Patent Application
20220152101
This application belongs to the field of cellular immunotherapy, and particularly relates to a combination of an immune effector cell and Gemcitabine for anti-tumor therapy.
In recent years, cellular immunotherapy, such as CAR-T cell therapy, has shown amazing therapeutic effects in the treatment of hematologic tumor. At present, more than 200 CAR-T cell clinical trials have been used in the treatment of hematologic tumor (Clinical development of CAR T cells-challenges and opportunities in translating innovative treatment concepts, Jessica Hartmann et al., EMBO Molecule Medicine, Published on line, Aug. 1, 2017). However, the treatment effect of solid tumors is difficult to achieve that of the hematologic tumor treatment.
This is because for hematologic tumors, CAR-T cells can more easily reach tumor cells through intravenous infusion to achieve killing, while it is more difficult for homing of CAR-T cells to the tumor tissue of solid tumors. In addition, solid tumors usually have a complex and dynamic tumor microenvironment that can make tumor cells, benign cells, stromal cells, vascular cells, etc. to interact with each others. In addition, there is also a network of interactions between cytokines and growth factors in the tumor microenvironment. As a result, CAR-T therapy is usually not effective when used in the treatment of solid tumors.
The purpose of the present invention is to provide a therapy for tumor to improve the application effect of immune cell therapy, especially CAR-T cell therapy, in solid tumors.
In the first aspect of the present invention, provided is a method for treating tumors, comprising administering an immune effector cell and Gemcitabine to an individual suffering from the tumor, wherein the immune effector cell expresses a receptor recognizing a tumor antigen.
In the second aspect of the present invention, also provided is a method for reducing the growth, survival or viability or all the above of a cancer cell, comprising administering an immune effector cell and Gemcitabine to an individual suffering from the tumor, wherein the immune effector cell expresses a receptor recognizing a tumor antigen.
In a preferred embodiment, the immune effector cell and Gemcitabine are administered in no particular order; Gemcitabine can be administered first and then the immune effector cell; they can also be administered at the same time; the immune effector cell can also be administered first and then Gemcitabine. That is, the method of administering the immune effector cell and Gemcitabine to an individual suffering from the tumor is selected from any one of the following: (1) firstly administering Gemcitabine and then the immune effector cell, (2) simultaneously administering the immune effector cell and Gemcitabine, and (3) firstly administering the immune effector cell and then Gemcitabine.
In another preferred embodiment, the above-mentioned receptor is selected from: Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR), T cell receptor (TCR), T cell fusion protein (TFP), T cell antigen coupler (TAC), or a combination thereof.
In another preferred embodiment, the tumor antigen is a solid tumor antigen.
In another preferred embodiment, the tumor antigen is selected from the group consisting of: the epidermal growth factor receptor family members and their mutants (i.e., EGFR, EGFR2, ERBB3, ERBB4, EGFRvIII), Claudin 18.2, Claudin 18.1, Claudin 6, glypican-3 (GPC3) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor.
In another preferred embodiment, the tumor antigen is selected from the group consisting of: thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR); CD171; CS-1; C-type lectin-like molecule-1; ganglioside GD3; Tn antigen; CD19; CD20; CD 22; CD 30; CD 70; CD 123; CD 138; CD33; CD44; CD44v7/8; CD38; CD44v6; B7H3 (CD276), B7H6; KIT (CD117); interleukin 13 receptor subunit a (IL-13Rα); interleukin 11 receptor α (IL-11Rα); prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA); prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA); carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA); NY-ESO-1; HIV-1 Gag; MART-1; gp100; tyrosinase; mesothelin; EpCAM; protease serine 21 (PRSS21); vascular endothelial growth factor receptor; Lewis (Y) antigen; CD24; platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFR-β); stage-specific embryonic antigen-4 (SSEA-4); cell surface-associated mucin 1 (MUC1), MUC6; epidermal growth factor receptor family and its mutants (EGFR, EGFR2, ERBB3, ERBB4, EGFRvIII); nerve cell adhesion molecule (NCAM); carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX); LMP2; ephrin A receptor 2 (EphA2); fucosyl GM1; sialyl Lewis adhesion molecule (sLe); ganglioside GM3(aNeu5Ac(2-3)bDGalp(1-4)bDGlcp(1-1)Cer; TGS5; high molecular weight melanoma-associated antigen (HMWMAA); o-acetyl GD2 ganglioside (OAcGD2); folic acid receptor; tumor vascular endothelial marker 1 (TEM1/CD248); tumor vascular endothelial marker 7 related (TEM7R); Claudin 6, Claudin 18.2, Claudin 18.1; ASGPR1; CDH16; 5T4; 8H9; αvβ6 integrin; B cells mature antigen (BCMA); CA9; kappa light chain; CSPG4; EGP2, EGP40; FAP; FAR; FBP; embryonic AchR; HLA-A1, HLA-A2; MAGEA1, MAGE3; KDR; MCSP; NKG2D ligand; PSC1; ROR1; Sp17; SURVIVIN; TAG72; TEM1; fibronectin; tenascin; carcinoembryonic variant of tumor necrosis zone; G protein-coupled receptor C group 5-member D (GPRC5D); X chromosome open reading frame 61 (CXORF61); CD97; CD179a; anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK); polysialic acid; placenta specific 1 (PLAC1); hexose part of globoH glycoceramide (GloboH); breast differentiation antigen (NY-BR-1); uroplakin 2 (UPK2); hepatitis A virus cell receptor 1 (HAVCR1); adrenergic receptor β3 (ADRB3); pannexin 3 (PANX3); G protein-coupled receptor 20 (GPR20); lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus K9 (LY6K); olfactory receptor 51E2 (OR51E2); TCRγ alternating reading frame protein (TARP); Wilms tumor protein (WT1); ETS translocation variant gene 6 (ETV6-AML); sperm protein 17 (SPA17); X antigen family member IA (XAGE1); angiopoietin-binding cell surface receptor 2 (Tie2); melanoma cancer testis antigen-1 (MAD-CT-1); melanoma cancer testis antigen-2 (MAD-CT-2); Fos-related antigen 1; p53 mutant; human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT); sarcoma translocation breakpoint; melanoma inhibitor of apoptosis (ML-IAP); ERG (transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) ETS fusion gene); N-acetylglucosaminyl transferase V (NA17); pairing box protein Pax-3 (PAX3); androgen receptor; Cyclin B1; V-myc avian myelocytomatosis virus oncogene neuroblastoma derived homolog (MYCN); Ras homolog family member C (RhoC); cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYPIB1); CCCTC binding factor (zinc finger protein)-like (BORIS); squamous cell carcinoma antigen recognized by T-cells 3 (SART3); pairing box protein Pax-5 (PAX5); proacrosin binding protein sp32 (OYTES1); lymphocyte-specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK); A kinase anchoring protein 4 (AKAP-4); synovial sarcoma, X breakpoint 2 (SSX2); CD79a; CD79b; CD72; leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor 1 (LAIR1); Fc fragment of IgA receptor (FCAR); leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily member 2 (LILRA2); CD300 molecular-like family member f (CD300LF); C type lectin domain family 12 member A (CLEC12A); bone marrow stromal cell antigen 2 (BST2); EGF-like module-containing mucin-like hormone receptor-like 2 (EMR2); lymphocyte antigen 75 (LY75); glypican-3 (GPC3); Fc receptor-like 5 (FCRL5); immunoglobulin lambda-like polypeptide 1 (IGLL1).
In another preferred embodiment, the chimeric antigen receptor comprises:
In another preferred embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the antibody recognizing a tumor antigen has at least 90% identity with an amino acid sequence shown in any one of SEQ ID NO: 4 and SEQ ID NOs: 14-22; the amino acid sequence of the antibody that recognizes a tumor antigen is an amino acid sequence shown in any one of SEQ ID NO: 4 and SEQ ID NOs: 14-22.
