DIMERIZING AGENT REGULATED IMMUNORECEPTOR COMPLEXES

STATEMENT REGARDING SEQUENCE LISTING

The Sequence Listing associated with this application is provided in text format in lieu of a paper copy and is hereby incorporated by reference into the specification. The name of the text file containing the Sequence Listing is BLBD_111_01WO_ST25.txt. The text file is X KB, was created on December X, 2019, and is being submitted electronically via EFS-Web, concurrent with the filing of the specification.

BACKGROUND
Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to improved adoptive cell therapies. More particularly, the disclosure relates to improved chemically regulated signaling molecules, cells, and methods of using the same for modulating spatial and temporal control of cellular signal initiation and downstream responses during adoptive immunotherapy.

Description of the Related Art

The global burden of cancer doubled between 1975 and 2000. Cancer is the second leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, with approximately 14.1 million new cases and 8.2 million cancer related deaths in 2012. The most common cancers are breast cancer, lung and bronchus cancer, prostate cancer, colon and rectum cancer, bladder cancer, melanoma of the skin, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, thyroid cancer, kidney and renal pelvis cancer, endometrial cancer, leukemia, and pancreatic cancer. The number of new cancer cases is projected to rise to 22 million within the next two decades.

Adoptive cellular therapy is emerging as a powerful paradigm for delivering complex biological signals to treat cancer. In contrast to small molecule and biologic drug compositions, adoptive cell therapies have the potential to execute unique therapeutic tasks owing to their myriad sensory and response programs and increasingly defined mechanisms of genetic control. To achieve such therapeutic value, cells need to be outfitted with machinery for sensing and integrating chemical and/or biological information associated with local physiological environments.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The present disclosure generally relates, in part, to dimerizing agent regulated immunoreceptor complexes (DARICs) that recognize cells expressing B cell maturation antigen (BCMA), and optionally another target antigen, DARIC polynucleotides and polypeptides encoding the same, compositions thereof, and methods of making and using the same to treat B cell related conditions.

In certain embodiments, the FKBP multimerization domain is FKBP12.

In particular embodiments, the FRB polypeptide is FRB T2098L.

In various embodiments, the bridging factor is selected from the group consisting of: AP21967, sirolimus, everolimus, novolimus, pimecrolimus, ridaforolimus, tacrolimus, temsirolimus, umirolimus, and zotarolimus.

In some embodiments, the first polypeptide comprises a CD8a transmembrane domain; a CD137 co-stimulatory domain; and a CD3 ζ primary signaling domain.

In further embodiments, the second polypeptide comprises a CD4 transmembrane domain.

In various embodiments, the second polypeptide comprises an AMN transmembrane domain.

In particular embodiments, the binding domain comprises an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof.

In certain embodiments, the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of: a Camel Ig, a Llama Ig, an Alpaca Ig, Ig NAR, a Fab′ fragment, a F(ab′)2 fragment, a bispecific Fab dimer (Fab2), a trispecific Fab trimer (Fab3), an Fv, an single chain Fv protein (“scFv”), a bis-scFv, (scFv)2, a minibody, a diabody, a triabody, a tetrabody, a disulfide stabilized Fv protein (“dsFv”), and a single-domain antibody (sdAb, a camelid VHH, Nanobody).

In some embodiments, the first polypeptide and/or the second polypeptide comprises a signal peptide.

In particular embodiments, the first polypeptide comprises a CD8a signal peptide.

In additional embodiments, the second polypeptide comprises an Igκ signal peptide.

In various embodiments, the second polypeptide comprises a hinge or spacer domain between the binding domain and the multimerization domain.

In various embodiments, the second polypeptide comprises a CD28 hinge domain between the binding domain and the multimerization domain.

In particular embodiments, the second polypeptide comprises a costimulatory domain.

In certain embodiments, the costimulatory domain of the second polypeptide is selected from a costimulatory molecule selected from the group consisting of: Toll-like receptor 1 (TLR1), TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6, TLR7, TLR8, TLR9, TLR10, caspase recruitment domain family member 11 (CARD11), CD2, CD7, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD40, CD54 (ICAM), CD83, CD94, CD134 (OX40), CD137 (4-1BB), CD278 (ICOS), DNAX-Activation Protein 10 (DAP10), Linker for activation of T-cells family member 1 (LAT), SH2 Domain-Containing Leukocyte Protein Of 76 kD (SLP76), T cell receptor associated transmembrane adaptor 1 (TRAT1), TNFR2, TNFRS14, TNFRS18, TNFRS25, and zeta chain of T cell receptor associated protein kinase 70 (ZAP70).

In some embodiments, the costimulatory domain of the second polypeptide is a costimulatory domain isolated from OX40 or TNFR2.

In some embodiments, the FKBP multimerization domain is FKBP12.

In particular embodiments, the FRB polypeptide is FRB T2098L.

In further embodiments, the bridging factor is selected from the group consisting of: AP21967, sirolimus, everolimus, novolimus, pimecrolimus, ridaforolimus, tacrolimus, temsirolimus, umirolimus, and zotarolimus.

In various embodiments, the first polypeptide comprises a CD8a transmembrane domain; a CD137 co-stimulatory domain; and a CD3 ζ primary signaling domain.

In some embodiments, the second polypeptide comprises a CD4 transmembrane domain.

In particular embodiments, the second polypeptide comprises an AMN transmembrane domain.

In particular embodiments, the first polypeptide comprises a first signal peptide. In certain embodiments, the first polypeptide comprises a CD8a signal peptide.

In particular embodiments, the second polypeptide comprises a second signal peptide. In additional embodiments, the second polypeptide comprises an Igκ signal peptide.

In particular embodiments, the second polypeptide comprises a hinge or spacer domain between the binding domain and the multimerization domain.

In various embodiments, the second polypeptide comprises a CD28 hinge domain between the binding domain and the multimerization domain.

In particular embodiments, the second polypeptide comprises a costimulatory domain.

In some embodiments, the costimulatory domain of the second polypeptide is a costimulatory domain isolated from OX40 or TNFR2.

In some embodiments, the cell is a hematopoietic cell.

In further embodiments, the cell is a T cell.

In additional embodiments, the cell is a CD3+, CD4+, and/or CD8+ cell.

In particular embodiments, the cell is an immune effector cell.

In some embodiments, the cell is a cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), a tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), or a helper T cell.

In various embodiments, the cell is a natural killer (NK) cell or natural killer T (NKT) cell.

In certain embodiments, the source of the cell is peripheral blood mononuclear cells, bone marrow, lymph nodes tissue, cord blood, thymus issue, tissue from a site of infection, ascites, pleural effusion, spleen tissue, or tumors.

In various embodiments, the FRB multimerization domain and the FKBP multimerization domain localize extracellularly when of the first polypeptide and the second polypeptide are expressed.

In further embodiments, a fusion polypeptide comprises a first polypeptide comprising: an FRB multimerization domain polypeptide or variant thereof; a CD8a transmembrane domain or a CD4 transmembrane domain; a CD137 co-stimulatory domain; and/or a CD3 ζ primary signaling domain; a polypeptide cleavage signal; and a second polypeptide comprising: a binding domain that binds to BCMA; an FKBP multimerization domain polypeptide or variant thereof; and a CD4 transmembrane domain or an amnionless (AMN) transmembrane domain.

In certain embodiments, the FKBP multimerization domain is FKBP12.

In particular embodiments, the FRB polypeptide is FRB T2098L.

In additional embodiments, the bridging factor is selected from the group consisting of: AP21967, sirolimus, everolimus, novolimus, pimecrolimus, ridaforolimus, tacrolimus, temsirolimus, umirolimus, and zotarolimus.

In various embodiments, the first polypeptide comprises a CD8a transmembrane domain; a CD137 co-stimulatory domain; and a CD3 ζ primary signaling domain.

In some embodiments, the second polypeptide comprises a CD4 transmembrane domain.

In particular embodiments, the second polypeptide comprises an AMN transmembrane domain.

In further embodiments, the binding domain comprises an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof.

In various embodiments, the first polypeptide and/or the second polypeptide comprises a signal peptide.

In some embodiments, the first polypeptide comprises a CD8a signal peptide.

