COMBINATORIAL CANCER IMMUNOTHERAPY
Provided herein are methods and compositions for dynamically controlling and targeting multiple immunosuppressive mechanisms in cancer. Some aspects provide cells engineered to produce multiple effector molecules, each of which modulates a different immunosuppressive mechanisms of a tumor, as well as methods of using the cells to treat cancer, such as ovarian, breast, or colon cancer.
This application is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 17/219,569 filed Mar. 31, 2021, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/656,452 filed Oct. 17, 2019, which issued as U.S. Pat. No. 10,993,967 on May 4, 2021, which claims the benefit of each of U.S. Provisional Application Nos. 62/747,109 filed on Oct. 17, 2018; 62/747,114 filed on Oct. 17, 2018; and 62/843,180 filed May 3, 2019, each of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.
SEQUENCE LISTINGThe instant application contains a Sequence Listing which has been submitted via EFS-Web and is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Said ASCII copy, created on Nov. 26, 2019, is named STB011_SequenceListing.txt, and is 142,504 bytes in size.
BACKGROUNDThere are more than 22,000 new cases of ovarian cancer and more than 14,000 deaths each year in the United States (Siegel RL, et al. (2016) CA Cancer J Clin 66(1):7-30), with an estimated annual healthcare burden of greater than $600 M (Dizon D MJ (2010) Gynecol Oncol 116(3)). Conventional approaches, such as chemotherapy (e.g., carboplatin/cisplatin and/or paclitaxel), are often unable to cure ovarian cancer. Approximately 70% of patients do not achieve remission on first-line chemotherapy, and 40-50% of patients that do have a remission will relapse within three years.
Treatment of other cancers, such as breast cancer and colon cancer, is associated with five-year survival rates of 85% and 65%, respectively. Therapies often include a combination of invasive surgeries and chemotherapies.
SUMMARYProvided herein, in some embodiments, is a combinatorial cell-based immunotherapy for the targeted treatment of cancer, such as ovarian cancer, breast cancer, colon cancer, lung cancer, and pancreatic cancer. This combinatorial immunotherapy relies on engineered cell circuits that enable multifactorial modulation within and/or near a tumor (a “tumor microenvironment (TME)”). Despite exciting advancements in combinatorial immunotherapy, its efficacy against cancer has been limited due in part to the following challenges. It is difficult to deliver multiple therapies simultaneously to achieve maximal efficacy without triggering significant side effects. It is also difficult in clinical trials to determine the appropriate dosing and timing of multiple systemically-administered and/or locally-injected therapies.
The combinatorial immunotherapy provided herein, however, is tumor-specific and effective yet limits systemic toxicity. This combinatorial immunotherapy delivers to a tumor microenvironment multiple immunomodulatory effector molecules from a single delivery vehicle. The design of the delivery vehicle is optimized to improve overall function in cancer therapy, including, but not limited to, optimization of the promoters, linkers, signal peptides, and order of the multiple immunomodulatory effector molecules.
Advantageously, cell circuits of the present disclosure are engineered in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which are able to selectively home to tumors (including metastases), are able to produce a pro-inflammatory/immunostimulatory secretome and under certain conditions an anti-inflammatory secretome, and are hypoimmunogenic. These characteristics, among others, enable their use for allogenic cell therapies, for example, without significant safety issues, side effects, or rejection.
It has been increasingly recognized that tumors are a complex interplay between the tumor cells and the surrounding stroma, which includes the extracellular matrix, cancer-associated stromal cells (MSCs and fibroblasts), tumor vasculature, and the immune system. The TME suppresses anti-tumor immune responses through multiple mechanisms that target both the innate and adaptive immune system of the patient. For example, tumors can recruit and induce regulatory T cells that suppress the anti-tumor activity of conventional T cells by elaborating specific chemokines such as CCL22. Tumors can also express molecules that inhibit the activity of T cells and NK cells, such as immune checkpoints such as PD-L1. Thus, targeting a single pathway is likely insufficient for achieving robust efficacy against solid tumors.
Non-limiting examples of effector molecules encompassed by the present disclosure include cytokines, antibodies, chemokines, nucleotides, peptides, enzymes, and oncolytic viruses. For example, MSCs may be engineered to express (and typically secrete) at least one, two, three or more of the following effector molecules: IL-12, IL-16, IFN-β, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-15, IL-7, IL-36γ, IL-18, IL-1β, IL-21, OX40-ligand, CD40L, anti-PD-1 antibodies, anti-PD-L1 antibodies, anti-CTLA-4 antibodies, anti-TGFβ antibodies, anti-TNFR2, MIP1α (CCL3), MIP1β (CCL5), CCL21, CpG oligodeoxynucleotides, and anti-tumor peptides (e.g., anti-microbial peptides having anti-tumor activity, see, e.g., Gaspar, D. et al. Front Microbiol. 2013; 4: 294; Chu, H. et al. PLoS One. 2015; 10(5): e0126390, and website:aps.unmc.edu/AP/main.php).
Provided for herein is an engineered cell comprising: a) a promoter; and b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
wherein S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, and wherein the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule., In some aspects, the engineered cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), stem cell, immune cell, natural killer (NK) cell, NKT cell, innate lymphoid cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), mast cell, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, myeloid cell, dendritic cell, T cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), viral-specific T cell, gamma-delta T cell, T regulatory cell, and B cell.
In some aspects, the cell is a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC). In some aspects, the cell is a stem cell. In some aspects, the cell is an immune cell. In some aspects, the cell is a natural killer (NK) cell. In some aspects, the cell is a NKT cell. In some aspects, the cell is an innate lymphoid cell. In some aspects, the cell is a tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL). In some aspects, the cell is a mast cell. In some aspects, the cell is a eosinophil. In some aspects, the cell is a basophil. In some aspects, the cell is a monocyte. In some aspects, the cell is a macrophage. In some aspects, the cell is a neutrophil. In some aspects, the cell is a myeloid cell. In some aspects, the cell is a dendritic cell. In some aspects, the cell is a T cell. In some aspects, the cell is a CD8+ T cell. In some aspects, the cell is a CD4+ T cell. In some aspects, the cell is a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL). In some aspects, the cell is a viral-specific T cell. In some aspects, the cell is a gamma-delta T cell. In some aspects, the cell is a T regulatory cell. In some aspects, the cell is a B cell.
In some aspects, the promoter comprises an exogenous promoter polynucleotide sequence. In some aspects, the promoter comprises an endogenous promoter. In some aspects, the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette such that the polynucleotides are capable of being transcribed as a single polynucleotide comprising the formula S1-E1-L-S2-E2. In some aspects, the linker polynucleotide sequence is operably associated with the translation of the first effector molecule and the second effector molecule as separate polypeptides. In some aspects, the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a 2A ribosome skipping tag. In some aspects, the 2A ribosome skipping tag is selected from the group consisting of: P2A, T2A, E2A, and F2A. In some aspects, the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a T2A ribosome skipping tag. In some aspects, the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes an Internal Ribosome Entry Site (IRES). In some aspects, the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a cleavable polypeptide. In some aspects, the cleavable polypeptide comprises a Furin recognition polypeptide sequence. In some aspects, the linker polynucleotide sequence further encodes a Gly-comprising. Ser-comprising, or Gly-Ser comprising polypeptide sequence, e.g., a Gly-Ser-Gly polypeptide sequence. In some aspects, the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a Furin recognition polypeptide sequence, a Gly-Ser-Gly polypeptide sequence, and a T2A ribosome skipping tag in a Furin:Gly-Ser-Gly:T2A orientation from N-terminus to C-terminus.
In some aspects, the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a second promoter, wherein the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette such that a first polynucleotide comprising the formula S1-E1 is capable of being transcribed, wherein the second promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette such that a second polynucleotide comprising the formula S2-E2 is capable of being transcribed, and wherein the first and the second polynucleotide are separate polynucleotides. In some aspects, the promoter and the second promoter are identical. In some aspects, the promoter and the second promoter are different.
In some aspects, the engineered cell is HLA-typed with reference to a subject in need of therapeutic treatment. In some aspects, the engineered cell is a human cell. In some aspects, the human cell is an isolated cell from a subject, e.g., the subject who will receive the cell. In some aspects, the isolated cell is isolated from a tissue consisting of the group of: bone marrow, adipose tissue, the umbilical cord, fetal liver, muscle, and lung tissue. In some aspects, the engineered cell is a cultured cell.
In some aspects, the engineered MSC comprises a cellular marker phenotype comprising the cellular markers CD105+, CD73+, and CD90+. In some aspects, the cellular marker phenotype further comprises a phenotype lacking or substantially lacking one or more cellular markers selected from the group consisting of: CD45, CD34, CD14, CD11b, CD79α, CD19, HLA class II, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the engineered MSC comprises a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD105+, CD73+, CD90+, CD45−, CD34−, CD14−; a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD105+, CD73+, CD90+, CD11b−, CD79α−; a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD105+, CD73+, CD90+, CD19−, HLA class II−; or a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD73+, CD90+, CD105+, and CD166+, CD11b−, CD14−, CD19−, CD34−, CD45−, and HLA-DR−. In some aspects, the cellular marker phenotype is determined or has been determined by flow-cytometry.
In some aspects, the engineered cell comprises a T cell. In some aspects, the engineered cell comprises a NK cell. In some aspects, the engineered cell comprises a NKT cell.
In some aspects, the cellular marker phenotype further comprises a cellular marker comprising a cognate receptor or a cognate receptor ligand for the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules expressed in the engineered cells. In some aspects, the receptor is selected from the group consisting of: IL12RB1, IL12RB2, CCL7, and combinations thereof
In some aspects, the promoter and/or the second promoter comprises a constitutive promoter. In some aspects, the constitutive promoter is selected from the group consisting of: CMV, EFS, SFFV, SV40, MND, PGK, UbC, hEF1aV1, hCAGG, hEF1aV2, hACTb, heIF4A1, hGAPDH, hGRP78, hGRP94, hHSP70, hKINb, and hUBIb. In some aspects, the promoter comprises an SFFV promoter. In some aspects, the promoter and/or the second promoter comprises an inducible promoter. In some aspects, the inducible promoter is selected from the group consisting of: minP, NFkB response element, CREB response element, NFAT response element, SRF response element 1, SRF response element 2, AP1 response element, TCF-LEF response element promoter fusion, Hypoxia responsive element, SMAD binding element, STAT3 binding site, inducer molecule responsive promoters, and tandem repeats thereof.
In some aspects, the first signal peptide or the second signal peptide comprises a native signal peptide native to the first effector molecule or the second effector molecule, respectively. In some aspects, the first signal peptide or the second signal peptide comprises a non-native signal peptide non-native to the first effector molecule or the second effector molecule, respectively. In some aspects, the non-native signal peptide is selected from the group consisting of: IL12, IL2, optimized IL2, trypsiongen-2, Gaussia luciferase, CD5, human IgKVII, murine IgKVII, VSV-G, prolactin, serum albumin preprotein, azurocidin preprotein, osteonectin, CD33, IL6, IL8, CCL2, TIMP2, VEGFB, osteoprotegerin, serpin E1, GROalpha, CXCL12, and IL21.
In some aspects, the first signal peptide and the second signal peptide are identical. In some aspects, the polynucleotide sequence encoding the first signal peptide comprises a codon optimized polynucleotide sequence. In some aspects, the first secretion polypeptide is a human IL12 signal peptide.
In some aspects, the polynucleotide sequence encoding the second signal peptide comprises a codon optimized polynucleotide sequence. In some aspects, the second secretion polypeptide is a human IL21 signal peptide.
In some aspects, the first effector molecule is selected from a therapeutic class, wherein the therapeutic class is selected from the group consisting of: a cytokine, a chemokine, a growth factor, a co-activation molecule, a tumor microenvironment modifier a, a receptor, a ligand, an antibody, a polynucleotide, a peptide, and an enzyme.
In some aspects, the second effector molecule is selected from a therapeutic class, wherein the therapeutic class is selected from the group consisting of: a cytokine, a chemokine, a growth factor, a co-activation molecule, a tumor microenvironment modifier, a receptor, a ligand, an antibody, a polynucleotide, a peptide, and an enzyme. In some aspects, the therapeutic class of the first effector molecule and the second effector molecule are different.
In some aspects, the first effector molecule and/or the second effector molecule is a modified effector molecule. In some aspects, the first effector molecule and/or the second effector molecule is modified to comprises a cell membrane tethering domain. In some aspects, the cell membrane tethering domain comprises a transmembrane-intracellular domain or a transmembrane domain. In some aspects, the cell membrane tethering domain comprises a cell surface receptor, or a cell membrane-bound portion thereof. In some aspects, the modified effector molecule is a fusion protein that comprises the cell surface receptor, or a cell membrane-bound portion thereof. In some aspects, the modified effector molecule further comprises a linker between the effector molecule and the cell membrane tethering domain. In some aspects, when expressed the modified effector molecule is tethered to a cell membrane of the engineered cell.
In some aspects, the cytokine is selected from the group consisting of: IL12, IL7, IL21, IL18, IL15, Type I interferons, and Interferon-gamma. In some aspects, the IL12 cytokine is an IL12p70 fusion protein. In some aspects, the chemokine is selected from the group consisting of: CCL21a, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL13, CXCL10-11 fusion, CCL19, CXCL9, and XCL1. In some aspects, the growth factor is selected from the group consisting of: Flt3L and GM-CSF. In some aspects, the co-activation molecule is selected from the group consisting of: 4-1BBL and CD40L. In some aspects, the tumor microenvironment modifier is selected from the group consisting of: adenosine deaminase, TGFbeta inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, VEGF inhibitors, and HPGE2. In some aspects, the TGFbeta inhibitors are selected from the group consisting of: an anti-TGFbeta peptide, an anti-TGFbeta antibody, a TGFb-TRAP, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the immune checkpoint inhibitors comprise anti-PD-1 antibodies. In some aspects, the VEGF inhibitors comprise anti-VEGF antibodies, anti-VEGF peptides, or combinations thereof.
In some aspects, the first effector molecule and the second effector molecule are human-derived effector molecules.
In some aspects, the first effector molecule comprises interleukin 12 (IL12), for example, p35 and p40 as a dimer that is generally referred to in the art as IL-12p70. In some aspects, the first effector molecule comprises an IL12p70 fusion protein. In some aspects, the IL12p70 fusion protein is a human IL12p70 fusion protein. In some aspects, the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 137. In some aspects, the human IL12 comprises the p35 subunit indicated in SEQ ID NO: 137. In some aspects, the human IL12 comprises the p40 subunit indicated in SEQ ID NO: 137.
In some aspects, the second effector molecule comprises CCL21a. In some aspects, the CCL21a is a human CCL21a. In some aspects, the second effector molecule comprises IL7. In some aspects, the IL7 is a human IL7. In some aspects, the second effector molecule comprises IL21. In some aspects, the IL21 is a human IL21.
In some aspects, the expression cassette further comprises an E3 comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding a third effector molecule. In some aspects, the third effector molecule comprises Flt3L. In some aspects, the third effector molecule comprises anti-PD1. For example, anti-PD1 can be an anti-PD1 antibody. In some aspects, the expression cassette further comprises an E4 comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding a fourth effector molecule. In some aspects, the fourth effector molecule comprises adenosine deaminase. In some aspects, the third effector molecule comprises adenosine deaminase. In some aspects, the third effector molecule comprises CD40L. In some aspects, the third effector molecule comprises a CXCL10-CXCL11 fusion protein. In some aspects, the third effector molecule comprises XCL1.
In some aspects, the second effector molecule comprises Flt3L. In some aspects, the second effector molecule comprises a CXCL10-CXCL11 fusion protein. In some aspects, the second effector molecule comprises anti-PD1. In some aspects, the second effector molecule comprises CD40L.
In some aspects, the first effector molecule comprises interferon-beta and the second effector molecule comprises Flt3L.
In some aspects, the polynucleotide sequence encoding the first effector molecule comprises a codon optimized polynucleotide sequence. In some aspects, the polynucleotide sequence encoding the second effector molecule comprises a codon optimized polynucleotide sequence.
In some aspects, the engineered cell comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding the promoter and the expression cassette. In some aspects, the exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 144.
In some aspects, the exogenous polynucleotide sequence is integrated into the genome of the engineered cell. In some aspects, the exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprises one or more viral vector polynucleotide sequences.
In some aspects, the one or more viral vector polynucleotide sequences comprise lentiviral, retroviral, retrotransposon, or adenoviral polynucleotide sequences. In some aspects, the expression cassette further comprises following E2, an additional exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising:
(L-S-E)x
wherein S comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a signal peptide, E comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding an effector molecule, L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, X=1 to 20 wherein the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, and wherein for each X the corresponding signal peptide is operably associated with the effector molecule.
Also provided for herein is an engineered cell comprising a construct, wherein the construct comprises: a) an SFFV promoter; and b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
wherein S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, wherein the first signal peptide is a human IL12 signal peptide; E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, wherein the first effector molecule is a human IL12p70 fusion protein; L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a Furin recognition polypeptide sequence, a Gly-Ser-Gly polypeptide sequence, and a T2A ribosome skipping tag in a Furin:Gly-Ser-Gly:T2A orientation from N-terminus to C-terminus; S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, wherein the second signal peptide is a human IL21 signal peptide; E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, wherein the second effector molecule is human IL21; and wherein the SFFV promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule, and wherein the engineered cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), stem cell, immune cell, natural killer (NK) cell, NKT cell, innate lymphoid cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), mast cell, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, myeloid cell, dendritic cell, T cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), viral-specific T cell, gamma-delta T cell, T regulatory cell, and B cell. In some aspects, the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 137. In some aspects, the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 138. In some aspects, polynucleotide sequence encoding the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 136. In some aspects, the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 142. In some aspects, the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 143. In some aspects, polynucleotide sequence encoding the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 141. In some aspects, the linker comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 140. In some aspects, the linker polynucleotide sequence comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 139. In some aspects, the construct comprises the polynucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 144.
Also provided for herein is an engineered cell comprising a construct, wherein the construct comprises: a) an SFFV promoter; and b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
wherein S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, wherein the first signal peptide is a human IL12 signal peptide; E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, wherein the first effector molecule is a human IL12p70 fusion protein; L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a Furin recognition polypeptide sequence, a Gly-Ser-Gly polypeptide sequence, and a T2A ribosome skipping tag in a Furin:Gly-Ser-Gly:T2A orientation from N-terminus to C-terminus; S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, wherein the second signal peptide is a human IL21 signal peptide; E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, wherein the second effector molecule is human IL21; and wherein the SFFV promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule, and wherein the engineered cell is a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC). In some aspects, the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 137. In some aspects, the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 138. In some aspects, polynucleotide sequence encoding the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 136. In some aspects, the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 142. In some aspects, the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 143. In some aspects, polynucleotide sequence encoding the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 141. In some aspects, the linker comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 140. In some aspects, the linker polynucleotide sequence comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 139. In some aspects, the construct comprises the polynucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 144.
Also provided for herein is an engineered cell comprising a construct, wherein the construct comprises: a) an SFFV promoter; and b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
wherein S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, wherein the first signal peptide is a human IL12 signal peptide; E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, wherein the first effector molecule is a human IL12p70 fusion protein; L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a Furin recognition polypeptide sequence, a Gly-Ser-Gly polypeptide sequence, and a T2A ribosome skipping tag in a Furin:Gly-Ser-Gly:T2A orientation from N-terminus to C-terminus; S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, wherein the second signal peptide is a human IL21 signal peptide; E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, wherein the second effector molecule is human IL21; and wherein the SFFV promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule, and wherein the engineered cell is a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), wherein the MSC comprises a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD73+, CD90+, CD105+, and CD166+, CD11b−, CD14−, CD19−, CD34−, CD45−, and HLA-DR−. In some aspects, the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 137. In some aspects, the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 138. In some aspects, polynucleotide sequence encoding the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 136. In some aspects, the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 142. In some aspects, the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 143. In some aspects, polynucleotide sequence encoding the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 141. In some aspects, the linker comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 140. In some aspects, the linker polynucleotide sequence comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 139. In some aspects, the construct comprises the polynucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 144. In some aspects, the cellular marker phenotype is determined or has been determined by flow-cytometry.
Also provided for herein is an engineered MSC comprising a construct, wherein the construct comprises: a) an SFFV promoter; and b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
wherein S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, wherein the first signal peptide is a human IL12 signal peptide; E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, wherein the first effector molecule is a human IL12p70 fusion protein; L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a Furin recognition polypeptide sequence, a Gly-Ser-Gly polypeptide sequence, and a T2A ribosome skipping tag in a Furin:Gly-Ser-Gly:T2A orientation from N-terminus to C-terminus; S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, wherein the second signal peptide is a human IL21 signal peptide; E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, wherein the second effector molecule is human IL21; and wherein the SFFV promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule, and wherein the engineered MSC comprises a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD73+, CD90+, CD105+, and CD166+, CD11b−, CD14−, CD19−, CD34−, CD45−, and HLA-DR−. In some aspects, the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 137. In some aspects, the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 138. In some aspects, polynucleotide sequence encoding the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 136. In some aspects, the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 142. In some aspects, the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 143. In some aspects, polynucleotide sequence encoding the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 141. In some aspects, the linker comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 140. In some aspects, the linker polynucleotide sequence comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 139. In some aspects, the construct comprises the polynucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 144. In some aspects, the cellular marker phenotype is determined or has been determined by flow-cytometry.
Also provided for herein is an engineered cell comprising a construct, wherein the construct comprises: a) an SFFV promoter; and b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
wherein S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, wherein the first signal peptide is a human IL12 signal peptide; E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, wherein the first effector molecule is a human IL12p70 fusion protein; L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a Furin recognition polypeptide sequence, a Gly-Ser-Gly polypeptide sequence, and a T2A ribosome skipping tag in a Furin:Gly-Ser-Gly:T2A orientation from N-terminus to C-terminus; S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, wherein the second signal peptide is a human IL21 signal peptide; E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, wherein the second effector molecule is human IL21; and wherein the SFFV promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule, and wherein the engineered cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), stem cell, immune cell, natural killer (NK) cell, NKT cell, innate lymphoid cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), mast cell, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, myeloid cell, dendritic cell, T cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), viral-specific T cell, gamma-delta T cell, T regulatory cell, and B cell. In some aspects, the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 137. In some aspects, the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 138. In some aspects, polynucleotide sequence encoding the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 136. In some aspects, the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 142. In some aspects, the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 143. In some aspects, polynucleotide sequence encoding the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 141. In some aspects, the linker comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 140. In some aspects, the linker polynucleotide sequence comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 139. In some aspects, the construct comprises the polynucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 144. In some aspects, the cell is a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC). In some aspects, the cell is a natural killer (NK) cell. In some aspects, the cell is a NKT cell. In some aspects, the cell is an innate lymphoid cell. In some aspects, the cell is a tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL). In some aspects, the cell is a mast cell. In some aspects, the cell is a eosinophil. In some aspects, the cell is a basophil. In some aspects, the cell is a monocyte. In some aspects, the cell is a macrophage. In some aspects, the cell is a neutrophil. In some aspects, the cell is a myeloid cell. In some aspects, the cell is a dendritic cell. In some aspects, the cell is a T cell. In some aspects, the cell is a CD8+ T cell. In some aspects, the cell is a CD4+ T cell. In some aspects, the cell is a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL). In some aspects, the cell is a viral-specific T cell. In some aspects, the cell is a gamma-delta T cell. In some aspects, the cell is a T regulatory cell. In some aspects, the cell is a B cell. In some aspects, the cell is a human cell.
In some aspects, the engineered cell is HLA-typed with reference to a subject in need of therapeutic treatment. In some aspects, the engineered cell is a human cell. In some aspects, the human cell is an isolated cell from a subject, e.g., the subject who will receive the cell. In some aspects, the isolated cell is isolated from a tissue consisting of the group of: bone marrow, adipose tissue, the umbilical cord, fetal liver, muscle, and lung tissue. In some aspects, the engineered cell is a cultured cell.
In some aspects, the engineered MSC comprises a cellular marker phenotype comprising the cellular markers CD105+, CD73+, and CD90+. In some aspects, the cellular marker phenotype further comprises a phenotype lacking or substantially lacking one or more cellular markers selected from the group consisting of: CD45, CD34, CD14, CD11b, CD79α, CD19, HLA class II, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the engineered MSC comprises a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD105+, CD73+, CD90+, CD45−, CD34−, CD14−; a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD105+, CD73+, CD90+, CD11b−, CD79α−; a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD105+, CD73+, CD90+, CD19−, HLA class II−; or a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD73+, CD90+, CD105+, and CD166+, CD11b−, CD14−, CD19−, CD34−, CD45−, and HLA-DR−. In some aspects, the cellular marker phenotype is determined or has been determined by flow-cytometry.
In some aspects, the engineered cell comprises a T cell. In some aspects, the T cell is a CD8+ T cell, a CD4+ T cell, a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), a viral-specific T cell, a gamma-delta T cell, or a T regulatory cell. In some aspects, the engineered cell comprises a NK cell. In some aspects, the engineered cell comprises a NKT cell. In some aspects, the engineered cell comprises a monocyte cell. In some aspects, the engineered cell comprises a macrophage. In some aspects, the engineered cell comprises a TIL.
In some aspects, the exogenous polynucleotide sequence is integrated into the genome of the engineered cell. In some aspects, the exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprises one or more viral vector polynucleotide sequences. In some aspects, the one or more viral vector polynucleotide sequences comprise lentiviral, retroviral, retrotransposon, or adenoviral polynucleotide sequences. In some aspects, the one or more viral vector polynucleotide sequences comprise lentiviral polynucleotide sequences.
In some aspects, the cell secretes each effector molecule. In some aspects, the first effector molecule is secreted at a ratio that is 10 fold higher relative to secretion of the second effector molecule.
In some aspects, the cell further comprises an antigen recognizing receptor. In some aspects, the antigen recognizing receptor recognizes an antigen selected from the group consisting of: 5T4, ADAM9, ADGRE2, AFP, AXL, B7-H3, B7-H4, B7-H6, C4.4, CA6, Cadherin 3, Cadherin 6, CCR1, CCR4, CD117, CD123, CD131, CD133, CD138, CD142, CD166, CD25, CD244, CD30, CD300LF, CD33, CD352, CD37, CD38, CD44, CD56, CD66e, CD70, CD71, CD74, CD79b, CD80, CD93, CEA, CEACAM5, Claudin18.2, CLEC12A, cMet, CSPG4, CTLA, DLK1, DLL3, DRS, EGFR, EMB, ENPP3, EpCAM, EphA2, Ephrin A4, ETBR, FGFR2, FGFR3, FRalpha, FRb, FLT3, GAPT, GCC, GD2, GFRa4, gpA33, GPC3, gpNBM, GPRCS, HER2, IL-1RAP, IL-13R, IL-13Ra, IL-13Ra2, IL-8, IL-15, IL1RAP, Integrin aV, KIT, L1CAM, LAMP1, LAT2, Lewis Y, LeY, LILRA2, LILRB2, LIV-1, LRRC, LY6E, MCSP, Mesothelin, MLC1, MS4A3, MUC1, MUC16, MUC1C, MYADM, NaPi2B, Nectin 4, NKG2D, NOTCH3, NY ESO 1, Ovarin, P-cadherin, pan-Erb2, PIEZO1, PRAM1, PSCA, PSMA, PTK7, ROR1, S Aures, SCT, SLAMF7, SLC22A16, SLC17A9, SLITRK6, SPNS3, SSTR2, STEAP1, Survivin, TDGF1, TIM1, TROP2, VSTM1, and WT1.
In some aspects, the antigen recognizing receptor comprises an antigen-binding domain. In some aspects, the antigen-binding domain comprises an antibody, an antigen-binding fragment of an antibody, a F(ab) fragment, a F(ab′) fragment, a single chain variable fragment (scFv), or a single-domain antibody (sdAb). In some aspects, the antigen-binding domain comprises a single chain variable fragment (scFv). In some aspects, the scFv comprises a heavy chain variable domain (VH) and a light chain variable domain (VL). In some aspects, the VH and VL are separated by a peptide linker. In some aspects, the scFv comprises the structure VH-L-VL or VL-L-VH, wherein VH is the heavy chain variable domain, L is the peptide linker, and VL is the light chain variable domain.
In some aspects, the antigen recognizing receptor is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or T cell receptor (TCR). In some aspects, the antigen recognizing receptor is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). In some aspects, the CAR comprises one or more intracellular signaling domains, and the one or more intracellular signaling domains are selected from the group consisting of: a CD3zeta-chain intracellular signaling domain, a CD97 intracellular signaling domain, a CD11a-CD18 intracellular signaling domain, a CD2 intracellular signaling domain, an ICOS intracellular signaling domain, a CD27 intracellular signaling domain, a CD154 intracellular signaling domain, a CD8 intracellular signaling domain, an OX40 intracellular signaling domain, a 4-1BB intracellular signaling domain, a CD28 intracellular signaling domain, a ZAP40 intracellular signaling domain, a CD30 intracellular signaling domain, a GITR intracellular signaling domain, an HVEM intracellular signaling domain, a DAP10 intracellular signaling domain, a DAP12 intracellular signaling domain, and a MyD88 intracellular signaling domain. In some aspects, the CAR comprises a transmembrane domain, and the transmembrane domain is selected from the group consisting of: a CD8 transmembrane domain, a CD28 transmembrane domain a CD3zeta-chain transmembrane domain, a CD4 transmembrane domain, a 4-1BB transmembrane domain, an OX40 transmembrane domain, an ICOS transmembrane domain, a CTLA-4 transmembrane domain, a PD-1 transmembrane domain, a LAG-3 transmembrane domain, a 2B4 transmembrane domain, and a BTLA transmembrane domain. In some aspects, the CAR comprises a spacer region between the antigen-binding domain and the transmembrane domain.
Also provided for herein is a population of cells, the population of cells comprising any of the engineered cells described herein. In some aspects, the population of cells is enriched for the engineered cells.