In another preferred embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the chimeric antigen receptor has at least 90% identity with an amino acid sequence shown in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 23-44; preferably the amino acid sequence of the chimeric antigen receptor is an amino acid sequence shown in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 23-44.
In another preferred embodiment, the tumors comprises: breast cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, renal cell carcinoma, liver cancer, lung cancer, small intestine cancer, esophageal cancer, melanoma, bone cancer, pancreatic cancer, skin cancer, head and neck cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, rectal cancer, gastric cancer, testicular cancer, uterine cancer, fallopian tube cancer, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, thyroid cancer, parathyroid cancer, adrenal cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, urethral cancer, penile cancer, bladder cancer, ureteral cancer, renal pelvis cancer, spinal tumor, glioma, pituitary adenoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, a combination of any of the above cancers and metastatic lesions of the above cancers.
In another preferred embodiment, the tumor comprises: breast cancer, blood cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, renal cell carcinoma, liver cancer, non-small cell carcinoma of the lung, small intestine cancer, esophageal cancer, melanoma, bone cancer, pancreatic cancer, skin cancer, head and neck cancer, skin or intraocular malignant melanoma, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, rectal cancer, anal cancer, gastric cancer, testicular cancer, uterine cancer, fallopian tube cancer, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, vulva cancer, Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, endocrine system cancer, thyroid cancer, parathyroid cancer, adrenal cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, urethral cancer, penile cancer, childhood solid tumor, bladder cancer, renal or ureteral cancer, renal pelvis cancer, central nervous system (CNS) tumor, primary CNS lymphoma, tumor angiogenesis, spinal tumor, brainstem neurospongioma, pituitary adenoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, epidermoid carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, T-cell lymphoma, environmentally-induced cancer, a combination of any of the above cancers and metastatic lesions of the above cancers.
In another preferred embodiment, the immune effector cell comprises: T cell, B cell, natural killer (NK) cell, natural killer T (NKT) cell, mast cell, bone marrow-derived phagocytic cell, or a combination thereof, preferably the immune effector cell is selected from autologous T cell, allogeneic T cell, or allogeneic NK cell; more preferably the T cell is an autologous T cell.
In another preferred embodiment, the Gemcitabine is administered by oral administration, intraperitoneal administration and/or injection.
In another preferred embodiment, lymphocyte clearance is not performed on the individual.
In the third aspect of the present invention, provided is use of an immune effector cell expressing a receptor recognizing a tumor antigen in the preparation of a medicament, wherein, the medicament comprises the cell and Gemcitabine, and is used for treating a tumor or reducing the growth, survival or viability of the tumor cells in a human patient, wherein the cell and Gemcitabine are formulated to provide a greater therapeutic effect than the sum of the effects of each of the cell and Gemcitabine when used alone.
In the fourth aspect of the present invention, provided is the use of an immune effector cell expressing a receptor recognizing a tumor antigen and Gemcitabine in the preparation of a medicament, wherein, the medicament is used for treating a tumor or reducing the growth, survival or viability of the tumor cells in a human patient, wherein the cell and Gemcitabine are formulated to provide a greater therapeutic effect than the sum of the effects of each of the cell and Gemcitabine when used alone.
In a preferred embodiment, the immune effector cell is a CAR T cell, preferably, the CAR T cell recognizes the epidermal growth factor receptor family members and their mutants (EGFR, EGFR2, ERBB3, ERBB4, EGFRvIII), Claudin18.2, Claudin18.1, Claudin 6, glypican-3 (GPC3), BCMA and/or vascular endothelial growth factor receptor.
In the fifth aspect of the present invention, provided is a kit for treating tumors, the kit comprises:
1) an immune effector cell expressing a receptor recognizing a tumor antigen;
2) Gemcitabine;
3) a container used for containing the substances described in the above 1) and 2); and
4) administration instructions for using the kit to treat a tumor;
wherein, the cell and Gemcitabine are formulated to provide a greater therapeutic effect than the sum of the effects of each of the cell and Gemcitabine when used alone; preferably, the immune effector cell is a CAR T cell, and more preferably, the CAR T cell recognizes the epidermal growth factor receptor family members and their mutants (EGFR, EGFR2, ERBB3, ERBB4, EGFRvIII), Claudin18.2, Claudin18.1, Claudin 6, glypican-3 (GPC3), BCMA and/or vascular endothelial growth factor receptor.
It should be understood that within the scope of the present invention, the above-mentioned technical features of the present invention and the technical features specifically described in the following (such as the examples) can be combined with each other to form a new or preferred technical solution. Due to space limitations, they are not repeated here one by one.
The beneficial effects of the present invention:
1. The combination of Gemcitabine and the immune effector cells provided by the present invention can significantly improve the ability to kill tumor cells.
2. Adopting the treatment plan of the present invention can resist the immunosuppression in the cancer microenvironment, thereby significantly enhancing the effect on solid tumors, and also having better effects on refractory and progressive cancers.
The present invention relates to the combined application of immune effector cells and Gemcitabine in the treatment of tumors. It should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the methods and experimental conditions described. Unless specifically defined herein, all technical and scientific terms used have the same meaning as commonly understood by those skilled in the fields of gene therapy, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, and medicinal chemistry.
Methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. All publications, patent applications, patents and other references mentioned in this article are incorporated herein in their entirety by reference. In case of conflict, the present specification, including definitions, will control. In addition, unless otherwise stated, the materials, methods, and examples are merely illustrative and not restrictive.
Unless otherwise specified, the practice of the present invention will use traditional techniques of cell biology, cell culture, molecular biology, transgenic biology, microbiology, recombinant DNA and immunology, all of which fall within the technical scope of the art. These techniques are fully explained in the literature. See, for example, Current Protocols in Molecular Biology (Frederick M. AUSUBEL, 2000, Wiley and son Inc, Library of Congress, USA): Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Third Edition, (Sambrooketal, 2001, Cold Spring Harbor, New York: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press); Oligonucleotide Synthesis (M. J. Gaited., 1984): Mullis et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,195; Nucleic Acid Hybridization (B. D. Harries & S. J. Higginseds. 1984): Transcription And Translation (B. D. Hames & S. J. Higginseds. 1984); Culture Of Animal Cells (R. I. Freshney, Alan R. Liss, Inc., 1987): Immobilized Cells And Enzymes (IRL Press, 1986): B. Perbal, A Practical Guide To Molecular Cloning (1984): the series, Methods In ENZYMOLOGY (J. Abelson and M. Simon, eds.-in-chief, Academic Press, Inc., New York), especially Vols. 154 and 155 (Wuetal. eds.) and Vol. 185, “Gene Expression Technology” (D. Goeddel, ed.): Gene Transfer Vectors For Mammalian Cells (J. H. Miller and M. P. Caloseds., 1987, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory); Immunochemical Methods In Cell And Molecular Biology (Mayer and Walker, eds., Academic Press, London, 1987); Hand book Of Experimental Immunology, vols. I-IV (D. M. Weir and C. C. Blackwell, eds., 1986); and Manipulating the Mouse Embryo (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1986).
The present invention is at least partly derived from the recognition that one or more cycles and/or doses of a combination treatment regimen of Gemcitabine and immune effector cells administered continuously, in any order or substantially simultaneously, in the treatment of some subjects with cancer can be more effective in increasing, enhancing or prolonging the activity and/or number of immune cells, so as to achieve anti-tumor effects.