In additional embodiments, the second polypeptide comprises an Igκ signal peptide.

In particular embodiments, the second polypeptide comprises a hinge or spacer domain between the binding domain and the multimerization domain.

In particular embodiments, the second polypeptide comprises a CD28 hinge domain between the binding domain and the multimerization domain.

In particular embodiments, the second polypeptide comprises a costimulatory domain.

In some embodiments, the costimulatory domain of the second polypeptide is a costimulatory domain isolated from OX40 or TNFR2.

In certain embodiments, the polypeptide cleavage signal is a viral self-cleaving polypeptide.

In various embodiments, the polypeptide cleavage signal is a viral self-cleaving 2A polypeptide.

In particular embodiments, the polypeptide cleavage signal is a viral self-cleaving polypeptide selected from the group consisting of: a foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) (F2A) peptide, an equine rhinitis A virus (ERAV) (E2A) peptide, a Thosea asigna virus (TaV) (T2A) peptide, a porcine teschovirus-1 (PTV-1) (P2A) peptide, a Theilovirus 2A peptide, and an encephalomyocarditis virus 2A peptide.

In further embodiments, the FRB multimerization domain and the FKBP multimerization domain localize extracellularly when of the first polypeptide and the second polypeptide are expressed.

In some embodiments, the FKBP multimerization domain is FKBP12.

In additional embodiments, the FRB polypeptide is FRB T2098L.

In particular embodiments, the first polypeptide comprises a CD8a transmembrane domain; a CD137 co-stimulatory domain; and a CD3 ζ primary signaling domain.

In certain embodiments, the second polypeptide comprises a CD4 transmembrane domain.

In certain embodiments, the second polypeptide comprises an AMN transmembrane domain.

In various embodiments, the binding domain comprises an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof.

In some embodiments, the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof is selected from the group consisting of: a Camel Ig, a Llama Ig, an Alpaca Ig, Ig NAR, a Fab′ fragment, a F(ab′)2 fragment, a bispecific Fab dimer (Fab2), a trispecific Fab trimer (Fab3), an Fv, an single chain Fv protein (“scFv”), a bis-scFv, (scFv)2, a minibody, a diabody, a triabody, a tetrabody, a disulfide stabilized Fv protein (“dsFv”), and a single-domain antibody (sdAb, a camelid VHH, Nanobody).

In particular embodiments, the first polypeptide and/or the second polypeptide comprises a signal peptide.

In various embodiments, the first polypeptide comprises a CD8α signal peptide.

In further embodiments, the second polypeptide comprises an Igκ signal peptide.

In additional embodiments, the second polypeptide comprises a hinge or spacer domain between the binding domain and the multimerization domain.

In various embodiments, the second polypeptide comprises a CD28 hinge domain between the binding domain and the multimerization domain.

In particular embodiments, the second polypeptide comprises a costimulatory domain.

In some embodiments, the costimulatory domain of the second polypeptide is a costimulatory domain isolated from OX40 or TNFR2.

In particular embodiments, the cell is a hematopoietic cell.

In some embodiments, the cell is a T cell.

In particular embodiments, the cell is a CD3+, CD4+, and/or CD8+ cell.

In further embodiments, the cell is an immune effector cell.

In certain embodiments, the cell is a cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), a tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), or a helper T cell.

In particular embodiments, the cell is a natural killer (NK) cell or natural killer T (NKT) cell.

In various embodiments, the source of the cell is peripheral blood mononuclear cells, bone marrow, lymph nodes tissue, cord blood, thymus issue, tissue from a site of infection, ascites, pleural effusion, spleen tissue, or tumors.

In additional embodiments, the FRB multimerization domain and the FKBP multimerization domain localize extracellularly when of the first polypeptide and the second polypeptide are expressed.

In various embodiments, a non-natural cell comprises a first polypeptide comprising: an FKBP-rapamycin binding (FRB) multimerization domain polypeptide or variant thereof; a CD8α transmembrane domain or a CD4 transmembrane domain; a CD137 co-stimulatory domain; and/or a CD3 ζ primary signaling domain; a second polypeptide comprising: a binding domain that binds to B cell maturation antigen (BCMA); an FK506 binding protein (FKBP) multimerization domain polypeptide or variant thereof; and a CD4 transmembrane domain or an amnionless (AMN) transmembrane domain; and a third polypeptide comprising: a binding domain that binds to an antigen expressed on normal or malignant B cells or plasma cells; an FK506 binding protein (FKBP) multimerization domain polypeptide or variant thereof; and a CD4 transmembrane domain or an amnionless (AMN) transmembrane domain, wherein a bridging factor promotes the formation of a polypeptide complex on the non-natural cell surface with the bridging factor associated with and disposed between the multimerization domains of the first polypeptide and the second polypeptide and the first polypeptide and the third polypeptide.

In certain embodiments, the FKBP multimerization domain of the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide are FKBP12.

In particular embodiments, the FRB polypeptide is FRB T2098L.

In some embodiments, the first polypeptide comprises a CD8α transmembrane domain; a CD137 co-stimulatory domain; and a CD3 ζ primary signaling domain.

In further embodiments, the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises a CD4 transmembrane domain.

In various embodiments, the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises an AMN transmembrane domain.

In particular embodiments, the binding domain of the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof.

In certain embodiments, the binding domain of the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of: a Camel Ig, a Llama Ig, an Alpaca Ig, Ig NAR, a Fab′ fragment, a F(ab′)2 fragment, a bispecific Fab dimer (Fab2), a trispecific Fab trimer (Fab3), an Fv, an single chain Fv protein (“scFv”), a bis-scFv, (scFv)2, a minibody, a diabody, a triabody, a tetrabody, a disulfide stabilized Fv protein (“dsFv”), and a single-domain antibody (sdAb, a camelid VHH, Nanobody).

In some embodiments, the first polypeptide and/or the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises a signal peptide.

In particular embodiments, the first polypeptide comprises a CD8α signal peptide.

In additional embodiments, the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises an Igκ signal peptide.

In various embodiments, the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises a hinge or spacer domain between the binding domain and the multimerization domain.

In various embodiments, the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises a CD28 hinge domain between the binding domain and the multimerization domain.

In particular embodiments, the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises a costimulatory domain.

In certain embodiments, the costimulatory domain of the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide are independently selected from a costimulatory molecule selected from the group consisting of: Toll-like receptor 1 (TLR1), TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6, TLR7, TLR8, TLR9, TLR10, caspase recruitment domain family member 11 (CARD11), CD2, CD7, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD40, CD54 (ICAM), CD83, CD94, CD134 (OX40), CD137 (4-1BB), CD278 (ICOS), DNAX-Activation Protein 10 (DAP10), Linker for activation of T-cells family member 1 (LAT), SH2 Domain-Containing Leukocyte Protein Of 76 kD (SLP76), T cell receptor associated transmembrane adaptor 1 (TRAT1), TNFR2, TNFRS14, TNFRS18, TNFRS25, and zeta chain of T cell receptor associated protein kinase 70 (ZAP70).

In some embodiments, the costimulatory domain of the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide is a costimulatory domain isolated from OX40 or TNFR2.

In particular embodiments, the antigen expressed on normal or malignant B cells or plasma cells is selected from the group consisting of: BAFFR, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD30, CD38, CD56, CD79a, CD79b, CD123, CD138, CLL-1, CS-1 (SLAMF7), HLA-DR, and TACI.

In certain embodiments, a non-natural cell comprises a polypeptide complex that comprises: a first polypeptide comprising: an FRB multimerization domain polypeptide or variant thereof; a CD8α transmembrane domain or a CD4 transmembrane domain; a CD137 co-stimulatory domain; and/or a CD3 ζ primary signaling domain; a second polypeptide comprising: a binding domain comprising an anti-BCMA scFv; an FKBP multimerization domain polypeptide or variant thereof; and a CD4 transmembrane domain or an amnionless (AMN) transmembrane domain; a third polypeptide comprising: a binding domain comprising an scFv that binds an antigen expressed on normal or malignant B cells or plasma cells; an FKBP multimerization domain polypeptide or variant thereof; and a CD4 transmembrane domain or an amnionless (AMN) transmembrane domain; and a bridging factor associated with and disposed between the multimerization domains of the first polypeptide and second polypeptide and the first polypeptide and the third polypeptide.

