Patent Application
20210107993
The contents of the file named “POTH-033_001WO_SequenceListing_ST25_R.txt”, which was created on Mar. 7, 2019, and is 6 KB in size are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
The disclosure is directed to molecular biology, and more, specifically, to chimeric antigen receptors, and to transposons containing one or more CARTyrins, as well as methods of making and using the same.
There has been a long-felt but unmet need in the art for a method of directing the specificity of an immune cell without using traditional antibody sequences or fragments thereof. The disclosure provides a superior chimeric antigen receptor.
The disclosure provides a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) comprising: (a) an ectodomain comprising an antigen recognition region, wherein the antigen recognition region comprises at least one Centyrin; (b) a transmembrane domain, and (c) an endodomain comprising at least one costimulatory domain. As used throughout the disclosure, a CAR comprising a Centryin is referred to as a CARTyrin. In certain embodiments, the antigen recognition region may comprise two Centyrins to produce a bi-specific or tandem CARTyrin. In certain embodiments, the antigen recognition region may comprise three Centyrins to produce a tri-specific CARTyrin. In certain embodiments, the ectodomain may further comprise a signal peptide. Alternatively, or in addition, in certain embodiments, the ectodomain may further comprise a hinge between the antigen recognition region and the transmembrane domain. In certain embodiments, the ectodomain may further comprise a signal peptide. Alternatively, or in addition, in certain embodiments, the ectodomain may further comprise a hinge between the antigen recognition region and the transmembrane domain.
The disclosure provides a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) comprising: (a) an ectodomain comprising an antigen recognition region, wherein the antigen recognition region comprises at least one Centyrin and wherein the at least one Centyrin specifically binds to a sequence of Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA); (b) a transmembrane domain, and (c) an endodomain comprising at least one costimulatory domain. As used throughout the disclosure, a CAR comprising a Centryin is referred to as a CARTyrin. In certain embodiments, the antigen recognition region may comprise two Centyrins to produce a bi-specific or tandem CARTyrin. In certain embodiments, including those wherein the antigen recognition region may comprise two Centyrins to produce a bi-specific or tandem CARTyrin, one or both of the two Centyrins specifically bind(s) to a sequence of PSMA. In some embodiments, a first Centyrin may specifically bind to a first sequence of PSMA and a second Centyrin may specifically bind to a second sequence of PSMA. In some embodiments, the first sequence of PSMA and the second sequence of PSMA are identical. In some embodiments, the first sequence of PSMA and the second sequence of PSMA are not identical. In certain embodiments, the antigen recognition region may comprise three Centyrins to produce a tri-specific CARTyrin. In certain embodiments, including those wherein the antigen recognition region may comprise three Centyrins to produce a tri-specific or tandem CARTyrin, one, two, or three of the three Centyrins specifically bind(s) to a sequence of PSMA. In certain embodiments, a first Centyrin may specifically bind to a first sequence of PSMA, a second Centyrin may specifically bind to a second sequence of PSMA and a third Centyrin may specifically bind to a third sequence of PSMA. In certain embodiments, the ectodomain may further comprise a signal peptide. In certain embodiments, two or more of the first, second or third sequences of PSMA are identical. In certain embodiments, two or more of the first, second or third sequences of PSMA are not identical. In certain embodiments, the first sequence of PSMA, the second sequence of PSMA and the third sequence of PSMA are not identical. Alternatively, or in addition, in certain embodiments, the ectodomain may further comprise a hinge between the antigen recognition region and the transmembrane domain. In certain embodiments, the ectodomain may further comprise a signal peptide. Alternatively, or in addition, in certain embodiments, the ectodomain may further comprise a hinge between the antigen recognition region and the transmembrane domain. As used herein, the term “anti-PSMA CARTyrin” refers to a CARTyrin comprising at least one centyrin that specifically binds a sequence of PSMA.
In certain embodiments of an anti-PSMA CARTyrins of the disclosure, the Centyrin comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of
(“PSMA5 Centyrin”) or the nucleic acid sequence of
In certain embodiments of an anti-PSMA CARTyrins of the disclosure, the at least one PSMA-specific Centyrin comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 70% identity to the amino acid sequence of
In certain embodiments, the at least one PSMA-specific Centyrin comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 99%, or any percentage in between of identity to the amino acid sequence of
In certain embodiments of an anti-PSMA CARTyrins of the disclosure, the Centyrin comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of
(“PSMA8 Centyrin”) or the nucleic acid sequence of
In certain embodiments of an anti-PSMA CARTyrins of the disclosure, the at least one PSMA-specific Centyrin comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 70% identity to the amino acid sequence of
In certain embodiments, the at least one PSMA-specific Centyrin comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 99%, or any percentage in between of identity to the amino acid sequence of
In certain embodiments of the CARTyrins of the disclosure, the signal peptide may comprise a sequence encoding a human CD2, CD3δ, CD3ε, CD3γ, CD3ζ, CD4, CD8α, CD19, CD28, 4-1BB or GM-CSFR signal peptide. In certain embodiments of the CARTyrins of the disclosure, the signal peptide may comprise a sequence encoding a human CD8α signal peptide. The human CD8α signal peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARP (SEQ ID NO: 18004). The human CD8α signal peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARP (SEQ ID NO: 18004) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the an amino acid sequence comprising MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARP (SEQ ID NO: 18004). The human CD8α signal peptide may be encoded by a nucleic acid sequence comprising
In certain embodiments of the CARTyrins of the disclosure, the transmembrane domain may comprise a sequence encoding a human CD2, CD3δ, CD3ε, CD3γ, CD3ζ, CD4, CD8α, CD19, CD28, 4-1BB or GM-CSFR transmembrane domain. In certain embodiments of the CARTyrins of the disclosure, the transmembrane domain may comprise a sequence encoding a human CD8α transmembrane domain. The CD8α transmembrane domain may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising IYIWAPLAGTCGVLLLSLVITLYC (SEQ ID NO: 18006) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising IYIWAPLAGTCGVLLLSLVITLYC (SEQ ID NO: 18006). The CD8α transmembrane domain may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence comprising
In certain embodiments of the CARTyrins of the disclosure, the endodomain may comprise a human CD3ζ endodomain.
In certain embodiments of the CARTyrins of the disclosure, the at least one costimulatory domain may comprise a human 4-1BB, CD28, CD40, ICOS, MyD88, OX-40 intracellular segment, or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments of the CARTyrins of the disclosure, the at least one costimulatory domain may comprise a CD28 and/or a 4-1BB costimulatory domain. The CD3ζ costimulatory domain may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising
or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising
The CD3ζ costimulatory domain may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence comprising
The 4-1BB costimulatory domain may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising KRGRKKLLYIFKQPFMRPVQTTQEEDGCSCRFPEEEEGGCEL (SEQ ID NO: 18011) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising
The 4-1BB costimulatory domain may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence comprising
The 4-1BB costimulatory domain may be located between the transmembrane domain and the CD28 costimulatory domain.
In certain embodiments of the CARTyrins of the disclosure, the hinge may comprise a sequence derived from a human CD8α, IgG4, and/or CD4 sequence. In certain embodiments of the CARTyrins of the disclosure, the hinge may comprise a sequence derived from a human CD8α sequence. The hinge may comprise a human CD8α amino acid sequence comprising TTTPAPRPPTPAPTIASQPLSLRPEACRPAAGGAVHTRGLDFACD (SEQ ID NO: 18014) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising
The human CD8α hinge amino acid sequence may be encoded by the nucleic acid sequence comprising
Centyrins of the disclosure may comprise at least one fibronectin type III (FN3) domain. Centyrins of the disclosure may be capable of specifically binding an antigen. Preferred Centryrins of the disclosure specifically bind a sequence of PSMA. The at least one fibronectin type III (FN3) domain may be derived from a human protein. The human protein may be Tenascin-C. The consensus sequence may comprise
The consensus sequence may be modified at one or more positions within (a) a A-B loop comprising or consisting of the amino acid residues TEDS (SEQ ID NO: 18020) at positions 13-16 of the consensus sequence; (b) a B-C loop comprising or consisting of the amino acid residues TAPDAAF (SEQ ID NO: 18021) at positions 22-28 of the consensus sequence; (c) a C-D loop comprising or consisting of the amino acid residues SEKVGE (SEQ ID NO: 18022) at positions 38-43 of the consensus sequence; (d) a D-E loop comprising or consisting of the amino acid residues GSER (SEQ ID NO: 18023) at positions 51-54 of the consensus sequence; (e) a E-F loop comprising or consisting of the amino acid residues GLKPG (SEQ ID NO: 18024) at positions 60-64 of the consensus sequence; (f) a F-G loop comprising or consisting of the amino acid residues KGGHRSN (SEQ ID NO: 18025) at positions 75-81 of the consensus sequence; or (g) any combination of (a)-(f). Centyrins of the disclosure may comprise a consensus sequence of at least 5 fibronectin type III (FN3) domains, at least 10 fibronectin type III (FN3) domains or at least 15 fibronectin type III (FN3) domains. Centyrins and/or CARTyrins of the disclosure may bind an antigen with at least one affinity selected from a KD of less than or equal to 10−9 M, less than or equal to 10−10 M, less than or equal to 10−11 M, less than or equal to 10−12M, less than or equal to 10−13M, less than or equal to 10−14M, and less than or equal to 10−15M. The KD may be determined by surface plasmon resonance.
The disclosure provides a composition comprising a CARTyrin of the disclosure and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
The disclosure provides a transposon comprising the CARTyrin of the disclosure.
Transposons of the disclosure may comprise a selection gene for identification, enrichment and/or isolation of cells that express the transposon. Exemplary selection genes encode any gene product (e.g. transcript, protein, enzyme) essential for cell viability and survival. Exemplary selection genes encode any gene product (e.g. transcript, protein, enzyme) essential for conferring resistance to a drug challenge against which the cell is sensitive (or which could be lethal to the cell) in the absence of the gene product encoded by the selection gene. Exemplary selection genes encode any gene product (e.g. transcript, protein, enzyme) essential for viability and/or survival in a cell media lacking one or more nutrients essential for cell viability and/or survival in the absence of the selection gene. Exemplary selection genes include, but are not limited to, neo (conferring resistance to neomycin), TYMS (encoding Thymidylate Synthetase), MGMT (encoding O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase), multidrug resistance gene (MDR1), ALDH1 (encoding Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family, member A1), FRANCF, RAD51C (encoding RAD51 Paralog C), GCS (encoding glucosylceramide synthase), and NKX2.2 (encoding NK2 Homeobox 2).
Transposons of the disclosure may comprise an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide comprising (a) a ligand binding region, (b) a linker, and (c) a proapoptotic polypeptide, wherein the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide does not comprise a non-human sequence. In certain embodiments, the non-human sequence comprises a restriction site. In certain embodiments, the ligand binding region may be a multimeric ligand binding region. Inducible proapoptotic polypeptides of the disclosure may also be referred to as an “iC9 safety switch”. In certain embodiments, transposons of the disclosure may comprise an inducible caspase polypeptide comprising (a) a ligand binding region, (b) a linker, and (c) a caspase polypeptide, wherein the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide does not comprise a non-human sequence. In certain embodiments, transposons of the disclosure may comprise an inducible caspase polypeptide comprising (a) a ligand binding region, (b) a linker, and (c) a caspase polypeptide, wherein the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide does not comprise a non-human sequence. In certain embodiments, transposons of the disclosure may comprise an inducible caspase polypeptide comprising (a) a ligand binding region, (b) a linker, and (c) a truncated caspase 9 polypeptide, wherein the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide does not comprise a non-human sequence. In certain embodiments of the inducible proapoptotic polypeptides, inducible caspase polypeptides or truncated caspase 9 polypeptides of the disclosure, the ligand binding region may comprise a FK506 binding protein 12 (FKBP12) polypeptide. In certain embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the ligand binding region that comprise a FK506 binding protein 12 (FKBP12) polypeptide may comprise a modification at position 36 of the sequence. The modification may be a substitution of valine (V) for phenylalanine (F) at position 36 (F36V). In certain embodiments, the FKBP12 polypeptide is encoded by an amino acid sequence comprising
In certain embodiments, the FKBP12 polypeptide is encoded by a nucleic acid sequence comprising
In certain embodiments, the induction agent specific for the ligand binding region may comprise a FK506 binding protein 12 (FKBP12) polypeptide having a substitution of valine (V) for phenylalanine (F) at position 36 (F36V) comprises AP20187 and/or AP1903, both synthetic drugs.
In certain embodiments of the inducible proapoptotic polypeptides, inducible caspase polypeptides or truncated caspase 9 polypeptides of the disclosure, the linker region is encoded by an amino acid comprising GGGGS (SEQ ID NO: 18028) or a nucleic acid sequence comprising GGAGGAGGAGGATCC (SEQ ID NO: 18029). In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the linker does not comprise a restriction site.
In certain embodiments of the truncated caspase 9 polypeptides of the disclosure, the truncated caspase 9 polypeptide is encoded by an amino acid sequence that does not comprise an arginine (R) at position 87 of the sequence. Alternatively, or in addition, in certain embodiments of the inducible proapoptotic polypeptides, inducible caspase polypeptides or truncated caspase 9 polypeptides of the disclosure, the truncated caspase 9 polypeptide is encoded by an amino acid sequence that does not comprise an alanine (A) at position 282 the sequence. In certain embodiments of the inducible proapoptotic polypeptides, inducible caspase polypeptides or truncated caspase 9 polypeptides of the disclosure, the truncated caspase 9 polypeptide is encoded by an amino acid comprising
or a nucleic acid sequence comprising
In certain embodiments of the inducible proapoptotic polypeptides, wherein the polypeptide comprises a truncated caspase 9 polypeptide, the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide is encoded by an amino acid sequence comprising
or the nucleic acid sequence comprising
Transposons of the disclosure may comprise at least one self-cleaving peptide(s) located, for example, between one or more Centyrin(s) or CARTyrin(s) of the disclosure and a selection gene of the disclosure. Transposons of the disclosure may comprise at least one self-cleaving peptide(s) located, for example, between one or more Centyrin(s) or CARTyrin(s) of the disclosure and an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide of the disclosure. Transposons of the disclosure may comprise at least two self-cleaving peptide(s), a first self-cleaving peptide located, for example, upstream or immediately upstream of an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide of the disclosure and a second first self-cleaving peptide located, for example, downstream or immediately upstream of an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide of the disclosure.
The at least one self-cleaving peptide may comprise, for example, a T2A peptide, GSG-T2A peptide, an E2A peptide, a GSG-E2A peptide, an F2A peptide, a GSG-F2A peptide, a P2A peptide, or a GSG-P2A peptide. A T2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising EGRGSLLTCGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18034) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising EGRGSLLTCGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18035). A GSG-T2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising GSGEGRGSLLTCGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18036) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising GSGEGRGSLLTCGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18037). A GSG-T2A peptide may comprise a nucleic acid sequence comprising
An E2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising QCTNYALLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18039) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising QCTNYALLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18040). A GSG-E2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising GSGQCTNYALLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18041) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising GSGQCTNYALLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18042). An F2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising VKQTLNFDLLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18043) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising VKQTLNFDLLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18044). A GSG-F2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising GSGVKQTLNFDLLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18045) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising GSGVKQTLNFDLLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18046). A P2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising ATNFSLLKQAGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18047) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising ATNFSLLKQAGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18048). A GSG-P2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising GSGATNFSLLKQAGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18049) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising GSGATNFSLLKQAGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18050).
Transposons of the disclosure may comprise a first and a second self-cleaving peptide, the first self-cleaving peptide located, for example, upstream of one or more Centyrin(s) or CARTyrin(s) of the disclosure the second self-cleaving peptide located, for example, downstream of the one or more Centyrin(s) or CARTyrin(s) of the disclosure. The first and/or the second self-cleaving peptide may comprise, for example, a T2A peptide, GSG-T2A peptide, an E2A peptide, a GSG-E2A peptide, an F2A peptide, a GSG-F2A peptide, a P2A peptide, or a GSG-P2A peptide. A T2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising EGRGSLLTCGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18034) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising EGRGSLLTCGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18035). A GSG-T2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising GSGEGRGSLLTCGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18036) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising GSGEGRGSLLTCGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18037). A GSG-T2A peptide may comprise a nucleic acid sequence comprising
An E2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising QCTNYALLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18039) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising QCTNYALLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18040). A GSG-E2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising GSGQCTNYALLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18041) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising GSGQCTNYALLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18042). An F2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising VKQTLNFDLLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18043) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising VKQTLNFDLLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18044). A GSG-F2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising GSGVKQTLNFDLLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18045) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising GSGVKQTLNFDLLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18046). A P2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising ATNFSLLKQAGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18047) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising ATNFSLLKQAGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18048). A GSG-P2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising GSGATNFSLLKQAGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18049) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising GSGATNFSLLKQAGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18050).
In some embodiments of the transposons of the disclosure, including those comprising a CAR of the disclosure, the transposon further comprises a sequence encoding a chimeric stimulatory receptor (CSR). In some embodiments, the CSR comprises: (a) an ectodomain comprising an activation component; (b) a transmembrane domain; and (c) an endodomain comprising at least one signal transduction domain; wherein the combination of (a), (b) and (c) is non-naturally occurring. In some embodiments, the activation component of (a) is isolated or derived from a first protein. In some embodiments, the at least one signal transduction domain of (c) is isolated or derived from a second protein. In some embodiments, the first protein and the second protein are not identical. In some embodiments, the Activation component comprises one or more of a component of a human transmembrane receptor, a human cell-surface receptor, a T-cell Receptor (TCR), a component of a TCR complex, a component of a TCR co-receptor, a component of a TCR co-stimulatory protein, a component of a TCR inhibitory protein, a cytokine receptor, and a chemokine receptor. In some embodiments, the activation component comprises a portion of one or more of a component of a T-cell Receptor (TCR), a component of a TCR complex, a component of a TCR co-receptor, a component of a TCR co-stimulatory protein, a component of a TCR inhibitory protein, a cytokine receptor, and a chemokine receptor to which an agonist of the Activation component binds. In some embodiments, the activation component comprises a CD2 protein or a portion thereof to which an agonist binds. In some embodiments, the signal transduction domain comprises one or more of a component of a human signal transduction domain, T-cell Receptor (TCR), a component of a TCR complex, a component of a TCR co-receptor, a component of a TCR co-stimulatory protein, a component of a TCR inhibitory protein, a cytokine receptor, and a chemokine receptor. In some embodiments, the signal transduction domain comprises a CD3 protein. In some embodiments, the CD3 protein comprises a CD3ζ protein. In some embodiments, the endodomain further comprises a cytoplasmic domain. In some embodiments, the cytoplasmic domain is isolated or derived from a third protein. In some embodiments, the first protein and the third protein are identical. In some embodiments, the ectodomain further comprises a signal peptide. In some embodiments, the signal peptide is derived from a fourth protein. In some embodiments, the first protein and the fourth protein are identical. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain is isolated or derived from a fifth protein. In some embodiments, the first protein and the fifth protein are identical. In some embodiments, the Activation component does not bind a naturally-occurring molecule. In some embodiments, the CSR does not transduce a signal upon binding of the activation component to a naturally-occurring molecule. In some embodiments, the ectodomain comprises a modification. In some embodiments, the modification comprises a mutation or a truncation of a sequence encoding the activation component when compared to a wild type sequence of the first protein. In some embodiments, the Activation component binds to a non-naturally occurring molecule. In some embodiments, the CSR selectively transduces a signal upon binding of the Activation component to a non-naturally occurring molecule.
In some embodiments of the transposons of the disclosure, the transposon is a piggyBac or a piggyBac-like transposon.
In some embodiments of the transposons of the disclosure, the transposon is a TcBuster transposon.
In some embodiments of the transposons of the disclosure, the transposon is a Sleeping Beauty transposon.
In some embodiments of the transposons of the disclosure, the transposon is a Helraiser transposon.
In some embodiments of the transposons of the disclosure, the transposon is a Tol2 transposon.
The disclosure provides a composition comprising the transposon the disclosure. In certain embodiments, the composition may further comprise a plasmid comprising a sequence encoding a transposase enzyme. The sequence encoding a transposase enzyme may be an mRNA sequence.
The disclosure provides a composition comprising a CAR of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a CSR of the disclosure or a sequence encoding the CSR. In some embodiments, the sequence encoding the CSR comprises DNA. In some embodiments, the sequence encoding the CSR comprises RNA. In some embodiments, the sequence encoding the CSR comprises messenger RNA (mRNA). In some embodiments, upon introduction to a cell of the disclosure, the CSR or the sequence encoding the CSR is stably integrated by the cell. In some embodiments, upon introduction to a cell of the disclosure, the CSR or the sequence encoding the CSR is not stably integrated by the cell. In some embodiments, upon introduction to a cell of the disclosure, the CSR or the sequence encoding the CSR is stably expressed by the cell. In some embodiments, upon introduction to a cell of the disclosure, the CSR or the sequence encoding the CSR is transiently expressed by the cell. In some embodiments, upon introduction to a cell of the disclosure, the CSR or the sequence encoding the CSR comprises an RNA or an mRNA and the CSR or the sequence encoding the CSR is transiently expressed by the cell.
The disclosure provides a cell comprising a CAR of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the cell further comprises a CSR of the disclosure or a sequence encoding the CSR. In some embodiments, the sequence encoding the CSR comprises DNA. In some embodiments, the sequence encoding the CSR comprises RNA. In some embodiments, the sequence encoding the CSR comprises messenger RNA (mRNA). In some embodiments, the CSR or the sequence encoding the CSR is stably integrated into a genomic locus or loci of the cell. In some embodiments, the CSR or the sequence encoding the CSR is not stably integrated into a genomic locus or loci of the cell. In some embodiments, the CSR or the sequence encoding the CSR is stably expressed by the cell. In some embodiments, the CSR or the sequence encoding the CSR is transiently expressed by the cell. In some embodiments, the CSR or the sequence encoding the CSR comprises an RNA or an mRNA and the CSR or the sequence encoding the CSR is transiently expressed by the cell.
Transposons of the disclosure may comprise piggyBac transposons. In certain embodiments of this method, the transposon is a plasmid DNA transposon with a sequence encoding the chimeric antigen receptor flanked by two cis-regulatory insulator elements. In certain embodiments, the transposon is a piggyBac or a piggyBac-like transposon.
Transposase enzymes of the disclosure may include piggyBac transposases or compatible enzymes. Transposase enzymes of the disclosure may include piggyBac-like transposases or compatible enzymes. In certain embodiments, and, in particular, those embodiments wherein the transposon is a piggyBac transposon, the transposase is a piggyBac™ or a Super piggyBac™ (SPB) transposase. In certain embodiments, and, in particular, those embodiments wherein the transposase is a Super piggyBac™ (SPB) transposase, the sequence encoding the transposase is an mRNA sequence.
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac™ (PB) transposase enzyme. The piggyBac (PB) transposase enzyme may comprise or consist of an amino acid sequence at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between identical to:
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac™ (PB) transposase enzyme that comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence having an amino acid substitution at one or more of positions 30, 165, 282, or 538 of the sequence:
In certain embodiments, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac™ (PB) transposase enzyme that comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence having an amino acid substitution at two or more of positions 30, 165, 282, or 538 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487. In certain embodiments, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac™ (PB) transposase enzyme that comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence having an amino acid substitution at three or more of positions 30, 165, 282, or 538 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487. In certain embodiments, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac™ (PB) transposase enzyme that comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence having an amino acid substitution at each of the following positions 30, 165, 282, and 538 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487. In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 30 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487 is a substitution of a valine (V) for an isoleucine (I). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 165 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487 is a substitution of a serine (S) for a glycine (G). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 282 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487 is a substitution of a valine (V) for a methionine (M). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 538 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487 is a substitution of a lysine (K) for an asparagine (N).
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the transposase enzyme is a Super piggyBac™ (sPBo) transposase enzyme. In certain embodiments, the Super piggyBac™ (sPBo) transposase enzymes of the disclosure may comprise or consist of the amino acid sequence of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487 wherein the amino acid substitution at position 30 is a substitution of a valine (V) for an isoleucine (I), the amino acid substitution at position 165 is a substitution of a serine (S) for a glycine (G), the amino acid substitution at position 282 is a substitution of a valine (V) for a methionine (M), and the amino acid substitution at position 538 is a substitution of a lysine (K) for an asparagine (N). In certain embodiments, the Super piggyBac™ (sPBo) transposase enzyme may comprise or consist of an amino acid sequence at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between identical to:
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the transposase enzyme is a TcBuster transposon and wherein the transposase enzyme is a TcBuster transposase enzyme. In some embodiments, the TcBuster transposase enzyme is a hyperactive TcBuster transposase enzyme. In some embodiments, the TcBuster transposase enzyme comprises a sequence having at least 75% identity to:
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the transposase enzyme is a Sleeping Beauty transposon and the transposase enzyme is a Sleeping Beauty transposase enzyme. In some embodiments, the Sleeping Beauty transposase enzyme comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14485. In some embodiments, the Sleeping Beauty transposase enzyme is a hyperactive Sleeping Beauty transposase (SB100X). In some embodiments, the hyperactive Sleeping Beauty transposase (SB100X) comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14486.
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the transposase enzyme is a Helraiser transposon and wherein the transposase enzyme is a Helraiser transposase enzyme. In some embodiments, the Helraiser transposase enzyme comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14501.
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the transposase enzyme is a Tol2 transposon and wherein the transposase enzyme is a Tol2 transposase enzyme. In some embodiments, the Tol2 transposase enzyme comprises the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14502.
The disclosure provides a vector comprising a CARTyrin of the disclosure. In certain embodiments, the vector is a viral vector. The vector may be a recombinant vector.
Viral vectors of the disclosure may comprise a sequence isolated or derived from a retrovirus, a lentivirus, an adenovirus, an adeno-associated virus or any combination thereof. The viral vector may comprise a sequence isolated or derived from an adeno-associated virus (AAV). The viral vector may comprise a recombinant AAV (rAAV). Exemplary adeno-associated viruses and recombinant adeno-associated viruses of the disclosure comprise two or more inverted terminal repeat (ITR) sequences located in cis next to a sequence encoding a Centyrin or CARTyrin of the disclosure. Exemplary adeno-associated viruses and recombinant adeno-associated viruses of the disclosure include, but are not limited to all serotypes (e.g. AAV1, AAV2, AAV3, AAV4, AAV5, AAV6, AAV7, AAV8, and AAV9). Exemplary adeno-associated viruses and recombinant adeno-associated viruses of the disclosure include, but are not limited to, self-complementary AAV (scAAV) and AAV hybrids containing the genome of one serotype and the capsid of another serotype (e.g. AAV2/5, AAV-DJ and AAV-DJ8). Exemplary adeno-associated viruses and recombinant adeno-associated viruses of the disclosure include, but are not limited to, rAAV-LK03.
Viral vectors of the disclosure may comprise a selection gene. The selection gene may encode a gene product essential for cell viability and survival. The selection gene may encode a gene product essential for cell viability and survival when challenged by selective cell culture conditions. Selective cell culture conditions may comprise a compound harmful to cell viability or survival and wherein the gene product confers resistance to the compound. Exemplary selection genes of the disclosure may include, but are not limited to, neo (conferring resistance to neomycin), TYMS (encoding Thymidylate Synthetase), MGMT (encoding O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase), multidrug resistance gene (MDR1), ALDH1 (encoding Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family, member A1), FRANCF, RAD51C (encoding RAD51 Paralog C), GCS (encoding glucosylceramide synthase), NKX2.2 (encoding NK2 Homeobox 2) or any combination thereof.
Viral vectors of the disclosure may comprise an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide comprising (a) a ligand binding region, (b) a linker, and (c) a proapoptotic polypeptide, wherein the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide does not comprise a non-human sequence. In certain embodiments, the non-human sequence comprises a restriction site. In certain embodiments, the ligand binding region may be a multimeric ligand binding region. Inducible proapoptotic polypeptides of the disclosure may also be referred to as an “iC9 safety switch”. In certain embodiments, viral vectors of the disclosure may comprise an inducible caspase polypeptide comprising (a) a ligand binding region, (b) a linker, and (c) a caspase polypeptide, wherein the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide does not comprise a non-human sequence. In certain embodiments, viral vectors of the disclosure may comprise an inducible caspase polypeptide comprising (a) a ligand binding region, (b) a linker, and (c) a caspase polypeptide, wherein the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide does not comprise a non-human sequence. In certain embodiments, viral vectors of the disclosure may comprise an inducible caspase polypeptide comprising (a) a ligand binding region, (b) a linker, and (c) a truncated caspase 9 polypeptide, wherein the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide does not comprise a non-human sequence. In certain embodiments of the inducible proapoptotic polypeptides, inducible caspase polypeptides or truncated caspase 9 polypeptides of the disclosure, the ligand binding region may comprise a FK506 binding protein 12 (FKBP12) polypeptide. In certain embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the ligand binding region that comprise a FK506 binding protein 12 (FKBP12) polypeptide may comprise a modification at position 36 of the sequence. The modification may be a substitution of valine (V) for phenylalanine (F) at position 36 (F36V). In certain embodiments, the FKBP12 polypeptide is encoded by an amino acid sequence comprising
In certain embodiments, the FKBP12 polypeptide is encoded by a nucleic acid sequence comprising
In certain embodiments, the induction agent specific for the ligand binding region may comprise a FK506 binding protein 12 (FKBP12) polypeptide having a substitution of valine (V) for phenylalanine (F) at position 36 (F36V) comprises AP20187 and/or AP1903, both synthetic drugs.
In certain embodiments of the inducible proapoptotic polypeptides, inducible caspase polypeptides or truncated caspase 9 polypeptides of the disclosure, the linker region is encoded by an amino acid comprising GGGGS (SEQ ID NO: 18028) or a nucleic acid sequence comprising GGAGGAGGAGGATCC (SEQ ID NO: 18029). In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the linker does not comprise a restriction site.
In certain embodiments of the truncated caspase 9 polypeptides of the disclosure, the truncated caspase 9 polypeptide is encoded by an amino acid sequence that does not comprise an arginine (R) at position 87 of the sequence. Alternatively, or in addition, in certain embodiments of the inducible proapoptotic polypeptides, inducible caspase polypeptides or truncated caspase 9 polypeptides of the disclosure, the truncated caspase 9 polypeptide is encoded by an amino acid sequence that does not comprise an alanine (A) at position 282 the sequence. In certain embodiments of the inducible proapoptotic polypeptides, inducible caspase polypeptides or truncated caspase 9 polypeptides of the disclosure, the truncated caspase 9 polypeptide is encoded by an amino acid comprising
or a nucleic acid sequence comprising
In certain embodiments of the inducible proapoptotic polypeptides, wherein the polypeptide comprises a truncated caspase 9 polypeptide, the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide is encoded by an amino acid sequence comprising
or the nucleic acid sequence comprising
Viral vectors of the disclosure may comprise at least one self-cleaving peptide. In some embodiments, the vector may comprise at least one self-cleaving peptide and wherein a self-cleaving peptide is located between a CARtyrin and a selection gene. In some embodiments, the vector may comprise at least one self-cleaving peptide and wherein a first self-cleaving peptide is located upstream of a CARtyrin and a second self-cleaving peptide is located downstream of a CARtyrin. Viral vectors of the disclosure may comprise at least one self-cleaving peptide(s) located, for example, between one or more of a CARTyrin, CAR or CAR of the disclosure and an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide of the disclosure. Viral vectors of the disclosure may comprise at least two self-cleaving peptide(s), a first self-cleaving peptide located, for example, upstream or immediately upstream of an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide of the disclosure and a second first self-cleaving peptide located, for example, downstream or immediately upstream of an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide of the disclosure. The self-cleaving peptide may comprise, for example, a T2A peptide, GSG-T2A peptide, an E2A peptide, a GSG-E2A peptide, an F2A peptide, a GSG-F2A peptide, a P2A peptide, or a GSG-P2A peptide. A T2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising EGRGSLLTCGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18034) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising EGRGSLLTCGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18035). A GSG-T2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising GSGEGRGSLLTCGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18036) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising GSGEGRGSLLTCGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18037). A GSG-T2A peptide may comprise a nucleic acid sequence comprising
An E2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising QCTNYALLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18039) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising QCTNYALLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18040). A GSG-E2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising GSGQCTNYALLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18041) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising GSGQCTNYALLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18042). An F2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising VKQTLNFDLLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18043) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising VKQTLNFDLLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18044). A GSG-F2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising GSGVKQTLNFDLLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18045) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising GSGVKQTLNFDLLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18046). A P2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising ATNFSLLKQAGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18047) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising ATNFSLLKQAGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18048). A GSG-P2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising GSGATNFSLLKQAGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18049) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising GSGATNFSLLKQAGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18050).
The disclosure provides a vector comprising the CARTyrin of the disclosure. In certain embodiments, the vector is a nanoparticle. Exemplary nanoparticle vectors of the disclosure include, but are not limited to, nucleic acids (e.g. RNA, DNA, synthetic nucleotides, modified nucleotides or any combination thereof), amino acids (L-amino acids, D-amino acids, synthetic amino acids, modified amino acids, or any combination thereof), polymers (e.g. polymersomes), micelles, lipids (e.g. liposomes), organic molecules (e.g. carbon atoms, sheets, fibers, tubes), inorganic molecules (e.g. calcium phosphate or gold) or any combination thereof. A nanoparticle vector may be passively or actively transported across a cell membrane.
Nanoparticle vectors of the disclosure may comprise a selection gene. The selection gene may encode a gene product essential for cell viability and survival. The selection gene may encode a gene product essential for cell viability and survival when challenged by selective cell culture conditions. Selective cell culture conditions may comprise a compound harmful to cell viability or survival and wherein the gene product confers resistance to the compound. Exemplary selection genes of the disclosure may include, but are not limited to, neo (conferring resistance to neomycin), TYMS (encoding Thymidylate Synthetase), MGMT (encoding O(6)-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase), multidrug resistance gene (MDR1), ALDH1 (encoding Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family, member A1), FRANCF, RAD51C (encoding RAD51 Paralog C), GCS (encoding glucosylceramide synthase), NKX2.2 (encoding NK2 Homeobox 2) or any combination thereof.
Nanoparticle vectors of the disclosure may comprise an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide comprising (a) a ligand binding region, (b) a linker, and (c) a proapoptotic polypeptide, wherein the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide does not comprise a non-human sequence. In certain embodiments, the non-human sequence comprises a restriction site. In certain embodiments, the ligand binding region may be a multimeric ligand binding region. Inducible proapoptotic polypeptides of the disclosure may also be referred to as an “iC9 safety switch”. In certain embodiments, nanoparticle vectors of the disclosure may comprise an inducible caspase polypeptide comprising (a) a ligand binding region, (b) a linker, and (c) a caspase polypeptide, wherein the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide does not comprise a non-human sequence. In certain embodiments, nanoparticle vectors of the disclosure may comprise an inducible caspase polypeptide comprising (a) a ligand binding region, (b) a linker, and (c) a caspase polypeptide, wherein the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide does not comprise a non-human sequence. In certain embodiments, nanoparticle vectors of the disclosure may comprise an inducible caspase polypeptide comprising (a) a ligand binding region, (b) a linker, and (c) a truncated caspase 9 polypeptide, wherein the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide does not comprise a non-human sequence. In certain embodiments of the inducible proapoptotic polypeptides, inducible caspase polypeptides or truncated caspase 9 polypeptides of the disclosure, the ligand binding region may comprise a FK506 binding protein 12 (FKBP12) polypeptide. In certain embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the ligand binding region that comprise a FK506 binding protein 12 (FKBP12) polypeptide may comprise a modification at position 36 of the sequence. The modification may be a substitution of valine (V) for phenylalanine (F) at position 36 (F36V). In certain embodiments, the FKBP12 polypeptide is encoded by an amino acid sequence comprising
In certain embodiments, the FKBP12 polypeptide is encoded by a nucleic acid sequence comprising
In certain embodiments, the induction agent specific for the ligand binding region may comprise a FK506 binding protein 12 (FKBP12) polypeptide having a substitution of valine (V) for phenylalanine (F) at position 36 (F36V) comprises AP20187 and/or AP1903, both synthetic drugs.
In certain embodiments of the inducible proapoptotic polypeptides, inducible caspase polypeptides or truncated caspase 9 polypeptides of the disclosure, the linker region is encoded by an amino acid comprising GGGGS (SEQ ID NO: 18028) or a nucleic acid sequence comprising GGAGGAGGAGGATCC (SEQ ID NO: 18029). In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the linker does not comprise a restriction site.
In certain embodiments of the truncated caspase 9 polypeptides of the disclosure, the truncated caspase 9 polypeptide is encoded by an amino acid sequence that does not comprise an arginine (R) at position 87 of the sequence. Alternatively, or in addition, in certain embodiments of the inducible proapoptotic polypeptides, inducible caspase polypeptides or truncated caspase 9 polypeptides of the disclosure, the truncated caspase 9 polypeptide is encoded by an amino acid sequence that does not comprise an alanine (A) at position 282 the sequence. In certain embodiments of the inducible proapoptotic polypeptides, inducible caspase polypeptides or truncated caspase 9 polypeptides of the disclosure, the truncated caspase 9 polypeptide is encoded by an amino acid comprising
or a nucleic acid sequence comprising
In certain embodiments of the inducible proapoptotic polypeptides, wherein the polypeptide comprises a truncated caspase 9 polypeptide, the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide is encoded by an amino acid sequence comprising
or the nucleic acid sequence comprising
Nanoparticle vectors of the disclosure may comprise at least one self-cleaving peptide. In some embodiments, the nanoparticle vector may comprise at least one self-cleaving peptide and wherein a self-cleaving peptide is located between a CARTyrin and the nanoparticle. In some embodiments, the nanoparticle vector may comprise at least one self-cleaving peptide and wherein a first self-cleaving peptide is located upstream of a CARTyrin and a second self-cleaving peptide is located downstream of a CARTyrin. In some embodiments, the nanoparticle vector may comprise at least one self-cleaving peptide and wherein a first self-cleaving peptide is located between a CARTyrin and the nanoparticle and a second self-cleaving peptide is located downstream of the CARTyrin. In some embodiments, the nanoparticle vector may comprise at least one self-cleaving peptide and wherein a first self-cleaving peptide is located between a CARTyrin and the nanoparticle and a second self-cleaving peptide is located downstream of the CARTyrin, for example, between the CARTyrin and a selection gene.
Nanoparticle vectors of the disclosure may comprise at least one self-cleaving peptide(s) located, for example, between one or more Centyrins(s) or CARTyrin(s) of the disclosure and an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide of the disclosure. Nanoparticle vectors of the disclosure may comprise at least two self-cleaving peptide(s), a first self-cleaving peptide located, for example, upstream or immediately upstream of an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide of the disclosure and a second first self-cleaving peptide located, for example, downstream or immediately upstream of an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide of the disclosure. The self-cleaving peptide may comprise, for example, a T2A peptide, GSG-T2A peptide, an E2A peptide, a GSG-E2A peptide, an F2A peptide, a GSG-F2A peptide, a P2A peptide, or a GSG-P2A peptide. A T2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising EGRGSLLTCGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18034) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising EGRGSLLTCGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18034). A GSG-T2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising GSGEGRGSLLTCGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18036) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising GSGEGRGSLLTCGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18036). A GSG-T2A peptide may comprise a nucleic acid sequence comprising
An E2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising QCTNYALLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18039) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising QCTNYALLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18039). A GSG-E2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising GSGQCTNYALLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18041) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising GSGQCTNYALLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18041). An F2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising VKQTLNFDLLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18043) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising VKQTLNFDLLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18043). A GSG-F2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising GSGVKQTLNFDLLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18045) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising GSGVKQTLNFDLLKLAGDVESNPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18045). A P2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising ATNFSLLKQAGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18047) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising ATNFSLLKQAGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18047). A GSG-P2A peptide may comprise an amino acid sequence comprising GSGATNFSLLKQAGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18050) or a sequence having at least 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence comprising GSGATNFSLLKQAGDVEENPGP (SEQ ID NO: 18050).
The disclosure provides a composition comprising a vector of the disclosure. The disclosure provides a cell comprising a CARTyrin of the disclosure. The disclosure provides a cell comprising a transposon of the disclosure. In certain embodiments, the cell comprising a CARTyrin, a transposon, or a vector of the disclosure may express a CARTyrim on the cell surface. The cell may be any type of cell. Preferably, the cell is an immune cell. The immune cell may be a T-cell, a Natural Killer (NK) cell, a Natural Killer (NK)-like cell, Cytokine Induced Killer (CIK) cell), a hematopoeitic progenitor cell, a peripheral blood (PB) derived T cell or an umbilical cord blood (UCB) derived T-cell. Preferably, the immune cell is a T-cell. The T-cell may be an early memory cell, a stem-like T-cell, a TSCM-like cell, a TSCM or a TCM. The T-cell may be a TSCM. The cell may be an artificial antigen presenting cell, which, optionally, may be used to stimulate and expand a modified immune cell or T cell of the disclosure. The cell may be a tumor cell, which, optionally, may be used as an artificial or modified antigen presenting cell.
Modified cells of the disclosure that may be used for adoptive therapy may be autologous or allogeneic.
The disclosure provides a method for expressing a CARTyrin on the surface of a cell, comprising: (a) obtaining a cell population; (b) contacting the cell population to a composition comprising a CARTyrin of the disclosure or a sequence encoding the CARTyrin, under conditions sufficient to transfer the CARTyrin across a cell membrane of at least one cell in the cell population, thereby generating a modified cell population; (c) culturing the modified cell population under conditions suitable for integration of the transposon; and (d) expanding and/or selecting at least one cell from the modified cell population that express the CARTyrin on the cell surface.
In certain embodiments of this method of expressing a CARTyrin, the cell population may comprise leukocytes and/or CD4+ and CD8+ leukocytes. The cell population may comprise CD4+ and CD8+ leukocytes in an optimized ratio. The optimized ratio of CD4+ to CD8+ leukocytes does not naturally occur in vivo. The cell population may comprise a tumor cell.
In certain embodiments of this method of expressing a CARTyrin, a transposon or vector comprises the CARTyrin or the sequence encoding the CARTyrin. In certain embodiments, a transposon comprises an anti-PSMA CARTyrin or the sequence encoding an anti-PSMA CARTyrin. In certain embodiments, the transposon comprises a piggyBac transposon. In certain embodiments, the transposon further comprises a composition comprising a plasmid comprising a sequence encoding a transposase enzyme. In certain embodiments, including those embodiments wherein the transposase is a piggyBac transposase, the transpose enzyme is an mRNA sequence. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac transposase comprises an amino acid sequence comprising SEQ ID NO: 18017. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac transposase is a hyperactive variant and wherein the hyperactive variant comprises an amino acid substitution at one or more of positions 30, 165, 282 and 538 of SEQ ID NO: 18017. In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 30 of SEQ ID NO: 18017 is a substitution of a valine (V) for an isoleucine (I) (I30V). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 165 of SEQ ID NO: 18017 is a substitution of a serine (S) for a glycine (G) (G165S). In certain embodiments, wherein the amino acid substitution at position 282 of SEQ ID NO: 18017 is a substitution of a valine (V) for a methionine (M) (M282V). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 538 of SEQ ID NO: 18017 is a substitution of a lysine (K) for an asparagine (N) (N538K). In certain embodiments, the transposase is a Super piggyBac (sPBo) transposase. In certain embodiments, the Super piggyBac (sPBo) transposase comprises an amino acid sequence comprising SEQ ID NO: 14484.
The disclosure provides a vector comprising a CARTyrin or a sequence encoding a CARTyrin of the disclosure. In certain embodiments, the vector comprises an anti-PSMA CARTyrin or a sequence encoding an anti-PSMA CARTyrin of the disclosure.
In certain embodiments of this method of expressing a CARTyrin, the conditions sufficient to transfer the sequence encoding the CARTyrin across a cell membrane of at least one cell in the cell population comprise nucleofection.
In certain embodiments of this method of expressing a CARTyrin, wherein the conditions sufficient to transfer the sequence encoding the CARTyrin across a cell membrane of at least one cell in the cell population comprise at least one of an application of one or more pulses of electricity at a specified voltage, a buffer, and one or more supplemental factor(s). In certain embodiments, the buffer may comprise PBS, HBSS, OptiMEM, BTXpress, Amaxa Nucleofector, Human T cell nucleofection buffer or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the one or more supplemental factor(s) may comprise (a) a recombinant human cytokine, a chemokine, an interleukin or any combination thereof; (b) a salt, a mineral, a metabolite or any combination thereof, (c) a cell medium; (d) an inhibitor of cellular DNA sensing, metabolism, differentiation, signal transduction, one or more apoptotic pathway(s) or combinations thereof; and (e) a reagent that modifies or stabilizes one or more nucleic acids. The recombinant human cytokine, the chemokine, the interleukin or any combination thereof may comprise IL2, IL7, IL12, IL15, IL21, IL1, IL3, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL8, CXCL8, IL9, IL10, IL11, IL13, IL14, IL16, IL17, IL18, IL19, IL20, IL22, IL23, IL25, IL26, IL27, IL28, IL29, IL30, IL31, IL32, IL33, IL35, IL36, GM-CSF, IFN-gamma, IL-1 alpha/IL-1F1, IL-1 beta/IL-1F2, IL-12 p70, IL-12/IL-35 p35, IL-13, IL-17/IL-17A, IL-17A/F Heterodimer, IL-17F, IL-18/IL-1F4, IL-23, IL-24, IL-32, IL-32 beta, IL-32 gamma, IL-33, LAP (TGF-beta 1), Lymphotoxin-alpha/TNF-beta, TGF-beta, TNF-alpha, TRANCE/TNFSF11/RANK L or any combination thereof. The salt, the mineral, the metabolite or any combination thereof may comprise HEPES, Nicotinamide, Heparin, Sodium Pyruvate, L-Glutamine, MEM Non-Essential Amino Acid Solution, Ascorbic Acid, Nucleosides, FBS/FCS, Human serum, serum-substitute, anti-biotics, pH adjusters, Earle's Salts, 2-Mercaptoethanol, Human transferrin, Recombinant human insulin, Human serum albumin, Nucleofector PLUS Supplement, KCL, MgCl2, Na2HPO4, NAH2PO4, Sodium lactobionate, Manitol, Sodium succinate, Sodium Chloride, CINa, Glucose, Ca(NO3)2, Tris/HCl, K2HPO4, KH2PO4, Polyethylenimine, Poly-ethylene-glycol, Poloxamer 188, Poloxamer 181, Poloxamer 407, Poly-vinylpyrrolidone, Pop313, Crown-5, or any combination thereof. The cell medium may comprise PBS, HBSS, OptiMEM, DMEM, RPMI 1640, AIM-V, X-VIVO 15, CellGro DC Medium, CTS OpTimizer T Cell Expansion SFM, TexMACS Medium, PRIME-XV T Cell Expansion Medium, ImmunoCult-XF T Cell Expansion Medium or any combination thereof. The inhibitor of cellular DNA sensing, metabolism, differentiation, signal transduction, one or more apoptotic pathway(s) or combinations thereof comprise inhibitors of TLR9, MyD88, IRAK, TRAF6, TRAF3, IRF-7, NF-KB, Type 1 Interferons, pro-inflammatory cytokines, cGAS, STING, Sec5, TBK1, IRF-3, RNA pol III, RIG-1, IPS-1, FADD, RIP1, TRAF3, AIM2, ASC, Caspase1, Pro-IL1B, PI3K, Akt, Wnt3A, inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-β) (e.g. TWS119), Bafilomycin, Chloroquine, Quinacrine, AC-YVAD-CMK, Z-VAD-FMK, Z-IETD-FMK or any combination thereof. The reagent that modifies or stabilizes one or more nucleic acids comprises a pH modifier, a DNA-binding protein, a lipid, a phospholipid, CaPO4, a net neutral charge DNA binding peptide with or without a NLS sequence, a TREX1 enzyme or any combination thereof.
In certain embodiments of this method of expressing a CARTyrin, the conditions suitable for integration of the CARTyrin or a sequence encoding the CARTyrin of the disclosure comprise at least one of a buffer and one or more supplemental factor(s). In certain embodiments, a transposon or vector of the disclosure comprise the CARTyrin or a sequence encoding the CARTyrin of the disclosure. In certain embodiments, the buffer may comprise PBS, HBSS, OptiMEM, BTXpress, Amaxa Nucleofector, Human T cell nucleofection buffer or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the one or more supplemental factor(s) may comprise (a) a recombinant human cytokine, a chemokine, an interleukin or any combination thereof; (b) a salt, a mineral, a metabolite or any combination thereof; (c) a cell medium; (d) an inhibitor of cellular DNA sensing, metabolism, differentiation, signal transduction, one or more apoptotic pathway(s) or combinations thereof; and (e) a reagent that modifies or stabilizes one or more nucleic acids. The recombinant human cytokine, the chemokine, the interleukin or any combination thereof may comprise IL2, IL7, IL12, IL15, IL21, IL1, IL3, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL8, CXCL8, IL9, IL10, IL11, IL13, IL14, IL16, IL17, IL18, IL19, IL20, IL22, IL23, IL25, IL26, IL27, IL28, IL29, IL30, IL31, IL32, IL33, IL35, IL36, GM-CSF, IFN-gamma, IL-1 alpha/IL-1F1, IL-1 beta/IL-1F2, IL-12 p70, IL-12/IL-35 p35, IL-13, IL-17/IL-17A, IL-17A/F Heterodimer, IL-17F, IL-18/IL-1F4, IL-23, IL-24, IL-32, IL-32 beta, IL-32 gamma, IL-33, LAP (TGF-beta 1), Lymphotoxin-alpha/TNF-beta, TGF-beta, TNF-alpha, TRANCE/TNFSF11/RANK L or any combination thereof. The salt, the mineral, the metabolite or any combination thereof may comprise HEPES, Nicotinamide, Heparin, Sodium Pyruvate, L-Glutamine, MEM Non-Essential Amino Acid Solution, Ascorbic Acid, Nucleosides, FBS/FCS, Human serum, serum-substitute, anti-biotics, pH adjusters, Earle's Salts, 2-Mercaptoethanol, Human transferrin, Recombinant human insulin, Human serum albumin, Nucleofector PLUS Supplement, KCL, MgCl2, Na2HPO4, NAH2PO4, Sodium lactobionate, Manitol, Sodium succinate, Sodium Chloride, CINa, Glucose, Ca(NO3)2, Tris/HCl, K2HPO4, KH2PO4, Polyethylenimine, Poly-ethylene-glycol, Poloxamer 188, Poloxamer 181, Poloxamer 407, Poly-vinylpyrrolidone, Pop313, Crown-5, or any combination thereof. The cell medium may comprise PBS, HBSS, OptiMEM, DMEM, RPMI 1640, AIM-V, X-VIVO 15, CellGro DC Medium, CTS OpTimizer T Cell Expansion SFM, TexMACS Medium, PRIME-XV T Cell Expansion Medium, ImmunoCult-XF T Cell Expansion Medium or any combination thereof. The inhibitor of cellular DNA sensing, metabolism, differentiation, signal transduction, one or more apoptotic pathway(s) or combinations thereof comprise inhibitors of TLR9, MyD88, IRAK, TRAF6, TRAF3, IRF-7, NF-KB, Type 1 Interferons, pro-inflammatory cytokines, cGAS, STING, Sec5, TBK1, IRF-3, RNA pol III, RIG-1, IPS-1, FADD, RIP1, TRAF3, AIM2, ASC, Caspase1, Pro-IL1B, PI3K, Akt, Wnt3A, inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) (e.g. TWS119), Bafilomycin, Chloroquine, Quinacrine, AC-YVAD-CMK, Z-VAD-FMK, Z-IETD-FMK or any combination thereof. The reagent that modifies or stabilizes one or more nucleic acids comprises a pH modifier, a DNA-binding protein, a lipid, a phospholipid, CaPO4, a net neutral charge DNA binding peptide with or without a NLS sequence, a TREX1 enzyme or any combination thereof.