The term “Gemcitabine”, the chemical name is 2′-deoxy-2′, 2′-difluorocytidine hydrochloride; the molecular formula is C9H11F2N3O4.HCl, and the molecular weight is 299.66. Gemcitabine is a pyrimidine anti-metabolic tumor drug, which can interfere with the synthesis and repair of tumor cell DNA by inhibiting ribonucleotide reductase and cell replication, and is effective for a variety of solid tumors. In specific examples, the combination of Gemcitabine and tumor antigen-targeted immune cell therapy can significantly improve the anti-tumor effect, and even achieve the therapeutic effect of complete remission.
The applicant also found that the present invention can not only improve the anti-cancer effect of refractory cancers, but also require no lymphocyte clearance when using CAR-T cells, thereby greatly reducing the low anti-cancer treatment effect caused by lymphocyte clearance and reducing the toxic side effects caused by damage to normal tissues, especially severe suppression of bone marrow.
In certain embodiments, the dose of Gemcitabine per intravenous infusion for individuals with tumors is about 1250 mg/m2, 1250, 1150, 1100, 1050, 1000, 950, 900, 850, 800, 750, 700, 650, 600, 550, 500, 450, 400, 350, 300, 250, 200, 150, 100, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, 5, 4, 3, 2 or 1 mg/m2. In certain embodiments, individuals with tumors receive an intravenous infusion of Gemcitabine about once every 6 weeks, 5 weeks, 4 weeks, 3 weeks, 2 weeks, or 1 week.
In the present invention, immune effector cells and Gemcitabine are administrated in no particular order; Gemcitabine can be administrated first and then immune effector cells; Gemcitabine and immune effector cells can also be administrated at the same time; immune effector cells can also be administrated first and then Gemcitabine. In certain embodiments, immune effector cell therapy is 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, 9 hours, 10 hours, 11 hours, 12 hours, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, 11 days, 12 days, 13 days, 14 days, 15 days, 16 days, 17 days, 18 days, 19 days, 20 days, 21 days, 22 days, 23 days, 24 days, 25 days, 26 days, 27 days, 28 days, 29 days, 1 month, or any combination thereof before Gemcitabine administration. In certain embodiments, immune effector cell therapy is 1 hour, 2 hours, 3 hours, 4 hours, 5 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours, 9 hours, 10 hours, 11 hours, 12 hours, 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 8 days, 9 days, 10 days, 11 days, 12 days, 13 days, 14 days, 15 days, 16 days, 17 days, 18 days, 19 days, 20 days, 21 days, 22 days, 23 days, 24 days, 25 days, 26 days, 27 days, 28 days, 29 days, 1 month or any combination thereof after Gemcitabine administration.
The term “immune effector cell” refers to a cell that exerts an effect or a function during an immune response. For example, it includes immune cells that secrete cytokines and/or chemokines, kill microorganisms, secrete antibodies, and recognize or eliminate tumor cells. In some embodiments, immune effector cells include T cells (cytotoxic T cells, helper T cells, tumor-infiltrating T cells), B cells, natural killer cells, neutrophils, macrophages (or bone marrow-derived phagocytes) and dendritic cells. Preferably, the T cells include autologous T cells, xenogeneic T cells, and allogeneic T cells, and the natural killer cells are allogeneic NK cells.
As used herein, the term “immunological effect function or immunological effect response” refers to that of immune effector cells, such as functions or responses that enhance or promote immune attack to target cells. For example, immunological effect function or response refers to the properties of T cells or NK cells that promote the killing, or inhibit growth or proliferation of target cells.
The term “immunological effect function” includes any function mediated by the composition of the immune system, which can lead to inhibition of tumor growth and/or inhibition of tumorigenesis, including inhibition of tumor spread and metastasis. Preferably, the immunological effect function kills tumor cells. Preferably, the immunological effect function in the present invention is antibody-mediated, including complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), antibody-dependent cell-mediated phagocytosis (ADCP), apoptosis induction in cells carrying tumor-associated antigens (for example, through the binding of antibodies to surface antigens), inhibition of CD40L-mediated signal transduction (for example, through the binding of antibodies to CD40 receptors or CD40 ligands (CD40L)), and/or inhibition of the proliferation of cells carrying tumor-associated antigens, preferably ADCC and/or CDC. Therefore, antibodies capable of mediating one or more immunological effect functions are preferably able to mediate the killing of tumor cells by inducing CDC-mediated lysis, ADCC-mediated lysis, apoptosis, homophilic binding and/or phagocytosis (preferably by inducing CDC-mediated lysis and/or ADCC-mediated lysis). Antibodies can also act simply by binding to tumor-associated antigens on the surface of cancer cells. For example, antibodies can block the function of tumor-associated antigens or induce apoptosis by binding to tumor-associated antigens on the surface of tumor cells.
The terms “therapeutically effective amount”, “therapeutically effective”, and “effective amount” are used interchangeably herein and refer to the amount of a compound, preparation, substance, or composition that is effective to achieve a specific biological result, such as but is not limited to an amount or dose sufficient to promote a T cell response. When indicating “immunologically effective amount”, “anti-tumor effective amount”, “effective amount for tumor inhibition” or “therapeutically effective amount”, the precise administration amount of immune effector cells or therapeutic agents of the present invention can be determined by the physician in consideration of the individual's age, weight, tumor size, degree of infection or metastasis, and the condition of the patient (subject). An effective amount of immune effector cells refers to but is not limited to the amount of immune effector cells that are able to increase, enhance or prolong the anti-tumor activity of immune effector cells; increase the number of anti-tumor immune effector cells or activated immune effector cells; promote the secretion of IFN-γ and TNFα; and lead to tumor regression, tumor shrinkage, and tumor necrosis.
The term “no lymphocyte clearance” or “without performing lymphocyte clearance” means that the lymphocytes in the subject are not cleared, including but not limited to: without administrating lymphodepleting agent, whole body radiation therapy or a combination thereof, or other means causing lymphocyte clearance; however, after administering lymphodepleting agent, whole body radiation therapy or a combination thereof, or other means leading to lymphocyte clearance, when the lymphocyte clearance rate in the subject is less than 60%, it will fall into the scope of “no lymphocyte clearance” in this application.
The terms “peptide”, “polypeptide” and “protein” are used interchangeably and refer to a compound composed of amino acid residues covalently linked by peptide bonds. The protein or peptide must contain at least two amino acids, and there is no limit to the maximum number of amino acids included in the sequence of the protein or peptide. Polypeptides include any peptide or protein containing two or more amino acids joined to each other by peptide bonds. The “chimeric receptor” as used herein refers to a fusion molecule formed by linking DNA fragments or protein corresponding cDNAs from different sources by gene recombination technology, including extracellular domain, transmembrane domain and intracellular domain. Chimeric receptors include but are not limited to: chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), modified T cell (antigen) receptor (TCR), T cell fusion protein (TFP), and T cell antigen coupler (TAC).
As used herein, “chimeric antigen receptor” or “CAR” refers to a set of polypeptides, when they are in an immune effector cell, said cell is provided with specificity against a target cell (usually a cancer cell) and will generate intracellular signal. CAR usually comprises at least one extracellular antigen binding domain, transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic signaling domain (also referred to herein as “intracellular signaling domain”), and it comprises the functional signaling domain of stimulatory molecules and/or costimulatory molecules derived from the following definitions. In certain aspects, groups of polypeptides are adjacent to each other. The group of polypeptides comprises a dimerization switch that may couple polypeptides to each other in the presence of a dimerization molecule, for example, it may couple an antigen binding domain to an intracellular signaling domain. In one aspect, the stimulatory molecule is the (chain binding to the T cell receptor complex. In one aspect, the cytoplasmic signaling domain further comprises one or more functional signaling domains derived from at least one costimulatory molecule as defined below. In one aspect, the costimulatory molecule is selected from the costimulatory molecules described herein, such as 4-1BB (i.e., CD137), CD27, and/or CD28. In one aspect, the CAR comprises a chimeric fusion protein, which comprises an extracellular antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular signaling domain comprising a functional signaling domain derived from a stimulatory molecule. In one aspect, the CAR comprises a chimeric fusion protein, which comprises an extracellular antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and intracellular signaling domains of a functional signaling domain derived from a costimulatory molecule and a functional signaling domain derived from a stimulatory molecule. In one aspect, the CAR comprises a chimeric fusion protein, which comprises an extracellular antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and two functional signaling domains derived from one or more costimulatory molecules.