In some embodiments, the FKBP multimerization domain of the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide are FKBP12.

In particular embodiments, the FRB polypeptide is FRB T2098L.

In various embodiments, the first polypeptide comprises a CD8α transmembrane domain; a CD137 co-stimulatory domain; and a CD3 ζ primary signaling domain.

In some embodiments, the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises a CD4 transmembrane domain.

In particular embodiments, the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises an AMN transmembrane domain.

In some embodiments, the first polypeptide and/or the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises a signal peptide.

In certain embodiments, the first polypeptide comprises a CD8α signal peptide.

In additional embodiments, the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises an Igκ signal peptide.

In particular embodiments, the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises a hinge or spacer domain between the binding domain and the multimerization domain.

In various embodiments, the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises a CD28 hinge domain between the binding domain and the multimerization domain.

In particular embodiments, the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises a costimulatory domain.

In certain embodiments, the costimulatory domain of the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide is independently selected from a costimulatory molecule selected from the group consisting of: Toll-like receptor 1 (TLR1), TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6, TLR7, TLR8, TLR9, TLR10, caspase recruitment domain family member 11 (CARD11), CD2, CD7, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD40, CD54 (ICAM), CD83, CD94, CD134 (OX40), CD137 (4-1BB), CD278 (ICOS), DNAX-Activation Protein 10 (DAP10), Linker for activation of T-cells family member 1 (LAT), SH2 Domain-Containing Leukocyte Protein Of 76 kD (SLP76), T cell receptor associated transmembrane adaptor 1 (TRAT1), TNFR2, TNFRS14, TNFRS18, TNFRS25, and zeta chain of T cell receptor associated protein kinase 70 (ZAP70).

In some embodiments, the costimulatory domain of the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide is a costimulatory domain isolated from OX40 or TNFR2.

In some embodiments, the cell is a hematopoietic cell.

In further embodiments, the cell is a T cell.

In additional embodiments, the cell is a CD3+, CD4+, and/or CD8+ cell.

In particular embodiments, the cell is an immune effector cell.

In some embodiments, the cell is a cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), a tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), or a helper T cell.

In various embodiments, the cell is a natural killer (NK) cell or natural killer T (NKT) cell.

In various embodiments, the multimerization domains localize extracellularly when of the first polypeptide and the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide are expressed.

In further embodiments, a fusion polypeptide comprises a first polypeptide comprising: an FRB multimerization domain polypeptide or variant thereof; a CD8α transmembrane domain or a CD4 transmembrane domain; a CD137 co-stimulatory domain; and/or a CD3 ζ primary signaling domain; a first polypeptide cleavage signal; a second polypeptide comprising: a binding domain that binds to BCMA; an FKBP multimerization domain polypeptide or variant thereof; and a CD4 transmembrane domain or an amnionless (AMN) transmembrane domain; a second polypeptide cleavage signal; and a third polypeptide comprising: a binding domain that binds to an antigen expressed on normal or malignant B cells or plasma cells; an FKBP multimerization domain polypeptide or variant thereof; and a CD4 transmembrane domain or an amnionless (AMN) transmembrane domain.

In certain embodiments, the FKBP multimerization domain of the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide is FKBP12.

In particular embodiments, the FRB polypeptide is FRB T2098L.

In various embodiments, the first polypeptide comprises a CD8α transmembrane domain; a CD137 co-stimulatory domain; and a CD3 ζ primary signaling domain.

In some embodiments, the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises a CD4 transmembrane domain.

In particular embodiments, the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises an AMN transmembrane domain.

In further embodiments, the binding domain of the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof.

In various embodiments, the first polypeptide and/or the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises a signal peptide.

In some embodiments, the first polypeptide comprises a CD8α signal peptide.

In additional embodiments, the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises an Igκ signal peptide.

In particular embodiments, the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises a hinge or spacer domain between the binding domain and the multimerization domain.

In particular embodiments, the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises a CD28 hinge domain between the binding domain and the multimerization domain.

In particular embodiments, the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises a costimulatory domain.

In some embodiments, the costimulatory domain of the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide is a costimulatory domain isolated from OX40 or TNFR2.

In certain embodiments, the first polypeptide cleavage signal and/or the second polypeptide cleavage signal is a viral self-cleaving polypeptide.

In various embodiments, the first polypeptide cleavage signal and/or the second polypeptide cleavage signal is a viral self-cleaving 2A polypeptide.

In particular embodiments, the first polypeptide cleavage signal and/or the second polypeptide cleavage signal is independently selected from the group consisting of: a foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) (F2A) peptide, an equine rhinitis A virus (ERAV) (E2A) peptide, a Thosea asigna virus (TaV) (T2A) peptide, a porcine teschovirus-1 (PTV-1) (P2A) peptide, a Theilovirus 2A peptide, and an encephalomyocarditis virus 2A peptide.

In further embodiments, the multimerization domains localize extracellularly when of the first polypeptide and the second polypeptide and the third polypeptide are expressed.

In particular embodiments, the antigen expressed on normal or malignant B cells or plasma cells is BAFFR, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD30, CD38, CD56, CD79a, CD79b, CD123, CD138, CLL-1, CS-1 (SLAMF7), HLA-DR, and TACI.

In various embodiments, a polypeptide complex comprises a first polypeptide comprising: an FRB multimerization domain polypeptide or variant thereof; a CD8α transmembrane domain or a CD4 transmembrane domain; a CD137 co-stimulatory domain; and/or a CD3 ζ primary signaling domain; a second polypeptide comprising: a binding domain that binds BCMA; an FKBP multimerization domain polypeptide or variant thereof; and a CD4 transmembrane domain or an amnionless (AMN) transmembrane domain; a third polypeptide comprising: a binding domain that binds to an antigen expressed on normal or malignant B cells or plasma cells; an FKBP multimerization domain polypeptide or variant thereof; and a CD4 transmembrane domain or an amnionless (AMN) transmembrane domain; and a bridging factor associated with and disposed between the multimerization domains of the first polypeptide and the second polypeptide and the first polypeptide and the third polypeptide.

In some embodiments, the FKBP multimerization domain of the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide is FKBP12.

In additional embodiments, the FRB polypeptide is FRB T2098L.

In particular embodiments, the first polypeptide comprises a CD8α transmembrane domain; a CD137 co-stimulatory domain; and a CD3 ζ primary signaling domain.

In certain embodiments, the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises a CD4 transmembrane domain.

In certain embodiments, the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises an AMN transmembrane domain.

In various embodiments, the binding domain of the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof.

In some embodiments, the binding domain of the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises an antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof selected from the group consisting of: a Camel Ig, a Llama Ig, an Alpaca Ig, Ig NAR, a Fab′ fragment, a F(ab′)2 fragment, a bispecific Fab dimer (Fab2), a trispecific Fab trimer (Fab3), an Fv, an single chain Fv protein (“scFv”), a bis-scFv, (scFv)2, a minibody, a diabody, a triabody, a tetrabody, a disulfide stabilized Fv protein (“dsFv”), and a single-domain antibody (sdAb, a camelid VHH, Nanobody).

In particular embodiments, the first polypeptide and/or the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises a signal peptide.

In various embodiments, the first polypeptide comprises a CD8α signal peptide.

In further embodiments, the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises an Igκ signal peptide.

In additional embodiments, the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises a hinge or spacer domain between the binding domain and the multimerization domain.

In various embodiments, the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises a CD28 hinge domain between the binding domain and the multimerization domain.

In particular embodiments, the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide comprises a costimulatory domain.

In some embodiments, the costimulatory domain of the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide is a costimulatory domain isolated from OX40 or TNFR2.

In particular embodiments, the cell is a hematopoietic cell.

In some embodiments, the cell is a T cell.

In particular embodiments, the cell is a CD3+, CD4+, and/or CD8+ cell.

In further embodiments, the cell is an immune effector cell.