In certain embodiments of this method of expressing a CARTyrin, the expansion and selection steps occur sequentially. The expansion may occur prior to selection. The expansion may occur following selection, and, optionally, a further (i.e. second) selection may occur following expansion.
In certain embodiments of this method of expressing a CARTyrin, the expansion and selection steps may occur simultaneously.
In certain embodiments of this method of expressing a CARTyrin, the expansion may comprise contacting at least one cell of the modified cell population with an antigen to stimulate the at least one cell through the CARTyrin, thereby generating an expanded cell population. The antigen may be presented on the surface of a substrate. The substrate may have any form, including, but not limited to a surface, a well, a bead or a plurality thereof, and a matrix. The substrate may further comprise a paramagnetic or magnetic component. In certain embodiments of this method of expressing a CARTyrin, the antigen may be presented on the surface of a substrate, wherein the substrate is a magnetic bead, and wherein a magnet may be used to remove or separate the magnetic beads from the modified and expanded cell population. The antigen may be presented on the surface of a cell or an artificial antigen presenting cell. Artificial antigen presenting cells of the disclosure may include, but are not limited to, tumor cells and stem cells.
In certain embodiments of this method of expressing a CARTyrin, wherein the transposon or vector comprises a selection gene and wherein the selection step comprises contacting at least one cell of the modified cell population with a compound to which the selection gene confers resistance, thereby identifying a cell expressing the selection gene as surviving the selection and identifying a cell failing to express the selection gene as failing to survive the selection step.
In certain embodiments of this method of expressing a CARTyrin, the expansion and/or selection steps may proceed for a period of 10 to 14 days, inclusive of the endpoints.
The disclosure provides a composition comprising the modified, expanded and selected cell population of the methods of the disclosure.
The disclosure provides a method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a composition of the disclosure, wherein the CARTyrin specifically binds to an antigen on a tumor cell. In certain embodiments, the tumor cell may be a malignant tumor cell. In certain embodiments, comprising administering to the subject the composition comprising a modified cell or cell population of the disclosure, the cell or cell population may be autologous. In certain embodiments, comprising administering to the subject the composition comprising a modified cell or cell population of the disclosure, the cell or cell population may be allogeneic.
The disclosure provides a method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject a composition of the disclosure, wherein the anti-PSMA CARTyrin specifically binds to a PSMA antigen on a tumor cell or a component of a vasculature of a tumor cell. In certain embodiments, the tumor cell is a prostate cell. In certain embodiments, the tumor cell may be a malignant tumor cell. In certain embodiments, comprising administering to the subject the composition comprising a modified cell or cell population of the disclosure, the cell or cell population may be autologous. In certain embodiments, comprising administering to the subject the composition comprising a modified cell or cell population of the disclosure, the cell or cell population may be allogeneic.
Methods of modifying a cell therapy of the disclosure may be used to terminate or dampen a therapy in response to, for example, a sign of recovery or a sign of decreasing disease severity/progression, a sign of disease remission/cessation, and/or the occurrence of an adverse event. Cell therapies of the disclosure may be resumed by inhibiting the induction agent should a sign or symptom of the disease reappear or increase in severity and/or an adverse event is resolved.
The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed in color. Copies of this patent or patent application publication with color drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and payment of the necessary fee.
The disclosure provides chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) comprising at least one Centyrin (CARTyrin). Chimeric antigen receptors of the disclosure may comprise more than one Centyrin. For example, a bi-specific CARTyrin may comprise two Centyrins that specifically bind two distinct antigens. In preferred embodiments, CARTyrins of the disclosure comprise at least one Centryrin that specifically binds a sequence of PSMA, and, therefore, are referred to as PSMA-specific Centryins. CARTyrins of the disclosure that comprise at least one PSMA-specific Centryrin are referred to herein as anti-PSMA CARTyrins for specifically binding a sequence of PSMA.
Centyrins of the disclosure specifically bind to an antigen. Chimeric antigen receptors of the disclosure comprising one or more Centyrins that specifically bind an antigen may be used to direct the specificity of a cell, (e.g. a cytotoxic immune cell) towards the specific antigen.
Centyrins of the disclosure may comprise a consensus sequence comprising
Chimeric antigen receptors of the disclosure may comprise a signal peptide of human CD2, CD3δ, CD3ε, CD3γ, CD3ζ, CD4, CD8α, CD19, CD28, 4-1BBor GM-CSFR. A hinge/spacer domain of the disclosure may comprise a hinge/spacer/stalk of human CD8α, IgG4, and/or CD4. An intracellular domain or endodomain of the disclosure may comprise an intracellular signaling domain of human CD3ζ and may further comprise human 4-1BB, CD28, CD40, ICOS, MyD88, OX-40 intracellular segment, or any combination thereof. Exemplary transmembrane domains include, but are not limited to a human CD2, CD3δ, CD3ε, CD3γ, CD3ζ, CD4, CD8α, CD19, CD28, 4-1BBor GM-CSFR transmembrane domain.
The disclosure provides genetically modified cells, such as T cells, NK cells, hematopoietic progenitor cells, peripheral blood (PB) derived T cells (including T cells from G-CSF-mobilized peripheral blood), umbilical cord blood (UCB) derived T cells rendered specific for one or more antigens by introducing to these cells a CARTyrin of the disclosure. Cells of the disclosure may be modified by electrotransfer of a transposon encoding a CARTyrin of the disclosure and a plasmid comprising a sequence encoding a transposase of the disclosure (preferably, the sequence encoding a transposase of the disclosure is an mRNA sequence).
The disclosure provides a chimeric stimulatory receptor (CSR) comprising: (a) an ectodomain comprising an activation component and (b) a transmembrane domain or a cell-membrane attachment region, wherein the combination of (a) and (b) is non-naturally occurring. In some embodiments, this CSR binds a component of the environment and changes the cellular consequence of that signaling by competing with full-length or transmembrane versions of the receptor to reduce the intracellular signal resulting from binding of the component of the environment to the activation component.
The disclosure provides a chimeric stimulatory receptor (CSR) comprising: (a) an ectodomain comprising a activation component; (b) a transmembrane domain; and (c) an endodomain comprising at least one signal transduction domain; wherein the combination of (a), (b) and (c) is non-naturally occurring.
In some embodiments of the CSRs of the disclosure, the activation component of (a) is isolated or derived from a first protein. In some embodiments, the signal transduction domain of (c) is isolated or derived from a second protein. In some embodiments, the first protein and the second protein are not identical.
In some embodiments of the CSRs of the disclosure, the CSR is a switch receptor that translates binding of the activation component extracellularly with either suppressing a signal or transducing a qualitatively different signal than would be transduced by a wild type, full-length or transmembrane version of the first protein. Because a CSR switch receptor is chimeric with respect to the extracellular and intracellular domains, the CSR can switch the consequence of binding the extracellular activation component from the naturally-occurring scenario to an engineered, non-naturally occurring, scenario.
In some embodiments of the CSRs of the disclosure, the activation component comprises one or more of a component of a human transmembrane receptor, a human cell-surface receptor, a T-cell Receptor (TCR), a component of a TCR complex, a component of a TCR co-receptor, a component of a TCR co-stimulatory protein, a component of a TCR inhibitory protein, a cytokine receptor, and a chemokine receptor. In some embodiments, the Activation component comprises a portion of one or more of a component of a human transmembrane receptor, a human cell-surface receptor, a T-cell Receptor (TCR), a component of a TCR complex, a component of a TCR co-receptor, a component of a TCR co-stimulatory protein, a component of a TCR inhibitory protein, a cytokine receptor, and a chemokine receptor to which an agonist of the activation component binds.
In some embodiments of the CSRs of the disclosure, the agonist comprises one or more of a small organic or inorganic molecule, a nucleic acid, an amino acid, an antibody or a fragment thereof, an antibody mimetic, an aptamer, a scaffold protein, a ligand, a receptor, a naturally occurring biomolecule, and a non-naturally occurring molecule (organic or inorganic).
In some embodiments of the CSRs of the disclosure, the Activation component comprises a CD2 protein or a portion thereof to which an agonist binds.
In some embodiments of the CSRs of the disclosure, the signal transduction domain comprises one or more of a component of human signal transduction domain, a T-cell Receptor (TCR), a component of a TCR complex, a component of a TCR co-receptor, a component of a TCR co-stimulatory protein, a component of a TCR inhibitory protein, a cytokine receptor, and a chemokine receptor. In some embodiments, the signal transduction domain comprises a CD3 protein. In some embodiments, the CD3 protein comprises a CD3ζ protein.
In some embodiments of the CSRs of the disclosure, the endodomain further comprises a cytoplasmic domain. In some embodiments, the sequence encoding the cytoplasmic domain comprises a sequence encoding a co-stimulatory protein. In some embodiments, the cytoplasmic domain is isolated or derived from a third protein. In some embodiments, the first protein and the third protein are identical.
In some embodiments of the CSRs of the disclosure, the ectodomain further comprises a signal peptide. In some embodiments, the signal peptide is derived from a fourth protein. In some embodiments, the first protein and the fourth protein are identical.
In some embodiments of the CSRs of the disclosure, the transmembrane domain is isolated or derived from a fifth protein. In some embodiments, the first protein and the fifth protein are identical.
In some embodiments of the CSRs of the disclosure, the CSR comprises an ectodomain comprising a signal peptide having a sequence isolated or derived from a CD2 protein and a Activation component comprising a sequence isolated or derived from a CD2 protein or a portion thereof to which an agonist binds, a transmembrane domain comprising a sequence isolated or derived from a CD2 protein, and an endodomain comprising a cytoplasmic domain comprising a sequence isolated or derived from a CD2 protein and a signal transduction domain comprising a sequence isolated or derived form a CD3ζ protein.
In some embodiments of the CSRs of the disclosure, the Activation component does not bind a naturally-occurring molecule.
In some embodiments of the CSRs of the disclosure, the CSR does not transduce a signal upon binding of the Activation component to a naturally-occurring molecule. In some embodiments, the ectodomain comprises a modification. In some embodiments, the modification comprises a mutation or a truncation of a sequence encoding the Activation component when compared to a wild type sequence of the first protein.
In some embodiments of the CSRs of the disclosure, the Activation component binds to a non-naturally occurring molecule.
In some embodiments of the CSRs of the disclosure, the CSR selectively transduces a signal upon binding of the Activation component to a non-naturally occurring molecule.
The disclosure provides a nucleic acid sequence encoding the CSR of the disclosure.
The disclosure provides a vector comprising the nucleic acid sequence encoding the CSR of the disclosure.
The disclosure provides a vector comprising the nucleic acid sequence encoding the CSR of the disclosure.
The disclosure provides a transposon comprising the nucleic acid sequence encoding the CSR of the disclosure.
The disclosure provides a cell comprising the CSR of the disclosure.
The disclosure provides a cell comprising the nucleic acid encoding the CSR of the disclosure.
The disclosure provides a cell comprising the vector comprising the nucleic acid sequence encoding the CSR of the disclosure.
The disclosure provides a cell comprising the transposon comprising the nucleic acid sequence encoding the CSR of the disclosure.
The disclosure provides a composition comprising the CSR of the disclosure.
The disclosure provides a composition comprising the nucleic acid encoding the CSR of the disclosure.
The disclosure provides a composition comprising the vector comprising the nucleic acid sequence encoding the CSR of the disclosure.
The disclosure provides a composition comprising the transposon comprising the nucleic acid sequence encoding the CSR of the disclosure.
The disclosure provides a composition comprising a cell of the disclosure, including those comprising a sequence encoding a CSR and/or expressing a CSR of the disclosure. The disclosure provides a composition comprising a plurality of cells of the disclosure, including those comprising a sequence encoding a CSR and/or expressing a CSR of the disclosure.
The disclosure provides a modified cell comprising: (a) a sequence encoding a CSR of the disclosure and (b) a sequence encoding an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide; and wherein the cell is a T-cell.
The disclosure provides a modified cell comprising: (a) a sequence encoding a CSR of the disclosure and (b) a sequence encoding an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide. In some embodiments of the modified cells of the disclosure, the modified cells further comprise a sequence encoding a non-naturally occurring antigen receptor, and/or a sequence encoding a therapeutic polypeptide.
In some embodiments of the modified cells of the disclosure, including those wherein the modified cell comprises a sequence encoding a non-naturally occurring antigen receptor, the non-naturally occurring antigen receptor comprises a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). In some embodiments, the CAR comprises: (a) an ectodomain comprising an antigen recognition region, (b) a transmembrane domain, and (c) an endodomain comprising at least one costimulatory domain. In some embodiments, the ectodomain of (a) of the CAR further comprises a signal peptide. In some embodiments, the ectodomain of (a) of the CAR further comprises a hinge between the antigen recognition region and the transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the endodomain comprises a human CD3ζ endodomain. In some embodiments, the at least one costimulatory domain comprises a human 4-1BB, CD28, CD40, ICOS, MyD88, OX-40 intracellular segment, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the at least one costimulatory domain comprises a human CD28 and/or a 4-1BB costimulatory domain.
In some embodiments of the modified cells of the disclosure, a transposon, a vector, a donor sequence or a donor plasmid comprises the sequence encoding the CSR and/or the sequence encoding the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide. In some embodiments, the transposon, the vector, the donor sequence or the donor plasmid further comprises a sequence encoding a non-naturally occurring antigen receptor or a sequence encoding a therapeutic protein. In some embodiments, the transposon, the vector, the donor sequence, or the donor plasmid further comprises the sequence encoding the selection marker. In some embodiments, the transposon is a piggyBac or a piggy-Bac like transposon.
In some embodiments of the modified cells of the disclosure, the sequence encoding the CSR is transiently expressed in the cell and wherein the sequence encoding the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide is stably expressed in the cell. In some embodiments, a sequence encoding a non-naturally occurring antigen receptor or a sequence encoding a therapeutic protein is stably expressed in the cell. In some embodiments, a first transposon, a first vector, a first donor sequence, or a first donor plasmid comprises the sequence encoding the CSR. In some embodiments, a second transposon, a second vector, a second donor sequence, or a second donor plasmid comprises one or more of the sequence encoding the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide, the sequence encoding a non-naturally occurring antigen receptor, the sequence encoding a therapeutic protein. In some embodiments, the first transposon, the first vector, the first donor sequence, or the first donor plasmid further comprises a sequence encoding a first selection marker. In some embodiments, the second transposon, the second vector, the second donor sequence, or the second donor plasmid further comprises a sequence encoding a second selection marker. In some embodiments, the first selection marker and the second selection marker are not identical.
In some embodiments of the modified cells of the disclosure, the selection marker is a cell surface marker. In some embodiments, the cell surface marker distinguishes cells when sorted by the marker or a detectable tag. In some embodiments, the detectable tag is fluorescent or magnetic.
In some embodiments of the modified cells of the disclosure, the selection marker comprises a protein that is active in dividing cells and not active in non-dividing cells. In some embodiments, the selection marker comprises a metabolic marker. In some embodiments, the selection marker comprises a dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) mutein enzyme. In some embodiments, the DHFR mutein enzyme comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of:
In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the DHFR mutein enzyme further comprises a mutation at one or more of positions 80, 113, or 153. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the DHFR mutein enzyme comprises one or more of a substitution of a Phenylalanine (F) or a Leucine (L) at position 80, a substitution of a Leucine (L) or a Valine (V) at position 113, and a substitution of a Valine (V) or an Aspartic Acid (D) at position 153.
The disclosure provides a Chimeric Stimulatory Receptor (CSR) to deliver CD3z primary stimulation to T cells (and, consequently, an endogenous CD3ζ) when stimulated using standard activation/stimulation reagents, including agonist anti-CD3 mAb.
Chimeric Stimulatory Receptors (CSRs) of the disclosure provide a CD3ζ stimulus to enhance activation and expansion of T cells. In some embodiments, CSRs of the disclosure comprise an agonist mAb epitope extracellularly and a CD3ζ stimulatory domain intracellularly and, functionally, convert an anti-CD28 or anti-CD2 binding event on the surface into a CD3z signaling event in an allogeneic T cell modified to express the CSR. In some embodiments, a CSR comprises a wild type CD28 or CD2 protein and a CD3z intracellular stimulation domain, to produce CD28z CSR and CD2z CSR, respectively. In preferred embodiments, CD28z CSR and/or CD2z CSR further express a non-naturally occurring antigen receptor and/or a therapeutic protein. In preferred embodiments, the non-naturally occurring antigen receptor comprises a Chimeric Antigen Receptor.
In certain embodiments, the CD28z CSR is encoded by an amino acid sequence comprising
In certain embodiments, the CD28z CSR is encoded by a nucleic acid sequence comprising
In certain embodiments, the CD2z CSR is encoded by an amino acid sequence comprising
In certain embodiments, the CD2z CSR is encoded by a nucleic acid sequence comprising
Modified T cells of the disclosure comprising/expressing a CSR of the disclosure improve the expansion of T cells when compared to those cells that do not comprise/express a CSR of the disclosure.
In certain embodiments, immune cells of the disclosure comprise lymphoid progenitor cells, natural killer (NK) cells, T lymphocytes (T-cell), stem memory T cells (TSCM cells), central memory T cells (TCM), stem cell-like T cells, B lymphocytes (B-cells), myeloid progenitor cells, neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, monocytes, macrophages, platelets, erythrocytes, red blood cells (RBCs), megakaryocytes or osteoclasts.
In certain embodiments, immune precursor cells comprise any cells which can differentiate into one or more types of immune cells. In certain embodiments, immune precursor cells comprise multipotent stem cells that can self renew and develop into immune cells. In certain embodiments, immune precursor cells comprise hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) or descendants thereof. In certain embodiments, immune precursor cells comprise precursor cells that can develop into immune cells. In certain embodiments, the immune precursor cells comprise hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs).
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are multipotent, self-renewing cells. All differentiated blood cells from the lymphoid and myeloid lineages arise from HSCs. HSCs can be found in adult bone marrow, peripheral blood, mobilized peripheral blood, peritoneal dialysis effluent and umbilical cord blood.
HSCs of the disclosure may be isolated or derived from a primary or cultured stem cell. HSCs of the disclosure may be isolated or derived from an embryonic stem cell, a multipotent stem cell, a pluripotent stem cell, an adult stem cell, or an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC).
Immune precursor cells of the disclosure may comprise an HSC or an HSC descendent cell. Exemplary HSC descendent cells of the disclosure include, but are not limited to, multipotent stem cells, lymphoid progenitor cells, natural killer (NK) cells, T lymphocyte cells (T-cells), B lymphocyte cells (B-cells), myeloid progenitor cells, neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, monocytes, and macrophages.
HSCs produced by the methods of the disclosure may retain features of “primitive” stem cells that, while isolated or derived from an adult stem cell and while committed to a single lineage, share characteristics of embryonic stem cells. For example, the “primitive” HSCs produced by the methods of the disclosure retain their “stemness” following division and do not differentiate. Consequently, as an adoptive cell therapy, the “primitive” HSCs produced by the methods of the disclosure not only replenish their numbers, but expand in vivo. “Primitive” HSCs produced by the methods of the disclosure may be therapeutically-effective when administered as a single dose. In some embodiments, primitive HSCs of the disclosure are CD34+. In some embodiments, primitive HSCs of the disclosure are CD34+ and CD38−. In some embodiments, primitive HSCs of the disclosure are CD34+, CD38− and CD90+. In some embodiments, primitive HSCs of the disclosure are CD34+, CD38−, CD90+ and CD45RA−. In some embodiments, primitive HSCs of the disclosure are CD34+, CD38−, CD90+, CD45RA−, and CD49f+. In some embodiments, the most primitive HSCs of the disclosure are CD34+, CD38−, CD90+, CD45RA−, and CD49f+.
In some embodiments of the disclosure, primitive HSCs, HSCs, and/or HSC descendent cells may be modified according to the methods of the disclosure to express an exogenous sequence (e.g. a chimeric antigen receptor or therapeutic protein). In some embodiments of the disclosure, modified primitive HSCs, modified HSCs, and/or modified HSC descendent cells may be forward differentiated to produce a modified immune cell including, but not limited to, a modified T cell, a modified natural killer cell and/or a modified B-cell of the disclosure.
Modified T cells of the disclosure may be derived from modified hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) or modified HSCs.
Unlike traditional biologics and chemotherapeutics, modified-T cells of the disclosure possess the capacity to rapidly reproduce upon antigen recognition, thereby potentially obviating the need for repeat treatments. To achieve this, in some embodiments, modified-T cells of the disclosure not only drive an initial response, but also persist in the patient as a stable population of viable memory T cells to prevent potential relapses. Alternatively, in some embodiments, when it is not desired, modified-T cells of the disclosure do not persist in the patient.
Intensive efforts have been focused on the development of antigen receptor molecules that do not cause T cell exhaustion through antigen-independent (tonic) signaling, as well as of a modified-T cell product containing early memory T cells, especially stem cell memory (TSCM) or stem cell-like T cells. Stem cell-like modified-T cells of the disclosure exhibit the greatest capacity for self-renewal and multipotent capacity to derive central memory (TCM) T cells or TCM like cells, effector memory (TEM) and effector T cells (TE), thereby producing better tumor eradication and long-term modified-T cell engraftment. A linear pathway of differentiation may be responsible for generating these cells: Naïve T cells (TN)>TSCM>TCM>TEM>TE>TTE, whereby TN is the parent precursor cell that directly gives rise to TSCM, which then, in turn, directly gives rise to TCM, etc. Compositions of T cells of the disclosure may comprise one or more of each parental T cell subset with TSCM cells being the most abundant (e.g. TSCM>TCM>TEM>TE>TTE).
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the immune cell precursor is differentiated into or is capable of differentiating into an early memory T cell, a stem cell like T-cell, a Naïve T cells (TN), a TSCM, a TCM, a TEM, a TE, or a TTE. In some embodiments, the immune cell precursor is a primitive HSC, an HSC, or a HSC descendent cell of the disclosure.
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the immune cell is an early memory T cell, a stem cell like T-cell, a Naïve T cells (TN), a TSCM, a TCM, a TEM, a TE, or a TTE.
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the immune cell is an early memory T cell.
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the immune cell is a stem cell like T-cell.
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the immune cell is a TSCM.
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the immune cell is a TCM.
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the methods modify and/or the methods produce a plurality of modified T cells, wherein at least 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between of the plurality of modified T cells expresses one or more cell-surface marker(s) of an early memory T cell. In certain embodiments, the plurality of modified early memory T cells comprises at least one modified stem cell-like T cell. In certain embodiments, the plurality of modified early memory T cells comprises at least one modified TSCM. In certain embodiments, the plurality of modified early memory T cells comprises at least one modified TCM.
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the methods modify and/or the methods produce a plurality of modified T cells, wherein at least 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between of the plurality of modified T cells expresses one or more cell-surface marker(s) of a stem cell-like T cell. In certain embodiments, the plurality of modified stem cell-like T cells comprises at least one modified TSCM. In certain embodiments, the plurality of modified stem cell-like T cells comprises at least one modified TCM.
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the methods modify and/or the methods produce a plurality of modified T cells, wherein at least 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between of the plurality of modified T cells expresses one or more cell-surface marker(s) of a stem memory T cell (TSCM). In certain embodiments, the cell-surface markers comprise CD62L and CD45RA. In certain embodiments, the cell-surface markers comprise one or more of CD62L, CD45RA, CD28, CCR7, CD127, CD45RO, CD95, CD95 and IL-2Rβ. In certain embodiments, the cell-surface markers comprise one or more of CD45RA, CD95, CCR7, and CD62L.
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the methods modify and/or the methods produce a plurality of modified T cells, wherein at least 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between of the plurality of modified T cells expresses one or more cell-surface marker(s) of a central memory T cell (TCM). In certain embodiments, the cell-surface markers comprise one or more of CD45RO, CD95, IL-2Rβ, CCR7, and CD62L.
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the methods modify and/or the methods produce a plurality of modified T cells, wherein at least 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between of the plurality of modified T cells expresses one or more cell-surface marker(s) of a naïve T cell (TN). In certain embodiments, the cell-surface markers comprise one or more of CD45RA, CCR7 and CD62L.
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the methods modify and/or the methods produce a plurality of modified T cells, wherein at least 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between of the plurality of modified T cells expresses one or more cell-surface marker(s) of an effector T-cell (modified TEFF). In certain embodiments, the cell-surface markers comprise one or more of CD45RA, CD95, and IL-2Rβ.
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the methods modify and/or the methods produce a plurality of modified T cells, wherein at least 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between of the plurality of modified T cells expresses one or more cell-surface marker(s) of a stem cell-like T cell, a stem memory T cell (TSCM) or a central memory T cell (TCM).
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, a buffer comprises the immune cell or precursor thereof. The buffer maintains or enhances a level of cell viability and/or a stem-like phenotype of the immune cell or precursor thereof, including T-cells. In certain embodiments, the buffer maintains or enhances a level of cell viability and/or a stem-like phenotype of the primary human T cells prior to the nucleofection. In certain embodiments, the buffer maintains or enhances a level of cell viability and/or a stem-like phenotype of the primary human T cells during the nucleofection. In certain embodiments, the buffer maintains or enhances a level of cell viability and/or a stem-like phenotype of the primary human T cells following the nucleofection. In certain embodiments, the buffer comprises one or more of KCl, MgCl2, ClNa, Glucose and Ca(NO3)2 in any absolute or relative abundance or concentration, and, optionally, the buffer further comprises a supplement selected from the group consisting of HEPES, Tris/HCl, and a phosphate buffer. In certain embodiments, the buffer comprises 5 mM KCl, 15 mM MgCl2, 90 mM ClNa, 10 mM Glucose and 0.4 mM Ca(NO3)2. In certain embodiments, the buffer comprises 5 mM KCl, 15 mM MgCl2, 90 mM ClNa, 10 mM Glucose and 0.4 mM Ca(NO3)2 and a supplement comprising 20 mM HEPES and 75 mM Tris/HCl. In certain embodiments, the buffer comprises 5 mM KCl, 15 mM MgCl2, 90 mM ClNa, 10 mM Glucose and 0.4 mM Ca(NO3)2 and a supplement comprising 40 mM Na2HPO4/NaH2PO4 at pH 7.2. In certain embodiments, the composition comprising primary human T cells comprises 100 μl of the buffer and between 5×106 and 25×106 cells. In certain embodiments, the composition comprises a scalable ratio of 250×106 primary human T cells per milliliter of buffer or other media during the introduction step.
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the methods comprise contacting an immune cell of the disclosure, including a T cell of the disclosure, and a T-cell expansion composition. In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the step of introducing a transposon and/or transposase of the disclosure into an immune cell of the disclosure may further comprise contacting the immune cell and a T-cell expansion composition. In some embodiments, including those in which the introducing step of the methods comprises an electroporation or a nucleofection step, the electroporation or a nucleofection step may be performed with the immune cell contacting T-cell expansion composition of the disclosure.
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the T-cell expansion composition comprises, consists essentially of or consists of phosphorus; one or more of an octanoic acid, a palmitic acid, a linoleic acid, and an oleic acid; a sterol; and an alkane.
In certain embodiments of the methods of producing a modified T cell of the disclosure, the expansion supplement comprises one or more cytokine(s). The one or more cytokine(s) may comprise any cytokine, including but not limited to, lymphokines. Exemplary lympokines include, but are not limited to, interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-3 (IL-3), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-5 (IL-5), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-7 (IL-7), interleukin-15 (IL-15), interleukin-21 (IL-21), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interferon-gamma (INFγ). The one or more cytokine(s) may comprise IL-2.
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the T-cell expansion composition comprises human serum albumin, recombinant human insulin, human transferrin, 2-Mercaptoethanol, and an expansion supplement. In certain embodiments of this method, the T-cell expansion composition further comprises one or more of octanoic acid, nicotinamide, 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyn-4,7-diol (TMDD), diisopropyl adipate (DIPA), n-butyl-benzenesulfonamide, 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-methylpropyl) ester, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid hydrazide, oleamide, a sterol and an alkane. In certain embodiments of this method, the T-cell expansion composition further comprises one or more of octanoic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid and a sterol. In certain embodiments of this method, the T-cell expansion composition further comprises one or more of octanoic acid at a concentration of between 0.9 mg/kg to 90 mg/kg, inclusive of the endpoints; palmitic acid at a concentration of between 0.2 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg, inclusive of the endpoints; linoleic acid at a concentration of between 0.2 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg, inclusive of the endpoints; oleic acid at a concentration of 0.2 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg, inclusive of the endpoints; and a sterol at a concentration of about 0.1 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg, inclusive of the endpoints. In certain embodiments of this method, the T-cell expansion composition further comprises one or more of octanoic acid at a concentration of about 9 mg/kg, palmitic acid at a concentration of about 2 mg/kg, linoleic acid at a concentration of about 2 mg/kg, oleic acid at a concentration of about 2 mg/kg and a sterol at a concentration of about 1 mg/kg. In certain embodiments of this method, the T-cell expansion composition further comprises one or more of octanoic acid at a concentration of between 6.4 μmol/kg and 640 μmol/kg, inclusive of the endpoints; palmitic acid at a concentration of between 0.7 μmol/kg and 70 μmol/kg, inclusive of the endpoints; linoleic acid at a concentration of between 0.75 μmol/kg and 75 μmol/kg, inclusive of the endpoints; oleic acid at a concentration of between 0.75 μmol/kg and 75 μmol/kg, inclusive of the endpoints; and a sterol at a concentration of between 0.25 μmol/kg and 25 μmol/kg, inclusive of the endpoints. In certain embodiments of this method, the T-cell expansion composition further comprises one or more of octanoic acid at a concentration of about 64 μmol/kg, palmitic acid at a concentration of about 7 μmol/kg, linoleic acid at a concentration of about 7.5 μmol/kg, oleic acid at a concentration of about 7.5 μmol/kg and a sterol at a concentration of about 2.5 μmol/kg.
In certain embodiments, the T-cell expansion composition comprises one or more of human serum albumin, recombinant human insulin, human transferrin, 2-Mercaptoethanol, and an expansion supplement to produce a plurality of expanded modified T-cells, wherein at least 2% of the plurality of modified T-cells expresses one or more cell-surface marker(s) of an early memory T cell, a stem cell-like T cell, a stem memory T cell (TSCM) and/or a central memory T cell (TCM). In certain embodiments, the T-cell expansion composition comprises or further comprises one or more of octanoic acid, nicotinamide, 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyn-4,7-diol (TMDD), diisopropyl adipate (DIPA), n-butyl-benzenesulfonamide, 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-methylpropyl) ester, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, stearic acid hydrazide, oleamide, a sterol and an alkane. In certain embodiments, the T-cell expansion composition comprises one or more of octanoic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid and a sterol (e.g. cholesterol). In certain embodiments, the T-cell expansion composition comprises one or more of octanoic acid at a concentration of between 0.9 mg/kg to 90 mg/kg, inclusive of the endpoints; palmitic acid at a concentration of between 0.2 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg, inclusive of the endpoints; linoleic acid at a concentration of between 0.2 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg, inclusive of the endpoints; oleic acid at a concentration of 0.2 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg, inclusive of the endpoints; and a sterol at a concentration of about 0.1 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg, inclusive of the endpoints (wherein mg/kg=parts per million). In certain embodiments, the T-cell expansion composition comprises one or more of octanoic acid at a concentration of about 9 mg/kg, palmitic acid at a concentration of about 2 mg/kg, linoleic acid at a concentration of about 2 mg/kg, oleic acid at a concentration of about 2 mg/kg, and a sterol at a concentration of about 1 mg/kg (wherein mg/kg=parts per million). In certain embodiments, the T-cell expansion composition comprises one or more of octanoic acid at a concentration of 9.19 mg/kg, palmitic acid at a concentration of 1.86 mg/kg, linoleic acid at a concentration of about 2.12 mg/kg, oleic acid at a concentration of about 2.13 mg/kg, and a sterol at a concentration of about 1.01 mg/kg (wherein mg/kg=parts per million). In certain embodiments, the T-cell expansion composition comprises octanoic acid at a concentration of 9.19 mg/kg, palmitic acid at a concentration of 1.86 mg/kg, linoleic acid at a concentration of 2.12 mg/kg, oleic acid at a concentration of about 2.13 mg/kg, and a sterol at a concentration of 1.01 mg/kg (wherein mg/kg=parts per million). In certain embodiments, the T-cell expansion composition comprises one or more of octanoic acid at a concentration of between 6.4 μmol/kg and 640 μmol/kg, inclusive of the endpoints; palmitic acid at a concentration of between 0.7 μmol/kg and 70 μmol/kg, inclusive of the endpoints; linoleic acid at a concentration of between 0.75 μmol/kg and 75 μmol/kg, inclusive of the endpoints; oleic acid at a concentration of between 0.75 μmol/kg and 75 μmol/kg, inclusive of the endpoints; and a sterol at a concentration of between 0.25 μmol/kg and 25 μmol/kg, inclusive of the endpoints. In certain embodiments, the T-cell expansion composition comprises one or more of octanoic acid at a concentration of about 64 μmol/kg, palmitic acid at a concentration of about 7 μmol/kg, linoleic acid at a concentration of about 7.5 μmol/kg, oleic acid at a concentration of about 7.5 μmol/kg and a sterol at a concentration of about 2.5 μmol/kg. In certain embodiments, the T-cell expansion composition comprises one or more of octanoic acid at a concentration of about 63.75 μmol/kg, palmitic acid at a concentration of about 7.27 μmol/kg, linoleic acid at a concentration of about 7.57 μmol/kg, oleic acid at a concentration of about 7.56 μmol/kg and a sterol at a concentration of about 2.61 μmol/kg. In certain embodiments, the T-cell expansion composition comprises octanoic acid at a concentration of about 63.75 μmol/kg, palmitic acid at a concentration of about 7.27 μmol/kg, linoleic acid at a concentration of about 7.57 μmol/kg, oleic acid at a concentration of 7.56 μmol/kg and a sterol at a concentration of 2.61 μmol/kg.
As used herein, the terms “supplemented T-cell expansion composition” or “T-cell expansion composition” may be used interchangeably with a media comprising one or more of human serum albumin, recombinant human insulin, human transferrin, 2-Mercaptoethanol, and an expansion supplement at 37° C. Alternatively, or in addition, the terms “supplemented T-cell expansion composition” or “T-cell expansion composition” may be used interchangeably with a media comprising one or more of phosphorus, an octanoic fatty acid, a palmitic fatty acid, a linoleic fatty acid and an oleic acid. In certain embodiments, the media comprises an amount of phosphorus that is 10-fold higher than may be found in, for example, Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Medium ((IMDM); available at ThermoFisher Scientific as Catalog number 12440053).
As used herein, the terms “supplemented T-cell expansion composition” or “T-cell expansion composition” may be used interchangeably with a media comprising one or more of human serum albumin, recombinant human insulin, human transferrin, 2-Mercaptoethanol, Iscove's MDM, and an expansion supplement at 37° C. Alternatively, or in addition, the terms “supplemented T-cell expansion composition” or “T-cell expansion composition” may be used interchangeably with a media comprising one or more of the following elements: boron, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and calcium. In certain embodiments, the terms “supplemented T-cell expansion composition” or “T-cell expansion composition” may be used interchangeably with a media comprising one or more of the following elements present in the corresponding average concentrations: boron at 3.7 mg/L, sodium at 3000 mg/L, magnesium at 18 mg/L, phosphorus at 29 mg/L, potassium at 15 mg/L and calcium at 4 mg/L.
As used herein, the terms “supplemented T-cell expansion composition” or “T-cell expansion composition” may be used interchangeably with a media comprising one or more of human serum albumin, recombinant human insulin, human transferrin, 2-Mercaptoethanol, and an expansion supplement at 37° C. Alternatively, or in addition, the terms “supplemented T-cell expansion composition” or “T-cell expansion composition” may be used interchangeably with a media comprising one or more of the following components: octanoic acid (CAS No. 124-07-2), nicotinamide (CAS No. 98-92-0), 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyn-4,7-diol (TMDD) (CAS No. 126-86-3), diisopropyl adipate (DIPA) (CAS No. 6938-94-9), n-butyl-benzenesulfonamide (CAS No. 3622-84-2), 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-methylpropyl) ester (CAS No. 84-69-5), palmitic acid (CAS No. 57-10-3), linoleic acid (CAS No. 60-33-3), oleic acid (CAS No. 112-80-1), stearic acid hydrazide (CAS No. 4130-54-5), oleamide (CAS No. 3322-62-1), sterol (e.g., cholesterol) (CAS No. 57-88-5), and alkanes (e.g., nonadecane) (CAS No. 629-92-5). In certain embodiments, the terms “supplemented T-cell expansion composition” or “T-cell expansion composition” may be used interchangeably with a media comprising one or more of the following components: octanoic acid (CAS No. 124-07-2), nicotinamide (CAS No. 98-92-0), 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyn-4,7-diol (TMDD) (CAS No. 126-86-3), diisopropyl adipate (DIPA) (CAS No. 6938-94-9), n-butyl-benzenesulfonamide (CAS No. 3622-84-2), 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-methylpropyl) ester (CAS No. 84-69-5), palmitic acid (CAS No. 57-10-3), linoleic acid (CAS No. 60-33-3), oleic acid (CAS No. 112-80-1), stearic acid hydrazide (CAS No. 4130-54-5), oleamide (CAS No. 3322-62-1), sterol (e.g., cholesterol) (CAS No. 57-88-5), alkanes (e.g., nonadecane) (CAS No. 629-92-5), and phenol red (CAS No. 143-74-8). In certain embodiments, the terms “supplemented T-cell expansion composition” or “T-cell expansion composition” may be used interchangeably with a media comprising one or more of the following components: octanoic acid (CAS No. 124-07-2), nicotinamide (CAS No. 98-92-0), 2,4,7,9-tetramethyl-5-decyn-4,7-diol (TMDD) (CAS No. 126-86-3), diisopropyl adipate (DIPA) (CAS No. 6938-94-9), n-butyl-benzenesulfonamide (CAS No. 3622-84-2), 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, bis(2-methylpropyl) ester (CAS No. 84-69-5), palmitic acid (CAS No. 57-10-3), linoleic acid (CAS No. 60-33-3), oleic acid (CAS No. 112-80-1), stearic acid hydrazide (CAS No. 4130-54-5), oleamide (CAS No. 3322-62-1), phenol red (CAS No. 143-74-8) and lanolin alcohol.
In certain embodiments, the terms “supplemented T-cell expansion composition” or “T-cell expansion composition” may be used interchangeably with a media comprising one or more of human serum albumin, recombinant human insulin, human transferrin, 2-Mercaptoethanol, and an expansion supplement at 37° C. Alternatively, or in addition, the terms “supplemented T-cell expansion composition” or “T-cell expansion composition” may be used interchangeably with a media comprising one or more of the following ions: sodium, ammonium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, chloride, sulfate and phosphate.
As used herein, the terms “supplemented T-cell expansion composition” or “T-cell expansion composition” may be used interchangeably with a media comprising one or more of human serum albumin, recombinant human insulin, human transferrin, 2-Mercaptoethanol, and an expansion supplement at 37° C. Alternatively, or in addition, the terms “supplemented T-cell expansion composition” or “T-cell expansion composition” may be used interchangeably with a media comprising one or more of the following free amino acids: histidine, asparagine, serine, glutamate, arginine, glycine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, threonine, alanine, proline, cysteine, lysine, tyrosine, methionine, valine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine and tryptophan. In certain embodiments, the terms “supplemented T-cell expansion composition” or “T-cell expansion composition” may be used interchangeably with a media comprising one or more of the following free amino acids in the corresponding average mole percentages: histidine (about 1%), asparagine (about 0.5%), serine (about 1.5%), glutamine (about 67%), arginine (about 1.5%), glycine (about 1.5%), aspartic acid (about 1%), glutamic acid (about 2%), threonine (about 2%), alanine (about 1%), proline (about 1.5%), cysteine (about 1.5%), lysine (about 3%), tyrosine (about 1.5%), methionine (about 1%), valine (about 3.5%), isoleucine (about 3%), leucine (about 3.5%), phenylalanine (about 1.5%) and tryptophan (about 0.5%). In certain embodiments, the terms “supplemented T-cell expansion composition” or “T-cell expansion composition” may be used interchangeably with a media comprising one or more of the following free amino acids in the corresponding average mole percentages: histidine (about 0.78%), asparagine (about 0.4%), serine (about 1.6%), glutamine (about 67.01%), arginine (about 1.67%), glycine (about 1.72%), aspartic acid (about 1.00%), glutamic acid (about 1.93%), threonine (about 2.38%), alanine (about 1.11%), proline (about 1.49%), cysteine (about 1.65%), lysine (about 2.84%), tyrosine (about 1.62%), methionine (about 0.85%), valine (about 3.45%), isoleucine (about 3.14%), leucine (about 3.3%), phenylalanine (about 1.64%) and tryptophan (about 0.37%).
As used herein, the terms “supplemented T-cell expansion composition” or “T-cell expansion composition” may be used interchangeably with a media comprising one or more of human serum albumin, recombinant human insulin, human transferrin, 2-Mercaptoethanol, Iscove's MDM, and an expansion supplement at 37° C. Alternatively, or in addition, the terms “supplemented T-cell expansion composition” or “T-cell expansion composition” may be used interchangeably with a media comprising one or more of phosphorus, an octanoic fatty acid, a palmitic fatty acid, a linoleic fatty acid and an oleic acid. In certain embodiments, the media comprises an amount of phosphorus that is 10-fold higher than may be found in, for example, Iscove's Modified Dulbecco's Medium ((IMDM); available at ThermoFisher Scientific as Catalog number 12440053).
In certain embodiments, the terms “supplemented T-cell expansion composition” or “T-cell expansion composition” may be used interchangeably with a media comprising one or more of octanoic acid, palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid and a sterol (e.g. cholesterol). In certain embodiments, the terms “supplemented T-cell expansion composition” or “T-cell expansion composition” may be used interchangeably with a media comprising one or more of octanoic acid at a concentration of between 0.9 mg/kg to 90 mg/kg, inclusive of the endpoints; palmitic acid at a concentration of between 0.2 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg, inclusive of the endpoints; linoleic acid at a concentration of between 0.2 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg, inclusive of the endpoints; oleic acid at a concentration of 0.2 mg/kg to 20 mg/kg, inclusive of the endpoints; and a sterol at a concentration of about 0.1 mg/kg to 10 mg/kg, inclusive of the endpoints (wherein mg/kg=parts per million). In certain embodiments, the terms “supplemented T-cell expansion composition” or “T-cell expansion composition” may be used interchangeably with a media comprising one or more of octanoic acid at a concentration of about 9 mg/kg, palmitic acid at a concentration of about 2 mg/kg, linoleic acid at a concentration of about 2 mg/kg, oleic acid at a concentration of about 2 mg/kg, and a sterol at a concentration of about 1 mg/kg (wherein mg/kg=parts per million). In certain embodiments, the terms “supplemented T-cell expansion composition” or “T-cell expansion composition” may be used interchangeably with a media comprising one or more of octanoic acid at a concentration of 9.19 mg/kg, palmitic acid at a concentration of 1.86 mg/kg, linoleic acid at a concentration of about 2.12 mg/kg, oleic acid at a concentration of about 2.13 mg/kg, and a sterol at a concentration of about 1.01 mg/kg (wherein mg/kg=parts per million). In certain embodiments, the terms “supplemented T-cell expansion composition” or “T-cell expansion composition” may be used interchangeably with a media comprising one or more of octanoic acid at a concentration of 9.19 mg/kg, palmitic acid at a concentration of 1.86 mg/kg, linoleic acid at a concentration of 2.12 mg/kg, oleic acid at a concentration of about 2.13 mg/kg, and a sterol at a concentration of 1.01 mg/kg (wherein mg/kg=parts per million). In certain embodiments, the terms “supplemented T-cell expansion composition” or “T-cell expansion composition” may be used interchangeably with a media comprising one or more of octanoic acid at a concentration of between 6.4 μmol/kg and 640 μmol/kg, inclusive of the endpoints; palmitic acid at a concentration of between 0.7 μmol/kg and 70 μmol/kg, inclusive of the endpoints; linoleic acid at a concentration of between 0.75 μmol/kg and 75 μmol/kg, inclusive of the endpoints; oleic acid at a concentration of between 0.75 μmol/kg and 75 μmol/kg, inclusive of the endpoints; and a sterol at a concentration of between 0.25 μmol/kg and 25 μmol/kg, inclusive of the endpoints. In certain embodiments, the terms “supplemented T-cell expansion composition” or “T-cell expansion composition” may be used interchangeably with a media comprising one or more of octanoic acid at a concentration of about 64 μmol/kg, palmitic acid at a concentration of about 7 μmol/kg, linoleic acid at a concentration of about 7.5 μmol/kg, oleic acid at a concentration of about 7.5 μmol/kg and a sterol at a concentration of about 2.5 μmol/kg.
In certain embodiments, the terms “supplemented T-cell expansion composition” or “T-cell expansion composition” may be used interchangeably with a media comprising one or more of octanoic acid at a concentration of about 63.75 μmol/kg, palmitic acid at a concentration of about 7.27 μmol/kg, linoleic acid at a concentration of about 7.57 μmol/kg, oleic acid at a concentration of about 7.56 μmol/kg and a sterol at a concentration of about 2.61 μmol/kg. In certain embodiments, the terms “supplemented T-cell expansion composition” or “T-cell expansion composition” may be used interchangeably with a media comprising one or more of octanoic acid at a concentration of about 63.75 μmol/kg, palmitic acid at a concentration of about 7.27 μmol/kg, linoleic acid at a concentration of about 7.57 μmol/kg, oleic acid at a concentration of 7.56 μmol/kg and a sterol at a concentration of 2.61 μmol/kg.
In certain embodiments of the methods of producing a modified T cell (e.g. a stem cell-like T cell, a TSCM and/or a TCM) of the disclosure, the method comprises contacting a modified T cell and an inhibitor of the P13K-Akt-mTOR pathway. Modified T-cells of the disclosure, including modified stem cell-like T cells, TSCM and/or TCM of the disclosure, may be incubated, cultured, grown, stored, or otherwise, combined at any step in the methods of the procedure with a growth medium comprising one or more inhibitors a component of a PI3K pathway. Exemplary inhibitors a component of a PI3K pathway include, but are not limited to, an inhibitor of GSK3β such as TWS119 (also known as GSK 3B inhibitor XII; CAS Number 601514-19-6 having a chemical formula C18H14N4O2). Exemplary inhibitors of a component of a PI3K pathway include, but are not limited to, bb007 (BLUEBIRDBIO™). Additional Exemplary inhibitors of a component of a PI3K pathway include, but are not limited to, an allosteric Akt inhibitor VIII (also referred to as Akti-1/2 having Compound number 10196499), ATP competitive inhibitors (Orthosteric inhibitors targeting the ATP-binding pocket of the protein kinase B (Akt)), Isoquinoline-5-sulfonamides (H-8, H-89, and NL-71-101), Azepane derivatives (A series of structures derived from (−)-balanol), Aminofurazans (GSK690693), Heterocyclic rings (7-azaindole, 6-phenylpurine derivatives, pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives, CCT128930, 3-aminopyrrolidine, anilinotriazole derivatives, spiroindoline derivatives, AZD5363, ipatasertib (GDC-0068, RG7440), A-674563, and A-443654), Phenylpyrazole derivatives (AT7867 and AT13148), Thiophenecarboxamide derivatives (Afuresertib (GSK2110183), 2-pyrimidyl-5-amidothiophene derivative (DC120), uprosertib (GSK2141795)), Allosteric inhibitors (Superior to orthosteric inhibitors providing greater specificity, reduced side-effects and less toxicity), 2,3-diphenylquinoxaline analogues (2,3-diphenylquinoxaline derivatives, triazolo[3,4-f][1,6]naphthyridin-3(2H)-one derivative (MK-2206)), Alkylphospholipids (Edelfosine (1-O-octadecyl-2-O-methyl-rac-glycero-3-phosphocholine, ET-18-OCH3) ilmofosine (BM 41.440), miltefosine (hexadecylphosphocholine, HePC), perifosine (D-21266), erucylphosphocholine (ErPC), erufosine (ErPC3, erucylphosphohomocholine), Indole-3-carbinol analogues (Indole-3-carbinol, 3-chloroacetylindole, diindolylmethane, diethyl 6-methoxy-5,7-dihydroindolo [2,3-b]carbazole-2,10-dicarboxylate (SR13668), OSU-A9), Sulfonamide derivatives (PH-316 and PHT-427), Thiourea derivatives (PIT-1, PIT-2, DM-PIT-1, N-[(1-methyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)carbonyl]-N-(3-bromophenyl)-thiourea), Purine derivatives (Triciribine (TCN, NSC 154020), triciribine mono-phosphate active analogue (TCN-P), 4-amino-pyrido[2,3-d]pyrimidine derivative API-1, 3-phenyl-3H-imidazo[4,5-b]pyridine derivatives, ARQ 092), BAY 1125976, 3-methyl-xanthine, quinoline-4-carboxamide and 2-[4-(cyclohexa-1,3-dien-1-yl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yl]phenol, 3-oxo-tirucallic acid, 3σ- and 3β-acetoxy-tirucallic acids, acetoxy-tirucallic acid, and irreversible inhibitors (antibiotics, Lactoquinomycin, Frenolicin B, kalafungin, medermycin, Boc-Phe-vinyl ketone, 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), 1,6-naphthyridinone derivatives, and imidazo-1,2-pyridine derivatives).