In one aspect, the present invention contemplates modification of the amino acid sequence of the starting antibody or fragment (e.g., scFv) that produces a functionally equivalent molecule. For example, the VH or VL of the antigen-binding domain of the cancer-associated antigen described herein, such as the scFv contained in the CAR, can be modified to retain at least about 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% identity with the initial VH or VL framework of the antigen-binding domain of the cancer-associated antigen described herein. The present invention contemplates the modification of the entire CAR construct, such as the modification of one or more amino acid sequences of multiple domains of the CAR construct, to produce a functionally equivalent molecule. The CAR construct can be modified to retain at least about 70%, 71%, 72%, 73%, 74%, 75%, 76%, 77%, 78%, 79%, 80%, 81%, 82%, 83%, 84%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% identity with the starting CAR construct.
In a specific embodiment, the amino acid sequence of the antibody recognizing tumor antigen herein has at least 90% identity with the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 4, or shown in SEQ ID NO: 14, or shown in SEQ ID NO: 15, or shown in SEQ ID NO: ID NO: 16, or shown in SEQ ID NO: 17, or shown in SEQ ID NO: 18, or shown in SEQ ID NO: 19, or shown in SEQ ID NO: 20, or shown in SEQ ID NO: 21, or shown in SEQ ID NO: 22; preferably the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 4, or shown in SEQ ID NO: 14, or shown in SEQ ID NO: 15, or shown in SEQ ID NO: 16, or shown in SEQ ID NO: 17, or shown in SEQ ID NO: 18, or shown in SEQ ID NO: 19, or shown in ID NO: 20, or shown in SEQ ID NO: 21, or shown in SEQ ID NO: 22.
As used herein, “transmembrane domain” refers to a region in a protein sequence that spans the cell membrane, and may comprise one or more additional amino acids adjacent to the transmembrane region, for example, one or more amino acids associated with the extracellular region of the protein from which the transmembrane domain is derived (for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 up to 15 amino acids in the extracellular region) and/or one or more other amino acids associated with the extracellular region of the protein from which the transmembrane domain is derived (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 up to 15 amino acids in the intracellular region). In one aspect, the transmembrane domain is a domain related to one of the other domains of the chimeric receptor, for example, in one embodiment, the transmembrane domain may be derived from the same protein from which a signaling domain, a costimulatory domain or a hinge domain is derived. In certain cases, a transmembrane domain may be selected or modified by amino acid substitution to prevent such a domain from binding to a transmembrane domain of the same or different surface membrane protein, for example, to minimize the interaction with other member of the receptor complex. In one aspect, the transmembrane domain is capable of homo-dimerization with another chimeric receptor on the surface of the cell expressing the chimeric receptor. The transmembrane domain may be derived from natural or recombinant sources. When the source is natural, the domain may be derived from any membrane-bound protein or transmembrane protein. In one aspect, the transmembrane domain is capable of transmitting signals to the intracellular domain whenever the chimeric receptor binds to the target. The transmembrane domains specifically used in this application may comprise at least the following transmembrane domains: for example, α, β or ζ chains of a T-cell receptor, CD28, CD27, CD3ε, CD45, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD9, CD16, CD22, CD33, CD37, CD64, CD80, CD86, CD134, CD137, CD154. In certain embodiments, the transmembrane domains may comprise at least the following transmembrane regions: for example, KIRDS2, OX40, CD2, CD27, LFA-1 (CD11a, CD18), ICOS (CD278), 4-1BB (CD137), GITR, CD40, BAFFR, HVEM (LIGHTR), SLAMF7, NKp80 (KLRF1), NKp44, NKp30, NKp46, CD160, CD19, IL2Rβ, IL2Rγ, IL7Rα, ITGA1, VLA1, CD49a, ITGA4, IA4, CD49D, ITGA6, VLA-6, CD49f, ITGAD, CD11d, ITGAE, CD103, ITGAL, CD11a, LFA-1, ITGAM, CD11b, ITGAX, CD11c, ITGB1, CD29, ITGB2, CD18, LFA-1, ITGB7, TNFR2, DNAM1 (CD226), SLAMF4 (CD244, 2B4), CD84, CD96 (Tactile), CEACAM1, CRTAM, Ly9 (CD229), CD160 (BY55), PSGL1, CD100 (SEMA4D), SLAMF6 (NTB-A, Ly108), SLAM (SLAMF1, CD150, IPO-3), BLAME (SLAMF8), SELPLG (CD162), LTBR, PAG/Cbp, NKG2D, NKG2C.
In certain cases, the transmembrane domain may be connected to the extracellular region of the CAR (for example, the antigen binding domain of the CAR) via a hinge (for example, a hinge from a human protein). For example, in one embodiment, the hinge may be a human Ig (immunoglobulin) hinge (e.g., IgG4 hinge, IgD hinge), GS linker (e.g., GS linker described herein), KIR2DS2 hinge, or CD8a hinge. In one aspect, the transmembrane domain can be recombinant, in which case it will mainly contain hydrophobic residues such as leucine and valine. In one aspect, a triplet of phenylalanine, tryptophan and valine can be found at each end of the recombinant transmembrane domain. Optionally, a short oligopeptide or polypeptide linker with 2-10 amino acids in length may form a bond between the transmembrane domain and the cytoplasmic region of the CAR. The glycine-serine dimer provides a particularly suitable linker.
As used herein, “intracellular domain” or “cytoplasmic domain” includes intracellular signaling domain. The intracellular signaling domain is generally responsible for the activation of at least one of the normal immunological effect functions of immune cells into which a chimeric receptor has been introduced. The term “effector function” refers to a specialized function of a cell. The immunological effect function of a T immune cell may be, for example, cytolytic activity or auxiliary activity, including secretion of cytokines. Therefore, the term “intracellular signaling domain” refers to a part of a protein that transduces an immune effector function signal and guides a cell to perform a specific function. Although the entire intracellular signaling domain may usually be used, in many cases it is not necessary to use the entire chain. In the case of using a truncated part of the intracellular signaling domain, such a truncated part, which is able to transduce the immune effector function signal, may be used instead of the complete chain. Therefore, the term intracellular signaling domain is meant to include a truncated part of the intracellular signaling domain sufficient to transduce an immune effector function signal.
It is well known that the signal generated by TCR alone is not sufficient to fully activate T cells, and secondary and/or costimulatory signals are also required. Therefore, T cell activation can be said to be mediated by two different kinds of cytoplasmic signaling sequences: those that trigger antigen-dependent primary activation through TCR (primary intracellular signaling domains) and those that are antigen-independent, and those that act in an antigen-independent manner to provide secondary or costimulatory signals (secondary cytoplasmic domains, such as costimulatory domains).