In certain embodiments, the cell is a cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), a tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), or a helper T cell.

In particular embodiments, the cell is a natural killer (NK) cell or natural killer T (NKT) cell.

In additional embodiments, the FRB multimerization domain and the FKBP multimerization domain localize extracellularly when of the first polypeptide and the second polypeptide are expressed.

In some embodiments, a polynucleotide encodes a first polypeptide, a second polypeptide, a third polypeptide or a fusion polypeptide contemplated herein.

In particular embodiments, the polynucleotide encoding the first polypeptide and/or the second polypeptide and/or the third polypeptide and/or the fusion polypeptide comprises a post-transcriptional regulatory element.

In certain embodiments, the polynucleotide encoding the fusion polypeptide comprises a post-transcriptional regulatory element.

In further embodiments, the post-transcriptional regulatory element is a woodchuck hepatitis virus posttranscriptional regulatory element (WPRE) or a hepatitis B virus posttranscriptional regulatory element (HPRE).

In additional embodiments, a cDNA encodes a first polypeptide, a second polypeptide, a third polypeptide or a fusion polypeptide contemplated herein.

In various embodiments, an RNA encodes a first polypeptide, a second polypeptide, a third polypeptide or a fusion polypeptide contemplated herein.

In particular embodiments, a vector comprises a polynucleotide contemplated herein.

In particular embodiments, the vector is an expression vector.

In some embodiments, the vector is a transposon.

In certain embodiments, the vector is a piggyBAC transposon or a Sleeping Beauty transposon.

In various embodiments, the vector is a viral vector.

In further embodiments, the vector is an adenoviral vector, an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector, a herpes virus vector, a vaccinia virus vector, or a retroviral vector.

In various embodiments, the retroviral vector is a lentiviral vector.

In particular embodiments, the lentiviral vector is selected from the group consisting of: human immunodeficiency virus 1 (HIV-1); human immunodeficiency virus 2 (HIV-2), visna-maedi virus (VMV) virus; caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV); equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV); feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV); bovine immune deficiency virus (BIV); and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV).

In additional embodiments, a composition comprises a non-natural cell, a fusion polypeptide, a polynucleotide, or a vector contemplated herein.

In some embodiments, a pharmaceutical composition comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and a non-natural cell, a fusion polypeptide, a polynucleotide, or a vector contemplated herein.

In particular embodiments, a method of generating an immune effector cell comprising and/or expressing a first polypeptide, a second polypeptide, a third polypeptide, a fusion polypeptide, or a polynucleotide contemplated herein comprises introducing the vector into an immune effector cell.

In various embodiments, the method further comprises stimulating the immune effector cell and inducing the cell to proliferate by contacting the cell with antibodies that bind CD3 and antibodies that bind to CD28; thereby generating a population of immune effector cells.

In further embodiments, the immune effector cell is stimulated and induced to proliferate before introducing the vector.

In certain embodiments, the immune effector cells comprise T lymphocytes.

In various embodiments, the immune effector cells comprise NK cells.

In particular embodiments, a method of treating a B cell related condition in a subject in need thereof, comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a composition contemplated herein.

In additional embodiments, the B cell related condition is multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, B cell proliferations of uncertain malignant potential, lymphomatoid granulomatosis, post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder, an immunoregulatory disorder, rheumatoid arthritis, myasthenia gravis, idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura, anti-phospholipid syndrome, Chagas' disease, Grave's disease, Wegener's granulomatosis, poly-arteritis nodosa, Sjogren's syndrome, pemphigus vulgaris, scleroderma, multiple sclerosis, anti-phospholipid syndrome, ANCA associated vasculitis, Goodpasture's disease, Kawasaki disease, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis, heavy-chain disease, primary or immunocyte-associated amyloidosis, or monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance.

In various embodiments, the B cell related condition is a B cell malignancy.

In some embodiments, the B cell malignancy is multiple myeloma (MM) or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).

In particular embodiments, the MM is selected from the group consisting of: overt multiple myeloma, smoldering multiple myeloma, plasma cell leukemia, non-secretory myeloma, IgD myeloma, osteosclerotic myeloma, solitary plasmacytoma of bone, and extramedullary plasmacytoma.

In further embodiments, the MM is a relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.

In certain embodiments, the NHL is selected from the group consisting of: Burkitt lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, immunoblastic large cell lymphoma, precursor B-lymphoblastic lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma.

In various embodiments, the B cell related condition is a plasma cell malignancy.

In some embodiments, the B cell related condition is an autoimmune disease.

In certain embodiments, the autoimmune disease is systemic lupus erythematosus.

In particular embodiments, the B cell related condition is rheumatoid arthritis.

In various embodiments, the B cell related condition is idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura, or myasthenia gravis, or autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows a cartoon of an anti-BCMA CAR and representative BCMA DARICs.

FIG. 1B shows expression of an anti-BCMA CAR and two BCMA DARICs in three donor cell lots compared to the untransduced control cells.

FIG. 2A shows the results from a cytotoxicity assay. BCMA expressing K562 cells were cultured with anti-BCMA CAR T cells (CAR) and two BCMA DARIC expressing T cells (DARIC-1 and DARIC-2) treated with vehicle, rapamycin or AP21967 for 48 hours.

FIG. 2B shows the cytokine expression profiles from cultures containing BCMA expressing K562 cells cultured with anti-BCMA CAR T cells (CAR) and two BCMA DARIC expressing T cells (DARIC-1 and DARIC-2) and treated with vehicle, rapamycin or AP21967, for 48 hours.

FIG. 2C shows the cytokine expression profiles from cultures containing BCMA expressing K562 cells cultured with anti-BCMA CAR T cells (CAR) and two BCMA DARIC expressing T cells (DARIC-1 and DARIC-2) each manufactured from 3 donor cell lots, and treated with vehicle, rapamycin or AP21967, for 48 hours.

FIG. 3A shows a cartoon of a BCMA DARIC fusion protein.

FIG. 3B shows expression of an anti-BCMA CAR and a BCMA DARIC compared to untransduced control cells.

FIG. 3C shows IFNγ secretion from cultures containing BCMA expressing K562 cells cultured with anti-BCMA CAR T cells and BCMA DARIC T cells and treated with vehicle or rapamycin, for 48 hours.

FIG. 4A shows a cartoon of a BCMA DARIC fusion protein.

FIG. 4B shows expression of an anti-BCMA CAR and a BCMA DARIC compared to untransduced control cells.

FIG. 4C shows IFNγ secretion from cultures containing BCMA expressing K562 cells cultured with anti-BCMA CAR T cells and BCMA DARIC T cells and treated with vehicle or rapamycin, for 48 hours.

FIG. 5 shows a cartoon of a dual targeting BCMA DARIC/anti-CD19 DARIC fusion protein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEQUENCE IDENTIFIERS

SEQ ID NO: 1 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a BCMA DARIC fusion protein comprising a BCMA DARIC binding component comprising a CD4 transmembrane domain.

SEQ ID NO: 2 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a BCMA DARIC fusion protein comprising a BCMA DARIC binding component comprising an AMN transmembrane domain.

SEQ ID NO: 3 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a BCMA DARIC fusion protein comprising a BCMA DARIC binding component comprising a CD28 hinge and a CD4 transmembrane domain.

SEQ ID NO: 4 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a BCMA DARIC binding component comprising a BCMA.TNFR2 DARIC binding component comprising a CD4 transmembrane domain.

SEQ ID NO: 5 sets forth the amino acid sequence for a BCMA DARIC binding component comprising a BCMA.TNFR2 DARIC binding component comprising an AMN transmembrane domain.

SEQ ID NOs: 6-16 set forth the amino acid sequences of various linkers.

SEQ ID NOs: 17-41 set forth the amino acid sequences of protease cleavage sites and self-cleaving polypeptide cleavage sites.

In the foregoing sequences, X, if present, refers to any amino acid or the absence of an amino acid.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION
A. Overview

The disclosure generally relates to improved compositions and methods for treating B cell related conditions. As used herein, the term “B cell related conditions” relates to conditions involving inappropriate B cell activity, B cell malignancies, and plasma cell malignancies.