In some aspects, the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules expressed in the engineered cells promotes increased growth, viability, or growth and viability relative to cells in the population that do not express the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules. In some aspects, the first effector molecule is IL12 or an IL12p70 fusion protein. In some aspects, the population of cells enriched for the engineered cells express IL12 receptor β1 or increased levels thereof, IL12 receptor β2 or increased levels thereof, or IL12 receptor β1 and IL12 receptor β2 or increased levels thereof. In some aspects, the second effector molecule is IL21. In some aspects, the second effector molecule is CCL21. In some aspects, the population of cells enriched for the engineered cells express a CCL21 receptor or increased levels thereof. In some aspects, the CCL21 receptor is CCR7.
Also provided for herein is a method of stimulating a cell-mediated immune response to a tumor cell in a subject, the method comprising administering to a subject having a tumor a therapeutically effective dose of any of the engineered cells or the population of cells described herein.
Also provided for herein is a method of stimulating (e.g., inducing) an immune response, the method comprising administering to a subject a therapeutically effective dose of any of the engineered cells or the population of cells described herein.
Also provided for herein is a method of providing anti-tumor immunity in a subject, the method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective dose of any of the engineered cells any of the engineered cells or the population of cells described herein.
Also provided for herein is a method of treating a subject having cancer, the method comprising administering to a subject having a tumor a therapeutically effective dose of any of the engineered cells or the population of cells described herein.
Also provided for herein is a method of reducing tumor volume in a subject, the method comprising administering to a subject having a tumor a therapeutically effective dose of any of the engineered cells or the population of cells described herein.
In some aspects, the engineered cell is derived from the subject. In some aspects, the engineered cell is allogeneic with reference to the subject.
In some aspects, the tumor is selected from the group consisting of: an adenocarcinoma, an acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an acute lymphoblastic B-cell leukemia (BALL), an acute lymphoblastic T-cell leukemia (TALL), a B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia, a bladder tumor, a brain tumor, a breast tumor, a cervical tumor, a chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a colorectal tumor, an esophageal tumor, a glioma, a kidney tumor, a liver tumor, a lung tumor, a lymphoma, a melanoma, a mesothelioma, a myelodysplasia, an ovarian tumor, a pancreatic tumor, a plasma cell myeloma, a prostate tumor, a skin tumor, a thyroid tumor, and a uterine tumor. In some aspects, the tumor is an ovarian tumor. In some aspects, the tumor is a tumor located in a peritoneal space.
Also provided for herein is an engineered cell comprising: a) a promoter; and b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising:
(L-S-E)x
wherein S comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a signal peptide, E comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding an effector molecule, L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, X=2 to 20, wherein the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, wherein for the first iteration of the (L-S-E) unit L is absent, and wherein for each X the corresponding signal peptide is operably associated with the effector molecule, and wherein the engineered cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), stem cell, immune cell, natural killer (NK) cell, NKT cell, innate lymphoid cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), mast cell, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, myeloid cell, dendritic cell, T cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), viral-specific T cell, gamma-delta T cell, T regulatory cell, and B cell.
Also provided for herein is a population of cells comprising one or more engineered cells, wherein the one or more engineered cells comprise: a) a promoter; and b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
wherein S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, and wherein the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule, and wherein the engineered cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), stem cell, immune cell, natural killer (NK) cell, NKT cell, innate lymphoid cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), mast cell, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, myeloid cell, dendritic cell, T cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), viral-specific T cell, gamma-delta T cell, T regulatory cell, and B cell.
Also provided for herein is a population of cells comprising one or more engineered cells, wherein the one or more engineered cells comprise: a) a promoter; and b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
wherein S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, and wherein the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule, and wherein the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules expressed in the engineered cells promotes increased growth, viability, or growth and viability relative to cells in the population that do not express the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules, and wherein the engineered cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), stem cell, immune cell, natural killer (NK) cell, NKT cell, innate lymphoid cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), mast cell, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, myeloid cell, dendritic cell, T cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), viral-specific T cell, gamma-delta T cell, T regulatory cell, and B cell.
In some aspects, the one or more engineered cells express a cognate receptor or cognate receptor ligand for the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules expressed in the engineered cells. In some aspects, the first effector molecule is IL12 or an IL12p70 fusion protein. In some aspects, the second effector molecule is IL21. In some aspects, the second effector molecule is CCL21.
Also provided for herein is a population of cells comprising one or more engineered cells, wherein the one or more engineered cells comprise a construct, wherein the construct comprises: a) an SFFV promoter; and b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
wherein S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, wherein the first signal peptide is a human IL12 signal peptide; E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, wherein the first effector molecule is a human IL12p70 fusion protein; L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a Furin recognition polypeptide sequence, a Gly-Ser-Gly polypeptide sequence, and a T2A ribosome skipping tag in a Furin:Gly-Ser-Gly:T2A orientation from N-terminus to C-terminus; S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, wherein the second signal peptide is a human IL21 signal peptide; E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, wherein the second effector molecule is human IL21; and wherein the SFFV promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule, and wherein the engineered cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), stem cell, immune cell, natural killer (NK) cell, NKT cell, innate lymphoid cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), mast cell, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, myeloid cell, dendritic cell, T cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), viral-specific T cell, gamma-delta T cell, T regulatory cell, and B cell.
Also provided for herein is a population of cells comprising one or more engineered cells, wherein the one or more engineered cells comprise a construct, wherein the construct comprises: a) an SFFV promoter; and b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
wherein S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, wherein the first signal peptide is a human IL12 signal peptide; E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, wherein the first effector molecule is a human IL12p70 fusion protein; L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a Furin recognition polypeptide sequence, a Gly-Ser-Gly polypeptide sequence, and a T2A ribosome skipping tag in a Furin:Gly-Ser-Gly:T2A orientation from N-terminus to C-terminus; S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, wherein the second signal peptide is a human IL21 signal peptide; E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, wherein the second effector molecule is human IL21; and wherein the SFFV promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule, and wherein the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules expressed in the engineered cells promotes increased growth, viability, or growth and viability relative to cells in the population that do not express the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules, and wherein the engineered cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), stem cell, immune cell, natural killer (NK) cell, NKT cell, innate lymphoid cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), mast cell, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, myeloid cell, dendritic cell, T cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), viral-specific T cell, gamma-delta T cell, T regulatory cell, and B cell.
In some aspects, the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 137. In some aspects, the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 138. In some aspects, polynucleotide sequence encoding the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 136. In some aspects, the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 142. In some aspects, the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 143. In some aspects, polynucleotide sequence encoding the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 141. In some aspects, the linker comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 140. In some aspects, the linker polynucleotide sequence comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 139. In some aspects, the construct comprises the polynucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 144.
Also provided for herein is a method of producing a population of cells enriched for one or more receptors or receptor ligands, comprising culturing one or more cells under conditions where the one or more cells are contacted with a first effector molecule, a second effector molecule, or a first and a second effector molecule, wherein the contacted cells express one or more cognate receptors or cognate receptor ligands for the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules, and wherein the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and the second effector molecules increase growth, viability, or growth and viability of the contacted cells relative to cells cultured in the absence of the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules.
In some aspects, the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules are heterologously expressed in one or more cells, and the one or more cells are contacted with the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules in an autocrine manner. In some aspects, the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules are expressed in one or more additional cells, and the one or more cells are contacted with the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules in an paracrine manner. In some aspects, the one or more additional cells are a feeder cells. In some aspects, the one or more cells are cultured in media.
In some aspects, the one or more cells are contacted with the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules by addition of a soluble first effector molecule, a soluble second effector molecule, or a soluble first and second effector molecules to the media. In some aspects, the soluble first effector molecule and/or soluble second effector molecule is a recombinant effector molecule.
In some aspects, the one or more cells are cultured under adherent conditions. In some aspects, the one or more cells are adhered onto a surface. In some aspects, the adhered cells are contacted with the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules by exposing the one or more cells to first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules is immobilized on the surface.
In some aspects, the first effector molecule is IL12 or an IL12p70 fusion protein. In some aspects, the population of cells is enriched for IL12 receptor β1 (IL12Rβ1), enriched for IL12 receptor β2 (IL12Rβ2), or enriched for IL12Rβ1 and IL12Rβ2. In some aspects, the population of MSCs comprises a cellular marker phenotype comprising the cellular markers CD105+, CD73+, CD90+, IL12Rβ1+, and IL12Rβ2+. In some aspects, the cellular marker phenotype further comprises a phenotype lacking or substantially lacking one or more cellular markers selected from the group consisting of: CD45, CD34, CD14, CD11b, CD79α, CD19, HLA class II, and combinations thereof.
In some aspects, the population of cells comprises a cell selected from the group consisting of: natural killer (NK) cells, NKT cells, innate lymphoid cells, mast cells, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells, T cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, gamma-delta T cells, and T regulatory cells, and B cells. In some aspects, the population of cells comprises a T cell, a NK cell, a NKT cell, a monocyte, a macrophage, or a myeloid derived cell.
In some aspects, the second effector molecule is IL21. In some aspects, the second effector molecule is CCL21. In some aspects, the population of cells is enriched for CCR7. In some aspects, the population of MSCs comprises a cellular marker phenotype comprising the cellular markers CD105+, CD73+, CD90+, IL12Rβ1+, IL12Rβ2+, and CCR7+. In some aspects, the cellular marker phenotype further comprises a phenotype lacking or substantially lacking one or more cellular markers selected from the group consisting of: CD45, CD34, CD14, CD11b, CD79α, CD19, HLA class II, and combinations thereof.
Also provided for herein is a population of cells enriched for one or more receptors or receptor ligands produced by any of the methods described herein.
Also provided for herein is one or more proteins expressed by a polynucleotide sequence, wherein the polynucleotide sequence comprising a promoter and an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
wherein S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, and wherein the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule.
Also provided for herein is one or more proteins expressed by a polynucleotide sequence, wherein the polynucleotide sequence comprises an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
wherein S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule.
Also provided for herein is an isolated polynucleotide sequence comprising a promoter and an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
wherein S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, and wherein the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule.
Also provided for herein is an isolated polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
wherein S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule.
In some aspects, the promoter comprises an exogenous promoter polynucleotide sequence. In some aspects, the promoter comprises an endogenous promoter. In some aspects, the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette such that the polynucleotides are capable of being transcribed as a single polynucleotide comprising the formula S1-E1-L-S2-E2.
In some aspects, the linker polynucleotide sequence is operably associated with the translation of the first effector molecule and the second effector molecule as separate polypeptides. In some aspects, the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a 2A ribosome skipping tag. In some aspects, the 2A ribosome skipping tag is selected from the group consisting of: P2A, T2A, E2A, and F2A. In some aspects, the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a T2A ribosome skipping tag. In some aspects, the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes an Internal Ribosome Entry Site (IRES).
In some aspects, the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a cleavable polypeptide. In some aspects, the cleavable polypeptide comprises a Furin recognition polypeptide sequence. In some aspects, the linker polynucleotide sequence further encodes a Gly-comprising. Ser-comprising, or Gly-Ser comprising polypeptide sequence, e.g., a Gly-Ser-Gly polypeptide sequence. In some aspects, the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a Furin recognition polypeptide sequence, a Gly-Ser-Gly polypeptide sequence, and a T2A ribosome skipping tag in a Furin:Gly-Ser-Gly:T2A orientation from N-terminus to C-terminus.
In some aspects, the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a second promoter, wherein the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette such that a first polynucleotide comprising the formula S1-E1 is capable of being transcribed, wherein the second promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette such that a second polynucleotide comprising the formula S2-E2 is capable of being transcribed, and wherein the first and the second polynucleotide are separate polynucleotides. In some aspects, the promoter and the second promoter are identical. In some aspects, the promoter and the second promoter are different.
In some aspects, the promoter and/or the second promoter comprises a constitutive promoter. In some aspects, the constitutive promoter is selected from the group consisting of: CMV, EFS, SFFV, SV40, MND, PGK, UbC, hEF1aV1, hCAGG, hEF1aV2, hACTb, heIF4A1, hGAPDH, hGRP78, hGRP94, hHSP70, hKINb, and hUBIb. In some aspects, the promoter comprises an SFFV promoter. In some aspects, the promoter and/or the second promoter comprises an inducible promoter. In some aspects, the inducible promoter is selected from the group consisting of: minP, NFkB response element, CREB response element, NFAT response element, SRF response element 1, SRF response element 2, AP1 response element, TCF-LEF response element promoter fusion, Hypoxia responsive element, SMAD binding element, STAT3 binding site, inducer molecule responsive promoters, and tandem repeats thereof.
In some aspects, the first signal peptide or the second signal peptide comprises a native signal peptide native to the first effector molecule or the second effector molecule, respectively. In some aspects, the first signal peptide or the second signal peptide comprises a non-native signal peptide non-native to the first effector molecule or the second effector molecule, respectively. In some aspects, the non-native signal peptide is selected from the group consisting of: IL12, IL2, optimized IL2, trypsiongen-2, Gaussia luciferase, CD5, human IgKVII, murine IgKVII, VSV-G, prolactin, serum albumin preprotein, azurocidin preprotein, osteonectin, CD33, IL6, IL8, CCL2, TIMP2, VEGFB, osteoprotegerin, serpin E1, GROalpha, CXCL12, and IL21. In some aspects, the first signal peptide and the second signal peptide are identical. In some aspects, the polynucleotide sequence encoding the first signal peptide comprises a codon optimized polynucleotide sequence.
In some aspects, the first secretion polypeptide is a human IL12 signal peptide. In some aspects, the polynucleotide sequence encoding the second signal peptide comprises a codon optimized polynucleotide sequence. In some aspects, the second secretion polypeptide is a human IL21 signal peptide.
In some aspects, the first effector molecule is selected from a therapeutic class, wherein the therapeutic class is selected from the group consisting of: a cytokine, a chemokine, a growth factor, a co-activation molecule, a tumor microenvironment modifier a, a receptor, a ligand, an antibody, a polynucleotide, a peptide, and an enzyme. In some aspects, the second effector molecule is selected from a therapeutic class, wherein the therapeutic class is selected from the group consisting of: a cytokine, a chemokine, a growth factor, a co-activation molecule, a tumor microenvironment modifier, a receptor, a ligand, an antibody, a polynucleotide, a peptide, and an enzyme. In some aspects, the therapeutic class of the first effector molecule and the second effector molecule are different. In some aspects, the first effector molecule and/or the second effector molecule is a modified effector molecule.
In some aspects, the first effector molecule and/or the second effector molecule is modified to comprises a cell membrane tethering domain. In some aspects, the cell membrane tethering domain comprises a transmembrane-intracellular domain or a transmembrane domain. In some aspects, the cell membrane tethering domain comprises a cell surface receptor, or a cell membrane-bound portion thereof. In some aspects, the modified effector molecule is a fusion protein that comprises the cell surface receptor, or a cell membrane-bound portion thereof. In some aspects, the modified effector molecule further comprises a linker between the effector molecule and the cell membrane tethering domain. In some aspects, when expressed in a cell, the modified effector molecule is tethered to a cell membrane of the cell.
In some aspects, the cytokine is selected from the group consisting of: IL12, IL7, IL21, IL18, IL15, Type I interferons, and Interferon-gamma. In some aspects, the IL12 cytokine is an IL12p70 fusion protein. In some aspects, the chemokine is selected from the group consisting of: CCL21a, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL13, CXCL10-11 fusion, CCL19, CXCL9, and XCL1. In some aspects, the growth factor is selected from the group consisting of: Flt3L and GM-CSF. In some aspects, the co-activation molecule is selected from the group consisting of: 4-1BBL and CD40L. In some aspects, the tumor microenvironment modifier is selected from the group consisting of: adenosine deaminase, TGFbeta inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, VEGF inhibitors, and HPGE2. In some aspects, the TGFbeta inhibitors are selected from the group consisting of: an anti-TGFbeta peptide, an anti-TGFbeta antibody, a TGFb-TRAP, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the immune checkpoint inhibitors comprise anti-PD-1 antibodies. In some aspects, the VEGF inhibitors comprise anti-VEGF antibodies, anti-VEGF peptides, or combinations thereof.
In some aspects, the first effector molecule and the second effector molecule are human-derived effector molecules.
In some aspects, the first effector molecule comprises IL12. In some aspects, the first effector molecule comprises an IL12p70 fusion protein. In some aspects, the IL12p70 fusion protein is a human IL12p70 fusion protein.
In some aspects, the second effector molecule comprises CCL21a. In some aspects, the CCL21a is a human CCL21a. In some aspects, the second effector molecule comprises IL7. In some aspects, the IL7 is a human IL7. In some aspects, the second effector molecule comprises IL21. In some aspects, the IL21 is a human IL21.
In some aspects, the expression cassette further comprises an E3 comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding a third effector molecule. In some aspects, the third effector molecule comprises Flt3L. In some aspects, the third effector molecule comprises anti-PD1.
In some aspects, the expression cassette further comprises an E4 comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding a fourth effector molecule. In some aspects, the fourth effector molecule comprises adenosine deaminase.
In some aspects, the third effector molecule comprises adenosine deaminase. In some aspects, the third effector molecule comprises CD40L. In some aspects, the third effector molecule comprises a CXCL10-CXCL11 fusion protein. In some aspects, the third effector molecule comprises XCL1.
In some aspects, the second effector molecule comprises Flt3L. In some aspects, the second effector molecule comprises a CXCL10-CXCL11 fusion protein. In some aspects, the second effector molecule comprises anti-PD1. In some aspects, the second effector molecule comprises CD40L.
In some aspects, the first effector molecule comprises interferon-beta and the second effector molecule comprises Flt3L.
In some aspects, the polynucleotide sequence encoding the first effector molecule comprises a codon optimized polynucleotide sequence. In some aspects, the polynucleotide sequence encoding the second effector molecule comprises a codon optimized polynucleotide sequence.
In some aspects, the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 137. In some aspects, the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 138. In some aspects, polynucleotide sequence encoding the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 136. In some aspects, the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 142. In some aspects, the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 143. In some aspects, polynucleotide sequence encoding the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 141. In some aspects, the linker comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 140. In some aspects, the linker polynucleotide sequence comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 139. In some aspects, the construct comprises the polynucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 144.
Also provided for herein is an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an SFFV promoter and an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
wherein S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, wherein the first signal peptide is a human IL12 signal peptide; E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, wherein the first effector molecule is a human IL12p70 fusion protein; L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes Furin recognition polypeptide sequence, a Gly-Ser-Gly polypeptide sequence, and a T2A ribosome skipping tag in a Furin:Gly-Ser-Gly:T2A orientation from N-terminus to C-terminus; S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, wherein the second signal peptide is a human IL21 signal peptide; E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, wherein the second effector molecule is human IL21; and wherein the SFFV promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule.
In some aspects, the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 137. In some aspects, the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 138. In some aspects, polynucleotide sequence encoding the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 136. In some aspects, the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 142. In some aspects, the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 143. In some aspects, polynucleotide sequence encoding the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 141. In some aspects, the linker comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 140. In some aspects, the linker polynucleotide sequence comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 139. In some aspects, the construct comprises the polynucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 144.
Also provided for herein is an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an SFFV promoter and an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
wherein S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, wherein the first signal peptide is a human IL12 signal peptide; E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, wherein the first effector molecule is a human IL12p70 fusion protein; L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes Furin recognition polypeptide sequence, a Gly-Ser-Gly polypeptide sequence, and a T2A ribosome skipping tag in a Furin:Gly-Ser-Gly:T2A orientation from N-terminus to C-terminus; S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, wherein the second signal peptide is a human IL21 signal peptide; E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, wherein the second effector molecule is human IL21; wherein the SFFV promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule; wherein the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette such that the polynucleotides are capable of being transcribed as a single polynucleotide comprising the formula S1-E1-L-S2-E2; and wherein the polynucleotide sequence comprises the polynucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 144.
In some aspects, the exogenous polynucleotide sequence is encoded by a nucleic acid selected from the group consisting of: a DNA, a cDNA, an RNA, an mRNA, and a naked plasmid.
Also provided for herein is an expression vector comprising any of the exogenous polynucleotide sequences described herein. In some aspects, the expression vector is a viral vector. In some aspects, the viral vector is a lentiviral vector.
Also provided for herein is a pharmaceutical composition comprising any of the exogenous polynucleotide sequences described herein, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
Also provided for herein is a pharmaceutical composition comprising any of engineered cells described herein, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. An isolated cell comprising any of the exogenous polynucleotide sequences described herein, any of the expression vectors described herein, or any of the pharmaceutical compositions described herein.
In some aspects, the isolated cell is selected from the group consisting of: a T cell, a CD8+ T cell, a CD4+ T cell, a gamma-delta T cell, a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), a regulatory T cell, a viral-specific T cell, a Natural Killer T (NKT) cell, a Natural Killer (NK) cell, a B cell, a tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), an innate lymphoid cell, a mast cell, an eosinophil, a basophil, a neutrophil, a myeloid cell, a macrophage, a monocyte, a dendritic cell, an erythrocyte, a platelet cell, a human embryonic stem cell (ESC), an ESC-derived cell, a pluripotent stem cell, an MSC, an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC), and an iPSC-derived cell.
In some aspects, the isolated cell is an MSC.
In some aspects, the exogenous polynucleotide sequence is integrated into the genome of the cell. In some aspects, the exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprises one or more viral vector polynucleotide sequences.
In some aspects, the one or more viral vector polynucleotide sequences comprise lentiviral, retroviral, retrotransposon, or adenoviral polynucleotide sequences. In some aspects, the one or more viral vector polynucleotide sequences comprise lentiviral polynucleotide sequences.
In some aspects, the engineered cell is HLA-typed with reference to a subject in need of therapeutic treatment. In some aspects, the engineered cell is a human cell. In some aspects, the human cell is an isolated cell from a subject, e.g., the subject who will receive the cell. In some aspects, the isolated cell is isolated from a tissue consisting of the group of: bone marrow, adipose tissue, the umbilical cord, fetal liver, muscle, and lung tissue. In some aspects, the cell is a cultured cell.
In some aspects, the MSC comprises a cellular marker phenotype comprising the cellular markers CD105+, CD73+, and CD90+. In some aspects, the cellular marker phenotype further comprises a phenotype lacking or substantially lacking one or more cellular markers selected from the group consisting of: CD45, CD34, CD14, CD11b, CD79α, CD19, HLA class II, and combinations thereof. In some aspects, the MSC comprises a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD105+, CD73+, CD90+, CD45−, CD34−, CD14−; a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD105+, CD73+, CD90+, CD11b−, CD79α−; a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD105+, CD73+, CD90+, CD19−, HLA class II−; or a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD73+, CD90+, CD105+, and CD166+, CD11b−, CD14−, CD19−, CD34−, CD45−, and HLA-DR−. In some aspects, the cellular marker phenotype is determined or has been determined by flow-cytometry.
In some aspects, the cellular marker phenotype further comprises a cellular marker comprising a cognate receptor or a cognate receptor ligand for the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules expressed in the cell. In some aspects, the receptor is selected from the group consisting of: IL12RB1, IL12RB2, CCL7, and combinations thereof.
In some aspects, the cell secretes each effector molecule. In some aspects, the first effector molecule is secreted at a ratio that is 10 fold higher relative to secretion of the second effector molecule.
In some aspects, the cell further comprises an antigen recognizing receptor. In some aspects, the antigen recognizing receptor comprises an antigen-binding domain. In some aspects, the antigen-binding domain comprises an antibody, an antigen-binding fragment of an antibody, a F(ab) fragment, a F(ab′) fragment, a single chain variable fragment (scFv), or a single-domain antibody (sdAb). In some aspects, the antigen-binding domain comprises a single chain variable fragment (scFv). In some aspects, the scFv comprises a heavy chain variable domain (VH) and a light chain variable domain (VL). In some aspects, the VH and VL are separated by a peptide linker. In some aspects, the scFv comprises the structure VH-L-VL or VL-L-VH, wherein VH is the heavy chain variable domain, L is the peptide linker, and VL is the light chain variable domain.
In some aspects, the antigen recognizing receptor is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or T cell receptor (TCR). In some aspects, the antigen recognizing receptor is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). In some aspects, the CAR comprises one or more intracellular signaling domains, and the one or more intracellular signaling domains are selected from the group consisting of: a CD3zeta-chain intracellular signaling domain, a CD97 intracellular signaling domain, a CD11a-CD18 intracellular signaling domain, a CD2 intracellular signaling domain, an ICOS intracellular signaling domain, a CD27 intracellular signaling domain, a CD154 intracellular signaling domain, a CD8 intracellular signaling domain, an OX40 intracellular signaling domain, a 4-1BB intracellular signaling domain, a CD28 intracellular signaling domain, a ZAP40 intracellular signaling domain, a CD30 intracellular signaling domain, a GITR intracellular signaling domain, an HVEM intracellular signaling domain, a DAP10 intracellular signaling domain, a DAP12 intracellular signaling domain, and a MyD88 intracellular signaling domain. In some aspects, the CAR comprises a transmembrane domain, and the transmembrane domain is selected from the group consisting of: a CD8 transmembrane domain, a CD28 transmembrane domain a CD3zeta-chain transmembrane domain, a CD4 transmembrane domain, a 4-1BB transmembrane domain, an OX40 transmembrane domain, an ICOS transmembrane domain, a CTLA-4 transmembrane domain, a PD-1 transmembrane domain, a LAG-3 transmembrane domain, a 2B4 transmembrane domain, and a BTLA transmembrane domain. In some aspects, the CAR comprises a spacer region between the antigen-binding domain and the transmembrane domain.
Also provided for herein is a virus comprising any of the exogenous polynucleotide sequences described herein or any of the expression vectors described herein. In some aspects, the virus is selected from the group consisting of: a lentivirus, a retrovirus, a retrotransposon, and an adenovirus. In some aspects, the virus is a lentivirus.
Also provided for herein is a method of reducing tumor volume in a subject, the method comprising delivering to a subject having a tumor a composition comprising cells engineered to produce multiple effector molecules that modulate tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanisms, in an effective amount to reduce the volume of the tumor, wherein the engineered cells comprise: a) a promoter; and b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
wherein S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, and wherein the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule, and wherein the engineered cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), stem cell, immune cell, natural killer (NK) cell, NKT cell, innate lymphoid cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), mast cell, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, myeloid cell, dendritic cell, T cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), viral-specific T cell, gamma-delta T cell, T regulatory cell, and B cell.
Also provided for herein is a method of reducing tumor volume in a subject, the method comprising delivering to a subject having a tumor a composition comprising cells engineered to produce IL12 and IL21, in an effective amount to reduce the volume of the tumor, wherein the engineered cells comprise a construct, wherein the construct comprises: a) an SFFV promoter; and b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
wherein S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, wherein the first signal peptide is a human IL12 signal peptide; E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, wherein the first effector molecule is a human IL12p70 fusion protein; L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes Furin recognition polypeptide sequence, a Gly-Ser-Gly polypeptide sequence, and a T2A ribosome skipping tag in a Furin:Gly-Ser-Gly:T2A orientation from N-terminus to C-terminus; S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, wherein the second signal peptide is a human IL21 signal peptide; E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, wherein the second effector molecule is human IL21; and wherein the SFFV promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule, and wherein the engineered cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), stem cell, immune cell, natural killer (NK) cell, NKT cell, innate lymphoid cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), mast cell, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, myeloid cell, dendritic cell, T cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), viral-specific T cell, gamma-delta T cell, T regulatory cell, and B cell.
Also provided for herein is a method of stimulating (e.g., inducing) an immune response, the method comprising delivering to a subject a composition comprising cells engineered to produce multiple effector molecules that modulate tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanisms, in an effective amount to induce an immune response, wherein the engineered cells comprise: a) a promoter; and b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
wherein S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, and wherein the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule, and wherein the engineered cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), stem cell, immune cell, natural killer (NK) cell, NKT cell, innate lymphoid cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), mast cell, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, myeloid cell, dendritic cell, T cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), viral-specific T cell, gamma-delta T cell, T regulatory cell, and B cell.
Also provided for herein is a method of stimulating (e.g., inducing) an immune response in a subject, the method comprising delivering to a subject a composition comprising cells engineered to produce IL12 and IL21, in an effective amount to induce an immune response, wherein the engineered cells comprise a construct, wherein the construct comprises: a) an SFFV promoter; and b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
wherein S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, wherein the first signal peptide is a human IL12 signal peptide; E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, wherein the first effector molecule is a human IL12p70 fusion protein; L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes Furin recognition polypeptide sequence, a Gly-Ser-Gly polypeptide sequence, and a T2A ribosome skipping tag in a Furin:Gly-Ser-Gly:T2A orientation from N-terminus to C-terminus; S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, wherein the second signal peptide is a human IL21 signal peptide; E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, wherein the second effector molecule is human IL21; and wherein the SFFV promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule, and wherein the engineered cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), stem cell, immune cell, natural killer (NK) cell, NKT cell, innate lymphoid cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), mast cell, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, myeloid cell, dendritic cell, T cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), viral-specific T cell, gamma-delta T cell, T regulatory cell, and B cell.
In some aspects, the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 137. In some aspects, the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 138. In some aspects, polynucleotide sequence encoding the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 136. In some aspects, the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 142. In some aspects, the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 143. In some aspects, polynucleotide sequence encoding the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 141. In some aspects, the linker comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 140. In some aspects, the linker polynucleotide sequence comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 139. In some aspects, the construct comprises the polynucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 144.
In some aspects, the method further comprises administering a checkpoint inhibitor. In some aspects, the checkpoint inhibitor is an anti-PD-1 antibody, anti-PD-1L antibody or an anti-CTLA-4 antibody. In some aspects, the method further comprises administering an anti-CD40 antibody.