The term “stimulatory molecule” refers to a molecule expressed by an immune cell (for example, T cell, NK cell, B cell) for providing a cytoplasmic signaling sequence that modulates activation of the immune cell in at least some aspects of the signaling pathways for immune cells in a stimulating manner. In one aspect, the signal is a primary signal initiated by for example the binding of the TCR/CD3 complex and the MHC-antigen peptide complex, and it leads to mediation of T cell responses, including but not limited to: proliferation, activation, differentiation, and the like. The primary cytoplasmic signaling sequence (also referred to as “primary signaling domain”) acting in a stimulating manner may contain a signaling motif called an immune-receptor tyrosine-based activation motif or ITAM. Examples of ITAM-containing cytoplasmic signaling sequences specifically used in this application include, but are not limited to, those derived from: CD3ζ, common FcRγ (FCER1G), FcγRIIa, FcRβ (FcEpsilon R1b), CD37, CD36, CD3E, CD79a, CD79b, DAP10 and DAP12. The intracellular signaling domain in any one of the CARs of this application comprises intracellular signaling sequences, such as the primary signaling sequence of CD3-ζ. In the specific CAR of the application, the primary signaling sequence of CD3-(is the equivalent residues from human or non-human species such as mouse, rodent, monkey, ape and the like.
The term “costimulatory molecule” refers to a homologous binding partner on T cells, which specifically binds to a costimulatory ligand, thereby mediating the costimulatory response of T cells, such as but not limited to proliferation. Co-stimulatory molecules are cell surface molecules excluding antigen receptors or the ligands thereof, which promote effective immune responses. The co-stimulatory molecules include but are not limited to: MHC class I molecules, BTLA and Toll ligand receptors, as well as OX40, CD27, CD28, CDS, ICAM-1, LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18), ICOS (CD278) and 4-1BB (CD137). Further examples of such costimulatory molecules include: CDS, ICAM-1, GITR, BAFFR, HVEM (LIGHTR), SLAMF7, NKp80 (KLRF1), NKp44, NKp30, NKp46, CD160, CD19, CD4, CD8a, CD8p, IL2Rβ, IL2Rγ, IL7Rα, ITGA4, VLA1, CD49a, ITGA4, IA4, CD49D, ITGA6, VLA-6, CD49f, ITGAD, CD11d, ITGAE, CD103, ITGAL, CD11a, LFA-1, ITGAM, CD11b, ITGAX, CD11c, ITGB1 CD29, ITGB2, CD18, LFA-1, ITGB7, NKG2D, NKG2C, TNFR2, TRANCE/RANKL, DNAM1 (CD226), SLAMF4 (CD244, 2B4), CD84, CD96 (Tactile), CEACAM1, CRTAM, Ly9 (CD229), CD160 (BY55), PSGL1, CD100 (SEMA4D), CD69, SLAMF6 (NTB-A, Ly108), SLAM (SLAMF1, CD150, IPO-3), BLAME (SLAMF8), SELPLG (CD162), LTBR, LAT, GADS, SLP-76, PAG/Cbp, CD19a, and ligands specifically binding to CD83.
The costimulatory intracellular signaling domain may be the intracellular part of a costimulatory molecule. Costimulatory molecules may be represented by the following protein families: TNF receptor protein, immunoglobulin-like protein, cytokine receptor, integrin, Signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM protein), and NK cell receptor. Examples of such molecules include: CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40, GITR, CD30, CD40, ICOS, BAFFR, HVEM, ICAM-1, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), CD2, CDS, CD7, CD287, LIGHT, NKG2C, NKG2D, SLAMF7, NKp80, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, CD160, B7-H3, and ligands specifically binding to CD83, etc.
The intracellular signaling domain may include all the intracellular part or all the natural intracellular signaling domain of the molecule, or a functional fragment or derivative thereof.
The term “4-1BB” refers to a member of the TNFR superfamily with the amino acid sequence provided in GenBank Accession No.AAA62478.2, or equivalent residues from non-human species such as mouse, rodent, monkey, ape and the like; and “4-1BB costimulatory domain” is defined as the amino acid residues 214-255 of GenBank Accession No.AAA62478.2, or equivalent residues from non-human species such as mouse, rodent, monkey, ape and the like. In one aspect, the “4-1BB costimulatory domain” is an equivalent residue from human or from non-human species such as mouse, rodent, monkey, ape and the like.
The chimeric antigen receptor herein has: (i) an antibody recognizing a tumor antigen or a fragment thereof, the transmembrane region of CD28 or CD8, the costimulatory signal domain of CD28, and CD3ζ; or (ii) an antibody recognizing a tumor antigen or a fragment thereof, the transmembrane region of CD28 or CD8, the costimulatory signaling domain of CD137, and CD3ζ; or (iii) an antibody recognizing a tumor antigen or a fragment thereof, the transmembrane region of CD28 or CD8, the costimulatory signaling domain of CD28, the costimulatory signaling domain of CD137, and CD3ζ.
The amino acid sequence of the chimeric antigen receptor herein has at least 90% identity with the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43 or 44; preferably the amino acid sequence of the chimeric antigen receptor is the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43 or 44.
The term “antibody” refers to a protein or polypeptide sequence derived from an immunoglobulin molecule specifically binding to an antigen. An antibody may be multiclonal or monoclonal, multi-chain or single-chain, or a whole immunoglobulin, and may be derived from a natural source or recombinant source. The antibody may be the tetramer of an immunoglobulin molecule.
The term “antibody fragment” refers to at least a portion of an antibody that retains the ability to specifically interact with an epitope of an antigen (e.g., through binding, steric hindrance, stabilization/destabilization, spatial distribution). Examples of antibody fragments include, but are not limited to: Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)2, Fv fragment, scFv, disulfide-linked Fvs (sdFv), Fd fragment composed of VH and CH1 domains, linear antibody, single domain antibody (such as sdAb), camelid VHH domain, multispecific antibody formed by antibody fragments (e.g., a bivalent fragment comprising two Fab fragments connected by disulfide bonds in the hinge region), and isolated CDRs of an antibody or other epitope binding fragments. The term “scFv” refers to a fusion protein comprising at least one antibody fragment including a variable region of a light chain and at least one antibody fragment including a variable region of a heavy chain, wherein the light chain and heavy chain variable regions are contiguous (for example, via a synthetic linker such as a short flexible polypeptide linker), and may be expressed as a single-chain polypeptide, and wherein the scFv retains the specificity of the intact antibody from which it is derived. Unless specified, as used herein, the scFv may have the VL and VH variable regions in any order (for example, relative to the N-terminus and C-terminus of the polypeptide), and the scFv may comprise VL-linker-VH, or may comprise VH-linker-VL.
The term “antibody heavy chain” refers to the larger of the two polypeptide chains which is present in an antibody molecule in its naturally occurring configuration and usually determines the type of antibody to which it belongs.
The term “antibody light chain” refers to the smaller of the two polypeptide chains which is present in an antibody molecule in its naturally occurring configuration. Kappa (k) and lambda (l) light chains refer to isotypes of the two main antibody light chains.
The term “recombinant antibody” refers to an antibody produced by recombinant DNA technology, such as, for example, an antibody expressed by a phage or yeast expression system. The term should also be interpreted as referring to an antibody that has been produced by synthesizing a DNA molecule encoding the antibody (and wherein the DNA molecule expresses the antibody protein) or the amino acid sequence of the specified antibody, wherein the DNA or amino acid sequence has been obtained by recombinant DNA technology or an amino acid sequence technology available and well-known in the art.
The term “antigen” or “Ag” refers to a molecule that causes an immune response. The immune response may involve the production of antibodies or the activation of cells with specific immunity or both. Those skilled in the art should understand that, any macromolecule including virtually all proteins or peptides may serve as an antigen. In addition, an antigen may be derived from recombinant or genomic DNA. When the term is used herein, those skilled in the art should understand that, any DNA comprising a nucleotide sequence or part of a nucleotide sequence that encodes a protein causing an immune response may encode an “antigen.” In addition, those skilled in the art should understand that, an antigen need not to be encoded only by the full-length nucleotide sequence of a gene. This application includes, but is not limited to, utilizing partial nucleotide sequences of more than one gene, and these nucleotide sequences are arranged in different combinations to encode polypeptides that elicit a desired immune response. Those skilled in the art should understand that, an antigen does not need to be encoded by a “gene” at all. An antigen may be produced synthetically, or it may be derived from a biological sample, or it may be a macromolecule other than a polypeptide. Such biological samples may include, but are not limited to: tissue samples, tumor samples, cells or fluids having other biological components.