In particular embodiments, the invention relates to improved adoptive cell therapy of B cell related conditions using genetically modified immune effector cells. Genetic approaches offer a potential means to enhance immune recognition and elimination of cancer cells. One promising strategy is to genetically engineer immune effector cells to express chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) that redirect cytotoxicity toward cancer cells.

However, a significant limitation of CAR T cell therapy is the lack of spatial and temporal control of the CAR T cell activity. Lack of control over CAR T cell activity can trigger a range of side effects, many of which begin subtly but can rapidly worsen. A particularly severe complication is cytokine release syndrome (CRS) or “cytokine storm” where CAR T cells induce massive and potentially fatal cytokine release. CRS can produce dangerously high fevers, extreme fatigue, difficulty breathing, and a sharp drop in blood pressure. CRS can also produce a second wave of side effects that involve the nervous system, including neurotoxicity, tremors, headaches, confusion, loss of balance, trouble speaking, seizures, and hallucinations. The compositions and methods contemplated herein offer solutions to these and other problems plaguing adoptive cell therapies.

The disclosure generally relates to improved compositions and methods for regulating the spatial and temporal control of adoptive cell therapies using dimerizing agent regulated immunoreceptor complexes (DARICs) that bind cells expressing B cell maturation antigen (BCMA) or a dual targeting DARIC that binds cells expressing BCMA and another antigen expressed on normal or malignant B cells or plasma cells. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, DARIC compositions and methods contemplated herein provide numerous advantages over CAR T cell therapies existing in the art, including but not limited to, both spatial and temporal control over immune effector cell signal transduction binding and signaling activities. DARIC temporal control primes the DARIC machinery for signaling through bridging factor mediated association of a DARIC binding component to a DARIC signaling component. DARIC spatial control engages the signaling machinery through recognition of a BCMA epitope by the DARIC binding domain of the DARIC binding component. In this manner, DARIC immune effector cells become activated when both a target cell expresses BCMA and a bridging factor are present. In addition, dual targeting of target cells expressing BCMA and a B cell or plasma cell antigen may be advantageous in enhancing efficacy, tumor clearance, and safety; and in decreasing relapse, antigen escape, on-target off-tumor cell lysis.

In various embodiments, the disclosure contemplates BCMA DARIC components that generate an anti-cancer response against cancers that express BCMA.

In particular embodiments, a DARIC includes a polypeptide (DARIC signaling component) that comprises a multimerization domain polypeptide or variant thereof, a transmembrane domain, a costimulatory domain; and/or a primary signaling domain; and a polypeptide (DARIC binding component) that comprises a binding domain that binds BCMA, a multimerization domain polypeptide or variant thereof, a transmembrane domain; and optionally a costimulatory domain. In the presence of a bridging factor, the DARIC binding and signaling components associate with one another through the bridging factor to form a functionally active DARIC.

In various embodiments, the disclosure contemplates DARIC components that generate an anti-cancer response against cancers that express BCMA and another antigen expressed on normal or malignant B cells or plasma cells, e.g., BAFFR, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD30, CD38, CD56, CD79a, CD79b, CD123, CD138, CLL-1, CS-1 (SLAMF7), HLA-DR, and TACI.

In particular embodiments, a DARIC includes a polypeptide (DARIC signaling component) that comprises a multimerization domain polypeptide or variant thereof, a transmembrane domain, a costimulatory domain; and/or a primary signaling domain; a polypeptide (DARIC binding component) that comprises a binding domain that binds BCMA, a multimerization domain polypeptide or variant thereof, a transmembrane domain; and optionally a costimulatory domain; and polypeptide (DARIC binding component) that comprises a binding domain that binds a B cell or plasma cell antigen, a multimerization domain polypeptide or variant thereof, a transmembrane domain. In the presence of a bridging factor, the DARIC binding components each associate with the DARIC signaling component through the bridging factor to form functionally active DARICs.

In preferred embodiments, the multimerization domains of the DARIC binding and DARIC signaling components are positioned extracellularly. Extracellular position of the multimerization domains provides numerous advantages over intracellular positioning including, but not limited to, more efficient positioning of the binding domain, higher temporal sensitivity to bridging factor regulation, and less toxicity due to ability to use non-immunosuppressive doses of particular bridging factors.

Polynucleotides encoding DARICs, DARIC binding components, and DARIC signaling components; DARIC binding components, DARIC signaling components, DARIC protein complexes, DARIC fusion proteins; cells comprising polynucleotides encoding DARICs, DARIC binding components, and DARIC signaling components and/or expressing the same; and methods of using the same to treat an immune disorder are contemplated herein.

Techniques for recombinant (i.e., engineered) DNA, peptide and oligonucleotide synthesis, immunoassays, tissue culture, transformation (e.g., electroporation, lipofection), enzymatic reactions, purification and related techniques and procedures may be generally performed as described in various general and more specific references in microbiology, molecular biology, biochemistry, molecular genetics, cell biology, virology and immunology as cited and discussed throughout the present specification. See, e.g., Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 3d ed., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.; Current Protocols in Molecular Biology (John Wiley and Sons, updated July 2008); Short Protocols in Molecular Biology: A Compendium of Methods from Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, Greene Pub. Associates and Wiley-Interscience; Glover, DNA Cloning: A Practical Approach, vol. I & II (IRL Press, Oxford Univ. Press USA, 1985); Current Protocols in Immunology (Edited by: John E. Coligan, Ada M. Kruisbeek, David H. Margulies, Ethan M. Shevach, Warren Strober 2001 John Wiley & Sons, NY, NY); Real-Time PCR: Current Technology and Applications, Edited by Julie Logan, Kirstin Edwards and Nick Saunders, 2009, Caister Academic Press, Norfolk, UK; Anand, Techniques for the Analysis of Complex Genomes, (Academic Press, New York, 1992); Guthrie and Fink, Guide to Yeast Genetics and Molecular Biology (Academic Press, New York, 1991); Oligonucleotide Synthesis (N. Gait, Ed., 1984); Nucleic Acid The Hybridization (B. Hames & S. Higgins, Eds., 1985); Transcription and Translation (B. Hames & S. Higgins, Eds., 1984); Animal Cell Culture (R. Freshney, Ed., 1986); Perbal, A Practical Guide to Molecular Cloning (1984); Next-Generation Genome Sequencing (Janitz, 2008 Wiley-VCH); PCR Protocols (Methods in Molecular Biology) (Park, Ed., 3rd Edition, 2010 Humana Press); Immobilized Cells And Enzymes (IRL Press, 1986); the treatise, Methods In Enzymology (Academic Press, Inc., N.Y.); Gene Transfer Vectors For Mammalian Cells (J. H. Miller and M. P. Calos eds., 1987, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory); Harlow and Lane, Antibodies, (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1998); Immunochemical Methods In Cell And Molecular Biology (Mayer and Walker, eds., Academic Press, London, 1987); Handbook Of Experimental Immunology, Volumes I-IV (D. M. Weir and CC Blackwell, eds., 1986); Roitt, Essential Immunology, 6th Edition, (Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford, 1988); Current Protocols in Immunology (Q. E. Coligan, A. M. Kruisbeek, D. H. Margulies, E. M. Shevach and W. Strober, eds., 1991); Annual Review of Immunology; as well as monographs in journals such as Advances in Immunology.

B. Definitions

Prior to setting forth this disclosure in more detail, it may be helpful to an understanding thereof to provide definitions of certain terms to be used herein.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. Although any methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of particular embodiments, preferred embodiments of compositions, methods and materials are described herein. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the following terms are defined below.

The articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one, or to one or more) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, “an element” means one element or one or more elements.

The use of the alternative (e.g., “or”) should be understood to mean either one, both, or any combination thereof of the alternatives.

The term “and/or” should be understood to mean either one, or both of the alternatives.

As used herein, the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a quantity, level, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length that varies by as much as 15%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2% or 1% to a reference quantity, level, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length. In one embodiment, the term “about” or “approximately” refers a range of quantity, level, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length ±15%, ±10%, ±9%, ±8%, ±7%, ±6%, ±5%, ±4%, ±3%, ±2%, or ±1% about a reference quantity, level, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length.