In some aspects, the tumor is selected from the group consisting of: an adenocarcinoma, an acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an acute lymphoblastic B-cell leukemia (BALL), an acute lymphoblastic T-cell leukemia (TALL), a B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia, a bladder tumor, a brain tumor, a breast tumor, a cervical tumor, a chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a colorectal tumor, an esophageal tumor, a glioma, a kidney tumor, a liver tumor, a lung tumor, a lymphoma, a melanoma, a mesothelioma, a myelodysplasia, an ovarian tumor, a pancreatic tumor, a plasma cell myeloma, a prostate tumor, a skin tumor, a thyroid tumor, and a uterine tumor. In some aspects, the tumor is an ovarian tumor. In some aspects, the tumor is a tumor located in a peritoneal space.
In some aspects, the administering comprises systemic administration, intraperitoneal administration, or intratumoral administration.
In some aspects, the volume of the tumor is reduced by at least 25% relative to a control, optionally wherein the control is an unmodified cell. In some aspects, the volume of the tumor is reduced by at least 50% relative to a control, optionally wherein the control is an unmodified cell. In some aspects, the volume of the tumor is reduced by at least 75% relative to a control, optionally wherein the control is an unmodified cell.
Also provided for herein is a method of reducing tumor volume in a subject, the method comprising delivering to a subject having a tumor a composition capable of engineering an cell to produce multiple effector molecules that modulate tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanisms, in an effective amount to reduce the volume of the tumor, wherein each engineered cell comprises: a) a promoter; and b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
wherein S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, and wherein the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule, and wherein the engineered cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), stem cell, immune cell, natural killer (NK) cell, NKT cell, innate lymphoid cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), mast cell, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, myeloid cell, dendritic cell, T cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), viral-specific T cell, gamma-delta T cell, T regulatory cell, and B cell.
Also provided for herein is method of reducing tumor volume in a subject, the method comprising delivering to a subject having a tumor a composition capable of engineering a cell to produce IL12 and IL21, in an effective amount to reduce the volume of the tumor, wherein the engineered cell comprises a construct, wherein the construct comprises: a) an SFFV promoter; and b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
wherein S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, wherein the first signal peptide is a human IL12 signal peptide; E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, wherein the first effector molecule is a human IL12p70 fusion protein; L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes Furin recognition polypeptide sequence, a Gly-Ser-Gly polypeptide sequence, and a T2A ribosome skipping tag in a Furin:Gly-Ser-Gly:T2A orientation from N-terminus to C-terminus; S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, wherein the second signal peptide is a human IL21 signal peptide; E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, wherein the second effector molecule is human IL21; and wherein the SFFV promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule, and wherein the engineered cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), stem cell, immune cell, natural killer (NK) cell, NKT cell, innate lymphoid cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), mast cell, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, myeloid cell, dendritic cell, T cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), viral-specific T cell, gamma-delta T cell, T regulatory cell, and B cell.
Also provided for herein is a method of stimulating (e.g., inducing) an immune response in a subject, the method comprising delivering to a subject a composition capable of engineering an cell to produce multiple effector molecules that modulate tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanisms, in an effective amount to induce an immune response, wherein the engineered cell comprises: a) a promoter; and b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
wherein S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, and wherein the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule, and wherein the engineered cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), stem cell, immune cell, natural killer (NK) cell, NKT cell, innate lymphoid cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), mast cell, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, myeloid cell, dendritic cell, T cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), viral-specific T cell, gamma-delta T cell, T regulatory cell, and B cell.
Also provided for herein is method of stimulating (e.g., inducing) an immune response in a subject, the method comprising delivering to a subject a composition capable of engineering a cell to produce IL12 and IL21, in an effective amount to induce an immune response, wherein the engineered cell comprises a construct, wherein the construct comprises: a) an SFFV promoter; and b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
wherein S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, wherein the first signal peptide is a human IL12 signal peptide; E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, wherein the first effector molecule is a human IL12p70 fusion protein; L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes Furin recognition polypeptide sequence, a Gly-Ser-Gly polypeptide sequence, and a T2A ribosome skipping tag in a Furin:Gly-Ser-Gly:T2A orientation from N-terminus to C-terminus; S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, wherein the second signal peptide is a human IL21 signal peptide; E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, wherein the second effector molecule is human IL21; and wherein the SFFV promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule, and wherein the engineered cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), stem cell, immune cell, natural killer (NK) cell, NKT cell, innate lymphoid cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), mast cell, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, myeloid cell, dendritic cell, T cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), viral-specific T cell, gamma-delta T cell, T regulatory cell, and B cell.
In some aspects, the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 137. In some aspects, the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 138. In some aspects, polynucleotide sequence encoding the human IL12p70 fusion protein comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 136. In some aspects, the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 142. In some aspects, the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 143. In some aspects, polynucleotide sequence encoding the human IL21 comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 141. In some aspects, the linker comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 140. In some aspects, the linker polynucleotide sequence comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 139. In some aspects, the construct comprises the polynucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 144.
In some aspects, the composition comprises a delivery system selected from the group consisting of: a viral system, a transposon system, and a nuclease genomic editing system. In some aspects, the viral system is selected from the group consisting of: a lentivirus, a retrovirus, a retrotransposon, and an adenovirus. In some aspects, the nuclease genomic editing system is selected from the group consisting of: a zinc-finger system, a TALEN system, and a CRISPR system.
In some aspects, the tumor is selected from the group consisting of: an adenocarcinoma, an acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an acute lymphoblastic B-cell leukemia (BALL), an acute lymphoblastic T-cell leukemia (TALL), a B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia, a bladder tumor, a brain tumor, a breast tumor, a cervical tumor, a chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a colorectal tumor, an esophageal tumor, a glioma, a kidney tumor, a liver tumor, a lung tumor, a lymphoma, a melanoma, a mesothelioma, a myelodysplasia, an ovarian tumor, a pancreatic tumor, a plasma cell myeloma, a prostate tumor, a skin tumor, a thyroid tumor, and a uterine tumor.
In some aspects, the administering comprises systemic administration, intraperitoneal administration, or intratumoral administration.
FIG. 5A includes data indicating that engineered MSCs expressing IFN-β, IFN-γ, IL-12, CCL21a, or combinations thereof inhibit tumor growth in an orthotopic mouse model of breast cancer (4T1 triple negative breast carcinoma). Each effector was expressed by a different MSC, and the MSCs were combined (at a 1:1 ratio) for combinatorial treatment. Each chart shows the effect of engineered MSCs expressing the indicated immunotherapies alone or in combination on the growth of 4T1 breast tumors in mice (n=6-8). Each line of
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) (also referred to as mesenchymal stromal cells, multipotent stromal cells, marrow stromal cells, or multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells) are a subset of non-hematopoietic adult stem cells that originate from the mesoderm. They possess self-renewal ability and multilineage differentiation into not only mesoderm lineages, such as chondrocytes, osteocytes and adipocytes, but also ectodermic cells and endodermic cells. MSCs, free of both ethical concerns and teratoma formation, are the major stem cell type used for cell therapy for treatment of both immune diseases and non-immune diseases. They can be easily isolated from the bone marrow, adipose tissue, the umbilical cord, fetal liver, muscle, and lung and can be successfully expanded in vitro. MSCs can be defined by cell surface marker phenotype including a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD105+, CD73+, CD90+, CD45−, CD34−, CD14−; a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD105+, CD73+, CD90+, CD11b−, CD79α−; or a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD105+, CD73+, CD90+, CD19−, HLA class II−, as discussed in greater detail in Dominici, et al. (Cytotherapy. 2006;8(4):315-7), incorporated by reference for all purposes. Further, when MSCs are delivered exogenously and systemically to humans and animals, they tend to home to (migrate directly to) damaged tissue sites with inflammation, including tumor microenvironments and metastatic regions. The inflammation-directed MSC homing involves several important cell trafficking-related molecules, including chemokines, adhesion molecules, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).
Provided herein are methods of engineering cells, such as MSCs, to produce effector molecules that modulate different tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanisms. These MSCs are referred to herein as “engineered MSCs.” These MSCs, which typically contain engineered nucleic acid, do not occur in nature. In some embodiments, the MSCs are engineered to include a nucleic acid comprising a promoter operably linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding an effector molecule, for example, one that stimulates an immune response.
Also provided herein are methods of engineering cells such as immune cells, including, but not limited to natural killer (NK) cell, NKT cell, innate lymphoid cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), mast cell, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, myeloid cell, dendritic cell, T cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), viral-specific T cell, gamma-delta T cell, T regulatory cell, and B cell, to produce effector molecules. These cells, including both MSCs and immune cells, are referred to herein as “engineered cells.” These cells, which typically contain engineered nucleic acid, do not occur in nature. In some embodiments, the cells are engineered to include a nucleic acid comprising a promoter operably linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding an effector molecule, for example, one that stimulates an immune response.
An “effector molecule,” refers to a molecule (e.g., a nucleic acid such as DNA or RNA, or a protein (polypeptide) or peptide) that binds to another molecule and modulates the biological activity of that molecule to which it binds. For example, an effector molecule may act as a ligand to increase or decrease enzymatic activity, gene expression, or cell signaling. Thus, in some embodiments, an effector molecule modulates (activates or inhibits) different immunomodulatory mechanisms. By directly binding to and modulating a molecule, an effector molecule may also indirectly modulate a second, downstream molecule. In some embodiments, an effector molecule is a secreted molecule, while in other embodiments, an effector molecule is bound to the cell surface or remains intracellular. For example, effector molecules include intracellular transcription factors, microRNA, and shRNAs that modify the internal cell state to, for example, enhance immunomodulatory activity, homing properties, or persistence of the cell. Non-limiting examples of effector molecules include cytokines, chemokines, enzymes that modulate metabolite levels, antibodies or decoy molecules that modulate cytokines, homing molecules, and/or integrins.
The term “modulate” encompasses maintenance of a biological activity, inhibition (partial or complete) of a biological activity, and stimulation/activation (partial or complete) of a biological activity. The term also encompasses decreasing or increasing (e.g., enhancing) a biological activity. Two different effector molecules are considered to “modulate different tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanisms” when one effector molecule modulates a tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanism (e.g., stimulates T cell signaling) that is different from the tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanism modulated by the other effector molecule (e.g., stimulates antigen presentation and/or processing).
Modulation by an effector molecule may be direct or indirect. Direct modulation occurs when an effector molecule binds to another molecule and modulates activity of that molecule. Indirect modulation occurs when an effector molecule binds to another molecule, modulates activity of that molecule, and as a result of that modulation, the activity of yet another molecule (to which the effector molecule is not bound) is modulated.
In some embodiments, modulation of a tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanism by at least one effector molecule results in an increase in an immunostimulatory and/or anti-tumor immune response (e.g., systemically or in the tumor microenvironment) by at least 10% (e.g., 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, or 200%). For example, modulation of a tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanism may result in an increase in an immunostimulatory and/or anti-tumor immune response by at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 100%. In some embodiments, modulation of a tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanism results in an increase in an immunostimulatory and/or anti-tumor immune response 10-20%, 10-30%, 10-40%, 10-50%, 10-60%, 10-70%, 10-80%, 10-90%, 10-100%, 10-200%, 20-30%, 20-40%, 20-50%, 20-60%, 20-70%, 20-80%, 20-90%, 20-100%, 20-200%, 50-60%, 50-70%, 50-80%, 50-90%, 50-100%, or 50-200%. It should be understood that “an increase” in an immunostimulatory and/or anti-tumor immune response, for example, systemically or in a tumor microenvironment, is relative to the immunostimulatory and/or anti-tumor immune response that would otherwise occur, in the absence of the effector molecule(s).
In some embodiments, modulation of a tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanism by at least one effector molecule results in an increase in an immunostimulatory and/or anti-tumor immune response (e.g., systemically or in the tumor microenvironment) by at least 2 fold (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 25, 20, 25, 50, or 100 fold). For example, modulation of a tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanism may result in an increase in an immunostimulatory and/or anti-tumor immune response by at least 3 fold, at least 5 fold, at least 10 fold, at least 20 fold, at least 50 fold, or at least 100 fold. In some embodiments, modulation of a tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanism results in an increase in an immunostimulatory and/or anti-tumor immune response by 2-10, 2-20, 2-30, 2-40, 2-50, 2-60, 2-70, 2-80, 2-90, or 2-100 fold.
Non-limiting examples of immunostimulatory and/or anti-tumor immune mechanisms include T cell signaling, activity and/or recruitment, antigen presentation and/or processing, natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxic signaling, activity and/or recruitment, dendritic cell differentiation and/or maturation, immune cell recruitment, pro-inflammatory macrophage signaling, activity and/or recruitment, stroma degradation, immunostimulatory metabolite production, stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling (which increases the secretion of IFN and Th1 polarization, promoting an anti-tumor immune response), and/or Type I interferon signaling. An effector molecule may stimulate at least one (one or more) of the foregoing immunostimulatory mechanisms, thus resulting in an increase in an immunostimulatory response. Changes in the foregoing immunostimulatory and/or anti-tumor immune mechanisms may be assessed, for example, using in vitro assays for T cell proliferation or cytotoxicity, in vitro antigen presentation assays, expression assays (e.g., of particular markers), and/or cell secretion assays (e.g., of cytokines).
In some embodiments, modulation of a tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanism by at least one effector molecule results in a decrease in an immunosuppressive response (e.g., systemically or in the tumor microenvironment) by at least 10% (e.g., 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 100%, or 200%). For example, modulation of a tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanism may result in a decrease in an immunosuppressive response by at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 100%. In some embodiments, modulation of a tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanism results in a decrease in an immunosuppressive response 10-20%, 10-30%, 10-40%, 10-50%, 10-60%, 10-70%, 10-80%, 10-90%, 10-100%, 10-200%, 20-30%, 20-40%, 20-50%, 20-60%, 20-70%, 20-80%, 20-90%, 20-100%, 20-200%, 50-60%, 50-70%, 50-80%, 50-90%, 50-100%, or 50-200%. It should be understood that “a decrease” in an immunosuppressive response, for example, systemically or in a tumor microenvironment, is relative to the immunosuppressive response that would otherwise occur, in the absence of the effector molecule(s).
In some embodiments, modulation of a tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanism by at least one effector molecule results in a decrease in an immunosuppressive response (e.g., systemically or in the tumor microenvironment) by at least 2 fold (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 25, 20, 25, 50, or 100 fold). For example, modulation of a tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanism may result in a decrease in an immunosuppressive response by at least 3 fold, at least 5 fold, at least 10 fold, at least 20 fold, at least 50 fold, or at least 100 fold. In some embodiments, modulation of a tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanism results in a decrease in an immunosuppressive response by 2-10, 2-20, 2-30, 2-40, 2-50, 2-60, 2-70, 2-80, 2-90, or 2-100 fold.
Non-limiting examples of immunosuppressive mechanisms include negative costimulatory signaling, pro-apoptotic signaling of cytotoxic cells (e.g., T cells and/or NK cells), T regulatory (Treg) cell signaling, tumor checkpoint molecule production/maintenance, myeloid-derived suppressor cell signaling, activity and/or recruitment, immunosuppressive factor/metabolite production, and/or vascular endothelial growth factor signaling. An effector molecule may inhibit at least one (one or more) of the foregoing immunosuppressive mechanisms, thus resulting in a decrease in an immunosuppressive response. Changes in the foregoing immunosuppressive mechanisms may be assessed, for example, by assaying for an increase in T cell proliferation and/or an increase in IFNγ production (negative co-stimulatory signaling, Treg cell signaling and/or MDSC); Annexin V/PI flow staining (pro-apoptotic signaling); flow staining for expression, e.g., PDL1 expression (tumor checkpoint molecule production/maintenance); ELISA, LUMINEX®, RNA via qPCR, enzymatic assays, e.g., IDO tryptophan catabolism (immunosuppressive factor/metabolite production); and phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, p38 (VEGF signaling).
In some embodiments, cells, such as MSCs, are engineered to express membrane-tethered anti-CD3 and/or anti-CD28 agonist extracellular domains.
In some embodiments, cells, such as MSCs, are engineered to produce at least two (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more) effector molecules, each of which modulates a different tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanism. In other embodiments, cells are engineered to produce at least one effector molecule that is not natively produced by the cells. Such an effector molecule may, for example, complement the function of effector molecules natively produced by the cells
In some embodiments, effector molecules function additively: the effect of two effector molecules, for example, may be equal to the sum of the effect of the two effector molecules functioning separately. In other embodiments, effector molecules function synergistically: the effect of two effector molecules, for example, may be greater than the combined function of the two effector molecules. The present disclosure also encompasses additivity and synergy between an effector molecule(s) and the immune cell (e.g., MSC) from which they are produced.
Effector molecules that modulate tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanisms and/or modify tumor microenvironments may be, for example, secreted factors (e.g., cytokines, chemokines, antibodies, and/or decoy receptors that modulate extracellular mechanisms involved in the immune system), inhibitors (e.g., antibodies, antibody fragments, ligand TRAP and/or small blocking peptides), intracellular factors that control cell state (e.g., microRNAs and/or transcription factors that modulate the state of cells to enhance pro-inflammatory properties), factors packaged into exosomes (e.g., microRNAs, cytosolic factors, and/or extracellular factors), surface displayed factors (e.g., checkpoint inhibitors, TRAIL), and and/or metabolic genes (e.g., enzymes that produce/modulate or degrade metabolites or amino acids).
In some embodiments, effector molecules may be selected from the following non-limiting classes of molecules: cytokines, antibodies, chemokines, nucleotides, peptides, and enzymes. Non-limiting examples of the foregoing classes of effector molecules are listed in Table 1 and specific sequences encoding exemplary effector molecules are listed in Table 6. Effector molecules can be human, such as those listed in Table 1 or Table 6 or human equivalents of murine effector molecules listed in Table 1 or Table 6. Effector molecules can be human-derived, such as the endogenous human effector molecule or an effector molecule modified and/or optimized for function, e.g., codon optimized to improve expression, modified to improve stability, or modified at its signal sequence (see below). Various programs and algorithms for optimizing function are known to those skilled in the art and can be selected based on the improvement desired, such as codon optimization for a specific species (e.g., human, mouse, bacteria, etc.).
In some embodiments, cells, such as MSCs, comprise an engineered nucleic acid that comprises a promoter operably linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding an effector molecule. In some embodiments, an engineered nucleic acid comprises a promoter operably linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding at least 2 effector molecules. For example, the engineered nucleic acid may comprise a promoter operably linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 8, at least 9, or at least 10 effector molecules. In some embodiments, an engineered nucleic acid comprises a promoter operably linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more effector molecules.
Engineered cells, such as engineered MSCs, in some embodiments, are engineered to include at least two engineered nucleic acids, each comprising a promoter operably linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding at least one (e.g., 1, 2 or 3) effector molecule. For example, the cells may be engineered to comprise at least 2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 7, at least 8, at least 8, at least 9, or at least 10, engineered nucleic acids, each comprising a promoter operably linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding at least one (e.g., 1, 2 or 3) effector molecule. In some embodiments, the cells are engineered to comprise 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more engineered nucleic acids, each comprising a promoter operably linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding at least one (e.g., 1, 2 or 3) effector molecule.
An “engineered nucleic acid” is a nucleic acid that does not occur in nature. It should be understood, however, that while an engineered nucleic acid as a whole is not naturally-occurring, it may include nucleotide sequences that occur in nature. In some embodiments, an engineered nucleic acid comprises nucleotide sequences from different organisms (e.g., from different species). For example, in some embodiments, an engineered nucleic acid includes a murine nucleotide sequence, a bacterial nucleotide sequence, a human nucleotide sequence, and/or a viral nucleotide sequence. The term “engineered nucleic acids” includes recombinant nucleic acids and synthetic nucleic acids. A “recombinant nucleic acid” refers to a molecule that is constructed by joining nucleic acid molecules and, in some embodiments, can replicate in a live cell. A “synthetic nucleic acid” refers to a molecule that is amplified or chemically, or by other means, synthesized. Synthetic nucleic acids include those that are chemically modified, or otherwise modified, but can base pair with naturally-occurring nucleic acid molecules. Recombinant nucleic acids and synthetic nucleic acids also include those molecules that result from the replication of either of the foregoing. Engineered nucleic acid of the present disclosure may be encoded by a single molecule (e.g., included in the same plasmid or other vector) or by multiple different molecules (e.g., multiple different independently-replicating molecules).
Engineered nucleic acid of the present disclosure may be produced using standard molecular biology methods (see, e.g., Green and Sambrook, Molecular Cloning, A Laboratory Manual, 2012, Cold Spring Harbor Press). In some embodiments, engineered nucleic acid constructs are produced using GIBSON ASSEMBLY® Cloning (see, e.g., Gibson, D.G. et al. Nature Methods, 343-345, 2009; and Gibson, D.G. et al. Nature Methods, 901-903, 2010, each of which is incorporated by reference herein). GIBSON ASSEMBLY® typically uses three enzymatic activities in a single-tube reaction: 5′ exonuclease, the ′Y extension activity of a DNA polymerase and DNA ligase activity. The 5 ′ exonuclease activity chews back the 5′ end sequences and exposes the complementary sequence for annealing. The polymerase activity then fills in the gaps on the annealed regions. A DNA ligase then seals the nick and covalently links the DNA fragments together. The overlapping sequence of adjoining fragments is much longer than those used in Golden Gate Assembly, and therefore results in a higher percentage of correct assemblies. In some embodiments, engineered nucleic acid constructs are produced using IN-FUSION® cloning (Clontech).
A “promoter” refers to a control region of a nucleic acid sequence at which initiation and rate of transcription of the remainder of a nucleic acid sequence are controlled. A promoter may also contain sub-regions at which regulatory proteins and molecules may bind, such as RNA polymerase and other transcription factors. Promoters may be constitutive, inducible, repressible, tissue-specific or any combination thereof. A promoter drives expression or drives transcription of the nucleic acid sequence that it regulates. Herein, a promoter is considered to be “operably linked” when it is in a correct functional location and orientation in relation to a nucleic acid sequence it regulates to control (“drive”) transcriptional initiation and/or expression of that sequence.
A promoter may be one naturally associated with a gene or sequence, as may be obtained by isolating the 5′ non-coding sequences located upstream of the coding segment of a given gene or sequence. Such a promoter can be referred to as “endogenous.” In some embodiments, a coding nucleic acid sequence may be positioned under the control of a recombinant or heterologous promoter, which refers to a promoter that is not normally associated with the encoded sequence in its natural environment. Such promoters may include promoters of other genes; promoters isolated from any other cell; and synthetic promoters or enhancers that are not “naturally occurring” such as, for example, those that contain different elements of different transcriptional regulatory regions and/or mutations that alter expression through methods of genetic engineering that are known in the art. In addition to producing nucleic acid sequences of promoters and enhancers synthetically, sequences may be produced using recombinant cloning and/or nucleic acid amplification technology, including polymerase chain reaction (PCR) (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,683,202 and 5,928,906).
Promoters of an engineered nucleic acid may be “inducible promoters,” which refer to promoters that are characterized by regulating (e.g., initiating or activating) transcriptional activity when in the presence of, influenced by or contacted by a signal. The signal may be endogenous or a normally exogenous condition (e.g., light), compound (e.g., chemical or non-chemical compound) or protein (e.g., cytokine) that contacts an inducible promoter in such a way as to be active in regulating transcriptional activity from the inducible promoter. Activation of transcription may involve directly acting on a promoter to drive transcription or indirectly acting on a promoter by inactivation a repressor that is preventing the promoter from driving transcription. Conversely, deactivation of transcription may involve directly acting on a promoter to prevent transcription or indirectly acting on a promoter by activating a repressor that then acts on the promoter.
A promoter is “responsive to” or “modulated by” a local tumor state (e.g., inflammation or hypoxia) or signal if in the presence of that state or signal, transcription from the promoter is activated, deactivated, increased, or decreased. In some embodiments, the promoter comprises a response element. A “response element” is a short sequence of DNA within a promoter region that binds specific molecules (e.g., transcription factors) that modulate (regulate) gene expression from the promoter. Response elements that may be used in accordance with the present disclosure include, without limitation, a phloretin-adjustable control element (PEACE), a zinc-finger DNA-binding domain (DBD), an interferon-gamma-activated sequence (GAS) (Decker, T. et al. J Interferon Cytokine Res. 1997 Mar;17(3):121-34, incorporated herein by reference), an interferon-stimulated response element (ISRE) (Han, K. J. et al. J Biol Chem. 2004 Apr 9 ;279(15):15652-61, incorporated herein by reference), a NF-kappaB response element (Wang, V. et al. Cell Reports. 2012; 2(4): 824-839, incorporated herein by reference), and a STAT3 response element (Zhang, D. et al. J of Biol Chem. 1996; 271: 9503-9509, incorporated herein by reference). Other response elements are encompassed herein. Response elements can also contain tandem repeats (e.g., consecutive repeats of the same nucleotide sequence encoding the response element) to generally increase sensitivity of the response element to its cognate binding molecule. Tandem repeats can be labeled 2X, 3X, 4X, 5X, etc. to denote the number of repeats present.
Non-limiting examples of responsive promoters (also referred to as “inducible promoters”) (e.g., TGF-beta responsive promoters) are listed in Table 2, which shows the design of the promoter and transcription factor, as well as the effect of the inducer molecule towards the transcription factor (TF) and transgene transcription (T) is shown (B, binding; D, dissociation; n.d., not determined) (A, activation; DA, deactivation; DR, derepression) (see Horner, M. & Weber, W. FEBS Letters 586 (2012) 20784-2096m, and references cited therein). Other non-limiting examples of inducible promoters include those presented in Table 3.
Other non-limiting examples of promoters include the cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter, the elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1a) promoter, the elongation factor (EFS) promoter, the MND promoter (a synthetic promoter that contains the U3 region of a modified MoMuLV LTR with myeloproliferative sarcoma virus enhancer), the phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) promoter, the spleen focus-forming virus (SFFV) promoter, the simian virus 40 (SV40) promoter, and the ubiquitin C (UbC) promoter (see Table 4).
In some embodiments, a promoter of the present disclosure is modulated by signals within a tumor microenvironment. A tumor microenvironment is considered to modulate a promoter if, in the presence of the tumor microenvironment, the activity of the promoter is increased or decreased by at least 10%, relative to activity of the promoter in the absence of the tumor microenvironment. In some embodiments, the activity of the promoter is increased or decreased by at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 100%, relative to activity of the promoter in the absence of the tumor microenvironment. For example, the activity of the promoter is increased or decreased by 10-20%, 10-30%, 10-40%, 10-50%, 10-60%, 10-70%, 10-80%, 10-90%, 10-100%, 10-200%, 20-30%, 20-40%, 20-50%, 20-60%, 20-70%, 20-80%, 20-90%, 20-100%, 20-200%, 50-60%, 50-70%, 50-80%, 50-90%, 50-100%, or 50-200%, relative to activity of the promoter in the absence of the tumor microenvironment.
In some embodiments, the activity of the promoter is increased or decreased by at least 2 fold (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 25, 20, 25, 50, or 100 fold), relative to activity of the promoter in the absence of the tumor microenvironment. For example, the activity of the promoter is increased or decreased by at least 3 fold, at least 5 fold, at least 10 fold, at least 20 fold, at least 50 fold, or at least 100 fold, relative to activity of the promoter in the absence of the tumor microenvironment. In some embodiments, the activity of the promoter is increased or decreased by 2-10, 2-20, 2-30, 2-40, 2-50, 2-60, 2-70, 2-80, 2-90, or 2-100 fold, relative to activity of the promoter in the absence of the tumor microenvironment.
In some embodiments, a promoter of the present disclosure is activated under a hypoxic condition. A “hypoxic condition” is a condition where the body or a region of the body is deprived of adequate oxygen supply at the tissue level. Hypoxic conditions can cause inflammation (e.g., the level of inflammatory cytokines increase under hypoxic conditions). In some embodiments, the promoter that is activated under hypoxic condition is operably linked to a nucleotide encoding an effector molecule that decreases the expression of activity of inflammatory cytokines, thus reducing the inflammation caused by the hypoxic condition. In some embodiments, the promoter that is activated under hypoxic conditions comprises a hypoxia responsive element (HRE). A “hypoxia responsive element (HRE)” is a response element that responds to hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF). The HRE, in some embodiments, comprises a consensus motif NCGTG (where N is either A or G).
In some embodiments, engineered cells produce multiple effector molecules. For example, cells may be engineered to produce 2-20 different effector molecules. In some embodiments, Cells engineered to produce 2-20, 2-19, 2-18, 2-17, 2-16, 2-15, 2-14, 2-13, 2-12, 2-11, 2-10, 2-9, 2-8, 2-7, 2-6, 2-5, 2-4, 2-3, 3-20, 3-19, 3-18, 3-17, 3-16, 3-15, 3-14, 3-13, 3-12, 3-11, 3-10, 3-9, 3-8, 3-7, 3-6, 3-5, 3-4, 4-20, 4-19, 4-18, 4-17, 4-16, 4-15, 4-14, 4-13, 4-12, 4-11, 4-10, 4-9, 4-8, 4-7, 4-6, 4-5, 5-20, 5-19, 5-18, 5-17, 5-16, 5-15, 5-14, 5-13, 5-12, 5-11, 5-10, 5-9, 5-8, 5-7, 5-6, 6-20, 6-19, 6-18, 6-17, 6-16, 6-15, 6-14, 6-13, 6-12, 6-11, 6-10, 6-9, 6-8, 6-7, 7-20, 7-19, 7-18, 7-17, 7-16, 7-15, 7-14, 7-13, 7-12, 7-11, 7-10, 7-9, 7-8, 8-20, 8-19, 8-18, 8-17, 8-16, 8-15, 8-14, 8-13, 8-12, 8-11, 8-10, 8-9, 9-20, 9-19, 9-18, 9-17, 9-16, 9-15, 9-14, 9-13, 9-12, 9-11, 9-10, 10-20, 10-19, 10-18, 10-17, 10-16, 10-15, 10-14, 10-13, 10-12, 10-11, 11-20, 11-19, 11-18, 11-17, 11-16, 11-15, 11-14, 11-13, 11-12, 12-20, 12-19, 12-18, 12-17, 12-16, 12-15, 12-14, 12-13, 13-20, 13-19, 13-18, 13-17, 13-16, 13-15, 13-14, 14-20, 14-19, 14-18, 14-17, 14-16, 14-15, 15-20, 15-19, 15-18, 15-17, 15-16, 16-20, 16-19, 16-18, 16-17, 17-20, 17-19, 17-18, 18-20, 18-19, or 19-20 effector molecules. In some embodiments, cells are engineered to produce 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 effector molecules.