The term “tumor-associated antigen (TAA)” or “tumor antigen” refers to a protein specifically expressed in a limited number of tissues and/or organs under normal conditions or in a specific stage of development. In some embodiments, the tumor-associated antigen is specifically expressed in gastric tissue under normal conditions, preferably in the pancreas, gastric mucosa, in the reproductive organs (e.g., testis), in trophoblast tissue (e.g., placenta), or in germline cells, and it is expressed or abnormally expressed in one or more tumor tissues or cancer tissues. In some embodiments, the tumor-associated antigen refers to a differentiation antigen, preferably a cell type-specific differentiation antigen, that is, a protein specifically expressed in a cell type at a specific differentiation stage under normal conditions. In some embodiments, tumor-associated antigens are located in tumor cells, but are not expressed or only slightly expressed in normal tissues. In some embodiments, tumor-associated antigens or abnormal expression of tumor-associated antigens can be used to identify tumor cells. In some embodiments, the tumor-associated antigen expressed by tumor cells in an individual (for example, a tumor patient) is the individual's autologous protein. In some embodiments, the tumor-associated antigen is specifically expressed under normal conditions in tissues or organs that are not lethal when an individual is injured by the immune system; or is specifically expressed in organs or structures that are inaccessible or difficult to access by the body's immune system. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the tumor-associated antigen expressed in normal tissues is the same as the amino acid sequence of the tumor-associated antigen expressed in tumor tissues.
The tumor antigens of the present invention include but are not limited to: thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR); CD171; CS-1; C-type lectin-like molecule-1; ganglioside GD3; Tn antigen; CD19; CD20; CD 22; CD 30; CD70; CD123; CD138; CD33; CD44; CD44v7/8; CD38; CD44v6; B7H3 (CD276), B7H6; KIT (CD117); interleukin 13 receptor subunit a (IL-13Rα); interleukin 11 receptor α (IL-11Rα); prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA); prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA); carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA); NY-ESO-1; HIV-1 Gag; MART-1; gp100; tyrosine enzyme; mesothelin; EpCAM; protease serine 21 (PRSS21); vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2); Lewis (Y) antigen; CD24; platelet derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFR)-β); stage-specific embryonic antigen-4 (SSEA-4); cell surface-associated mucin 1 (MUC1), MUC6; epidermal growth factor receptor family and its mutants (EGFR, EGFR2, ERBB3, ERBB4, EGFRvIII); nerve cell adhesion molecule (NCAM); carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX); LMP2; ephrin A receptor 2 (EphA2); fucosyl GM1; sialyl Lewis adhesion molecule (sLe); ganglioside GM3; TGS5; high molecular weight melanoma-associated antigen (HMWMAA); o-acetyl GD2 ganglioside; folate receptor; tumor vascular endothelial marker 1 (TEM1/CD248); tumor vascular endothelial marker 7 related (TEM7R); Claudin6, Claudin 18.2, Claudin 18.1; ASGPR1; CDH16; 5T4; 8H9; αvβ6 integrin; B cell maturation antigen (BCMA); CA9; kappa light chain; CSPG4; EGP2, EGP40; FAP; FAR; FBP; embryonic AchR; HLA-A1, HLA-A2; MAGEA1, MAGE3; KDR; MCSP; NKG2D ligand; PSC1; ROR1; Sp17; SURVIVIN; TAG72; TEM1; fibronectin; tenascin; carcinoembryonic variant of tumor necrosis zone; G protein-coupled receptor C group 5-member D (GPRC5D); X chromosome open reading frame 61 (CXORF61); CD97; CD179a; anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK); polysialic acid; placenta specific 1 (PLAC1); the hexose part of globoH glycoceramide (GloboH); breast differentiation antigen (NY-BR-1); uroplakin 2 (UPK2); hepatitis A virus cell receptor 1 (HAVCR1); adrenergic receptor β3 (ADRB3); pannexin 3 (PANX3); G protein coupling Receptor 20 (GPR20); lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus K9 (LY6K); olfactory receptor 51E2 (OR51E2); TCRγ alternating reading frame protein (TARP); Wilms tumor protein (WT1); ETS translocation variant gene 6 (ETV6-AML); sperm protein 17 (SPA17); X antigen family member IA (XAGE1); angiopoietin-binding cell surface receptor 2 (Tie2); melanoma cancer testis antigen-1 (MAD-CT-1); melanoma cancer testis antigen-2 (MAD-CT-2); Fos-related antigen 1; p53 mutant; human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT); sarcoma translocation breakpoint; melanoma inhibitor of apoptosis protein (ML-IAP); ERG (transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) ETS fusion gene); N-acetylglucosaminyl transferase V (NA17); paired box protein Pax-3 (PAX3); male hormone receptor; Cyclin B1; V-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene neuroblastoma derived homolog (MYCN); Ras homolog family member C (RhoC); cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1); CCCTC binding factor (zinc finger protein)-like (BORIS); squamous cell carcinoma antigen 3 recognized by T cells (SART3); paired box protein Pax-5 (PAX5); proacrosin binding protein sp32 (OYTES1); lymphocytes specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK); A kinase anchoring protein 4 (AKAP-4); synovial sarcoma X breakpoint 2 (SSX2); CD79a; CD79b; CD72; leukocyte-associated immunoglobulin-like receptor 1 (LAIR1); Fc fragment of IgA receptor (FCAR); leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor subfamily member 2 (LILRA2); CD300 molecule-like family member f (CD300LF); C-type lectin domain family member A (CLEC12A); bone marrow stromal cell antigen 2 (BST2); EGF-like module-containing mucin-like hormone receptor-like 2 (EMR2); lymphocyte antigen 75 (LY75); glypican-3 (GPC3); Fc receptor-like 5 (FCRL5); immunoglobulin lambda-like polypeptide 1 (IGLL1).
The term “tumor” refers to swelling or a lesion caused by abnormal cell growth (called neoplastic cell or tumor cell). “Tumor cell” refer to a cell that can proliferate rapidly and uncontrollably, and an abnormal cell that continues to grow after the stimulus that caused the proliferation ceases. Tumors appear as partial or complete lack of structural tissue, and lack of functional coordination with normal tissues, usually forming unique tissue masses, which can be benign, pre-malignant or malignant.
The term “cancer” (medical term: malignant tumor) is a type of disease in which a group of cells exhibit uncontrolled growth (division beyond normal limits), invasion (invasion and destruction of adjacent tissues) and sometimes metastasis (through lymph or the blood spreads to other parts of the body). These three malignant characteristics of cancer distinguish them from benign tumors, which are self-limiting and do not invade or metastasize. Most cancers form tumors, but some (such as leukemia) do not.
The terms “cancer” and “tumor” or “cancer disease” and “tumor disease” are interchangeable and refer to diseases in which cells exhibit uncontrolled growth, and/or invasion, and/or metastasis, including leukemia, seminoma, melanoma, teratoma, lymphoma, neuroblastoma, glioma, rectal cancer, endometrial cancer, kidney cancer, adrenal cancer, thyroid cancer, blood cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer, cervical cancer, bowel cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, stomach cancer, bowel cancer, head and neck cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, lymph node cancer, esophageal cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, ear, nose and throat (ENT) cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer and lung cancer, and their metastasis. Examples include lung cancer, breast cancer, prostate cancer, colon cancer, renal cell carcinoma, cervical cancer, or metastasis of the above-mentioned various cancers or tumors.