In certain embodiments of the methods of producing a modified T cell (e.g. a stem cell-like T cell, a TSCM and/or a TCM) of the disclosure, the method comprises contacting a modified T cell and an inhibitor of T cell effector differentiation. Exemplary inhibitors of T cell effector differentiation include, but are not limited to, a BET inhibitor (e.g. JQ1, a hienotriazolodiazepine) and/or an inhibitor of the BET family of proteins (e.g. BRD2, BRD3, BRD4, and BRDT).
In certain embodiments of the methods of producing a modified T cell (e.g. a stem cell-like T cell, a TSCM and/or a TCM) of the disclosure, the method comprises contacting a modified T cell and an agent that reduces nucleo-cytoplasmic Acetyl-CoA. Exemplary agents that reduce nucleo-cytoplasmic Acetyl-CoA include, but are not limited to, 2-hydroxy-citrate (2-HC) as well as agents that increase expression of Acss1.
In certain embodiments of the methods of producing a modified T cell (e.g. a stem cell-like T cell, a TSCM and/or a TCM) of the disclosure, the method comprises contacting a modified T cell and a composition comprising a histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor. In some embodiments, the composition comprising an HDAC inhibitor comprises or consists of valproic acid, Sodium Phenylbutyrate (NaPB) or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the composition comprising an HDAC inhibitor comprises or consists of valproic acid. In some embodiments, the composition comprising an HDAC inhibitor comprises or consists of Sodium Phenylbutyrate (NaPB).
In certain embodiments of the methods of producing a modified T cell (e.g. a stem cell-like T cell, a TSCM and/or a TCM) of the disclosure, the activation supplement may comprise one or more cytokine(s). The one or more cytokine(s) may comprise any cytokine, including but not limited to, lymphokines. Exemplary lympokines include, but are not limited to, interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-3 (IL-3), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-5 (IL-5), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-7 (IL-7), interleukin-15 (IL-15), interleukin-21 (IL-21), granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interferon-gamma (INFγ). The one or more cytokine(s) may comprise IL-2.
In certain embodiments of the methods of producing a modified T cell (e.g. a stem cell-like T cell, a TSCM and/or a TCM) of the disclosure, the activation supplement may comprise one or more activator complexes. Exemplary and nonlimiting activator complexes may comprise a monomeric, dimeric, trimeric or tetrameric antibody complex that binds one or more of CD3, CD28, and CD2. In some embodiments, the activation supplement comprises or consists of an activator complex that comprises a human, a humanized or a recombinant or a chimeric antibody. In some embodiments, the activation supplement comprises or consists of an activator complex that binds CD3 and CD28. In some embodiments, the activation supplement comprises or consists of an activator complex that binds CD3, CD28 and CD2.
In certain embodiments, the modified immune or immune precursor cells of the disclosure are natural killer (NK) cells. In certain embodiments, NK cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes that differentiate from lymphoid progenitor cells.
Modified NK cells of the disclosure may be derived from modified hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) or modified HSCs.
In certain embodiments, non-activated NK cells are derived from CD3-depleted leukopheresis (containing CD14/CD19/CD56+ cells).
In certain embodiments, NK cells are electroporated using a Lonza 4D nucleofector or BTX ECM 830 (500V, 700 usec pulse length, 0.2 mm electrode gap, one pulse). All Lonza 4D nucleofector programs are contemplated as within the scope of the methods of the disclosure.
In certain embodiments, 5×10E6 cells were electroporated per electroporation in 100 μL P3 buffer in cuvettes. However, this ratio of cells per volume is scalable for commercial manufacturing methods.
In certain embodiments, NK cells were stimulated by co-culture with an additional cell line. In certain embodiments, the additional cell line comprises artificial antigen presenting cells (aAPCs). In certain embodiments, stimulation occurs at day 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 following electroporation. In certain embodiments, stimulation occurs at day 2 following electroporation.
In certain embodiments, NK cells express CD56.
In certain embodiments, the modified immune or immune precursor cells of the disclosure are B cells. B cells are a type of lymphocyte that express B cell receptors on the cell surface. B cell receptors bind to specific antigens.
Modified B cells of the disclosure may be derived from modified hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) or modified HSCs.
In certain embodiments, HSPCs are modified using the methods of the disclosure, and then primed for B cell differentiation in presence of human IL-3, Flt3L, TPO, SCF, and G-CSF for at least 3 days, at least 4 days, at least 5 days, at least 6 days or at least 7 days. In certain embodiments, HSPCs are modified using the methods of the disclosure, and then primed for B cell differentiation in presence of human IL-3, Flt3L, TPO, SCF, and G-CSF for 5 days.
In certain embodiments, following priming, modified HSPC cells are transferred to a layer of feeder cells and fed bi-weekly, along with transfer to a fresh layer of feeders once per week. In certain embodiments, the feeder cells are MS-5 feeder cells.
In certain embodiments, modified HSPC cells are cultured with MS-5 feeder cells for at least 7, 14, 21, 28, 30, 33, 35, 42 or 48 days. In certain embodiments, modified HSPC cells were cultured with MS-5 feeder cells for 33 days.
Exemplary transposon/transposase systems of the disclosure include, but are not limited to, piggyBac transposons and transposases, Sleeping Beauty transposons and transposases, Helraiser transposons and transposases, Tol2 transposons and transposases and TcBuster transposons and transposases.
The piggyBac transposase recognizes transposon-specific inverted terminal repeat sequences (ITRs) on the ends of the transposon, and moves the contents between the ITRs into TTAA chromosomal sites. The piggyBac transposon system has no payload limit for the genes of interest that can be included between the ITRs. In certain embodiments, and, in particular, those embodiments wherein the transposon is a piggyBac transposon, the transposase is a piggyBac™ or a Super piggyBac™ (SPB) transposase. In certain embodiments, and, in particular, those embodiments wherein the transposase is a Super piggyBac™ (SPB) transposase, the sequence encoding the transposase is an mRNA sequence.
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac™ (PB) transposase enzyme. The piggyBac (PB) transposase enzyme may comprise or consist of an amino acid sequence at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between identical to:
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac™ (PB) transposase enzyme that comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence having an amino acid substitution at one or more of positions 30, 165, 282, or 538 of the sequence:
In certain embodiments, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac™ (PB) transposase enzyme that comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence having an amino acid substitution at two or more of positions 30, 165, 282, or 538 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487. In certain embodiments, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac™ (PB) transposase enzyme that comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence having an amino acid substitution at three or more of positions 30, 165, 282, or 538 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487. In certain embodiments, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac™ (PB) transposase enzyme that comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence having an amino acid substitution at each of the following positions 30, 165, 282, and 538 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487. In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 30 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487 is a substitution of a valine (V) for an isoleucine (I). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 165 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487 is a substitution of a serine (S) for a glycine (G). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 282 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487 is a substitution of a valine (V) for a methionine (M). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 538 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487 is a substitution of a lysine (K) for an asparagine (N).
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the transposase enzyme is a Super piggyBac™ (SPB) transposase enzyme. In certain embodiments, the Super piggyBac™ (SPB) transposase enzymes of the disclosure may comprise or consist of the amino acid sequence of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487 wherein the amino acid substitution at position 30 is a substitution of a valine (V) for an isoleucine (I), the amino acid substitution at position 165 is a substitution of a serine (S) for a glycine (G), the amino acid substitution at position 282 is a substitution of a valine (V) for a methionine (M), and the amino acid substitution at position 538 is a substitution of a lysine (K) for an asparagine (N). In certain embodiments, the Super piggyBac™ (SPB) transposase enzyme may comprise or consist of an amino acid sequence at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between identical to:
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, including those embodiments wherein the transposase comprises the above-described mutations at positions 30, 165, 282 and/or 538, the piggyBac™ or Super piggyBac™ transposase enzyme may further comprise an amino acid substitution at one or more of positions 3, 46, 82, 103, 119, 125, 177, 180, 185, 187, 200, 207, 209, 226, 235, 240, 241, 243, 258, 296, 298, 311, 315, 319, 327, 328, 340, 421, 436, 456, 470, 486, 503, 552, 570 and 591 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484. In certain embodiments, including those embodiments wherein the transposase comprises the above-described mutations at positions 30, 165, 282 and/or 538, the piggyBac™ or Super piggyBac™ transposase enzyme may further comprise an amino acid substitution at one or more of positions 46, 119, 125, 177, 180, 185, 187, 200, 207, 209, 226, 235, 240, 241, 243, 296, 298, 311, 315, 319, 327, 328, 340, 421, 436, 456, 470, 485, 503, 552 and 570. In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 3 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of an asparagine (N) for a serine (S). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 46 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a serine (S) for an alanine (A). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 46 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a threonine (T) for an alanine (A). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 82 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a tryptophan (W) for an isoleucine (I). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 103 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a proline (P) for a serine (S). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 119 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a proline (P) for an arginine (R). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 125 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of an alanine (A) a cysteine (C). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 125 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a leucine (L) for a cysteine (C). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 177 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a lysine (K) for a tyrosine (Y). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 177 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a histidine (H) for a tyrosine (Y). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 180 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a leucine (L) for a phenylalanine (F). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 180 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of an isoleucine (I) for a phenylalanine (F). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 180 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a valine (V) for a phenylalanine (F). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 185 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a leucine (L) for a methionine (M). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 187 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a glycine (G) for an alanine (A). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 200 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a tryptophan (W) for a phenylalanine (F). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 207 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a proline (P) for a valine (V). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 209 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a phenylalanine (F) for a valine (V). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 226 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a phenylalanine (F) for a methionine (M). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 235 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of an arginine (R) for a leucine (L). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 240 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a lysine (K) for a valine (V). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 241 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a leucine (L) for a phenylalanine (F). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 243 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a lysine (K) for a proline (P). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 258 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a serine (S) for an asparagine (N). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 296 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a tryptophan (W) for a leucine (L). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 296 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a tyrosine (Y) for a leucine (L). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 296 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a phenylalanine (F) for a leucine (L). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 298 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a leucine (L) for a methionine (M). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 298 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of an alanine (A) for a methionine (M). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 298 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a valine (V) for a methionine (M). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 311 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of an isoleucine (I) for a proline (P). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 311 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a valine for a proline (P). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 315 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a lysine (K) for an arginine (R). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 319 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a glycine (G) for a threonine (T). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 327 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of an arginine (R) for a tyrosine (Y). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 328 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a valine (V) for a tyrosine (Y). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 340 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a glycine (G) for a cysteine (C). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 340 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a leucine (L) for a cysteine (C). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 421 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a histidine (H) for the aspartic acid (D). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 436 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of an isoleucine (I) for a valine (V). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 456 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a tyrosine (Y) for a methionine (M). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 470 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a phenylalanine (F) for a leucine (L). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 485 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a lysine (K) for a serine (S). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 503 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a leucine (L) for a methionine (M). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 503 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of an isoleucine (I) for a methionine (M). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 552 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a lysine (K) for a valine (V). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 570 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a threonine (T) for an alanine (A). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 591 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a proline (P) for a glutamine (Q). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 591 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of an arginine (R) for a glutamine (Q).
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, including those embodiments wherein the transposase comprises the above-described mutations at positions 30, 165, 282 and/or 538, the piggyBac™ transposase enzyme may comprise or the Super piggyBac™ transposase enzyme may further comprise an amino acid substitution at one or more of positions 103, 194, 372, 375, 450, 509 and 570 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484. In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, including those embodiments wherein the transposase comprises the above-described mutations at positions 30, 165, 282 and/or 538, the piggyBac™ transposase enzyme may comprise or the Super piggyBac™ transposase enzyme may further comprise an amino acid substitution at two, three, four, five, six or more of positions 103, 194, 372, 375, 450, 509 and 570 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484. In certain embodiments, including those embodiments wherein the transposase comprises the above-described mutations at positions 30, 165, 282 and/or 538, the piggyBac™ transposase enzyme may comprise or the Super piggyBac™ transposase enzyme may further comprise an amino acid substitution at positions 103, 194, 372, 375, 450, 509 and 570 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484. In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 103 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a proline (P) for a serine (S). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 194 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a valine (V) for a methionine (M). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 372 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of an alanine (A) for an arginine (R). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 375 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of an alanine (A) for a lysine (K). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 450 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of an asparagine (N) for an aspartic acid (D). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 509 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a glycine (G) for a serine (S). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 570 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a serine (S) for an asparagine (N). In certain embodiments, the piggyBac™ transposase enzyme may comprise a substitution of a valine (V) for a methionine (M) at position 194 of SEQ ID NO: 14487. In certain embodiments, including those embodiments wherein the piggyBac™ transposase enzyme may comprise a substitution of a valine (V) for a methionine (M) at position 194 of SEQ ID NO: 14487, the piggyBac™ transposase enzyme may further comprise an amino acid substitution at positions 372, 375 and 450 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac™ transposase enzyme may comprise a substitution of a valine (V) for a methionine (M) at position 194 of SEQ ID NO: 14487, a substitution of an alanine (A) for an arginine (R) at position 372 of SEQ ID NO: 14487, and a substitution of an alanine (A) for a lysine (K) at position 375 of SEQ ID NO: 14487. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac™ transposase enzyme may comprise a substitution of a valine (V) for a methionine (M) at position 194 of SEQ ID NO: 14487, a substitution of an alanine (A) for an arginine (R) at position 372 of SEQ ID NO: 14487, a substitution of an alanine (A) for a lysine (K) at position 375 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 and a substitution of an asparagine (N) for an aspartic acid (D) at position 450 of SEQ ID NO: 14487.
The sleeping beauty transposon is transposed into the target genome by the Sleeping Beauty transposase that recognizes ITRs, and moves the contents between the ITRs into TA chromosomal sites. In various embodiments, SB transposon-mediated gene transfer, or gene transfer using any of a number of similar transposons, may be used in the compositions and methods of the disclosure.
In certain embodiments, and, in particular, those embodiments wherein the transposon is a Sleeping Beauty transposon, the transposase is a Sleeping Beauty transposase or a hyperactive Sleeping Beauty transposase (SB100X).
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the Sleeping Beauty transposase enzyme comprises an amino acid sequence at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between identical to:
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the hyperactive Sleeping Beauty (SB100X) transposase enzyme comprises an amino acid sequence at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between identical to:
The Helraiser transposon is transposed by the Helitron transposase. Helitron transposases mobilize the Helraiser transposon, an ancient element from the bat genome that was active about 30 to 36 million years ago. An exemplary Helraiser transposon of the disclosure includes Helibatl, which comprises a nucleic acid sequence comprising:
Unlike other transposases, the Helitron transposase does not contain an RNase-H like catalytic domain, but instead comprises a RepHel motif made up of a replication initiator domain (Rep) and a DNA helicase domain. The Rep domain is a nuclease domain of the HUH superfamily of nucleases.
An exemplary Helitron transposase of the disclosure comprises an amino acid sequence comprising:
In Helitron transpositions, a hairpin close to the 3′ end of the transposon functions as a terminator. However, this hairpin can be bypassed by the transposase, resulting in the transduction of flanking sequences. In addition, Helraiser transposition generates covalently closed circular intermediates. Furthermore, Helitron transpositions can lack target site duplications. In the Helraiser sequence, the transposase is flanked by 5′ and 3′ terminal sequences termed LTS and RTS. These sequences terminate with a conserved 5′-TC/CTAG-3′ motif. A 19 bp palindromic sequence with the potential to form the hairpin termination structure is located 11 nucleotides upstream of the RTS and consists of the sequence
Tol2 transposons may be isolated or derived from the genome of the medaka fish, and may be similar to transposons of the hAT family. Exemplary Tol2 transposons of the disclosure are encoded by a sequence comprising about 4.7 kilobases and contain a gene encoding the Tol2 transposase, which contains four exons. An exemplary Tol2 transposase of the disclosure comprises an amino acid sequence comprising the following:
An exemplary Tol2 transposon of the disclosure, including inverted repeats, subterminal sequences and the Tol2 transposase, is encoded by a nucleic acid sequence comprising the following:
Exemplary transposon/transposase systems of the disclosure include, but are not limited to, piggyBac and piggyBac-like transposons and transposases.
PiggyBac and piggyBac-like transposases recognizes transposon-specific inverted terminal repeat sequences (ITRs) on the ends of the transposon, and moves the contents between the ITRs into TTAA or TTAT chromosomal sites. The piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon system has no payload limit for the genes of interest that can be included between the ITRs.
In certain embodiments, and, in particular, those embodiments wherein the transposon is a piggyBac transposon, the transposase is a piggyBac™, Super piggyBac™ (SPB) transposase. In certain embodiments, and, in particular, those embodiments wherein the transposase is a piggyBac™, Super piggyBac™ (SPB), the sequence encoding the transposase is an mRNA sequence.
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme.
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac or a piggyBac-like transposase enzyme. The piggyBac (PB) or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme may comprise or consist of an amino acid sequence at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between identical to:
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme that comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence having an amino acid substitution at one or more of positions 30, 165, 282, or 538 of the sequence:
In certain embodiments, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme that comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence having an amino acid substitution at two or more of positions 30, 165, 282, or 538 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487. In certain embodiments, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme that comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence having an amino acid substitution at three or more of positions 30, 165, 282, or 538 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487. In certain embodiments, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme that comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence having an amino acid substitution at each of the following positions 30, 165, 282, and 538 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487. In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 30 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487 is a substitution of a valine (V) for an isoleucine (I). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 165 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487 is a substitution of a serine (S) for a glycine (G). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 282 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487 is a substitution of a valine (V) for a methionine (M). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 538 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487 is a substitution of a lysine (K) for an asparagine (N).
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the transposase enzyme is a Super piggyBac™ (SPB) or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme. In certain embodiments, the Super piggyBac™ (SPB) or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme of the disclosure may comprise or consist of the amino acid sequence of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487 wherein the amino acid substitution at position 30 is a substitution of a valine (V) for an isoleucine (I), the amino acid substitution at position 165 is a substitution of a serine (S) for a glycine (G), the amino acid substitution at position 282 is a substitution of a valine (V) for a methionine (M), and the amino acid substitution at position 538 is a substitution of a lysine (K) for an asparagine (N). In certain embodiments, the Super piggyBac™ (SPB) or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme may comprise or consist of an amino acid sequence at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between identical to:
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, including those embodiments wherein the transposase comprises the above-described mutations at positions 30, 165, 282 and/or 538, the piggyBac™, Super piggyBac™ or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme may further comprise an amino acid substitution at one or more of positions 3, 46, 82, 103, 119, 125, 177, 180, 185, 187, 200, 207, 209, 226, 235, 240, 241, 243, 258, 296, 298, 311, 315, 319, 327, 328, 340, 421, 436, 456, 470, 486, 503, 552, 570 and 591 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484. In certain embodiments, including those embodiments wherein the transposase comprises the above-described mutations at positions 30, 165, 282 and/or 538, the piggyBac™, Super piggyBac™ or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme may further comprise an amino acid substitution at one or more of positions 46, 119, 125, 177, 180, 185, 187, 200, 207, 209, 226, 235, 240, 241, 243, 296, 298, 311, 315, 319, 327, 328, 340, 421, 436, 456, 470, 485, 503, 552 and 570. In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 3 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of an asparagine (N) for a serine (S). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 46 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a serine (S) for an alanine (A). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 46 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a threonine (T) for an alanine (A). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 82 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a tryptophan (W) for an isoleucine (I). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 103 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a proline (P) for a serine (S). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 119 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a proline (P) for an arginine (R). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 125 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of an alanine (A) a cysteine (C). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 125 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a leucine (L) for a cysteine (C). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 177 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a lysine (K) for a tyrosine (Y). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 177 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a histidine (H) for a tyrosine (Y). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 180 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a leucine (L) for a phenylalanine (F). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 180 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of an isoleucine (I) for a phenylalanine (F). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 180 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a valine (V) for a phenylalanine (F). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 185 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a leucine (L) for a methionine (M). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 187 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a glycine (G) for an alanine (A). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 200 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a tryptophan (W) for a phenylalanine (F). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 207 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a proline (P) for a valine (V). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 209 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a phenylalanine (F) for a valine (V). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 226 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a phenylalanine (F) for a methionine (M). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 235 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of an arginine (R) for a leucine (L). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 240 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a lysine (K) for a valine (V). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 241 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a leucine (L) for a phenylalanine (F). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 243 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a lysine (K) for a proline (P). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 258 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a serine (S) for an asparagine (N). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 296 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a tryptophan (W) for a leucine (L). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 296 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a tyrosine (Y) for a leucine (L). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 296 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a phenylalanine (F) for a leucine (L). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 298 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a leucine (L) for a methionine (M). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 298 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of an alanine (A) for a methionine (M). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 298 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a valine (V) for a methionine (M). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 311 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of an isoleucine (I) for a proline (P). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 311 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a valine for a proline (P). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 315 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a lysine (K) for an arginine (R). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 319 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a glycine (G) for a threonine (T). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 327 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of an arginine (R) for a tyrosine (Y). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 328 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a valine (V) for a tyrosine (Y). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 340 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a glycine (G) for a cysteine (C). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 340 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a leucine (L) for a cysteine (C). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 421 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a histidine (H) for the aspartic acid (D). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 436 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of an isoleucine (I) for a valine (V). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 456 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a tyrosine (Y) for a methionine (M). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 470 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a phenylalanine (F) for a leucine (L). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 485 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a lysine (K) for a serine (S). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 503 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a leucine (L) for a methionine (M). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 503 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of an isoleucine (I) for a methionine (M). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 552 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a lysine (K) for a valine (V). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 570 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a threonine (T) for an alanine (A). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 591 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a proline (P) for a glutamine (Q). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 591 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of an arginine (R) for a glutamine (Q).
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, including those embodiments wherein the transposase comprises the above-described mutations at positions 30, 165, 282 and/or 538, the piggyBac™ or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme or may comprise or the Super piggyBac™ transposase enzyme may further comprise an amino acid substitution at one or more of positions 103, 194, 372, 375, 450, 509 and 570 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484. In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, including those embodiments wherein the transposase comprises the above-described mutations at positions 30, 165, 282 and/or 538, the piggyBac™ or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme may comprise or the Super piggyBac™ transposase enzyme may further comprise an amino acid substitution at two, three, four, five, six or more of positions 103, 194, 372, 375, 450, 509 and 570 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484. In certain embodiments, including those embodiments wherein the transposase comprises the above-described mutations at positions 30, 165, 282 and/or 538, the piggyBac™ or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme may comprise or the Super piggyBac™ transposase enzyme may further comprise an amino acid substitution at positions 103, 194, 372, 375, 450, 509 and 570 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484. In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 103 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a proline (P) for a serine (S). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 194 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a valine (V) for a methionine (M). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 372 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of an alanine (A) for an arginine (R). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 375 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of an alanine (A) for a lysine (K). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 450 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of an asparagine (N) for an aspartic acid (D). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 509 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a glycine (G) for a serine (S). In certain embodiments, the amino acid substitution at position 570 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484 is a substitution of a serine (S) for an asparagine (N). In certain embodiments, the piggyBac™ or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme may comprise a substitution of a valine (V) for a methionine (M) at position 194 of SEQ ID NO: 14487. In certain embodiments, including those embodiments wherein the piggyBac™ or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme may comprise a substitution of a valine (V) for a methionine (M) at position 194 of SEQ ID NO: 14487, the piggyBac™ or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme may further comprise an amino acid substitution at positions 372, 375 and 450 of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14487 or SEQ ID NO: 14484. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac™ or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme may comprise a substitution of a valine (V) for a methionine (M) at position 194 of SEQ ID NO: 14487, a substitution of an alanine (A) for an arginine (R) at position 372 of SEQ ID NO: 14487, and a substitution of an alanine (A) for a lysine (K) at position 375 of SEQ ID NO: 14487. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac™ or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme may comprise a substitution of a valine (V) for a methionine (M) at position 194 of SEQ ID NO: 14487, a substitution of an alanine (A) for an arginine (R) at position 372 of SEQ ID NO: 14487, a substitution of an alanine (A) for a lysine (K) at position 375 of SEQ ID NO: 14487 and a substitution of an asparagine (N) for an aspartic acid (D) at position 450 of SEQ ID NO: 14487.
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme is isolated or derived from an insect. In certain embodiments, the insect is Trichoplusia ni (GenBank Accession No. AAA87375; SEQ ID NO: 16796), Argyrogramma agnata (GenBank Accession No. GU477713; SEQ ID NO: 14534, SEQ ID NO: 16797), Anopheles gambiae (GenBank Accession No. XP_312615 (SEQ ID NO: 16798); GenBank Accession No. XP_320414 (SEQ ID NO: 16799); GenBank Accession No. XP_310729 (SEQ ID NO: 16800)), Aphis gossypii (GenBank Accession No. GU329918; SEQ ID NO: 16801, SEQ ID NO: 16802), Acyrthosiphon pisum (GenBank Accession No. XP_001948139; SEQ ID NO: 16803), Agrotis Ipsilon (GenBank Accession No. GU477714; SEQ ID NO: 14537, SEQ ID NO: 16804), Bombyx mori (GenBank Accession No. BAD11135; SEQ ID NO: 14505), Chilo suppressalis (GenBank Accession No. JX294476; SEQ ID NO: 16805, SEQ ID NO: 16806), Drosophila melanogaster (GenBank Accession No. AAL39784; SEQ ID NO: 16807), Helicoverpa armigera (GenBank Accession No. ABS18391; SEQ ID NO: 14525), Heliothis virescens (GenBank Accession No. ABD76335; SEQ ID NO: 16808), Macdunnoughia crassisigna (GenBank Accession No. EU287451; SEQ ID NO: 16809, SEQ ID NO: 16810), Pectinophora gossypiella (GenBank Accession No. GU270322; SEQ ID NO: 14530, SEQ ID NO: 16811), Tribolium castaneum (GenBank Accession No. XP_001814566; SEQ ID NO: 16812), Ctenoplusia agnata (also called Argyrogramma agnata), Messour bouvieri, Megachile rotundata, Bombus impatiens, Mamestra brassicae, Mayetiola destructor or Apis mellifera.
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme is isolated or derived from an insect. In certain embodiments, the insect is Trichoplusia ni (AAA87375).
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme is isolated or derived from an insect. In certain embodiments, the insect is Bombyx mori (BAD11135).
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme is isolated or derived from a crustacean. In certain embodiments, the crustacean is Daphnia pulicaria (AAM76342, SEQ ID NO: 16813).
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme is isolated or derived from a vertebrate. In certain embodiments, the vertebrate is Xenopus tropicalis (GenBank Accession No. BAF82026; SEQ ID NO: 14518), Homo sapiens (GenBank Accession No. NP_689808; SEQ ID NO: 16814), Mus musculus (GenBank Accession No. NP_741958; SEQ ID NO: 16815), Macaca fascicularis (GenBank Accession No. AB179012; SEQ ID NO: 16816, SEQ ID NO: 16817), Rattus norvegicus (GenBank Accession No. XP_220453; SEQ ID NO: 16818) or Myotis lucifugus.
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme is isolated or derived from a urochordate. In certain embodiments, the urochordate is Ciona intestinalis (GenBank Accession No. XP_002123602; SEQ ID NO: 16819).
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase inserts a transposon at the sequence 5′-TTAT-3′ within a chromosomal site (a TTAT target sequence).
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase inserts a transposon at the sequence 5′-TTAA-3′ within a chromosomal site (a TTAA target sequence).
In certain embodiments, the target sequence of the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises or consists of 5′-CTAA-3′, 5′-TTAG-3′, 5′-ATAA-3′, 5′-TCAA-3′, 5′AGTT-3′, 5′-ATTA-3′, 5′-GTTA-3′, 5′-TTGA-3′, 5′-TTTA-3′, 5′-TTAC-3′, 5′-ACTA-3′, 5′-AGGG-3′, 5′-CTAG-3′, 5′-TGAA-3′, 5′-AGGT-3′, 5′-ATCA-3′, 5′-CTCC-3′, 5′-TAAA-3′, 5′-TCTC-3′, 5′TGAA-3′, 5′-AAAT-3′, 5′-AATC-3′, 5′-ACAA-3′, 5′-ACAT-3′, 5′-ACTC-3′, 5′-AGTG-3′, 5′-ATAG-3′, 5′-CAAA-3′, 5′-CACA-3′, 5′-CATA-3′, 5′-CCAG-3′, 5′-CCCA-3′, 5′-CGTA-3′, 5′-GTCC-3′, 5′-TAAG-3′, 5′-TCTA-3′, 5′-TGAG-3′, 5′-TGTT-3′, 5′-TTCA-3′5′-TTCT-3′ and 5′-TTTT-3′.
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme is isolated or derived from Bombyx mori. The piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme may comprise or consist of an amino acid sequence at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between identical to:
The piggyBac (PB) or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme may comprise or consist of an amino acid sequence at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between identical to:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase is fused to a nuclear localization signal. In certain embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase fused to a nuclear localization signal is encoded by a polynucleotide sequence comprising:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase is hyperactive. A hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase is a transposase that is more active than the naturally occurring variant from which it is derived. In certain embodiments, the hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme is isolated or derived from Bombyx mori. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase is a hyperactive variant of SEQ ID NO: 14505. In certain embodiments, the hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to:
In certain embodiments, the hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises SEQ ID NO: 14576. In certain embodiments, the hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase is more active than the transposase of SEQ ID NO: 14505. In certain embodiments, the hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase is at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99% or any percentage in between identical to SEQ ID NO: 14505.
In certain embodiments, the hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises an amino acid substitution at a position selected from 92, 93, 96, 97, 165, 178, 189, 196, 200, 201, 211, 215, 235, 238, 246, 253, 258, 261, 263, 271, 303, 321, 324, 330, 373, 389, 399, 402, 403, 404, 448, 473, 484, 507, 523, 527, 528, 543, 549, 550, 557, 601, 605, 607, 609, 610 or a combination thereof (relative to SEQ ID NO: 14505). In certain embodiments, the hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises an amino acid substitution of Q92A, V93L, V93M, P96G, F97H, F97C, H165E, H165W, E178S, E178H, C189P, A196G, L200I, A201Q, L211A, W215Y, G2195, Q235Y, Q235G, Q238L, K246I, K253V, M258V, F261L, S263K, C271S, N303R, F321W, F321D, V324K, V324H, A330V, L373C, L373V, V389L, S399N, R402K, T403L, D404Q, D4045, D404M, N441R, G448W, E449A, V469T, C473Q, R484K T507C, G523A, I527M, Y528K Y543I, E549A, K550M, P5575, E601V, E605H, E605W, D607H, 5609H, L610I or any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises an amino acid substitution of Q92A, V93L, V93M, P96G, F97H, F97C, H165E, H165W, E178S, E178H, C189P, A196G, L200I, A201Q, L211A, W215Y, G2195, Q235Y, Q235G, Q238L, K246I, K253V, M258V, F261L, S263K, C271S, N303R, F321W, F321D, V324K, V324H, A330V, L373C, L373V, V389L, S399N, R402K, T403L, D404Q, D4045, D404M, N441R, G448W, E449A, V469T, C473Q, R484K T507C, G523A, I527M, Y528K Y543I, E549A, K550M, P5575, E601V, E605H, E605W, D607H, 5609H and L610I.
In certain embodiments, the hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises one or more substitutions of an amino acid that is not wild type, wherein the one or more substitutions a for wild type amino acid comprises a substitution of E4X, A12X, M13X, L14X, E15X, D20X, E24X, S25X, S26X, S27X, D32X, H33X, E36X, E44X, E45X, E46X, I48X, D49X, R58X, A62X, N63X, A64X, I65X, I66X, N68X, E69X, D71X, S72X, D76X, P79X, R84X, Q85X, A87X, S88X, Q92X, V93X, S94X, G95X, P96X, F97X, Y98X, T99X, I145X, S149X, D150X, L152X, E154X, T157X, N160X, S161X, S162X, H165X, R166X, T168X, K169X, T170X, A171X, E173X, S175X, S176X, E178X, T179X, M183X, Q184X, T186X, T187X, L188X, C189X, L194X, I195X, A196X, L198X, L200X, A201X, L203X, I204X, K205X, A206X, N207X, Q209X, S210X, L211X, K212X, D213X, L214X, W215X, R216X, T217X, G219X, V222X, D223X, I224X, T227X, M229X, Q235X, L237X, Q238X, N239X, N240X, P302X, N303X, P305X, A306X, K307X, Y308X, 1310X, K311X, I312X, L313X, A314X, L315X, V316X, D317X, A318X, K319X, N320X, F321X, Y322X, V323X, V324X, L326X, E327X, V328X, A330X, Q333X, P334X, S335X, G336X, P337X, A339X, V340X, S341X, N342X, R343X, P344X, F345X, E346X, V347X, E349X, I352X, Q353X, V355X, A356X, R357X, N361X, D365X, W367X, T369X, G370X, L373X, M374X, L375X, H376X, N379X, E380X, R382X, V386X, V389X, N392X, R394X, Q395X, S399X, F400X, I401X, R402XT403X, D404X, R405X, Q406X, P407X, N408X, S409X, S410X, V411X, F412X, F414X, Q415X, I418X, T419X, L420X, N428XV432X, M434X, D440X, N441X, S442X, I443X, D444X, E445X, G448X, E449X, Q451X, K452X, M455X, I456X, T457X, F458X, S461X, A464X, V466X, Q468X, V469X, E471X, L472X, C473X, A474X, K483X, W485X, T488X, L489X, Y491X, G492X, V493X, M496X, I499X, C502X, I503X, I507X, K509X, N510X, V511X, T512X, I513X, R515X, E517X, S521X, G523X, L524X, S525X, I527X, Y528X, E529X, H532X, S533X, N535X, K536X, K537X, N539X, I540X, T542X, Y543X, Q546X, E549X, K550X, Q551X, G553X, E554X, P555X, S556X, P557X, R558X, H559X, V560X, N561X, V562X, P563X, G564X, R565X, Y566X, V567X, Q570X, D571X, P573X, Y574X, K576X, K581X, S583X, A586X, A588X, E594X, F598X, L599X, E601X, N602X, C603X, A604X, E605X, L606X, D607X, S608X, S609X or L610X (relative to SEQ ID NO: 14505). A list of hyperactive amino acid substitutions can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 10,041,077, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase is integration deficient. In certain embodiments, an integration deficient piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase is a transposase that can excise its corresponding transposon, but that integrates the excised transposon at a lower frequency than a corresponding wild type transposase. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase is an integration deficient variant of SEQ ID NO: 14505.
In certain embodiments, the excision competent, integration deficient piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises one or more substitutions of an amino acid that is not wild type, wherein the one or more substitutions a for wild type amino acid comprises a substitution of R9X, A12X, M13X, D20X, Y21K, D23X, E24X, S25X, S26X, S27X, E28X, E30X, D32X, H33X, E36X, H37X, A39X, Y41X, D42X, T43X, E44X, E45X, E46X, R47X, D49X, S50X, S55X, A62X, N63X, A64X, I66X, A67X, N68X, E69X, D70X, D71X, S72X, D73X, P74X, D75X, D76X, D77X, I78X, S81X, V83X, R84X, Q85X, A87X, S88X, A89X, S90X, R91X, Q92X, V93X, S94X, G95X, P96X, F97X, Y98X, T99X, W012X, G103X, Y107X, K108X, L117X, I122X, Q128X, I312X, D135X, S137X, E139X, Y140X, I145X, S149X, D150X, Q153X, E154X, T157X, S161X, S162X, R164X, H165X, R166X, Q167X, T168X, K169X, T170X, A171X, A172X, E173X, R174X, S175X, S176X, A177X, E178X, T179X, S180X, Y182X, Q184X, E185X, T187X, L188X, C189X, L194X, I195X, A196X, L198X, L200X, A201X, L203X, I204X, K205X, N207X, Q209X, L211X, D213X, L214X, W215X, R216X, T217X, G219X, T220X, V222X, D223X, I224X, T227X, T228X, F234X, Q235X, L237X, Q238X, N239X, N240X, N303X, K304X, I310X, I312X, L313X, A314X, L315X, V316X, D317X, A318X, K319X, N320X, F321X, Y322X, V323X, V324X, N325X, L326X, E327X, V328X, A330X, G331X, K332X, Q333X, S335X, P337X, P344X, F345X, E349X, H359X, N361X, V362X, D365X, F368X, Y371X, E372X, L373X, H376X, E380X, R382X, R382X, V386X, G387X, T388X, V389X, K391X, N392X, R394X, Q395X, E398X, S399X, F400X, I401X, R402XT403X, D404X, R405X, Q406X, P407X, N408X, 5409X, S410X, Q415X, K416X, A424X, K426X, N428X, V430X, V432X, V433X, M434X, D436X, D440X, N441X, S442X, I443X, D444X, E445X, S446X, T447X, G448X, E449X, K450X, Q451X, E454X, M455X, I456X, T457X, F458X, S461X, A464X, V466X, Q468X, V469X, C473X, A474X, N475X, N477X, K483X, R484X, P486X, T488X, L489X, G492X, V493X, M496X, I499X, I503X, Y505X, T507X, N510X, V511X, T512X, I513X, K514X, T516X, E517X, S521X, G523X, L524X, S525X, I527X, Y528X, L531X, H532X, S533X, N535X, 1540X, T542X, Y543X, R545X, Q546X, E549X, L552X, G553X, E554X, P555X, S556X, P557X, R558X, H559X, V560X, N561X, V562X, P563X, G564X, V567X, Q570X, D571X, P573X, Y574X, K575X, K576X, N585X, A586X, M593X, K596X, E601X, N602X, A604X, E605X, L606X, D607X, S608X, S609X or L610X (relative to SEQ ID NO: 14505). A list of integration deficient amino acid substitutions can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 10,041,077, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
In certain embodiments, the integration deficient piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the integration deficient piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase that is integration deficient comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the integration deficient transposase comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO: 14608.
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon is isolated or derived from Bombyx mori. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac™ (PB) or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a 5′ sequence corresponding to SEQ ID NO: 14506 and a 3′ sequence corresponding to SEQ ID NO: 14507. In certain embodiments, one piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon end is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99% identical or any percentage in between identical to SEQ ID NO: 14506 and the other piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon end is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99% or any percentage in between identical to SEQ ID NO: 14507. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises SEQ ID NO: 14506 and SEQ ID NO: 14507 or SEQ ID NO: 14509. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises SEQ ID NO: 14508 and SEQ ID NO: 14507 or SEQ ID NO: 14509. In certain embodiments, the 5′ and 3′ transposon ends share a 16 bp repeat sequence at their ends of CCCGGCGAGCATGAGG (SEQ ID NO: 14510) immediately adjacent to the 5′-TTAT-3 target insertion site, which is inverted in the orientation in the two ends. In certain embodiments, 5′ transposon end begins with a sequence comprising 5′-TTATCCCGGCGAGCATGAGG-3 (SEQ ID NO: 14511), and the 3′ transposon ends with a sequence comprising the reverse complement of this sequence: 5′-CCTCATGCTCGCCGGGTTAT-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 14512).
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises one end comprising at least 14, 16, 18, 20, 30 or 40 contiguous nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 14506 or SEQ ID NO: 14508. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises one end comprising at least 14, 16, 18, 20, 30 or 40 contiguous nucleotides of SEQ ID NO: 14507 or SEQ ID NO: 14509. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises one end with at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO: 14506 or SEQ ID NO: 14508. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises one end with at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO: 14507 or SEQ ID NO: 14509.
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of CCCGGCGAGCATGAGG (SEQ ID NO: 14510). In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises an ITR sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14510. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of TTATCCCGGCGAGCATGAGG (SEQ ID NO: 14511). In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises at least 16 contiguous nucleotides from SEQ ID NO: 14511. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of CCTCATGCTCGCCGGGTTAT (SEQ ID NO: 14512). In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises at least 16 contiguous nucleotides from SEQ ID NO: 14512. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises one end comprising at least 16 contiguous nucleotides from SEQ ID NO: 14511 and one end comprising at least 16 contiguous nucleotides from SEQ ID NO: 14512. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises SEQ ID NO: 14511 and SEQ ID NO: 14512. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of TTAACCCGGCGAGCATGAGG (SEQ ID NO: 14513). In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of CCTCATGCTCGCCGGGTTAA (SEQ ID NO: 14514).
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon may have ends comprising SEQ ID NO: 14506 and SEQ ID NO: 14507, or a variant of either or both of these having at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14506 or SEQ ID NO: 14507, and the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase has the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14504 or SEQ ID NO: 14505, or a sequence at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between identity to SEQ ID NO: 14504 or SEQ ID NO: 14505. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a heterologous polynucleotide inserted between a pair of inverted repeats, where the transposon is capable of transposition by a piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase having at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between identity to SEQ ID NO: 14504 or SEQ ID NO: 14505. In certain embodiments, the transposon comprises two transposon ends, each of which comprises SEQ ID NO: 14510 in inverted orientations in the two transposon ends. In certain embodiments, each inverted terminal repeat (ITR) is at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO: 14510.
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon is capable of insertion by a piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase at the sequence 5′-TTAT-3 within a target nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, one end of the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises at least 16 contiguous nucleotides from SEQ ID NO: 14506 and the other transposon end comprises at least 16 contiguous nucleotides from SEQ ID NO: 14507. In certain embodiments, one end of the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises at least 17, at least 18, at least 19, at least 20, at least 22, at least 25, at least 30 contiguous nucleotides from SEQ ID NO: 14506 and the other transposon end comprises at least 17, at least 18, at least 19, at least 20, at least 22, at least 25, at least 30 contiguous nucleotides from SEQ ID NO: 14507.
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises transposon ends (each end comprising an ITR) corresponding to SEQ ID NO: 14506 and SEQ ID NO: 14507, and has a target sequence corresponding to 5′-TTAT3′. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon also comprises a sequence encoding a transposase (e.g. SEQ ID NO: 14505). In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises one transposon end corresponding to SEQ ID NO: 14506 and a second transposon end corresponding to SEQ ID NO: 14516. SEQ ID NO: 14516 is very similar to SEQ ID NO: 14507, but has a large insertion shortly before the ITR. Although the ITR sequences for the two transposon ends are identical (they are both identical to SEQ ID NO: 14510), they have different target sequences: the second transposon has a target sequence corresponding to 5′-TTAA-3′, providing evidence that no change in ITR sequence is necessary to modify the target sequence specificity. The piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase (SEQ ID NO: 14504), which is associated with the 5′-TTAA-3′ target site differs from the 5′-TTAT-3′-associated transposase (SEQ ID NO: 14505) by only 4 amino acid changes (D322Y, S473C, A507T, H582R). In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase (SEQ ID NO: 14504), which is associated with the 5′-TTAA-3′ target site is less active than the 5′-TTAT-3′-associated piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase (SEQ ID NO: 14505) on the transposon with 5′-TTAT-3′ ends. In certain embodiments, piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposons with 5′-TTAA-3′ target sites can be converted to piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposases with 5′-TTAT-3 target sites by replacing 5′-TTAA-3′ target sites with 5′-TTAT-3′. Such transposons can be used either with a piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase such as SEQ ID NO: 14504 which recognizes the 5′-TTAT-3′ target sequence, or with a variant of a transposase originally associated with the 5′-TTAA-3′ transposon. In certain embodiments, the high similarity between the 5′-TTAA-3′ and 5′-TTAT-3′ piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposases demonstrates that very few changes to the amino acid sequence of a piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase alter target sequence specificity. In certain embodiments, modification of any piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon-transposase gene transfer system, in which 5′-TTAA-3′ target sequences are replaced with 5′-TTAT-3′-target sequences, the ITRs remain the same, and the transposase is the original piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase or a variant thereof resulting from using a low-level mutagenesis to introduce mutations into the transposase. In certain embodiments, piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon transposase transfer systems can be formed by the modification of a 5′-TTAT-3′-active piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon-transposase gene transfer systems in which 5′-TTAT-3′ target sequences are replaced with 5′-TTAA-3′-target sequences, the ITRs remain the same, and the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase is the original transposase or a variant thereof.
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon is isolated or derived from Bombyx mori. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the transposon comprises at least 16 contiguous bases from SEQ ID NO: 14577 and at least 16 contiguous bases from SEQ ID NO: 14578, and inverted terminal repeats that are at least 87% identical to CCCGGCGAGCATGAGG (SEQ ID NO: 14510). In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises SEQ ID NO: 14595 and SEQ ID NO: 14596, and is transposed by the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase of SEQ ID NO: 14505. In certain embodiments, the ITRs of SEQ ID NO: 14595 and SEQ ID: 14596 are not flanked by a 5′-TTAA-3′ sequence. In certain embodiments, the ITRs of SEQ ID NO: 14595 and SEQ ID: 14596 are flanked by a 5′-TTAT-3′ sequence.
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the 5′ end of the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14577, SEQ ID NO: 14595, or SEQ ID NOs: 14597-14599. In certain embodiments, the 5′ end of the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon is preceded by a 5′ target sequence.
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the 3′ end of the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14578, SEQ ID NO: 14596, or SEQ ID NOs: 14600-14601. In certain embodiments, the 3′ end of the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon is followed by a 3′ target sequence. In certain embodiments, the transposon is transposed by the transposase of SEQ ID NO: 14505. In certain embodiments, the 5′ and 3′ ends of the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon share a 16 bp repeat sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14510 in inverted orientation and immediately adjacent to the target sequence. In certain embodiments, the 5′ transposon end begins with SEQ ID NO: 14510, and the 3′ transposon end ends with the reverse complement of SEQ ID NO: 14510, 5′-CCTCATGCTCGCCGGG-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 14603). In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises an ITR with at least 93%, at least 87%, or at least 81% or any percentage in between identity to SEQ ID NO: 14510 or SEQ ID NO: 14603. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a target sequence followed by a 5′ transposon end comprising a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 14577, 14595 or 14597 and a 3′ transposon end comprising SEQ ID NO: 14578 or 14596 followed by a target sequence. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac like transposon comprises one end that comprises a sequence that is at least 90%, at least 95% or at least 99% or any percentage in between identical to SEQ ID NO: 14577 and one end that comprises a sequence that is at least 90%, at least 95% or at least 99% or any percentage in between identical to SEQ ID NO: 14578. In certain embodiments, one transposon end comprises at least 14, at least 16, at least 18 or at least 20 contiguous bases from SEQ ID NO: 14577 and one transposon end comprises at least 14, at least 16, at least 18 or at least 20 contiguous bases from SEQ ID NO: 14578.
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises two transposon ends wherein each transposon ends comprises a sequence that is at least 81% identical, at least 87% identical or at least 93% identical or any percentage in between identical to SEQ ID NO: 14510 in inverted orientation in the two transposon ends. One end may further comprise at least 14, at least 16, at least 18 or at least 20 contiguous bases from SEQ ID NO: 14599, and the other end may further comprise at least 14, at least 16, at least 18 or at least 20 contiguous bases from SEQ ID NO: 14601. The piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon may be transposed by the transposase of SEQ ID NO: 14505, and the transposase may optionally be fused to a nuclear localization signal.
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises SEQ ID NO: 14595 and SEQ ID NO: 14596 and the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises SEQ ID NO: 14504 or SEQ ID NO: 14505. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises SEQ ID NO: 14597 and SEQ ID NO: 14596 and the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises SEQ ID NO: 14504 or SEQ ID NO: 14505. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises SEQ ID NO: 14595 and SEQ ID NO: 14578 and the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises SEQ ID NO: 14504 or SEQ ID NO: 14505. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises SEQ ID NO: 14602 and SEQ ID NO: 14600 and the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises SEQ ID NO: 14504 or SEQ ID NO: 14505.
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a 5′ end comprising 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 sequences selected from ATGAGGCAGGGTAT (SEQ ID NO: 14614), ATACCCTGCCTCAT (SEQ ID NO: 14615), GGCAGGGTAT (SEQ ID NO: 14616), ATACCCTGCC (SEQ ID NO: 14617), TAAAATTTTA (SEQ ID NO: 14618), ATTTTATAAAAT (SEQ ID NO: 14619), TCATACCCTG (SEQ ID NO: 14620) and TAAATAATAATAA (SEQ ID NO: 14621). In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a 3′ end comprising 1, 2 or 3 sequences selected from SEQ ID NO: 14617, SEQ ID NO: 14620 and SEQ ID NO: 14621.
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme is isolated or derived from Xenopus tropicalis. The piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme may comprise or consist of an amino acid sequence at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between identical to:
In some embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase is a hyperactive variant of SEQ ID NO: 14517. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase is an integration defective variant of SEQ ID NO: 14517. The piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme may comprise or consist of an amino acid sequence at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between identical to:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase is isolated or derived from Xenopus tropicalis. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase is a hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase. In certain embodiments, the hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises a sequence at least 90% identical to:
In certain embodiments, piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase is a hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase. A hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase is a transposase that is more active than the naturally occurring variant from which it is derived. In certain embodiments, a hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase is more active than the transposase of SEQ ID NO: 14517. In certain embodiments, the hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises an amino acid substitution at a position selected from amino acid 6, 7, 16, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 28, 31, 34, 67, 73, 76, 77, 88, 91, 141, 145, 146, 148, 150, 157, 162, 179, 182, 189, 192, 193, 196, 198, 200, 210, 212, 218, 248, 263, 270, 294, 297, 308, 310, 333, 336, 354, 357, 358, 359, 377, 423, 426, 428, 438, 447, 450, 462, 469, 472, 498, 502, 517, 520, 523, 533, 534, 576, 577, 582, 583 or 587 (relative to SEQ ID NO: 14517). In certain embodiments, the hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises an amino acid substitution of Y6C, S7G, M16S, S19G, S20Q, S20G, S20D, E21D, E22Q, F23T, F23P, S24Y, S26V, S28Q, V31K, A34E, L67A, G73H, A76V, D77N, P88A, N91D, Y141Q, Y141A, N145E, N145V, P146T, P146V, P146K, P148T, P148H, Y150G, Y150S, Y150C, H157Y, A162C, A179K, L182I, L182V, T189G, L192H, S193N, S193K, V196I, S198G, T200W, L210H, F212N, N218E, A248N, L263M, Q270L, S294T, T297M, S308R, L310R, L333M, Q336M, A354H, C357V, L358F, D359N, L377I, V 423H, P426K, K428R, S438A, T447G, T447A, L450V, A462H, A462Q, I469V, I472L, Q498M, L502V, E517I, P520D, P520G, N523S, 1533E, D534A, F576R, F576E, K577I, I582R, Y583F, L587Y or L587W, or any combination thereof including at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or all of these mutations (relative to SEQ ID NO: 14517).