In one embodiment, a range, e.g., 1 to 5, about 1 to 5, or about 1 to about 5, refers to each numerical value encompassed by the range. For example, in one non-limiting and merely illustrative embodiment, the range “1 to 5” is equivalent to the expression 1, 2, 3, 4, 5; or 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5, or 5.0; or 1.0, 1.1, 1.2, 1.3, 1.4, 1.5, 1.6, 1.7, 1.8, 1.9, 2.0, 2.1, 2.2, 2.3, 2.4, 2.5, 2.6, 2.7, 2.8, 2.9, 3.0, 3.1, 3.2, 3.3, 3.4, 3.5, 3.6, 3.7, 3.8, 3.9, 4.0, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4, 4.5, 4.6, 4.7, 4.8, 4.9, or 5.0.

As used herein, the term “substantially” refers to a quantity, level, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length that is 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or higher compared to a reference quantity, level, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length. In one embodiment, “substantially the same” refers to a quantity, level, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length that produces an effect, e.g., a physiological effect, that is approximately the same as a reference quantity, level, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length.

Throughout this specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “comprise,” “comprises,” and “comprising” will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated step or element or group of steps or elements but not the exclusion of any other step or element or group of steps or elements. By “consisting of” is meant including, and limited to, whatever follows the phrase “consisting of” Thus, the phrase “consisting of” indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory, and that no other elements may be present. By “consisting essentially of” is meant including any elements listed after the phrase, and limited to other elements that do not interfere with or contribute to the activity or action specified in the disclosure for the listed elements. Thus, the phrase “consisting essentially of” indicates that the listed elements are required or mandatory, but that no other elements are present that materially affect the activity or action of the listed elements.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “a particular embodiment,” “a related embodiment,” “a certain embodiment,” “an additional embodiment,” or “a further embodiment” or combinations thereof means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the foregoing phrases in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. It is also understood that the positive recitation of a feature in one embodiment, serves as a basis for excluding the feature in a particular embodiment.

An “antigen (Ag)” refers to a compound, composition, or substance that can stimulate the production of antibodies or a T cell response in an animal, including compositions (such as one that includes a cancer-specific protein) that are injected or absorbed into an animal. Exemplary antigens include but are not limited to lipids, carbohydrates, polysaccharides, glycoproteins, peptides, or nucleic acids. An antigen reacts with the products of specific humoral or cellular immunity, including those induced by heterologous antigens, such as the disclosed antigens.

A “target antigen” or “target antigen of interest” refers to a portion of a BCMA polypeptide that a binding domain contemplated herein, is designed to bind. In particular embodiments, the target antigen is a BCMA epitope expressed on a target cell. In preferred embodiments, the target cell is one that contributes to a B cell related condition, e.g., a malignant B cell or plasma cell. In other embodiments, the target antigen is an antigen expressed on normal or malignant B cells or plasma cells, e.g., BAFFR, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD30, CD38, CD56, CD79a, CD79b, CD123, CD138, CLL-1, CS-1 (SLAMF7), HLA-DR, and TACI.

“BCMA” refers to B cell maturation antigen. BCMA is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (see, e.g., Thompson et al., J. Exp. Medicine, 192(1): 129-135, 2000, and Mackay et al., Annu. Rev. Immunol, 21: 231-264, 2003. BCMA binds B-cell activating factor (BAFF) and a proliferation inducing ligand (APRIL) (see, e.g., Mackay et al., 2003 and Kalled et al., Immunological Reviews, 204: 43-54, 2005). Among nonmalignant cells, BCMA has been reported to be expressed mostly in plasma cells and subsets of mature B-cells (see, e.g., Laabi et al., EMBO J., 77(1): 3897-3904, 1992; Laabi et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 22(7): 1147-1154, 1994; Kalled et al., 2005; O'Connor et al., J. Exp. Medicine, 199(1): 91-97, 2004; and Ng et al., J. Immunol., 73(2): 807-817, 2004. Mice deficient in BCMA are healthy and have normal numbers of B cells, but the survival of long-lived plasma cells is impaired (see, e.g., O'Connor et al., 2004; Xu et al., Mol. Cell. Biol, 21(12): 4067-4074, 2001; and Schiemann et al., Science, 293(5537): 2 111-21 14, 2001). BCMA RNA has been detected universally in multiple myeloma cells and in other lymphomas, and BCMA protein has been detected on the surface of plasma cells from multiple myeloma patients by several investigators (see, e.g., Novak et al., Blood, 103(2): 689-694, 2004; Neri et al., Clinical Cancer Research, 73(19): 5903-5909, 2007; Bellucci et al., Blood, 105(10): 3945-3950, 2005; and Moreaux et al., Blood, 703(8): 3148-3157, 2004.

As used herein, the terms, “binding domain,” “extracellular domain,” “antigen binding domain,” “extracellular binding domain,” “extracellular antigen binding domain,” “antigen-specific binding domain,” and “extracellular antigen specific binding domain,” are used interchangeably and provide a polypeptide with the ability to specifically bind to a target antigen, e.g., BCMA, BAFFR, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD30, CD38, CD56, CD79a, CD79b, CD123, CD138, CLL-1, CS-1 (SLAMF7), HLA-DR, and TACI. The binding domain may be derived either from a natural, synthetic, semi-synthetic, or recombinant source.

The terms “specific binding affinity” or “specifically binds” or “specifically bound” or “specific binding” or “specifically targets” as used herein, describe binding of binding domain to a target antigen at greater binding affinity than background binding. A binding domain “specifically binds” to a target antigen, if it binds to or associates with the antigen with an affinity or K_a(i.e., an equilibrium association constant of a particular binding interaction with units of 1/M) of, for example, greater than or equal to about 10⁵M⁻¹. In certain embodiments, a binding domain (or a fusion protein comprising the same) binds to a target with a K_agreater than or equal to about 10⁶M⁻¹, 10⁷M⁻¹, 10⁸M⁻¹, 10⁹M⁻¹, 10¹⁰M⁻¹, 10¹¹M⁻¹, 10¹²M⁻¹, or 10¹³M⁻¹. “High affinity” binding domains (or single chain fusion proteins thereof) refer to those binding domains with a K_aof at least 10⁷M⁻¹, at least 10⁸M⁻¹, at least 10⁹M⁻¹, at least 10¹⁰M⁻¹, at least 10¹¹M⁻¹, at least 10¹²M⁻¹, at least 10¹³M⁻¹, or greater.

The terms “selectively binds” or “selectively bound” or “selectively binding” or “selectively targets” and describe preferential binding of one molecule to a target molecule (on-target binding) in the presence of a plurality of off-target molecules.

An “antibody” refers to a binding agent that is a polypeptide comprising at least a light chain or heavy chain immunoglobulin variable region which specifically recognizes and binds an epitope of an antigen, such as a lipid, carbohydrate, polysaccharide, glycoprotein, peptide, or nucleic acid containing an antigenic determinant, such as those recognized by an immune cell.

An “epitope” or “antigenic determinant” refers to the region of an antigen to which a binding agent binds. In a preferred embodiment, the epitope is portion of a BCMA polypeptide. In another embodiment, the epitope is a portion of a polypeptide selected from the group consisting of: BAFFR, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD30, CD38, CD56, CD79a, CD79b, CD123, CD138, CLL-1, CS-1 (SLAMF7), HLA-DR, and TACI.

Antibodies include antigen binding fragments thereof, such as a Camel Ig, a Llama Ig, an Alpaca Ig, Ig NAR, a Fab′ fragment, a F(ab)₂fragment, a bispecific Fab dimer (Fab2), a trispecific Fab trimer (Fab3), an Fv, an single chain Fv protein (“scFv”), a bis-scFv, (scFv)₂, a minibody, a diabody, a triabody, a tetrabody, a disulfide stabilized Fv protein (“dsFv”), and a single-domain antibody (sdAb, a camelid VHH, Nanobody) and portions of full length antibodies responsible for antigen binding. The term also includes genetically engineered forms such as chimeric antibodies (for example, humanized murine antibodies), heteroconjugate antibodies (such as, bispecific antibodies) and antigen binding fragments thereof. See also, Pierce Catalog and Handbook, 1994-1995 (Pierce Chemical Co., Rockford, IL); Kuby, J., Immunology, 3_rdEd., W. H. Freeman & Co., New York, 1997.