The term “transfected”, or “transduced” refers to the process by which exogenous nucleic acid is transferred or introduced into a host cell. A “transfected”, or “transduced” cell is a cell being transfected, transformed, or transduced with exogenous nucleic acid. The cells include primary subject cells and their progeny.
The terms “specifically bind” and “specifically recognize” have the same meaning herein, refers to an antibody or ligand that recognizes and binds a protein of a binding partner (such as a tumor antigen) present in a sample, but the antibody or ligand does not substantially recognize or bind to other molecules in the sample.
The term “refractory” refers to a disease, such as a cancer or a tumor, which does not respond to treatment. In an embodiment, a refractory tumor may be resistant to the treatment before or at the beginning of the treatment. In other embodiments, a refractory tumor may become resistant during treatment. Refractory cancers are also called resistant tumors. In this application, refractory tumors include, but are not limited to, tumors that are not sensitive to radiotherapy, relapse after radiotherapy, are not sensitive to chemotherapy, relapse after chemotherapy, are not sensitive to CAR-T treatment, or relapse after the treatment. Refractory or recurrent malignant tumors can use the treatment regimens described herein.
As used herein, “relapsed” refers to the return of the signs and symptoms of a disease (e.g. cancer) or a disease such as cancer during a period of improvement, for example, after a therapy, such as a previous treatment of cancer therapy.
The terms “subject”, “individual”, “organism” or “patient” are used interchangeably and include vertebrates, preferably mammals. In the present invention, mammals are humans, non-human primates, domestic animals (e.g., dogs, cats, sheep, cattle, goats, pigs, horses, etc.), experimental animals (e.g., mice, rats, rabbits, guinea pigs, etc.) and animals in captivity (e.g., zoo animals). The term “animal” as used herein also includes humans. The terms “subject” and “individual” include patients, i.e., diseased animals, preferably humans, and the disease is preferably the disease described herein.
The term “enhancement” refers to allowing a subject or tumor cell to improve its ability to respond to the treatment disclosed herein. For example, an enhanced response may include 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% or 98% or more enhancement of the responsiveness. As used herein, “enhancement” may also refer to increasing the number of subjects responding to treatment, such as immune effector cell therapy. For example, an enhanced response may refer to the total percentage of subjects responding to treatment, wherein the percentages are 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 98%, or more.
In one aspect, treatment is determined by the following clinical outcomes: increase, enhancement or extension of the anti-tumor activity of T cells; the increase in the number of anti-tumor T cells or activated T cells as compared with the number before treatment, promotion of the secretion of IFN-γ, TNFa, or a combination thereof. In another aspect, the clinical outcome is tumor regression; tumor shrinkage; tumor necrosis; anti-tumor response through the immune system; tumor enlargement, recurrence or spread, or a combination thereof. In an additional aspect, the therapeutic effect is predicted by the presence of T cells, the presence of genetic markers indicative of T cell inflammation, promotion of IFN-γ, TNFa secretion, or a combination thereof.
The immune effector cells as disclosed herein may be administered to an individual by various routes, including, for example, orally or parenterally, such as intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intraorbital, intrasaccular, intraperitoneal, intrarectal, intracisternal, intratumoral, intranasally, intradermally, or passive or promoted absorption through the skin by respectively using, for example, skin patches or transdermal iontophoresis.
The total amount of agent to be administered in practicing the method according to the present application may be administered to a subject as a single dose as a bolus or by infusion over a relatively short period of time; or may be administered using a graded treatment regimen, wherein multiple doses are administered over an extended period of time. Those skilled in the art will know that, the amount of the composition for treating a pathological condition in a subject depends on many factors, including the age and general health of the subject, as well as the route of administration and the number of treatments to be administered. In consideration of these factors, the technician will adjust the specific dosage as needed. Generally speaking, the phase I and phase II clinical trials are initially used to determine the formulation of the composition and the route and frequency of administration.
Scope: throughout this disclosure, various aspects of this application may be presented in a range format. It should be understood that, the description of range format is only for convenience and brevity, and should not be regarded as an unchangeable limitation on the scope of the application. Therefore, the description of a range should be considered as specifically disclosing all possible subranges and individual values within that range. For example, a description of a range such as 1-6 should be considered to specifically disclose the subranges such as 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 2-4, 2-6, 3-6, etc., and the individual values within the range, for example, 2, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.3, and 6. As another example, a range such as 95-99% identity includes a range with 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity, and includes sub-ranges such as 96-99%, 96-98%, 96-97%, 97-99%, 97-98% and 98-99% identity. This applies regardless of the width of the range.
Based on the present disclosure, those skilled in the art should understand that, many changes or modifications may be made in the disclosed specific embodiments and still obtain the same or similar results without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments described herein (which are only intended to be an illustration of various aspects of the present invention), and the functionally equivalent methods and components are within the scope of the present invention.
This application relates to adoptive cells or immune effector cells to treat solid tumors, including administering multiple or repeated doses of cells, and methods, compositions and products used thereof. Cells generally express chimeric antigen receptors such as chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) or other transgenic receptors such as T cell receptors (TCRs).
Human claudin 18 (Claudin 18, CLD18) molecules (Genbank accession number: splice variant 1 (CLD18A1 or Claudin 18.1): NP_057453, NM016369, and splice variant 2 (CLD18A2 or Claudin 18.2): NM_001002026, NP_001002026) is an internal transmembrane protein with a molecular weight of about 27,9/27,72 kD. Murine Claudin 18.2 (NP_001181850.1).
The term “CLD18” refers to claudin 18 and includes any variants of CLD18 (including CLD18A1 and CLD18A2), conformations, isoforms, and interspecies homologs that are naturally expressed by cells or expressed by cells transfected with the CLD18 gene. Claudin 18 is an internal membrane protein located in the tight junction of epithelium and endothelium, tightly connected to a network of interconnected chains of particles in the tissue membrane between adjacent cells. In tight junctions, occludin and claudin are the most important transmembrane protein components. Due to their strong intercellular adhesion properties, they create a primary barrier that prevents and controls the paracellular transport of solutes and restricts the lateral diffusion of membrane lipids and proteins to maintain cell polarity. The proteins that form tight junctions are critically involved in the tissues structure of epithelial tissue. Preferably, “CLD18” refers to human CLD18, especially CLD18A2 (amino acid sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO: 2) and/or CLD18A1 (amino acid sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO: 3), more preferably CLD18A2.
The term “CLD18A1” includes any post-translational modified variants, isoforms and interspecies homologs of human CLD18A1 that are naturally expressed by cells or expressed by cells transfected with the CLD18A1 gene.
The term “CLD18A2” includes any post-translational modified variants, isoforms and interspecies homologs of human CLD18A2 that are naturally expressed by cells or expressed by cells transfected with the CLD18A2 gene.
The term “CLD18 variant” shall include (i) CLD18 splice variants, (ii) CLD18 post-translational modification variants, especially including variants with different N glycosylation states, (iii) CLD18 conformational variants, especially including CLD18-conformation-1, CLD18-conformation-2 and CLD18-conformation-3, (iv) free CLD18 and homotypic/heterotypic-associated variants located at tight junctions between cells, (v) CLD18 cancer-related variants and CLD18 non-cancer-related variants.
In some embodiments, the claudin 18A2 is a peptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or a protein/peptide of a variant of the amino acid sequence. The term “variant” refers to mutants, splice variants, conformations, isoforms, allelic variants, species variants and species homologs, especially naturally occurring variants. The terms “CLDN”, “CLDN18”, “CLDN18A1” and “CLDN18A2” shall encompass any post-translationally modified variants and conformational variants.