In certain embodiments, the hyperactive piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises one or more substitutions of an amino acid that is not wild type, wherein the one or more substitutions a for wild type amino acid comprises a substitution of A2X, K3X, R4X, F5X, Y6X, S7X, A11X, A13X, C15X, M16X, A17X, S18X, S19X, S20X, E21X, E22X, F23X, S24X, G25X, 26X, D27X, S28X, E29X, E42X, E43X, S44X, C46X, S47X, S48X, S49X, T50X, V51X, S52X, A53X, L54X, E55X, E56X, P57X, M58X, E59X, E62X, D63X, V64X, D65X, D66X, L67X, E68X, D69X, Q70X, E71X, A72X, G73X, D74X, R75X, A76X, D77X, A78X, A79X, A80X, G81X, G82X, E83X, P84X, A85X, W86X, G87X, P88X, P89X, C90X, N91X, F92X, P93X, E95X, I96X, P97X, P98X, F99X, T100X, T101X, P103X, G104X, V105X, K106X, V107X, D108X, T109X, N111X, P114X, I115X, N116X, F117X, F118X, Q119X, M122X, T123X, E124X, A125X, I126X, L127X, Q128X, D129X, M130X, L132X, Y133X, V126X, Y127X, A138X, E139X, Q140X, Y141X, L142X, Q144X, N145X, P146X, L147X, P148X, Y150X, A151X, A155X, H157X, P158X, I161X, A162X, V168X, T171X, L172X, A173X, M174X, I177X, A179X, L182X, D187X, T188X, T189X, T190X, L192X, S193X, I194X, P195X, V196X, S198X, A199X, T200X, S202X, L208X, L209X, L210X, R211X, F212X, F215X, N217X, N218X, A219X, T220X, A221X, V222X, P224X, D225X, Q226X, P227X, H229X, R231X, H233X, L235X, P237X, I239X, D240X, L242X, S243X, E244X, R244X, F246X, A247X, A248X, V249X, Y250X, T251X, P252X, C253X, Q254X, I256X, C257X, I258X, D259X, E260X, S261X, L262X, L263X, L264X, F265X, K266X, G267X, R268X, L269X, Q270X, F271X, R272X, Q273X, Y274X, I275X, P276X, S277X, K278X, R279X, A280X, R281X, Y282X, G283X, I284X, K285X, F286X, Y287X, K288X, L289X, C290X, E291X, S292X, S293XS294X, G295X, Y296X, T297X, S298X, Y299X, F300X, E304X, L310X, P313X, G314X, P316X, P317X, D318X, L319X, T320X, V321X, K324X, E328X, I330X, S331X, P332X, L333X, L334X, G335X, Q336X, F338X, L340X, D343X, N344X, F345X, Y346X, S347X, L351X, F352X, A354X, L355X, Y356X, C357X, L358X, D359X, T360X, R422X, Y423X, G424X, P426X, K428X, N429X, K430X, P431X, L432X, S434X, K435X, E436X, S438X, K439X, Y440X, G443X, R446X, T447X, L450X, Q451X, N455X, T460X, R461X, A462X, K465X, V467X, G468X, I469X, Y470X, L471X, I472X, M474X, A475X, L476X, R477X, S479X, Y480X, V482XY483X, K484X, A485X, A486X, V487X, P488X, P490X, K491X, S493X, Y494X, Y495X, K496X, Y497T, Q498X, L499X, Q500X, I501X, L502X, P503X, A504X, L505X, L506X, F507X, G508X, G509X, V510X, E511X, E512X, Q513X, T514X, V515X, E517X, M518X, P519X, P520X, S521X, D522X, N523X, V524X, A525X, L527X, I528X, K530X, H531X, F532X, I533X, D534X, T535X, L536X, T539X, P540X, Q546X, K550X, R553X, K554X, R555X, G556X, I557X, R558X, R559X, D560X, T561X, Y564X, P566X, K567X, P569X, R570X, N571X, L574X, C575X, F576X, K577X, P578X, F580X, E581X, I582X, Y583X, T585X, Q586X, L587X, H588X or Y589X (relative to SEQ ID NO: 14517). A list of hyperactive amino acid substitutions can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 10,041,077, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase is integration deficient. In certain embodiments, an integration deficient piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase is a transposase that can excise its corresponding transposon, but that integrates the excised transposon at a lower frequency than a corresponding naturally occurring transposase. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase is an integration deficient variant of SEQ ID NO: 14517. In certain embodiments, the integration deficient piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase is deficient relative to SEQ ID NO: 14517.
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase is active for excision but deficient in integration. In certain embodiments, the integration deficient piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the integration deficient piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the integration deficient piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the integration deficient piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises SEQ ID NO: 14611. In certain embodiments, the integration deficient piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the integration deficient piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises SEQ ID NO: 14612. In certain embodiments, the integration deficient piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises a sequence that is at least 90% identical to a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the integration deficient piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises SEQ ID NO: 14613. In certain embodiments, the integration deficient piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises an amino acid substitution wherein the Asn at position 218 is replaced by a Glu or an Asp (N218D or N218E) (relative to SEQ ID NO: 14517).
In certain embodiments, the excision competent, integration deficient piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises one or more substitutions of an amino acid that is not wild type, wherein the one or more substitutions a for wild type amino acid comprises a substitution of A2X, K3X, R4X, F5X, Y6X, S7X, ABX, E9X, E10X, A11X, A12X, A13X, H14X, C15X, M16X, A17X, S18X, S19X, S20X, E21X, E22X, F23X, S24X, G25X, 26X, D27X, S28X, E29X, V31X, P32X, P33X, A34X, S35X, E36X, S37X, D38X, S39X, S40X, T41X, E42X, E43X, S44X, W45X, C46X, S47X, S48X, S49X, T50X, V51X, S52X, A53X, L54X, E55X, E56X, P57X, M58X, E59X, V60X, M122X, T123X, E124X, A125X, L127X, Q128X, D129X, L132X, Y133X, V126X, Y127X, E139X, Q140X, Y141X, L142X, T143X, Q144X, N145X, P146X, L147X, P148X, R149X, Y150X, A151X, H154X, H157X, P158X, T159X, D160X, I161X, A162X, E163X, M164X, K165X, R166X, F167X, V168X, G169X, L170X, T171X, L172X, A173X, M174X, G175X, L176X, I177X, K178X, A179X, N180X, S181X, L182X, S184X, Y185X, D187X, T188X, T189X, T190X, V191X, L192X, S193X, I194X, P195X, V196X, F197X, S198X, A199X, T200X, M201X, S202X, R203X, N204X, R205X, Y206X, Q207X, L208X, L209X, L210X, R211X, F212X, L213X, H241X, F215X, N216X, N217X, N218X, A219X, T220X, A221X, V222X, P223X, P224X, D225X, Q226X, P227X, G228X, H229X, D230X, R231X, H233X, K234X, L235X, R236X, L238X, I239X, D240X, L242X, S243X, E244X, R244X, F246X, A247X, A248X, V249X, Y250X, T251X, P252X, C253X, Q254X, N255X, I256X, C257X, I258X, D259X, E260X, S261X, L262X, L263X, L264X, F265X, K266X, G267X, R268X, L269X, Q270X, F271X, R272X, Q273X, Y274X, I275X, P276X, S277X, K278X, R279X, A280X, R281X, Y282X, G283X, I284X, K285X, F286X, Y287X, K288X, L289X, C290X, E291X, S292X, S293X, S294X, G295X, Y296X, T297X, S298X, Y299X, F300X, I302X, E304X, G305X, K306X, D307X, S308X, K309X, L310X, D311X, P312X, P313X, G314X, C315X, P316X, P317X, D318X, L319X, T320X, V321X, S322X, G323X, K324X, I325X, V326X, W327X, E328X, L329X, I330X, S331X, P332X, L333X, L334X, G335X, Q336X, F338X, H339X, L340X, V342X, N344X, F345X, Y346X, S347X, S348X, I349X, L351X, T353X, A354X, Y356X, C357X, L358X, D359X, T360X, P361X, A362X, C363X, G364X, I366X, N367X, R368X, D369X, K371X, G372X, L373X, R375X, A376X, L377X, L378X, D379X, K380X, K381X, L382X, N383X, R384XG385X, T387X, Y388X, A389X, L390X, K392X, N393X, E394X, A397X, K399X, F400X, F401X, D402X, N405X, L406X, L409X, R422X, Y423X, G424X, E425X, P426X, K428X, N429X, K430X, P431X, L432X, S434X, K435X, E436X, S438X, K439X, Y440X, G442X, G443X, V444X, R446X, T447X, L450X, Q451X, H452X, N455X, T457X, R458X, T460X, R461X, A462X, Y464X, K465X, V467X, G468X, I469X, L471X, I472X, Q473X, M474X, L476X, R477X, N478X, S479X, Y480X, V482XY483X, K484X, A485X, A486X, V487X, P488X, G489X, P490X, K491X, L492X, S493X, Y494X, Y495X, K496X, Q498X, L499X, Q500X, I501X, L502X, P503X, A504X, L505X, L506X, F507X, G508X, G509X, V510X, E511X, E512X, Q513X, T514X, V515X, E517X, M518X, P519X, P520X, S521X, D522X, N523X, V524X, A525X, L527X, I528X, G529X, K530X, F532X, I533X, D534X, T535X, L536X, P537X, P538X, T539X, P540X, G541X, F542X, Q543X, R544X, P545X, Q546X, K547X, G548X, C549X, K550X, V551X, C552X, R553X, K554X, R555X, G556X, I557X, R558X, R559X, D560X, T561X, R562X, Y563X, Y564X, C565X, P566X, K567X, C568X, P569X, R570X, N571X, P572X, G573X, L574X, C575X, F576X, K577X, P578X, C579X, F580X, E581X, I582X, Y583X, H584X, T585X, Q586X, L587X, H588X or Y589X (relative to SEQ ID NO: 14517). A list of excision competent, integration deficient amino acid substitutions can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 10,041,077, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase is fused to a nuclear localization signal. In certain embodiments, SEQ ID NO: 14517 or SEQ ID NO: 14518 is fused to a nuclear localization signal. In certain embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the piggyBac or piggyBac like transposase fused to a nuclear localization signal is encoded by a polynucleotide sequence comprising:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon is isolated or derived from Xenopus tropicalis. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises SEQ ID NO: 14519 and SEQ ID NO: 14520. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises SEQ ID NO: 14520 and SEQ ID NO: 14519, SEQ ID NO: 14521 or SEQ ID NO: 14523. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises SEQ ID NO: 14522 and SEQ ID NO: 14519, SEQ ID NO: 14521 or SEQ ID NO: 14523. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises one end comprising at least 14, 16, 18, 20, 30 or 40 contiguous nucleotides from SEQ ID NO: 14519, SEQ ID NO: 14521 or SEQ ID NO: 14523. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises one end comprising at least 14, 16, 18, 20, 30 or 40 contiguous nucleotides from SEQ ID NO: 14520 or SEQ ID NO: 14522. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises one end with at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO: 14519, SEQ ID NO: 14521 or SEQ ID NO: 14523. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises one end with at least 90% identity to SEQ ID NO: 14520 or SEQ ID NO: 14522. In one embodiment, one transposon end is at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO: 14519 and the other transposon end is at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO: 14520.
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of TTAACCTTTTTACTGCCA (SEQ ID NO: 14524). In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of TTAACCCTTTGCCTGCCA (SEQ ID NO: 14526). In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of TTAACCYTTTTACTGCCA (SEQ ID NO: 14527). In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of TGGCAGTAAAAGGGTTAA (SEQ ID NO: 14529). In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of TGGCAGTGAAAGGGTTAA (SEQ ID NO: 14531). In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of TTAACCYTTTKMCTGCCA (SEQ ID NO: 14533). In certain embodiments, one end of the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 14524, SEQ ID NO: 14526 and SEQ ID NO: 14527. In certain embodiments, one end of the piggyBac™ (PB) or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 14529 and SEQ ID NO: 14531. In certain embodiments, each inverted terminal repeat of the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of ITR sequence of CCYTTTKMCTGCCA (SEQ ID NO: 14563). In certain embodiments, each end of the piggyBac™ (PB) or piggyBac-like transposon comprises SEQ ID NO: 14563 in inverted orientations. In certain embodiments, one ITR of the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 14524, SEQ ID NO: 14526 and SEQ ID NO: 14527. In certain embodiments, one ITR of the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 14529 and SEQ ID NO: 14531. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac like transposon comprises SEQ ID NO: 14533 in inverted orientation in the two transposon ends.
In certain embodiments, The piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon may have ends comprising SEQ ID NO: 14519 and SEQ ID NO: 14520 or a variant of either or both of these having at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14519 or SEQ ID NO: 14520, and the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase has the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14517 or a variant showing at least %, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 14517 or SEQ ID NO: 14518. In certain embodiments, one piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon end comprises at least 14 contiguous nucleotides from SEQ ID NO: 14519, SEQ ID NO: 14521 or SEQ ID NO: 14523, and the other transposon end comprises at least 14 contiguous nucleotides from SEQ ID NO: 14520 or SEQ ID NO: 14522. In certain embodiments, one transposon end comprises at least 15, at least 16, at least 17, at least 18, at least 19, at least 20, at least 22, at least 25, at least 30 contiguous nucleotides from SEQ ID NO: 14519, SEQ ID NO: 14521 or SEQ ID NO: 14523, and the other transposon end comprises at least 15, at least 16, at least 17, at least 18, at least 19, at least 20, at least 22, at least 25 or at least 30 contiguous nucleotides from SEQ ID NO: 14520 or SEQ ID NO: 14522.
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase recognizes a transposon end with a 5′ sequence corresponding to SEQ ID NO: 14519, and a 3′ sequence corresponding to SEQ ID NO: 14520. It will excise the transposon from one DNA molecule by cutting the DNA at the 5′-TTAA-3′ sequence at the 5′ end of one transposon end to the 5′-TTAA-3′ at the 3′ end of the second transposon end, including any heterologous DNA that is placed between them, and insert the excised sequence into a second DNA molecule. In certain embodiments, truncated and modified versions of the 5′ and 3′ transposon ends will also function as part of a transposon that can be transposed by the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase. For example, the 5′ transposon end can be replaced by a sequence corresponding to SEQ ID NO: 14521 or SEQ ID NO: 14523, the 3′ transposon end can be replaced by a shorter sequence corresponding to SEQ ID NO: 14522. In certain embodiments, the 5′ and 3′ transposon ends share an 18 bp almost perfectly repeated sequence at their ends (5′-TTAACCYTTTKMCTGCCA: SEQ ID NO: 14533) that includes the 5′-TTAA-3′ insertion site, which sequence is inverted in the orientation in the two ends. That is in SEQ ID NO: 14519 and SEQ ID NO: 14523 the 5′ transposon end begins with the sequence 5′-TTAACCTTTTTACTGCCA-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 14524), or in SEQ ID NO: 14521 the 5′ transposon end begins with the sequence 5′-TTAACCCTTTGCCTGCCA-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 14526); the 3′ transposon ends with approximately the reverse complement of this sequence: in SEQ ID NO: 14520 it ends 5′ TGGCAGTAAAAGGGTTAA-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 14529), in SEQ ID NO: 14522 it ends 5′-TGGCAGTGAAAGGGTTAA-3′ (SEQ ID NO: 14531.) One embodiment of the invention is a transposon that comprises a heterologous polynucleotide inserted between two transposon ends each comprising SEQ ID NO: 14533 in inverted orientations in the two transposon ends. In certain embodiments, one transposon end comprises a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOS: 14524, SEQ ID NO: 14526 and SEQ ID NO: 14527. In some embodiments, one transposon end comprises a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 14529 and SEQ ID NO: 14531.
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac™ (PB) or piggyBac-like transposon is isolated or derived from Xenopus tropicalis. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises at a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises at a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises at least 16 contiguous bases from SEQ ID NO: 14573 or SEQ ID NO: 14574, and inverted terminal repeat of
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises at a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises at a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises at a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises at a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises at a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises at a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises at a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises at a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a 5′ transposon end sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 14573 and SEQ ID NOs: 14579-14585. In certain embodiments, the 5′ transposon end sequence is preceded by a 5′ target sequence. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises at a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises at a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises at a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises at a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a 3′ transposon end sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 14574 and SEQ ID NOs: 14587-14590. In certain embodiments, the 3′ transposon end sequence is followed by a 3′ target sequence. In certain embodiments, the 5′ and 3′ transposon ends share a 14 repeated sequence inverted in orientation in the two ends (SEQ ID NO: 14575) adjacent to the target sequence. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a 5′ transposon end comprising a target sequence and a sequence that is selected from SEQ ID NOs: 14582-14584 and 14573, and a 3′ transposon end comprising a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 14588-14590 and 14574 followed by a 3′ target sequence.
In certain embodiments, the 5′ transposon end of the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises
(SEQ ID NO: 14591), and an ITR. In certain embodiments, the 5′ transposon end comprises
(SEQ ID NO: 14592) and an ITR. In certain embodiments, the 3′ transposon end of the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises
(SEQ ID NO: 14593) and an ITR. In certain embodiments, the 3′ transposon end comprises
In certain embodiments, one transposon end comprises a sequence that is at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99% or any percentage in between identical to SEQ ID NO: 14573 and the other transposon end comprises a sequence that is at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 99% or any percentage in between identical to SEQ ID NO: 14574. In certain embodiments, one transposon end comprises at least 14, at least 16, at least 18, at least 20 or at least 25 contiguous nucleotides from SEQ ID NO: 14573 and one transposon end comprises at least 14, at least 16, at least 18, at least 20 or at least 25 contiguous nucleotides from SEQ ID NO: 14574. In certain embodiments, one transposon end comprises at least 14, at least 16, at least 18, at least 20 from SEQ ID NO: 14591, and the other end comprises at least 14, at least 16, at least 18, at least 20 from SEQ ID NO: 14593. In certain embodiments, each transposon end comprises SEQ ID NO: 14575 in inverted orientations.
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence selected from of SEQ ID NO: 14573, SEQ ID NO: 14579, SEQ ID NO: 14581, SEQ ID NO: 14582, SEQ ID NO: 14583, and SEQ ID NO: 14588, and a sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 14587, SEQ ID NO: 14588, SEQ ID NO: 14589 and SEQ ID NO: 14586 and the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises SEQ ID NO: 14517 or SEQ ID NO: 14518.
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises ITRs of CCCTTTGCCTGCCA (SEQ ID NO: 14622) (5′ ITR) and TGGCAGTGAAAGGG (SEQ ID NO: 14623) (3′ ITR) adjacent to the target sequences.
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme is isolated or derived from Helicoverpa armigera. The piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme may comprise or consist of an amino acid sequence at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between identical to:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon is isolated or derived from Helicoverpa armigera. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme is isolated or derived from Pectinophora gossypiella. The piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme may comprise or consist of an amino acid sequence at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between identical to:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon is isolated or derived from Pectinophora gossypiella. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme is isolated or derived from Ctenoplusia agnata. The piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme may comprise or consist of an amino acid sequence at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between identical to:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon is isolated or derived from Ctenoplusia agnata. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises an ITR sequence of CCCTAGAAGCCCAATC (SEQ ID NO: 14564).
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme is isolated or derived from Agrotis ipsilon. The piggyBac (PB) or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme may comprise or consist of an amino acid sequence at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between identical to:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon is isolated or derived from Agrotis ipsilon. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme is isolated or derived from Megachile rotundata. The piggyBac (PB) or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme may comprise or consist of an amino acid sequence at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%. 70%. 75%. 80%. 85%. 90%. 95%. 99% or any percentage in between identical to:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon is isolated or derived from Megachile rotundata. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme is isolated or derived from Bombus impatiens. The piggyBac (PB) or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme may comprise or consist of an amino acid sequence at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between identical to:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon is isolated or derived from Bombus impatiens. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme is isolated or derived from Mamestra brassicae. The piggyBac (PB) or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme may comprise or consist of an amino acid sequence at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between identical to:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon is isolated or derived from Mamestra brassicae. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme is isolated or derived from Mayetiola destructor. The piggyBac (PB) or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme may comprise or consist of an amino acid sequence at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between identical to:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon is isolated or derived from Mayetiola destructor. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme is isolated or derived from Apis mellifera. The piggyBac (PB) or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme may comprise or consist of an amino acid sequence at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between identical to:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon is isolated or derived from Apis mellifera. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme is isolated or derived from Messor bouvieri. The piggyBac (PB) or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme may comprise or consist of an amino acid sequence at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between identical to:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon is isolated or derived from Messor bouvieri. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the transposase enzyme is a piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme is isolated or derived from Trichoplusia ni. The piggyBac (PB) or piggyBac-like transposase enzyme may comprise or consist of an amino acid sequence at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99% or any percentage in between identical to:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon is isolated or derived from Trichoplusia ni. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises a sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises SEQ ID NO: 14561 and SEQ ID NO: 14562, and the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises SEQ ID NO: 14558. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises SEQ ID NO: 14609 and SEQ ID NO: 14610, and the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposase comprises SEQ ID NO: 14558.
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon is isolated or derived from Aphis gossypii. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises an ITR sequence of CCTTCCAGCGGGCGCGC (SEQ ID NO: 14565).
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon is isolated or derived from Chilo suppressalis. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises an ITR sequence of CCCAGATTAGCCT (SEQ ID NO: 14566).
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon is isolated or derived from Heliothis virescens. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises an ITR sequence of CCCTTAATTACTCGCG (SEQ ID NO: 14567).
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon is isolated or derived from Pectinophora gossypiella. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises an ITR sequence of CCCTAGATAACTAAAC (SEQ ID NO: 14568).
In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon is isolated or derived from Anopheles stephensi. In certain embodiments, the piggyBac or piggyBac-like transposon comprises an ITR sequence of CCCTAGAAAGATA (SEQ ID NO: 14569).
DNA transposons in the hAT family are widespread in plants and animals. A number of active hAT transposon systems have been identified and found to be functional, including but not limited to, the Hermes transposon, Ac transposon, hobo transposon, and the Tol2 transposon. The hAT family is composed of two families that have been classified as the AC subfamily and the Buster subfamily, based on the primary sequence of their transposases. Members of the hAT family belong to Class II transposable elements. Class II mobile elements use a cut and paste mechanism of transposition. hAT elements share similar transposases, short terminal inverted repeats, and an eight base-pairs duplication of genomic target.
Compositions and methods of the disclosure may comprise a TcBuster transposon and/or a TcBuster transposase.
Compositions and methods of the disclosure may comprise a TcBuster transposon and/or a hyperactive TcBuster transposase. A hyperactive TcBuster transposase demonstrates an increased excision and/or increased insertion frequency when compared to an excision and/or insertion frequency of a wild type TcBuster transposase. A hyperactive TcBuster transposase demonstrates an increased transposition frequency when compared to a transposition frequency of a wild type TcBuster transposase.
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a wild type TcBuster transposase comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of:
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a TcBuster Transposase comprises or consists of a sequence having at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 99% or any percentage identity in between to a wild type TcBuster transposase comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of:
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a wild type TcBuster transposase is encoded by a nucleic acid sequence comprising or consisting of:
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a TcBuster Transposase comprises or consists of a sequence having at least 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 99% or any percentage identity in between to a wild type TcBuster transposase encoded by a nucleic acid sequence comprising or consisting of:
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a TcBuster Transposase comprises or consists of a naturally occurring amino acid sequence.
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a TcBuster Transposase comprises or consists of a non-naturally occurring amino acid sequence.
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a TcBuster Transposase is encoded by a sequence comprising or consisting of a naturally occurring nucleic acid sequence.
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a TcBuster Transposase is encoded by a sequence comprising or consisting of a non-naturally occurring nucleic acid sequence.
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a mutant TcBuster Transposase comprises one or more sequence variations when compared to a wild type TcBuster Transposase. In some embodiments, the wild type TcBuster Transposase comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17900. In some embodiments, the wild type TcBuster Transposase is encoded by a sequence comprising or consisting of the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17901. In some embodiments, the one or more sequence variations comprises one or more of a substitution, inversion, insertion, deletion, transposition, and frameshift. In some embodiments, the one or more sequence variations comprises a modified, synthetic, artificial or non-naturally occurring amino acid. In some embodiments, the one or more sequence variations comprises a modified, synthetic, artificial or non-naturally occurring nucleic acid.
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a mutant TcBuster Transposase comprises one or more sequence variations when compared to a wild type TcBuster Transposase. In some embodiments, the one or more sequence variations comprises an amino acid substitution in one or more of a DNA Binding and Oligomerization domain, an insertion domain and a Zn-BED domain.
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a mutant TcBuster Transposase comprises one or more sequence variations when compared to a wild type TcBuster Transposase. In some embodiments, the one or more sequence variations comprises an amino acid substitution that increases a net charge a neutral pH when compared to a wild type TcBuster Transposase. In some embodiments, the wild type TcBuster Transposase comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17900. In some embodiments, the wild type TcBuster Transposase is encoded by a sequence comprising or consisting of the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17901. In some embodiments, the one or more sequence variations comprises an amino acid substitution of the aspartic acid (D) at position 223 (D223), the aspartic acid (D) at position 289 (D289) and the aspartic acid (E) at position 589 (E289) of SEQ ID NO: 17900. In some embodiments, the one or more sequence variations comprises an amino acid substitution within 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100 or any number of amino acids in between of position 223, 289 and/or 289 of SEQ ID NO: 17900. In some embodiments, the one or more sequence variations comprises an amino acid substitution within 70 amino acids of position 223, 289 and/or 289 of SEQ ID NO: 17900. In some embodiments, the one or more sequence variations comprises an amino acid substitution within 80 amino acids of position 223, 289 and/or 289 of SEQ ID NO: 17900. In some embodiments, the one or more sequence variations comprises an amino acid substitution of an aspartic acid (D) or a aspartic acid (E) to a neutral amino acid, a lysine (L) or an arginine (R) (e.g. D223L, D223R, D289L, D289R, E289L, E289R of SEQ ID NO: 17900).
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a mutant TcBuster Transposase comprises one or more sequence variations when compared to a wild type TcBuster Transposase. In some embodiments, the one or more sequence variations comprises one or more of Q82E, N85S, D99A, D132A, Q151S, Q151A, E153K, E153R, A154P, Y155H, E159A, T171K, T171R, K177E, D183K, D183R, D189A, T191E, S193K, S193R, Y201A, F202D, F202K, C2031, C203V, Q221T, M222L, I223Q, E224G, S225W, D227A, R239H, E243A, E247K, P257K, P257R, Q258T, E263A, E263K, E263R, E274K, E274R, S278K, N281E, L282K, L282R, K292P, V297K, K2995, A303T, H322E, A332S, A358E, A358K, A358S, D376A, V377T, L380N, I398D, I398S, I398K, F400L, V431L, S447E, N450K, N450R, I452F, E469K, K469K, P510D, P510N, E517R, R536S, V553S, P554T, P559D, P559S, P559K, K573E, E578L, K590T, Y595L, V596A, T598I, K599A, Q615A, T618K, T618K, T618R, D622K and D622R of SEQ ID NO: 17900. In some embodiments, the one or more sequence variations comprises an amino acid substitution within 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100 or any number of amino acids in between of position 154, 155, 159, 171, 177, 183, 189, 191, 193, 201, 202, 203, 221, 223, 224, 225, 227, 239, 243, 247, 257, 258, 263, 274, 278, 281, 282, 292, 297, 299, 303, 322, 332, 358, 376, 377, 380, 398, 400, 431, 447, 450, 452, 469, 510, 517, 536, 553, 554, 559, 573, 578, 590, 595, 596, 598, 599, 615, 618, and 622 of SEQ ID NO: 17900.
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a mutant TcBuster Transposase comprises one or more sequence variations when compared to a wild type TcBuster Transposase. In some embodiments, the one or more sequence variations comprises one or more of E247K, V297K, A358K, S278K, E247R, E274R, V297R, A358R, S278R, T171R, D183R, S193R, P257K, E263R, L282K, T618K, D622R, E153K, N450K, T171K, D183K, S193K, P257R, E263K, L282R, T618R, D622K, E153R and N450R of SEQ ID NO: 17900. In some embodiments, the one or more sequence variations comprises an amino acid substitution within 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100 or any number of amino acids in between of position 153, 171, 183, 193, 247, 257, 263, 274, 278, 282, 297, 358, 450, 618, 622 of SEQ ID NO: 17900.
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a mutant TcBuster Transposase comprises one or more sequence variations when compared to a wild type TcBuster Transposase. In some embodiments, the one or more sequence variations comprises one or more of V377T/E469K, V377T/E469K/R536S, A332S, V553S/P554T, E517R, K299S, Q615A/T618K, S278K, A303I, P510D, P510N, N281S, N281E, K590T, Q258T, E247K, S447E, N85S, V297K, A358K, I452F, V377T/E469K/D189A, K573E/E578L, I452FN377T/E469K/D189A, A358KN377T/E469K/D189A, K573E/E578L/V377T/E469K/D189A, T171R, D183R, S193R, P257K, E263R, L282K, T618K, D622R, E153K, N450K, T171K, D183K, S193K, P257R, E263K, L282R, T618R, D622K, E153R, N450R, E247K/E274KN297K/A358K of SEQ ID NO: 17900. In some embodiments, the one or more sequence variations comprises an amino acid substitution within 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100 or any number of amino acids in between of position 85, 153, 171, 189, 193, 247, 257, 258, 263, 274, 278, 281, 282, 297, 299, 303, 332, 358, 377, 450, 469, 447, 452, 469, 510, 517, 536, 553, 554, 573, 578, 590, 615, 618, 622 of SEQ ID NO: 17900.
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a mutant TcBuster Transposase comprises one or more sequence variations when compared to a wild type TcBuster Transposase. In some embodiments, the one or more sequence variations comprises one or more of V377T/E469K, V377T/E469K/R536S, V553S/P554T, Q615A/T618K, S278K, A303T, P510D, P510N, N281S, N281E, K590T, Q258T, E247K, S447E, N85S, V297K, A358K, I452F, V377T/E469K/D189A and K573E/E578L. In some embodiments, the one or more sequence variations comprises an amino acid substitution within 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100 or any number of amino acids in between of position 85, 189, 247, 258, 278, 281, 297, 303, 358, 377, 447, 452, 469, 510, 536, 553, 554, 573, 578, 590, 615, 618 of SEQ ID NO: 17900.
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a mutant TcBuster Transposase comprises one or more sequence variations when compared to a wild type TcBuster Transposase. In some embodiments, the one or more sequence variations comprises one or more of Q151S, Q151A, A154P, Q615A, V553S, Y155H, Y201A, F202D, F202K, C2031, C203V, F400L, I398D, I398S, I398K, V431L, P559D, P559S, P559K, M222L of SEQ ID NO: 17900. In some embodiments, the one or more sequence variations comprises an amino acid substitution within 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100 or any number of amino acids in between of position 151, 154, 615, 553, 155, 201, 202, 203, 400, 398, 431, 559, 222 of SEQ ID NO: 17900.
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a mutant TcBuster Transposase comprises one or more sequence variations when compared to a wild type TcBuster Transposase. In some embodiments, the one or more sequence variations comprises one or more of V377T, E469K, and D189A, when numbered in accordance with SEQ ID NO: 17900.
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a mutant TcBuster Transposase comprises one or more sequence variations when compared to a wild type TcBuster Transposase. In some embodiments, the one or more sequence variations comprises one or more of K573E and E578L, when numbered in accordance with SEQ ID NO: 17900.
In some embodiments, the mutant TcBuster transposase comprises amino acid substitution I452K, when numbered in accordance with SEQ ID NO: 17900.
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a mutant TcBuster Transposase comprises one or more sequence variations when compared to a wild type TcBuster Transposase. In some embodiments, the one or more sequence variations comprises one or more of A358K, when numbered in accordance with SEQ ID NO: 17900.
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a mutant TcBuster Transposase comprises one or more sequence variations when compared to a wild type TcBuster Transposase. In some embodiments, the one or more sequence variations comprises one or more of V297K, when numbered in accordance with SEQ ID NO: 17900.
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a mutant TcBuster Transposase comprises one or more sequence variations when compared to a wild type TcBuster Transposase. In some embodiments, the one or more sequence variations comprises one or more of N85S, when numbered in accordance with SEQ ID NO: 17900.
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a mutant TcBuster Transposase comprises one or more sequence variations when compared to a wild type TcBuster Transposase. In some embodiments, the one or more sequence variations comprises one or more of I452F, V377T, E469K, and D189A, when numbered in accordance with SEQ ID NO: 17900.
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a mutant TcBuster Transposase comprises one or more sequence variations when compared to a wild type TcBuster Transposase. In some embodiments, the one or more sequence variations comprises one or more of A358K, V377T, E469K, and D189A, when numbered in accordance with SEQ ID NO: 17900.
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a mutant TcBuster Transposase comprises one or more sequence variations when compared to a wild type TcBuster Transposase. In some embodiments, the one or more sequence variations comprises one or more of V377T, E469K, D189A, K573E and E578L, when numbered in accordance with SEQ ID NO: 17900.
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a TcBuster Transposase recognizes a 5′ inverted repeat comprising or consisting of the sequence of:
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a TcBuster Transposase recognizes a 3′ inverted repeat comprising or consisting of the sequence of:
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a TcBuster Transposase recognizes a 5′ inverted repeat comprising or consisting of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17902 and a 3′ inverted repeat comprising or consisting of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17903.
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a TcBuster Transposase recognizes a 5′ inverted repeat comprising or consisting of the sequence of:
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a TcBuster Transposase recognizes a 3′ inverted repeat comprising or consisting of the sequence of:
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a TcBuster Transposase recognizes a 5′ inverted repeat comprising or consisting of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17904 and a 3′ inverted repeat comprising or consisting of the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17905.
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a TcBuster Transposase recognizes an inverted repeat comprising or consisting of a sequence having at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95,% 97%, 99% or any percentage identify in between to one or more of SEQ ID NO: 17902, 17903, 17904 or 17905.
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a TcBuster Transposase recognizes an inverted repeat comprising or consisting of a sequence having at least In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a TcBuster Transposase recognizes an inverted repeat comprising or consisting of a sequence having at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 97, 99 or any number of contiguous nucleotides in between having between 90 and 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 17902, 17903, 17904 or 17905 or any portion thereof.
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a TcBuster Transposase recognizes an inverted repeat comprising or consisting of a sequence having at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 97, 99 or any number of discontinuous nucleotides in between having between 90 and 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 17902, 17903, 17904 or 17905 or any portion thereof.
In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a TcBuster transposon comprises a 3′ inverted repeat and a 5′ inverted repeat. In some embodiments of the compositions and methods of the disclosure, a TcBuster Transposase recognizes a TcBuster transposon comprising a 3′ inverted repeat and a 5′ inverted repeat comprising or consisting of a sequence having at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80 85, 90, 95, 97, 99 or any number of discontinuous nucleotides in between having between 90 and 100% identity to SEQ ID NO: 17902, 17903, 17904 or 17905 or any portion thereof
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, a modified HSCor modified HSC descendent cell of the disclosure may be produced by introducing a transgene into an HSC or an HSC descendent cell of the disclosure. The introducing step may comprise delivery of a nucleic acid sequence and/or a genomic editing construct via a non-transposition delivery system.
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, introducing a nucleic acid sequence and/or a genomic editing construct into an HSC or HSC descendent cell ex vivo, in vivo, in vitro or in situ comprises one or more of topical delivery, adsorption, absorption, electroporation, spin-fection, co-culture, transfection, mechanical delivery, sonic delivery, vibrational delivery, magnetofection or by nanoparticle-mediated delivery. In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, introducing a nucleic acid sequence and/or a genomic editing construct into an HSC or HSC descendent cell ex vivo, in vivo, in vitro or in situ comprises liposomal transfection, calcium phosphate transfection, fugene transfection, and dendrimer-mediated transfection. In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, introducing a nucleic acid sequence and/or a genomic editing construct into an HSC or HSC descendent cell ex vivo, in vivo, in vitro or in situ by mechanical transfection comprises cell squeezing, cell bombardment, or gene gun techniques. In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, introducing a nucleic acid sequence and/or a genomic editing construct into an HSC or HSC descendent cell ex vivo, in vivo, in vitro or in situ by nanoparticle-mediated transfection comprises liposomal delivery, delivery by micelles, and delivery by polymerosomes.
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, introducing a nucleic acid sequence and/or a genomic editing construct into an HSC or HSC descendent cell ex vivo, in vivo, in vitro or in situ comprises a non-viral vector. In some embodiments, the non-viral vector comprises a nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the non-viral vector comprises plasmid DNA, linear double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), linear single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), DoggyBone™ DNA, nanoplasmids, minicircle DNA, single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides (ssODN), DDNA oligonucleotides, single-stranded mRNA (ssRNA), and double-stranded mRNA (dsRNA). In some embodiments, the non-viral vector comprises a transposon of the disclosure.
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, introducing a nucleic acid sequence and/or a genomic editing construct into an HSC or HSC descendent cell ex vivo, in vivo, in vitro or in situ comprises a viral vector. In some embodiments, the viral vector is a non-integrating non-chromosomal vector. Exemplary non-integrating non-chromosomal vectors include, but are not limited to, adeno-associated virus (AAV), adenovirus, and herpes viruses. In some embodiments, the viral vector is an integrating chromosomal vector. Integrating chromosomal vectors include, but are not limited to, adeno-associated vectors (AAV), Lentiviruses, and gamma-retroviruses.
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, introducing a nucleic acid sequence and/or a genomic editing construct into an HSC or HSC descendent cell ex vivo, in vivo, in vitro or in situ comprises a combination of vectors. Exemplary, non-limiting vector combinations include: viral and non-viral vectors, a plurality of non-viral vectors, or a plurality of viral vectors. Exemplary but non-limiting vectors combinations include: a combination of a DNA-derived and an RNA-derived vector, a combination of an RNA and a reverse transcriptase, a combination of a transposon and a transposase, a combination of a non-viral vector and an endonuclease, and a combination of a viral vector and an endonuclease.
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, genome modification comprising introducing a nucleic acid sequence and/or a genomic editing construct into an HSC or HSC descendent cell ex vivo, in vivo, in vitro or in situ stably integrates a nucleic acid sequence, transciently integrates a nucleic acid sequence, produces site-specific integration a nucleic acid sequence, or produces a biased integration of a nucleic acid sequence. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence is a transgene.
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, genome modification comprising introducing a nucleic acid sequence and/or a genomic editing construct into an HSC or HSC descendent cell ex vivo, in vivo, in vitro or in situ stably integrates a nucleic acid sequence. In some embodiments, the stable chromosomal integration can be a random integration, a site-specific integration, or a biased integration. In some embodiments, the site-specific integration can be non-assisted or assisted. In some embodiments, the assisted site-specific integration is co-delivered with a site-directed nuclease. In some embodiments, the site-directed nuclease comprises a transgene with 5′ and 3′ nucleotide sequence extensions that contain a percentage homology to upstream and downstream regions of the site of genomic integration. In some embodiments, the transgene with homologous nucleotide extensions enable genomic integration by homologous recombination, microhomology-mediated end joining, or nonhomologous end-joining. In some embodiments the site-specific integration occurs at a safe harbor site. Genomic safe harbor sites are able to accommodate the integration of new genetic material in a manner that ensures that the newly inserted genetic elements function reliably (for example, are expressed at a therapeutically effective level of expression) and do not cause deleterious alterations to the host genome that cause a risk to the host organism. Potential genomic safe harbors include, but are not limited to, intronic sequences of the human albumin gene, the adeno-associated virus site 1 (AAVS1), a naturally occurring site of integration of AAV virus on chromosome 19, the site of the chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 5 (CCRS) gene and the site of the human ortholog of the mouse Rosa26 locus.
In some embodiments, the site-specific transgene integration occurs at a site that disrupts expression of a target gene. In some embodiments, disruption of target gene expression occurs by site-specific integration at introns, exons, promoters, genetic elements, enhancers, suppressors, start codons, stop codons, and response elements. In some embodiments, exemplary target genes targeted by site-specific integration include but are not limited to TRAC, TRAB, PDI, any immunosuppressive gene, and genes involved in allo-rejection.
In some embodiments, the site-specific transgene integration occurs at a site that results in enhanced expression of a target gene. In some embodiments, enhancement of target gene expression occurs by site-specific integration at introns, exons, promoters, genetic elements, enhancers, suppressors, start codons, stop codons, and response elements.
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, enzymes may be used to create strand breaks in the host genome to facilitate delivery or integration of the transgene. In some embodiments, enzymes create single-strand breaks. In some embodiments, enzymes create double-strand breaks. In some embodiments, examples of break-inducing enzymes include but are not limited to: transposases, integrases, endonucleases, CRISPR-Cas9, transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALEN), zinc finger nucleases (ZFN), Cas-CLOVER™, and CPF1. In some embodiments, break-inducing enzymes can be delivered to the cell encoded in DNA, encoded in mRNA, as a protein, as a nucleoprotein complex with a guide RNA (gRNA).
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the site-specific transgene integration is controlled by a vector-mediated integration site bias. In some embodiments vector-mediated integration site bias is controlled by the chosen lentiviral vector. In some embodiments vector-mediated integration site bias is controlled by the chosen gamma-retroviral vector.
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the site-specific transgene integration site is a non-stable chromosomal insertion. In some embodiments, the integrated transgene may become silenced, removed, excised, or further modified.
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the genome modification is a non-stable integration of a transgene. In some embodiments, the non-stable integration can be a transient non-chromosomal integration, a semi-stable non chromosomal integration, a semi-persistent non-chromosomal insertion, or a non-stable chromosomal insertion. In some embodiments, the transient non-chromosomal insertion can be epi-chromosomal or cytoplasmic.
In some embodiments, the transient non-chromosomal insertion of a transgene does not integrate into a chromosome and the modified genetic material is not replicated during cell division.
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the genome modification is a semi-stable or persistent non-chromosomal integration of a transgene. In some embodiments, a DNA vector encodes a Scaffold/matrix attachment region (S-MAR) module that binds to nuclear matrix proteins for episomal retention of a non-viral vector allowing for autonomous replication in the nucleus of dividing cells.
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the genome modification is a non-stable chromosomal integration of a transgene. In some embodiments, the integrated transgene may become silenced, removed, excised, or further modified.
In some embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the modification to the genome by transgene insertion can occur via host cell-directed double-strand breakage repair (homology-directed repair) by homologous recombination (HR), microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ), nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ), transposase enzyme-mediated modification, integrase enzyme-mediated modification, endonuclease enzyme-mediated modification, or recombinant enzyme-mediated modification. In some embodiments, the modification to the genome by transgene insertion can occur via CRISPR-Cas9, TALEN, ZFNs, Cas-CLOVER, and cpfl.
In gene editing systems that involve inserting new or existing nucleotides/nucleic acids, insertion tools (e.g. DNA template vectors, transposable elements (transposons or retrotransposons) must be delivered to the cell in addition to the cutting enzyme (e.g. a nuclease, recombinase, integrase or transposase). Examples of such insertion tools for a recombinase may include a DNA vector. Other gene editing systems require the delivery of an integrase along with an insertion vector, a transposase along with a transposon/retrotransposon, etc. In some embodiments, an example recombinase that may be used as a cutting enzyme is the CRE recombinase. In various embodiments, example integrases that may be used in insertion tools include viral based enzymes taken from any of a number of viruses including, but not limited to, AAV, gamma retrovirus, and lentivirus. Example transposons/retrotransposons that may be used in insertion tools include, but are not limited to, the piggyBac transposon, Sleeping Beauty transposon, and the L1 retrotransposon.
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the transgene is delivered in vivo. In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, in vivo transgene delivery can occur by: topical delivery, adsorption, absorption, electroporation, spin-fection, co-culture, transfection, mechanical delivery, sonic delivery, vibrational delivery, magnetofection or by nanoparticle-mediated delivery. In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, in vivo transgene delivery by transfection can occur by liposomal transfection, calcium phosphate transfection, fugene transfection, and dendrimer-mediated transfection. In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, in vivo mechanical transgene delivery can occur by cell squeezing, bombardment, and gene gun. In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, in vivo nanoparticle-mediated transgene delivery can occur by liposomal delivery, delivery by micelles, and delivery by polymerosomes. In various embodiments, nucleases that may be used as cutting enzymes include, but are not limited to, Cas9, transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) and zinc finger nucleases.
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, non-viral vectors are used for transgene delivery. In certain embodiments, the non-viral vector is a nucleic acid. In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid non-viral vector is plasmid DNA, linear double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), linear single-stranded DNA (ssDNA), DoggyBone™ DNA, nanoplasmids, minicircle DNA, single-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides (ssODN), DDNA oligonucleotides, single-stranded mRNA (ssRNA), and double-stranded mRNA (dsRNA). In certain embodiments, the non-viral vector is a transposon. In certain embodiments, the transposon is piggyBac™.
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, transgene delivery can occur via viral vector. In certain embodiments, the viral vector is a non-integrating non-chromosomal vectors. Non-integrating non-chromosomal vectors can include adeno-associated virus (AAV), adenovirus, and herpes viruses. In certain embodiments, the viral vector is an integrating chromosomal vectors. Integrating chromosomal vectors can include adeno-associated vectors (AAV), Lentiviruses, and gamma-retroviruses.
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, transgene delivery can occur by a combination of vectors. Exemplary but non-limiting vector combinations can include: viral plus non-viral vectors, more than one non-viral vector, or more than one viral vector. Exemplary but non-limiting vectors combinations can include: DNA-derived plus RNA-derived vectors, RNA plus reverse transcriptase, a transposon and a transposase, a non-viral vectors plus an endonuclease, and a viral vector plus an endonuclease.
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the genome modification can be a stable integration of a transgene, a transient integration of a transgene, a site-specific integration of a transgene, or a biased integration of a transgene.
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the genome modification can be a stable chromosomal integration of a transgene. In certain embodiments, the stable chromosomal integration can be a random integration, a site-specific integration, or a biased integration. In certain embodiments, the site-specific integration can be non-assisted or assisted. In certain embodiments, the assisted site-specific integration is co-delivered with a site-directed nuclease. In certain embodiments, the site-directed nuclease comprises a transgene with 5′ and 3′ nucleotide sequence extensions that contain homology to upstream and downstream regions of the site of genomic integration. In certain embodiments, the transgene with homologous nucleotide extensions enable genomic integration by homologous recombination, microhomology-mediated end joining, or nonhomologous end-joining. In certain embodiments the site-specific integration occurs at a safe harbor site. Genomic safe harbor sites are able to accommodate the integration of new genetic material in a manner that ensures that the newly inserted genetic elements function reliably (for example, are expressed at a therapeutically effective level of expression) and do not cause deleterious alterations to the host genome that cause a risk to the host organism. Potential genomic safe harbors include, but are not limited to, intronic sequences of the human albumin gene, the adeno-associated virus site 1 (AAVS1), a naturally occurring site of integration of AAV virus on chromosome 19, the site of the chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 5 (CCRS) gene and the site of the human ortholog of the mouse Rosa26 locus.
In certain embodiments, the site-specific transgene integration occurs at a site that disrupts expression of a target gene. In certain embodiments, disruption of target gene expression occurs by site-specific integration at introns, exons, promoters, genetic elements, enhancers, suppressors, start codons, stop codons, and response elements. In certain embodiments, exemplary target genes targeted by site-specific integration include but are not limited to TRAC, TRAB, PDI, any immunosuppressive gene, and genes involved in allo-rejection.
In certain embodiments, the site-specific transgene integration occurs at a site that results in enhanced expression of a target gene. In certain embodiments, enhancement of target gene expression occurs by site-specific integration at introns, exons, promoters, genetic elements, enhancers, suppressors, start codons, stop codons, and response elements.
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, enzymes may be used to create strand breaks in the host genome to facilitate delivery or integration of the transgene. In certain embodiments, enzymes create single-strand breaks. In certain embodiments, enzymes create double-strand breaks. In certain embodiments, examples of break-inducing enzymes include but are not limited to: transposases, integrases, endonucleases, CRISPR-Cas9, transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALEN), zinc finger nucleases (ZFN), Cas-CLOVER™, and cpfl. In certain embodiments, break-inducing enzymes can be delivered to the cell encoded in DNA, encoded in mRNA, as a protein, as a nucleoprotein complex with a guide RNA (gRNA).
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the site-specific transgene integration is controlled by a vector-mediated integration site bias. In certain embodiments vector-mediated integration site bias is controlled by the chosen lentiviral vector. In certain embodiments vector-mediated integration site bias is controlled by the chosen gamma-retroviral vector.
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the site-specific transgene integration site is a non-stable chromosomal insertion. In certain embodiments, the integrated transgene may become silenced, removed, excised, or further modified. In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the genome modification is a non-stable integration of a transgene. In certain embodiments, the non-stable integration can be a transient non-chromosomal integration, a semi-stable non chromosomal integration, a semi-persistent non-chromosomal insertion, or a non-stable chromosomal insertion. In certain embodiments, the transient non-chromosomal insertion can be epi-chromosomal or cytoplasmic. In certain embodiments, the transient non-chromosomal insertion of a transgene does not integrate into a chromosome and the modified genetic material is not replicated during cell division.
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the genome modification is a semi-stable or persistent non-chromosomal integration of a transgene. In certain embodiments, a DNA vector encodes a Scaffold/matrix attachment region (S-MAR) module that binds to nuclear matrix proteins for episomal retention of a non-viral vector allowing for autonomous replication in the nucleus of dividing cells.
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the genome modification is a non-stable chromosomal integration of a transgene. In certain embodiments, the integrated transgene may become silenced, removed, excised, or further modified.