In some embodiments, exogenous sequences can be multicistronic, i.e., more than one separate polypeptide (e.g., multiple effector molecules) can be produced from a single mRNA transcript. Exogenous sequences can be multicistronic through the use of various linkers, e.g., a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule can be linked to a nucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, such as in a first gene:linker:second gene 5′ to 3′ orientation. A linker can encode a 2A ribosome skipping element, such as T2A. Other 2A ribosome skipping elements include, but are not limited to, E2A, P2A, and F2A. 2A ribosome skipping elements allow production of separate polypeptides encoded by the first and second genes are produced during translation. A linker can encode a cleavable linker polypeptide sequence, such as a Furin cleavage site or a TEV cleavage site, wherein following expression the cleavable linker polypeptide is cleaved such that separate polypeptides encoded by the first and second genes are produced. A cleavable linker can include a polypeptide sequence, such as such a flexible linker (e.g., a Gly-Ser-Gly sequence), that further promotes cleavage.
A linker can encode an Internal Ribosome Entry Site (IRES), such that separate polypeptides encoded by the first and second genes are produced during translation. A linker can encode a splice acceptor, such as a viral splice acceptor.
A linker can be a combination of linkers, such as a Furin-2A linker that can produce separate polypeptides through 2A ribosome skipping followed by further cleavage of the Furin site to allow for complete removal of 2A residues. In some embodiments, a combination of linkers can include a Furin sequence, a flexible linker, and 2A linker. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the linker is a Furin-Gly-Ser-Gly-2A fusion polypeptide. In some embodiments, a linker of the present disclosure is a Furin-Gly-Ser-Gly-T2A fusion polypeptide.
In general, a multicistronic system can use any number or combination of linkers, to express any number of genes or portions thereof (e.g., an exogenous sequence can encode a first, a second, and a third effector molecule, each separated by linkers such that separate polypeptides encoded by the first, second, and third effector molecules are produced).
Exogenous sequences can use multiple promoters to express genes from multiple ORFs, i.e., more than one separate mRNA transcript can be produced from the exogenous sequence. For example, a first promoter can be operably linked to a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, and a second promoter can be operably linked to a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule.
“Linkers,” as used herein can refer to polypeptides that link a first polypeptide sequence and a second polypeptide sequence, the multicistronic linkers described above, or the additional promoters that are operably linked to additional ORFs described above.
Engineered cells, such as MSCs, of the present disclosure typically produce multiple effector molecules, at least two of which modulate different tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanisms. In some embodiments, at least one of the effector molecules stimulates an inflammatory pathway in the tumor microenvironment, and at least one of the effector molecules inhibits a negative regulator of inflammation in the tumor microenvironment.
A “tumor microenvironment” is the cellular environment in which a tumor exists, including surrounding blood vessels, immune cells, fibroblasts, bone marrow-derived inflammatory cells, lymphocytes, signaling molecules and the extracellular matrix (ECM) (see, e.g., Pattabiraman, D.R. & Weinberg, R.A. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery 13, 497-512 2014); Balkwill, F.R. et al. J Cell Sci 125, 5591-5596, 2012; and Li, H. et al. J Cell Biochem 101(4), 805-15, 2007).
In some embodiments, cells are engineered to produce at least one homing molecule. “Homing,” refers to active navigation (migration) of a cell to a target site (e.g., a cell, tissue (e.g., tumor), or organ). A “homing molecule” refers to a molecule that directs cells to a target site. In some embodiments, a homing molecule functions to recognize and/or initiate interaction of a cell to a target site. Non-limiting examples of homing molecules include CXCR1, CCR9, CXCR2, CXCR3, CXCR4, CCR2, CCR4, FPR2, VEGFR, IL6R, CXCR1, CSCR7, and PDGFR.
In some embodiments, a homing molecule is a chemokine receptor (cell surface molecule that binds to a chemokine). Chemokines are small cytokines or signaling proteins secreted by cells that can induce directed chemotaxis in cells. Chemokines can be classified into four main subfamilies: CXC, CC, CX3C and XC, all of which exert biological effects by binding selectively to chemokine receptors located on the surface of target cells. In some embodiments, cells are engineered to produce CXCR4, a chemokine receptor which allows cells to home along a chemokine gradient towards a stromal cell-derived factor 1 (also known as SDF1, C-X-C motif chemokine 12, and CXCL12)-expressing cell, tissue, or tumor. Non-limiting examples of chemokine receptors that may be produced by the engineered cells of the present disclosure include: CXC chemokine receptors (e.g., CXCR1, CXCR2, CXCR3, CXCR4, CXCRS, CXCR6, and CXCR7), CC chemokine receptors (CCR1, CCR2, CCR3, CCR4, CCRS, CCR6, CCR7, CCR8, CCR9, CCR10, and CCR11), CX3C chemokine receptors (e.g., CX3CR1, which binds to CX3CL1), and XC chemokine receptors (e.g., XCR1). In some embodiments, a chemokine receptor is a G protein-linked transmembrane receptor, or a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor superfamily (including but not limited to TNFRSF1A, TNFRSF1B). In some embodiments, cells are engineered to produce CXCL8, CXCL9, and/or CXCL10, 11 or a fusion protein that encompass CXCL10 and CXCL11 (promote T-cell recruitment), CCL3 and/or CXCLS, CCL21 (Th1 recruitment and polarization). In some embodiments cells are engineered to produce CXCL13 to promote B-cell recruitment.
In some embodiments, cells are engineered to produce G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) that detect N-formylated-containing oligopeptides (including but not limited to FPR2 and FPRL1).
In some embodiments, cells are engineered to produce receptors that detect interleukins (including but not limited to IL6R).
In some embodiments, cells are engineered to produce receptors that detect growth factors secreted from other cells, tissues, or tumors (including but not limited to FGFR, PDGFR, EGFR, and receptors of the VEGF family, including but not limited to VEGF-C and VEGF-D).
In some embodiments, a homing molecule is an integrin. Integrins are transmembrane receptors that facilitate cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion. Integrins are obligate heterodimers having two subunits: α (alpha) and β (beta). The α subunit of an integrin may be, without limitation: ITGA1, ITGA2, ITGA3, ITGA4, ITGA5, ITGA6, IGTA7, ITGA8, ITGA9, IGTA10, IGTAL11, ITGAD, ITGAE, ITGAL, ITGAM, ITGAV, ITGA2B, ITGAX. The β subunit of an integrin may be, without limitation: ITGB1, ITGB2, ITGB3, ITGB4, ITGB5, ITGB6, ITGB7, and ITGB8. Cells of the present disclosure may be engineered to produce any combination of the integrin α and β subunits.
In some embodiments, a homing molecule is a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP). MMPs are enzymes that cleave components of the basement membrane underlying the endothelial cell wall. Non-limiting examples of MMPs include MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP. In some embodiments, cells are engineered to produce an inhibitor of a molecule (e.g., protein) that inhibits MMPs. For example, cells may be engineered to express an inhibitor (e.g., an RNAi molecule) of membrane type 1 MMP (MT1-MMP) or TIMP metallopeptidase inhibitor 1 (TIMP-1).
In some embodiments, a homing molecule is a ligand that binds to selectin (e.g., hematopoietic cell E-/L-selectin ligand (HCELL), Dykstra et al., Stem Cells. 2016 Oct;34(10):2501-2511) on the endothelium of a target tissue, for example.
The term “homing molecule” also encompasses transcription factors that regulate the production of molecules that improve/enhance homing of cells.
In some embodiments, cell homing is increased by locally irradiating a tumor/cancer cells in a subject. Radiological tissue damage aids in cell homing, as well as endogenous T cell homing to that damaged tissue.
Examples of Engineered CellsCells (e.g., MSCs) as provided herein are engineered to produce multiple effector molecules, at least two of which modulate different tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanisms. In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) effector molecule stimulates at least one immunostimulatory mechanism in the tumor microenvironment, or inhibits at least one immunosuppressive mechanism in the tumor microenvironment. In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) effector molecule inhibits at least one immunosuppressive mechanism in the tumor microenvironment, and at least one effector molecule (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) inhibits at least one immunosuppressive mechanism in the tumor microenvironment. In yet other embodiments, at least two (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) effector molecules stimulate at least one immunostimulatory mechanism in the tumor microenvironment. In still other embodiments, at least two (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) effector molecules inhibit at least one immunosuppressive mechanism in the tumor microenvironment.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce at least one effector molecule that stimulates T cell signaling, activity and/or recruitment. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce at least one effector molecule that stimulates antigen presentation and/or processing. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce at least one effector molecule that stimulates natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxic signaling, activity and/or recruitment. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce at least one effector molecule that stimulates dendritic cell differentiation and/or maturation. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce at least one effector molecule that stimulates immune cell recruitment. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce at least one effector molecule that stimulates M1 macrophage signaling, activity and/or recruitment. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce at least one effector molecule that stimulates Th1 polarization. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce at least one effector molecule that stimulates stroma degradation. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce at least one effector molecule that stimulates immunostimulatory metabolite production. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce at least one effector molecule that stimulates Type I interferon signaling. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce at least one effector molecule that inhibits negative costimulatory signaling. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce at least one effector molecule that inhibits pro-apoptotic signaling (e.g., via TRAIL) of anti-tumor immune cells. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce at least one effector molecule that inhibits T regulatory (Treg) cell signaling, activity and/or recruitment. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce at least one effector molecule that inhibits tumor checkpoint molecules. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce at least one effector molecule that activates stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce at least one effector molecule that inhibits myeloid-derived suppressor cell signaling, activity and/or recruitment. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce at least one effector molecule that degrades immunosuppressive factors/metabolites. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce at least one effector molecule that inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor signaling. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce at least one effector molecule that directly kills tumor cells (e.g., granzyme, perforin, oncolytic viruses, cytolytic peptides and enzymes, anti-tumor antibodies, e.g., that trigger ADCC).
In some embodiments, at least one effector molecule: stimulates T cell signaling , activity and/or recruitment, stimulates antigen presentation and/or processing, stimulates natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxic signaling , activity and/or recruitment, stimulates dendritic cell differentiation and/or maturation, stimulates immune cell recruitment, stimulates macrophage signaling, stimulates stroma degradation, stimulates immunostimulatory metabolite production, or stimulates Type I interferon signaling; and at least one effector molecule inhibits negative costimulatory signaling, inhibits pro-apoptotic signaling of anti-tumor immune cells, inhibits T regulatory (Treg) cell signaling, activity and/or recruitment, inhibits tumor checkpoint molecules, activates stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling, inhibits myeloid-derived suppressor cell signaling, activity and/or recruitment, degrades immunosuppressive factors/metabolites, inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor signaling, or directly kills tumor cells.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce at least one effector molecule selected from IL-12, IFN-β, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-15, IL-7, IL-36γ, IL-18, IL-1β, OX40-ligand, and CD40L; and/or at least one effector molecule selected from anti-PD-1 antibodies, anti-PD-L1 antibodies, anti-CTLA-4 antibodies, and anti-IL-35 antibodies; and/or at least one effector molecule selected from MIP1α (CCL3), MIP1β (CCL5), and CCL21; and/or at least one effector molecule selected from CpG oligodeoxynucleotides; and/or at least one effector molecule selected from microbial peptides.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-β and at least one effector molecule selected from cytokines, antibodies, chemokines, nucleotides, peptides, enzymes, and stimulators of interferon genes (STINGs). In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-βand at least one cytokine or receptor/ligand (e.g., IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-15, IL-7, IL-36γ, IL-18, IL-1β, OX40-ligand, and/or CD40L).
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-βand at least one cytokine or receptor/ligand (e.g., IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-15, IL-7, IL-36γ, IL-18, IL-1β, OX40-ligand, and/or CD40L).
In some embodiments the cytokine is produced as an engineered fusion protein with an antibody, antibody-fragment, or receptor that self-binds to the cytokine to induce cell-specific targeted binding such as with IL-2 fused to an antibody fragment preventing it from binding to Treg cells and preferentially binding to CD8 and NK cells. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-β and at least one antibody (e.g., anti-PD-1 antibody, anti-PD-L1 antibody, anti-CTLA-4 antibody, anti-VEGF, anti-TGF-β, anti-IL-10, anti-TNF-a, and/or anti-IL-35 antibody). In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-β and at least one chemokine (MIPα (CCL3), MIP1β (CCL5), and/or CCL21). In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-β and at least one nucleotide (e.g., a CpG oligodeoxynucleotide). In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-β and at least one peptide (e.g., an anti-tumor peptide). In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-β and at least one enzyme. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-β and at least one STING activator. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-β and at least one effector with direct anti-tumor activity (e.g., oncolytic virus).
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-α and MIP1-α. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-α and MIP1-β. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-α and CXCL9. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-α and CXCL10. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-α and CXCL11. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-α and CCL21. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, IL36-γ, IL-18, CD40L and/or 41BB-L. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce anti-CD40 antibody, andti-CTLA4 antibody, anti-PD-L1 antibody, and/or OX40L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-β and MIP1-α. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-β and MIP1-β. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-β and CXCL9. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-β and CXCL10. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-β and CXCL11. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-β and CCL21. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, IL36-γ, IL-18, CD40L and/or 41BB-L. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce anti-CD40 antibody, andti-CTLA4 antibody, anti-PD-L1 antibody, and/or OX40L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-12 and MIP1-α. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-12 and MIP1-β. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-12 and CXCL9. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-12 and CXCL10. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-12 and CXCL11. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-12 and CCL21. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IFN-β, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, IL36-γ, IL-18, CD40L and/or 41BB-L. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce anti-CD40 antibody, andti-CTLA4 antibody, anti-PD-L1 antibody, and/or OX40L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and MIP1-α. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce TRAIL and MIP1-β. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce TRAIL and CXCL9. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce TRAIL and CXCL10. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce TRAIL and CXCL11. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce TRAIL and CCL21. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, IL36-γ, IL-18, CD40L and/or 41BB-L. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce anti-CD40 antibody, andti-CTLA4 antibody, anti-PD-L1 antibody, and/or OX40L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce a stimulator of interferon gene (STING) and MIP1-α. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce STING and MIP1-β. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce STING and CXCL9. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce STING and CXCL10. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce STING and CXCL11. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce STING and CCL21. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, IL36-γ, IL-18, CD40L and/or 41BB-L. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce anti-CD40 antibody, andti-CTLA4 antibody, anti-PD-L1 antibody, and/or OX40L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CD40L and MIP1-α. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CD40L and MIP1-β. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CD40L and CXCL9. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CD40L and CXCL10. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CD40L and CXCL11. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CD40L and CCL21. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, IL36-γ, IL-18, 41BB-L. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce anti-CD40 antibody, andti-CTLA4 antibody, anti-PD-L1 antibody, and/or OX40L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce cytosine deaminase and MIP1-α. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce cytosine deaminase and MIP1-β. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce cytosine deaminase and CXCL9. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce cytosine deaminase and CXCL10. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce cytosine deaminase and CXCL11. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce cytosine deaminase and CCL21. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, IL36-γ, IL-18, CD40L, and/or 41BB-L. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce anti-CD40 antibody, andti-CTLA4 antibody, anti-PD-L1 antibody, and/or OX40L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-α and IL-12. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-α and IFN-γ. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-α and IL-2. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-α and IL-7. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-α and IL-15. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-α and IL-36γ. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-α and IL-18. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-α and CD40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-α and 41BB-L. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce MIP1-α, MIP1-β, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL10-11 fusion, CXCL13 and/or CCL21. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce anti-CD40 antibody, andti-CTLA4 antibody, anti-PD-L1 antibody, and/or OX40L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-β and IL-12. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-β and IFN-γ. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-β and IL-2. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-β and IL-7. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-β and IL-15. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-β and IL-36γ. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-β and IL-18. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-β and CD40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-β and 41BB-L. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce MIP1-α, MIP1-β, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and/or CCL21. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce anti-CD40 antibody, andti-CTLA4 antibody, anti-PD-L1 antibody, and/or OX40L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and IL-12. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce TRAIL and IFN-γ. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce TRAIL and IL-2. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce TRAIL and IL-7. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce TRAIL and IL-15. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce TRAIL and IL-36γ. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce TRAIL and IL-18. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce TRAIL and CD40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce TRAIL and 41BB-L. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce MIP1-α, MIP1-β, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and/or CCL21. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce anti-CD40 antibody, andti-CTLA4 antibody, anti-PD-L1 antibody, and/or OX40L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce a stimulator of interferon gene (STING) and IL-12. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce STING and IFN-γ. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce STING and IL-2. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce STING and IL-7. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce STING and IL-15. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce STING and IL-36γ. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce STING and IL-18. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce STING and CD40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce STING and 41BB-L. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce MIP1-α, MIP1-β, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and/or CCL21. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce anti-CD40 antibody, andti-CTLA4 antibody, anti-PD-L1 antibody, and/or OX40L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CD40L and IL-12. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CD40L and IFN-γ. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CD40L and IL-2. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CD40L and IL-7. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CD40L and IL-15. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CD40L and IL-36γ. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CD40L and IL-18. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CD40L and 41BB-L. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce MIP1-α, MIP1-β, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and/or CCL21. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce anti-CD40 antibody, andti-CTLA4 antibody, anti-PD-L1 antibody, and/or OX40L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce cytosine deaminase and IL-12. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce cytosine deaminase and IFN-γ. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce cytosine deaminase and IL-2. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce cytosine deaminase and IL-7. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce cytosine deaminase and IL-15. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce cytosine deaminase and IL-36γ. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce cytosine deaminase and IL-18. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce cytosine deaminase and CD40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce cytosine deaminase and 41BB-L. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce MIP1-α, MIP1-β, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and/or CCL21. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce anti-CD40 antibody, andti-CTLA4 antibody, anti-PD-L1 antibody, and/or OX40L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce MIP1-α and IL-12. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce MIP1-α and MIP1-γ. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce MIP1-α and IL-2. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce MIP1-α and IL-7. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce MIP1-α and IL-15. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce MIP1-α and IL-36γ. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce MIP1-α and IL-18. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce MIP1-α and CD40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce MIP1-α and 41BB-L. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IFN-α, IFN-β, TRAIL, STING, CD40L, and/or cytosine deaminase. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce anti-CD40 antibody, andti-CTLA4 antibody, anti-PD-L1 antibody, and/or OX40L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce MIP1-β and IL-12. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce MIP1-β and MIP1-γ. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce MIP1-β and IL-2. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce MIP1-β and IL-7. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce MIP1-β and IL-15. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce MIP1-β and IL-36γ. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce MIP1-β and IL-18. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce MIP1-β and CD40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce MIP1-β and 41BB-L. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IFN-α, IFN-β, TRAIL, STING, CD40L, and/or cytosine deaminase. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce anti-CD40 antibody, andti-CTLA4 antibody, anti-PD-L1 antibody, and/or OX40L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL9 and IL-12. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL9 and IFN-γ. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL9 and IL-2. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL9 and IL-7. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL9 and IL-15. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL9 and IL-36γ. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL9 and IL-18. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL9 and CD40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL9 and 41BB-L. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IFN-α, IFN-β, TRAIL, STING, CD40L, and/or cytosine deaminase. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce anti-CD40 antibody, andti-CTLA4 antibody, anti-PD-L1 antibody, and/or OX40L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce a CXCL10 and IL-12. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL10 and IFN-γ. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL10 and IL-2. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL10 and IL-7. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL10 and IL-15. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL10 and IL-36γ. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL10 and IL-18. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL10 and CD40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL10 and 41BB-L. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IFN-α, IFN-β, TRAIL, STING, CD40L, and/or cytosine deaminase. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce anti-CD40 antibody, andti-CTLA4 antibody, anti-PD-L1 antibody, and/or OX40L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL11 and IL-12. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL11 and IFN-γ. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL11 and IL-2. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL11 and IL-7. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL11 and IL-15. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL11 and IL-36γ. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL11 and IL-18. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL11 and 41BB-L. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IFN-α, IFN-β, TRAIL, STING, CD40L, and/or cytosine deaminase. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce anti-CD40 antibody, andti-CTLA4 antibody, anti-PD-L1 antibody, and/or OX40L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CCL21and IL-12. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CCL21and IFN-γ. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CCL21and IL-2. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CCL21and IL-7. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CCL21and IL-15. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CCL21and IL-36γ. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CCL21and IL-18. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CCL21and CD40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CCL21and 41BB-L. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IFN-α, IFN-β, TRAIL, STING, CD40L, and/or cytosine deaminase. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce anti-CD40 antibody, andti-CTLA4 antibody, anti-PD-L1 antibody, and/or OX40L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-α and anti-PD-L1 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-α and OX40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-α and anti-CTLA4 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-α and anti-CD47 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce MIP1-α, MIP1-β, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and/or CXCL21. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, IL-36γ, IL-18, CD40L, and/or 41BB-L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-β and anti-PD-L1 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-β and OX40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-β and anti-CTLA4 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-β and anti-CD47 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce MIP1-α, MIP1-β, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and/or CXCL21. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, IL-36γ, IL-18, CD40L, and/or 41BB-L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce TRAIL and anti-PD-L1 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce TRAIL and OX40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce TRAIL and anti-CTLA4 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce TRAIL and anti-CD47 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce MIP1-α, MIP1-β, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and/or CXCL21. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, IL-36γ, IL-18, CD40L, and/or 41BB-L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce STING and anti-PD-L1 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce STING and OX40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce STING and anti-CTLA4 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce STING and anti-CD47 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce MIP1-α, MIP1-β, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and/or CXCL21. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, IL-36γ, IL-18, CD40L, and/or 41BB-L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CD40L and anti-PD-L1 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CD40L and OX40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CD40L and anti-CTLA4 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CD40L and anti-CD47 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce MIP1-α, MIP1-β, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and/or CXCL21. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, IL-36γ, IL-18, CD40L, and/or 41BB-L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce cytosine deaminase and anti-PD-L1 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce cytosine deaminase and OX40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce cytosine deaminase and anti-CTLA4 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce cytosine deaminase and anti-CD47 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce MIP1-α, MIP1-β, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and/or CXCL21. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, IL-36γ, IL-18, CD40L, and/or 41BB-L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce MIP1-α and anti-PD-L1 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce MIP1-α and OX40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce MIP1-α and anti-CTLA4 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce MIP1-α and anti-CD47 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IFN-α, IFN-β, TRAIL, STING, CD40L, and/or cytosine deaminase. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, IL-36γ, IL-18, CD40L, and/or 41BB-L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce MIP1-β and anti-PD-L1 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce MIP1-β and OX40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce MIP1-β and anti-CTLA4 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce MIP1-β and anti-CD47 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IFN-α, IFN-β, TRAIL, STING, CD40L, and/or cytosine deaminase. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, IL-36γ, IL-18, CD40L, and/or 41BB-L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL9 and anti-PD-L1 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL9 and OX40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL9 and anti-CTLA4 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL9 and anti-CD47 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IFN-α, IFN-β, TRAIL, STING, CD40L, and/or cytosine deaminase. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, IL-36γ, IL-18, CD40L, and/or 41BB-L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL10 and anti-PD-L1 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL10 and OX40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL10 and anti-CTLA4 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL10 and anti-CD47 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IFN-α, IFN-β, TRAIL, STING, CD40L, and/or cytosine deaminase. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, IL-36γ, IL-18, CD40L, and/or 41BB-L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL11 and anti-PD-L1 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL11 and OX40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL11 and anti-CTLA4 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CXCL11 and anti-CD47 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IFN-α, IFN-β, TRAIL, STING, CD40L, and/or cytosine deaminase. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, IL-36γ, IL-18, CD40L, and/or 41BB-L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CCL21and anti-PD-L1 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CCL21 and OX40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CCL21and anti-CTLA4 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CCL21and anti-CD47 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IFN-α, IFN-β, TRAIL, STING, CD40L, and/or cytosine deaminase. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IL-12, IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-7, IL-15, IL-36γ, IL-18, CD40L, and/or 41BB-L.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-12 and anti-PD-L1 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-12 and OX40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-12 and anti-CTLA4 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-12 and anti-CD47 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IFN-α, IFN-β, TRAIL, STING, CD40L, and/or cytosine deaminase. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce MIP1-α, MIP1-β, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and/or CCL21.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-γ and anti-PD-L1 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-γ and OX40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-γ and anti-CTLA4 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IFN-γ and anti-CD47 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IFN-α, IFN-β, TRAIL, STING, CD40L, and/or cytosine deaminase. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce MIP1-α, MIP1-β, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and/or CCL21.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-2 and anti-PD-L1 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-2 and OX40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-2 and anti-CTLA4 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-2 and anti-CD47 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IFN-α, IFN-β, TRAIL, STING, CD40L, and/or cytosine deaminase. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce MIP1-α, MIP1-β, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and/or CCL21.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-7 and anti-PD-L1 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-7 and
OX40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-7 and anti-CTLA4 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-7 and anti-CD47 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IFN-α, IFN-β, TRAIL, STING, CD40L, and/or cytosine deaminase. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce MIP1-α, MIP1-β, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and/or CCL21.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-15 and anti-PD-L1 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-15 and OX40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-15 and anti-CTLA4 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-15 and anti-CD47 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IFN-α, IFN-β, TRAIL, STING, CD40L, and/or cytosine deaminase. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce MIP1-α, MIP1-β, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and/or CCL21.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-36-γand anti-PD-L1 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-36-γ and OX40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-36-γ and anti-CTLA4 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-36-γ and anti-CD47 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IFN-α, IFN-β, TRAIL, STING, CD40L, and/or cytosine deaminase. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce MIP1-α, MIP1-β, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and/or CCL21.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-18 and anti-PD-L1 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-18 and OX40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-18 and anti-CTLA4 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce IL-18 and anti-CD47 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IFN-α, IFN-β, TRAIL, STING, CD40L, and/or cytosine deaminase. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce MIP1-α, MIP1-β, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and/or CCL21.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CD40L and anti-PD-L1 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CD40L and OX40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CD40L and anti-CTLA4 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce CD40L and anti-CD47 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IFN-α, IFN-β, TRAIL, STING, CD40L, and/or cytosine deaminase. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce MIP1-α, MIP1-β, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and/or CCL21.
In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce 41BB-L and anti-PD-L1 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce 41BB-L and OX40L. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce 41BB-L and anti-CTLA4 antibody. In some embodiments, a cell (e.g., MSC) is engineered to produce 41BB-L and anti-CD47 antibody. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce IFN-α, IFN-β, TRAIL, STING, CD40L, and/or cytosine deaminase. In some embodiments, the cell is engineered to further produce MIP1-α, MIP1-β, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and/or CCL21.
Secretion SignalsIn general, the one or more effector molecules comprise a secretion signal peptide (also referred to as a signal peptide or signal sequence) at the effector molecule's N-terminus that direct newly synthesized proteins destined for secretion or membrane insertion to the proper protein processing pathways. The secretion signal peptide operably associated with a effector molecule can be a native secretion signal peptide native secretion signal peptide(e.g., the secretion signal peptide generally endogenously associated with the given effector molecule). The secretion signal peptide operably associated with a effector molecule can be a non-native secretion signal peptide native secretion signal peptide. Non-native secretion signal peptides can promote improved expression and function, such as maintained secretion, in particular environments, such as tumor microenvironments. Non-limiting examples of non-native secretion signal peptide are shown in Table 5.
The present disclosure refers to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) (e.g., human MSCs) engineered to produce multiple effector molecules. An engineered cell (engineered to produce effector molecules), as provided herein, may also be selected from natural killer (NK) cells, NKT cells, innate lymphoid cells, mast cells, eosinophils, basophils, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells, T cells (e.g., CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, gamma-delta T cells, and T regulatory cells (CD4+, FOXP3+, CD25+ )) and B cells. It should be understood, however, that any reference to MSC engineering can also be applied to other cell types (e.g., cell types of the immune system).
In some embodiments, an engineered cell (e.g., MSC) is from (e.g., obtained from or derived from) bone marrow. In some embodiments, an engineered mesenchymal stem cell is from (e.g., obtained from or derived from) adipose tissue. In some embodiments, an engineered mesenchymal stem cell is from (e.g., obtained from or derived from) an umbilical cord. In some embodiments, engineered mesenchymal stem cell is from a pluripotent stem cell (e.g., an embryonic stem cell or an induced pluripotent stem cell).
Thus, the present disclosure provides a T cell (e.g., CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, gamma-delta T cell, or T regulatory cell (CD4+, FOXP3+, CD25+)) engineered to produce multiple effector molecules, at least two of which modulate different tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanisms. In some embodiments, a B cell is engineered to produce multiple effector molecules, at least two of which modulate different tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanisms. In some embodiments, a NK cell is engineered to produce multiple effector molecules, at least two of which modulate different tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanisms. In some embodiments, a NKT cell is engineered to produce multiple effector molecules, at least two of which modulate different tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanisms. In some embodiments, an innate lymphoid cell is engineered to produce multiple effector molecules, at least two of which modulate different tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanisms. In some embodiments, a mast cell is engineered to produce multiple effector molecules, at least two of which modulate different tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanisms. In some embodiments, an eosinophil is engineered to produce multiple effector molecules, at least two of which modulate different tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanisms. In some embodiments, a basophil is engineered to produce multiple effector molecules, at least two of which modulate different tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanisms. In some embodiments, a macrophage is engineered to produce multiple effector molecules, at least two of which modulate different tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanisms. In some embodiments, a neutrophil is engineered to produce multiple effector molecules, at least two of which modulate different tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanisms. In some embodiments, a dendritic cell is engineered to produce multiple effector molecules, at least two of which modulate different tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanisms.
