modified T cell of claim 48, wherein the modified T cell is an allogeneic cell.
51. The modified cell of claim 1, wherein the modified cell is a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL).
52. The modified cell of claim 1, wherein the modified cell is derived from a human cell.
53. An isolated nucleic acid, comprising:
- (a) a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) comprising an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain, wherein the antigen binding domain comprises: a heavy chain variable region (VH) that comprises the consensus sequence of SEQ ID NO:183; and a light chain variable region (VL) that comprises the consensus sequence of SEQ ID NO:184; and
- (b) a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a dominant negative receptor and/or a switch receptor.
54. The isolated nucleic acid of claim 53, wherein:
- (a) the VH comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:191; and/or
- (b) the VL comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:192; and/or
- (c) the first nucleic acid sequence comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 246, 248, 250, 252, 254, or 256; and/or
- (d) the second nucleic acid sequence comprises the nucleic acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 116, 118, 120, 122, 124, 126 128, 214, or 216; and/or
- (e) the first nucleic acid sequence and the second nucleic acid sequence are separated by a linker; and/or
- (f) the first nucleic acid sequence and the second nucleic acid sequence are separated by a linker, wherein the linker comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an internal ribosome entry site (IRES); and/or
- (g) the first nucleic acid sequence and the second nucleic acid sequence are separated by a linker, wherein the linker comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a self-cleaving peptide; and/or
- (h) the first nucleic acid sequence and the second nucleic acid sequence are separated by a linker, wherein the linker comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a self-cleaving 2A peptide; and/or
- (i) the first nucleic acid sequence and the second nucleic acid sequence are separated by a linker, wherein the linker comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a self-cleaving 2A peptide, wherein the 2A peptide is selected from the group consisting of porcine teschovirus-1 2 A (P2A), Thoseaasigna virus 2A (T2A), equine rhinitis A virus 2A (E2A), and foot-and-mouth disease virus 2A (F2A); and/or
- (j) the first nucleic acid sequence and the second nucleic acid sequence are separated by a linker, wherein the linker comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a self-cleaving 2A peptide, wherein the 2A peptide is T2A; and/or
- (k) the first nucleic acid sequence and the second nucleic acid sequence are separated by a linker, wherein the linker comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a self-cleaving 2A peptide, wherein the 2A peptide is F2A; and/or
- (l) the isolated nucleic acid comprises from 5′ to 3′ the first nucleic acid sequence, the linker, and the second nucleic acid sequence; and/or
- (m) the isolated nucleic acid comprises from 5′ to 3′ the second nucleic acid sequence, the linker, and the first nucleic acid sequence.
55.-66. (canceled)
67. An isolated nucleic acid, comprising:
- (a) a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) comprising an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain, wherein the antigen binding domain comprises: a heavy chain variable region (VH) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:191; and a light chain variable region (VL) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:192; and a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor comprising the nucleic acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 116 118, 120, 122, 124, 126, 128, 214, or 216; or
- (b) a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) comprising an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain, wherein the antigen binding domain comprises: a heavy chain variable region (VH) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:191; and a light chain variable region (VL) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:192; and a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a dominant negative receptor and/or switch receptor comprising the nucleic acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 116.
68. (canceled)
69. The isolated nucleic acid of claim 67, wherein:
- (a) the first nucleic acid sequence and the second nucleic acid sequence is separated by a linker comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding T2A; or
- (b) the first nucleic acid sequence and the second nucleic acid sequence is separated by a linker comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding F2A.
70. (canceled)
71. An expression construct comprising the isolated nucleic acid of claim 53.
72. The expression construct of claim 71, wherein:
- (a) the expression construct is a viral vector selected from the group consisting of a retroviral vector, a lentiviral vector, an adenoviral vector, and an adeno-associated viral vector; and/or
- (b) the expression construct is a lentiviral vector; and/or
- (c) the expression construct is a lentiviral vector, and wherein the lentiviral vector further comprises an EF-1 a promoter; and/or
- (d) the expression construct is a lentiviral vector, and wherein the lentiviral vector further comprises a rev response element (RRE); and/or
- (e) the expression construct is a lentiviral vector, and wherein the lentiviral vector further comprises a woodchuck hepatitis virus posttranscriptional regulatory element (WPRE); and/or
- (f) the expression construct is a lentiviral vector, and wherein the lentiviral vector further comprises a cPPT sequence; and/or
- (g) the expression construct is a lentiviral vector, and wherein the lentiviral vector further comprises an EF-1 a promoter, a rev response element (RRE), a woodchuck hepatitis virus posttranscriptional regulatory element (WPRE), and a cPPT sequence; and/or
- (h) the expression construct is a lentiviral vector, and wherein the lentiviral vector is a self-inactivating lentiviral vector.
73.-80. (canceled)
81. A method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising the modified immune cell of claim 1.
82. The method of claim 81, further comprising:
- (a) administering to the subject a lymphodepleting chemotherapy, and/or
- (b) administering to the subject a lymphodepleting chemotherapy, wherein the lymphodepleting chemotherapy comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of cyclophosphamide and/or fludarabine.
83. (canceled)
84. The method of claim 81, wherein the method is directed to treating prostate cancer in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising:
- administering to the subject a lymphodepleting chemotherapy comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of cyclophosphamide; and
- administering to the subject a modified T cell comprising: a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) having affinity for a prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on a target cell, wherein the CAR comprises an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain, wherein the antigen binding domain comprises: a heavy chain variable region (VH) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:191; and a light chain variable region (VL) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:192; and a dominant negative receptor comprising an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 115.
85. The method of claim 81, wherein the method is directed to treating metastatic castrate resistant prostate cancer in a subject in need thereof, the method comprising:
- administering to the subject a lymphodepleting chemotherapy comprising administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of cyclophosphamide; and
- administering to the subject a modified T cell comprising: a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) having affinity for a prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) on a target cell, wherein the CAR comprises an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain, wherein the antigen binding domain comprises: a heavy chain variable region (VH) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:191; and a light chain variable region (VL) that comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO:192; and a dominant negative receptor comprising an amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ NO: 115.
Type: Application
Filed: Mar 5, 2020
Publication Date: May 13, 2021
Inventors: Yangbing Zhao (Lumberton, NJ), Szu Hua Sharon Lin (Philadelphia, PA), Xiaojun Liu (Wallingford, PA), Anne Chew (Cherry Hill, NJ)
Application Number: 16/810,590