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, the modification to the genome by transgene insertion can occur via host cell-directed double-strand breakage repair (homology-directed repair) by homologous recombination (HR), microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ), nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ), transposase enzyme-mediated modification, integrase enzyme-mediated modification, endonuclease enzyme-mediated modification, or recombinant enzyme-mediated modification. In certain embodiments, the modification to the genome by transgene insertion can occur via CRISPR-Cas9, TALEN, ZFNs, Cas-CLOVER, and cpfl.
In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, a cell with an in vivo or ex vivo genomic modification can be a germline cell or a somatic cell. In certain embodiments the modified cell can be a human, non-human, mammalian, rat, mouse, or dog cell. In certain embodiments, the modified cell can be differentiated, undifferentiated, or immortalized. In certain embodiments, the modified undifferentiated cell can be a stem cell. In certain embodiments, the modified cell can be differentiated, undifferentiated, or immortalized. In certain embodiments, the modified undifferentiated cell can be an induced pluripotent stem cell. In certain embodiments, the modified cell can be a T cell, a hematopoietic stem cell, a natural killer cell, a macrophage, a dendritic cell, a monocyte, a megakaryocyte, or an osteoclast. In certain embodiments, the modified cell can be modified while the cell is quiescent, in an activated state, resting, in interphase, in prophase, in metaphase, in anaphase, or in telophase. In certain embodiments, the modified cell can be fresh, cryopreserved, bulk, sorted into sub-populations, from whole blood, from leukapheresis, or from an immortalized cell line.
Centyrins of the disclosure may be derived from a fibronectin type III (FN3) repeat protein, encoding or complementary nucleic acids, vectors, host cells, compositions, combinations, formulations, devices, and methods of making and using them. In a preferred embodiment, the Centyrin is comprised of a consensus sequence of multiple FN3 domains from human Tenascin-C (hereinafter “Tenascin”). In a further preferred embodiment, the protein scaffold of the present invention is a consensus sequence of 15 FN3 domains. The Centyrins of the disclosure can be designed to bind various molecules, for example, a cellular target protein. In a preferred embodiment, the Centyrins of the disclosure can be designed to bind an epitope of a wild type and/or variant form of an antigen.
Centyrins of the disclosure may include additional molecules or moieties, for example, the Fc region of an antibody, albumin binding domain, or other moiety influencing half-life. In further embodiments, the Centyrins of the disclosure may be bound to a nucleic acid molecule that may encode the Centyrin.
The disclosure provides at least one method for expressing at least one Centyrin based on a consensus sequence of multiple FN3 domains, in a host cell, comprising culturing a host cell as described herein under conditions wherein at least one protein scaffold is expressed in detectable and/or recoverable amounts.
The disclosure provides at least one composition comprising (a) a Centyrin based on a consensus sequence of multiple FN3 domains and/or encoding nucleic acid as described herein; and (b) a suitable and/or pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.
The disclosure provides a method of generating libraries of a Centyrin based on a fibronectin type III (FN3) repeat protein, preferably, a consensus sequence of multiple FN3 domains and, more preferably, a consensus sequence of multiple FN3 domains from human Tenascin. The library is formed by making successive generations of Centyrins by altering (by mutation) the amino acids or the number of amino acids in the molecules in particular positions in portions of the Centyrin, e.g., loop regions. Libraries can be generated by altering the amino acid composition of a single loop or the simultaneous alteration of multiple loops or additional positions of the Centyrin molecule. The loops that are altered can be lengthened or shortened accordingly. Such libraries can be generated to include all possible amino acids at each position, or a designed subset of amino acids. The library members can be used for screening by display, such as in vitro or CIS display (DNA, RNA, ribosome display, etc.), yeast, bacterial, and phage display.
Centyrins of the disclosure provide enhanced biophysical properties, such as stability under reducing conditions and solubility at high concentrations; they may be expressed and folded in prokaryotic systems, such as E. coli, in eukaryotic systems, such as yeast, and in in vitro transcription/translation systems, such as the rabbit reticulocyte lysate system.
The disclosure provides a method of generating a Centyrin molecule that binds to a particular target by panning the Centyrin library of the invention with the target and detecting binders. In other related aspects, the disclosure comprises screening methods that may be used to generate or affinity mature Centyrins with the desired activity, e.g., capable of binding to target proteins with a certain affinity. Affinity maturation can be accomplished by iterative rounds of mutagenesis and selection using systems, such as phage display or in vitro display. Mutagenesis during this process may be the result of site directed mutagenesis to specific Centyrin residues, random mutagenesis due to error-prone PCR, DNA shuffling, and/or a combination of these techniques.
The disclosure provides an isolated, recombinant and/or synthetic Centyrin based on a consensus sequence of fibronectin type III (FN3) repeat protein, including, without limitation, mammalian-derived Centyrins, as well as compositions and encoding nucleic acid molecules comprising at least one polynucleotide encoding a Centyrin based on the consensus FN3 sequence. The disclosure further includes, but is not limited to, methods of making and using such nucleic acids and Centyrins, including diagnostic and therapeutic compositions, methods and devices.
The Centyrins of the disclosure offer advantages over conventional therapeutics, such as ability to administer locally, orally, or cross the blood-brain barrier, ability to express in E. Coli allowing for increased expression of protein as a function of resources versus mammalian cell expression ability to be engineered into bispecific or tandem molecules that bind to multiple targets or multiple epitopes of the same target, ability to be conjugated to drugs, polymers, and probes, ability to be formulated to high concentrations, and the ability of such molecules to effectively penetrate diseased tissues and tumors.
Moreover, the Centyrins possess many of the properties of antibodies in relation to their fold that mimics the variable region of an antibody. This orientation enables the FN3 loops to be exposed similar to antibody complementarity determining regions (CDRs). They should be able to bind to cellular targets and the loops can be altered, e.g., affinity matured, to improve certain binding or related properties.
Three of the six loops of the Centyrin of the disclosure correspond topologically to the complementarity determining regions (CDRs 1-3), i.e., antigen-binding regions, of an antibody, while the remaining three loops are surface exposed in a manner similar to antibody CDRs. These loops span at or about residues 13-16, 22-28, 38-43, 51-54, 60-64, and 75-81 of SEQ ID NO: 18018. Preferably, the loop regions at or about residues 22-28, 51-54, and 75-81 of SEQ ID NO: 18018 are altered for binding specificity and affinity. One or more of these loop regions are randomized with other loop regions and/or other strands maintaining their sequence as backbone portions to populate a library and potent binders can be selected from the library having high affinity for a particular protein target. One or more of the loop regions can interact with a target protein similar to an antibody CDR interaction with the protein.
In certain embodiments of the disclosure, PSMA-specific Centyrins are designed, evolved and/or selected for their ability to specifically bind to a sequence of PSMA. In certain embodiments, the PSMA-specific Centyrins are capable of binding to a sequence of PSMA with a comparable affinity to that of an anti-PSMA antibody binding an epitope of PSMA. In certain embodiments, the PSMA-specific Centyrins are capable of binding to a sequence of PSMA with a stronger affinity to that of an anti-PSMA antibody binding an epitope of PSMA. In certain embodiments, the PSMA-specific Centyrins are capable of binding to a sequence of PSMA to which an antibody is not capable of binding. For example the sequence of PSMA may be discontinuous or may have a secondary structure.
At least one CARTyrin of the disclosure can be optionally produced by a cell line, a mixed cell line, an immortalized cell or clonal population of immortalized cells, as well known in the art. See, e.g., Ausubel, et al., ed., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., NY, N.Y. (1987-2001); Sambrook, et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2nd Edition, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (1989); Harlow and Lane, Antibodies, a Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. (1989); Colligan, et al., eds., Current Protocols in Immunology, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., NY (1994-2001); Colligan et al., Current Protocols in Protein Science, John Wiley & Sons, NY, N.Y., (1997-2001).
Amino acids from a CARTyrin can be altered, added and/or deleted to reduce immunogenicity or reduce, enhance or modify binding, affinity, on-rate, off-rate, avidity, specificity, half-life, stability, solubility or any other suitable characteristic, as known in the art.
Optionally, CARTyrins can be engineered with retention of high affinity for the antigen and other favorable biological properties. To achieve this goal, the CARTyrins can be optionally prepared by a process of analysis of the parental sequences and various conceptual engineered products using three-dimensional models of the parental and engineered sequences. Three-dimensional models are commonly available and are familiar to those skilled in the art. Computer programs are available which illustrate and display probable three-dimensional conformational structures of selected candidate sequences and can measure possible immunogenicity (e.g., Immunofilter program of Xencor, Inc. of Monrovia, Calif.). Inspection of these displays permits analysis of the likely role of the residues in the functioning of the candidate sequence, i.e., the analysis of residues that influence the ability of the candidate Centyrin or CARTyrin to bind its antigen. In this way, residues can be selected and combined from the parent and reference sequences so that the desired characteristic, such as affinity for the target antigen(s), is achieved. Alternatively, or in addition to, the above procedures, other suitable methods of engineering can be used.
Screening Centyrins or CARTyrins for specific binding to similar proteins or fragments can be conveniently achieved using nucleotide (DNA or RNA display) or peptide display libraries, for example, in vitro display. This method involves the screening of large collections of peptides for individual members having the desired function or structure. The displayed nucleotide or peptide sequences can be from 3 to 5000 or more nucleotides or amino acids in length, frequently from 5-100 amino acids long, and often from about 8 to 25 amino acids long. In addition to direct chemical synthetic methods for generating peptide libraries, several recombinant DNA methods have been described. One type involves the display of a peptide sequence on the surface of a bacteriophage or cell. Each bacteriophage or cell contains the nucleotide sequence encoding the particular displayed peptide sequence. The Centyrins CARTyrins of the disclosure can bind human or other mammalian proteins with a wide range of affinities (KD). In a preferred embodiment, at least one Centyrin of the present invention can optionally bind to a target protein with high affinity, for example, with a KD equal to or less than about 10−7 M, such as but not limited to, 0.1-9.9 (or any range or value therein)×10−8, 10−9, 10−10, 10−11, 10−12, 10−13, 10−14, 10−15 or any range or value therein, as determined by surface plasmon resonance or the Kinexa method, as practiced by those of skill in the art.
The affinity or avidity of a Centyrin or CARTyrin for an antigen can be determined experimentally using any suitable method. (See, for example, Berzofsky, et al., “Antibody-Antigen Interactions,” In Fundamental Immunology, Paul, W. E., Ed., Raven Press: New York, N.Y. (1984); Kuby, Janis Immunology, W.H. Freeman and Company: New York, N.Y. (1992); and methods described herein). The measured affinity of a particular Centyrin-antigen or Centyrin-antigen interaction can vary if measured under different conditions (e.g., salt concentration, pH). Thus, measurements of affinity and other antigen-binding parameters (e.g., KD, Kon, Koff) are preferably made with standardized solutions of Centyrins or CARTyrins and antigen, and a standardized buffer, such as the buffer described herein.
Competitive assays can be performed with the Centyrin or CARTyrin of the disclosure in order to determine what proteins, antibodies, and other antagonists compete for binding to a target protein with the Centyrin or CARTyrin of the present invention and/or share the epitope region. These assays as readily known to those of ordinary skill in the art evaluate competition between antagonists or ligands for a limited number of binding sites on a protein. The protein and/or antibody is immobilized or insolubilized before or after the competition and the sample bound to the target protein is separated from the unbound sample, for example, by decanting (where the protein/antibody was preinsolubilized) or by centrifuging (where the protein/antibody was precipitated after the competitive reaction). Also, the competitive binding may be determined by whether function is altered by the binding or lack of binding of the Centyrin or CARTyrin to the target protein, e.g., whether the Centyrin or CARTyrin molecule inhibits or potentiates the enzymatic activity of, for example, a label. ELISA and other functional assays may be used, as well known in the art.
Nucleic acid molecules of the disclosure encoding Centyrins or CARTyrins can be in the form of RNA, such as mRNA, hnRNA, tRNA or any other form, or in the form of DNA, including, but not limited to, cDNA and genomic DNA obtained by cloning or produced synthetically, or any combinations thereof. The DNA can be triple-stranded, double-stranded or single-stranded, or any combination thereof. Any portion of at least one strand of the DNA or RNA can be the coding strand, also known as the sense strand, or it can be the non-coding strand, also referred to as the anti-sense strand.
Isolated nucleic acid molecules of the disclosure can include nucleic acid molecules comprising an open reading frame (ORF), optionally, with one or more introns, e.g., but not limited to, at least one specified portion of at least one CARTyrin; nucleic acid molecules comprising the coding sequence for a CARTyrin; and nucleic acid molecules which comprise a nucleotide sequence substantially different from those described above but which, due to the degeneracy of the genetic code, still encode the CARTyrin as described herein and/or as known in the art. Of course, the genetic code is well known in the art. Thus, it would be routine for one skilled in the art to generate such degenerate nucleic acid variants that code for specific CARTyrins of the present invention. See, e.g., Ausubel, et al., supra, and such nucleic acid variants are included in the present invention.
As indicated herein, nucleic acid molecules of the disclosure which comprise a nucleic acid encoding a CARTyrin can include, but are not limited to, those encoding the amino acid sequence of a Centyrin fragment, by itself the coding sequence for the entire CARTyrin or a portion thereof the coding sequence for a Centyrin, fragment or portion, as well as additional sequences, such as the coding sequence of at least one signal leader or fusion peptide, with or without the aforementioned additional coding sequences, such as at least one intron, together with additional, non-coding sequences, including but not limited to, non-coding 5′ and 3′ sequences, such as the transcribed, non-translated sequences that play a role in transcription, mRNA processing, including splicing and polyadenylation signals (for example, ribosome binding and stability of mRNA); an additional coding sequence that codes for additional amino acids, such as those that provide additional functionalities. Thus, the sequence encoding a CARTyrin can be fused to a marker sequence, such as a sequence encoding a peptide that facilitates purification of the fused CARTyrin comprising a Centyrin fragment or portion.
The disclosure provides isolated nucleic acids that hybridize under selective hybridization conditions to a polynucleotide disclosed herein. Thus, the polynucleotides of this embodiment can be used for isolating, detecting, and/or quantifying nucleic acids comprising such polynucleotides. For example, polynucleotides of the present invention can be used to identify, isolate, or amplify partial or full-length clones in a deposited library. In some embodiments, the polynucleotides are genomic or cDNA sequences isolated, or otherwise complementary to, a cDNA from a human or mammalian nucleic acid library.
Preferably, the cDNA library comprises at least 80% full-length sequences, preferably, at least 85% or 90% full-length sequences, and, more preferably, at least 95% full-length sequences. The cDNA libraries can be normalized to increase the representation of rare sequences. Low or moderate stringency hybridization conditions are typically, but not exclusively, employed with sequences having a reduced sequence identity relative to complementary sequences. Moderate and high stringency conditions can optionally be employed for sequences of greater identity. Low stringency conditions allow selective hybridization of sequences having about 70% sequence identity and can be employed to identify orthologous or paralogous sequences.
Optionally, polynucleotides of this invention will encode at least a portion of a CARTyrin encoded by the polynucleotides described herein. The polynucleotides of this invention embrace nucleic acid sequences that can be employed for selective hybridization to a polynucleotide encoding a CARTyrin of the present invention. See, e.g., Ausubel, supra; Colligan, supra, each entirely incorporated herein by reference.
The isolated nucleic acids of the disclosure can be made using (a) recombinant methods, (b) synthetic techniques, (c) purification techniques, and/or (d) combinations thereof, as well-known in the art.
The nucleic acids can conveniently comprise sequences in addition to a polynucleotide of the present invention. For example, a multi-cloning site comprising one or more endonuclease restriction sites can be inserted into the nucleic acid to aid in isolation of the polynucleotide. Also, translatable sequences can be inserted to aid in the isolation of the translated polynucleotide of the disclosure. For example, a hexa-histidine marker sequence provides a convenient means to purify the proteins of the disclosure. The nucleic acid of the disclosure, excluding the coding sequence, is optionally a vector, adapter, or linker for cloning and/or expression of a polynucleotide of the disclosure.
Additional sequences can be added to such cloning and/or expression sequences to optimize their function in cloning and/or expression, to aid in isolation of the polynucleotide, or to improve the introduction of the polynucleotide into a cell. Use of cloning vectors, expression vectors, adapters, and linkers is well known in the art. (See, e.g., Ausubel, supra; or Sambrook, supra).
The isolated nucleic acid compositions of this disclosure, such as RNA, cDNA, genomic DNA, or any combination thereof, can be obtained from biological sources using any number of cloning methodologies known to those of skill in the art. In some embodiments, oligonucleotide probes that selectively hybridize, under stringent conditions, to the polynucleotides of the present invention are used to identify the desired sequence in a cDNA or genomic DNA library. The isolation of RNA, and construction of cDNA and genomic libraries are well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. (See, e.g., Ausubel, supra; or Sambrook, supra).
A cDNA or genomic library can be screened using a probe based upon the sequence of a polynucleotide of the disclosure. Probes can be used to hybridize with genomic DNA or cDNA sequences to isolate homologous genes in the same or different organisms. Those of skill in the art will appreciate that various degrees of stringency of hybridization can be employed in the assay; and either the hybridization or the wash medium can be stringent. As the conditions for hybridization become more stringent, there must be a greater degree of complementarity between the probe and the target for duplex formation to occur. The degree of stringency can be controlled by one or more of temperature, ionic strength, pH and the presence of a partially denaturing solvent, such as formamide. For example, the stringency of hybridization is conveniently varied by changing the polarity of the reactant solution through, for example, manipulation of the concentration of formamide within the range of 0% to 50%. The degree of complementarity (sequence identity) required for detectable binding will vary in accordance with the stringency of the hybridization medium and/or wash medium. The degree of complementarity will optimally be 100%, or 70-100%, or any range or value therein. However, it should be understood that minor sequence variations in the probes and primers can be compensated for by reducing the stringency of the hybridization and/or wash medium.
Methods of amplification of RNA or DNA are well known in the art and can be used according to the disclosure without undue experimentation, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein.
Known methods of DNA or RNA amplification include, but are not limited to, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and related amplification processes (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,683,195, 4,683,202, 4,800,159, 4,965,188, to Mullis, et al.; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,795,699 and 4,921,794 to Tabor, et al; U.S. Pat. No. 5,142,033 to Innis; U.S. Pat. No. 5,122,464 to Wilson, et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,091,310 to Innis; U.S. Pat. No. 5,066,584 to Gyllensten, et al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,889,818 to Gelfand, et al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,994,370 to Silver, et al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,766,067 to Biswas; U.S. Pat. No. 4,656,134 to Ringold) and RNA mediated amplification that uses anti-sense RNA to the target sequence as a template for double-stranded DNA synthesis (U.S. Pat. No. 5,130,238 to Malek, et al, with the tradename NASBA), the entire contents of which references are incorporated herein by reference. (See, e.g., Ausubel, supra; or Sambrook, supra.)
For instance, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology can be used to amplify the sequences of polynucleotides of the disclosure and related genes directly from genomic DNA or cDNA libraries. PCR and other in vitro amplification methods can also be useful, for example, to clone nucleic acid sequences that code for proteins to be expressed, to make nucleic acids to use as probes for detecting the presence of the desired mRNA in samples, for nucleic acid sequencing, or for other purposes. Examples of techniques sufficient to direct persons of skill through in vitro amplification methods are found in Berger, supra, Sambrook, supra, and Ausubel, supra, as well as Mullis, et al., U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,202 (1987); and Innis, et al., PCR Protocols A Guide to Methods and Applications, Eds., Academic Press Inc., San Diego, Calif. (1990). Commercially available kits for genomic PCR amplification are known in the art. See, e.g., Advantage-GC Genomic PCR Kit (Clontech). Additionally, e.g., the T4 gene 32 protein (Boehringer Mannheim) can be used to improve yield of long PCR products.
The isolated nucleic acids of the disclosure can also be prepared by direct chemical synthesis by known methods (see, e.g., Ausubel, et al., supra). Chemical synthesis generally produces a single-stranded oligonucleotide, which can be converted into double-stranded DNA by hybridization with a complementary sequence, or by polymerization with a DNA polymerase using the single strand as a template. One of skill in the art will recognize that while chemical synthesis of DNA can be limited to sequences of about 100 or more bases, longer sequences can be obtained by the ligation of shorter sequences.
The disclosure further provides recombinant expression cassettes comprising a nucleic acid of the disclosure. A nucleic acid sequence of the disclosure, for example, a cDNA or a genomic sequence encoding a CARTyrin of the disclosure, can be used to construct a recombinant expression cassette that can be introduced into at least one desired host cell. A recombinant expression cassette will typically comprise a polynucleotide of the disclosure operably linked to transcriptional initiation regulatory sequences that will direct the transcription of the polynucleotide in the intended host cell. Both heterologous and non-heterologous (i.e., endogenous) promoters can be employed to direct expression of the nucleic acids of the disclosure.
In some embodiments, isolated nucleic acids that serve as promoter, enhancer, or other elements can be introduced in the appropriate position (upstream, downstream or in the intron) of a non-heterologous form of a polynucleotide of the disclosure so as to up or down regulate expression of a polynucleotide of the disclosure. For example, endogenous promoters can be altered in vivo or in vitro by mutation, deletion and/or substitution.
The disclosure provides a nanotransposon comprising: (a) a sequence encoding a transposon insert, comprising a sequence encoding a first inverted terminal repeat (ITR), a sequence encoding a second inverted terminal repeat (ITR), and an intra-ITR sequence; (b) a sequence encoding a backbone, wherein the sequence encoding the backbone comprises a sequence encoding an origin of replication having between 1 and 450 nucleotides, inclusive of the endpoints, and a sequence encoding a selectable marker having between 1 and 200 nucleotides, inclusive of the endpoints, and (c) an inter-ITR sequence. In some embodiments, the inter-ITR sequence of (c) comprises the sequence of (b). In some embodiments, the intra-ITR sequence of (a) comprises the sequence of (b).
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, the sequence encoding the backbone comprises between 1 and 600 nucleotides, inclusive of the endpoints. In some embodiments, the sequence encoding the backbone consists of between 1 and 50 nucleotides, between 50 and 100 nucleotides, between 100 and 150 nucleotides, between 150 and 200 nucleotides, between 200 and 250 nucleotides, between 250 and 300 nucleotides, between 300 and 350 nucleotides, between 350 and 400 nucleotides, between 400 and 450 nucleotides, between 450 and 500 nucleotides, between 500 and 550 nucleotides, between 550 and 600 nucleotides, each range inclusive of the endpoints.
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, the inter-ITR sequence comprises between 1 and 1000 nucleotides, inclusive of the endpoints. In some embodiments, the inter-ITR sequence consists of between 1 and 50 nucleotides, between 50 and 100 nucleotides, between 100 and 150 nucleotides, between 150 and 200 nucleotides, between 200 and 250 nucleotides, between 250 and 300 nucleotides, between 300 and 350 nucleotides, between 350 and 400 nucleotides, between 400 and 450 nucleotides, between 450 and 500 nucleotides, between 500 and 550 nucleotides, between 550 and 600 nucleotides, between 600 and 650 nucleotides, between 650 and 700 nucleotides, between 700 and 750 nucleotides, between 750 and 800 nucleotides, between 800 and 850 nucleotides, between 850 and 900 nucleotides, between 900 and 950 nucleotides, or between 950 and 1000 nucleotides, each range inclusive of the endpoints.
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, including the short nanotransposons (SNTs) of the disclosure, the inter-ITR sequence comprises between 1 and 200 nucleotides, inclusive of the endpoints. In some embodiments, the inter-ITR sequence consists of between 1 and 10 nucleotides, between 10 and 20 nucleotides, between 20 and 30 nucleotides, between 30 and 40 nucleotides, between 40 and 50 nucleotides, between 50 and 60 nucleotides, between 60 and 70 nucleotides, between 70 and 80 nucleotides, between 80 and 90 nucleotides, or between 90 and 100 nucleotides, each range inclusive of the endpoints.
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, the selectable marker having between 1 and 200 nucleotides, inclusive of the endpoints, comprises a sequence encoding a sucrose-selectable marker. In some embodiments, the sequence encoding a sucrose-selectable marker comprises a sequence encoding an RNA-OUT sequence. In some embodiments, the sequence encoding an RNA-OUT sequence comprises or consists of 137 base pairs (bp). In some embodiments, the selectable marker having between 1 and 200 nucleotides, inclusive of the endpoints, comprises a sequence encoding a fluorescent marker. In some embodiments, the selectable marker having between 1 and 200 nucleotides, inclusive of the endpoints, comprises a sequence encoding a cell surface marker.
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, the sequence encoding an origin of replication having between 1 and 450 nucleotides, inclusive of the endpoints, comprises a sequence encoding a mini origin of replication. In some embodiments, the sequence encoding an origin of replication having between 1 and 450 nucleotides, inclusive of the endpoints, comprises a sequence encoding an R6K origin of replication. In some embodiments, the R6K origin of replication comprises an R6K gamma origin of replication. In some embodiments, the R6K origin of replication comprises an R6K mini origin of replication. In some embodiments, the R6K origin of replication comprises an R6K gamma mini origin of replication. In some embodiments, the R6K gamma mini origin of replication comprises or consists of 281 base pairs (bp).
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, the sequence encoding the backbone does not comprise a recombination site, an excision site, a ligation site or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, neither the nanotransposon nor the sequence encoding the backbone comprises a product of a recombination site, an excision site, a ligation site or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, neither the nanotransposon nor the sequence encoding the backbone is derived from a recombination site, an excision site, a ligation site or a combination thereof.
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, a recombination site comprises a sequence resulting from a recombination event. In some embodiments, a recombination site comprises a sequence that is a product of a recombination event. In some embodiments, the recombination event comprises an activity of a recombinase (e.g., a recombinase site).
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, the sequence encoding the backbone does not further comprise a sequence encoding foreign DNA.
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, the inter-ITR sequence does not comprise a recombination site, an excision site, a ligation site or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the inter-ITR sequence does not comprise a product of a recombination event, an excision event, a ligation event or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the inter-ITR sequence is not derived from a recombination event, an excision event, a ligation event or a combination thereof.
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, the inter-ITR sequence comprises a sequence encoding foreign DNA.
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, the intra-ITR sequence comprises at least one sequence encoding an insulator and a sequence encoding a promoter capable of expressing an exogenous sequence in a mammalian cell. In some embodiments, the mammalian cell is a human cell.
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, the intra-ITR sequence comprises a first sequence encoding an insulator, a sequence encoding a promoter capable of expressing an exogenous sequence in a mammalian cell and a second sequence encoding an insulator.
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, the intra-ITR sequence comprises a first sequence encoding an insulator, a sequence encoding a promoter capable of expressing an exogenous sequence in a mammalian cell, a polyadenosine (polyA) sequence and a second sequence encoding an insulator.
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, the intra-ITR sequence comprises a first sequence encoding an insulator, a sequence encoding a promoter capable of expressing an exogenous sequence in a mammalian cell, at least one exogenous sequence, a polyadenosine (polyA) sequence and a second sequence encoding an insulator.
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, the sequence encoding a promoter capable of expressing an exogenous sequence in a mammalian cell is capable of expressing an exogenous sequence in a human cell. In some embodiments, the sequence encoding a promoter capable of expressing an exogenous sequence in a mammalian cell comprises a sequence encoding a constitutive promoter. In some embodiments, the sequence encoding a promoter capable of expressing an exogenous sequence in a mammalian cell comprises a sequence encoding an inducible promoter. In some embodiments, the intra-ITR sequence comprises a first sequence encoding a first promoter capable of expressing an exogenous sequence in a mammalian cell and a second sequence encoding a second promoter capable of expressing an exogenous sequence in mammalian cell, wherein the first promoter is a constitutive promoter, wherein the second promoter is an inducible promoter, and wherein the first sequence encoding the first promoter and the second sequence encoding the second promoter are oriented in opposite directions. In some embodiments, the sequence encoding a promoter capable of expressing an exogenous sequence in a mammalian cell comprises a sequence encoding a cell-type or tissue-type specific promoter. In some embodiments, the sequence encoding a promoter capable of expressing an exogenous sequence in a mammalian cell comprises a sequence encoding an EF1a promoter, a sequence encoding a CMV promoter, a sequence encoding an MND promoter, a sequence encoding an SV40 promoter, a sequence encoding a PGK1 promoter, a sequence encoding a Ubc promoter, a sequence encoding a CAG promoter, a sequence encoding an H1 promoter, or a sequence encoding a U6 promoter.
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, the polyadenosine (polyA) sequence is isolated or derived from a viral polyA sequence. In some embodiments, the polyadenosine (polyA) sequence is isolated or derived from an (SV40) polyA sequence.
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, the at least one exogenous sequence comprises an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide. In some embodiments, the inducible caspase polypeptide comprises (a) a ligand binding region, (b) a linker, and (c) a caspase polypeptide, wherein the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide does not comprise a non-human sequence. In some embodiments, the inducible caspase polypeptide comprises (a) a ligand binding region, (b) a linker, and (c) a truncated caspase 9 polypeptide, wherein the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide does not comprise a non-human sequence.
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, including those wherein the at least one exogenous sequence comprises an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide, the ligand binding region comprises a FK506 binding protein 12 (FKBP12) polypeptide. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the ligand binding region comprises a FK506 binding protein 12 (FKBP12) polypeptide. In some embodiments, the FK506 binding protein 12 (FKBP12) polypeptide comprises a modification at position 36 of the sequence. In some embodiments, the modification comprises a substitution of valine (V) for phenylalanine (F) at position 36 (F36V). In some embodiments, the FKBP12 polypeptide is encoded by an amino acid sequence comprising
In some embodiments, the FKBP12 polypeptide is encoded by a nucleic acid sequence comprising
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, including those wherein the at least one exogenous sequence comprises an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide, the linker region is encoded by an amino acid comprising GGGGS (SEQ ID NO: 14637) or a nucleic acid sequence comprising GGAGGAGGAGGATCC (SEQ ID NO: 14638). In some embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the linker does not comprise a restriction site.
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, including those wherein the at least one exogenous sequence comprises an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide, the truncated caspase 9 polypeptide is encoded by an amino acid sequence that does not comprise an arginine (R) at position 87 of the sequence. In some embodiments, the truncated caspase 9 polypeptide is encoded by an amino acid sequence that does not comprise an alanine (A) at position 282 the sequence. In some embodiments, the truncated caspase 9 polypeptide is encoded by an amino acid comprising
In some embodiments, the truncated caspase 9 polypeptide is encoded by a nucleic acid sequence comprising
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, including those wherein the at least one exogenous sequence comprises an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide, the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide is encoded by an amino acid sequence comprising
In some embodiments, the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide is encoded by a nucleic acid sequence comprising
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, including those wherein the at least one exogenous sequence comprises an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide, the exogenous sequence further comprises a sequence encoding a selectable marker. In some embodiments, the sequence encoding the selectable marker comprises a sequence encoding a detectable marker. In some embodiments, the detectable marker comprises a fluorescent marker or a cell-surface marker. In some embodiments, the sequence encoding the selectable marker comprises a sequence encoding a protein that is active in dividing cells and not active in non-dividing cells. In some embodiments, the sequence encoding the selectable marker comprises a sequence encoding a metabolic marker. In some embodiments, the sequence encoding the selectable marker comprises a sequence encoding a dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) mutein enzyme. In some embodiments, the DHFR mutein enzyme comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of:
In some embodiments, the DHFR mutein enzyme is encoded by a the nucleic acid sequence comprising or consisting of
In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the DHFR mutein enzyme further comprises a mutation at one or more of positions 80, 113, or 153. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the DHFR mutein enzyme comprises one or more of a substitution of a Phenylalanine (F) or a Leucine (L) at position 80, a substitution of a Leucine (L) or a Valine (V) at position 113, and a substitution of a Valine (V) or an Aspartic Acid (D) at position 153.
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, including those wherein the at least one exogenous sequence comprises an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide and/or the exogenous sequence comprises a sequence encoding a selectable marker, the exogenous sequence further comprises a sequence encoding a non-naturally occurring antigen receptor, and/or a sequence encoding a therapeutic polypeptide. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring antigen receptor comprises a T cell Receptor (TCR). In some embodiments, a sequence encoding the TCR comprises one or more of an insertion, a deletion, a substitution, an invertion, a transposition or a frameshift compared to a corresponding wild type sequence. In some embodiments, a sequence encoding the TCR comprises a chimeric or recombinant sequence. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring antigen receptor comprises a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). In some embodiments, the CAR comprises: (a) an ectodomain comprising an antigen recognition region, (b) a transmembrane domain, and (c) an endodomain comprising at least one costimulatory domain. In some embodiments, the ectodomain of (a) of the CAR further comprises a signal peptide. In some embodiments, the ectodomain of (a) of the CAR further comprises a hinge between the antigen recognition region and the transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the endodomain comprises a human CD3ζ endodomain. In some embodiments, the at least one costimulatory domain comprises a human 4-1BB, CD28, CD40, ICOS, MyD88, OX-40 intracellular segment, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the at least one costimulatory domain comprises a human CD28 and/or a 4-1BB costimulatory domain. In some embodiments, the antigen recognition region comprises one or more of a scFv, a VHH, a VH, and a Centyrin.
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, including those wherein the at least one exogenous sequence comprises an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide and/or the exogenous sequence comprises a sequence encoding a selectable marker, the exogenous sequence further comprises a sequence encoding a transposase.
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, the intra-ITR sequence comprises a sequence encoding a selectable marker, an exogenous sequence, a sequence encoding an inducible caspase polypeptide, and at least one sequence encoding a self-cleaving peptide. In some embodiments, the at least one sequence encoding a self-cleaving peptide is positioned between one or more of: (a) the sequence encoding a selectable marker and the exogenous sequence, (b) the sequence encoding a selectable marker and the inducible caspase polypeptide, and (c) the exogenous sequence and the inducible caspase polypeptide. In some embodiments, a first sequence encoding a self-cleaving peptide is positioned between the sequence encoding a selectable marker and the exogenous sequence and a second sequence encoding a self-cleaving peptide is positioned between the exogenous sequence and the inducible caspase polypeptide.
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, including those wherein the at least one exogenous sequence comprises one or more of an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide, a sequence encoding a selectable marker, and an exogenous sequence, the sequence encoding a first inverted terminal repeat (ITR) or the sequence encoding a second inverted terminal repeat (ITR) are recognized by a piggyBac transposase or a piggyBac-like transposase. In some embodiments, the sequence encoding a first inverted terminal repeat (ITR) or the sequence encoding a second inverted terminal repeat (ITR) are recognized by a piggyBac transposase. In some embodiments, the sequence encoding a first inverted terminal repeat (ITR) or the sequence encoding a second inverted terminal repeat (ITR) are recognized by a piggyBac-like transposase. In some embodiments, the sequence encoding a first inverted terminal repeat (ITR) or the sequence encoding a second inverted terminal repeat (ITR) comprise a TTAA, a TTAT or a TTAX recognition sequence. In some embodiments, the sequence encoding a first inverted terminal repeat (ITR) or the sequence encoding a second inverted terminal repeat (ITR) comprise a TTAA, a TTAT or a TTAX recognition sequence and a sequence having at least 50% identity to a sequence isolated or derived from a piggyBac transposase or a piggyBac-like transposase. In some embodiments, the sequence encoding a first inverted terminal repeat (ITR) or the sequence encoding a second inverted terminal repeat (ITR) comprise at least 2 nucleotides (nts), 3 nts, 4 nts, 5 nts, 6 nts, 7 nts, 8 nts, 9 nts, 10 nts, 11 nts, 12 nts, 13 nts, 14 nts, 15 nts, 16 nts, 17 nts, 18 nts, 19 nts, or 20 nts.
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, including those wherein the at least one exogenous sequence comprises one or more of an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide, a sequence encoding a selectable marker, and an exogenous sequence, the sequence encoding a first inverted terminal repeat (ITR) or the sequence encoding a second inverted terminal repeat (ITR) are recognized by a piggyBac transposase or a piggyBac-like transposase. In some embodiments, the sequence encoding a first inverted terminal repeat (ITR) or the sequence encoding a second inverted terminal repeat (ITR) comprises the sequence of
or a sequence having at least 70% identity to the sequence of
In some embodiments, the sequence encoding a first inverted terminal repeat (ITR) or the sequence encoding a second inverted terminal repeat (ITR) comprises the sequence of
In some embodiments, the sequence encoding a first inverted terminal repeat (ITR) or the sequence encoding a second inverted terminal repeat (ITR) comprises the sequence of
and comprises the sequence of
In some embodiments, the sequence encoding a first inverted terminal repeat (ITR) or the sequence encoding a second inverted terminal repeat (ITR) comprises the sequence of
and comprises the sequence of
In some embodiments, the sequence encoding a first inverted terminal repeat (ITR) or the sequence encoding a second inverted terminal repeat (ITR) comprises the sequence of CCCTAGAAAGATAGTCTGCGTAAAATTGACGCATG (SEQ ID NO: 17096) and comprises the sequence of
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, including those wherein the at least one exogenous sequence comprises one or more of an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide, a sequence encoding a selectable marker, and an exogenous sequence, the sequence encoding a first inverted terminal repeat (ITR) or the sequence encoding a second inverted terminal repeat (ITR) are recognized by a piggyBac transposase or a piggyBac-like transposase. In some embodiments, the sequence encoding a first inverted terminal repeat (ITR) or the sequence encoding a second inverted terminal repeat (ITR) is recognized by a piggyBac transposase having an amino acid sequence of at least 20% identity to the amino acid sequence of
In some embodiments, the sequence encoding a first inverted terminal repeat (ITR) or the sequence encoding a second inverted terminal repeat (ITR) is recognized by a piggyBac transposase having the amino acid sequence of
In some embodiments, the sequence encoding a first inverted terminal repeat (ITR) or the sequence encoding a second inverted terminal repeat (ITR) is recognized by a piggyBac transposase having an amino acid sequence of at least 20% identity to the amino acid sequence of
In some embodiments, the sequence encoding a first inverted terminal repeat (ITR) or the sequence encoding a second inverted terminal repeat (ITR) is recognized by a piggyBac transposase having the amino acid sequence of
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, including those wherein the at least one exogenous sequence comprises one or more of an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide, a sequence encoding a selectable marker, and an exogenous sequence, the sequence encoding a first inverted terminal repeat (ITR) or the sequence encoding a second inverted terminal repeat (ITR) are recognized by a Sleeping Beauty transposase. In some embodiments, the Sleeping Beauty transposase is a hyperactive Sleeping Beauty transposase (SB100X).
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, including those wherein the at least one exogenous sequence comprises one or more of an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide, a sequence encoding a selectable marker, and an exogenous sequence, the sequence encoding a first inverted terminal repeat (ITR) or the sequence encoding a second inverted terminal repeat (ITR) are recognized by a Helitron transposase.
In some embodiments of the nanotransposons of the disclosure, including those wherein the at least one exogenous sequence comprises one or more of an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide, a sequence encoding a selectable marker, and an exogenous sequence, the sequence encoding a first inverted terminal repeat (ITR) or the sequence encoding a second inverted terminal repeat (ITR) are recognized by a Tol2 transposase.
The disclosure provides a cell comprising a nanotransposon of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the cell further comprises a transposase composition. In some embodiments, the transposase composition comprises a transposase or a sequence encoding the transposase that is capable of recognizing the first ITR or the second ITR of the nanotransposon. In some embodiments, the transposase composition comprises a nanotransposon comprising the sequence encoding the transposase. In some embodiments, the cell comprises a first nanotransposon comprising an exogenous sequence and a second nanotransposon comprising a sequence encoding a transposase. In some embodiments, the cell is an allogeneic cell.
The disclosure provides a composition comprising the nanotransposon of the disclosure.
The disclosure provides a composition comprising the cell of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the cell comprises a nanotransposon of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the cell is not further modified. In some embodiments, the cell is allogeneic.
The disclosure provides a composition comprising the cell of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the cell comprises a nanotransposon of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the cell is not further modified. In some embodiments, the cell is autologous.
The disclosure provides a composition comprising a plurality of cells of the disclosure. In some embodiments, at least one cell of the plurality of cells comprises a nanotransposon of the disclosure. In some embodiments, a portion of the plurality of cells comprises a nanotransposon of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the portion comprises at least 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 97%, 99% or any percentage in between of the plurality of cells. In some embodiments, each cell of the plurality of cells comprises a nanotransposon of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the plurality of cells does not comprise a modified cell of the disclosure. In some embodiments, at least one cell of the plurality of cells is not further modified. In some embodiments, none of the plurality of cells is not further modified. In some embodiments, plurality of cells is allogeneic. In some embodiments, an allogeneic plurality of cells are produced according to the methods of the disclosure. In some embodiments, plurality of cells is autologous. In some embodiments, an autologous plurality of cells are produced according to the methods of the disclosure.
The disclosure provides a modified cell comprising: (a) a nanotransposon of the disclosure; (b) a sequence encoding an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide; and wherein the cell is a T cell, (c) a modification of an endogenous sequence encoding a T cell Receptor (TCR), wherein the modification reduces or eliminates a level of expression or activity of the TCR. In some embodiments, the cell further comprises: (d) a non-naturally occurring sequence comprising an HLA class I histocompatibility antigen, alpha chain E (HLA-E), and (e) a modification of an endogenous sequence encoding Beta-2-Microglobulin (B2M), wherein the modification reduces or eliminates a level of expression or activity of a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I (MHC-I).
The disclosure provides a modified cell comprising: (a) a nanotransposon of the disclosure; (b) a sequence encoding an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide; (c) a non-naturally occurring sequence comprising an HLA class I histocompatibility antigen, alpha chain E (HLA-E), and (e) a modification of an endogenous sequence encoding Beta-2-Microglobulin (B2M), wherein the modification reduces or eliminates a level of expression or activity of a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I (MHC-I).
In some embodiments of the modified cells of the disclosure, the non-naturally occurring sequence comprising a HLA-E further comprises a sequence encoding a B2M signal peptide. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring sequence comprising an HLA-E further comprises a linker, wherein the linker is positioned between the sequence encoding the sequence encoding a B2M polypeptide and the sequence encoding the HLA-E. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring sequence comprising an HLA-E further comprises a sequence encoding a peptide and a sequence encoding a B2M polypeptide. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring sequence comprising an HLA-E further comprises a first linker positioned between the sequence encoding the B2M signal peptide and the sequence encoding the peptide, and a second linker positioned between the sequence encoding the B2M polypeptide and the sequence encoding the HLA-E.
In some embodiments of the cells, unmodified cells and modified cells of the disclosure, the cell is a mammalian cell.
In some embodiments of the cells, unmodified cells and modified cells of the disclosure, the cell is a human cell.
In some embodiments of the cells, unmodified cells and modified cells of the disclosure, the cell is a stem cell.
In some embodiments of the cells, unmodified cells and modified cells of the disclosure, the cell is a differentiated cell.
In some embodiments of the cells, unmodified cells and modified cells of the disclosure, the cell is a somatic cell.
In some embodiments of the cells, unmodified cells and modified cells of the disclosure, the cell is an immune cell or an immune cell precursor. In some embodiments, the immune cell is a lymphoid progenitor cell, a natural killer (NK) cell, a cytokine induced killer (CIK) cell, a T lymphocyte (T cell), a B lymphocyte (B-cell) or an antigen presenting cell (APC). In some embodiments, the immune cell is a T cell, an early memory T cell, a stem cell-like T cell, a stem memory T cell (Tscm), or a central memory T cell (Tcm). In some embodiments, the immune cell precursor is a hematopoietic stem cell (HSC). In some embodiments, the cell is an antigen presenting cell (APC).
In some embodiments of the cells, unmodified cells and modified cells of the disclosure, the cell further comprises a gene editing composition. In some embodiments, the gene editing composition comprises a sequence encoding a DNA binding domain and a sequence encoding a nuclease protein or a nuclease domain thereof. In some embodiments, the gene editing composition comprises a sequence encoding a nuclease protein or a sequence encoding a nuclease domain thereof. In some embodiments, the e sequence encoding a nuclease protein or the sequence encoding a nuclease domain thereof comprises a DNA sequence, an RNA sequence, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the nuclease or the nuclease domain thereof comprises one or more of a CRISPR/Cas protein, a Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nuclease (TALEN), a Zinc Finger Nuclease (ZFN), and an endonuclease. In some embodiments, the CRISPR/Cas protein comprises a nuclease-inactivated Cas (dCas) protein.
In some embodiments of the cells, unmodified cells and modified cells of the disclosure, the cell further comprises a gene editing composition. In some embodiments, the gene editing composition comprises a sequence encoding a DNA binding domain and a sequence encoding a nuclease protein or a nuclease domain thereof. In some embodiments, the nuclease or the nuclease domain thereof comprises a nuclease-inactivated Cas (dCas) protein and an endonuclease. In some embodiments, the endonuclease comprises a Clo051 nuclease or a nuclease domain thereof. In some embodiments, the gene editing composition comprises a fusion protein. In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a nuclease-inactivated Cas9 (dCas9) protein and a Clo051 nuclease or a Clo051 nuclease domain. In some embodiments, the gene editing composition further comprises a guide sequence. In some embodiments, the guide sequence comprises an RNA sequence. In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence:
or a nucleic acid comprising or consisting of the sequence:
In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence:
or a nucleic acid comprising or consisting of the sequence:
In some embodiments of the cells, unmodified cells and modified cells of the disclosure, a nanotransposon comprises the gene editing composition comprising a guide sequence and a sequence encoding a fusion protein comprising a sequence encoding an inactivated Cas9 (dCas9) and a sequence encoding a Clo051 nuclease or a nuclease domain thereof.
In some embodiments of the cells, unmodified cells and modified cells of the disclosure, the cell expresses the gene editing composition transiently.
In some embodiments of the cells, unmodified cells and modified cells of the disclosure, the cell is a T cell and the guide RNA comprises a sequence complementary to a target sequence encoding an endogenous TCR. In some embodiments, the guide RNA comprises a sequence complementary to a target sequence encoding a B2M polypeptide.
In some embodiments of the cells, unmodified cells and modified cells of the disclosure, the guide RNA comprises a sequence complementary to a target sequence within a safe harbor site of a genomic DNA sequence.
In some embodiments of the cells, unmodified cells and modified cells of the disclosure, the Clo051 nuclease or a nuclease domain thereof induces a single or double strand break in a target sequence. In some embodiments, a donor sequence, a donor plasmid, or a donor nanotransposon intra-ITR sequence integrated at a position of single or double strand break and/or at a position of cellular repair within a target sequence.
The disclosure provides a composition comprising a modified cell according to the disclosure. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier.
The disclosure provides a composition comprising a plurality of modified cells according to the disclosure. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier.
The disclosure provides a composition of the disclosure for use in the treatment of a disease or disorder.
The disclosure provides the use of a composition of the disclosure for the treatment of a disease or disorder.
The disclosure provides a method of treating a disease or disorder comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically-effective amount of a composition of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the subject does not develop graft vs. host (GvH) and/or host vs. graft (HvG) following administration of the composition. In some embodiments, the administration is systemic. In some embodiments, the composition is administered by an intravenous route. In some embodiments, the composition is administered by an intravenous injection or an intravenous infusion.
The disclosure provides a method of treating a disease or disorder comprising administering to a subject in need thereof a therapeutically-effective amount of a composition of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the subject does not develop graft vs. host (GvH) and/or host vs. graft (HvG) following administration of the composition. In some embodiments, the administration is local. In some embodiments, the composition is administered by an intra-tumoral route, an intraspinal route, an intracerebroventricular route, an intraocular route or an intraosseous route. In some embodiments, the composition is administered by an intra-tumoral injection or infusion, an intraspinal injection or infusion, an intracerebroventricular injection or infusion, an intraocular injection or infusion or an intraosseous injection or infusion.
In some embodiments of the methods of treating a disease or disorder of the disclosure, the therapeutically effective dose is a single dose and wherein the allogeneic cells of the composition engraft and/or persist for a sufficient time to treat the disease or disorder. In some embodiments, the single dose is one of at least 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100 or any number of doses in between that are manufactured simultaneously.
In some embodiments of the methods of treating a disease or disorder of the disclosure, the therapeutically effective dose is a single dose and wherein the autologous cells of the composition engraft and/or persist for a sufficient time to treat the disease or disorder. In some embodiments, the single dose is one of at least 2, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100 or any number of doses in between that are manufactured simultaneously.
The disclosure also relates to vectors that include isolated nucleic acid molecules of the disclosure, host cells that are genetically engineered with the recombinant vectors, and the production of at least one Centyrin or CARTyrin by recombinant techniques, as is well known in the art. See, e.g., Sambrook, et al., supra; Ausubel, et al., supra, each entirely incorporated herein by reference.
For example, the PB-EF1a vector may be used. The vector comprises the following nucleotide sequence:
The polynucleotides can optionally be joined to a vector containing a selectable marker for propagation in a host. Generally, a plasmid vector is introduced in a precipitate, such as a calcium phosphate precipitate, or in a complex with a charged lipid. If the vector is a virus, it can be packaged in vitro using an appropriate packaging cell line and then transduced into host cells.
The DNA insert should be operatively linked to an appropriate promoter. The expression constructs will further contain sites for transcription initiation, termination and, in the transcribed region, a ribosome binding site for translation. The coding portion of the mature transcripts expressed by the constructs will preferably include a translation initiating at the beginning and a termination codon (e.g., UAA, UGA or UAG) appropriately positioned at the end of the mRNA to be translated, with UAA and UAG preferred for mammalian or eukaryotic cell expression.
Expression vectors will preferably but optionally include at least one selectable marker. Such markers include, e.g., but are not limited to, ampicillin, zeocin (Sh bla gene), puromycin (pac gene), hygromycin B (hygB gene), G418/Geneticin (neo gene), mycophenolic acid, or glutamine synthetase (GS, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,122,464; 5,770,359; 5,827,739), blasticidin (bsd gene), resistance genes for eukaryotic cell culture as well as ampicillin, zeocin (Sh bla gene), puromycin (pac gene), hygromycin B (hygB gene), G418/Geneticin (neo gene), kanamycin, spectinomycin, streptomycin, carbenicillin, bleomycin, erythromycin, polymyxin B, or tetracycline resistance genes for culturing in E. coli and other bacteria or prokaryotics (the above patents are entirely incorporated hereby by reference). Appropriate culture mediums and conditions for the above-described host cells are known in the art. Suitable vectors will be readily apparent to the skilled artisan. Introduction of a vector construct into a host cell can be effected by calcium phosphate transfection, DEAE-dextran mediated transfection, cationic lipid-mediated transfection, electroporation, transduction, infection or other known methods. Such methods are described in the art, such as Sambrook, supra, Chapters 1-4 and 16-18; Ausubel, supra, Chapters 1, 9, 13, 15, 16.