In some embodiments, at least one of the effector molecules stimulates an immunostimulatory mechanism in the tumor microenvironment and/or inhibits an immunosuppressive mechanism in the tumor microenvironment.
In some embodiments, at least one of the effector molecules (a) stimulates T cell signaling, activity and/or recruitment, (b) stimulates antigen presentation and/or processing, (c) stimulates natural killer cell-mediated cytotoxic signaling, activity and/or recruitment, (d) stimulates dendritic cell differentiation and/or maturation, (e) stimulates immune cell recruitment, (f) stimulates pro-inflammatory macrophage signaling, activity and/or recruitment or inhibits anti-inflammatory macrophage signaling, activity and/or recruitment, (g) stimulates stroma degradation, (h) stimulates immunostimulatory metabolite production, (i) stimulates Type I interferon signaling, (j) inhibits negative costimulatory signaling, (k) inhibits pro-apoptotic signaling of anti-tumor immune cells, (l) inhibits T regulatory (Treg) cell signaling, activity and/or recruitment, (m) inhibits tumor checkpoint molecules, (n) stimulates stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling, (o) inhibits myeloid-derived suppressor cell signaling, activity and/or recruitment, (p) degrades immunosuppressive factors/metabolites, (q) inhibits vascular endothelial growth factor signaling, and/or (r) directly kills tumor cells.
MethodsAlso provided herein are methods that include culturing the engineered MSCs (or other engineered immune cell) of the present disclosure. Methods of culturing MSCs are known. In some embodiments, MSCs are culture in growth medium (e.g., MSCGM human Mesenchymal Stem Cell Growth BULLETKIT™ Medium (serum containing), THERAPEAK™ MSCGM-CD™ Mesenchymal Stem Cell Chemically Defined Medium (serum free), or RoosterBio xeno-free MSC media). Methods of culturing other cells, such as immune cells, are known to those skilled in the art.
Further provided herein are methods that include delivering, or administering, to a subject (e.g., a human subject) engineered cells as provided herein to produce in vivo at least one effector molecule produced by the cells. In some embodiments, the cells are administered via intravenous, intraperitoneal, intratracheal, subcutaneous, intratumoral, oral, anal, intranasal (e.g., packed in a delivery particle), or arterial (e.g., internal carotid artery) routes. Thus, the cells may be administered systemically or locally (e.g., to a TME).
The engineered cells or polynucleotides described herein can be in a composition containing a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, e.g., an aqueous carrier. A variety of aqueous carriers can be used, e.g., water, buffered water, 0.9% saline, 0.3% glycine, hyaluronic acid and the like. These compositions can be sterilized by conventional, well known sterilization techniques, or can be sterile filtered. The resulting aqueous solutions can be packaged for use as is, or lyophilized, the lyophilized preparation being combined with a sterile solution prior to administration. The compositions may contain pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliary substances as required to approximate physiological conditions, such as pH adjusting and buffering agents, tonicity adjusting agents, wetting agents and the like, for example, sodium acetate, sodium lactate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, sorbitan monolaurate, triethanolamine oleate, etc.
Some methods comprise selecting a subject (or patient population) having a tumor (or cancer) and treating that subject with engineered cells.
The engineered cells of the present disclosure may be used, in some instances, to treat cancer, such as ovarian cancer. Other cancers are described herein. For example, the engineered cells may be used to treat bladder tumors, brain tumors, breast tumors, cervical tumors, colorectal tumors, esophageal tumors, gliomas, kidney tumors, liver tumors, lung tumors, melanomas, ovarian tumors, pancreatic tumors, prostate tumors, skin tumors, thyroid tumors, and/or uterine tumors.
The methods provided herein also include delivering a preparation of engineered cells, such as engineered cells. A preparation, in some embodiments, is a substantially pure preparation, containing, for example, less than 5% (e.g., less than 4%, 3%, 2%, or 1%) of cells other than cells. A preparation may comprise 1×105 cells/kg to 1×107 cells/kg, such as engineered cells.
The methods provided herein also include delivering a composition in vivo capable of producing the engineered cells described herein, such as delivering a lentivirus in vivo. Other in vivo delivery mechanisms and systems can also be used, including those known for use in human therapy, such as viral delivery systems (e.g., retroviral or adenoviral systems), transposons (e.g., Sleeping Beauty and PiggyBac transposon systems), integrated using PhiC31 into genomic pseudosites, or using nucleases, such as zinc fingers (ZFs), clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR), or transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs).
Provided below are enumerated paragraphs describing specific embodiments:
- 1. An engineered cell comprising:
- a) a promoter; and
- b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
-
-
- wherein
- S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide,
- E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule,
- L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence,
- S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide,
- E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, and
- wherein the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule, and
- wherein the engineered cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), stem cell, immune cell, natural killer (NK) cell, NKT cell, innate lymphoid cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), mast cell, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, myeloid cell, dendritic cell, T cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), viral-specific T cell, gamma-delta T cell, T regulatory cell, and B cell.
-
- 2. The engineered cell of paragraph 1, wherein the promoter comprises an exogenous promoter polynucleotide sequence.
- 3. The engineered cell of paragraph 1, wherein the promoter comprises an endogenous promoter.
- 4. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-3, wherein the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette such that the polynucleotides are capable of being transcribed as a single polynucleotide comprising the formula S1-E1-L-S2-E2.
- 5. The engineered cell of paragraph 4, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence is operably associated with the translation of the first effector molecule and the second effector molecule as separate polypeptides.
- 6. The engineered cell of paragraph 5, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a 2A ribosome skipping tag.
- 7. The engineered cell of paragraph 6, wherein the 2A ribosome skipping tag is selected from the group consisting of: P2A, T2A, E2A, and F2A.
- 8. The engineered cell of paragraph 5, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a T2A ribosome skipping tag.
- 9. The engineered cell of paragraph 5, the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes an
Internal Ribosome Entry Site (IRES).
- 10. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 5-9, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a cleavable polypeptide.
- 11. The engineered cell of paragraph 10, wherein the cleavable polypeptide comprises a Furin recognition polypeptide sequence.
- 12. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 5-9, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence further encodes a Gly-Ser-Gly polypeptide sequence.
- 13. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-5, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a Furin recognition polypeptide sequence, a Gly-Ser-Gly polypeptide sequence, and a T2A ribosome skipping tag in a Furin:Gly-Ser-Gly:T2A orientation from N-terminus to C-terminus.
- 14. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-3, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a second promoter,
- wherein the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette such that a first polynucleotide comprising the formula S1-E1 is capable of being transcribed,
- wherein the second promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette such that a second polynucleotide comprising the formula S2-E2 is capable of being transcribed, and wherein the first and the second polynucleotide are separate polynucleotides.
- 15. The engineered cell of paragraph 14, wherein the promoter and the second promoter are identical.
- 16. The engineered cell of paragraph 14, wherein the promoter and the second promoter are different.
- 17. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-16, wherein the engineered cell is HLA-typed with reference to a subject in need of therapeutic treatment.
- 18. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-17, wherein the engineered cell is a human cell.
- 19. The engineered cell of paragraph 18, wherein the human cell is an isolated cell from a subject.
- 20. The engineered cell of paragraph 19, wherein the isolated cell is isolated from a tissue consisting of the group of: bone marrow, adipose tissue, the umbilical cord, fetal liver, muscle, and lung tissue.
- 21. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-20, wherein the engineered cell is a cultured cell.
- 22. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-21, wherein the engineered MSC comprises a cellular marker phenotype comprising the cellular markers CD105+, CD73+, and CD90+.
- 23. The engineered cell of paragraph 22, wherein the cellular marker phenotype further comprises a phenotype lacking or substantially lacking one or more cellular markers selected from the group consisting of: CD45, CD34, CD14, CD11b, CD79α, CD19, HLA class II, and combinations thereof.
- 24. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-21, wherein the engineered MSC comprises a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD105+, CD73+, CD90+, CD45−, CD34−, CD14−; a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD105+, CD73+, CD90+, CD11b−, CD79α−; a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD105+, CD73+, CD90+, CD19−, HLA class II−; or a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD73+, CD90+, CD105+, and CD166+, CD11b−, CD14−, CD19−, CD34−, CD45−, and HLA-DR−.
- 25. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 22-24, wherein the cellular marker phenotype is determined or has been determined by flow-cytometry.
- 26. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-21, wherein the engineered cell comprises a T cell.
- 27. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-21, wherein the engineered cell comprises a NK cell.
- 28. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-21, wherein the engineered cell comprises a NKT cell.
- 29. The engineered cell of any of paragraphs 22-28, wherein the cellular marker phenotype further comprises a cellular marker comprising a cognate receptor or a cognate receptor ligand for the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules expressed in the engineered cells.
- 30. The engineered cell of paragraph 29 , wherein the receptor is selected from the group consisting of: IL12RB1, IL12RB2, CCL7, and combinations thereof
- 31. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-30, wherein the promoter and/or the second promoter comprises a constitutive promoter.
- 32. The engineered cell of paragraph 31, wherein the constitutive promoter is selected from the group consisting of: CMV, EFS, SFFV, SV40, MND, PGK, UbC, hEF1aV1, hCAGG, hEF1aV2, hACTb, heIF4A1, hGAPDH, hGRP78, hGRP94, hHSP70, hKINb, and hUBIb.
- 33. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-30, wherein the promoter comprises an SFFV promoter.
- 34. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-30, wherein the promoter and/or the second promoter comprises an inducible promoter.
- 35. The engineered cell of paragraph 34, wherein the inducible promoter is selected from the group consisting of: minP, NFkB response element, CREB response element, NFAT response element, SRF response element 1, SRF response element 2, AP1 response element, TCF-LEF response element promoter fusion, Hypoxia responsive element, SMAD binding element, STAT3 binding site, inducer molecule responsive promoters, and tandem repeats thereof
- 36. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-35, wherein the first signal peptide or the second signal peptide comprises a native signal peptide native to the first effector molecule or the second effector molecule, respectively.
- 37. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-36, wherein the first signal peptide or the second signal peptide comprises a non-native signal peptide non-native to the first effector molecule or the second effector molecule, respectively.
- 38. The engineered cell of paragraph 37, wherein the non-native signal peptide is selected from the group consisting of: IL12, IL2, optimized IL2, trypsiongen-2, Gaussia luciferase, CD5, human IgKVII, murine IgKVII, VSV-G, prolactin, serum albumin preprotein, azurocidin preprotein, osteonectin, CD33, IL6, IL8, CCL2, TIMP2, VEGFB, osteoprotegerin, serpin E1, GROalpha, CXCL12, and IL21.
- 39. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-38, wherein the first signal peptide and the second signal peptide are identical.
- 40. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-39, wherein the polynucleotide sequence encoding the first signal peptide comprises a codon optimized polynucleotide sequence.
- 41. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-40, wherein the first secretion polypeptide is a human IL12 signal peptide.
- 42. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-40, wherein the polynucleotide sequence encoding the second signal peptide comprises a codon optimized polynucleotide sequence.
- 43. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-42, wherein the second secretion polypeptide is a human IL21 signal peptide.
- 44. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-42, wherein the first effector molecule is selected from a therapeutic class, wherein the therapeutic class is selected from the group consisting of: a cytokine, a chemokine, a growth factor, a co-activation molecule, a tumor microenvironment modifier a, a receptor, a ligand, an antibody, a polynucleotide, a peptide, and an enzyme.
- 45. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-44, wherein the second effector molecule is selected from a therapeutic class, wherein the therapeutic class is selected from the group consisting of: a cytokine, a chemokine, a growth factor, a co-activation molecule, a tumor microenvironment modifier, a receptor, a ligand, an antibody, a polynucleotide, a peptide, and an enzyme.
- 46. The engineered cell of paragraph 45, wherein the therapeutic class of the first effector molecule and the second effector molecule are different.
- 47. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-46, wherein the first effector molecule and/or the second effector molecule is a modified effector molecule.
- 48. The engineered cell of paragraph 47, wherein the first effector molecule and/or the second effector molecule is modified to comprises a cell membrane tethering domain.
- 49. The engineered cell of paragraph 48, wherein the cell membrane tethering domain comprises a transmembrane-intracellular domain or a transmembrane domain.
- 50. The engineered cell of paragraph 48 , wherein the cell membrane tethering domain comprises a cell surface receptor, or a cell membrane-bound portion thereof
- 51. The engineered cell of paragraph 50, wherein the modified effector molecule is a fusion protein that comprises the cell surface receptor, or a cell membrane-bound portion thereof
- 52. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 48-51, wherein the modified effector molecule further comprises a linker between the effector molecule and the cell membrane tethering domain.
- 53. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 47-52, wherein when expressed the modified effector molecule is tethered to a cell membrane of the engineered cell.
- 54. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 44-53, wherein the cytokine is selected from the group consisting of: IL12, IL7, IL21, IL18, IL15, Type I interferons, and Interferon-gamma.
- 55. The engineered cell of paragraph 54, wherein the IL12 cytokine is an IL12p70 fusion protein.
- 56. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 44-55, wherein the chemokine is selected from the group consisting of: CCL21a, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL13, CXCL10-11 fusion, CCL19, CXCL9, and XCL1.
- 57. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 44-56, wherein the growth factor is selected from the group consisting of: Flt3L and GM-CSF.
- 58. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 44-57, wherein the co-activation molecule is selected from the group consisting of: 4-1BBL and CD40L.
- 59. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 34-41, wherein the tumor microenvironment modifier is selected from the group consisting of: adenosine deaminase, TGFbeta inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, VEGF inhibitors, and HPGE2.
- 60. The engineered cell of paragraph 59, wherein the TGFbeta inhibitors are selected from the group consisting of: an anti-TGFbeta peptide, an anti-TGFbeta antibody, a TGFb-TRAP, and combinations thereof
- 61. The engineered cell of paragraph 59, wherein the immune checkpoint inhibitors comprise anti-PD-1 antibodies.
- 62. The engineered cell of paragraph 59, wherein the VEGF inhibitors comprise anti-VEGF antibodies, anti-VEGF peptides, or combinations thereof
- 63. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-59, wherein the first effector molecule and the second effector molecule are human-derived effector molecules.
- 64. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-63, wherein the first effector molecule comprises IL12.
- 65. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-63, wherein the first effector molecule comprises an IL12p70 fusion protein.
- 66. The engineered cell of paragraph 65, wherein the IL12p70 fusion protein is a human IL12p70 fusion protein.
- 67. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 64-66, wherein the second effector molecule comprises CCL21a.
- 68. The engineered cell of paragraph 67, wherein the CCL21a is a human CCL21a.
- 69. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 64-66, wherein the second effector molecule comprises IL7.
- 70. The engineered cell of paragraph 69, wherein the IL7 is a human IL7.
- 71. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 64-66, wherein the second effector molecule comprises IL21.
- 72. The engineered cell of paragraph 71, wherein the IL21 is a human IL21.
- 73. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-72, wherein the expression cassette further comprises an E3 comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding a third effector molecule.
- 74. The engineered cell of paragraph 73, wherein the third effector molecule comprises Flt3L.
- 75. The engineered cell of paragraph 73, wherein the third effector molecule comprises anti-PD1.
- 76. The engineered cell of paragraph 75, wherein the expression cassette further comprises an E4 comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding a fourth effector molecule.
- 77. The engineered cell of paragraph 76, wherein the fourth effector molecule comprises adenosine deaminase.
- 78. The engineered cell of paragraph 73, wherein the third effector molecule comprises adenosine deaminase.
- 79. The engineered cell of paragraph 73, wherein the third effector molecule comprises CD40L.
- 80. The engineered cell of paragraph 73, wherein the third effector molecule comprises a CXCL10-CXCL11 fusion protein.
- 81. The engineered cell of paragraph 73, wherein the third effector molecule comprises XCL1.
- 82. The engineered cell of paragraph 64, wherein the second effector molecule comprises Flt3L.
- 83. The engineered cell of paragraph 64, wherein the second effector molecule comprises a CXCL10-CXCL11 fusion protein.
- 84. The engineered cell of paragraph 64, wherein the second effector molecule comprises anti-PD1.
- 85. The engineered cell of paragraph 64, wherein the second effector molecule comprises CD40L.
- 86. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-63, wherein the first effector molecule comprises interferon-beta and the second effector molecule comprises Flt3L.
- 87. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-86, wherein the polynucleotide sequence encoding the first effector molecule comprises a codon optimized polynucleotide sequence.
- 88. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-87, wherein the polynucleotide sequence encoding the second effector molecule comprises a codon optimized polynucleotide sequence.
- 89. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-88, wherein the engineered cell comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding the promoter and the expression cassette.
- 90. The engineered cell of paragraph 89, wherein the exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprises the sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 144.
- 91. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-90, wherein the exogenous polynucleotide sequence is integrated into the genome of the engineered cell.
- 92. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-91, wherein the exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprises one or more viral vector polynucleotide sequences.
- 93. The engineered cell of paragraph 92, wherein the one or more viral vector polynucleotide sequences comprise lentiviral, retroviral, retrotransposon, or adenoviral polynucleotide sequences.
- 94. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-93, wherein the expression cassette further comprises following E2, an additional exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising:
(L-S-E)x
-
- wherein
- S comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a signal peptide,
- E comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding an effector molecule,
- L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence,
- X=1 to 20
- wherein the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, and wherein for each X the corresponding signal peptide is operably associated with the effector molecule.
- 95. An engineered cell comprising a construct, wherein the construct comprises:
- a) an SFFV promoter; and
- b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
-
-
- wherein
- S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, wherein the first signal peptide is a human IL12 signal peptide;
- E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, wherein the first effector molecule is a human IL12p70 fusion protein;
- L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a Furin recognition polypeptide sequence, a Gly-Ser-Gly polypeptide sequence, and a T2A ribosome skipping tag in a Furin:Gly-Ser-Gly:T2A orientation from N-terminus to C-terminus;
- S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, wherein the second signal peptide is a human IL21 signal peptide;
- E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, wherein the second effector molecule is human IL21; and
- wherein the SFFV promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule, and
- wherein the engineered cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), stem cell, immune cell, natural killer (NK) cell, NKT cell, innate lymphoid cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), mast cell, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, myeloid cell, dendritic cell, T cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), viral-specific T cell, gamma-delta T cell, T regulatory cell, and B cell.
-
- 96. The engineered cell of paragraph 95, wherein the construct comprises the polynucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 144.
- 97. The engineered cell of paragraph 95 or paragraph 96, wherein the engineered cell is HLA-typed with reference to a subject in need of therapeutic treatment.
- 98. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 95-97, wherein the engineered cell is a human cell.
- 99. The engineered cell of paragraph 98, wherein the human cell is an isolated cell from a subject.
- 100. The engineered cell of paragraph 99, wherein the isolated cell is isolated from a tissue consisting of the group of: bone marrow, adipose tissue, the umbilical cord, fetal liver, muscle, and lung tissue.
- 101. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 95-100, wherein the engineered cell is a cultured cell.
- 102. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 95-101, wherein the engineered MSC comprises a cellular marker phenotype comprising the cellular markers CD105+, CD73+, and CD90+.
- 103. The engineered cell of paragraph 102, wherein the cellular marker phenotype further comprises a phenotype lacking or substantially lacking one or more cellular markers selected from the group consisting of: CD45, CD34, CD14, CD11b, CD79α, CD19, HLA class II, and combinations thereof
- 104. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 95-101, wherein the engineered MSC comprises a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD105+, CD73+, CD90+, CD45−, CD34−, CD14−; a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD105+, CD73+, CD90+, CD11b−, CD79α−; a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD105+, CD73+, CD90+, CD19−, HLA class II−; or a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD73+, CD90+, CD105+, and CD166+, CD11b−, CD14−, CD19−, CD34−, CD45−, and HLA-DR−.
- 105. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 95-101, wherein the engineered cell comprises a T cell.
- 106. The engineered cell of paragraph 105, wherein the T cell is a CD8+ T cell, a CD4+ T cell, a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), a viral-specific T cell, a gamma-delta T cell, or a T regulatory cell.
- 107. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 95-101, wherein the engineered cell comprises a NK cell.
- 108. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 95-101, wherein the engineered cell comprises a NKT cell.
- 109. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 95-101, wherein the engineered cell comprises a monocyte cell.
- 110. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 95-101, wherein the engineered cell comprises a macrophage.
- 111. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 95-101, wherein the engineered cell comprises a TIL.
- 112. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 95-111, wherein the exogenous polynucleotide sequence is integrated into the genome of the engineered cell.
- 113. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 95-112, wherein the exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprises one or more viral vector polynucleotide sequences.
- 114. The engineered cell of paragraph 113, wherein the one or more viral vector polynucleotide sequences comprise lentiviral, retroviral, retrotransposon, or adenoviral polynucleotide sequences.
- 115. The engineered cell of paragraph 113, wherein the one or more viral vector polynucleotide sequences comprise lentiviral polynucleotide sequences.
- 116. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-115, wherein the cell secretes each effector molecule.
- 117. The engineered cell of paragraph 116, wherein the first effector molecule is secreted at a ratio that is 10 fold higher relative to secretion of the second effector molecule.
- 118. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-117, wherein the cell further comprises an antigen recognizing receptor.
- 119. The engineered cell of paragraph 118, wherein the antigen recognizing receptor recognizes an antigen selected from the group consisting of: 5T4, ADAM9, ADGRE2, AFP, AXL, B7-H3, B7-H4, B7-H6, C4.4, CA6, Cadherin 3, Cadherin 6, CCR1, CCR4, CD117, CD123, CD131, CD133, CD138, CD142, CD166, CD25, CD244, CD30, CD300LF, CD33, CD352, CD37, CD38, CD44, CD56, CD66e, CD70, CD71, CD74, CD79b, CD80, CD93, CEA, CEACAM5, Claudin18.2, CLEC12A, cMet, CSPG4, CTLA, DLK1, DLL3, DRS, EGFR, EMB, ENPP3, EpCAM, EphA2, Ephrin A4, ETBR, FGFR2, FGFR3, FRalpha, FRb, FLT3, GAPT, GCC, GD2, GFRa4, gpA33, GPC3, gpNBM, GPRCS, HER2, IL-1RAP, IL-13R, IL-13Ra, IL-13Ra2, IL-8, IL-15, IL1RAP, Integrin aV, KIT, L1CAM, LAMP1, LAT2, Lewis Y, LeY, LILRA2, LILRB2, LIV-1, LRRC, LY6E, MCSP, Mesothelin, MLC1, MS4A3, MUC1, MUC16, MUC1C, MYADM, NaPi2B, Nectin 4, NKG2D, NOTCH3, NY ESO 1, Ovarin, P-cadherin, pan-Erb2, PIEZO1, PRAM1, PSCA, PSMA, PTK7, ROR1, S Aures, SCT, SLAMF7, SLC22A16, SLC17A9, SLITRK6, SPNS3, SSTR2, STEAP1, Survivin, TDGF1, TIM1, TROP2, VSTM1, and WT1
- 120. The engineered cell of paragraph 118 or paragraph 119, wherein the antigen recognizing receptor comprises an antigen-binding domain.
- 121. The engineered cell of paragraph 120, wherein the antigen-binding domain comprises an antibody, an antigen-binding fragment of an antibody, a F(ab) fragment, a F(ab') fragment, a single chain variable fragment (scFv), or a single-domain antibody (sdAb).
- 122. The engineered cell of paragraph 120, wherein the antigen-binding domain comprises a single chain variable fragment (scFv).
- 123. The engineered cell of paragraph 122, wherein the scFv comprises a heavy chain variable domain (VH) and a light chain variable domain (VL).
- 124. The engineered cell of paragraph 123, wherein the VH and VL are separated by a peptide linker.
- 125. The engineered cell of paragraph 124, wherein the scFv comprises the structure VH-L-VL or VL-L-VH, wherein VH is the heavy chain variable domain, L is the peptide linker, and VL is the light chain variable domain.
- 126. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 118-125, the antigen recognizing receptor is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or T cell receptor (TCR).
- 127. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 118-125, the antigen recognizing receptor is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR).
- 128. The engineered cell of paragraph 127, wherein the CAR comprises one or more intracellular signaling domains, and the one or more intracellular signaling domains are selected from the group consisting of: a CD3zeta-chain intracellular signaling domain, a CD97 intracellular signaling domain, a CD11a-CD18 intracellular signaling domain, a CD2 intracellular signaling domain, an ICOS intracellular signaling domain, a CD27 intracellular signaling domain, a CD154 intracellular signaling domain, a CD8 intracellular signaling domain, an OX40 intracellular signaling domain, a 4-1BB intracellular signaling domain, a CD28 intracellular signaling domain, a ZAP40 intracellular signaling domain, a CD30 intracellular signaling domain, a GITR intracellular signaling domain, an HVEM intracellular signaling domain, a DAP10 intracellular signaling domain, a DAP12 intracellular signaling domain, and a MyD88 intracellular signaling domain.
- 129. The engineered cell of paragraph 127 or paragraph 128, wherein the CAR comprises a transmembrane domain, and the transmembrane domain is selected from the group consisting of: a CD8 transmembrane domain, a CD28 transmembrane domain a CD3zeta-chain transmembrane domain, a CD4 transmembrane domain, a 4-1BB transmembrane domain, an OX40 transmembrane domain, an ICOS transmembrane domain, a CTLA-4 transmembrane domain, a PD-1 transmembrane domain, a LAG-3 transmembrane domain, a 2B4 transmembrane domain, and a BTLA transmembrane domain.
- 130. The engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 127-129, wherein the CAR comprises a spacer region between the antigen-binding domain and the transmembrane domain.
- 131. A population of cells, the population of cells comprising any of the engineered cells of any one of paragraphs 1-130.
- 132. The population of cells of paragraph 131, wherein the population of cells is enriched for the engineered cells.
- 133. The population of cells of paragraph 131 or paragraph 132, wherein the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules expressed in the engineered cells promotes increased growth, viability, or growth and viability relative to cells in the population that do not express the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules.
- 134. The population of cells of paragraph 133, wherein the first effector molecule is IL 12 or an IL12p70 fusion protein.
- 135. The population of cells of paragraph 134, wherein the population of cells enriched for the engineered cells express IL12 receptor β1 or increased levels thereof, IL12 receptor β2 or increased levels thereof, or IL12 receptor β1 and IL12 receptor β2 or increased levels thereof
- 136. The population of cells of any of paragraphs 133-135, wherein the second effector molecule is IL21.
- 137. The population of cells of any of paragraphs 133-135, wherein the second effector molecule is CCL21.
- 138. The population of cells of paragraph 137, wherein the population of cells enriched for the engineered cells express a CCL21 receptor or increased levels thereof
- 139. The population of cells of paragraph 138, wherein the CCL21 receptor is CCR7.
- 140. A method of stimulating a cell-mediated immune response to a tumor cell in a subject, the method comprising administering to a subject having a tumor a therapeutically effective dose of any of the engineered cells of any one of paragraphs 1-114 or the population of cells of any of paragraphs 131-139.
- 141. A method of providing an anti-tumor immunity in a subject, the method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically effective dose of any of the engineered cells of any one of paragraphs 1-114 or the population of cells of any of paragraphs 131-139.
- 142. A method of treating a subject having cancer, the method comprising administering to a subject having a tumor a therapeutically effective dose of any of the engineered cell of any one of paragraphs 1-114 or the population of cells of any of paragraphs 131-139.
- 143. A method of reducing tumor volume in a subject, the method comprising administering to a subject having a tumor a therapeutically effective dose of any of the engineered cells of any one of paragraphs 1-114 or the population of cells of any of paragraphs 131-139.
- 144. The method of any one of paragraphs 140-143, wherein the engineered cell is derived from the subject.
- 145. The method of any one of paragraphs 140-143, wherein the engineered cell is allogeneic with reference to the subject.
- 146. The method of any one of paragraphs 140-145, wherein the tumor is selected from the group consisting of: an adenocarcinoma, an acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an acute lymphoblastic B-cell leukemia (BALL), an acute lymphoblastic T-cell leukemia (TALL), a B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia, a bladder tumor, a brain tumor, a breast tumor, a cervical tumor, a chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a colorectal tumor, an esophageal tumor, a glioma, a kidney tumor, a liver tumor, a lung tumor, a lymphoma, a melanoma, a mesothelioma, a myelodysplasia, an ovarian tumor, a pancreatic tumor, a plasma cell myeloma, a prostate tumor, a skin tumor, a thyroid tumor, and a uterine tumor.
- 147. The method of any one of paragraphs 140-145, wherein the tumor is an ovarian tumor.
- 148. The method of any one of paragraphs 140-147, wherein the tumor is a tumor located in a peritoneal space.
- 149. An engineered cell comprising:
- a) a promoter; and
- b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising:
(L-S-E)x
-
-
- wherein
- S comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a signal peptide,
- E comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding an effector molecule,
- L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence,
- X=2 to 20,
- wherein the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, wherein for the first iteration of the (L-S-E) unit L is absent, and wherein for each X the corresponding signal peptide is operably associated with the effector molecule, and
- wherein the engineered cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), stem cell, immune cell, natural killer (NK) cell, NKT cell, innate lymphoid cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), mast cell, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, myeloid cell, dendritic cell, T cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), viral-specific T cell, gamma-delta T cell, T regulatory cell, and B cell.