A “linker” refers to a plurality of amino acid residues between the various polypeptide domains added for appropriate spacing and conformation of the molecule. In particular embodiments, the linker is a variable region linking sequence. A “variable region linking sequence,” is an amino acid sequence that connects the V_Hand V_Ldomains and provides a spacer function compatible with interaction of the two sub-binding domains so that the resulting polypeptide retains a specific binding affinity to the same target molecule as an antibody that comprises the same light and heavy chain variable regions. In particular embodiments, a linker separates one or more heavy or light chain variable domains, hinge domains, multimerization domains, transmembrane domains, co-stimulatory domains, and/or primary signaling domains.

Illustrated examples of linkers suitable for use in particular embodiments contemplated herein include, but are not limited to the following amino acid sequences: GGG; DGGGS (SEQ ID NO: 6); TGEKP (SEQ ID NO: 7) (see, e.g., Liu et al., PNAS 5525-5530 (1997)); GGRR (SEQ ID NO: 8) (Pomerantz et al. 1995, supra); (GGGGS)_nwherein n=1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 (SEQ ID NO: 9) (Kim et al., PNAS 93, 1156-1160 (1996.); EGKSSGSGSESKVD (SEQ ID NO: 10) (Chaudhary et al., 1990, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 87:1066-1070); KESGSVSSEQLAQFRSLD (SEQ ID NO: 11) (Bird et al., 1988, Science 242:423-426), GGRRGGGS (SEQ ID NO: 12); LRQRDGERP (SEQ ID NO: 13); LRQKDGGGSERP (SEQ ID NO: 14); LRQKD(GGGS)₂ERP (SEQ ID NO: 15). Alternatively, flexible linkers can be rationally designed using a computer program capable of modeling both DNA-binding sites and the peptides themselves (Desjarlais & Berg, PNAS 90:2256-2260 (1993), PNAS 91:11099-11103 (1994) or by phage display methods. In one embodiment, the linker comprises the following amino acid sequence: GSTSGSGKPGSGEGSTKG (SEQ ID NO: 16) (Cooper et al., Blood, 101(4): 1637-1644 (2003)).

A “spacer domain,” refers to a polypeptide that separates two domains. In one embodiment, a spacer domain moves an antigen binding domain away from the effector cell surface to enable proper cell/cell contact, antigen binding and activation (Patel et al., Gene Therapy, 1999; 6: 412-419). In particular embodiments, a spacer domain separates one or more heavy or light chain variable domains, multimerization domains, transmembrane domains, co-stimulatory domains, and/or primary signaling domains. The spacer domain may be derived either from a natural, synthetic, semi-synthetic, or recombinant source. In certain embodiments, a spacer domain is a portion of an immunoglobulin, including, but not limited to, one or more heavy chain constant regions, e.g., CH2 and CH3. The spacer domain can include the amino acid sequence of a naturally occurring immunoglobulin hinge region or an altered immunoglobulin hinge region.

A “hinge domain,” refers to a polypeptide that plays a role in positioning the antigen binding domain away from the effector cell surface to enable proper cell/cell contact, antigen binding and activation. In particular embodiments, polypeptides may comprise one or more hinge domains between the binding domain and the multimerization domain, between the binding domain and the transmembrane domain (TM), or between the multimerization domain and the transmembrane domain. The hinge domain may be derived either from a natural, synthetic, semi-synthetic, or recombinant source. The hinge domain can include the amino acid sequence of a naturally occurring immunoglobulin hinge region or an altered immunoglobulin hinge region.

A “multimerization domain,” as used herein, refers to a polypeptide that preferentially interacts or associates with another different polypeptide directly or via a bridging molecule, e.g., a chemically inducible dimerizer, wherein the interaction of different multimerization domains substantially contributes to or efficiently promotes multimerization (i.e., the formation of a dimer, trimer, or multipartite complex, which may be a homodimer, heterodimer, homotrimer, heterotrimer, homomultimer, heteromultimer). A multimerization domain may be derived either from a natural, synthetic, semi-synthetic, or recombinant source.

Illustrative examples of multimerization domains suitable for use in particular embodiments contemplated herein include an FK506 binding protein (FKBP) polypeptide or variants thereof, an FKBP-rapamycin binding (FRB) polypeptide or variants thereof, a calcineurin polypeptide or variants thereof, a cyclophilin polypeptide or variants thereof, a bacterial dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) polypeptide or variants thereof, a PYR1-like 1 (PYL1) polypeptide or variants thereof, an abscisic acid insensitive 1 (ABI1) polypeptide or variants thereof, a GIB1 polypeptide or variants thereof, or a GAI polypeptide or variants thereof.

As used herein, the term “FKBP-rapamycin binding polypeptide” refers to an FRB polypeptide. In particular embodiments, the FRB polypeptide is an FKBP12-rapamycin binding polypeptide. FRB polypeptides suitable for use in particular embodiments contemplated herein generally contain at least about 85 to about 100 amino acid residues. In certain embodiments, the FRB polypeptide comprises a 93 amino acid sequence Ile-2021 through Lys-2113 and a mutation of T2098L, with reference to GenBank Accession No. L34075.1. An FRB polypeptide contemplated herein binds to an FKBP polypeptide through a bridging factor, thereby forming a ternary complex.

As used herein, the term “FK506 binding protein” refers to an FKBP polypeptide. In particular embodiments, the FKBP polypeptide is an FKBP12 polypeptide or an FKBP12 polypeptide comprising an F36V mutation. In certain embodiments, an FKBP domain may also be referred to as a “rapamycin binding domain”. Information concerning the nucleotide sequences, cloning, and other aspects of various FKBP species is known in the art (see, e.g., Staendart et al., Nature 346:671, 1990 (human FKBP12); Kay, Biochem. J. 314:361, 1996). An FKBP polypeptide contemplated herein binds to an FRB polypeptide through a bridging factor, thereby forming a ternary complex.

A “bridging factor” refers to a molecule that associates with and that is disposed between two or more multimerization domains. In particular embodiments, multimerization domains substantially contribute to or efficiently promote formation of a polypeptide complex only in the presence of a bridging factor. In particular embodiments, multimerization domains do not contribute to or do not efficiently promote formation of a polypeptide complex in the absence of a bridging factor. Illustrative examples of bridging factors suitable for use in particular embodiments contemplated herein include, but are not limited to AP21967, rapamycin (sirolimus) or a rapalog thereof, coumermycin or a derivative thereof, gibberellin or a derivative thereof, abscisic acid (ABA) or a derivative thereof, methotrexate or a derivative thereof, cyclosporin A or a derivative thereof, FKCsA or a derivative thereof, trimethoprim (Tmp)-synthetic ligand for FKBP (SLF) or a derivative thereof, or any combination thereof.

Rapamycin analogs (rapalogs) include, but are not limited to, those disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,649,595, which rapalog structures are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In certain embodiments, a bridging factor is a rapalog with substantially reduced immunosuppressive effect as compared to rapamycin. In a preferred embodiment, the rapalog is AP21967 (also known as C-16-(S)-7-methylindolerapamycin, IC₅₀=10 nM, a chemically modified non-immunosuppressive rapamycin analogue). Other illustrative rapalogs suitable for use in particular embodiments contemplated herein include, but are not limited to, everolimus, novolimus, pimecrolimus, ridaforolimus, tacrolimus, temsirolimus, umirolimus, and zotarolimus.

A “substantially reduced immunosuppressive effect” refers to at least less than 0.1 to 0.005 times the immunosuppressive effect observed or expected for the same dose measured either clinically or in an appropriate in vitro (e.g., inhibition of T cell proliferation) or in vivo surrogate of human immunosuppressive activity.

A “transmembrane domain” or “TM domain” is a domain that anchors a polypeptide to the plasma membrane of a cell. The TM domain may be derived either from a natural, synthetic, semi-synthetic, or recombinant source.