Expression vectors will preferably but optionally include at least one selectable cell surface marker for isolation of cells modified by the compositions and methods of the disclosure. Selectable cell surface markers of the disclosure comprise surface proteins, glycoproteins, or group of proteins that distinguish a cell or subset of cells from another defined subset of cells. Preferably the selectable cell surface marker distinguishes those cells modified by a composition or method of the disclosure from those cells that are not modified by a composition or method of the disclosure. Such cell surface markers include, e.g., but are not limited to, “cluster of designation” or “classification determinant” proteins (often abbreviated as “CD”) such as a truncated or full length form of CD19, CD271, CD34, CD22, CD20, CD33, CD52, or any combination thereof. Cell surface markers further include the suicide gene marker RQR8 (Philip B et al. Blood. 2014 Aug. 21; 124(8):1277-87).
Expression vectors will preferably but optionally include at least one selectable drug resistance marker for isolation of cells modified by the compositions and methods of the disclosure. Selectable drug resistance markers of the disclosure may comprise wild-type or mutant Neo, TYMS, FRANCF, RAD51C, GCS, MDR1, ALDH1, NKX2.2, or any combination thereof.
At least one Centyrin or CARTyrin of the disclosure can be expressed in a modified form, such as a fusion protein, and can include not only secretion signals, but also additional heterologous functional regions. For instance, a region of additional amino acids, particularly charged amino acids, can be added to the N-terminus of a CARTyrin to improve stability and persistence in the host cell, during purification, or during subsequent handling and storage. Also, peptide moieties can be added to a CARTyrin of the disclosure to facilitate purification. Such regions can be removed prior to final preparation of a CARTyrin or at least one fragment thereof. Such methods are described in many standard laboratory manuals, such as Sambrook, supra, Chapters 17.29-17.42 and 18.1-18.74; Ausubel, supra, Chapters 16, 17 and 18.
Those of ordinary skill in the art are knowledgeable in the numerous expression systems available for expression of a nucleic acid encoding a protein of the disclosure. Alternatively, nucleic acids of the disclosure can be expressed in a host cell by turning on (by manipulation) in a host cell that contains endogenous DNA encoding a Centyrin or CARTyrin of the disclosure. Such methods are well known in the art, e.g., as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,580,734, 5,641,670, 5,733,746, and 5,733,761, entirely incorporated herein by reference.
Illustrative of cell cultures useful for the production of the CARTyrins, specified portions or variants thereof, are bacterial, yeast, and mammalian cells as known in the art. Mammalian cell systems often will be in the form of monolayers of cells although mammalian cell suspensions or bioreactors can also be used. A number of suitable host cell lines capable of expressing intact glycosylated proteins have been developed in the art, and include the COS-1 (e.g., ATCC CRL 1650), COS-7 (e.g., ATCC CRL-1651), HEK293, BHK21 (e.g., ATCC CRL-10), CHO (e.g., ATCC CRL 1610) and BSC-1 (e.g., ATCC CRL-26) cell lines, Cos-7 cells, CHO cells, hep G2 cells, P3X63Ag8.653, 5P2/0-Ag14, 293 cells, HeLa cells and the like, which are readily available from, for example, American Type Culture Collection, Manassas, Va. (www.atcc.org). Preferred host cells include cells of lymphoid origin, such as myeloma and lymphoma cells. Particularly preferred host cells are P3X63Ag8.653 cells (ATCC Accession Number CRL-1580) and SP2/0-Ag14 cells (ATCC Accession Number CRL-1851). In a particularly preferred embodiment, the recombinant cell is a P3X63Ab8.653 or an SP2/0-Ag14 cell.
Expression vectors for these cells can include one or more of the following expression control sequences, such as, but not limited to, an origin of replication; a promoter (e.g., late or early SV40 promoters, the CMV promoter (U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,168,062; 5,385,839), an HSV tk promoter, a pgk (phosphoglycerate kinase) promoter, an EF-1 alpha promoter (U.S. Pat. No. 5,266,491), at least one human promoter; an enhancer, and/or processing information sites, such as ribosome binding sites, RNA splice sites, polyadenylation sites (e.g., an SV40 large T Ag poly A addition site), and transcriptional terminator sequences. See, e.g., Ausubel et al., supra; Sambrook, et al., supra. Other cells useful for production of nucleic acids or proteins of the present invention are known and/or available, for instance, from the American Type Culture Collection Catalogue of Cell Lines and Hybridomas (www.atcc.org) or other known or commercial sources.
When eukaryotic host cells are employed, polyadenlyation or transcription terminator sequences are typically incorporated into the vector. An example of a terminator sequence is the polyadenlyation sequence from the bovine growth hormone gene. Sequences for accurate splicing of the transcript can also be included. An example of a splicing sequence is the VP1 intron from SV40 (Sprague, et al., J. Virol. 45:773-781 (1983)). Additionally, gene sequences to control replication in the host cell can be incorporated into the vector, as known in the art.
A Centyrin or CARTyrin can be recovered and purified from recombinant cell cultures by well-known methods including, but not limited to, protein A purification, ammonium sulfate or ethanol precipitation, acid extraction, anion or cation exchange chromatography, phosphocellulose chromatography, hydrophobic interaction chromatography, affinity chromatography, hydroxylapatite chromatography and lectin chromatography. High performance liquid chromatography (“HPLC”) can also be employed for purification. See, e.g., Colligan, Current Protocols in Immunology, or Current Protocols in Protein Science, John Wiley & Sons, NY, N.Y., (1997-2001), e.g., Chapters 1, 4, 6, 8, 9, 10, each entirely incorporated herein by reference.
Centyrins or CARTyrins of the disclosure include purified products, products of chemical synthetic procedures, and products produced by recombinant techniques from a prokaryotic or eukaryotic host, including, for example, E. coli, yeast, higher plant, insect and mammalian cells. Depending upon the host employed in a recombinant production procedure, the CARTyrin of the disclosure can be glycosylated or can be non-glycosylated. Such methods are described in many standard laboratory manuals, such as Sambrook, supra, Sections 17.37-17.42; Ausubel, supra, Chapters 10, 12, 13, 16, 18 and 20, Colligan, Protein Science, supra, Chapters 12-14, all entirely incorporated herein by reference.
The amino acids that make up CARtyrins of the disclosure are often abbreviated. The amino acid designations can be indicated by designating the amino acid by its single letter code, its three letter code, name, or three nucleotide codon(s) as is well understood in the art (see Alberts, B., et al., Molecular Biology of The Cell, Third Ed., Garland Publishing, Inc., New York, 1994). A CARTyrin of the disclosure can include one or more amino acid substitutions, deletions or additions, from spontaneous or mutations and/or human manipulation, as specified herein. Amino acids in a CARTyrin of the disclosure that are essential for function can be identified by methods known in the art, such as site-directed mutagenesis or alanine-scanning mutagenesis (e.g., Ausubel, supra, Chapters 8, 15; Cunningham and Wells, Science 244:1081-1085 (1989)). The latter procedure introduces single alanine mutations at every residue in the molecule. The resulting mutant molecules are then tested for biological activity, such as, but not limited to, at least one neutralizing activity. Sites that are critical for CARTyrin binding can also be identified by structural analysis, such as crystallization, nuclear magnetic resonance or photoaffinity labeling (Smith, et al., J. Mol. Biol. 224:899-904 (1992) and de Vos, et al., Science 255:306-312 (1992)).
As those of skill will appreciate, the invention includes at least one biologically active CARTyrin of the disclosure. Biologically active CARTyrins have a specific activity at least 20%, 30%, or 40%, and, preferably, at least 50%, 60%, or 70%, and, most preferably, at least 80%, 90%, or 95%-99% or more of the specific activity of the native (non-synthetic), endogenous or related and known CARTyrin. Methods of assaying and quantifying measures of enzymatic activity and substrate specificity are well known to those of skill in the art.
In another aspect, the disclosure relates to Centyrins and fragments, as described herein, which are modified by the covalent attachment of an organic moiety. Such modification can produce a CARTyrin fragment with improved pharmacokinetic properties (e.g., increased in vivo serum half-life). The organic moiety can be a linear or branched hydrophilic polymeric group, fatty acid group, or fatty acid ester group. In particular embodiments, the hydrophilic polymeric group can have a molecular weight of about 800 to about 120,000 Daltons and can be a polyalkane glycol (e.g., polyethylene glycol (PEG), polypropylene glycol (PPG)), carbohydrate polymer, amino acid polymer or polyvinyl pyrolidone, and the fatty acid or fatty acid ester group can comprise from about eight to about forty carbon atoms.
The modified CARTyrin and fragments of the disclosure can comprise one or more organic moieties that are covalently bonded, directly or indirectly, to the antibody. Each organic moiety that is bonded to a CARTyrin or fragment thereof of the disclosure can independently be a hydrophilic polymeric group, a fatty acid group or a fatty acid ester group. As used herein, the term “fatty acid” encompasses mono-carboxylic acids and di-carboxylic acids. A “hydrophilic polymeric group,” as the term is used herein, refers to an organic polymer that is more soluble in water than in octane. For example, polylysine is more soluble in water than in octane. Thus, a Centyrin or CARTyrin modified by the covalent attachment of polylysine is encompassed by the disclosure. Hydrophilic polymers suitable for modifying Centyrins or CARTyrins of the disclosure can be linear or branched and include, for example, polyalkane glycols (e.g., PEG, monomethoxy-polyethylene glycol (mPEG), PPG and the like), carbohydrates (e.g., dextran, cellulose, oligosaccharides, polysaccharides and the like), polymers of hydrophilic amino acids (e.g., polylysine, polyarginine, polyaspartate and the like), polyalkane oxides (e.g., polyethylene oxide, polypropylene oxide and the like) and polyvinyl pyrolidone. Preferably, the hydrophilic polymer that modifies the CARTyrin of the disclosure has a molecular weight of about 800 to about 150,000 Daltons as a separate molecular entity. For example, PEG5000 and PEG 20,000, wherein the subscript is the average molecular weight of the polymer in Daltons, can be used. The hydrophilic polymeric group can be substituted with one to about six alkyl, fatty acid or fatty acid ester groups. Hydrophilic polymers that are substituted with a fatty acid or fatty acid ester group can be prepared by employing suitable methods. For example, a polymer comprising an amine group can be coupled to a carboxylate of the fatty acid or fatty acid ester, and an activated carboxylate (e.g., activated with N,N-carbonyl diimidazole) on a fatty acid or fatty acid ester can be coupled to a hydroxyl group on a polymer.
Fatty acids and fatty acid esters suitable for modifying CARTyrins of the disclosure can be saturated or can contain one or more units of unsaturation. Fatty acids that are suitable for modifying CARtyrins of the disclosure include, for example, n-dodecanoate (C12, laurate), n-tetradecanoate (C14, myristate), n-octadecanoate (C18, stearate), n-eicosanoate (C20, arachidate), n-docosanoate (C22, behenate), n-triacontanoate (C30), n-tetracontanoate (C40), cis-Δ9-octadecanoate (C18, oleate), all cis-Δ5,8,11,14-eicosatetraenoate (C20, arachidonate), octanedioic acid, tetradecanedioic acid, octadecanedioic acid, docosanedioic acid, and the like. Suitable fatty acid esters include mono-esters of dicarboxylic acids that comprise a linear or branched lower alkyl group. The lower alkyl group can comprise from one to about twelve, preferably, one to about six, carbon atoms.
The modified CARTyrins and fragments can be prepared using suitable methods, such as by reaction with one or more modifying agents. A “modifying agent” as the term is used herein, refers to a suitable organic group (e.g., hydrophilic polymer, a fatty acid, a fatty acid ester) that comprises an activating group. An “activating group” is a chemical moiety or functional group that can, under appropriate conditions, react with a second chemical group thereby forming a covalent bond between the modifying agent and the second chemical group. For example, amine-reactive activating groups include electrophilic groups, such as tosylate, mesylate, halo (chloro, bromo, fluoro, iodo), N-hydroxysuccinimidyl esters (NHS), and the like. Activating groups that can react with thiols include, for example, maleimide, iodoacetyl, acrylolyl, pyridyl disulfides, 5-thiol-2-nitrobenzoic acid thiol (TNB-thiol), and the like. An aldehyde functional group can be coupled to amine- or hydrazide-containing molecules, and an azide group can react with a trivalent phosphorous group to form phosphoramidate or phosphorimide linkages. Suitable methods to introduce activating groups into molecules are known in the art (see for example, Hermanson, G. T., Bioconjugate Techniques, Academic Press: San Diego, Calif. (1996)). An activating group can be bonded directly to the organic group (e.g., hydrophilic polymer, fatty acid, fatty acid ester), or through a linker moiety, for example, a divalent C1-C12 group wherein one or more carbon atoms can be replaced by a heteroatom, such as oxygen, nitrogen or sulfur. Suitable linker moieties include, for example, tetraethylene glycol, —(CH2)3-, —NH—(CH2)6-NH—, —(CH2)2-NH— and —CH2-O—CH2-CH2-O—CH2-CH2-O—CH—NH—. Modifying agents that comprise a linker moiety can be produced, for example, by reacting a mono-Boc-alkyldiamine (e.g., mono-Boc-ethylenediamine, mono-Boc-diaminohexane) with a fatty acid in the presence of 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC) to form an amide bond between the free amine and the fatty acid carboxylate. The Boc protecting group can be removed from the product by treatment with trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) to expose a primary amine that can be coupled to another carboxylate, as described, or can be reacted with maleic anhydride and the resulting product cyclized to produce an activated maleimido derivative of the fatty acid. (See, for example, Thompson, et al., WO 92/16221, the entire teachings of which are incorporated herein by reference.)
The modified CARTyrins and fragments of the disclosure can be produced by reacting CARTyrin proteins or fragments with a modifying agent. For example, the organic moieties can be bonded to the CARTyrin protein in a non-site specific manner by employing an amine-reactive modifying agent, for example, an NHS ester of PEG. Modified CARTyrin proteins and fragments comprising an organic moiety that is bonded to specific sites of a CARTyrin of the disclosure can be prepared using suitable methods, such as reverse proteolysis (Fisch et al., Bioconjugate Chem., 3:147-153 (1992); Werlen et al., Bioconjugate Chem., 5:411-417 (1994); Kumaran et al., Protein Sci. 6(10):2233-2241 (1997); Itoh et al., Bioorg. Chem., 24(1): 59-68 (1996); Capellas et al., Biotechnol. Bioeng., 56(4):456-463 (1997)), and the methods described in Hermanson, G. T., Bioconjugate Techniques, Academic Press: San Diego, Calif. (1996).
Centyrin or CARTyrin compounds, compositions or combinations of the present disclosure can further comprise at least one of any suitable auxiliary, such as, but not limited to, diluent, binder, stabilizer, buffers, salts, lipophilic solvents, preservative, adjuvant or the like. Pharmaceutically acceptable auxiliaries are preferred. Non-limiting examples of, and methods of preparing such sterile solutions are well known in the art, such as, but limited to, Gennaro, Ed., Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th Edition, Mack Publishing Co. (Easton, Pa.) 1990. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers can be routinely selected that are suitable for the mode of administration, solubility and/or stability of the Centyrin or CARTyrin, fragment or variant composition as well known in the art or as described herein.
Pharmaceutical excipients and additives useful in the present composition include, but are not limited to, proteins, peptides, amino acids, lipids, and carbohydrates (e.g., sugars, including monosaccharides, di-, tri-, tetra-, and oligosaccharides; derivatized sugars, such as alditols, aldonic acids, esterified sugars and the like; and polysaccharides or sugar polymers), which can be present singly or in combination, comprising alone or in combination 1-99.99% by weight or volume. Exemplary protein excipients include serum albumin, such as human serum albumin (HSA), recombinant human albumin (rHA), gelatin, casein, and the like. Representative amino acid/protein components, which can also function in a buffering capacity, include alanine, glycine, arginine, betaine, histidine, glutamic acid, aspartic acid, cysteine, lysine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, methionine, phenylalanine, aspartame, and the like. One preferred amino acid is glycine.
Carbohydrate excipients suitable for use in the invention include, for example, monosaccharides, such as fructose, maltose, galactose, glucose, D-mannose, sorbose, and the like; disaccharides, such as lactose, sucrose, trehalose, cellobiose, and the like; polysaccharides, such as raffinose, melezitose, maltodextrins, dextrans, starches, and the like; and alditols, such as mannitol, xylitol, maltitol, lactitol, xylitol sorbitol (glucitol), myoinositol and the like. Preferred carbohydrate excipients for use in the present invention are mannitol, trehalose, and raffinose.
CARTyrin compositions can also include a buffer or a pH-adjusting agent; typically, the buffer is a salt prepared from an organic acid or base. Representative buffers include organic acid salts, such as salts of citric acid, ascorbic acid, gluconic acid, carbonic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, acetic acid, or phthalic acid; Tris, tromethamine hydrochloride, or phosphate buffers. Preferred buffers for use in the present compositions are organic acid salts, such as citrate.
Additionally, CARTyrin compositions of the invention can include polymeric excipients/additives, such as polyvinylpyrrolidones, ficolls (a polymeric sugar), dextrates (e.g., cyclodextrins, such as 2-hydroxypropyl-β-cyclodextrin), polyethylene glycols, flavoring agents, antimicrobial agents, sweeteners, antioxidants, antistatic agents, surfactants (e.g., polysorbates, such as “TWEEN 20” and “TWEEN 80”), lipids (e.g., phospholipids, fatty acids), steroids (e.g., cholesterol), and chelating agents (e.g., EDTA).
These and additional known pharmaceutical excipients and/or additives suitable for use in the Centyrin or CARTyrin, portion or variant compositions according to the invention are known in the art, e.g., as listed in “Remington: The Science & Practice of Pharmacy”, 19th ed., Williams & Williams, (1995), and in the “Physician's Desk Reference”, 52nd ed., Medical Economics, Montvale, N.J. (1998), the disclosures of which are entirely incorporated herein by reference. Preferred carrier or excipient materials are carbohydrates (e.g., saccharides and alditols) and buffers (e.g., citrate) or polymeric agents. An exemplary carrier molecule is the mucopolysaccharide, hyaluronic acid, which may be useful for intraarticular delivery.
T Cell Isolation from a Leukapheresis Product
A leukapheresis product or blood may be collected from a subject at clinical site using a closed system and standard methods (e.g., a COBE Spectra Apheresis System). Preferably, the product is collected according to standard hospital or institutional Leukapheresis procedures in standard Leukapheresis collection bags. For example, in preferred embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, no additional anticoagulants or blood additives (heparin, etc.) are included beyond those normally used during leukapheresis.
Alternatively, white blood cells (WBC)/Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMC) (using Biosafe Sepax 2 (Closed/Automated)) or T cells (using CliniMACS® Prodigy (Closed/Automated)) may be isolated directly from whole blood. However, in certain subjects (e.g. those diagnosed and/or treated for cancer), the WBC/PBMC yield may be significantly lower when isolated from whole blood than when isolated by leukapheresis.
Either the leukapheresis procedure and/or the direct cell isolation procedure may be used for any subject of the disclosure.
The leukapheresis product, blood, WBC/PBMC composition and/or T-cell composition should be packed in insulated containers and should be kept at controlled room temperature (+19° C. to +25° C.) according to standard hospital of institutional blood collection procedures approved for use with the clinical protocol. The leukapheresis product, blood, WBC/PBMC composition and/or T-cell composition should not be refrigerated.
The cell concentration leukapheresis product, blood, WBC/PBMC composition and/or T-cell composition should not exceed 0.2×109 cells per mL during transportation. Intense mixing of the leukapheresis product, blood, WBC/PBMC composition and/or T-cell composition should be avoided.
If the leukapheresis product, blood, WBC/PBMC composition and/or T-cell composition has to be stored, e.g. overnight, it should be kept at controlled room temperature (same as above). During storage, the concentration of the leukapheresis product, blood, WBC/PBMC composition and/or T-cell composition should never exceed 0.2×109 cell per mL.
Preferably, cells of the leukapheresis product, blood, WBC/PBMC composition and/or T-cell composition should be stored in autologous plasma. In certain embodiments, if the cell concentration of the leukapheresis product, blood, WBC/PBMC composition and/or T-cell composition is higher than 0.2×109 cell per mL, the product should be diluted with autologous plasma.
Preferably, the leukapheresis product, blood, WBC/PBMC composition and/or T-cell composition should not be older than 24 hours when starting the labeling and separation procedure. The leukapheresis product, blood, WBC/PBMC composition and/or T-cell composition may be processed and/or prepared for cell labeling using a closed and/or automated system (e.g., CliniMACS Prodigy).
An automated system may perform additional buffy coat isolation, possibly by ficolation, and/or washing of the cellular product (e.g., the leukapheresis product, blood, WBC/PBMC composition and/or T cell composition).
A closed and/or automated system may be used to prepare and label cells for T-Cell isolation (from, for example, the leukapheresis product, blood, WBC/PBMC composition and/or T cell composition).
Although WBC/PBMCs may be nucleofected directly (which is easier and saves additional steps), the methods of the disclosure may include first isolating T cells prior to nucleofection. The easier strategy of directly nucleofecting PBMC requires selective expansion of CARTyrin+ cells that is mediated via CARTyrin signaling, which by itself is proving to be an inferior expansion method that directly reduces the in vivo efficiency of the product by rendering T cells functionally exhausted. The product may be a heterogeneous composition of CARTyrin+ cells including T cells, NK cells, NKT cells, monocytes, or any combination thereof, which increases the variability in product from patient to patient and makes dosing and CRS management more difficult. Since T cells are thought to be the primary effectors in tumor suppression and killing, T cell isolation for the manufacture of an autologous product may result in significant benefits over the other more heterogeneous composition.
T cells may be isolated directly, by enrichment of labeled cells or depletion of labeled cells in a one-way labeling procedure or, indirectly, in a two-step labeling procedure. According to certain enrichment strategies of the disclosure, T cells may be collected in a Cell Collection Bag and the non-labeled cells (non-target cells) in a Negative Fraction Bag. In contrast to an enrichment strategy of the disclosure, the non-labeled cells (target cells) are collected in a Cell Collection Bag and the labeled cells (non-target cells) are collected in a Negative Fraction Bag or in the Non-Target Cell Bag, respectively. Selection reagents may include, but are not limited to, antibody-coated beads. Antibody-coated beads may either be removed prior to a modification and/or an expansion step, or, retained on the cells prior to a modification and/or an expansion step. One or more of the following non-limiting examples of cellular markers may be used to isolate T-cells: CD3, CD4, CD8, CD25, anti-biotin, CD1c, CD3/CD19, CD3/CD56, CD14, CD19, CD34, CD45RA, CD56, CD62L, CD133, CD137, CD271, CD304, IFN-gamma, TCR alpha/beta, and/or any combination thereof. Methods for the isolation of T-cells may include one or more reagents that specifically bind and/or detectably-label one or more of the following non-limiting examples of cellular markers may be used to isolate T-cells: CD3, CD4, CD8, CD25, anti-biotin, CD1c, CD3/CD19, CD3/CD56, CD14, CD19, CD34, CD45RA, CD56, CD62L, CD133, CD137, CD271, CD304, IFN-gamma, TCR alpha/beta, and/or any combination thereof. These reagents may or may not be “Good Manufacturing Practices” (“GMP”) grade. Reagents may include, but are not limited to, Thermo DynaBeads and Miltenyi CliniMACS products. Methods of isolating T-cells of the disclosure may include multiple iterations of labeling and/or isolation steps. At any point in the methods of isolating T-cells of the disclosure, unwanted cells and/or unwanted cell types may be depleted from a T cell product composition of the disclosure by positively or negatively selecting for the unwanted cells and/or unwanted cell types. A T cell product composition of the disclosure may contain additional cell types that may express CD4, CD8, and/or another T cell marker(s).
Methods of the disclosure for nucleofection of T cells may eliminate the step of T cell isolation by, for example, a process for nucleofection of T cells in a population or composition of WBC/PBMCs that, following nucleofection, includes an isolation step or a selective expansion step via TCR signaling.
Certain cell populations may be depleted by positive or negative selection before or after T cell enrichment and/or sorting. Examples of cell compositions that may be depleted from a cell product composition may include myeloid cells, CD25+ regulatory T cells (T Regs), dendritic cells, macrophages, red blood cells, mast cells, gamma-delta T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, a Natural Killer (NK)-like cell (e.g. a Cytokine Induced Killer (CIK) cell), induced natural killer (iNK) T cells, NK T cells, B cells, or any combination thereof.
T cell product compositions of the disclosure may include CD4+ and CD8+ T-Cells. CD4+ and CD8+ T-Cells may be isolated into separate collection bags during an isolation or selection procedure. CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells may be further treated separately, or treated after reconstitution (combination into the same composition) at a particular ratio.
The particular ratio at which CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells may be reconstituted may depend upon the type and efficacy of expansion technology used, cell medium, and/or growth conditions utilized for expansion of T-cell product compositions. Examples of possible CD4+: CD8+ ratios include, but are not limited to, 50%:50%, 60%:40%, 40%:60% 75%:25% and 25%:75%.
CD8+ T cells exhibit a potent capacity for tumor cell killing, while CD4+ T cells provide many of the cytokines required to support CD8+ T cell proliferative capacity and function. Because T cells isolated from normal donors are predominantly CD4+, the T-cell product compositions are artificially adjusted in vitro with respect to the CD4+:CD8+ ratio to improve upon the ratio of CD4+ T cells to CD8+ T cells that would otherwise be present in vivo. An optimized ratio may also be used for the ex vivo expansion of the autologous T-cell product composition. In view of the artificially adjusted CD4+:CD8+ ratio of the T-cell product composition, it is important to note that the product compositions of the disclosure may be significantly different and provide significantly greater advantage than any endogenously-occurring population of T-cells.
Preferred methods for T cell isolation may include a negative selection strategy for yielding untouched pan T cell, meaning that the resultant T-cell composition includes T-cells that have not been manipulated and that contain an endogenously-occurring variety/ratio of T-cells.
Reagents that may be used for positive or negative selection include, but are not limited to, magnetic cell separation beads. Magnetic cell separation beads may or may not be removed or depleted from selected populations of CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, or a mixed population of both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells before performing the next step in a T-cell isolation method of the disclosure.
T cell compositions and T cell product compositions may be prepared for cryopreservation, storage in standard T Cell Culture Medium, and/or genetic modification.
T cell compositions, T cell product compositions, unstimulated T cell compositions, resting T cell compositions or any portion thereof may be cryopreserved using a standard cryopreservation method optimized for storing and recovering human cells with high recovery, viability, phenotype, and/or functional capacity. Commercially-available cryopreservation media and/or protocols may be used. Cryopreservation methods of the disclosure may include a DMSO free cryopreservant (e.g. CryoSOfree™ DMSO-free Cryopreservation Medium) reduce freezing-related toxicity.
T cell compositions, T cell product compositions, unstimulated T cell compositions, resting T cell compositions or any portion thereof may be stored in a culture medium. T cell culture media of the disclosure may be optimized for cell storage, cell genetic modification, cell phenotype and/or cell expansion. T cell culture media of the disclosure may include one or more antibiotics. Because the inclusion of an antibiotic within a cell culture media may decrease transfection efficiency and/or cell yield following genetic modification via nucleofection, the specific antibiotics (or combinations thereof) and their respective concentration(s) may be altered for optimal transfection efficiency and/or cell yield following genetic modification via nucleofection.
T cell culture media of the disclosure may include serum, and, moreover, the serum composition and concentration may be altered for optimal cell outcomes. Human AB serum is preferred over FBS/FCS for culture of T cells because, although contemplated for use in T cell culture media of the disclosure, FBS/FCS may introduce xeno-proteins. Serum may be isolated form the blood of the subject for whom the T-cell composition in culture is intended for administration, thus, a T cell culture medium of the disclosure may comprise autologous serum. Serum-free media or serum-substitute may also be used in T-cell culture media of the disclosure. In certain embodiments of the T-cell culture media and methods of the disclosure, serum-free media or serum-substitute may provide advantages over supplementing the medium with xeno-serum, including, but not limited to, healthier cells that have greater viability, nucleofect with higher efficiency, exhibit greater viability post-nucleofection, display a more desirable cell phenotype, and/or greater/faster expansion upon addition of expansion technologies.
T cell culture media may include a commercially-available cell growth media. Exemplary commercially-available cell growth media include, but are not limited to, PBS, HBSS, OptiMEM, DMEM, RPMI 1640, AIM-V, X-VIVO 15, CellGro DC Medium, CTS OpTimizer T Cell Expansion SFM, TexMACS Medium, PRIME-XV T Cell Expansion Medium, ImmunoCult-XF T Cell Expansion Medium, or any combination thereof.
T cell compositions, T cell product compositions, unstimulated T cell compositions, resting T cell compositions or any portion thereof may be prepared for genetic modification. Preparation of T cell compositions, T cell product compositions, unstimulated T cell compositions, resting T cell compositions or any portion thereof for genetic modification may include cell washing and/or resuspension in a desired nucleofection buffer. Cryopreserved T-cell compositions may be thawed and prepared for genetic modification by nucleofection. Cryopreserved cells may be thawed according to standard or known protocols. Thawing and preparation of cryopreserved cells may be optimized to yield cells that have greater viability, nucleofect with higher efficiency, exhibit greater viability post-nucleofection, display a more desirable cell phenotype, and/or greater/faster expansion upon addition of expansion technologies. For example, Grifols Albutein (25% human albumin) may be used in the thawing and/or preparation process.
T cell compositions, T cell product compositions, unstimulated T cell compositions, resting T cell compositions or any portion thereof may be genetically modified using, for example, a nucleofection strategy such as electroporation. The total number of cells to be nucleofected, the total volume of the nucleofection reaction, and the precise timing of the preparation of the sample may be optimized to yield cells that have greater viability, nucleofect with higher efficiency, exhibit greater viability post-nucleofection, display a more desirable cell phenotype, and/or greater/faster expansion upon addition of expansion technologies.
Nucleofection and/or electroporation may be accomplished using, for example, Lonza Amaxa, MaxCyte PulseAgile, Harvard Apparatus BTX, and/or Invitrogen Neon. Non-metal electrode systems, including, but not limited to, plastic polymer electrodes, may be preferred for nucleofection.
Prior to genetic modification by nucleofection, T cell compositions, T cell product compositions, unstimulated T cell compositions, resting T cell compositions or any portion thereof may be resuspended in a nucleofection buffer. Nucleofection buffers of the disclosure include commercially-available nucleofection buffers. Nucleofection buffers of the disclosure may be optimized to yield cells that have greater viability, nucleofect with higher efficiency, exhibit greater viability post-nucleofection, display a more desirable cell phenotype, and/or greater/faster expansion upon addition of expansion technologies. Nucleofection buffers of the disclosure may include, but are not limited to, PBS, HBSS, OptiMEM, BTXpress, Amaxa Nucleofector, Human T cell nucleofection buffer and any combination thereof. Nucleofection buffers of the disclosure may comprise one or more supplemental factors to yield cells that have greater viability, nucleofect with higher efficiency, exhibit greater viability post-nucleofection, display a more desirable cell phenotype, and/or greater/faster expansion upon addition of expansion technologies. Exemplary supplemental factors include, but are not limited to, recombinant human cytokines, chemokines, interleukins and any combination thereof. Exemplary cytokines, chemokines, and interleukins include, but are not limited to, IL2, IL7, IL12, IL15, IL21, IL1 IL3, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL8, CXCL8, IL9, IL10, IL11, IL13, IL14, IL16, IL17, IL18, IL19, IL20, IL22, IL23, IL25, IL26, IL27, IL28, IL29, IL30, IL31, IL32, IL33, IL35, IL36, GM-CSF, IFN-gamma, IL-1 alpha/IL-1F1, IL-1 beta/IL-1F2, IL-12 p70, IL-12/IL-35 p35, IL-13, IL-17/IL-17A, IL-17A/F Heterodimer, IL-17F, IL-18/IL-1F4, IL-23, IL-24, IL-32, IL-32 beta, IL-32 gamma, IL-33, LAP (TGF-beta 1), Lymphotoxin-alpha/TNF-beta, TGF-beta, TNF-alpha, TRANCE/TNFSF11/RANK L and any combination thereof. Exemplary supplemental factors include, but are not limited to, salts, minerals, metabolites or any combination thereof. Exemplary salts, minerals, and metabolites include, but are not limited to, HEPES, Nicotinamide, Heparin, Sodium Pyruvate, L-Glutamine, MEM Non-Essential Amino Acid Solution, Ascorbic Acid, Nucleosides, FBS/FCS, Human serum, serum-substitute, anti-biotics, pH adjusters, Earle's Salts, 2-Mercaptoethanol, Human transferrin, Recombinant human insulin, Human serum albumin, Nucleofector PLUS Supplement, KCL, MgCl2, Na2HPO4, NAH2PO4, Sodium lactobionate, Manitol, Sodium succinate, Sodium Chloride, CINa, Glucose, Ca(NO3)2, Tris/HCl, K2HPO4, KH2PO4, Polyethylenimine, Poly-ethylene-glycol, Poloxamer 188, Poloxamer 181, Poloxamer 407, Poly-vinylpyrrolidone, Pop313, Crown-5, and any combination thereof. Exemplary supplemental factors include, but are not limited to, media such as PBS, HBSS, OptiMEM, DMEM, RPMI 1640, AIM-V, X-VIVO 15, CellGro DC Medium, CTS OpTimizer T Cell Expansion SFM, TexMACS Medium, PRIME-XV T Cell Expansion Medium, ImmunoCult-XF T Cell Expansion Medium and any combination thereof. Exemplary supplemental factors include, but are not limited to, inhibitors of cellular DNA sensing, metabolism, differentiation, signal transduction, the apoptotic pathway and combinations thereof. Exemplary inhibitors include, but are not limited to, inhibitors of TLR9, MyD88, IRAK, TRAF6, TRAF3, IRF-7, NF-KB, Type 1 Interferons, pro-inflammatory cytokines, cGAS, STING, Sec5, TBK1, IRF-3, RNA pol III, RIG-1, IPS-1, FADD, RIP1, TRAF3, AIM2, ASC, Caspase1, Pro-IL1B, PI3K, Akt, Wnt3A, inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3 β) (e.g. TWS119), Bafilomycin, Chloroquine, Quinacrine, AC-YVAD-CMK, Z-VAD-FMK, Z-IETD-FMK and any combination thereof. Exemplary supplemental factors include, but are not limited to, reagents that modify or stabilize one or more nucleic acids in a way to enhance cellular delivery, enhance nuclear delivery or transport, enhance the facilitated transport of nucleic acid into the nucleus, enhance degradation of epi-chromosomal nucleic acid, and/or decrease DNA-mediated toxicity. Exemplary reagents that modify or stabilize one or more nucleic acids include, but are not limited to, pH modifiers, DNA-binding proteins, lipids, phospholipids, CaPO4, net neutral charge DNA binding peptides with or without NLS sequences, TREX1 enzyme, and any combination thereof.
Transposition reagents, including a transposon and a transposase, may be added to a nucleofection reaction of the disclosure prior to, simultaneously with, or after an addition of cells to a nucleofection buffer (optionally, contained within a nucleofection reaction vial or cuvette). Transposons of the disclosure may comprise plasmid DNA, linearized plasmid DNA, a PCR product, DOGGYBONE™ DNA, an mRNA template, a single or double-stranded DNA, a protein-nucleic acid combination or any combination thereof. Transposons of the disclosure may comprised one or more sequences that encode one or more TTAA site(s), one or more inverted terminal repeat(s) (ITRs), one or more long terminal repeat(s) (LTRs), one or more insulator(s), one or more promotor(s), one or more full-length or truncated gene(s), one or more polyA signal(s), one or more self-cleaving 2A peptide cleavage site(s), one or more internal ribosome entry site(s) (IRES), one or more enhancer(s), one or more regulator(s), one or more replication origin(s), and any combination thereof.
Transposons of the disclosure may comprise one or more sequences that encode one or more full-length or truncated gene(s). Full-length and/or truncated gene(s) introduced by transposons of the disclosure may encode one or more of a signal peptide, a CARTyrin, an anti-PSMA CARTyrin, a Centyrin, a PSMA-specific Centryin, a hinge, a transmembrane domain, a costimulatory domain, a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), a chimeric T-cell receptor (CAR-T, a CARTyrin or an anti-PSMA CARTyrin), a receptor, a ligand, a cytokine, a drug resistance gene, a tumor antigen, an allo or auto antigen, an enzyme, a protein, a peptide, a poly-peptide, a fluorescent protein, a mutein or any combination thereof.
Transposons of the disclosure may be prepared in water, TAE, TBE, PBS, HBSS, media, a supplemental factor of the disclosure or any combination thereof.
Transposons of the disclosure may be designed to optimize clinical safety and/or improve manufacturability. As a non-limiting example, transposons of the disclosure may be designed to optimize clinical safety and/or improve manufacturability by eliminating unnecessary sequences or regions and/or including a non-antibiotic selection marker. Transposons of the disclosure may or may not be GMP grade.
Transposase enzymes of the disclosure may be encoded by one or more sequences of plasmid DNA, mRNA, protein, protein-nucleic acid combination or any combination thereof.
Transposase enzymes of the disclosure may be prepared in water, TAE, TBE, PBS, HBSS, media, a supplemental factor of the disclosure or any combination thereof. Transposase enzymes of the disclosure or the sequences/constructs encoding or delivering them may or may not be GMP grade.
Transposons and transposase enzymes of the disclosure may be delivered to a cell by any means.
Although compositions and methods of the disclosure include delivery of a transposon and/or transposase of the disclosure to a cell by plasmid DNA (pDNA), the use of a plasmid for delivery may allow the transposon and/or transposase to be integrated into the chromosomal DNA of the cell, which may lead to continued transposase expression. Accordingly, transposon and/or transposase enzymes of the disclosure may be delivered to a cell as either mRNA or protein to remove any possibility for chromosomal integration.
Transposons and transposases of the disclosure may be pre-incubated alone or in combination with one another prior to the introduction of the transposon and/or transposase into a nucleofection reaction. The absolute amounts of each of the transposon and the transposase, as well as the relative amounts, e.g., a ratio of transposon to transposase may be optimized.
Following preparation of nucleofection reaction, optionally, in a vial or cuvette, the reaction may be loaded into a nucleofector apparatus and activated for delivery of an electric pulse according to the manufacturer's protocol. Electric pulse conditions used for delivery of a transposon and/or a transposase of the disclosure (or a sequence encoding a transposon and/or a transposase of the disclosure) to a cell may be optimized for yielding cells with enhanced viability, higher nucleofection efficiency, greater viability post-nucleofection, desirable cell phenotype, and/or greater/faster expansion upon addition of expansion technologies. When using Amaxa nucleofector technology, each of the various nucleofection programs for the Amaxa 2B or 4D nucleofector are contemplated.
Following a nucleofection reaction of the disclosure, cells may be gently added to a cell medium. For example, when T cells undergo the nucleofection reaction, the T cells may be added to a T cell medium. Post-nucleofection cell media of the disclosure may comprise any one or more commercially-available media. Post-nucleofection cell media of the disclosure (including post-nucleofection T cell media of the disclosure) may be optimized to yield cells with greater viability, higher nucleofection efficiency, exhibit greater viability post-nucleofection, display a more desirable cell phenotype, and/or greater/faster expansion upon addition of expansion technologies. Post-nucleofection cell media of the disclosure (including post-nucleofection T cell media of the disclosure) may comprise PBS, HBSS, OptiMEM, DMEM, RPMI 1640, AIM-V, X-VIVO 15, CellGro DC Medium, CTS OpTimizer T Cell Expansion SFM, TexMACS Medium, PRIME-XV T Cell Expansion Medium, ImmunoCult-XF T Cell Expansion Medium and any combination thereof. Post-nucleofection cell media of the disclosure (including post-nucleofection T cell media of the disclosure) may comprise one or more supplemental factors of the disclosure to enhance viability, nucleofection efficiency, viability post-nucleofection, cell phenotype, and/or greater/faster expansion upon addition of expansion technologies. Exemplary supplemental factors include, but are not limited to, recombinant human cytokines, chemokines, interleukins and any combination thereof. Exemplary cytokines, chemokines, and interleukins include, but are not limited to, IL2, IL7, IL12, IL15, IL21, IL1, IL3, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL8, CXCL8, IL9, IL10, IL11, IL13, IL14, IL16, IL17, IL18, IL19, IL20, IL22, IL23, IL25, IL26, IL27, IL28, IL29, IL30, IL31, IL32, IL33, IL35, IL36, GM-CSF, IFN-gamma, IL-1 alpha/IL-1F1, IL-1 beta/IL-1F2, IL-12 p70, IL-12/IL-35 p35, IL-13, IL-17/IL-17A, IL-17A/F Heterodimer, IL-17F, IL-18/IL-1F4, IL-23, IL-24, IL-32, IL-32 beta, IL-32 gamma, IL-33, LAP (TGF-beta 1), Lymphotoxin-alpha/TNF-beta, TGF-beta, TNF-alpha, TRANCE/TNFSF11/RANK L and any combination thereof. Exemplary supplemental factors include, but are not limited to, salts, minerals, metabolites or any combination thereof. Exemplary salts, minerals, and metabolites include, but are not limited to, HEPES, Nicotinamide, Heparin, Sodium Pyruvate, L-Glutamine, MEM Non-Essential Amino Acid Solution, Ascorbic Acid, Nucleosides, FBS/FCS, Human serum, serum-substitute, anti-biotics, pH adjusters, Earle's Salts, 2-Mercaptoethanol, Human transferrin, Recombinant human insulin, Human serum albumin, Nucleofector PLUS Supplement, KCL, MgCl2, Na2HPO4, NAH2PO4, Sodium lactobionate, Manitol, Sodium succinate, Sodium Chloride, CINa, Glucose, Ca(NO3)2, Tris/HCl, K2HPO4, KH2PO4, Polyethylenimine, Poly-ethylene-glycol, Poloxamer 188, Poloxamer 181, Poloxamer 407, Poly-vinylpyrrolidone, Pop313, Crown-5, and any combination thereof. Exemplary supplemental factors include, but are not limited to, media such as PBS, HBSS, OptiMEM, DMEM, RPMI 1640, AIM-V, X-VIVO 15, CellGro DC Medium, CTS OpTimizer T Cell Expansion SFM, TexMACS Medium, PRIME-XV T Cell Expansion Medium, ImmunoCult-XF T Cell Expansion Medium and any combination thereof. Exemplary supplemental factors include, but are not limited to, inhibitors of cellular DNA sensing, metabolism, differentiation, signal transduction, the apoptotic pathway and combinations thereof. Exemplary inhibitors include, but are not limited to, inhibitors of TLR9, MyD88, IRAK, TRAF6, TRAF3, IRF-7, NF-KB, Type 1 Interferons, pro-inflammatory cytokines, cGAS, STING, Sec5, TBK1, IRF-3, RNA pol III, RIG-1, IPS-1, FADD, RIP1, TRAF3, AIM2, ASC, Caspase1, Pro-IL1B, PI3K, Akt, Wnt3A, inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) (e.g. TWS119), Bafilomycin, Chloroquine, Quinacrine, AC-YVAD-CMK, Z-VAD-FMK, Z-IETD-FMK and any combination thereof. Exemplary supplemental factors include, but are not limited to, reagents that modify or stabilize one or more nucleic acids in a way to enhance cellular delivery, enhance nuclear delivery or transport, enhance the facilitated transport of nucleic acid into the nucleus, enhance degradation of epi-chromosomal nucleic acid, and/or decrease DNA-mediated toxicity. Exemplary reagents that modify or stabilize one or more nucleic acids include, but are not limited to, pH modifiers, DNA-binding proteins, lipids, phospholipids, CaPO4, net neutral charge DNA binding peptides with or without NLS sequences, TREX1 enzyme, and any combination thereof.
Post-nucleofection cell media of the disclosure (including post-nucleofection T cell media of the disclosure) may be used at room temperature or pre-warmed to, for example to between 32° C. to 37° C., inclusive of the endpoints. Post-nucleofection cell media of the disclosure (including post-nucleofection T cell media of the disclosure) may be pre-warmed to any temperature that maintains or enhances cell viability and/or expression of a transposon or portion thereof of the disclosure.
Post-nucleofection cell media of the disclosure (including post-nucleofection T cell media of the disclosure) may be contained in tissue culture flasks or dishes, G-Rex flasks, Bioreactor or cell culture bags, or any other standard receptacle. Post-nucleofection cell cultures of the disclosure (including post-nucleofection T cell cultures of the disclosure) may be may be kept still, or, alternatively, they may be perturbed (e.g. rocked, swirled, or shaken).
Post-nucleofection cell cultures may comprise genetically-modified cells. Post-nucleofection T cell cultures may comprise genetically-modified T cells. Genetically modified cells of the disclosure may be either rested for a defined period of time or stimulated for expansion by, for example, the addition of a T Cell Expander technology. In certain embodiments, genetically modified cells of the disclosure may be either rested for a defined period of time or immediately stimulated for expansion by, for example, the addition of a T Cell Expander technology. Genetically modified cells of the disclosure may be rested to allow them sufficient time to acclimate, time for transposition to occur, and/or time for positive or negative selection, resulting in cells with enhanced viability, higher nucleofection efficiency, greater viability post-nucleofection, desirable cell phenotype, and/or greater/faster expansion upon addition of expansion technologies. Genetically modified cells of the disclosure may be rested, for example, for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or more hours. In certain embodiments, genetically modified cells of the disclosure may be rested, for example, for an overnight. In certain aspects, an overnight is about 12 hours. Genetically modified cells of the disclosure may be rested, for example, for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or more days.
Genetically modified cells of the disclosure may be selected following a nucleofection reaction and prior to addition of an expander technology. For optimal selection of genetically-modified cells, the cells may be allowed to rest in a post-nucleofection cell medium for at least 2-14 days to facilitate identification of modified cells (e.g., differentiation of modified from non-modified cells).
As early as 24-hours post-nucleofection, expression of a Centyrin or CARTyrin and selection marker of the disclosure may be detectable in modified T cells upon successful nucleofection of a transposon of the disclosure. Due to epi-chromosomal expression of the transposon, expression of a selection marker alone may not differentiate modified T cells (those cells in which the transposon has been successfully integrated) from unmodified T cells (those cells in which the transposon was not successfully integrated). When epi-chromosomal expression of the transposon obscures the detection of modified cells by the selection marker, the nucleofected cells (both modified and unmodified cells) may be rested for a period of time (e.g. 2-14 days) to allow the cells to cease expression or lose all epi-chromosomal transposon expression. Following this extended resting period, only modified T cells should remain positive for expression of selection marker. The length of this extended resting period may be optimized for each nucleofection reaction and selection process. When epi-chromosomal expression of the transposon obscures the detection of modified cells by the selection marker, selection may be performed without this extended resting period, however, an additional selection step may be included at a later time point (e.g. either during or after the expansion stage).
Selection of genetically modified cells of the disclosure may be performed by any means. In certain embodiments of the methods of the disclosure, selection of genetically modified cells of the disclosure may be performed by isolating cells expressing a specific selection marker. Selection markers of the disclosure may be encoded by one or more sequences in the transposon. Selection markers of the disclosure may be expressed by the modified cell as a result of successful transposition (i.e., not encoded by one or more sequences in the transposon). In certain embodiments, genetically modified cells of the disclosure contain a selection marker that confers resistance to a deleterious compound of the post-nucleofection cell medium. The deleterious compound may comprise, for example, an antibiotic or a drug that, absent the resistance conferred by the selection marker to the modified cells, would result in cell death. Exemplary selection markers include, but are not limited to, wild type (WT) or mutant forms of one or more of the following genes: neo, DHFR, TYMS, ALDH, MDR1, MGMT, FANCF, RAD51C, GCS, and NKX2.2. Exemplary selection markers include, but are not limited to, a surface-expressed selection marker or surface-expressed tag may be targeted by Ab-coated magnetic bead technology or column selection, respectively. A cleavable tag such as those used in protein purification may be added to a selection marker of the disclosure for efficient column selection, washing, and elution. In certain embodiments, selection markers of the disclosure are not expressed by the modified cells (including modified T cells) endogenously and, therefore, may be useful in the physical isolation of modified cells (by, for example, cell sorting techniques). Exemplary selection markers of the disclosure are not expressed by the modified cells (including modified T cells) endogenously include, but are not limited to, full-length, mutated, or truncated forms of CD271, CD19 CD52, CD34, RQR8, CD22, CD20, CD33 and any combination thereof.
Genetically modified cells of the disclosure may be selective expanded following a nucleofection reaction. In certain embodiments, modified T cells comprising a CARTyrin may be selectively expanded by CARTyrin stimulation. Modified T cells comprising a CARTyrin may be stimulated by contact with a target-covered reagent (e.g. a tumor line or a normal cell line expressing a target or expander beads covered in a target). Alternatively, modified T cells comprising a CARTyrin may be stimulated by contact with an irradiated tumor cell, an irradiated allogeneic normal cell, an irradiated autologous PBMC. To minimize contamination of cell product compositions of the disclosure with a target-expressing cell used for stimulation, for example, when the cell product composition may be administered directly to a subject, the stimulation may be performed using expander beads coated with CARTyrin target protein. Selective expansion of modified T cells comprising a CARTyrin by CARTyrin stimulation may be optimized to avoid functionally-exhausting the modified T-cells.
Selected genetically-modified cells of the disclosure may be cryopreserved, rested for a defined period of time, or stimulated for expansion by the addition of a Cell Expander technology. Selected genetically-modified cells of the disclosure may be cryopreserved, rested for a defined period of time, or immediately stimulated for expansion by the addition of a Cell Expander technology. When the selected genetically-modified cells are T cells, the T cells may be stimulated for expansion by the addition of a T-Cell Expander technology. Selected genetically modified cells of the disclosure may be rested, for example, for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or more hours. In certain embodiments, selected genetically modified cells of the disclosure may be rested, for example, for an overnight. In certain aspects, an overnight is about 12 hours. Selected genetically modified cells of the disclosure may be rested, for example, for 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or more days. Selected genetically modified cells of the disclosure may be rested for any period of time resulting in cells with enhanced viability, higher nucleofection efficiency, greater viability post-nucleofection, desirable cell phenotype, and/or greater/faster expansion upon addition of expansion technologies.