-
- 150. A population of cells comprising one or more engineered cells, wherein the one or more engineered cells comprise:
- a) a promoter; and
- b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
-
-
- wherein
- S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide,
- E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule,
- L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence,
- S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide,
- E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, and
- wherein the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule, and
- wherein the engineered cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), stem cell, immune cell, natural killer (NK) cell, NKT cell, innate lymphoid cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), mast cell, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, myeloid cell, dendritic cell, T cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), viral-specific T cell, gamma-delta T cell, T regulatory cell, and B cell.
-
- 151. A population of cells comprising one or more engineered cells, wherein the one or more engineered cells comprise:
- a) a promoter; and
- b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
-
-
- wherein
- S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide,
- E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule,
- L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence,
- S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide,
- E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, and
- wherein the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule, and
- wherein the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules expressed in the engineered cells promotes increased growth, viability, or growth and viability relative to cells in the population that do not express the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules, and
- wherein the engineered cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), stem cell, immune cell, natural killer (NK) cell, NKT cell, innate lymphoid cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), mast cell, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, myeloid cell, dendritic cell, T cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), viral-specific T cell, gamma-delta T cell, T regulatory cell, and B cell.
-
- 152. The population of cells of paragraph 151, wherein the one or more engineered cells express a cognate receptor or cognate receptor ligand for the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules expressed in the engineered cells.
- 153. The population of cells of paragraph 151 or paragraph 152, wherein the first effector molecule is IL12 or an IL12p70 fusion protein.
- 154. The population of cells of any of paragraphs 151-153, wherein the second effector molecule is IL21.
- 155. The population of cells of any of paragraphs 151-153, wherein the second effector molecule is CCL21.
- 156. A population of cells comprising one or more engineered cells, wherein the one or more engineered cells comprise a construct, wherein the construct comprises:
- a) an SFFV promoter; and
- b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
-
-
- wherein
- S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, wherein the first signal peptide is a human IL12 signal peptide;
- E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, wherein the first effector molecule is a human IL12p70 fusion protein;
- L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a Furin recognition polypeptide sequence, a Gly-Ser-Gly polypeptide sequence, and a T2A ribosome skipping tag in a Furin:Gly-Ser-Gly:T2A orientation from N-terminus to C-terminus;
- S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, wherein the second signal peptide is a human IL21 signal peptide;
- E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, wherein the second effector molecule is human IL21; and
- wherein the SFFV promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule, and
- wherein the engineered cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), stem cell, immune cell, natural killer (NK) cell, NKT cell, innate lymphoid cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), mast cell, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, myeloid cell, dendritic cell, T cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), viral-specific T cell, gamma-delta T cell, T regulatory cell, and B cell.
-
- 157. A population of cells comprising one or more engineered cells, wherein the one or more engineered cells comprise a construct, wherein the construct comprises:
- a) an SFFV promoter; and
- b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
-
-
- wherein
- S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, wherein the first signal peptide is a human IL12 signal peptide;
- E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, wherein the first effector molecule is a human IL12p70 fusion protein;
- L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a Furin recognition polypeptide sequence, a Gly-Ser-Gly polypeptide sequence, and a T2A ribosome skipping tag in a Furin:Gly-Ser-Gly:T2A orientation from N-terminus to C-terminus;
- S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, wherein the second signal peptide is a human IL21 signal peptide;
- E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, wherein the second effector molecule is human IL21; and
- wherein the SFFV promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule, and
- wherein the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules expressed in the engineered cells promotes increased growth, viability, or growth and viability relative to cells in the population that do not express the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules, and
- wherein the engineered cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), stem cell, immune cell, natural killer (NK) cell, NKT cell, innate lymphoid cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), mast cell, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, myeloid cell, dendritic cell, T cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), viral-specific T cell, gamma-delta T cell, T regulatory cell, and B cell.
-
- 158. The population of cells of paragraph 156 or paragraph 157, wherein the construct comprises the polynucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 144.
- 159. A method of producing a population of cells enriched for one or more receptors or receptor ligands, comprising culturing one or more cells under conditions where the one or more cells are contacted with a first effector molecule, a second effector molecule, or a first and a second effector molecule, wherein the contacted cells express one or more cognate receptors or cognate receptor ligands for the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules, and wherein the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and the second effector molecules increase growth, viability, or growth and viability of the contacted cells relative to cells cultured in the absence of the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules.
- 160. The method of paragraph 159, wherein the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules are heterologously expressed in one or more cells, and the one or more cells are contacted with the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules in an autocrine manner.
- 161. The method of paragraph 159, wherein the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules are expressed in one or more additional cells, and the one or more cells are contacted with the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules in an paracrine manner.
- 162. The method of paragraph 161, wherein the one or more additional cells are a feeder cells.
- 163. The method of paragraph 159, wherein the one or more cells are cultured in media.
- 164. The method of paragraph 163, wherein the one or more cells are contacted with the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules by addition of a soluble first effector molecule, a soluble second effector molecule, or a soluble first and second effector molecules to the media.
- 165. The method of paragraph 163 or paragraph 164, wherein the soluble first effector molecule and/or soluble second effector molecule is a recombinant effector molecule.
- 166. The method of paragraph 159, wherein the one or more cells are cultured under adherent conditions.
- 167. The method of paragraph 166, wherein the one or more cells are adhered onto a surface.
- 168. The method of paragraph 167, wherein the adhered cells are contacted with the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules by exposing the one or more cells to first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules is immobilized on the surface.
- 169. The method of any one of paragraphs 159-168, wherein the first effector molecule is IL12 or an IL12p70 fusion protein.
- 170. The method of paragraph 169, wherein the population of cells is enriched for IL12 receptor β1 (IL12Rβ1), enriched for IL12 receptor β2 (IL12Rβ2), or enriched for IL12Rβ1 and IL12Rβ2.
- 171. The method of paragraph 170, wherein the population of MSCs comprises a cellular marker phenotype comprising the cellular markers CD105+, CD73+, CD90+, IL12Rβ1+, and IL12Rβ2+.
- 172. The method of paragraph 171, wherein the cellular marker phenotype further comprises a phenotype lacking or substantially lacking one or more cellular markers selected from the group consisting of: CD45, CD34, CD14, CD11b, CD79α, CD19, HLA class II, and combinations thereof
- 173. The method of paragraph 159, wherein the population of cells comprises a cell selected from the group consisting of: natural killer (NK) cells, NKT cells, innate lymphoid cells, mast cells, eosinophils, basophils, monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells, T cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, gamma-delta T cells, and T regulatory cells, and B cells.
- 174. The method of paragraph 173, wherein the population of cells comprises a T cell, a NK cell, a NKT cell, a monocyte, a macrophage, or a myeloid derived cell.
- 175. The method of any one of paragraphs 159-174, wherein the second effector molecule is IL21.
- 176. The method of any one of paragraphs 159-174, wherein the second effector molecule is CCL21.
- 177. The method of paragraph 176, wherein the population of cells is enriched for CCR7.
- 178. The method of paragraph 177, wherein the population of MSCs comprises a cellular marker phenotype comprising the cellular markers CD105+, CD73+, CD90+, IL12Rβ1+, IL12Rβ2+, and CCR7+.
- 179. The method of paragraph 178, wherein the cellular marker phenotype further comprises a phenotype lacking or substantially lacking one or more cellular markers selected from the group consisting of: CD45, CD34, CD14, CD11b, CD79α, CD19, HLA class II, and combinations thereof
- 180. A population of cells enriched for one or more receptors or receptor ligands produced by the method of any one of paragraphs 159-179.
- 181. An exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising a promoter and an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
-
- wherein
- S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide,
- E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule,
- L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence,
- S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide,
- E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, and
- wherein the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule.
- 182. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 181, wherein the promoter comprises an exogenous promoter polynucleotide sequence.
- 183. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 181, wherein the promoter comprises an endogenous promoter.
- 184. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-183, wherein the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette such that the polynucleotides are capable of being transcribed as a single polynucleotide comprising the formula S1-E1-L-S2-E2.
- 185. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 184, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence is operably associated with the translation of the first effector molecule and the second effector molecule as separate polypeptides.
- 186. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 185, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a 2A ribosome skipping tag.
- 187. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 186, wherein the 2A ribosome skipping tag is selected from the group consisting of: P2A, T2A, E2A, and F2A.
- 188. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 185, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a T2A ribosome skipping tag.
- 189. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 185, the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes an Internal Ribosome Entry Site (IRES).
- 190. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 185-189, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a cleavable polypeptide.
- 191. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 190, wherein the cleavable polypeptide comprises a Furin recognition polypeptide sequence.
- 192. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 185-191, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence further encodes a Gly-Ser-Gly polypeptide sequence.
- 193. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-185, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a Furin recognition polypeptide sequence, a Gly-Ser-Gly polypeptide sequence, and a T2A ribosome skipping tag in a Furin:Gly-Ser-Gly:T2A orientation from N-terminus to C-terminus.
- 194. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-183, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a second promoter,
- wherein the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette such that a first polynucleotide comprising the formula S1-E1 is capable of being transcribed,
- wherein the second promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette such that a second polynucleotide comprising the formula S2-E2 is capable of being transcribed, and wherein the first and the second polynucleotide are separate polynucleotides.
- 195. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 194, wherein the promoter and the second promoter are identical.
- 196. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 194, wherein the promoter and the second promoter are different.
- 197. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-196, wherein the promoter and/or the second promoter comprises a constitutive promoter.
- 198. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 197, wherein the constitutive promoter is selected from the group consisting of: CMV, EFS, SFFV, SV40, MND, PGK, UbC, hEF1aV1, hCAGG, hEF1aV2, hACTb, heIF4A1, hGAPDH, hGRP78, hGRP94, hHSP70, hKINb, and hUBIb.
- 199. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-196, wherein the promoter comprises an SFFV promoter.
- 200. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-196, wherein the promoter and/or the second promoter comprises an inducible promoter.
- 201. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 200, wherein the inducible promoter is selected from the group consisting of: minP, NFkB response element, CREB response element, NFAT response element, SRF response element 1, SRF response element 2, AP1 response element, TCF-LEF response element promoter fusion, Hypoxia responsive element, SMAD binding element, STAT3 binding site, inducer molecule responsive promoters, and tandem repeats thereof.
- 202. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-201, wherein the first signal peptide or the second signal peptide comprises a native signal peptide native to the first effector molecule or the second effector molecule, respectively.
- 203. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-202, wherein the first signal peptide or the second signal peptide comprises a non-native signal peptide non-native to the first effector molecule or the second effector molecule, respectively.
- 204. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 203, wherein the non-native signal peptide is selected from the group consisting of: IL12, IL2, optimized IL2, trypsiongen-2, Gaussia luciferase, CD5, human IgKVII, murine IgKVII, VSV-G, prolactin, serum albumin preprotein, azurocidin preprotein, osteonectin, CD33, IL6, IL8, CCL2, TIMP2, VEGFB, osteoprotegerin, serpin E1, GROalpha, CXCL12, and IL21.
- 205. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-204, wherein the first signal peptide and the second signal peptide are identical.
- 206. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-205, wherein the polynucleotide sequence encoding the first signal peptide comprises a codon optimized polynucleotide sequence.
- 207. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-206, wherein the first secretion polypeptide is a human IL12 signal peptide.
- 208. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-206, wherein the polynucleotide sequence encoding the second signal peptide comprises a codon optimized polynucleotide sequence.
- 209. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-208, wherein the second secretion polypeptide is a human IL21 signal peptide.
- 210. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-208, wherein the first effector molecule is selected from a therapeutic class, wherein the therapeutic class is selected from the group consisting of: a cytokine, a chemokine, a growth factor, a co-activation molecule, a tumor microenvironment modifier a, a receptor, a ligand, an antibody, a polynucleotide, a peptide, and an enzyme.
- 211. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-210, wherein the second effector molecule is selected from a therapeutic class, wherein the therapeutic class is selected from the group consisting of: a cytokine, a chemokine, a growth factor, a co-activation molecule, a tumor microenvironment modifier, a receptor, a ligand, an antibody, a polynucleotide, a peptide, and an enzyme.
- 212. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 211, wherein the therapeutic class of the first effector molecule and the second effector molecule are different.
- 213. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-212, wherein the first effector molecule and/or the second effector molecule is a modified effector molecule.
- 214. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 213, wherein the first effector molecule and/or the second effector molecule is modified to comprises a cell membrane tethering domain.
- 215. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 214, wherein the cell membrane tethering domain comprises a transmembrane-intracellular domain or a transmembrane domain.
- 216. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 214, wherein the cell membrane tethering domain comprises a cell surface receptor, or a cell membrane-bound portion thereof
- 217. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 216, wherein the modified effector molecule is a fusion protein that comprises the cell surface receptor, or a cell membrane-bound portion thereof
- 218. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 214-217, wherein the modified effector molecule further comprises a linker between the effector molecule and the cell membrane tethering domain.
- 219. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 213-218, wherein when expressed in a cell, the modified effector molecule is tethered to a cell membrane of the cell.
- 220. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 210-219 wherein the cytokine is selected from the group consisting of: IL12, IL7, IL21, IL18, IL15, Type I interferons, and Interferon-gamma.
- 221. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 220, wherein the IL12 cytokine is an IL12p70 fusion protein.
- 222. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 210-221, wherein the chemokine is selected from the group consisting of: CCL21a, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL13, CXCL10-11 fusion, CCL19, CXCL9, and XCL1.
- 223. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 210-222, wherein the growth factor is selected from the group consisting of: Flt3L and GM-CSF.
- 224. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 210-223, wherein the co-activation molecule is selected from the group consisting of: 4-1BBL and CD40L.
- 225. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 210-224, wherein the tumor microenvironment modifier is selected from the group consisting of: adenosine deaminase, TGFbeta inhibitors, immune checkpoint inhibitors, VEGF inhibitors, and HPGE2.
- 226. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 225, wherein the TGFbeta inhibitors are selected from the group consisting of: an anti-TGFbeta peptide, an anti-TGFbeta antibody, a TGFb-TRAP, and combinations thereof
- 227. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 225, wherein the immune checkpoint inhibitors comprise anti-PD-1 antibodies.
- 228. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 225, wherein the VEGF inhibitors comprise anti-VEGF antibodies, anti-VEGF peptides, or combinations thereof 229. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-225, wherein the first effector molecule and the second effector molecule are human-derived effector molecules.
- 230. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-229, wherein the first effector molecule comprises IL12.
- 231. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-229, wherein the first effector molecule comprises an IL12p70 fusion protein.
- 232. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 231, wherein the IL12p70 fusion protein is a human IL12p70 fusion protein.
- 233. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 230-232, wherein the second effector molecule comprises CCL21a.
- 234. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 233, wherein the CCL21a is a human CCL21a.
- 235. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 230-232, wherein the second effector molecule comprises IL7.
- 236. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 235, wherein the IL7 is a human IL7.
- 237. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 230-232, wherein the second effector molecule comprises IL21.
- 238. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 237, wherein the IL21 is a human IL21.
- 239. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-238, wherein the expression cassette further comprises an E3 comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding a third effector molecule.
- 240. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 239, wherein the third effector molecule comprises Flt3L.
- 241. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 239, wherein the third effector molecule comprises anti-PD1.
- 242. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 241, wherein the expression cassette further comprises an E4 comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding a fourth effector molecule.
- 243. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 242, wherein the fourth effector molecule comprises adenosine deaminase.
- 244. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 239, wherein the third effector molecule comprises adenosine deaminase.
- 245. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 239, wherein the third effector molecule comprises CD40L.
- 246. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 239, wherein the third effector molecule comprises a CXCL10-CXCL11 fusion protein.
- 247. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 239, wherein the third effector molecule comprises XCL1.
- 248. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 230, wherein the second effector molecule comprises Flt3L.
- 249. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 230, wherein the second effector molecule comprises a CXCL10-CXCL11 fusion protein.
- 250. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 230, wherein the second effector molecule comprises anti-PD1.
- 251. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 230, wherein the second effector molecule comprises CD40L.
- 252. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-229, wherein the first effector molecule comprises interferon-beta and the second effector molecule comprises Flt3L.
- 253. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-252, wherein the polynucleotide sequence encoding the first effector molecule comprises a codon optimized polynucleotide sequence.
- 254. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-253, wherein the polynucleotide sequence encoding the second effector molecule comprises a codon optimized polynucleotide sequence.
- 255. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-254, wherein the exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprises the polynucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 144.
- 256. An exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an SFFV promoter and an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
-
- wherein
- S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, wherein the first signal peptide is a human IL12 signal peptide;
- E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, wherein the first effector molecule is a human IL12p70 fusion protein;
- L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes Furin recognition polypeptide sequence, a Gly-Ser-Gly polypeptide sequence, and a T2A ribosome skipping tag in a Furin:Gly-Ser-Gly:T2A orientation from N-terminus to C-terminus;
- S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, wherein the second signal peptide is a human IL21 signal peptide;
- E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, wherein the second effector molecule is human IL21; and
- wherein the SFFV promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule.
- 257. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of paragraph 256, wherein the polynucleotide sequence comprises the polynucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 144.
- 258. An exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an SFFV promoter and an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
-
- wherein
- S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, wherein the first signal peptide is a human IL12 signal peptide;
- E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, wherein the first effector molecule is a human IL12p70 fusion protein;
- L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes Furin recognition polypeptide sequence, a Gly-Ser-Gly polypeptide sequence, and a T2A ribosome skipping tag in a Furin:Gly-Ser-Gly:T2A orientation from N-terminus to C-terminus;
- S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, wherein the second signal peptide is a human IL21 signal peptide;
- E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, wherein the second effector molecule is human IL21;
- wherein the SFFV promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule;
- wherein the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette such that the polynucleotides are capable of being transcribed as a single polynucleotide comprising the formula S1-E1-L-S2-E2; and
- wherein the polynucleotide sequence comprises the polynucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 144.
- 259. The exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-258, wherein the exogenous polynucleotide sequence is encoded by a nucleic acid selected from the group consisting of: a DNA, a cDNA, an RNA, an mRNA, and a naked plasmid.
- 260. An expression vector comprising the exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-259.
- 261. The expression vector of paragraph 260, wherein the expression vector is a viral vector.
- 262. The expression vector of paragraph 261, wherein the viral vector is a lentiviral vector.
- 263. A composition comprising the exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-259, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
- 264. An isolated cell comprising the exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-259, the expression vector of any one of paragraphs 260-262, or the composition of paragraph 263.
- 265. The isolated cell of paragraph 264, wherein the isolated cell is selected from the group consisting of: a T cell, a CD8+ T cell, a CD4+ T cell, a gamma-delta T cell, a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), a regulatory T cell, a viral-specific T cell, a Natural Killer T (NKT) cell, a Natural Killer (NK) cell, a B cell, a tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), an innate lymphoid cell, a mast cell, an eosinophil, a basophil, a neutrophil, a myeloid cell, a macrophage, a monocyte, a dendritic cell, an erythrocyte, a platelet cell, a human embryonic stem cell (ESC), an ESC-derived cell, a pluripotent stem cell, an MSC, an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC), and an iPSC-derived cell.
- 266. The isolated cell of paragraph 264, wherein the isolated cell is an MSC.
- 267. The isolated cell of any one of paragraphs 264-266, wherein the exogenous polynucleotide sequence is integrated into the genome of the cell.
- 268. The isolated cell of any one of paragraphs 264-267, wherein the exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprises one or more viral vector polynucleotide sequences.
- 269. The isolated cell of paragraph 268, wherein the one or more viral vector polynucleotide sequences comprise lentiviral, retroviral, retrotransposon, or adenoviral polynucleotide sequences.
- 270. The isolated cell of paragraph 268, wherein the one or more viral vector polynucleotide sequences comprise lentiviral polynucleotide sequences.
- 271. The isolated cell of any one of paragraphs 264-270, wherein the engineered cell is HLA-typed with reference to a subject in need of therapeutic treatment.
- 272. The isolated cell of any one of paragraphs 264-271, wherein the engineered cell is a human cell.
- 273. The isolated cell of paragraph 272, wherein the human cell is an isolated cell from a subject.
- 274. The isolated cell of paragraph 273, wherein the isolated cell is isolated from a tissue consisting of the group of: bone marrow, adipose tissue, the umbilical cord, fetal liver, muscle, and lung tissue.
- 275. The isolated cell of any one of paragraphs 264-272, wherein the cell is a cultured cell.
- 276. The isolated cell of any one of paragraphs 264-275, wherein the cell comprises a cellular marker phenotype comprising the cellular markers CD105+, CD73+, and CD90+.
- 277. The isolated cell of paragraph 276, wherein the cellular marker phenotype further comprises a phenotype lacking or substantially lacking one or more cellular markers selected from the group consisting of: CD45, CD34, CD14, CD11b, CD79α, CD19, HLA class II, and combinations thereof
- 278. The isolated cell of any one of paragraphs 264-275, wherein the cell comprises a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD105+, CD73+, CD90+, CD45−, CD34−, CD14−; a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD105+, CD73+, CD90+, CD11b−, CD79α−; a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD105+, CD73+, CD90+, CD19−, HLA class II−; or a cellular marker phenotype comprising CD73+, CD90+, CD105+, and CD166+, CD11b−, CD14−, CD19−, CD34−, CD45−, and HLA-DR−.
- 279. The isolated cell of any one of paragraphs 264-278, wherein the cellular marker phenotype further comprises a cellular marker comprising a cognate receptor or a cognate receptor ligand for the first effector molecule, the second effector molecule, or the first and second effector molecules expressed in the cell.
- 280. The isolated cell of paragraph 279, wherein the receptor is selected from the group consisting of: IL12RB1, IL12RB2, CCL7, and combinations thereof 281. The isolated cell of any one of paragraphs 264-280, wherein the cell secretes each effector molecule.
- 282. The isolated cell of paragraph 281, wherein the first effector molecule is secreted at a ratio that is 10 fold higher relative to secretion of the second effector molecule.
- 283. The isolated cell of any one of paragraphs 264-282, wherein the cell further comprises an antigen recognizing receptor.
- 284. The isolated cell of paragraph 283, wherein the antigen recognizing receptor comprises an antigen-binding domain.
- 285. The isolated cell of paragraph 284, wherein the antigen-binding domain comprises an antibody, an antigen-binding fragment of an antibody, a F(ab) fragment, a F(ab') fragment, a single chain variable fragment (scFv), or a single-domain antibody (sdAb).
- 286. The isolated cell of paragraph 284, wherein the antigen-binding domain comprises a single chain variable fragment (scFv).
- 287. The isolated cell of paragraph 286, wherein the scFv comprises a heavy chain variable domain (VH) and a light chain variable domain (VL).
- 288. The isolated cell of paragraph 287, wherein the VH and VL are separated by a peptide linker.
- 289. The isolated cell of paragraph 288, wherein the scFv comprises the structure VH-L-VL or VL-L-VH, wherein VH is the heavy chain variable domain, L is the peptide linker, and VL is the light chain variable domain.
- 290. The isolated cell of any one of paragraphs 283-289, the antigen recognizing receptor is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or T cell receptor (TCR).
- 291. The isolated cell of any one of paragraphs 283-289, the antigen recognizing receptor is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR).
- 292. The isolated cell of paragraph 291, wherein the CAR comprises one or more intracellular signaling domains, and the one or more intracellular signaling domains are selected from the group consisting of: a CD3zeta-chain intracellular signaling domain, a CD97 intracellular signaling domain, a CD11a-CD18 intracellular signaling domain, a CD2 intracellular signaling domain, an ICOS intracellular signaling domain, a CD27 intracellular signaling domain, a CD154 intracellular signaling domain, a CD8 intracellular signaling domain, an OX40 intracellular signaling domain, a 4-1BB intracellular signaling domain, a CD28 intracellular signaling domain, a ZAP40 intracellular signaling domain, a CD30 intracellular signaling domain, a GITR intracellular signaling domain, an HVEM intracellular signaling domain, a DAP10 intracellular signaling domain, a DAP12 intracellular signaling domain, and a MyD88 intracellular signaling domain.
- 293. The isolated cell of paragraph 291 or paragraph 292, wherein the CAR comprises a transmembrane domain, and the transmembrane domain is selected from the group consisting of: a CD8 transmembrane domain, a CD28 transmembrane domain a CD3zeta-chain transmembrane domain, a CD4 transmembrane domain, a 4-1BB transmembrane domain, an OX40 transmembrane domain, an ICOS transmembrane domain, a CTLA-4 transmembrane domain, a PD-1 transmembrane domain, a LAG-3 transmembrane domain, a 2B4 transmembrane domain, and a BTLA transmembrane domain.
- 294. The isolated cell of any one of paragraphs 291-293, wherein the CAR comprises a spacer region between the antigen-binding domain and the transmembrane domain.
- 295. A virus comprising the exogenous polynucleotide sequence of any one of paragraphs 181-259 or the expression vector of any one of paragraphs 260-262.
- 296. The virus of paragraph 295, wherein the virus is selected from the group consisting of: a lentivirus, a retrovirus, a retrotransposon, and an adenovirus.
- 297. The virus of paragraph 295, wherein the virus is a lentivirus.
- 298. A method of reducing tumor volume in a subject, the method comprising delivering to a subject having a tumor a composition comprising cells engineered to produce multiple effector molecules that modulate tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanisms, in an effective amount to reduce the volume of the tumor, wherein the engineered cells comprise:
- a) a promoter; and
- b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
-
-
- wherein
- S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide,
- E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule,
- L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence,
- S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide,
- E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, and
- wherein the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule, and
- wherein the engineered cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), stem cell, immune cell, natural killer (NK) cell, NKT cell, innate lymphoid cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), mast cell, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, myeloid cell, dendritic cell, T cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), viral-specific T cell, gamma-delta T cell, T regulatory cell, and B cell.
-
- 299. A method of reducing tumor volume in a subject, the method comprising delivering to a subject having a tumor a composition comprising cells engineered to produce IL12 and IL21, in an effective amount to reduce the volume of the tumor, wherein the engineered cells comprise a construct, wherein the construct comprises:
- a) an SFFV promoter; and
- b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
-
-
- wherein
- S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, wherein the first signal peptide is a human IL12 signal peptide;
- E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, wherein the first effector molecule is a human IL12p70 fusion protein;
- L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes Furin recognition polypeptide sequence, a Gly-Ser-Gly polypeptide sequence, and a T2A ribosome skipping tag in a Furin:Gly-Ser-Gly:T2A orientation from N-terminus to C-terminus;
- S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, wherein the second signal peptide is a human IL21 signal peptide;
- E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, wherein the second effector molecule is human IL21; and
- wherein the SFFV promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule, and
- wherein the engineered cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), stem cell, immune cell, natural killer (NK) cell, NKT cell, innate lymphoid cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), mast cell, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, myeloid cell, dendritic cell, T cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), viral-specific T cell, gamma-delta T cell, T regulatory cell, and B cell.
-
- 300. The method of paragraph 299, wherein the construct comprises the polynucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 144.
- 301. The method of any one of paragraphs 298-300, wherein the method further comprises administering a checkpoint inhibitor.
- 302. The method of paragraph 301, wherein the checkpoint inhibitor is an anti-PD-1 antibody, anti-PD-1L antibody or an anti-CTLA-4 antibody.
- 303. The method of any one of paragraphs 298-302, wherein the method further comprises administering an anti-CD40 antibody.
- 304. The method of any one of paragraphs 298-303, wherein the tumor is selected from the group consisting of: an adenocarcinoma, an acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an acute lymphoblastic B-cell leukemia (BALL), an acute lymphoblastic T-cell leukemia (TALL), a B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia, a bladder tumor, a brain tumor, a breast tumor, a cervical tumor, a chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a colorectal tumor, an esophageal tumor, a glioma, a kidney tumor, a liver tumor, a lung tumor, a lymphoma, a melanoma, a mesothelioma, a myelodysplasia, an ovarian tumor, a pancreatic tumor, a plasma cell myeloma, a prostate tumor, a skin tumor, a thyroid tumor, and a uterine tumor.
- 305. The method of any one of paragraphs 298-303, wherein the tumor is an ovarian tumor.
- 306. The method of any one of paragraphs 298-303, wherein the tumor is a tumor located in a peritoneal space.
- 307. The method of any one of paragraphs 298-306, wherein the administering comprises systemic administration, intraperitoneal administration, or intratumoral administration
- 308. The method of any one of paragraphs 298-307, wherein the volume of the tumor is reduced by at least 25% relative to a control, optionally wherein the control is an unmodified cell.
- 309. The method of paragraph 307, wherein the volume of the tumor is reduced by at least 50% relative to a control, optionally wherein the control is an unmodified cell.
- 310. The method of paragraph 309, wherein the volume of the tumor is reduced by at least 75% relative to a control, optionally wherein the control is an unmodified cell.
- 311. A method of reducing tumor volume in a subject, the method comprising delivering to a subject having a tumor a composition capable of engineering an cell to produce multiple effector molecules that modulate tumor-mediated immunosuppressive mechanisms, in an effective amount to reduce the volume of the tumor, wherein each engineered cell comprises:
- a) a promoter; and
- b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
-
-
- wherein
- S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide,
- E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule,
- L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence,
- S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide,
- E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, and
- wherein the promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule, and
- wherein the engineered cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), stem cell, immune cell, natural killer (NK) cell, NKT cell, innate lymphoid cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), mast cell, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, myeloid cell, dendritic cell, T cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), viral-specific T cell, gamma-delta T cell, T regulatory cell, and B cell.