CLD18A1 is selectively expressed in the epithelium of normal lung and stomach, while CLD18A2 is only expressed in gastric cells. Moreover, CLD18A2 is limited to differentiated short-lived gastric epithelial cells, but does not exist in the gastric stem cell area.
In some embodiments, the primary tumor refers to gastric cancer, esophageal cancer, pancreatic cancer, lung cancer such as non-small cell lung cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, liver cancer, head and neck cancer, and gallbladder cancer, and the metastasis particularly refers to gastric cancer metastasis such as Krukenberg Tumor, peritoneal metastasis and lymph node metastasis. In some embodiments, the cells expressing CLDN18A2 refer to tumor cells, and are particularly selected from the group consisting of tumorigenic gastric cancer cells, esophageal cancer cells, pancreatic cancer cells, lung cancer cells, ovarian cancer cells, colon cancer cells, liver cancer cells, head and neck cancers cells and gallbladder cancer cells.
In some embodiments, the tumor includes: breast cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, renal cell cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, small intestine cancer, esophageal cancer, melanoma, bone cancer, pancreatic cancer, skin cancer, head and neck cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, rectal cancer, gastric cancer, testicular cancer, uterine cancer, fallopian tube cancer, endometrial cancer, cervical cancer, vaginal cancer, thyroid cancer, parathyroid cancer, adrenal cancer, soft tissue sarcoma, urethral cancer, penile cancer, bladder cancer, ureteral cancer, renal pelvis cancer, spinal tumors, gliomas, pituitary adenomas, Kaposi's sarcoma, a combination of any of the above cancers and metastatic lesions of the above cancers.
The present invention provides a therapeutic method and composition for treating diseases (such as tumors) with CLD18 expression.
The present invention provides a method for treating tumors in a subject in adoptive cell or immune effector cell therapy for solid tumors, in which the subject expresses genetically engineered (recombined) immune effector cell chimeric receptors. The method generally includes a single course of reinfusion or multiple course of reinfusion of such cells. In some embodiments, it is a dose escalation within a course of treatment, repeated dose infusion within a course of treatment, or a dose decrease within a course of treatment. In some embodiments, the first dose is a lower dose and/or an adjusted or reduced dose and/or the subsequent dose is a consolidated dose and/or an adjusted or reduced dose. Also provided are cells, compositions, and articles that can be used in such methods. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor is a genetically engineered antigen receptor, such as a functional non-TCR antigen receptor, for example, a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and other recombinant antigen receptors, such as transgenic T cell receptors (TCRs). Receptors also include other recombinant chimeric receptors, such as those containing extracellular and intracellular portions that specifically bind to ligands or receptors or other binding partners, such as the intracellular signal transduction portion of the CAR. In some embodiments, the dose includes a lower first dose.
In some embodiments, the method comprises (a) administering a single course of cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (e.g., CARs) to a subject with a tumor; and (b) administering multiple courses of cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (e.g., CARs) to the subject. In other embodiments, one or more subsequent doses may be administered.
The present invention will be further explained below in conjunction with specific examples. It should be understood that, these examples are only used to illustrate the present invention and not to limit the scope of the present invention. The following examples without specified experimental methods of specific conditions usually follow conventional conditions such as those described in J. Edited by Sambrook et al., “Molecular Cloning Experiment Guide (Third Edition)” (Science Press, 2002), or those recommended by the manufacturer.
Exemplary antigen receptors of the present application, including CAR, and methods for engineering and introducing receptors into cells, may refer to, those described in, for example, Chinese patent application publication Nos. CN107058354A, CN107460201A, CN105194661A, CN105315375A, CN105713881A, CN106146666A, CN106519037A, CN106554414A, CN105331585A, CN106397593A, CN106467573A, and CN104140974A; and international patent application publications Nos. WO2017186121A1, WO2018006882A1, WO2015172339A8 and WO2018018958A1.
The Panc02 pancreatic cancer cell model overexpressing murine Claudin 18.2 (SEQ ID NO: 1) is established using conventional methods of molecular biology (the Panc02 pancreatic cancer cell model is purchased from BeiNa Biotech). Using pWPT as a vector, insert murine Claudin 18.2 (SEQ ID NO: 1) to construct plasmid pWPT-mClaudin 18.2. Then the pancreatic cancer cell Panc02/Luc-GFP-Claudin 18.2 overexpressing murine Claudin 18.2 is established by lentivirus packaging infection method.
(1) Plasmid construction
Using conventional molecular biology methods in the art, the scFv used in this example is a murine claudin18.2-targeting antibody, and the nucleic acid sequence is shown in SEQ ID NO:5.
Using MSCV-IRES-GFP (purchased from Addgene) as a vector, a retroviral plasmid MSCV-8E5-2I-mBBZ expressing the second-generation chimeric antigen receptor is constructed (as shown in
The MSCV-8E5-2I-mBBZ constructed above is transfected into 293T (from ATCC) to package the retrovirus to obtain the retrovirus. The infection method is a conventional infection method in the preparation process of T cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors in the art.
(2) CAR T cell construction: take the spleen T lymphocytes of C57BL/6 mice (from Shanghai Xipuer-Bikai laboratory Animal Limited Company), add the purified murine CD3+T lymphocytes to Dynabeads Mouse T-activator CD3/CD28 at a volume ratio of 1:1, wash once with PBS, activate, culture in incubator. The medium is RPMI 1640 complete medium (purchased from invitrogen company). 10% FBS serum is added.
The murine spleen T lymphocytes activated for 24 hours are inoculated into a 12-well plate coated with recombinant human fibrin fragments. Retrovirus is added for infection for 12 hours, and then cultured and amplified to the required number to obtain murine 8E5-2I-mBBZ CAR T cells.
The pancreases of 6-week-old C57BL/6 mice are inoculated with 2×105 Panc02/Luc-GFP-Claudin 18.2 cells in situ, and is recorded as Day 0 in the tumor cell inoculation diary.
On the 6th day after tumor inoculation (i.e., Day 6), mouse T cells are taken and constructed according to Example 1 to construct the 8E5-2I-mBBZ CAR T cell line. At the same time, the mice are subjected to in vivo imaging, and the mice are randomly grouped according to the tumor burden of the mice. The main groups are:
Group 1: UTD group, that is, the group administrated only untransfected mouse T cell treatment;
Group 2: CART group, that is, the group administrated only 8E5-2I-mBBZ CAR T cell therapy;
Group 3: Gemcitabine group, that is, the group administrated only Gemcitabine; and
Group 4: Gemcitabine+CART group, that is, the group administrated 8E5-2I-mBBZ CAR T cells combined with Gemcitabine treatment.
On the 6th, 7th, and 8th day (i.e., Day 6, 7, and 8), mice in the Gemcitabine group and Gemcitabine+CART group are administrated 30 mg/kg Gemcitabine for treatment, intraperitoneal administration, once a day.
On the 9th day (i.e., Day 9) after tumor inoculation, mice in the CART group and Gemcitabine+CART group are administrated a dose of 3×106 8E5-2I-mBBZ CAR-T cells through the tail vein injection, respectively, and the UTD group is administrated 3×106 untransfected mouse T cells by injection, and then live imaging is performed once a week to observe the therapeutic effect.
The results of the inhibitory effect on mouse pancreatic cancer in situ are shown in
All documents mentioned in the present invention are cited as references in this application, as if each document is individually cited as a reference. In addition, it should be understood that after reading the above teaching content of the present invention, those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to the present invention, and these equivalent forms also fall within the scope defined by the appended claims of the present application.
The sequences involved in this application are as follows:
| Number | Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| 201910012164.9 | Jan 2019 | CN | national |
| Filing Document | Filing Date | Country | Kind |
|---|---|---|---|
| PCT/CN2020/070717 | 1/7/2020 | WO | 00 |