Selected genetically-modified cells (including selected genetically-modified T cells of the disclosure) may be cryopreserved using any standard cryopreservation method, which may be optimized for storing and/or recovering human cells with high recovery, viability, phenotype, and/or functional capacity. Cryopreservation methods of the disclosure may include commercially-available cryopreservation media and/or protocols.
A transposition efficiency of selected genetically-modified cells (including selected genetically-modified T cells of the disclosure) may be assessed by any means. For example, prior to the application of an expander technology, expression of the transposon by selected genetically-modified cells (including selected genetically-modified T cells of the disclosure) may be measured by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Determination of a transposition efficiency of selected genetically-modified cells (including selected genetically-modified T cells of the disclosure) may include determining a percentage of selected cells expressing the transposon (e.g. a CARTyrin). Alternatively, or in addition, a purity of T cells, a Mean Fluorescence Intensity (MFI) of the transposon expression (e.g. CARTyrin expression), an ability of a CARTyrin (delivered in the transposon) to mediate degranulation and/or killing of a target cell expressing the CARTyrin ligand, and/or a phenotype of selected genetically-modified cells (including selected genetically-modified T cells of the disclosure) may be assessed by any means.
Cell product compositions of the disclosure may be released for administration to a subject upon meeting certain release criteria. Exemplary release criteria may include, but are not limited to, a particular percentage of modified, selected and/or expanded T cells expressing detectable levels of a CARTyrin on the cell surface.
Genetically-modified cells (including genetically-modified T cells) of the disclosure may be expanded using an expander technology. Expander technologies of the disclosure may comprise a commercially-available expander technology. Exemplary expander technologies of the disclosure include stimulation a genetically-modified T cell of the disclosure via the TCR. While all means for stimulation of a genetically-modified T cell of the disclosure are contemplated, stimulation a genetically-modified T cell of the disclosure via the TCR is a preferred method, yielding a product with a superior level of killing capacity.
To stimulate a genetically-modified T cell of the disclosure via the TCR, Thermo Expander DynaBeads may be used at a 3:1 bead to T cell ratio. If the expander beads are not biodegradable, the beads may be removed from the expander composition. For example, the beads may be removed from the expander composition after about 5 days. To stimulate a genetically-modified T cell of the disclosure via the TCR, a Miltenyi T Cell Activation/Expansion Reagent may be used. To stimulate a genetically-modified T cell of the disclosure via the TCR, StemCell Technologies' ImmunoCult Human CD3/CD28 or CD3/CD28/CD2 T Cell Activator Reagent may be used. This technology may be preferred since the soluble tetrameric antibody complexes would degrade after a period and would not require removal from the process.
Artificial antigen presenting cells (APCs) may be engineered to co-express the target antigen and may be used to stimulate a cell or T-cell of the disclosure through a TCR and/or CARTyrin of the disclosure. Artificial APCs may comprise or may be derived from a tumor cell line (including, for example, the immortalized myelogenous leukemia line K562) and may be engineered to co-express multiple costimulatory molecules or technologies (such as CD28, 4-1BBL, CD64, mbIL-21, mbIL-15, CAR target molecule, etc.). When artificial APCs of the disclosure are combined with costimulatory molecules, conditions may be optimized to prevent the development or emergence of an undesirable phenotype and functional capacity, namely terminally-differentiated effector T cells.
Irradiated PBMCs (auto or allo) may express some target antigens, such as CD19, and may be used to stimulate a cell or T-cell of the disclosure through a TCR and/or CARTyrin of the disclosure. Alternatively, or in addition, irradiated tumor cells may express some target antigens and may be used to stimulate a cell or T-cell of the disclosure through a TCR and/or CARTyrin of the disclosure.
Plate-bound and/or soluble anti-CD3, anti-CD2 and/or anti-CD28 stimulate may be used to stimulate a cell or T-cell of the disclosure through a TCR and/or CARTyrin of the disclosure.
Antigen-coated beads may display target protein and may be used to stimulate a cell or T-cell of the disclosure through a TCR and/or CARTyrin of the disclosure. Alternatively, or in addition, expander beads coated with a CARTyrin target protein may be used to stimulate a cell or T-cell of the disclosure through a TCR and/or CARTyrin of the disclosure.
Expansion methods drawn to stimulation of a cell or T-cell of the disclosure through the TCR or CARTyrin and via surface-expressed CD2, CD3, CD28, 4-1BB, and/or other markers on genetically-modified T cells.
An expansion technology may be applied to a cell of the disclosure immediately post-nucleofection until approximately 24 hours post-nucleofection. While various cell media may be used during an expansion procedure, a desirable T Cell Expansion Media of the disclosure may yield cells with, for example, greater viability, cell phenotype, total expansion, or greater capacity for in vivo persistence, engraftment, and/or CAR-mediated killing. Cell media of the disclosure may be optimized to improve/enhance expansion, phenotype, and function of genetically-modified cells of the disclosure. A preferred phenotype of expanded T cells may include a mixture of T stem cell memory, T central, and T effector memory cells. Expander Dynabeads may yield mainly central memory T cells which may lead to superior performance in the clinic.
Exemplary T cell expansion media of the disclosure may include, in part or in total, PBS, HBSS, OptiMEM, DMEM, RPMI 1640, AIM-V, X-VIVO 15, CellGro DC Medium, CTS OpTimizer T Cell Expansion SFM, TexMACS Medium, PRIME-XV T Cell Expansion Medium, ImmunoCult-XF T Cell Expansion Medium, or any combination thereof. T cell expansion media of the disclosure may further include one or more supplemental factors. Supplemental factors that may be included in a T cell expansion media of the disclosure enhance viability, cell phenotype, total expansion, or increase capacity for in vivo persistence, engraftment, and/or CARTyrin-mediated killing. Supplemental factors that may be included in a T cell expansion media of the disclosure include, but are not limited to, recombinant human cytokines, chemokines, and/or interleukins such as IL2, IL7, IL12, IL15, IL21, IL1, IL3, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL8, CXCL8, IL9, IL10, IL11, IL13, IL14, IL16, IL17, IL18, IL19, IL20, IL22, IL23, IL25, IL26, IL27, IL28, IL29, IL30, IL31, IL32, IL33, IL35, IL36, GM-CSF, IFN-gamma, IL-1 alpha/IL-1F1, IL-1 beta/IL-1F2, IL-12 p70, IL-12/IL-35 p35, IL-13, IL-17/IL-17A, IL-17A/F Heterodimer, IL-17F, IL-18/IL-1F4, IL-23, IL-24, IL-32, IL-32 beta, IL-32 gamma, IL-33, LAP (TGF-beta 1), Lymphotoxin-alpha/TNF-beta, TGF-beta, TNF-alpha, TRANCE/TNFSF11/RANK L, or any combination thereof. Supplemental factors that may be included in a T cell expansion media of the disclosure include, but are not limited to, salts, minerals, and/or metabolites such as HEPES, Nicotinamide, Heparin, Sodium Pyruvate, L-Glutamine, MEM Non-Essential Amino Acid Solution, Ascorbic Acid, Nucleosides, FBS/FCS, Human serum, serum-substitute, anti-biotics, pH adjusters, Earle's Salts, 2-Mercaptoethanol, Human transferrin, Recombinant human insulin, Human serum albumin, Nucleofector PLUS Supplement, KCL, MgCl2, Na2HPO4, NAH2PO4, Sodium lactobionate, Manitol, Sodium succinate, Sodium Chloride, CINa, Glucose, Ca(NO3)2, Tris/HCl, K2HPO4, KH2PO4, Polyethylenimine, Poly-ethylene-glycol, Poloxamer 188, Poloxamer 181, Poloxamer 407, Poly-vinylpyrrolidone, Pop313, Crown-5 or any combination thereof. Supplemental factors that may be included in a T cell expansion media of the disclosure include, but are not limited to, inhibitors of cellular DNA sensing, metabolism, differentiation, signal transduction, and/or the apoptotic pathway such as inhibitors of TLR9, MyD88, IRAK, TRAF6, TRAF3, IRF-7, NF-KB, Type 1 Interferons, pro-inflammatory cytokines, cGAS, STING, Sec5, TBK1, IRF-3, RNA pol III, RIG-1, IPS-1, FADD, RIP1, TRAF3, AIM2, ASC, Caspase1, Pro-IL1B, PI3K, Akt, Wnt3A, inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3 β) (e.g. TWS119), Bafilomycin, Chloroquine, Quinacrine, AC-YVAD-CMK, Z-VAD-FMK, Z-IETD-FMK, or any combination thereof.
Supplemental factors that may be included in a T cell expansion media of the disclosure include, but are not limited to, reagents that modify or stabilize nucleic acids in a way to enhance cellular delivery, enhance nuclear delivery or transport, enhance the facilitated transport of nucleic acid into the nucleus, enhance degradation of epi-chromosomal nucleic acid, and/or decrease DNA-mediated toxicity, such as pH modifiers, DNA-binding proteins, lipids, phospholipids, CaPO4, net neutral charge DNA binding peptides with or without NLS sequences, TREX1 enzyme, or any combination thereof.
Genetically-modified cells of the disclosure may be selected during the expansion process by the use of selectable drugs or compounds. For example, in certain embodiments, when a transposon of the disclosure may encode a selection marker that confers to genetically-modified cells resistance to a drug added to the culture medium, selection may occur during the expansion process and may require approximately 1-14 days of culture for selection to occur. Examples of drug resistance genes that may be used as selection markers encoded by a transposon of the disclosure, include, but are not limited to, wild type (WT) or mutant forms of the genes neo, DHFR, TYMS, ALDH, MDR1, MGMT, FANCF, RAD51C, GCS, NKX2.2, or any combination thereof. Examples of corresponding drugs or compounds that may be added to the culture medium to which a selection marker may confer resistance include, but are not limited to, G418, Puromycin, Ampicillin, Kanamycin, Methotrexate, Mephalan, Temozolomide, Vincristine, Etoposide, Doxorubicin, Bendamustine, Fludarabine, Aredia (Pamidronate Disodium), Becenum (Carmustine), BiCNU (Carmustine), Bortezomib, Carfilzomib, Carmubris (Carmustine), Carmustine, Clafen (Cyclophosphamide), Cyclophosphamide, Cytoxan (Cyclophosphamide), Daratumumab, Darzalex (Daratumumab), Doxil (Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Liposome), Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Liposome, Dox-SL (Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Liposome), Elotuzumab, Empliciti (Elotuzumab), Evacet (Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Liposome), Farydak (Panobinostat), Ixazomib Citrate, Kyprolis (Carfilzomib), Lenalidomide, LipoDox (Doxorubicin Hydrochloride Liposome), Mozobil (Plerixafor), Neosar (Cyclophosphamide), Ninlaro (Ixazomib Citrate), Pamidronate Disodium, Panobinostat, Plerixafor, Pomalidomide, Pomalyst (Pomalidomide), Revlimid (Lenalidomide), Synovir (Thalidomide), Thalidomide, Thalomid (Thalidomide), Velcade (Bortezomib), Zoledronic Acid, Zometa (Zoledronic Acid), or any combination thereof.
A T-Cell Expansion process of the disclosure may occur in a cell culture bag in a WAVE Bioreactor, a G-Rex flask, or in any other suitable container and/or reactor.
A cell or T-cell culture of the disclosure may be kept steady, rocked, swirled, or shaken.
A cell or T-cell expansion process of the disclosure may optimize certain conditions, including, but not limited to culture duration, cell concentration, schedule for T cell medium addition/removal, cell size, total cell number, cell phenotype, purity of cell population, percentage of genetically-modified cells in growing cell population, use and composition of supplements, the addition/removal of expander technologies, or any combination thereof.
A cell or T-cell expansion process of the disclosure may continue until a predefined endpoint prior to formulation of the resultant expanded cell population. For example, a cell or T-cell expansion process of the disclosure may continue for a predetermined amount of time: at least, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 hours; at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 days; at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 weeks; at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, months, or at least 1 year. A cell or T-cell expansion process of the disclosure may continue until the resultant culture reaches a predetermined overall cell density: 1, 10, 100, 1000, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 1010 cells per volume (μl, ml, L) or any density in between. A cell or T-cell expansion process of the disclosure may continue until the genetically-modified cells of a resultant culture demonstrate a predetermined level of expression of a transposon of the disclosure: 1%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 100% or any percentage in between of a threshold level of expression (a minimum, maximum or mean level of expression indicating the resultant genetically-modified cells are clinically-efficacious). A cell or T-cell expansion process of the disclosure may continue until the proportion of genetically-modified cells of a resultant culture to the proportion of unmodified cells reaches a predetermined threshold: at least 1:10, 1:9, 1:8, 1:7, 1:6, 1:5, 1:4, 1:3, 1:2, 1:1, 2:1, 2:1, 4:1, 5:1, 6:1, 7:1, 8:1, 9:1 10:1 or any ratio in between.
A percentage of genetically-modified cells may be assessed during or after an expansion process of the disclosure. Cellular expression of a transposon by a genetically-modified cell of the disclosure may be measured by fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). For example, FACS may be used to determine a percentage of cells or T cells expressing a CARTyrin of the disclosure. Alternatively, or in addition, a purity of genetically-modified cells or T cells, the Mean Fluorescence Intensity (MFI) of a CARTyrin expressed by a genetically-modified cell or T cell of the disclosure, an ability of the CARTyrin to mediate degranulation and/or killing of a target cell expressing the CARTyrin ligand, and/or a phenotype of CARTyrin+ T cells may be assessed.
Compositions of the disclosure intended for administration to a subject may be required to meet one or more “release criteria” that indicate that the composition is safe and efficacious for formulation as a pharmaceutical product and/or administration to a subject. Release criteria may include a requirement that a composition of the disclosure (e.g. a T-cell product of the disclosure) comprises a particular percentage of T cells expressing detectable levels of a CARTyrin of the disclosure on their cell surface.
The expansion process should be continued until a specific criterion has been met (e.g. achieving a certain total number of cells, achieving a particular population of memory cells, achieving a population of a specific size).
Certain criterion signal a point at which the expansion process should end. For example, cells should be formulated, reactivated, or cryopreserved once they reach a cell size of 300 fL (otherwise, cells reaching a size above this threshold may start to die). Cryopreservation immediately once a population of cells reaches an average cell size of less than 300 fL may yield better cell recovery upon thawing and culture because the cells haven't yet reached a fully quiescent state prior to cryopreservation (a fully quiescent size is approximately 180 fL). Prior to expansion, T cells of the disclosure may have a cell size of about 180 fL, but may more than quadruple their cell size to approximately 900 fL at 3 days post-expansion. Over the next 6-12 days, the population of T-cells will slowly decrease cell size to full quiescence at 180 fL.
A process for preparing a cell population for formulation may include, but is not limited to the steps of, concentrating the cells of the cell population, washing the cells, and/or further selection of the cells via drug resistance or magnetic bead sorting against a particular surface-expressed marker. A process for preparing a cell population for formulation may further include a sorting step to ensure the safety and purity of the final product. For example, if a tumor cell from a patient has been used to stimulate a genetically-modified T-cell of the disclosure or that have been genetically-modified in order to stimulate a genetically-modified T-cell of the disclosure that is being prepared for formulation, it is critical that no tumor cells from the patient are included in the final product.
Cell Product Infusion and/or Cryopreservation for Infusion
A pharmaceutical formulation of the disclosure may be distributed into bags for infusion, cryopreservation, and/or storage.
A pharmaceutical formulation of the disclosure may be cryopreserved using a standard protocol and, optionally, an infusible cryopreservation medium. For example, a DMSO free cryopreservant (e.g. CryoSOfree™ DMSO-free Cryopreservation Medium) may be used to reduce freezing-related toxicity. A cryopreserved pharmaceutical formulation of the disclosure may be stored for infusion to a patient at a later date. An effective treatment may require multiple administrations of a pharmaceutical formulation of the disclosure and, therefore, pharmaceutical formulations may be packaged in pre-aliquoted “doses” that may be stored frozen but separated for thawing of individual doses.
A pharmaceutical formulation of the disclosure may be stored at room temperature. An effective treatment may require multiple administrations of a pharmaceutical formulation of the disclosure and, therefore, pharmaceutical formulations may be packaged in pre-aliquoted “doses” that may be stored together but separated for administration of individual doses.
A pharmaceutical formulation of the disclosure may be archived for subsequent re-expansion and/or selection for generation of additional doses to the same patient in the case of an allogenic therapy who may need an administration at a future date following, for example, a remission and relapse of a condition.
As noted above, the disclosure provides for stable formulations, which preferably comprise a phosphate buffer with saline or a chosen salt, as well as preserved solutions and formulations containing a preservative as well as multi-use preserved formulations suitable for pharmaceutical or veterinary use, comprising at least one CARTyrin in a pharmaceutically acceptable formulation. Preserved formulations contain at least one known preservative or optionally selected from the group consisting of at least one phenol, m-cresol, p-cresol, o-cresol, chlorocresol, benzyl alcohol, phenylmercuric nitrite, phenoxyethanol, formaldehyde, chlorobutanol, magnesium chloride (e.g., hexahydrate), alkylparaben (methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl and the like), benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, sodium dehydroacetate and thimerosal, polymers, or mixtures thereof in an aqueous diluent. Any suitable concentration or mixture can be used as known in the art, such as about 0.0015%, or any range, value, or fraction therein. Non-limiting examples include, no preservative, about 0.1-2% m-cresol (e.g., 0.2, 0.3. 0.4, 0.5, 0.9, 1.0%), about 0.1-3% benzyl alcohol (e.g., 0.5, 0.9, 1.1, 1.5, 1.9, 2.0, 2.5%), about 0.001-0.5% thimerosal (e.g., 0.005, 0.01), about 0.001-2.0% phenol (e.g., 0.05, 0.25, 0.28, 0.5, 0.9, 1.0%), 0.0005-1.0% alkylparaben(s) (e.g., 0.00075, 0.0009, 0.001, 0.002, 0.005, 0.0075, 0.009, 0.01, 0.02, 0.05, 0.075, 0.09, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.5, 0.75, 0.9, 1.0%), and the like.
As noted above, the invention provides an article of manufacture, comprising packaging material and at least one vial comprising a solution of at least one CARTyrin with the prescribed buffers and/or preservatives, optionally in an aqueous diluent, wherein said packaging material comprises a label that indicates that such solution can be held over a period of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9, 12, 18, 20, 24, 30, 36, 40, 48, 54, 60, 66, 72 hours or greater. The invention further comprises an article of manufacture, comprising packaging material, a first vial comprising lyophilized at least one CARTyrin, and a second vial comprising an aqueous diluent of prescribed buffer or preservative, wherein said packaging material comprises a label that instructs a patient to reconstitute the at least one CARTyrin in the aqueous diluent to form a solution that can be held over a period of twenty-four hours or greater.
The at least one CARTyrin used in accordance with the present invention can be produced by recombinant means, including from mammalian cell or transgenic preparations, or can be purified from other biological sources, as described herein or as known in the art.
The range of at least one CARTyrin in the product of the present invention includes amounts yielding upon reconstitution, if in a wet/dry system, concentrations from about 1.0 μg/ml to about 1000 mg/ml, although lower and higher concentrations are operable and are dependent on the intended delivery vehicle, e.g., solution formulations will differ from transdermal patch, pulmonary, transmucosal, or osmotic or micro pump methods.
Preferably, the aqueous diluent optionally further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable preservative. Preferred preservatives include those selected from the group consisting of phenol, m-cresol, p-cresol, o-cresol, chlorocresol, benzyl alcohol, alkylparaben (methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl and the like), benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, sodium dehydroacetate and thimerosal, or mixtures thereof. The concentration of preservative used in the formulation is a concentration sufficient to yield an anti-microbial effect. Such concentrations are dependent on the preservative selected and are readily determined by the skilled artisan.
Other excipients, e.g., isotonicity agents, buffers, antioxidants, and preservative enhancers, can be optionally and preferably added to the diluent. An isotonicity agent, such as glycerin, is commonly used at known concentrations. A physiologically tolerated buffer is preferably added to provide improved pH control. The formulations can cover a wide range of pHs, such as from about pH 4 to about pH 10, and preferred ranges from about pH 5 to about pH 9, and a most preferred range of about 6.0 to about 8.0. Preferably, the formulations of the present invention have a pH between about 6.8 and about 7.8. Preferred buffers include phosphate buffers, most preferably, sodium phosphate, particularly, phosphate buffered saline (PBS).
Other additives, such as a pharmaceutically acceptable solubilizers like Tween 20 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monolaurate), Tween 40 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monopalmitate), Tween 80 (polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monooleate), Pluronic F68 (polyoxyethylene polyoxypropylene block copolymers), and PEG (polyethylene glycol) or non-ionic surfactants, such as polysorbate 20 or 80 or poloxamer 184 or 188, Pluronic® polyls, other block co-polymers, and chelators, such as EDTA and EGTA, can optionally be added to the formulations or compositions to reduce aggregation. These additives are particularly useful if a pump or plastic container is used to administer the formulation. The presence of pharmaceutically acceptable surfactant mitigates the propensity for the protein to aggregate.
The formulations of the present invention can be prepared by a process which comprises mixing at least one CARTyrin and a preservative selected from the group consisting of phenol, m-cresol, p-cresol, o-cresol, chlorocresol, benzyl alcohol, alkylparaben, (methyl, ethyl, propyl, butyl and the like), benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride, sodium dehydroacetate and thimerosal or mixtures thereof in an aqueous diluent. Mixing the at least one CARTyrin and preservative in an aqueous diluent is carried out using conventional dissolution and mixing procedures. To prepare a suitable formulation, for example, a measured amount of at least one CARTyrin in buffered solution is combined with the desired preservative in a buffered solution in quantities sufficient to provide the protein and preservative at the desired concentrations. Variations of this process would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the order the components are added, whether additional additives are used, the temperature and pH at which the formulation is prepared, are all factors that can be optimized for the concentration and means of administration used.
The claimed formulations can be provided to patients as clear solutions or as dual vials comprising a vial of lyophilized at least one CARTyrin that is reconstituted with a second vial containing water, a preservative and/or excipients, preferably, a phosphate buffer and/or saline and a chosen salt, in an aqueous diluent. Either a single solution vial or dual vial requiring reconstitution can be reused multiple times and can suffice for a single or multiple cycles of patient treatment and thus can provide a more convenient treatment regimen than currently available.
The present claimed articles of manufacture are useful for administration over a period ranging from immediate to twenty-four hours or greater. Accordingly, the presently claimed articles of manufacture offer significant advantages to the patient. Formulations of the invention can optionally be safely stored at temperatures of from about 2° C. to about 40° C. and retain the biological activity of the protein for extended periods of time, thus allowing a package label indicating that the solution can be held and/or used over a period of 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 72, or 96 hours or greater. If preserved diluent is used, such label can include use up to 1-12 months, one-half, one and a half, and/or two years.
The solutions of at least one CARTyrin of the invention can be prepared by a process that comprises mixing at least one CARTyrin in an aqueous diluent. Mixing is carried out using conventional dissolution and mixing procedures. To prepare a suitable diluent, for example, a measured amount of at least one CARTyrin in water or buffer is combined in quantities sufficient to provide the protein and, optionally, a preservative or buffer at the desired concentrations. Variations of this process would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the order the components are added, whether additional additives are used, the temperature and pH at which the formulation is prepared, are all factors that can be optimized for the concentration and means of administration used.
The claimed products can be provided to patients as clear solutions or as dual vials comprising a vial of lyophilized at least one CARTyrin that is reconstituted with a second vial containing the aqueous diluent. Either a single solution vial or dual vial requiring reconstitution can be reused multiple times and can suffice for a single or multiple cycles of patient treatment and thus provides a more convenient treatment regimen than currently available.
The claimed products can be provided indirectly to patients by providing to pharmacies, clinics, or other such institutions and facilities, clear solutions or dual vials comprising a vial of lyophilized at least one CARTyrin that is reconstituted with a second vial containing the aqueous diluent. The clear solution in this case can be up to one liter or even larger in size, providing a large reservoir from which smaller portions of the at least one CARTyrin solution can be retrieved one or multiple times for transfer into smaller vials and provided by the pharmacy or clinic to their customers and/or patients.
Recognized devices comprising single vial systems include pen-injector devices for delivery of a solution, such as BD Pens, BD Autojector®, Humaject®, NovoPen®, BD®Pen, AutoPen®, and OptiPen®, GenotropinPen®, Genotronorm Pen®, Humatro Pen®, Reco-Pen®, Roferon Pen®, Biojector®, Iject®, J-tip Needle-Free Injector®, Intraject®, Medi-Ject®, e.g., as made or developed by Becton Dickinson (Franklin Lakes, N.J., www.bectondickenson.com), Disetronic (Burgdorf, Switzerland, www.disetronic.com; Bioject, Portland, Oreg. (www.bioject.com); National Medical Products, Weston Medical (Peterborough, UK, www.weston-medical.com), Medi-Ject Corp (Minneapolis, Minn., www.mediject.com), and similarly suitable devices. Recognized devices comprising a dual vial system include those pen-injector systems for reconstituting a lyophilized drug in a cartridge for delivery of the reconstituted solution, such as the HumatroPen®. Examples of other devices suitable include pre-filled syringes, auto-injectors, needle free injectors and needle free IV infusion sets.
The products presently claimed include packaging material. The packaging material provides, in addition to the information required by the regulatory agencies, the conditions under which the product can be used. The packaging material of the present invention provides instructions to the patient to reconstitute at least one CARTyrin in the aqueous diluent to form a solution and to use the solution over a period of 2-24 hours or greater for the two vial, wet/dry, product. For the single vial, solution product, the label indicates that such solution can be used over a period of 2-24 hours or greater. The presently claimed products are useful for human pharmaceutical product use.
The formulations of the present invention can be prepared by a process that comprises mixing at least one CARTyrin and a selected buffer, preferably, a phosphate buffer containing saline or a chosen salt. Mixing at least one CARTyrin and buffer in an aqueous diluent is carried out using conventional dissolution and mixing procedures. To prepare a suitable formulation, for example, a measured amount of at least one CARTyrin in water or buffer is combined with the desired buffering agent in water in quantities sufficient to provide the protein and buffer at the desired concentrations. Variations of this process would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the order the components are added, whether additional additives are used, the temperature and pH at which the formulation is prepared, are all factors that can be optimized for the concentration and means of administration used.
The claimed stable or preserved formulations can be provided to patients as clear solutions or as dual vials comprising a vial of lyophilized CARTyrin that is reconstituted with a second vial containing a preservative or buffer and excipients in an aqueous diluent. Either a single solution vial or dual vial requiring reconstitution can be reused multiple times and can suffice for a single or multiple cycles of patient treatment and thus provides a more convenient treatment regimen than currently available.
Other formulations or methods of stabilizing the CARTyrin may result in other than a clear solution of lyophilized powder comprising the CARTyrin. Among non-clear solutions are formulations comprising particulate suspensions, said particulates being a composition containing the CARTyrin in a structure of variable dimension and known variously as a microsphere, microparticle, nanoparticle, nanosphere, or liposome. Such relatively homogenous, essentially spherical, particulate formulations containing an active agent can be formed by contacting an aqueous phase containing the active agent and a polymer and a nonaqueous phase followed by evaporation of the nonaqueous phase to cause the coalescence of particles from the aqueous phase as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,589,330. Porous microparticles can be prepared using a first phase containing active agent and a polymer dispersed in a continuous solvent and removing said solvent from the suspension by freeze-drying or dilution-extraction-precipitation as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 4,818,542. Preferred polymers for such preparations are natural or synthetic copolymers or polymers selected from the group consisting of gelatin agar, starch, arabinogalactan, albumin, collagen, polyglycolic acid, polylactic aced, glycolide-L(−) lactide poly(episilon-caprolactone, poly(epsilon-caprolactone-CO-lactic acid), poly(epsilon-caprolactone-CO-glycolic acid), poly(β-hydroxy butyric acid), polyethylene oxide, polyethylene, poly(alkyl-2-cyanoacrylate), poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate), polyamides, poly(amino acids), poly(2-hydroxyethyl DL-aspartamide), poly(ester urea), poly(L-phenylalanine/ethylene glycol/1,6-diisocyanatohexane) and poly(methyl methacrylate). Particularly preferred polymers are polyesters, such as polyglycolic acid, polylactic aced, glycolide-L(−) lactide poly(episilon-caprolactone, poly(epsilon-caprolactone-CO-lactic acid), and poly(epsilon-caprolactone-CO-glycolic acid. Solvents useful for dissolving the polymer and/or the active include: water, hexafluoroisopropanol, methylenechloride, tetrahydrofuran, hexane, benzene, or hexafluoroacetone sesquihydrate. The process of dispersing the active containing phase with a second phase may include pressure forcing said first phase through an orifice in a nozzle to affect droplet formation.
Dry powder formulations may result from processes other than lyophilization, such as by spray drying or solvent extraction by evaporation or by precipitation of a crystalline composition followed by one or more steps to remove aqueous or nonaqueous solvent. Preparation of a spray-dried CARTyrin preparation is taught in U.S. Pat. No. 6,019,968. The CARTyrin-based dry powder compositions may be produced by spray drying solutions or slurries of the CARTyrin and, optionally, excipients, in a solvent under conditions to provide a respirable dry powder. Solvents may include polar compounds, such as water and ethanol, which may be readily dried. CARTyrin stability may be enhanced by performing the spray drying procedures in the absence of oxygen, such as under a nitrogen blanket or by using nitrogen as the drying gas. Another relatively dry formulation is a dispersion of a plurality of perforated microstructures dispersed in a suspension medium that typically comprises a hydrofluoroalkane propellant as taught in WO 9916419. The stabilized dispersions may be administered to the lung of a patient using a metered dose inhaler. Equipment useful in the commercial manufacture of spray dried medicaments are manufactured by Buchi Ltd. or Niro Corp.
At least one CARTyrin in either the stable or preserved formulations or solutions described herein, can be administered to a patient in accordance with the present invention via a variety of delivery methods including SC or IM injection; transdermal, pulmonary, transmucosal, implant, osmotic pump, cartridge, micro pump, or other means appreciated by the skilled artisan, as well-known in the art.
The present invention also provides a method for modulating or treating a disease, in a cell, tissue, organ, animal, or patient, as known in the art or as described herein, using at least one CARTyrin of the present invention, e.g., administering or contacting the cell, tissue, organ, animal, or patient with a therapeutic effective amount of CARTyrin. The present invention also provides a method for modulating or treating a disease, in a cell, tissue, organ, animal, or patient including, but not limited to, a malignant disease.
The present invention also provides a method for modulating or treating at least one malignant disease in a cell, tissue, organ, animal or patient, including, but not limited to, at least one of: leukemia, acute leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), acute lymphocytic leukemia, B-cell, T-cell or FAB ALL, acute myeloid leukemia (AML), acute myelogenous leukemia, chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), hairy cell leukemia, myelodyplastic syndrome (MDS), a lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, a malignant lymphoma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, multiple myeloma, Kaposi's sarcoma, colorectal carcinoma, pancreatic carcinoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, malignant histiocytosis, paraneoplastic syndrome/hypercalcemia of malignancy, solid tumors, bladder cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, endometrial cancer, head cancer, neck cancer, hereditary nonpolyposis cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma, liver cancer, lung cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, renal cell carcinoma, testicular cancer, adenocarcinomas, sarcomas, malignant melanoma, hemangioma, metastatic disease, cancer related bone resorption, cancer related bone pain, and the like.
Any method of the present invention can comprise administering an effective amount of a composition or pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one CARTyrin to a cell, tissue, organ, animal or patient in need of such modulation, treatment or therapy. Such a method can optionally further comprise co-administration or combination therapy for treating such diseases or disorders, wherein the administering of said at least one CARTyrin, specified portion or variant thereof, further comprises administering, before concurrently, and/or after, at least one selected from at least one of an alkylating agent, an a mitotic inhibitor, and a radiopharmaceutical. Suitable dosages are well known in the art. See, e.g., Wells et al., eds., Pharmacotherapy Handbook, 2nd Edition, Appleton and Lange, Stamford, Conn. (2000); PDR Pharmacopoeia, Tarascon Pocket Pharmacopoeia 2000, Deluxe Edition, Tarascon Publishing, Loma Linda, Calif. (2000); Nursing 2001 Handbook of Drugs, 21st edition, Springhouse Corp., Springhouse, Pa., 2001; Health Professional's Drug Guide 2001, ed., Shannon, Wilson, Stang, Prentice-Hall, Inc, Upper Saddle River, N.J. each of which references are entirely incorporated herein by reference.
Preferred doses can optionally include about 0.1-99 and/or 100-500 mg/kg/administration, or any range, value or fraction thereof, or to achieve a serum concentration of about 0.1-5000 μg/ml serum concentration per single or multiple administration, or any range, value or fraction thereof. A preferred dosage range for the CARTyrin of the present invention is from about 1 mg/kg, up to about 3, about 6 or about 12 mg/kg of body weight of the patient.
Alternatively, the dosage administered can vary depending upon known factors, such as the pharmacodynamic characteristics of the particular agent, and its mode and route of administration; age, health, and weight of the recipient; nature and extent of symptoms, kind of concurrent treatment, frequency of treatment, and the effect desired. Usually a dosage of active ingredient can be about 0.1 to 100 milligrams per kilogram of body weight. Ordinarily 0.1 to 50, and preferably, 0.1 to 10 milligrams per kilogram per administration or in sustained release form is effective to obtain desired results.
As a non-limiting example, treatment of humans or animals can be provided as a one-time or periodic dosage of at least one CARTyrin of the present invention about 0.1 to 100 mg/kg or any range, value or fraction thereof per day, on at least one of day 1-40, or, alternatively or additionally, at least one of week 1-52, or, alternatively or additionally, at least one of 1-20 years, or any combination thereof, using single, infusion or repeated doses.
Dosage forms (composition) suitable for internal administration generally contain from about 0.001 milligram to about 500 milligrams of active ingredient per unit or container. In these pharmaceutical compositions the active ingredient will ordinarily be present in an amount of about 0.5-99.999% by weight based on the total weight of the composition.
For parenteral administration, the CARTyrin can be formulated as a solution, suspension, emulsion, particle, powder, or lyophilized powder in association, or separately provided, with a pharmaceutically acceptable parenteral vehicle. Examples of such vehicles are water, saline, Ringer's solution, dextrose solution, and about 1-10% human serum albumin. Liposomes and nonaqueous vehicles, such as fixed oils, can also be used. The vehicle or lyophilized powder can contain additives that maintain isotonicity (e.g., sodium chloride, mannitol) and chemical stability (e.g., buffers and preservatives). The formulation is sterilized by known or suitable techniques.
Suitable pharmaceutical carriers are described in the most recent edition of Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, A. Osol, a standard reference text in this field.
Many known and developed modes can be used according to the present invention for administering pharmaceutically effective amounts of at least one CARTyrin according to the present invention. While pulmonary administration is used in the following description, other modes of administration can be used according to the present invention with suitable results. CARTyrins of the present invention can be delivered in a carrier, as a solution, emulsion, colloid, or suspension, or as a dry powder, using any of a variety of devices and methods suitable for administration by inhalation or other modes described here within or known in the art.
Formulations for parenteral administration can contain as common excipients sterile water or saline, polyalkylene glycols, such as polyethylene glycol, oils of vegetable origin, hydrogenated naphthalenes and the like. Aqueous or oily suspensions for injection can be prepared by using an appropriate emulsifier or humidifier and a suspending agent, according to known methods. Agents for injection can be a non-toxic, non-orally administrable diluting agent, such as aqueous solution, a sterile injectable solution or suspension in a solvent. As the usable vehicle or solvent, water, Ringer's solution, isotonic saline, etc. are allowed; as an ordinary solvent or suspending solvent, sterile involatile oil can be used. For these purposes, any kind of involatile oil and fatty acid can be used, including natural or synthetic or semisynthetic fatty oils or fatty acids; natural or synthetic or semisynthtetic mono- or di- or tri-glycerides. Parental administration is known in the art and includes, but is not limited to, conventional means of injections, a gas pressured needle-less injection device as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,851,198, and a laser perforator device as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,839,446 entirely incorporated herein by reference.
The invention further relates to the administration of at least one CARTyrin by parenteral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, intrarticular, intrabronchial, intraabdominal, intracapsular, intracartilaginous, intracavitary, intracelial, intracerebellar, intracerebroventricular, intracolic, intracervical, intragastric, intrahepatic, intramyocardial, intraosteal, intrapelvic, intrapericardiac, intraperitoneal, intrapleural, intraprostatic, intrapulmonary, intrarectal, intrarenal, intraretinal, intraspinal, intrasynovial, intrathoracic, intrauterine, intravesical, intralesional, bolus, vaginal, rectal, buccal, sublingual, intranasal, or transdermal means. At least one CARTyrin composition can be prepared for use for parenteral (subcutaneous, intramuscular or intravenous) or any other administration particularly in the form of liquid solutions or suspensions; for use in vaginal or rectal administration particularly in semisolid forms, such as, but not limited to, creams and suppositories; for buccal, or sublingual administration, such as, but not limited to, in the form of tablets or capsules; or intranasally, such as, but not limited to, the form of powders, nasal drops or aerosols or certain agents; or transdermally, such as not limited to a gel, ointment, lotion, suspension or patch delivery system with chemical enhancers such as dimethyl sulfoxide to either modify the skin structure or to increase the drug concentration in the transdermal patch (Junginger, et al. In “Drug Permeation Enhancement;” Hsieh, D. S., Eds., pp. 59-90 (Marcel Dekker, Inc. New York 1994, entirely incorporated herein by reference), or with oxidizing agents that enable the application of formulations containing proteins and peptides onto the skin (WO 98/53847), or applications of electric fields to create transient transport pathways, such as electroporation, or to increase the mobility of charged drugs through the skin, such as iontophoresis, or application of ultrasound, such as sonophoresis (U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,309,989 and 4,767,402) (the above publications and patents being entirely incorporated herein by reference).
The disclosure provides modified cells that express one or more CARs and/or CARTyrins of the disclosure that have been selected and/or expanded for administration to a subject in need thereof. Modified cells of the disclosure may be formulated for storage at any temperature including room temperature and body temperature. Modified cells of the disclosure may be formulated for cryopreservation and subsequent thawing. Modified cells of the disclosure may be formulated in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier for direct administration to a subject from sterile packaging. Modified cells of the disclosure may be formulated in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier with an indicator of cell viability and/or CAR/CARTyrin expression level to ensure a minimal level of cell function and CAR/CARTyrin expression. Modified cells of the disclosure may be formulated in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier at a prescribed density with one or more reagents to inhibit further expansion and/or prevent cell death.
Inducible proapoptotic polypeptides of the disclosure are superior to existing inducible polypeptides because the inducible proapoptotic polypeptides of the disclosure are far less immunogenic. While inducible proapoptotic polypeptides of the disclosure are recombinant polypeptides, and, therefore, non-naturally occurring, the sequences that are recombined to produce the inducible proapoptotic polypeptides of the disclosure do not comprise non-human sequences that the host human immune system could recognize as “non-self” and, consequently, induce an immune response in the subject receiving an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide of the disclosure, a cell comprising the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide or a composition comprising the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide or the cell comprising the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide.
The disclosure provides inducible proapoptotic polypeptides comprising a ligand binding region, a linker, and a proapoptotic peptide, wherein the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide does not comprise a non-human sequence. In certain embodiments, the non-human sequence comprises a restriction site. In certain embodiments, the proapoptotic peptide is a caspase polypeptide. In certain embodiments, the caspase polypeptide is a caspase 9 polypeptide. In certain embodiments, the caspase 9 polypeptide is a truncated caspase 9 polypeptide. Inducible proapoptotic polypeptides of the disclosure may be non-naturally occurring.
Caspase polypeptides of the disclosure include, but are not limited to, caspase 1, caspase 2, caspase 3, caspase 4, caspase 5, caspase 6, caspase 7, caspase 8, caspase 9, caspase 10, caspase 11, caspase 12, and caspase 14. Caspase polypeptides of the disclosure include, but are not limited to, those caspase polypeptides associated with apoptosis including caspase 2, caspase 3, caspase 6, caspase 7, caspase 8, caspase 9, and caspase 10. Caspase polypeptides of the disclosure include, but are not limited to, those caspase polypeptides that initiate apoptosis, including caspase 2, caspase 8, caspase 9, and caspase 10. Caspase polypeptides of the disclosure include, but are not limited to, those caspase polypeptides that execute apoptosis, including caspase 3, caspase 6, and caspase 7.
Caspase polypeptides of the disclosure may be encoded by an amino acid or a nucleic acid sequence having one or more modifications compared to a wild type amino acid or a nucleic acid sequence. The nucleic acid sequence encoding a caspase polypeptide of the disclosure may be codon optimized. The one or more modifications to an amino acid and/or nucleic acid sequence of a caspase polypeptide of the disclosure may increase an interaction, a cross-linking, a cross-activation, or an activation of the caspase polypeptide of the disclosure compared to a wild type amino acid or a nucleic acid sequence. Alternatively, or in addition, the one or more modifications to an amino acid and/or nucleic acid sequence of a caspase polypeptide of the disclosure may decrease the immunogenicity of the caspase polypeptide of the disclosure compared to a wild type amino acid or a nucleic acid sequence.
Caspase polypeptides of the disclosure may be truncated compared to a wild type caspase polypeptide. For example, a caspase polypeptide may be truncated to eliminate a sequence encoding a Caspase Activation and Recruitment Domain (CARD) to eliminate or minimize the possibility of activating a local inflammatory response in addition to initiating apoptosis in the cell comprising an inducible caspase polypeptide of the disclosure. The nucleic acid sequence encoding a caspase polypeptide of the disclosure may be spliced to form a variant amino acid sequence of the caspase polypeptide of the disclosure compared to a wild type caspase polypeptide. Caspase polypeptides of the disclosure may be encoded by recombinant and/or chimeric sequences. Recombinant and/or chimeric caspase polypeptides of the disclosure may include sequences from one or more different caspase polypeptides. Alternatively, or in addition, recombinant and/or chimeric caspase polypeptides of the disclosure may include sequences from one or more species (e.g. a human sequence and a non-human sequence). Caspase polypeptides of the disclosure may be non-naturally occurring.
The ligand binding region of an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide of the disclosure may include any polypeptide sequence that facilitates or promotes the dimerization of a first inducible proapoptotic polypeptide of the disclosure with a second inducible proapoptotic polypeptide of the disclosure, the dimerization of which activates or induces cross-linking of the proapoptotic polypeptides and initiation of apoptosis in the cell.
The ligand-binding (“dimerization”) region may comprise any polypeptide or functional domain thereof that will allow for induction using an endogenous or non-naturally occurring ligand (i.e. and induction agent), for example, a non-naturally occurring synthetic ligand. The ligand-binding region may be internal or external to the cellular membrane, depending upon the nature of the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide and the choice of ligand (i.e. induction agent). A wide variety of ligand-binding polypeptides and functional domains thereof, including receptors, are known. Ligand-binding regions of the disclosure may include one or more sequences from a receptor. Of particular interest are ligand-binding regions for which ligands (for example, small organic ligands) are known or may be readily produced. These ligand-binding regions or receptors may include, but are not limited to, the FKBPs and cyclophilin receptors, the steroid receptors, the tetracycline receptor, and the like, as well as “non-naturally occurring” receptors, which can be obtained from antibodies, particularly the heavy or light chain subunit, mutated sequences thereof, random amino acid sequences obtained by stochastic procedures, combinatorial syntheses, and the like. In certain embodiments, the ligand-binding region is selected from the group consisting of a FKBP ligand-binding region, a cyclophilin receptor ligand-binding region, a steroid receptor ligand-binding region, a cyclophilin receptors ligand-binding region, and a tetracycline receptor ligand-binding region.
The ligand-binding regions comprising one or more receptor domain(s) may be at least about 50 amino acids, and fewer than about 350 amino acids, usually fewer than 200 amino acids, either as the endogenous domain or truncated active portion thereof. The binding region may, for example, be small (<25 kDa, to allow efficient transfection in viral vectors), monomeric, nonimmunogenic, have synthetically accessible, cell permeable, nontoxic ligands that can be configured for dimerization.
The ligand-binding regions comprising one or more receptor domain(s) may be intracellular or extracellular depending upon the design of the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide and the availability of an appropriate ligand (i.e. induction agent). For hydrophobic ligands, the binding region can be on either side of the membrane, but for hydrophilic ligands, particularly protein ligands, the binding region will usually be external to the cell membrane, unless there is a transport system for internalizing the ligand in a form in which it is available for binding. For an intracellular receptor, the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide or a transposon or vector comprising the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide may encode a signal peptide and transmembrane domain 5′ or 3′ of the receptor domain sequence or may have a lipid attachment signal sequence 5′ of the receptor domain sequence. Where the receptor domain is between the signal peptide and the transmembrane domain, the receptor domain will be extracellular.
Antibodies and antibody subunits, e.g., heavy or light chain, particularly fragments, more particularly all or part of the variable region, or fusions of heavy and light chain to create high-affinity binding, can be used as a ligand binding region of the disclosure. Antibodies that are contemplated include ones that are an ectopically expressed human product, such as an extracellular domain that would not trigger an immune response and generally not expressed in the periphery (i.e., outside the CNS/brain area). Such examples, include, but are not limited to low affinity nerve growth factor receptor (LNGFR), and embryonic surface proteins (i.e., carcinoembryonic antigen). Yet further, antibodies can be prepared against haptenic molecules, which are physiologically acceptable, and the individual antibody subunits screened for binding affinity. The cDNA encoding the subunits can be isolated and modified by deletion of the constant region, portions of the variable region, mutagenesis of the variable region, or the like, to obtain a binding protein domain that has the appropriate affinity for the ligand. In this way, almost any physiologically acceptable haptenic compound can be employed as the ligand or to provide an epitope for the ligand. Instead of antibody units, endogenous receptors can be employed, where the binding region or domain is known and there is a useful or known ligand for binding.
For multimerizing the receptor, the ligand for the ligand-binding region/receptor domains of the inducible proapoptotic polypeptides may be multimeric in the sense that the ligand can have at least two binding sites, with each of the binding sites capable of binding to a ligand receptor region (i.e. a ligand having a first binding site capable of binding the ligand-binding region of a first inducible proapoptotic polypeptide and a second binding site capable of binding the ligand-binding region of a second inducible proapoptotic polypeptide, wherein the ligand-binding regions of the first and the second inducible proapoptotic polypeptides are either identical or distinct). Thus, as used herein, the term “multimeric ligand binding region” refers to a ligand-binding region of an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide of the disclosure that binds to a multimeric ligand. Multimeric ligands of the disclosure include dimeric ligands. A dimeric ligand of the disclosure may have two binding sites capable of binding to the ligand receptor domain. In certain embodiments, multimeric ligands of the disclosure are a dimer or higher order oligomer, usually not greater than about tetrameric, of small synthetic organic molecules, the individual molecules typically being at least about 150 Da and less than about 5 kDa, usually less than about 3 kDa. A variety of pairs of synthetic ligands and receptors can be employed. For example, in embodiments involving endogenous receptors, dimeric FK506 can be used with an FKBP12 receptor, dimerized cyclosporin A can be used with the cyclophilin receptor, dimerized estrogen with an estrogen receptor, dimerized glucocorticoids with a glucocorticoid receptor, dimerized tetracycline with the tetracycline receptor, dimerized vitamin D with the vitamin D receptor, and the like. Alternatively higher orders of the ligands, e.g., trimeric can be used. For embodiments involving non-naturally occurring receptors, e.g., antibody subunits, modified antibody subunits, single chain antibodies comprised of heavy and light chain variable regions in tandem, separated by a flexible linker, or modified receptors, and mutated sequences thereof, and the like, any of a large variety of compounds can be used. A significant characteristic of the units comprising a multimeric ligand of the disclosure is that each binding site is able to bind the receptor with high affinity, and preferably, that they are able to be dimerized chemically. Also, methods are available to balance the hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity of the ligands so that they are able to dissolve in serum at functional levels, yet diffuse across plasma membranes for most applications.
Activation of inducible proapoptotic polypeptides of the disclosure may be accomplished through, for example, chemically induced dimerization (CID) mediated by an induction agent to produce a conditionally controlled protein or polypeptide. Proapoptotic polypeptides of the disclosure not only inducible, but the induction of these polypeptides is also reversible, due to the degradation of the labile dimerizing agent or administration of a monomeric competitive inhibitor.
In certain embodiments, the ligand binding region comprises a FK506 binding protein 12 (FKBP12) polypeptide. In certain embodiments, the ligand binding region comprises a FKBP12 polypeptide having a substitution of valine (V) for phenylalanine (F) at position 36 (F36V). In certain embodiments, in which the ligand binding region comprises a FKBP12 polypeptide having a substitution of valine (V) for phenylalanine (F) at position 36 (F36V), the induction agent may comprise AP1903, a synthetic drug (CAS Index Name: 2-Piperidinecarboxylic acid, 1-[(2S)-1-oxo-2-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)butyl]-, 1,2-ethanediylbis[imino(2-oxo-2,1-ethanediyl)oxy-3,1-phenylene[(1R)-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)propylidene]]ester, [2S-[1(R*),2R*[S*[S*[1(R*),2R*]]]]]-(9C1) CAS Registry Number: 195514-63-7; Molecular Formula: C78H98N4020; Molecular Weight: 1411.65)). In certain embodiments, in which the ligand binding region comprises a FKBP12 polypeptide having a substitution of valine (V) for phenylalanine (F) at position 36 (F36V), the induction agent may comprise AP20187 (CAS Registry Number: 195514-80-8 and Molecular Formula: C82H107N5020). In certain embodiments, the induction agent is an AP20187 analog, such as, for example, AP1510. As used herein, the induction agents AP20187, AP1903 and AP1510 may be used interchangeably.