-
- 312. A method of reducing tumor volume in a subject, the method comprising delivering to a subject having a tumor a composition capable of engineering a cell to produce IL12 and IL21, in an effective amount to reduce the volume of the tumor, wherein the engineered cell comprises a construct, wherein the construct comprises:
- a) an SFFV promoter; and
- b) an exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising an expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
S1-E1-L-S2-E2
-
-
- wherein
- S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide, wherein the first signal peptide is a human IL12 signal peptide;
- E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule, wherein the first effector molecule is a human IL12p70 fusion protein;
- L comprises a linker polynucleotide sequence, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes Furin recognition polypeptide sequence, a Gly-Ser-Gly polypeptide sequence, and a T2A ribosome skipping tag in a Furin:Gly-Ser-Gly:T2A orientation from N-terminus to C-terminus;
- S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide, wherein the second signal peptide is a human IL21 signal peptide;
- E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule, wherein the second effector molecule is human IL21; and
- wherein the SFFV promoter is operably linked to the expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule, and
- wherein the engineered cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), stem cell, immune cell, natural killer (NK) cell, NKT cell, innate lymphoid cell, tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), mast cell, eosinophil, basophil, monocyte, macrophage, neutrophil, myeloid cell, dendritic cell, T cell, CD8+ T cell, CD4+ T cell, cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), viral-specific T cell, gamma-delta T cell, T regulatory cell, and B cell.
-
- 313. The method of paragraph 312, wherein the construct comprises the polynucleotide sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 144.
- 314. The method of any one of paragraphs 311-313, wherein the composition comprises a delivery system selected from the group consisting of: a viral system, a transposon system, and a nuclease genomic editing system.
- 315. The method of paragraph 314, wherein the viral system is selected from the group consisting of: a lentivirus, a retrovirus, a retrotransposon, and an adenovirus.
- 316. The method of paragraph 314, wherein the nuclease genomic editing system is selected from the group consisting of: a zinc-finger system, a TALEN system, and a CRISPR system.
- 317. The method of any one of paragraphs 311-316, wherein the tumor is selected from the group consisting of: an adenocarcinoma, an acute myeloid leukemia (AML), an acute lymphoblastic B-cell leukemia (BALL), an acute lymphoblastic T-cell leukemia (TALL), a B-cell prolymphocytic leukemia, a bladder tumor, a brain tumor, a breast tumor, a cervical tumor, a chronic lymphocytic leukemia, a chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a colorectal tumor, an esophageal tumor, a glioma, a kidney tumor, a liver tumor, a lung tumor, a lymphoma, a melanoma, a mesothelioma, a myelodysplasia, an ovarian tumor, a pancreatic tumor, a plasma cell myeloma, a prostate tumor, a skin tumor, a thyroid tumor, and a uterine tumor.
- 318. The method of any one of paragraphs 311-317, wherein the administering comprises systemic administration, intraperitoneal administration, or intratumoral administration.
This Example describes the in vitro characterization of MSCs with individual and combination immunotherapy payloads. Direct anti-cancer effects of immunotherapy-expressing MSCs on cancer cells are first measured. Next, the effects of immunotherapy-expressing MSCs on co-cultures with primary immune cells (focusing on T cells) and cancer cells are measured. The immuno-stimulatory properties of immunotherapy-expressing MSCs are rank-ordered based on inflammatory biomarker panels in both mouse and human cell systems. Immunotherapy-expressing MSCs that significantly enhance cancer cell killing either on their own or together with T cells are identified, and the top candidates to advance to in vivo testing are selected.
Methods: Immunotherapy-expressing MSCs are engineered to express the effector molecules listed in Table 1 are evaluated for their functional effects using in vitro models relevant to cancer therapy. Human ovarian cancer cells (e.g., OVCAR8 and SKOV3) and human immune cells isolated from circulating PBMCs are used to test the hMSCs expressing hITs. Mouse ovarian cancer cells (e.g., ID8) and mouse immune cells are used to test the mMSCs expressing mlTs.
Checkpoint inhibitors. Cell-binding assays are used to verify the activity of the expressed antibodies. The targets of the antibodies, CTLA4 and PD1, both negatively regulate T cells, but they are upregulated at different stages of T-cell activation (Boutros C, et al. (2016) Nat Rev Clin Oncol 13(8):473-486; Valsecchi ME (2015) New Engl J Med 373(13):1270-1270). CTLA4 is briefly upregulated in the priming phase, whereas PD1 is consistently expressed in the effector phase of T cell activation (Pardoll DM (2012) Nat Rev Cancer 12(4):252-264; Legat A, et al. (2013) Front Immunol 4:455). Anti-CTLA4 antibody binds to CTLA4 on the T-cell surface, blocking CTLA4 from shutting down T-cell activation in the early stage, and the human anti-PD1 antibody binds to PD1, preventing tumor cells from inhibiting T-cell activity.
T cells are isolated from PBMC by negative selection using EASYSEP™ magnetic bead (STEMCELL Technologies). The isolated T cells are activated by Human T-Activator CD3/28 Dynabeads (Thermo Fisher) and expression of CTLA-4 and PD-1 is monitored over 5 days to select for optimal timing of expression for each surface marker. On the appropriate days, conditioned media from the MSCs expressing antibodies for CTLA-4 or PD-1, or control conditioned media from non-expressing MSCs, are applied to the activated T cells to validate direct cell-surface-receptor binding of these antibodies. Fluorochrome-labeled secondary detection antibodies together with flow cytometry should confirm binding.
Chemokines. CCL21 chemokine functionality is confirmed using cell migration assays and isolated naïve T cells, which express chemokine receptor CCR7 that is responsive to CCL21 chemotaxis. Specifically, CCL21-expressing or control MSCs are added to one compartment of a trans-well and then cell migration is assessed by isolated naïve T cells from the other compartment, followed by enumeration of numbers of migrated T cells (Justus CR, et al. (2014) J Vis Exp (88)).
Cytokines. The activity of IL2, IL12, and IL15 is measured. ELISA assays specific to IL2, IL12, and IL15 are used to detect levels of these cytokines in MSC supernatants. Functional bioactivity assays employ the CTLL-2 cell line to assess of IL2 or IL15-mediated proliferation, or the NKG cell line to assess IL12-mediated IFN-gamma production by MSC supernatants. Multiplexed cytokine profiling assays using LUMINEX® technology may also be used to assess cytokine expression and effects on immune cells.
STING pathway. STING pathway activation is measured with the constitutive STING mutant payload. Using LUMINEX® beads, the secretion of Type I interferons (e.g. IFN-alpha2 and IFN-beta) with expression of the STING mutant are profiled in MSCs.
Direct effects of immunotherapy-expressing MSCs on ovarian cancer cells. Any direct effects of MSCs on ovarian cancer cell growth and viability are tested in vitro. For example, mMSC or hMSC candidates are co-cultured with the mouse ovarian cancer cell line (ID8) or human ovarian cancer cell lines (OVCAR8 and SKOV3) and cancer cell cytotoxicity is measured by the well-characterized lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assay. After 24 hours of co-culture, the supernatants are collected and measured for LDH levels correlated to cellular death via an enzymatic reaction that is subsequently quantified by specific absorbance on a plate reader. Additionally, cancer cell numbers are assessed by counting live versus dead cells by Trypan Blue exclusion and live versus apoptotic/dead cells by flow cytometric measurement using Annexin-V and propidium iodide staining.
Effects of immunotherapy-expressing MSCs on T cell and ovarian cancer cell co-culture systems. Tests determine whether immunotherapy-expressing MSCs can stimulate immune cells, such as T cells, to have improved anti-cancer activity against ovarian cancer cells in vitro. Specifically, mMSC-mIT candidates are co-cultured with mouse splenocytes and the ID8 cancer cell line, or hMSC-hIT candidates are co-cultured with human PBMCs and the OVCAR8 or SKOV3 cell lines. The co-culture assays entail using PBMCs/splenocytes with the ovarian cancer cells, with or without the MSCs, and stimulation with anti-CD3/28 beads. To assess cancer cell death, 16 hour killing assays are performed using techniques such as LDH cytotoxicity measurements, combining dye-labeled ovarian cancer cells with non-labeled effector PBMCs/splenocytes at fixed ratios and assaying killing by flow cytometry (Jedema I, et al. (2004) Blood 103(7):2677-2682), and apoptosis readouts by flow cytometry using Annexin-V with propidium iodide. T cell activation/proliferation is specifically assay by CFSE cell division at 3-5 days and cytokine production of IFN-gamma at 1-3 days.
An alternative strategy to generate T cells expressing CTLA-4 and PD1 is to activate with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) to express the cell surface receptors PD1 and CTLA4. On Day 3, ˜99% of the activated T cells should express PD1 while ˜15% of them should express CTLA4 (Pardoll DM (2012) Nat Rev Cancer 12(4):252-264; Legat A, et al. (2013) Front Immunol 4:455). On Day 10, the activated T cells should be in the effector phase, when CTLA4 expression is downregulated but PD1 expression is maintained. Direct cell-surface-receptor binding of these antibodies is evaluated. On Day 3 and Day 10 post-induction, MSCs with the respective checkpoint inhibitor antibody expression constructs are applied to the T cell cultures. Labeled detection antibodies are used together with flow cytometry to confirm binding. Commercial antibodies are used as controls.
Example 2This Example describes the in vivo characterization of MSCs expressing immunotherapy payloads in a syngeneic ovarian cancer model. The anti-tumor efficacy of immunotherapy-expressing MSCs is characterized using syngeneic mouse models of ovarian cancer (mMSC-mIT with mouse immune system). Tumor homing of engineered MSCs and expression of individual and combinatorial immunotherapies in a syngeneic ovarian mouse model are measured. Ovarian tumor burden and mouse survival with engineered MSC treatments are also measured. This Example should demonstrate selective homing of engineered MSCs to the TME and localized production of immunotherapy factors in ovarian tumors versus other body sites. This Example should also demonstrate significant reductions in tumor burden and extension of mouse survival with immunotherapy-expressing engineered MSCs.
Methods: The mouse ID8 cell line originated from spontaneous transformation of mouse ovarian epithelial surface cells (MOSE), is used to create a syngeneic ovarian tumor model (Roby KF, et al. (2000) Carcinogenesis 21(4):585-591). Derivatives of the ID8 cell line are also used (e.g., ID8-VEGF (ID8-Defb29/Vegf-a), ID8-P53DN, ID8-P53KO-PTEN KO, ID8-P53KO-BRCA2 KO, ID8-P53KO-BRCA1 KO, ID8-PD53KO-Nf1KO ). The ID8 cell line is infected with a lentivirus expressing Renilla luciferase (rLuc) to allow for in vivo bioluminescence imaging that is orthogonal to MSCs expressing Firefly luciferase (ffLuc). Successful rLuc expression is confirmed in ID8 in vitro prior to establishing the syngeneic ovarian cancer model in mice. For the syngeneic model, 5×105 ID8 cells are injected into the peritoneal cavity of C57BL/6 mice between 6 to 8 weeks old (36, 54). MSCs are engineered as in Example 1, along with an ffLuc-expressing plasmid.
mMSC-mIT candidates are introduced into the syngeneic mouse model starting on day 25 (after tumor cell injection) at a dose of 106 MSC per animal once per week for 5 weeks (Dembinski JL, et al. (2013) Cytotherapy 15(1):20-32). The ovarian tumor load and mMSC-mIT candidates are visualized over time through rLuc and ffLuc bioluminescence imaging, respectively, as well as histological analyses following terminal time points. Mice are euthanized when they develop signs of distress, such as body-weight loss, ruffled fur, poor body posture, distended abdomen, and jaundice. Survival curves for the mice are measured. Distal metastasis of tumor cells is quantified by bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and by necropsy at time of euthanasia. Immune system profiling and activity is measured at different time points as biomarkers of response to the therapy.
To assess for variability in the expected anti-tumor effects of the MSCs, the dose of ID8 cells used to establish the modE1 is varied (e.g., increase the number of cells to 5×106), the dose of MSCs used is changed, and the time when MSCs are delivered after tumor establishment is modulated.
Even though mMSCs have been shown to home to ovarian tumors in mouse models, it is possible that some payloads disrupt this homing activity. In these instances, expression of these payloads may be engineered to be inducible. This can be achieved, for example, with a phloretin-inducible system (Gitzinger M, et al. (2009) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 106(26):10638-10643). Alternatively, the Dimerizer system may be used to link a synthetic zinc-finger DNA-binding domain with a transactivator domain using a small molecule (Clackson T, et al. (1998) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 95(18):10437-10442). Alternatively or additionally, inducible payload expression constructs that are triggered in the tumor microenvironment based on signals such as low O2 may be constructed.
Lentiviral ffLuc constructs may also be used to infect MSCs.
Example 3This Example describes the in vivo characterization of the efficacy of MSCs expressing immunotherapy payloads in xenograft models of human ovarian cancer in mice with human immune cells. The activity of engineered MSCs in human ovarian cancer models in immunodeficient mice that are engrafted with human immune cells via CD34+ cell transplants (hMSC-hIT with humanized immune system) is tested. Homing of engineered MSCs and expression of individual and combinatorial immunotherapies in human xenograft ovarian tumors in mice with human immune cells are measured. Ovarian tumor burden and mouse survival with engineered MSC treatments are also tested. This Example should demonstrate elevated homing of engineered MSCs and localized production of immunotherapy factors into human xenograft ovarian tumors versus other body sites in mice. This Example should also demonstrate significant reductions in tumor burden and extension of mouse survival with immunotherapy-expressing engineered MSCs correlating with changes in the immune system composition.
Methods. To enable translation of engineered MSCs into human clinical trials, hMSC-hIT constructs are tested in humanized mouse models of human cancers. The effects of the immunotherapy-expressing hMSCs in mice are modeled by using xenografts of human ovarian cancer cell lines in immuno-deficient mice (NSG) engrafted with CD34+ hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs).
For human ovarian cancer cells, OVCAR8 and SKOV3 cell lines are used. Similar assays as described in Example 3 are used to investigate tumor load and mouse survival over time.
Two alternative approaches may also be used. (1) Human T cells can be infused into the mice. (2) Human PBMCs can be infused into the mice.
In the following experiments, MSCs were engineered to express one of the following effector molecules, then administered, alone or in combinations, to an orthotopic breast cancer mouse model: IFNβ, IFNγ, IL12, IL15, IL36γ, IL7, TRAIL, cGAS, CCL21a, OX40L, CD40L, or HACv-PD1. In some examples, a checkpoint inhibitor (anti-CD40, anti-PD1, or anti-CTLA-4 antibody) was injected in combination with administration with the engineered MSCs.
MSC Homing
The following experiments demonstrate that murine MSCs home to tumors in an orthotopic mouse model of breast cancer. Luciferase-expressing 4T1 breast tumor cells (5×105 ) were orthotopically implanted into the dorsal fat pad of female BALB/cJ mice. After 5 days, mice were intraperitoneally injected with 1 million fluorescently-labeled (with XenoLight DiR (Caliper Life Sciences)) murine BM-derived MSCs (BM-MSCs, therapeutic cells). At days 1 and 7 after MSC injection, fluorescence analysis was used to determine MSC localization using the Ami HT live animal imager (Spectral Instruments). On day 7, tumor localization and size was determined through the 4T1 cell's luciferase bioluminescence reporter using the Ami HT imager. As shown in
To determine whether engineered human MSCs can home toward mouse tumors, different lines of engineered human MSC expressing either GFP, IL2 or CCL21a were injected into BALB/c mice with 4T1 tumors. Efficacy was determined by tumor volume from caliper measurement every other day.
In Vivo Efficacy
The following experiments demonstrate the in vivo efficacy of MSCs expressing immunotherapy effectors (payloads) in the orthotopic model of breast cancer. 4T1-Neo-Fluc mouse breast tumor cells (Imanis Life Sciences, 5×105 cells) were implanted orthotopically into the dorsal fat pad of female BALB/cJ mice (The Jackson Laboratory). Mice were then randomized into the treatment groups 5 days after tumor implantation. Mice received intraperitoneal injection of either control MSC growth media or engineered MSCs (2×106 cells) expressing different immunotherapy effectors (payloads) once a week for two weeks. Each immunotherapy was expressed by a different MSC, and MSCs were combined (1:1 ratio) for combinatorial treatment. Tumor growth was monitored by caliper measurements every other day, and mouse weights were recorded twice weekly. Mice were euthanized 14 days after first MSC treatment and tissues were collected for further analysis.
Dose Escalation
A dose escalation study was performed. This experiment determined that engineered MSC cell expression GFP does not elicit toxicity (
Effect on Large Tumors
This experiment tested whether engineered mouse MSCs expressing IL12 and CCL21a can reduce tumor burden from larger tumor (>800mm3). Larger tumor are more difficult to treat than small tumor, and this experiment demonstrates this effector combination can reduce tumor expansion (
Checkpoint Inhibitors
In the following experiments, MSCs were engineered to express one of the following effector molecules, then administered, alone or in combinations, to a colorectal carcinoma mouse model: IFNβ, IL12, IL15, IL36γ, IL7, CCL21a, HACv-PD1, or 41BB. In some examples, a checkpoint inhibitor (anti-CD40 or anti-CTLA-4 antibody) was injected in combination with administration with the engineered MSCs.
In Vivo Efficacy
The following experiments demonstrate the in vivo efficacy of MSCs expressing immunotherapy effectors (payloads) in the subcutaneous mouse model of colon (colorectal) cancer. CT26-Neo-Fluc mouse colon cancer cells (Imanis Life Sciences, 5×105 ) were injected subcutaneously into the flanks of female BALB/cJ mice (The Jackson Laboratory). Seven days after tumor implantation, mice were then randomized into the following treatment groups: control MSC growth media, engineered MSCs (MSC-12+CCL21a), anti-CD40 antibody, anti-CTLA4 antibody (Bio X cell), MSC-12+CCL21a in combination with anti-CD40 antibody or MSC-12+CCL21a in combination with anti-CTLA4 antibody. Engineered MSCs (2×106 cells) were injected intraperitoneally (ip) once a week for two weeks (Day 0 and 7). Anti-CD40 antibodies were injected ip (100 μg) on Days 0 and 3. Anti-CTLA4 antibodies were injected ip (100 μg) on Days 0, 3 and 7. Tumor growth was monitored by caliper measurements every other day, and mouse weights were recorded twice weekly. Mice were euthanized 11 days after first MSC treatment and tumors were collected and weighed. The tumor weight of individual mice in each treatment group was measured and the results are shown in the bottom left of
Long-Term Survival
Mice were dosed twice with different concentration of engineered MSC-IL12 and CCL21a therapy in combination with injected anti-CD40 antibody. After the second dose, tumor volume was monitored twice a week until tumor burden is greater than 1500 mm3 and the mice were sacrificed.
MSC Efficacy
Tumor Growth Kinetics
Tumor Infiltrate Statistics/Immune Percentage/Tumor Weight Subcutaneous Mouse Model
Orthotopic Mouse Model
MSC (
IL12 and CCL21a Therapy in Intraperitoneal and Subcutaneous Mouse Models of Colorectal Cancer
The following methods were used in experiments, as indicated.
Methods:MSC Culturing
Bone-marrow derived C57BL/6 and Balb/C murine MSCs (mMSCs) were purchased from Cyagen (Cat. No. MUBMX-01001 and MUCMX-01001, respectively). mMSC culturing media was composed of : MEM Corning Cat #10-022-CV (500m1)+MSC FBS Gibco Cat #12662-029 (final conc 10%)+L-Glut (200 mM) Stem cell 07100 (Final conc 2 mM)+PenStrep 100X VWR Cat #97063-708 (Final conc 1×)+murine FGF Peprotech Cat #450-33-100 ug (Final conc-1:10,000 dilution). TrypLE Express was purchased (ThermoFisher—#12604021). PBS did not contain magnesium, calcium, or phenol red.
mMSCs were passaged according to the protocol below:
-
- 1. mMSCs should be passaged at 70-90% confluency.
- 2. Aspirate media from dish/flask.
- 3. Rinse plate with PBS (e.g. 2 mL for 10 cm dish, 3 ml for 15 cm dish).
- 4. Add TrypLE Express (e.g. 2 mL for 10 cm dish, 3 ml for 15 cm dish)
- 5. Incubate for 3-4 minutes at 37degrees.
- 6. Knock plate on side to dislodge cells. Confirm by microscopy that most cells have been dislodged.
- 7. Wash cells off plate using media (e.g. 8 mL for 10 cm dish).
- 8. Place cells in 15 conical and centrifuge 400×g for 5 min.
- 9. Aspirate media.
- 10. Resuspend cells in appropriate media and plate cells into fresh plates/flasks. Note: 70% confluent cells can be split 1:3. 90% confluent cells can be split 1:4. Alternatively, cells can be plated at 3000-5000 cells/cm2.
Bone-marrow derived human MSCs were purchased (RoosterBank-hBM-1M-XF, RoosterBio). Various hMSC culturing media were purchased: Xeno-free hMSC media—(RoosterBio—#KT-016);+FBS (serum-containing) hMSC media (Lonza—MSCGM media—#PT-3001). TrypLE Express was purchased (ThermoFisher—#12604021). PBS did not contain magnesium, calcium, or phenol red.
hMSCs were passaged according to the exemplary protocol below:
-
- 1. hMSCs should be passaged at 70-90% confluency.
- 2. Aspirate media from dish/flask.
- 3. Rinse plate with PBS (e.g. 2 mL for 10 cm dish).
- 4. Add TrypLE Express (e.g. 2 mL for 10 cm dish)
- 5. Incubate for 3-4 minutes at 37degrees or 5 minutes RT.
- 6. Knock plate on side to dislodge cells. Confirm by microscopy that most cells have been dislodged.
- 7. Wash cells off plate using Lonza MSCGM media (e.g. 8 mL for 10 cm dish).
- 8. Place cells in 15 conical and centrifuge 400×g for 5 min.
- 9. Aspirate media.
- 10. Resuspend cells in Rooster xeno-free media and plate cells into fresh plates/flasks. Note: 70% confluent cells can be split 1:3. 90% confluent cells can be split 1:4. Alternatively, cells can be plated at 3000-5000 cells/cm2.
hMSCs were thawed according to the exemplary protocol below:
-
- 1. Pre-warm hMSC media to 37°.
- 2. Remove hMSC aliquot from liquid nitrogen.
- 3. Thaw by holding the tube ½ submerged in 37° bath for 60-90 seconds, until ⅔ of the frozen sample has thawed.
- 4. Wipe the tube with 70% ethanol to sterilize tube.
- 5. Add 0.5 mL media to the cryotube, gently pipette 2-3 times, and then transfer cells into 9 mL media (10 mL total) in 15 mL conical tube.
- 6. Centrifuge 400×g for 5 min.
- 7. Aspirate media, and then gently resuspend pellet in appropriate volume of Rooster xeno-free media. Plate cells at a concentration of 3000-5000 cells/cm2.
Lentiviral Production
Lentivirus was produced using: Lenti-X 293T packaging cell line (Clontech, Cat #632180); LX293T Complete growth medium, without antibiotics; DMEM, hi-glucose; 1 mM Sodium Pyruvate; 10% FBS, heat-inactivated; Opti-Mem I Reduced Serum Media (Gibco/Thermo Fisher; Cat #31985); FuGene HD (Promega, Cat #E2311); Envelope, Packaging, and Transfer Vector plasmids; VSV-G-pseudotyped envelope vector (pMD2.G); Packaging vector that contains Gag, Pol, Rev, and Tat that can be used with 2nd and 3rd generation transfer vectors (psMAX2). 293T(FT) cells from 90% confluent 10 cm dishes were lifted and dispensed at 1:3 dilution late in the afternoon the day before transfection and incubated cells as normal overnight at 37° C., 5% CO2 (cells should be 60-85% confluent the next day at time of transfection).
A transfection reaction was prepped for each 10 cm dish according to the protocol below:
-
- 1. Prep transfection reaction for each 10 cm dish in a separate 1.7 mL tube.
- 2. Add 900 uL Opti-Mem I at RT.
- 3. Add 9 ug vector backbone (containing gene of interest) per reaction.
- 4. Add 8 ug packaging vector per reaction.
- 5. Add 1 ug envelope vector per reaction (pMD2.G).
- 6. Mix thoroughly by quickly vortexing for 3 seconds.
- 7. Add 55uL Fugene HD per reaction.
- 8. Mix by quickly pipetting up and down 20-30 times.
- 9. Let sit at RT for 10 min (allowing DNA complexes to form).
- 10. Slowly add mixture in dropwise manner around the dish, then mix by gently rocking back-forth and up-down for 5-10 seconds (do not swirl).
- 11. Place dish into virus incubator.
Viral supernatants were harvested on days 2 and 3 using a serological pipette. Cellular debris was removed using a Millipore steriflip 0.45 um filters. A Lenti-X Concentrator (Cat. Nos. 631231 & 631232) was used according to the protocol: 1) Combine 1 volume of Lenti-X Concentrator with 3 volumes of clarified supernatant. Mix by gentle inversion; 2) Incubate mixture on ice or at 4° C. for 30 minutes to overnight; (3) Centrifuge sample at 1,500×g for 45 minutes at 4° C.; (4) Carefully remove and discard supernatant, taking care not to disturb the pellet; (5) Gently resuspend the pellet in 1/10 to 1/100th of the original volume using sterile PBS+0.1% BSA.
Vectors
Cytokine expression cassettes were cloned into a pL17D, the vector map of which is shown in
Lentiviral Transduction
Murine MSCs were seeded in 6-well plates and infected when cells were 50% confluent. Virus was added at the appropriate MOI and incubated for 3 hours to transduce cells. Following infection, fresh media was added to the cells.
Human MSCs were transduced following the exemplary protocol below:
-
- 1. 200,000 human MSCs were plated in each well of 6-well plate, in 2 mL xeno-free human MSC media.
- 2. After 2 hours, the media was removed and replaced with 1 mL of PBS.
- 3. Appropriate amount of virus was added to each well, as indicate by MOI below, and cells were incubated with virus for 3 hours with occasional rocking, at 37 degrees and 5% CO2.
- 4. Virus was removed after 3 hours, plates were washed with media, and then the MSCs were cultured normally (as noted above) until cells reached senescence. Cells were counted at each passage, so that total cell numbers could be determined.
In the following example, balb/c mMSCs were engineered to express various cytokines using the lentiviral transduction method described in Example 6.
CT26 tumor cells (5×104 cells in 100 μl) modified to constitutively express luciferase enzyme (Cat no: CL043, Lot no: CL-IM147 Imanis Life Sciences) were injected into the peritoneal space of immunocompetent balb/c (age 6-8 weeks). One week after tumor implantation, tumor burden was measured by luciferase imaging (BLI) using an AMI imager. Mice were randomized into treatment groups and treated with intraperitoneally delivered mMSCs (1×106) expressing effector molecules as single agent or as a combination of mMSCs to deliver a combination of agents. MSC-Flag-Myc and PBS were used as a negative control. Tumor burden was assessed at day 12 and 17. Bioluminescent signal (photons/second) was normalized for each individual mouse relative to the initial signal (pre-treatment). Reduction of BLI signal by more than 100 fold (0.01) was equivalent to a complete cure (no tumor was evident at the time of necropsy). As shown in
In the following example, C57BL/6 mMSCs were engineered to express various cytokines using the lentiviral transduction method described in Example 6.
B16F10 tumor cells (5×104 cells in 100 μl) modified to constitutively express luciferase enzyme (B16F10-Fluc-Puro Cat #:CL052, lot #: CL-IM150 Imanis Life Sciences) were injected into the peritoneal space of immunocompetent C57BL/6 (age 6-8 weeks). One week after tumor implantation, tumor burden was measured by luciferase imaging (BLI) using an AMI imager. Mice were randomized into treatment groups and treated with intraperitoneally delivered mMSCs (1×106) expressing effector molecules as single agent or as a combination of mMSCs to deliver a combination of agents. MSC-Flag-Myc and PBS were used as a negative control. Tumor burden was assessed at day 12 and 17. Bioluminescent signal (photons/second) was normalized for each individual mouse relative to the initial signal (pre-treatment). Reduction of BLI signal by more than 100 fold (0.01) was equivalent to a complete cure (no tumor was evident at the time of necropsy). As shown in
In the following example, bone-marrow derived hMSCs (derived from 3 human volunteer healthy donors) were engineered to express human IL12 (p70) and human CCL21a from a single lentiviral expression vector using the lentiviral transduction method described in Example 6. The lentiviral expression vector (schematic vector map of which is shown in
As shown in
In the following example, bone-marrow derived hMSCs were engineered to express human IL12 (p70) using the lentiviral transduction method described in Example 6. Engineered hMSCs were co-cultured into 0.4 μm transwell inserts with human T-cells isolated from healthy blood donors (a schematic representation of the transwell assay is shown in
In the following example, balb/c MSCs (2×106 cells) expressing fLUC were injected IP into CT-26 IP tumor-bearing mice. Mice were euthanized and tissues were collected 24 hours after injection. As shown in
Additionally, C57Bl/6 mice were implanted with 5×104 B16F10-fLUC cells IP. 7 days after tumor implantation, 1×106 C57Bl/6 murine BM-MSCs engineered to express Nanoluc-EGFP were injected IP. Mice were euthanized at 24 hours post injection of MSCs and peritoneal organs (stomach, kidney, liver, colon, spleen, pancreas, omentum/tumor, ovaries and Fallopian tubes) were imaged ex-vivo for nanoluc signaling (NanoGlo Substrate Kit ,Vendor: Promega, Catalog No.: N1110). As shown in
In the following example, balb/c mMSCs were engineered to express murine IL12p70 using the lentiviral transduction method described in Example 6.
CT26 tumor cells (5×104 cells in 100 μl) modified to constitutively express luciferase enzyme (Cat no: CL043, Lot no: CL-IM147 Imanis Life Sciences) were injected into the peritoneal space of immunocompetent balb/c (age 6-8 weeks). One week after tumor implantation, tumor burden was measured by luciferase imaging (BLI) using an AMI imager. Mice were randomized into treatment groups and treated with intraperitoneally delivered mMSCs (1×106 cells) expressing IL12p70. MSC-Flag-Myc and PBS were used as a negative control. As shown in
In the following example, C57BL/6 mMSCs were engineered to express murine IL12p70 using the lentiviral transduction method described in Example 6.
B16F10 tumor cells (5×104 cells in 100 μl) modified to constitutively express luciferase enzyme (B16F10-Fluc-Puro Cat #:CL052, lot #: CL-IM150 Imanis Life Sciences) were injected into the peritoneal space of immunocompetent C57BL/6 (age 6-8 weeks). One week after tumor implantation, tumor burden was measured by luciferase imaging (BLI) using an AMI imager. Mice were randomized into treatment groups and treated with intraperitoneally delivered mMSCs 1×106 expressing IL12p70. MSC-Flag-Myc and PBS were used as a negative control. As shown in
In the following example, balb/c mMSCs were engineered to express murine IL12 (p70) and murine CCL21a from a single lentiviral expression vector. The lentiviral expression vector used a 2A ribosome skipping elements to express both cytokines from a single transcript using the lentiviral transduction method described in Example 6.
CT26 tumor cells (1×106 cells) modified to constitutively express luciferase enzyme (Cat no: CL043, Lot no: CL-IM147 Imanis Life Sciences) were injected into the peritoneal space of immunocompetent balb/c mice (age 6-8 weeks). One week after tumor implantation, tumor burden was measured by luciferase imaging (BLI) using an AMI imager. Mice were randomized into treatment groups and treated with intraperitoneally delivered mMSCs 1×106 expressing IL12p70 and CCL21a by the same MSC (“MSC-IL-12p70_2A_CCL21a”). MSC-Flag-Myc and PBS were used as a negative control. As shown in
In the following example, C57BL/6 mMSCs were engineered to express murine IL12 (p70) or murine IL21 (i.e., each MSC engineered to express only a single agent) using the lentiviral transduction method described in Example 6.
B16F10 tumor cells (5×104 cells in 100 μl) modified to constitutively express luciferase enzyme (B16F10-Fluc-Puro Cat #:CL052, lot #: CL-IM150 Imanis Life Sciences) were injected into the peritoneal space of immunocompetent C57BL/6 (age 6-8 weeks). One week after tumor implantation, tumor burden was measured by luciferase imaging (BLI) using an AMI imager. Mice were randomized into treatment groups and treated with intraperitoneally delivered mMSCs (1×106 cells) expressing IL12p70 in combination with mMSCs (1×106 cells) expressing IL21, or mMSCs (1×106 cells) expressing IL12p70 alone. MSC-Flag-Myc and PBS were used as a negative control. As shown in
In the following example, balb/c mMSCs (syngeneic) and C57BL/6 mMSCs (allogeneic) were engineered to express murine IL12 (p70) and murine CCL21a from a single lentiviral expression vector. The lentiviral expression vector used a 2A ribosome skipping elements to express both cytokines from a single transcript using the lentiviral transduction method described in Example 6.
CT26 tumor cells (1×106 cells) modified to constitutively express luciferase enzyme (Cat no: CL043, Lot no: CL-IM147 Imanis Life Sciences) were injected into the peritoneal space of immunocompetent balb/c mice (age 6-8 weeks). One week after tumor implantation, tumor burden was measured by luciferase imaging (BLI) using an AMI imager. Mice were randomized into treatment groups and treated with intraperitoneally delivered mMSCs (1×106 cells) expressing IL12p70 and CCL21a by the same MSC (“MSC-IL12+CCL21”). Both balb/c control mMSCs (syngeneic) and C57BL/6 control mMSCs (allogeneic) were engineered to express MSC-Flag-Myc (“Naïve”). PBS was also used as a negative control. As shown in
In the following example, human MSCs from 3 different donors were engineered at different multiplicity of infections (MOIs) to express and secrete human IL-12 and human CCL21a from a single lentiviral expression vector. The lentiviral expression vector used a 2A ribosome skipping elements to express both cytokines from a single transcript using the lentiviral transduction method described in Example 6.
As shown in
In the following example, various promoters were tested for driving expression of a reporter EGFP construct in human MSCs. Promoters tested were CMV, SFFV, EFla, EF1a-LTR, EFS, MND, PGK, UbC (see Table 4). Cells were transduced using equivalent MOI (multiplicity of infection) using the lentiviral transduction method described in Example. EGFP percentage and Median Fluorescence Intensity (MFI) were quantified over serial passages using flow cytometry.
As shown in
As shown in
In the following example, human bone-marrow MSCs were stably transduced to express IL12p70 and IL21 from various constructs using the lentiviral transduction method described in Example 6. Cells were expanded for 3 to 4 passages post-transduction and 0.2×106 cells were seeded in 6-well plates in 4 mL of media. Conditioned media was collected after 24 hours and ELISAs were performed to determine the IL-12 and IL-21 concentrations produced.
Various constructs were tested with different combinations and/or arrangements of promoter—signal sequence 1—cytokine 1-2A linker—signal sequence 2—cytokine 2. The combinations tested are described below in Table 7. Specific details of construct SB00880 are presented below in Table 8.
Secretion of IL-12p70 and IL-21 by engineered MSCs are shown in
Functional assays demonstrating expression of IL-12p70 by engineered MSCs were performed. HEK-293T cells with a STAT4-SEAP reporter, which reports IL12p70 binding to its receptor and signaling through the JAK-STAT4 pathway, were used to determine potency and activity of IL12p70 produced by engineered hMSCs. Engineered MSCs were cultured for 24 hours and media was collected and incubated with HEK-293T STAT4-SEAP reporter cells. SEAP production was determined with spectrophotometer. As shown in
Functional assays demonstrating expression of IL-21 by engineered MSCs were performed. NK-92 human natural killer cells were used to determine function of IL-21 produced by engineered hMSCs. Engineered hMSCs were cultured for 24 hours and conditioned media was collected and used to treat NK-92 cells that were deprived from IL-2. Intracellular phospho-flow was performed to quantify phospho-STAT1 and phospho-STAT3 activation as a readout for IL-21 activity. As shown in
Functional assays for IL-21 was also performed using a IL21R-U2OS IL21R/IL2RG dimerization reporter (PathHunter® U2OS IL21R/IL2RG Dimerization Cell Line, DiscoverX Cat. No: 93-1035C3). Reporter cells were incubated with conditioned media from engineered human MSCs or the appropriate positive (recombinant cytokine) or negative controls. As shown in
In the following example, balb/c mMSCs were engineered to express each of the various murine immune effectors shown in
As shown in
In the following example, C57BL/6 mMSCs were engineered to express each of the various murine immune effectors shown in
As shown in
In the following example, balb/c mMSCs were engineered to express murine IL12p70 or murine IL21 (i.e., each MSC engineered to express only a single agent) using the lentiviral transduction method described in Example 6. CT26 tumor cells (5×104 cells in 100 μl) modified to constitutively express luciferase enzyme (Cat no: CL043, Lot no: CL-IM147 Imanis Life Sciences) were injected into the peritoneal space of immunocompetent balb/c (age 6-8 weeks). One week after tumor implantation, tumor burden was measured by luciferase imaging (BLI) using an AMI imager. In addition, tumor weights were determined at the time of termination (day 17 post tumor implant). Mice were randomized into treatment groups and treated with intraperitoneally delivered mMSCs (1×106 cells). MSC-Flag-Myc and PBS were used as a negative control. Experimental cohorts included: murine IL12-expressing murine MSCs, murine IL21-expressing murine MSCs, and combination treatment of murine IL12-expressing murine MSCs and murine IL21-expressing murine MSCs (1×106 cells delivered for each in the combination).
As shown in
The above experiment was repeated with the modification of delivering a lower dose of engineered mMSCs (1×105 cells). As shown in
In the following example, C57BL/6 mMSCs were engineered to express murine IL12p70 or murine IL21 (i.e., each MSC engineered to express only a single agent) using the lentiviral transduction method described in Example 6. B16F10 tumor cells (5×104 cells in 100 μl) modified to constitutively express luciferase enzyme (B16F10-Fluc-Puro Cat #:CL052, lot #: CL-IM150 Imanis Life Sciences) were injected into the peritoneal space of immunocompetent C57BL/6 (age 6-8 weeks). One week after tumor implantation, tumor burden was measured by luciferase imaging (BLI) using an AMI imager. In addition, tumor weights were determined at the time of termination (day 17 post tumor implant). Mice were randomized into treatment groups and treated with intraperitoneally delivered mMSCs (1×106 cells). MSC-Flag-Myc and PBS were used as a negative control. Experimental cohorts included: murine IL12-expressing murine MSCs, murine IL21-expressing murine MSCs, and combination treatment of murine IL12-expressing murine MSCs and murine IL21-expressing murine MSCs (1×106 cells delivered for each in the combination).
As shown in
In the following example, C57BL/6 mMSCs were engineered to express murine IL12 (p70) or murine IL21 (i.e., each MSC engineered to express only a single agent) using the lentiviral transduction method described in Example 6. B16F10 tumor cells (5×104 cells in 100 μl) modified to constitutively express luciferase enzyme (B16F10-Fluc-Puro Cat #:CL052, lot #: CL-IM150 Imanis Life Sciences) were injected into the peritoneal space of immunocompetent C57BL/6 (age 6-8 weeks). Mice were randomized into treatment groups and treated with intraperitoneally delivered mMSCs (1×106 cells). MSC-Flag-Myc and PBS were used as a negative control. Experimental cohorts included: murine IL12-expressing murine MSCs, murine IL21-expressing murine MSCs, and combination treatment of murine IL12-expressing murine MSCs and murine IL21-expressing murine MSCs (1×106 cells delivered for each in the combination).
As shown in
Additionally, mice that were tumor-free for more than 90 days were subsequently re-challenged with B16-F10 tumor cells implanted in the flank (1×106 cells). Naïve un-treated mice were implanted at the same time as controls. Sub-cutaneous tumor burden was measured by caliper. As shown in
In the following example, C57BL/6 mMSCs were engineered to express murine IL12 (p70) using the lentiviral transduction method described in Example 6. B16F10 tumor cells (5×104 cells in 100 μl) modified to constitutively express luciferase enzyme (B16F10-Fluc-Puro Cat #:CL052, lot #: CL-IM150 Imanis Life Sciences) were injected into the peritoneal space of immunocompetent C57BL/6 (age 6-8 weeks). Mice were randomized into treatment groups and treated with IP administration of anti-PD1 antibody (clone RMP1-14) at a dose of 200 mg/kg alone or in combination with low dose (1e5) of IL12-expressing murine MSCs.
As shown in
In the following example, balb/c mMSCs were engineered to express murine IL12 (p70) and murine IL21 from a single lentiviral expression vector. The lentiviral expression vector used a 2A ribosome skipping elements to express both cytokines from a single transcript using the lentiviral transduction method described in Example 6. CT26 tumor cells (1×105 cells in 100 μl) modified to constitutively express luciferase enzyme (Cat no: CL043, Lot no: CL-IM147 Imanis Life Sciences) were injected into the peritoneal space of immunocompetent female balb/c mice (age 6-8 weeks). One week after tumor implantation, tumor burden was measured by luciferase imaging (BLI) using an AMI imager. Mice were randomized into treatment groups and treated IP with different amounts of mMSCs ranging from 1×104 to 1×106 cells. MSC-Flag-Myc (1×106 cells) and PBS were used as a negative control.
As shown in
In the following example, C57BL/6 mMSCs were engineered to express murine IL12 (p70) and murine IL21 from a single lentiviral expression vector. The lentiviral expression vector used a 2A ribosome skipping elements to express both cytokines from a single transcript using the lentiviral transduction method described in Example 6. B16F10 tumor cells (5×104 cells in 100 μl) modified to constitutively express luciferase enzyme (B16F10-Fluc-Puro Cat #:CL052, lot #: CL-IM150 Imanis Life Sciences) were injected into the peritoneal space of immunocompetent C57BL/6 (age 6-8 weeks). One week after tumor implantation, tumor burden was measured by luciferase imaging (BLI) using an AMI imager. Mice were randomized into treatment groups and treated with different amounts of mMSCs ranging from 1×105 to 1×107 cells). MSC-Flag-Myc (3×106 cells) and PBS were used as a negative control. Some groups were treated with multiple doses separated by 5 days (treatment on day 7, 12 and 17 post tumor-implant).
As shown in
In the following example, C57BL/6 mMSCs were engineered to express murine IL12 (p70) and murine IL21 from a single lentiviral expression vector. The lentiviral expression vector used a 2A ribosome skipping elements to express both cytokines from a single transcript using the lentiviral transduction method described in Example 6. MC-38 tumor cells were transduced with fLUC-EGFP construct and sorted based on EGFP fluorescence, then 5×105 cells were injected into the peritoneal space of immunocompetent C57BL/6 (age 6-8 weeks). Nine days after tumor implantation, tumor burden was measured by luciferase imaging (BLI) using an AMI imager. Mice were randomized into treatment groups and treated with different amounts of mMSCs ranging from 3×104 to 1×106 cells. MSC-Flag-Myc and PBS were used as a negative control.
As shown in
In the following example, NSG mice were implanted with OVCAR8-fLUC cells IP. 14-21 days after tumor implantation, 1×106 human BM-MSCs engineered to express Nanoluc-EGFP were delivered IP. Mice were euthanized at 24 hours post injection of MSCs and peritoneal organs (stomach, kidney, liver, colon, spleen, pancreas, omentum/tumor, ovaries and Fallopian tubes) were imaged ex-vivo for NanoLuc signaling (NanoGlo Substrate Kit ,Vendor: Promega, Catalog No.: N1110). Human MSCs were imaged by EGFP fluorescence in tumor sections collected at 24 hours as well as 22 days post injection.
As shown in
In the following example, biodistribution and PK of effector cytokines produced by engineered MSCs was assessed.
In a first experiment, NSG mice were implanted with 5×106 OVCAR8-fLUC tumor cells IP. 21-27 days after tumor implantation, mice were randomized based on tumor burden measured by BLI and treated with 1×106 hMSCs engineered to express human IL12 (p70) and human IL21 from a single lentiviral expression vector. The lentiviral expression vector used a 2A ribosome skipping elements to express both cytokines from a single transcript using the lentiviral transduction method described in Example 6. Mice were euthanized at 16-24 hours or 3, 4 and 7 days post MSC treatment and peritoneal fluid was collected via IP lavage by injecting 1 mL of PBS into the peritoneal space and collecting it. Serum was separated from whole blood after intracardiac puncture. ELISA (R&D systems) was used to determine the protein amount in each compartment (peritoneal fluid vs serum) for each time point and treatment type.
As shown in
In another experiment, balb/c mMSCs were engineered to express murine IL12p70 or murine IL21 (i.e., each MSC engineered to express only a single agent) using the lentiviral transduction method described in Example 6. CT26-fLUC tumor cells (1×105 cells in 100 μl) were injected into the peritoneal space of immunocompetent balb/c (age 6-8 weeks). Murine IL12-expressing murine MSCs and murine IL21-expressing murine MSCs (1×106 cells delivered for each in the combination) were delivered IP. Mice were euthanized at 24 or 72 hours post MSC treatment and peritoneal fluid was collected via IP lavage by injecting 1 mL of PBS into the peritoneal space and collecting it. Serum was separated from whole blood after intracardiac puncture. Luminex (Millipore) was used to determine the protein amount in each compartment (peritoneal fluid vs serum) for each time point and treatment type.
As shown in
In the following example, balb/c mMSCs were engineered to express murine IL12 (p70) and murine IL21 from a single lentiviral expression vector. Balb/c mMSCs were also engineered to express either murine IL12 (p70) or murine IL21. The lentiviral expression vector used a 2A ribosome skipping elements to express both cytokines from a single transcript using the lentiviral transduction method described in Example 6. CT26 tumor cells (1×105 cells in 100 μl) modified to constitutively express luciferase enzyme (Cat no: CL043, Lot no: CL-IM147 Imanis Life Sciences) were injected into the peritoneal space of immunocompetent female balb/c mice (age 6-8 weeks). One week after tumor implantation, tumor burden was measured by luciferase imaging (BLI) using an AMI imager. For MSC treated mice, mice were randomized into treatment groups and treated with intraperitoneally delivered mMSCs (1×106 cells), receiving murine IL12-expressing murine MSCs, murine IL21-expressing murine MSCs, or murine IL12 and IL21-expressing murine MSCs, with MSC-Flag-Myc and PBS were used as a negative control. Additionally, treatment groups also included mice receiving a bolus dose of the respective recombinant cytokines at a dose of 4-times the amount produced by MSCs in vitro (measured by ELISA-recombinant IL12:5 ug/mouse; Recombinant IL21: 0.4 ug/mouse). Tumor burden was measured by fLUC BLI across time points and mice were euthanized when reaching endpoint criteria due to tumor burden. Kaplan Meier survival curves were determined to calculate tumor-free survival.
As shown in
In the following example, C57BL/6 mMSCs were engineered to express murine IL12 (p70) and murine IL21 from a single lentiviral expression vector. C57BL/6 mMSCs were also engineered to express either murine IL12 (p70) or murine IL21. The lentiviral expression vector used a 2A ribosome skipping elements to express both cytokines from a single transcript using the lentiviral transduction method described in Example 6. B16F10 tumor cells (1×105 cells in 100 μl) modified to constitutively express luciferase enzyme (Cat no: CL043, Lot no: CL-IM147 Imanis Life Sciences) were injected into the peritoneal space of immunocompetent female balb/c mice (age 6-8 weeks). One week after tumor implantation, tumor burden was measured by luciferase imaging (BLI) using an AMI imager. For MSC treated mice, mice were randomized into treatment groups and treated with intraperitoneally delivered mMSCs (3×106 cells) engineered to express both IL12 and IL21-expressing murine MSCs, with MSC-Flag-Myc and PBS were used as a negative control. Additionally, treatment groups also included mice receiving a bolus dose of the respective recombinant cytokines at a dose of 4-times the amount produced by MSCs in vitro (measured by ELISA—recombinant IL12: 3 ug/mouse; Recombinant IL21: 0.03 ug/mouse). Tumor burden was measured by tumor weight at day 7 post treatment and mice were euthanized when reaching endpoint criteria due to tumor burden. Kaplan Meier survival curves were determined to calculate tumor-free survival.
As shown in
In the following example, balb/c mMSCs were engineered to express murine IL12p70 or murine IL21 (i.e., each MSC engineered to express only a single agent) using the lentiviral transduction method described in Example 6. CT26 tumor cells (1×105 cells) modified to constitutively express luciferase enzyme (Cat no: CL043, Lot no: CL-IM147 Imanis Life Sciences) were injected into the peritoneal space of immunocompetent balb/c (age 6-8 weeks). One week after tumor implantation, tumor burden was measured by luciferase imaging (BLI) using an AMI imager. Mice were randomized into treatment groups and treated with a intraperitoneally delivered combination treatment of murine IL12-expressing murine MSCs and murine IL21-expressing murine MSCs (1×106 cells delivered for each in the combination), or MSC-Flag-Myc and PBS as a negative controls. Mice were euthanized and organs collected at 72 hours after treatment. Multicolor flow cytometry was used to characterize immune infiltrates in response to treatment.
As shown in
In the following example, effector molecules are modified to replace their native signal peptide sequence with an exogenous signal peptide sequence (see Table 5 for exemplary signal peptide sequences that are tested). Modified effector molecules are tested for functional improvements such as improved expression and maintained secretion, such as in particular environments (e.g., tumor microenvironments). Functional performance for the modified effector molecules is also tested in tumor models (e.g., improved ability to clear tumors, improved ability to clear tumors in different environments, or improved ability to clear different types of tumors).
Example 35: Enrichment of Engineered MSCs.In the following example, MSCs are engineered to express effector molecules within a population of cells that include unmodified cells, such as unmodified MSCs. The engineered MSCs are enriched within the population by contacting the engineered MSCs with a growth factor (such as the effector molecules described in Table 1) such that those engineered MSCs that are enriched are a sub-population of engineered MSCs that express a receptor or receptor ligand for the growth factor. The sub-population of engineered MSCs of interest are contacted with the growth factor in various manners:
-
- 1. In an autocrine manner by genetically engineering the MSCs themselves to express the factors.
- 2. In a paracrine manner by genetically engineering feeder or support cells to express the factors and supply those factors to the MSCs, or by using conditioned media containing the factors from the feeder or support cells (such as 293Ts) engineered to express these factors.
- 3. In an endocrine manner, by injecting recombinant protein or nucleic acid versions of these factors into patients following MSC transplantation.
- 4. Via addition of soluble recombinant protein versions of these factors to the MSC culture conditions.
- 5. Via coating of the tissue culture plate/flask surfaces used for MSC propagation with recombinant versions of these factors.
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All references, patents and patent applications disclosed herein are incorporated by reference with respect to the subject matter for which each is cited, which in some cases may encompass the entirety of the document.
The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”
It should also be understood that, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, in any methods claimed herein that include more than one step or act, the order of the steps or acts of the method is not necessarily limited to the order in which the steps or acts of the method are recited.
In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of” and “consisting essentially of” shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively, as set forth in the United States Patent Office Manual of Patent Examining Procedures, Section 2111.03.
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. An engineered human cell comprising:
- a first engineered nucleic acid and a second engineered nucleic acid, wherein the first engineered nucleic acid comprises:
- a) a first promoter; and
- b) a first exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising a first expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising:
- S1-E1, wherein
- S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide,
- E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule;
- wherein the second engineered nucleic acid comprises:
- a) a second promoter; and
- b) a second exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising a second expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
- S2-E2, wherein
- S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide,
- E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule,
- wherein the first promoter is operably linked to the first expression cassette, the second promoter is operably linked to the second expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule,
- wherein
- (a) the first effector molecule comprises an IL12P70 fusion protein and the second effector molecule comprises CCL21a, IL7, IL15, IL18, IL21, Flt3L, an anti-PD1 antibody, CD40L, or a CXCL10-CXCL11 fusion protein,
- (b) the first effector molecule comprises CCL21a, IL7, IL15, IL18, IL21, Flt3L, an anti-PD1 antibody, CD40L, or a CXCL10-CXCL11 fusion protein and the second effector molecule comprises an IL12p70 fusion protein,
- (c) the first effector molecule comprises IL15 and the second effector molecule comprises CCL21a, IL7, IL18, IL21, an IL12p70 fusion protein, Flt3L, an anti-PD1 antibody, CD40L, or a CXCL10-CXCL11 fusion protein, or
- (d) the first effector molecule comprises CCL21a, IL7, IL18, IL21, an IL12p70 fusion protein, Flt3L, an anti-PD1 antibody, CD40L, or a CXCL10-CXCL11 fusion protein and the second effector molecule comprises IL15,
- wherein at least one of the first effector molecule and the second effector molecule does not comprise, nor is operably linked to, a transmembrane domain,
- wherein the engineered human cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), natural killer (NK) cell, a T cell, NKT cell, and macrophage, and
- wherein the engineered human cell further comprises a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or exogenous polynucleotide sequence encoding the same.
22. The engineered human cell of claim 21, wherein the first promoter, the second promoter, or both the first promoter and the second promoter comprises a constitutive promoter or an inducible promoter.
23. The engineered human cell of claim 22, wherein the constitutive promoter is selected from the group consisting of: MV, EFS, SFFV, SV40, MND, PGK, UbC, hEF1aV1, hCAGG, hEF1aV2, hACTb, heIF4A1, hGAPDH, hGRP78, hGRP94, hHSP70, hKINb, and hUBIb.
24. The engineered human cell of claim 22, wherein the inducible promoter is selected from the group consisting of: minP, NFkB response element, CREB response element, NFAT response element, SRF response element 21, SRF response element 2, AP1 response element, TCF-LEF response element promoter fusion, Hypoxia responsive element, SMAD binding element, STAT3 binding site, inducer molecule responsive promoters, and tandem repeats thereof.
25. The engineered human cell of claim 21, wherein:
- (a) the first signal peptide comprises a native signal peptide native to the first effector molecule; or
- (b) the second signal peptide comprises a native signal peptide native to the second effector molecule; or
- (c) the first signal peptide and the second signal peptide comprise a native signal peptide native to the first effector molecule and the second effector molecule, respectively; or
- (d) the first signal peptide and the second signal peptide comprise a non-native signal peptide non-native to the first effector molecule and the second effector molecule; or
- (e) the first signal peptide comprises a native signal peptide native to the first effector molecule and the second signal peptide comprises a non-native signal peptide non-native to the second effector molecule; or
- (f) the first signal peptide comprises a non-native signal peptide non-native to the first effector molecule and the second signal peptide comprises a native signal peptide native to the second effector molecule.
26. The engineered human cell of claim 21, wherein the exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprises one or more viral vector polynucleotide sequences.
27. The engineered human cell of claim 26, wherein the one or more viral vector polynucleotide sequences comprise lentiviral, retroviral, retrotransposon, or adenoviral polynucleotide sequences.
28. The engineered human cell of claim 21, wherein the first expression cassette further comprises following E1 and/or the second expression cassette further comprises following E2, an additional expression cassette comprising an additional exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising:
- (L-S-E)x
- wherein,
- S comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a signal peptide,
- E comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding an additional effector molecule,
- L comprises a linker polynucleotide, and X=1 to 20,
- wherein for each iteration for a given X, the corresponding signal peptide is operably linked to the respective effector molecule.
29. The engineered human cell of claim 28, wherein the additional exogenous polynucleotide sequence is operably linked to the first expression cassette or the second expression cassette such that the polynucleotides can be transcribed as a single polynucleotide comprising the formula S1-E1-(L-S-E)x or S2-E2-(L-S-E)x, respectively.
30. The engineered human cell of claim 28, wherein the additional effector molecule comprises a chimeric antigen receptor.
31. The engineered human cell of claim 29, wherein the linker polynucleotide sequence encodes a 2A ribosome skipping tag or encodes an Internal Ribosome Entry Site (IRES).
32. The engineered human cell of claim 31, wherein the 2A ribosome skipping tag is selected from the group consisting of: P2A, T2A, E2A, and F2A.
33. The engineered human cell of claim 28, wherein the linker polynucleotide encodes an additional promoter, wherein the additional promoter is operably linked to the additional expression cassette such that the additional polynucleotide sequence comprising the formula (L-S-E)x is capable of being transcribed, and wherein the first, the second, and the additional polynucleotide sequences are separate polynucleotides.
34. The engineered human cell of claim 21, wherein the engineered human cell is an NK cell.
35. The engineered human cell of claim 21, wherein the first effector molecule comprises the IL12p70 fusion protein and the second effector molecule comprises CCL21a, IL7, IL15, IL21, Flt3L, an anti-PD1 antibody, CD40L, or a CXCL10-CXCL11 fusion protein.
36. The engineered human cell of claim 21, wherein the first effector molecule comprises CCL21a, IL7, IL15, IL21, Flt3L, an anti-PD1 antibody, CD40L, or a CXCL10-CXCL11 fusion protein and the second effector molecule comprises the IL12p70 fusion protein.
37. The engineered human cell of claim 21, wherein the first effector molecule comprises IL21 and the effector molecule comprises IL15.
38. A population of cells, wherein the population of cells comprises one or more engineered human cells of claim 21.
39. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and one or more engineered human cells of claim 21.
40. A method of treating a subject having cancer, wherein the method comprises delivering to a subject an engineered cell in an effective amount to induce an immune response, wherein the engineered cell comprises:
- a first engineered nucleic acid and a second engineered nucleic acid, wherein the first engineered nucleic acid comprises:
- a) a first promoter; and
- b) a first exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising a first expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising:
- S1-E1, wherein
- S1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first signal peptide,
- E1 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a first effector molecule;
- wherein the second engineered nucleic acid comprises:
- a) a second promoter; and
- b) a second exogenous polynucleotide sequence comprising a second expression cassette described in a formula, oriented from 5′ to 3′, comprising
- S2-E2, wherein
- S2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second signal peptide,
- E2 comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a second effector molecule,
- wherein the first promoter is operably linked to the first expression cassette, the second promoter is operably linked to the second expression cassette, the first signal peptide is operably linked to the first effector molecule, and the second signal peptide is operably linked to the second effector molecule,
- wherein
- (a) the first effector molecule comprises an IL12P70 fusion protein and the second effector molecule comprises CCL21a, IL7, IL15, IL18, IL21, Flt3L, an anti-PD1 antibody, CD40L, or a CXCL10-CXCL11 fusion protein,
- (b) the first effector molecule comprises CCL21a, IL7, IL15, IL18, IL21, Flt3L, an anti-PD1 antibody, CD40L, or a CXCL10-CXCL11 fusion protein and the second effector molecule comprises an IL12p70 fusion protein,
- (c) the first effector molecule comprises IL15 and the second effector molecule comprises CCL21a, IL7, IL18, IL21, an IL12p70 fusion protein, Flt3L, an anti-PD1 antibody, CD40L, or a CXCL10-CXCL11 fusion protein, or
- (d) the first effector molecule comprises CCL21a, IL7, IL18, IL21, an IL12p70 fusion protein, Flt3L, an anti-PD1 antibody, CD40L, or a CXCL10-CXCL11 fusion protein and the second effector molecule comprises IL15,
- wherein at least one of the first effector molecule and the second effector molecule does not comprise, nor is operably linked to, a transmembrane domain,
- wherein the engineered human cell is selected from the group consisting of: a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), natural killer (NK) cell, a T cell, NKT cell, and macrophage, and
- wherein the engineered human cell further comprises a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) or exogenous polynucleotide sequence encoding the same.
Type: Application
Filed: Jun 23, 2022
Publication Date: Dec 1, 2022
Inventors: Timothy Kuan-Ta Lu (San Francisco, CA), Russell Morrison Gordley (San Francisco, CA), Jack Tzu-Chiao Lin (Redwood City, CA), Brian Scott Garrison (San Jose, CA), Philip Janmin Lee (Alameda, CA), Alba Gonzalez-Junca (San Francisco, CA), Don-Hong Wang (South San Francisco, CA), Daniel Frimannsson (Alameda, CA)
Application Number: 17/848,320