AP1903 API is manufactured by Alphora Research Inc. and AP1903 Drug Product for Injection is made by Formatech Inc. It is formulated as a 5 mg/mL solution of AP1903 in a 25% solution of the non-ionic solubilizer Solutol HS 15 (250 mg/mL, BASF). At room temperature, this formulation is a clear, slightly yellow solution. Upon refrigeration, this formulation undergoes a reversible phase transition, resulting in a milky solution. This phase transition is reversed upon re-warming to room temperature. The fill is 2.33 mL in a 3 mL glass vial (approximately 10 mg AP1903 for Injection total per vial). Upon determining a need to administer AP1903, patients may be, for example, administered a single fixed dose of AP1903 for Injection (0.4 mg/kg) via IV infusion over 2 hours, using a non-DEHP, non-ethylene oxide sterilized infusion set. The dose of AP1903 is calculated individually for all patients, and is not be recalculated unless body weight fluctuates by 10%. The calculated dose is diluted in 100 mL in 0.9% normal saline before infusion. In a previous Phase I study of AP1903, 24 healthy volunteers were treated with single doses of AP1903 for Injection at dose levels of 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mg/kg infused IV over 2 hours. AP1903 plasma levels were directly proportional to dose, with mean Cmax values ranging from approximately 10-1275 ng/mL over the 0.01-1.0 mg/kg dose range. Following the initial infusion period, blood concentrations demonstrated a rapid distribution phase, with plasma levels reduced to approximately 18, 7, and 1% of maximal concentration at 0.5, 2 and 10 hours post-dose, respectively. AP1903 for Injection was shown to be safe and well tolerated at all dose levels and demonstrated a favorable pharmacokinetic profile. luliucci J D, et al., J Clin Pharmacol. 41: 870-9, 2001.
The fixed dose of AP1903 for injection used, for example, may be 0.4 mg/kg intravenously infused over 2 hours. The amount of AP1903 needed in vitro for effective signaling of cells is 10-100 nM (1600 Da MW). This equates to 16-160 μg/L or 0.016-1.6 μg/kg (1.6-160 μg/kg). Doses up to 1 mg/kg were well-tolerated in the Phase I study of AP1903 described above. Therefore, 0.4 mg/kg may be a safe and effective dose of AP1903 for this Phase I study in combination with the therapeutic cells.
The amino acid and/or nucleic acid sequence encoding ligand binding of the disclosure may contain sequence one or more modifications compared to a wild type amino acid or nucleic acid sequence. For example, the amino acid and/or nucleic acid sequence encoding ligand binding region of the disclosure may be a codon-optimized sequence. The one or more modifications may increase the binding affinity of a ligand (e.g. an induction agent) for the ligand binding region of the disclosure compared to a wild type polypeptide. Alternatively, or in addition, the one or more modifications may decrease the immunogenicity of the ligand binding region of the disclosure compared to a wild type polypeptide. Ligand binding regions of the disclosure and/or induction agents of the disclosure may be non-naturally occurring.
Inducible proapoptotic polypeptides of the disclosure comprise a ligand binding region, a linker and a proapoptotic peptide, wherein the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide does not comprise a non-human sequence. In certain embodiments, the non-human sequence comprises a restriction site. The linker may comprise any organic or inorganic material that permits, upon dimerization of the ligand binding region, interaction, cross-linking, cross-activation, or activation of the proapoptotic polypeptides such that the interaction or activation of the proapoptotic polypeptides initiates apoptosis in the cell. In certain embodiments, the linker is a polypeptide. In certain embodiments, the linker is a polypeptide comprising a G/S rich amino acid sequence (a “GS” linker). In certain embodiments, the linker is a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence GGGGS (SEQ ID NO: 18028). In preferred embodiments, the linker is a polypeptide and the nucleic acid encoding the polypeptide does not contain a restriction site for a restriction endonuclease. Linkers of the disclosure may be non-naturally occurring.
Inducible proapoptotic polypeptides of the disclosure may be expressed in a cell under the transcriptional regulation of any promoter capable of initiating and/or regulating the expression of an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide of the disclosure in that cell. The term “promoter” as used herein refers to a promoter that acts as the initial binding site for RNA polymerase to transcribe a gene. For example, inducible proapoptotic polypeptides of the disclosure may be expressed in a mammalian cell under the transcriptional regulation of any promoter capable of initiating and/or regulating the expression of an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide of the disclosure in a mammalian cell, including, but not limited to native, endogenous, exogenous, and heterologous promoters. Preferred mammalian cells include human cells. Thus, inducible proapoptotic polypeptides of the disclosure may be expressed in a human cell under the transcriptional regulation of any promoter capable of initiating and/or regulating the expression of an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide of the disclosure in a human cell, including, but not limited to, a human promoter or a viral promoter. Exemplary promoters for expression in human cells include, but are not limited to, a human cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate early gene promoter, a SV40 early promoter, a Rous sarcoma virus long terminal repeat, β-actin promoter, a rat insulin promoter and a glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase promoter, each of which may be used to obtain high-level expression of an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide of the disclosure. The use of other viral or mammalian cellular or bacterial phage promoters which are well known in the art to achieve expression of an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide of the disclosure is contemplated as well, provided that the levels of expression are sufficient for initiating apoptosis in a cell. By employing a promoter with well-known properties, the level and pattern of expression of the protein of interest following transfection or transformation can be optimized.
Selection of a promoter that is regulated in response to specific physiologic or synthetic signals can permit inducible expression of the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide of the disclosure. The ecdysone system (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) is one such system. This system is designed to allow regulated expression of a gene of interest in mammalian cells. It consists of a tightly regulated expression mechanism that allows virtually no basal level expression of a transgene, but over 200-fold inducibility. The system is based on the heterodimeric ecdysone receptor of Drosophila, and when ecdysone or an analog such as muristerone A binds to the receptor, the receptor activates a promoter to turn on expression of the downstream transgene high levels of mRNA transcripts are attained. In this system, both monomers of the heterodimeric receptor are constitutively expressed from one vector, whereas the ecdysone-responsive promoter, which drives expression of the gene of interest, is on another plasmid. Engineering of this type of system into a vector of interest may therefore be useful. Another inducible system that may be useful is the Tet-Off™ or Tet-On™ system (Clontech, Palo Alto, Calif.) originally developed by Gossen and Bujard (Gossen and Bujard, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 89:5547-5551, 1992; Gossen et al., Science, 268:1766-1769, 1995). This system also allows high levels of gene expression to be regulated in response to tetracycline or tetracycline derivatives such as doxycycline. In the Tet-On™ system, gene expression is turned on in the presence of doxycycline, whereas in the Tet-Off™ system, gene expression is turned on in the absence of doxycycline. These systems are based on two regulatory elements derived from the tetracycline resistance operon of E. coli: the tetracycline operator sequence (to which the tetracycline repressor binds) and the tetracycline repressor protein. The gene of interest is cloned into a plasmid behind a promoter that has tetracycline-responsive elements present in it. A second plasmid contains a regulatory element called the tetracycline-controlled transactivator, which is composed, in the Tet-Off™ system, of the VP16 domain from the herpes simplex virus and the wild-type tetracycline repressor. Thus in the absence of doxycycline, transcription is constitutively on. In the Tet-On™ system, the tetracycline repressor is not wild type and in the presence of doxycycline activates transcription. For gene therapy vector production, the Tet-Off™ system may be used so that the producer cells could be grown in the presence of tetracycline or doxycycline and prevent expression of a potentially toxic transgene, but when the vector is introduced to the patient, the gene expression would be constitutively on.
In some circumstances, it is desirable to regulate expression of a transgene in a gene therapy vector. For example, different viral promoters with varying strengths of activity are utilized depending on the level of expression desired. In mammalian cells, the CMV immediate early promoter is often used to provide strong transcriptional activation. The CMV promoter is reviewed in Donnelly, J. J., et al., 1997. Annu. Rev. Immunol. 15:617-48. Modified versions of the CMV promoter that are less potent have also been used when reduced levels of expression of the transgene are desired. When expression of a transgene in hematopoietic cells is desired, retroviral promoters such as the LTRs from MLV or MMTV are often used. Other viral promoters that are used depending on the desired effect include SV40, RSV LTR, HIV-1 and HIV-2 LTR, adenovirus promoters such as from the E1A, E2A, or MLP region, AAV LTR, HSV-TK, and avian sarcoma virus.
In other examples, promoters may be selected that are developmentally regulated and are active in particular differentiated cells. Thus, for example, a promoter may not be active in a pluripotent stem cell, but, for example, where the pluripotent stem cell differentiates into a more mature cell, the promoter may then be activated.
Similarly tissue specific promoters are used to effect transcription in specific tissues or cells so as to reduce potential toxicity or undesirable effects to non-targeted tissues. These promoters may result in reduced expression compared to a stronger promoter such as the CMV promoter, but may also result in more limited expression, and immunogenicity (Bojak, A., et al., 2002. Vaccine. 20:1975-79; Cazeaux, N., et al., 2002. Vaccine 20:3322-31). For example, tissue specific promoters such as the PSA associated promoter or prostate-specific glandular kallikrein, or the muscle creatine kinase gene may be used where appropriate.
Examples of tissue specific or differentiation specific promoters include, but are not limited to, the following: B29 (B cells); CD14 (monocytic cells); CD43 (leukocytes and platelets); CD45 (hematopoietic cells); CD68 (macrophages); desmin (muscle); elastase-1 (pancreatic acinar cells); endoglin (endothelial cells); fibronectin (differentiating cells, healing tissues); and Flt-1 (endothelial cells); GFAP (astrocytes).
In certain indications, it is desirable to activate transcription at specific times after administration of the gene therapy vector. This is done with such promoters as those that are hormone or cytokine regulatable. Cytokine and inflammatory protein responsive promoters that can be used include K and T kininogen (Kageyama et al., (1987) J. Biol. Chem., 262, 2345-2351), c-fos, TNF-alpha, C-reactive protein (Arcone, et al., (1988) Nucl. Acids Res., 16(8), 3195-3207), haptoglobin (Oliviero et al., (1987) EMBO J., 6, 1905-1912), serum amyloid A2, C/EBP alpha, IL-1, IL-6 (Poli and Cortese, (1989) Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA, 86, 8202-8206), Complement C3 (Wilson et al., (1990) Mol. Cell. Biol., 6181-6191), IL-8, alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (Prowse and Baumann, (1988) Mol Cell Biol, 8, 42-51), alpha-1 antitrypsin, lipoprotein lipase (Zechner et al., Mol. Cell. Biol., 2394-2401, 1988), angiotensinogen (Ron, et al., (1991) Mol. Cell. Biol., 2887-2895), fibrinogen, c-jun (inducible by phorbol esters, TNF-alpha, UV radiation, retinoic acid, and hydrogen peroxide), collagenase (induced by phorbol esters and retinoic acid), metallothionein (heavy metal and glucocorticoid inducible), Stromelysin (inducible by phorbol ester, interleukin-1 and EGF), alpha-2 macroglobulin and alpha-1 anti-chymotrypsin. Other promoters include, for example, SV40, MMTV, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (MV), Moloney virus, ALV, Epstein Barr virus, Rous Sarcoma virus, human actin, myosin, hemoglobin, and creatine.
It is envisioned that any of the above promoters alone or in combination with another can be useful depending on the action desired. Promoters, and other regulatory elements, are selected such that they are functional in the desired cells or tissue. In addition, this list of promoters should not be construed to be exhaustive or limiting; other promoters that are used in conjunction with the promoters and methods disclosed herein.
T-cells of the disclosure may be genetically modified to enhance their therapeutic potential. Alternatively, or in addition, T-cells of the disclosure may be modified to render them less sensitive to immunologic and/or metabolic checkpoints. Modifications of this type “armor” the T cells of the disclosure, which, following the modification, may be referred to here as “armored” T cells. Armored T cells of the disclosure may be produced by, for example, blocking and/or diluting specific endogenous checkpoint signals delivered to the T-cells (i.e. checkpoint inhibition) within the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment, for example.
In some embodiments, an armored T-cell of the disclosure is derived from a T cell, a NK cell, a hematopoietic progenitor cell, a peripheral blood (PB) derived T cell (including a T cell isolated or derived from G-CSF-mobilized peripheral blood), or an umbilical cord blood (UCB) derived T cell. In some embodiments, an armored T-cell of the disclosure comprises one or more of a chimeric ligand receptor (CLR comprising a protein scaffold, an antibody, an ScFv, or an antibody mimetic)/chimeric antigen receptor (CAR comprising a protein scaffold, an antibody, an ScFv, or an antibody mimetic), a CARTyrin (a CAR comprising a Centyrin), and/or a VCAR (a CAR comprising a camelid VHH or a single domain VH) of the disclosure. In some embodiments, an armored T-cell of the disclosure comprises an inducible proapoptotic polypeptide comprising (a) a ligand binding region, (b) a linker, and (c) a truncated caspase 9 polypeptide, wherein the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide does not comprise a non-human sequence. In some embodiments, the non-human sequence is a restriction site. In some embodiments, the ligand binding region inducible caspase polypeptide comprises a FK506 binding protein 12 (FKBP12) polypeptide. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the FK506 binding protein 12 (FKBP12) polypeptide comprises a modification at position 36 of the sequence. In some embodiments, the modification is a substitution of valine (V) for phenylalanine (F) at position 36 (F36V). In some embodiments, an armored T-cell of the disclosure comprises an exogenous sequence. In some embodiments, the exogenous sequence comprises a sequence encoding a therapeutic protein. Exemplary therapeutic proteins may be nuclear, cytoplasmic, intracellular, transmembrane, cell-surface bound, or secreted proteins. Exemplary therapeutic proteins expressed by the armored T cell may modify an activity of the armored T cell or may modify an activity of a second cell. In some embodiments, an armored T-cell of the disclosure comprises a selection gene or a selection marker. In some embodiments, an armored T-cell of the disclosure comprises a synthetic gene expression cassette (also referred to herein as an inducible transgene construct).
In some embodiments, a T-cell of the disclosure is modified to silence or reduce expression one or more gene(s) encoding receptor(s) of inhibitory checkpoint signals to produce an armored T-cell of the disclosure. Examples of inhibitory checkpoint signals include, but are not limited to, a PD-L1 ligand binding to a PD-1 receptor on a CAR-T cell of the disclosure or a TGFβ cytokine binding to a TGFβRII receptor on a CAR-T cell. Receptors of inhibitory checkpoint signals are expressed on the cell surface or within the cytoplasm of a T-cell. Silencing or reducing expressing of the gene encoding the receptor of the inhibitory checkpoint signal results a loss of protein expression of the inhibitory checkpoint receptors on the surface or within the cytoplasm of an armored T-cell of the disclosure. Thus, armored T cells of the disclosure having silenced or reduced expression of one or more genes encoding an inhibitory checkpoint receptor is resistant, non-receptive or insensitive to checkpoint signals. The armored T cell's resistance or decreased sensitivity to inhibitory checkpoint signals enhances the armored T cell's therapeutic potential in the presence of these inhibitory checkpoint signals. Inhibitory checkpoint signals include but are not limited to the examples listed in Table 1. Exemplary inhibitory checkpoint signals that may be silenced in an armored T cell of the disclosure include, but are not limited to, PD-1 and TGFβRII.
In some embodiments, a T-cell of the disclosure is modified to silence or reduce expression of one or more gene(s) encoding intracellular proteins involved in checkpoint signaling to produce an armored T-cell of the disclosure. The activity of a T-cell of the disclosure may be enhanced by targeting any intracellular signaling protein involved in a checkpoint signaling pathway, thereby achieving checkpoint inhibition or interference to one or more checkpoint pathways. Intracellular signaling proteins involved in checkpoint signaling include, but are not limited to, exemplary intracellular signaling proteins listed in Table 2.
In some embodiments, a T-cell of the disclosure is modified to silence or reduce expression of one or more gene(s) encoding a transcription factor that hinders the efficacy of a therapy to produce an armored T-cell of the disclosure. The activity of armored T-cells may be enhanced or modulated by silencing or reducing expression (or repressing a function) of a transcription factor that hinders the efficacy of a therapy. Exemplary transcription factors that may be modified to silence or reduce expression or to repress a function thereof include, but are not limited to, the exemplary transcription factors listed in Table 3. For example, expression of a FOXP3 gene may be silenced or reduced in an armored T cell of the disclosure to prevent or reduce the formation of T regulatory CAR-T-cells (CAR-Treg cells), the expression or activity of which may reduce efficacy of a therapy.
In some embodiments, a T-cell of the disclosure is modified to silence or reduce expression of one or more gene(s) encoding a cell death or cell apoptosis receptor to produce an armored T-cell of the disclosure. Interaction of a death receptor and its endogenous ligand results in the initiation of apoptosis. Disruption of an expression, an activity, or an interaction of a cell death and/or cell apoptosis receptor and/or ligand render an armored T-cell of the disclosure less receptive to death signals, consequently, making the armored T cell of the disclosure more efficacious in a tumor environment. An exemplary cell death receptor which may be modified in an armored T cell of the disclosure is Fas (CD95). Exemplary cell death and/or cell apoptosis receptors and ligands of the disclosure include, but are not limited to, the exemplary receptors and ligands provided in Table 4.
In some embodiments, a T-cell of the disclosure is modified to silence or reduce expression of one or more gene(s) encoding a metabolic sensing protein to produce an armored T-cell of the disclosure. Disruption to the metabolic sensing of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (characterized by low levels of oxygen, pH, glucose and other molecules) by an armored T-cell of the disclosure leads to extended retention of T-cell function and, consequently, more tumor cells killed per armored T cell. For example, HIF1a and VHL play a role in T-cell function while in a hypoxic environment. An armored T-cell of the disclosure may have silenced or reduced expression of one or more genes encoding HIF1a or VHL. Genes and proteins involved in metabolic sensing include, but are not limited to, the exemplary genes and proteins provided in Table 5.
In some embodiments, a T-cell of the disclosure is modified to silence or reduce expression of one or more gene(s) encoding proteins that that confer sensitivity to a cancer therapy, including a monoclonal antibody, to produce an armored T-cell of the disclosure. Thus, an armored T-cell of the disclosure can function and may demonstrate superior function or efficacy whilst in the presence of a cancer therapy (e.g. a chemotherapy, a monoclonal antibody therapy, or another anti-tumor treatment). Proteins involved in conferring sensitivity to a cancer therapy include, but are not limited to, the exemplary proteins provided in Table 6.
In some embodiments, a T-cell of the disclosure is modified to silence or reduce expression of one or more gene(s) encoding a growth advantage factor to produce an armored T-cell. Silencing or reducing expression of an oncogene can confer a growth advantage for an armored T-cell of the disclosure. For example, silencing or reducing expression (e.g. disrupting expression) of a TET2 gene during a CAR-T manufacturing process results in the generation of an armored CAR-T with a significant capacity for expansion and subsequent eradication of a tumor when compared to a non-armored CAR-T lacking this capacity for expansion. This strategy may be coupled to a safety switch (e.g. an iC9 safety switch of the disclosure), which allows for the targeted disruption of an armored CAR-T-cell in the event of an adverse reaction from a subject or uncontrolled growth of the armored CAR-T. Exemplary growth advantage factors include, but are not limited to, the factors provided in Table 7.
In some embodiments, a T-cell of the disclosure is modified to express a modified/chimeric checkpoint receptor to produce an armored T-cell of the disclosure.
In some embodiments, the modified/chimeric checkpoint receptor comprises a null receptor, decoy receptor or dominant negative receptor. A null receptor, decoy receptor or dominant negative receptor of the disclosure may be modified/chimeric receptor/protein. A null receptor, decoy receptor or dominant negative receptor of the disclosure may be truncated for expression of the intracellular signaling domain. Alternatively, or in addition, a null receptor, decoy receptor or dominant negative receptor of the disclosure may be mutated within an intracellular signaling domain at one or more amino acid positions that are determinative or required for effective signaling. Truncation or mutation of null receptor, decoy receptor or dominant negative receptor of the disclosure may result in loss of the receptor's capacity to convey or transduce a checkpoint signal to the cell or within the cell.
For example, a dilution or a blockage of an immunosuppressive checkpoint signal from a PD-L1 receptor expressed on the surface of a tumor cell may be achieved by expressing a modified/chimeric PD-1 null receptor on the surface of an armored T-cell of the disclosure, which effectively competes with the endogenous (non-modified) PD-1 receptors also expressed on the surface of the armored T-cell to reduce or inhibit the transduction of the immunosuppressive checkpoint signal through endogenous PD-1 receptors of the armored T cell. In this exemplary embodiment, competition between the two different receptors for binding to PD-L1 expressed on the tumor cell reduces or diminishes a level of effective checkpoint signaling, thereby enhancing a therapeutic potential of the armored T-cell expressing the PD-1 null receptor.
In some embodiments, the modified/chimeric checkpoint receptor comprises a null receptor, decoy receptor or dominant negative receptor that is a transmembrane receptor.
In some embodiments, the modified/chimeric checkpoint receptor comprises a null receptor, decoy receptor or dominant negative receptor that is a membrane-associated or membrane-linked receptor/protein.
In some embodiments, the modified/chimeric checkpoint receptor comprises a null receptor, decoy receptor or dominant negative receptor that is an intracellular receptor/protein.
In some embodiments, the modified/chimeric checkpoint receptor comprises a null receptor, decoy receptor or dominant negative receptor that is an intracellular receptor/protein. Exemplary null, decoy, or dominant negative intracellular receptors/proteins of the disclosure include, but are not limited to, signaling components downstream of an inhibitory checkpoint signal (as provided, for example, in Tables 1 and 2), a transcription factor (as provided, for example, in Table 3), a cytokine or a cytokine receptor, a chemokine or a chemokine receptor, a cell death or apoptosis receptor/ligand (as provided, for example, in Table 4), a metabolic sensing molecule (as provided, for example, in Table 5), a protein conferring sensitivity to a cancer therapy (as provided, for example, in Table 6), and an oncogene or a tumor suppressor gene (as provided, for example, in Table 7). Exemplary cytokines, cytokine receptors, chemokines and chemokine receptors of the disclosure include, but are not limited to, the cytokines and cytokine receptors as well as chemokines and chemokine receptors provided in Table 8.
In some embodiments, the modified/chimeric checkpoint receptor comprises a switch receptor. Exemplary switch receptors may comprise a modified/chimeric receptor/protein of the disclosure wherein a native or wild type intracellular signaling domain is switched or replaced with a different intracellular signaling domain that is either non-native to the protein and/or not a wild-type domain. For example, replacement of an inhibitory signaling domain with a stimulatory signaling domain would switch an immunosuppressive signal into an immunostimulatory signal. Alternatively, replacement of an inhibitory signaling domain with a different inhibitory domain can reduce or enhance the level of inhibitory signaling. Expression or overexpression, of a switch receptor can result in the dilution and/or blockage of a cognate checkpoint signal via competition with an endogenous wildtype checkpoint receptor (not a switch receptor) for binding to the cognate checkpoint receptor expressed within the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Armored T cells of the disclosure may comprise a sequence encoding switch receptors of the disclosure, leading to the expression of one or more switch receptors of the disclosure, and consequently, altering an activity of an armored T-cell of the disclosure. Armored T cells of the disclosure may express a switch receptor of the disclosure that targets an intracellularly expressed protein downstream of a checkpoint receptor, a transcription factor, a cytokine receptor, a death receptor, a metabolic sensing molecule, a cancer therapy, an oncogene, and/or a tumor suppressor protein or gene of the disclosure.
Exemplary switch receptors of the disclosure may comprise or may be derived from a protein including, but are not limited to, the signaling components downstream of an inhibitory checkpoint signal (as provided, for example, in Tables 1 and 2), a transcription factor (as provided, for example, in Table 3), a cytokine or a cytokine receptor, a chemokine or a chemokine receptor, a cell death or apoptosis receptor/ligand (as provided, for example, in Table 4), a metabolic sensing molecule (as provided, for example, in Table 5), a protein conferring sensitivity to a cancer therapy (as provided, for example, in Table 6), and an oncogene or a tumor suppressor gene (as provided, for example, in Table 7). Exemplary cytokines, cytokine receptors, chemokines and chemokine receptors of the disclosure include, but are not limited to, the cytokines and cytokine receptors as well as chemokines and chemokine receptors provided in Table 8.
In some embodiments, a T-cell of the disclosure is modified to express chimeric ligand receptor (CLR) or a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that mediates conditional gene expression to produce an armored T-cell of the disclosure. The combination of the CLR/CAR and the condition gene expression system in the nucleus of the armored T cell constitutes a synthetic gene expression system that is conditionally activated upon binding of cognate ligand(s) with CLR or cognate antigen(s) with CAR. This system may help to ‘armor’ or enhance therapeutic potential of modified T cells by reducing or limiting synthetic gene expression at the site of ligand or antigen binding, at or within the tumor environment for example.
In some embodiments, the armored T-cell comprises a composition comprising (a) an inducible transgene construct, comprising a sequence encoding an inducible promoter and a sequence encoding a transgene, and (b) a receptor construct, comprising a sequence encoding a constitutive promoter and a sequence encoding an exogenous receptor, such as a CLR or CAR, wherein, upon integration of the construct of (a) and the construct of (b) into a genomic sequence of a cell, the exogenous receptor is expressed, and wherein the exogenous receptor, upon binding a ligand or antigen, transduces an intracellular signal that targets directly or indirectly the inducible promoter regulating expression of the inducible transgene (a) to modify gene expression.
In some embodiments of a synthetic gene expression system of the disclosure, the composition modifies gene expression by decreasing gene expression. In some embodiments, the composition modifies gene expression by transiently modifying gene expression (e.g. for the duration of binding of the ligand to the exogenous receptor). In some embodiments, the composition modifies gene expression acutely (e.g. the ligand reversibly binds to the exogenous receptor). In some embodiments, the composition modifies gene expression chronically (e.g. the ligand irreversibly binds to the exogenous receptor).
In some embodiments of the compositions of the disclosure, the exogenous receptor of (b) comprises an endogenous receptor with respect to the genomic sequence of the cell. Exemplary receptors include, but are not limited to, intracellular receptors, cell-surface receptors, transmembrane receptors, ligand-gated ion channels, and G-protein coupled receptors.
In some embodiments of the compositions of the disclosure, the exogenous receptor of (b) comprises a non-naturally occurring receptor. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring receptor is a synthetic, modified, recombinant, mutant or chimeric receptor. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring receptor comprises one or more sequences isolated or derived from a T-cell receptor (TCR). In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring receptor comprises one or more sequences isolated or derived from a scaffold protein. In some embodiments, including those wherein the non-naturally occurring receptor does not comprise a transmembrane domain, the non-naturally occurring receptor interacts with a second transmembrane, membrane-bound and/or an intracellular receptor that, following contact with the non-naturally occurring receptor, transduces an intracellular signal.
In some embodiments of the compositions of the disclosure, the exogenous receptor of (b) comprises a non-naturally occurring receptor. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring receptor is a synthetic, modified, recombinant, mutant or chimeric receptor. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring receptor comprises one or more sequences isolated or derived from a T-cell receptor (TCR). In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring receptor comprises one or more sequences isolated or derived from a scaffold protein. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring receptor comprises a transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring receptor interacts with an intracellular receptor that transduces an intracellular signal. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring receptor comprises an intracellular signalling domain. In some embodiments, the non-naturally occurring receptor is a chimeric ligand receptor (CLR). In some embodiments, the CLR is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR).
In some embodiments of the compositions of the disclosure, the exogenous receptor of (b) comprises a non-naturally occurring receptor. In some embodiments, the CLR is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). In some embodiments, the chimeric ligand receptor comprises (a) an ectodomain comprising a ligand recognition region, wherein the ligand recognition region comprises at least scaffold protein; (b) a transmembrane domain, and (c) an endodomain comprising at least one costimulatory domain. In some embodiments, the ectodomain of (a) further comprises a signal peptide. In some embodiments, the ectodomain of (a) further comprises a hinge between the ligand recognition region and the transmembrane domain.
In some embodiments of the CLR/CARs of the disclosure, the signal peptide comprises a sequence encoding a human CD2, CD3δ, CD3ε, CD3γ, CD3ζ, CD4, CD8α, CD19, CD28, 4-1BB or GM-CSFR signal peptide. In some embodiments, the signal peptide comprises a sequence encoding a human CD8α signal peptide. In some embodiments, the signal peptide comprises an amino acid sequence comprising MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARP (SEQ ID NO: 18004). In some embodiments, the signal peptide is encoded by a nucleic acid sequence comprising atggcactgccagtcaccgccctgctgctgcctctggctctgctgctgcacgcagctagacca.
In some embodiments of the CLR/CARs of the disclosure, the transmembrane domain comprises a sequence encoding a human CD2, CD3δ, CD3ε, CD3γ, CD3ζ, CD4, CD8α, CD19, CD28, 4-1BB or GM-CSFR transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain comprises a sequence encoding a human CD8α transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain comprises an amino acid sequence comprising IYIWAPLAGTCGVLLLSLVITLYC (SEQ ID NO: 18006). In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain is encoded by a nucleic acid sequence comprising
In some embodiments of the CLR/CARs of the disclosure, the endodomain comprises a human CD3ζ endodomain. In some embodiments, the at least one costimulatory domain comprises a human 4-1BB, CD28, CD40, ICOS, MyD88, OX-40 intracellular segment, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the at least one costimulatory domain comprises a human CD28 and/or a 4-1BB costimulatory domain. In some embodiments, the CD3ζ costimulatory domain comprises an amino acid sequence comprising
In some embodiments, the CD3ζ costimulatory domain is encoded by a nucleic acid sequence comprising
In some embodiments, the 4-1BB costimulatory domain comprises an amino acid sequence comprising
In some embodiments, the 4-1BB costimulatory domain is encoded by a nucleic acid sequence comprising
In some embodiments, the 4-1BB costimulatory domain is located between the transmembrane domain and the CD28 costimulatory domain.
In some embodiments of the CLR/CARs of the disclosure, the hinge comprises a sequence derived from a human CD8α, IgG4, and/or CD4 sequence. In some embodiments, the hinge comprises a sequence derived from a human CD8α sequence. In some embodiments, the hinge comprises an amino acid sequence comprising
In some embodiments, the hinge is encoded by a nucleic acid sequence comprising
In some embodiments, the at least one protein scaffold specifically binds the ligand.
In some embodiments of the compositions of the disclosure, the exogenous receptor of (b) comprises a non-naturally occurring receptor. In some embodiments, the CLR is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). In some embodiments, the chimeric ligand receptor comprises (a) an ectodomain comprising a ligand recognition region, wherein the ligand recognition region comprises at least scaffold protein; (b) a transmembrane domain, and (c) an endodomain comprising at least one costimulatory domain. In some embodiments, the at least one protein scaffold comprises an antibody, an antibody fragment, a single domain antibody, a single chain antibody, an antibody mimetic, or a Centyrin (referred to herein as a CARTyrin). In some embodiments, the ligand recognition region comprises one or more of an antibody, an antibody fragment, a single domain antibody, a single chain antibody, an antibody mimetic, and a Centyrin. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises or consists of a VHH or a VH (referred to herein as a VCAR). In some embodiments, the single domain antibody comprises or consists of a VHH or a VH comprising human complementarity determining regions (CDRs). In some embodiments, the VH is a recombinant or chimeric protein. In some embodiments, the VH is a recombinant or chimeric human protein. In some embodiments, the antibody mimetic comprises or consists of an affibody, an afflilin, an affimer, an affitin, an alphabody, an anticalin, an avimer, a DARPin, a Fynomer, a Kunitz domain peptide or a monobody. In some embodiments, the Centyrin comprises or consists of a consensus sequence of at least one fibronectin type III (FN3) domain.
In some embodiments of the compositions of the disclosure, the exogenous receptor of (b) comprises a non-naturally occurring receptor. In some embodiments, the CLR is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR). In some embodiments, the chimeric ligand receptor comprises (a) an ectodomain comprising a ligand recognition region, wherein the ligand recognition region comprises at least scaffold protein; (b) a transmembrane domain, and (c) an endodomain comprising at least one costimulatory domain. In some embodiments, the Centyrin comprises or consists of a consensus sequence of at least one fibronectin type III (FN3) domain. In some embodiments, the at least one fibronectin type III (FN3) domain is derived from a human protein. In some embodiments, the human protein is Tenascin-C. In some embodiments, the consensus sequence comprises
In some embodiments, the consensus sequence comprises
In some embodiments, the consensus sequence is modified at one or more positions within (a) a A-B loop comprising or consisting of the amino acid residues TEDS (SEQ ID NO:18020) at positions 13-16 of the consensus sequence; (b) a B-C loop comprising or consisting of the amino acid residues TAPDAAF (SEQ ID NO:18021) at positions 22-28 of the consensus sequence; (c) a C-D loop comprising or consisting of the amino acid residues SEKVGE (SEQ ID NO:18022) at positions 38-43 of the consensus sequence; (d) a D-E loop comprising or consisting of the amino acid residues GSER (SEQ ID NO:18023) at positions 51-54 of the consensus sequence; (e) a E-F loop comprising or consisting of the amino acid residues GLKPG (SEQ ID NO:18024) at positions 60-64 of the consensus sequence; (0 a F-G loop comprising or consisting of the amino acid residues KGGHRSN (SEQ ID NO:18025) at positions 75-81 of the consensus sequence; or (g) any combination of (a)-(f). In some embodiments, the Centyrin comprises a consensus sequence of at least 5 fibronectin type III (FN3) domains. In some embodiments, the Centyrin comprises a consensus sequence of at least 10 fibronectin type III (FN3) domains. In some embodiments, the Centyrin comprises a consensus sequence of at least 15 fibronectin type III (FN3) domains. In some embodiments, the scaffold binds an antigen with at least one affinity selected from a KD of less than or equal to 10−9 M, less than or equal to 10−10 M, less than or equal to 10−11 M, less than or equal to 10−12 M, less than or equal to 10−13 M, less than or equal to 10−14 M, and less than or equal to 10−15 M. In some embodiments, the KD is determined by surface plasmon resonance.
In some embodiments of the compositions of the disclosure, the sequence encoding the inducible promoter of (a) comprises a sequence encoding an NFκB promoter. In some embodiments of the compositions of the disclosure, the sequence encoding the inducible promoter of (a) comprises a sequence encoding an interferon (IFN) promoter or a sequence encoding an interleukin-2 promoter. In some embodiments, the interferon (IFN) promoter is an IFNγ promoter. In some embodiments of the compositions of the disclosure, the inducible promoter is isolated or derived from the promoter of a cytokine or a chemokine. In some embodiments, the cytokine or chemokine comprises IL2, IL3, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL10, IL12, IL13, IL17A/F, IL21, IL22, IL23, transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ), colony stimulating factor 2 (GM-CSF), interferon gamma (IFNγ), Tumor necrosis factor (TNFα), LTα, perforin, Granzyme C (Gzmc), Granzyme B (Gzmb), C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCLS), C-C motif chemokine ligand 4 (Ccl4), C-C motif chemokine ligand 3 (Ccl3), X-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (Xcl1) and LIF interleukin 6 family cytokine (Lif).
In some embodiments of the compositions of the disclosure, the inducible promoter is isolated or derived from the promoter of a gene comprising a surface protein involved in cell differentiation, activation, exhaustion and function. In some embodiments, the gene comprises CD69, CD71, CTLA4, PD-1, TIGIT, LAG3, TIM-3, GITR, MHCII, COX-2, FASL and 4-1BB.
In some embodiments of the compositions of the disclosure, the inducible promoter is isolated or derived from the promoter of a gene involved in CD metabolism and differentiation. In some embodiments of the compositions of the disclosure, the inducible promoter is isolated or derived from the promoter of Nr4a1, Nr4a3, Tnfrsf9 (4-1BB), Sema7a, Zfp3612, Gadd45b, Dusp5, Dusp6 and Neto2.
In some embodiments, the inducible transgene construct comprises or drives expression of a signaling component downstream of an inhibitory checkpoint signal (as provided, for example, in Tables 1 and 2), a transcription factor (as provided, for example, in Table 3), a cytokine or a cytokine receptor, a chemokine or a chemokine receptor, a cell death or apoptosis receptor/ligand (as provided, for example, in Table 4), a metabolic sensing molecule (as provided, for example, in Table 5), a protein conferring sensitivity to a cancer therapy (as provided, for example, in Table 6 and/or 9), and an oncogene or a tumor suppressor gene (as provided, for example, in Table 7). Exemplary cytokines, cytokine receptors, chemokines and chemokine receptors of the disclosure include, but are not limited to, the cytokines and cytokine receptors as well as chemokines and chemokine receptors Provided in Table 8.
The disclosure provides a composition comprising a guide RNA and a fusion protein or a sequence encoding the fusion protein wherein the fusion protein comprises a dCas9 and a Clo051 endonuclease or a nuclease domain thereof.
The disclosure provides compositions comprising a small, Cas9 (Cas9) operatively-linked to an effector. In certain embodiments, the disclosure provides a fusion protein comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of a DNA localization component and an effector molecule, wherein the effector comprises a small, Cas9 (Cas9). In certain embodiments, a small Cas9 construct of the disclosure may comprise an effector comprising a type IIS endonuclease.
Amino acid sequence of Staphylococcus aureus Cas9 with an active catalytic site.
Inactivated, Small Cas9 (dSaCas9)
The disclosure provides compositions comprising an inactivated, small, Cas9 (dSaCas9) operatively-linked to an effector. In certain embodiments, the disclosure provides a fusion protein comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of a DNA localization component and an effector molecule, wherein the effector comprises a small, inactivated Cas9 (dSaCas9). In certain embodiments, a small, inactivated Cas9 (dSaCas9) construct of the disclosure may comprise an effector comprising a type IIS endonuclease.
dSaCas9 Sequence: D10A and N580A mutations (bold, capitalized, and underlined) inactivate the catalytic site.
Inactivated Cas9 (dCas9)
The disclosure provides compositions comprising an inactivated Cas9 (dCas9) operatively-linked to an effector. In certain embodiments, the disclosure provides a fusion protein comprising, consisting essentially of or consisting of a DNA localization component and an effector molecule, wherein the effector comprises an inactivated Cas9 (dCas9). In certain embodiments, an inactivated Cas9 (dCas9) construct of the disclosure may comprise an effector comprising a type IIS endonuclease.
In certain embodiments, the dCas9 of the disclosure comprises a dCas9 isolated or derived from Staphyloccocus pyogenes. In certain embodiments, the dCas9 comprises a dCas9 with substitutions at positions 10 and 840 of the amino acid sequence of the dCas9 which inactivate the catalytic site. In certain embodiments, these substitutions are D10A and H840A. In certain embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the dCas9 comprises the sequence of:
In certain embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the dCas9 comprises the sequence of:
An exemplary Clo051 nuclease domain may comprise, consist essentially of or consist of, the amino acid sequence of:
In certain embodiments, an exemplary dCas9-Clo051 fusion protein (embodiment 1) may comprise, consist essentially of or consist of, the amino acid sequence of (Clo051 sequence underlined, linker bold italics, dCas9 sequence (Streptoccocus pyogenes) in italics):
MAPKKKRKVEGIKSNISLLKDELRGQISHISHEYLSLIDLAFDSK
QNRLFEMKVLELLVNEYGFKGRHLGGSRKPDGIVYSTTLEDNFGI
IVDTKAYSEGYSLPISQADEMERYVRENSNRDEEVNPNKWWENFS
EEVKKYYFVFISGSFKGKFEEQLRRLSMTTGVNGSAVNVVNLLLG
AEKIRSGEMTIEELERAMFNNSEFILKY
DKKYSIGLAIGT
NSVGWAVITDEYKVPSKKFKVLGNTDRHSIKKNLIGALLFDSGET
AEATRLKRTARRRYTRRKNRICYLQEIFSNEMAKVDDSFEHRLEE
SELVEEDKKHERHPIFGNIVDEVAYHEKYPTIYHLRKKLVDSTDK
ADLRLIYLALAHMIKFRGHFLIEGDLNPDNSDVDKLFIQLVQTYN
GNLIALSLGLTPNEKSNFDLAEDAKLQLSKDTYDDDLDNLLAQIG
DQYADLFLAAKNLSDAILLSDILRVNTEITKAPLSASMIKRYDEH
HQDLTLLKALVRQQLPEKYKEIFFDQSKNGYAGYIDGGASQEEFY
KFIKPILEKMDGTEELLVKLNREDLLRKQRTEDNGSIPHQIHLGE
LHAILRRQEDFYPFLKDNREKIEKILTFRIPYYVGPLARGNSRFA
WMTRKSEETITPWNFEEVVDKGASAQSFIERMTNFDKNLPNEKVL
PKHSLLYEYFTVYNELTKVKYVTEGMRKPAFLSGEQKKAIVDLLF
KTNRKVTVKQLKEDYFKKIECFDSVEISGVEDRFNASLGTYHDLL
KIIKDKDFLDNEENEDILEDIVLTLTLFEDREMIEERLKTYAHLF
DDKVMKQLKRRRYTGWGRLSRKLINGIRDKQSGKTILDFLKSDGF
ANRNFMQLIHDDSLTFKEDIQKAQVSGQGDSLHEHIANLAGSPAI
KKGILQTVKVVDELVKVMGRHKPENIVIEMARENQTTQKGQKNSR
ERMKRIEEGIKELGSQILKEHPVENTQLQNEKLYLYYLQNGRDMY
VDQELDINRLSDYDVDAIVPQSFLKDDSIDNKVLTRSDKNRGKSD
NVPSEEVVKKMKNYWRQLLNAKLITQRKEDNLTKAERGGLSELDK
AGFIKRQLVETRQITKHVAQILDSRMNTKYDENDKLIREVKVITL
KSKLVSDFRKDFQFYKVREINNYHHAHDAYLNAVVGTALIKKYPK
LESEFVYGDYKVYDVRKMIAKSEQEIGKATAKYFFYSNIMNFFKT
EITLANGEIRKRPLIETNGETGEIVWDKGRDFATVRKVLSMPQVN
IVKKTEVQTGGESKESILPKRNSDKLIARKKDWDPKKYGGFDSPT
VAYSVLVVAKVEKGKSKKLKSVKELLGITIMERSSFEKNPIDFLE
AKGYKEVKKDLIIKLPKYSLFELENGRKRMLASAGELQKGNELAL
PSKYVNFLYLASHYEKLKGSPEDNEQKQLFVEQHKHYLDEIIEQI
SEFSKRVILADANLDKVLSAYNKHRDKPIREQAENIIHLFTLTNL
GAPAAFKYFDTTIDRKRYTSTKEVLDATLIHQSITGLYETRIDLS
QLGGDGSPKKKRKVSS.
In certain embodiments, an exemplary dCas9-Clo051 fusion protein (embodiment 1) may comprise, consist essentially of or consist of, the nucleic acid sequence of (dCas9 sequence derived from Streptoccocus pyogenes):
In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence encoding a dCas9-Clo051 fusion protein (embodiment 1) of the disclosure may comprise a DNA. In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence encoding a dCas9-Clo051 fusion protein (embodiment 1) of the disclosure may comprise an RNA.
In certain embodiments, an exemplary dCas9-Clo051 fusion protein (embodiment 2) may comprise, consist essentially of or consist of, the amino acid sequence of (Clo051 sequence underlined, linker bold italics, dCas9 sequence (Streptoccocus pyogenes) in italics):
DKKYSIGL AIGTNSVGWA VITDEYKVPS
In certain embodiments, an exemplary dCas9-Clo051 fusion protein (embodiment 2) may comprise, consist essentially of or consist of, the nucleic acid sequence of (dCas9 sequence derived from Streptoccocus pyogenes):
In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence encoding a dCas9-Clo051 fusion protein (embodiment 2) of the disclosure may comprise a DNA. In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence encoding a dCas9-Clo051 fusion protein (embodiment 2) of the disclosure may comprise an RNA.
PSMA5 and PSMA8 CARTyrins were constructed as shown in
Surface expression of CARTyrins of the disclosure was evaluated by flow cytometry 24 hours following mRNA electroporation of a sequence encoding a PSMA5 or PSMA8 CARTyrin into human pan T cells (
To support in vivo evaluation of PSMA CARTyrins, P-PSMA5-101 and P-PSMA8-101 were constructed using the piggyBac DNA modification system. PSMA CARTyrin was detected on the surface of primary human T cells from a representative donor that were transposed with either P-PSMA5-101 or P-PSMA8-101 plasmids (
Human pan T-cells were nucleofected using an Amaxa 4D nucleofector with one of four piggyBac transposons. Modified T cells receiving the “mock” condition were nucleofected with an empty piggyBac transposon. Modified T cells received either a piggyBac transposon containing a therapeutic agent alone (a sequence encoding a CARTyrin) or a piggyBac transposon containing an integrated iC9 sequence and a therapeutic agent (a sequence encoding a CARTyrin).
In certain embodiments, the FKBP12 polypeptide is encoded by a nucleic acid sequence comprising
In certain embodiments, the induction agent specific for the ligand binding region may comprise a FK506 binding protein 12 (FKBP12) polypeptide having a substitution of valine (V) for phenylalanine (F) at position 36 (F36V) comprises AP20187 and/or AP1903, both synthetic drugs.
In certain embodiments of the inducible proapoptotic polypeptides, inducible caspase polypeptides or truncated caspase 9 polypeptides of the disclosure, the linker region is encoded by an amino acid comprising GGGGS (SEQ ID NO: 18028) or a nucleic acid sequence comprising GGAGGAGGAGGATCC (SEQ ID NO: 18029). In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid sequence encoding the linker does not comprise a restriction site.
In certain embodiments of the truncated caspase 9 polypeptides of the disclosure, the truncated caspase 9 polypeptide is encoded by an amino acid sequence that does not comprise an arginine (R) at position 87 of the sequence. Alternatively, or in addition, in certain embodiments of the inducible proapoptotic polypeptides, inducible caspase polypeptides or truncated caspase 9 polypeptides of the disclosure, the truncated caspase 9 polypeptide is encoded by an amino acid sequence that does not comprise an alanine (A) at position 282 the sequence. In certain embodiments of the inducible proapoptotic polypeptides, inducible caspase polypeptides or truncated caspase 9 polypeptides of the disclosure, the truncated caspase 9 polypeptide is encoded by an amino acid comprising
or a nucleic acid sequence comprising
In certain embodiments of the inducible proapoptotic polypeptides, wherein the polypeptide comprises a truncated caspase 9 polypeptide, the inducible proapoptotic polypeptide is encoded by an amino acid sequence comprising
or the nucleic acid sequence comprising
To test the iC9 safety switch, each of the four modified T cells were incubated for 24 hours with 0, 0.1 nM, 1 nM, 10 nM, 100 nM or 1000 nM AP1903 (an induction agent for AP1903). Viability was assessed by flow cytometry using 7-aminoactinomycin D (7-AAD), a fluorescent intercalator, as a marker for cells undergoing apoptosis.
Cell viability was assessed at day 12 (see
A quantification of the aggregated results was performed and is provided in
The results of this study show that the iC9 safety switch is extremely effective at eliminating active cells upon contact with an induction agent (e.g. AP1903) because AP1903 induces apoptosis at even the lowest concentrations of the study (0.1 nM). Furthermore, the iC9 safety switch may be functionally expressed as part of a tricistronic vector.
To create armored T-cells which have enhanced therapeutic potential, genetic modifications may be made in order to render the T-cells less sensitive to immunologic and/or metabolic checkpoints. One mechanism to produce armored T-cells is to inhibit checkpoint signaling is to knockout various checkpoint receptors. The Cas-CLOVER™ platform was used to target and knockout the checkpoint receptors PD-1, TGFβR2, LAG-3, Tim-3, and CTLA-4 in resting (or quiescent) primary pan T cells. As measured by flow cytometry, gene editing resulted in 30-70% loss of protein expression at the cell surface (
Another strategy to produce armored T-cells is to reduce or inhibit endogenous checkpoint signaling by expressing various modified/chimeric checkpoint receptors that have an altered or absent intracellular signaling domain. Checkpoint signals that could be targeted using this strategy include PD-1 or TGFβRII of T-cells, which bind to the PD-L1 ligand and TGFβ cytokine, respectively.
To create armored T-cells, a number of truncated null receptors expressing alternative signal peptides (SP) and transmembrane domains (TM) were designed and tested for maximal expression on the surface of modified T-cells.
Two T cell activation NF-KB inducible vectors were developed (
T cells were nucleofected with a piggyBac vector expressing an anti-BCMA CAR and a DHFR mutein gene under control of an EF1a promoter along with the absence (No gene expression system (GES) control) or presence of an NF-KB inducible expression system driving GFP expression in either the forward (pNFKB-GFP forward) or reverse orientation (pNFKB-GFP reverse). Cells were cultured in the presence of methotrexate selection until the cells were almost completely resting (Day 19) and GFP expression was assessed at Day 5 and Day 19. At Day 5, all T cells are proliferating and highly stimulated, with cells harboring the NF-KB inducible expression cassette producing high levels of GFP due to strong NFκB activity (see
T cells were either unmodified (Mock T cells) or nucleofected with a piggyBac vector expressing an anti-BCMA CAR and a DHFR mutein gene under control of an EF1a promoter along with the absence (No GES control) or presence of an NF-KB inducible expression system driving GFP expression in either the forward (pNFKB-GFP forward) or reverse orientation (pNFKB-GFP reverse). All cells were cultured for 22 days, either with or without methotrexate selection (Mock T cells), until the cells were almost completely resting. Cells were then stimulated for 3 days in the absence (No stimulation) or presence of BCMA-(K562), BMCA+ (RPMI 8226), or positive control anti-CD3 anti-CD28 activation reagent (CD3/28 stimulation). GFP expression was undetectable under all conditions with the No GES control or Mock T cells. However, while pNFKB-GFP forward- and reverse-transposed cells exhibited little GFP expression over the No stimulation control when cultured with BCMA− K562 cells, they both demonstrated dramatic upregulation of gene expression either in the presence of BCMA+ tumor cells or under positive control conditions (
The expression level of inducible gene can be regulated by the number of response elements upstream or preceding the inducible promoter. T cells were nucleofected with a piggyBac vector encoding an anti-BCMA CARTyrin followed by a selection gene, both under control of a human EF1a promoter (
Every document cited herein, including any cross referenced or related patent or application is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety unless expressly excluded or otherwise limited. The citation of any document is not an admission that it is prior art with respect to any invention disclosed or claimed herein or that it alone, or in any combination with any other reference or references, teaches, suggests or discloses any such invention. Further, to the extent that any meaning or definition of a term in this document conflicts with any meaning or definition of the same term in a document incorporated by reference, the meaning or definition assigned to that term in this document shall govern.
While particular embodiments of the disclosure have been illustrated and described, various other changes and modifications can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. The scope of the appended claims includes all such changes and modifications that are within the scope of this disclosure.
This application claims the priority benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 62/639,978 filed Mar. 7, 2018, U.S. provisional application No. 62/745,151 filed Oct. 12, 2018 and U.S. provisional application No. 62/783,140 filed Dec. 20, 2018, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/US2019/021224 | 3/7/2019 | WO | 00 |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62783140 | Dec 2018 | US | |
| 62745151 | Oct 2018 | US | |
| 62639978 | Mar 2018 | US |