The term “effector function” or “effector cell function” refers to a specialized function of an immune effector cell. Effector function includes, but is not limited to, activation, cytokine production, proliferation and cytotoxic activity, including the release of cytotoxic factors, or other cellular responses elicited with antigen binding to the receptor expressed on the immune effector cell.

An “intracellular signaling domain” or “endodomain” refers to the portion of a protein which transduces the effector function signal and that directs the cell to perform a specialized function. While usually the entire intracellular signaling domain can be employed, in many cases it is not necessary to use the entire domain. To the extent that a truncated portion of an intracellular signaling domain is used, such truncated portion may be used in place of the entire domain as long as it transduces an effector function signal. The term intracellular signaling domain is meant to include any truncated portion of an intracellular signaling domain necessary or sufficient to transduce an effector function signal.

It is known that signals generated through the TCR alone are insufficient for full activation of the T cell and that a secondary or co-stimulatory signal is also required. Thus, T cell activation can be said to be mediated by two distinct classes of intracellular signaling domains: primary signaling domains that initiate antigen-dependent primary activation through the TCR (e.g., a TCR/CD3 complex) and co-stimulatory signaling domains that act in an antigen-independent manner to provide a secondary or co-stimulatory signal.

A “primary signaling domain” refers to an intracellular signaling domain that regulates the primary activation of the TCR complex either in a stimulatory way, or in an inhibitory way. Primary signaling domains that act in a stimulatory manner may contain signaling motifs which are known as immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs or ITAMs. Illustrative examples of ITAM containing primary signaling domains that are suitable for use in particular embodiments include, but are not limited to those derived from FcRγ, FcRβ, CD3γ, CD3δ, CD3ε, CD3ζ, CD22, CD79a, CD79b, and CD66d.

As used herein, the term, “costimulatory signaling domain,” or “costimulatory domain” refers to an intracellular signaling domain of a costimulatory molecule. Co-stimulatory molecules are cell surface molecules other than antigen receptors or Fc receptors that provide a second signal required for efficient activation and function of T lymphocytes upon binding to antigen. Illustrative examples of such costimulatory molecules from which costimulatory domains may be isolated include, but are not limited to: Toll-like receptor 1 (TLR1), TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6, TLR7, TLR8, TLR9, TLR10, caspase recruitment domain family member 11 (CARD11), CD2, CD7, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD40, CD54 (ICAM), CD83, CD94, CD134 (OX40), CD137 (4-1BB), CD278 (ICOS), DNAX-Activation Protein 10 (DAP10), Linker for activation of T-cells family member 1 (LAT), SH2 Domain-Containing Leukocyte Protein Of 76 kD (SLP76), T cell receptor associated transmembrane adaptor 1 (TRAT1), TNFR2, TNF receptor superfamily member 14 (TNFRS14; HVEM), TNF receptor superfamily member 18 (TNFRS18; GITR), TNF receptor superfamily member 25 (TNFRS25; DR3), and zeta chain of T cell receptor associated protein kinase 70 (ZAP70).

Additional definitions are set forth throughout this disclosure.

C. BCMA DARICs

In particular embodiments, one or more DARIC receptors that redirect cytotoxicity of immune effector cells toward cancer cells overexpressing BCMA are contemplated. As used herein, the term “BCMA DARIC receptor” refers to one or more recombinant, synthetic, or non-naturally occurring polypeptides that transduces an immunostimulatory signal in an immune effector cell upon exposure to a multimerizing agent or bridging factor, e.g., stimulating immune effector cell activity and function, increasing production and/or secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. In preferred embodiments, a BCMA DARIC is a multi-chain chimeric receptor comprising one or more DARIC signaling components and one or more DARIC binding components that recognize one or more epitopes of a BCMA polypeptide.

In particular embodiments, a BCMA DARIC signaling component, a BCMA binding component, and another DARIC binding component that is directed against another target antigen, e.g., BAFFR, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD30, CD38, CD56, CD79a, CD79b, CD123, CD138, CLL-1, CS-1 (SLAMF7), HLA-DR, and TACI are contemplated.

In one embodiment, a DARIC signaling component and one or more DARIC binding components are expressed from the same cell. In another embodiment, a DARIC signaling component and one or more DARIC binding components are expressed from different cells. In a particular embodiment, a DARIC signaling component is expressed from a cell and one or more DARIC binding components are supplied exogenously, as a polypeptide. In one embodiment, one or more DARIC binding components are pre-loaded with a bridging factor supplied exogenously to a cell expressing a DARIC signaling component.

1. BCMA DARIC Signaling Component

A “DARIC signaling component” or “DARIC signaling polypeptide” refers to a polypeptide comprising one or more multimerization domains, a transmembrane domain, and one or more intracellular signaling domains. In particular embodiments, a DARIC signaling component comprises a multimerization domain, a transmembrane domain, a costimulatory domain and/or a primary signaling domain. In particular embodiments, a DARIC signaling component comprises a first multimerization domain, a first transmembrane domain, a first costimulatory domain and/or a primary signaling domain.

In particular embodiments, a DARIC signaling component comprises one or more multimerization domains.

Illustrative examples of multimerization domains suitable for use in particular DARIC signaling components contemplated herein include, but are not limited to, an FK506 binding protein (FKBP) polypeptide or variants thereof, an FKBP-rapamycin binding (FRB) polypeptide or variants thereof, a calcineurin polypeptide or variants thereof, a cyclophilin polypeptide or variants thereof, a bacterial dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) polypeptide or variants thereof, a PYR1-like 1 (PYL1) polypeptide or variants thereof and an abscisic acid insensitive 1 (ABI1) polypeptide or variants thereof.

In particular embodiments, a DARIC signaling component comprises an FRB polypeptide. In particular preferred embodiments, a DARIC signaling component comprises an FRB polypeptide comprising a T2098L mutation, or variant thereof.

In certain preferred embodiments, a BCMA DARIC signaling component comprises an FKBP12 polypeptide or variant thereof.

In particular embodiments, a DARIC signaling component comprises a transmembrane domain.

Illustrative examples of transmembrane domains suitable for use in particular BCMA DARIC signaling components contemplated herein include, but are not limited to, the transmembrane region(s) of the alpha, beta, gamma, or delta chain of a T-cell receptor, CD3ε, CD3ζ, CD4, CD5, CD8α, CD9, CD 16, CD22, CD27, CD28, CD33, CD37, CD45, CD64, CD71, CD80, CD86, CD 134, CD137, CD152, CD 154, amnionless (AMN), and programmed cell death 1 (PDCD1). In preferred embodiments, a DARIC signaling component comprises a CD4 transmembrane domain or a CD8α transmembrane domain. In particular preferred embodiments, a DARIC signaling component comprises a CD8α transmembrane domain.

In particular embodiments, a DARIC signaling component comprises a linker that links the C-terminus of the transmembrane domain to the N-terminus of an intracellular signaling domain. In various preferred embodiments, a short oligo- or poly-peptide linker, preferably between 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 amino acids in length links the transmembrane domain and an intracellular signaling domain. A glycine-serine based linker provides a particularly suitable linker.

DARIC signaling components contemplated in particular embodiments herein comprise one or more intracellular signaling domains. In one embodiment, a DARIC signaling component comprises one or more costimulatory signaling domains and/or a primary signaling domain. In one embodiment, the intracellular signaling domain comprises an immunoreceptor tyrosine activation motif (ITAM).

Illustrative examples of ITAM containing primary signaling domains that are suitable for use in particular DARIC signaling components contemplated herein include, but are not limited to those derived from FcRγ, FcRβ, CD3γ, CD3δ, CD3ε, CD3ζ, CD22, CD79a, CD79b, and CD66d. In preferred embodiments, a DARIC signaling component comprises a CD3ζ primary signaling domain and one or more costimulatory signaling domains. The primary signaling and costimulatory signaling domains may be linked in any order in tandem to the carboxyl terminus of the transmembrane domain.

Illustrative examples of costimulatory domains suitable for use in particular DARIC signaling components contemplated herein include, but are not limited to those domains isolated from the following costimulatory molecules: Toll-like receptor 1 (TLR1), TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6, TLR7, TLR8, TLR9, TLR10, caspase recruitment domain family member 11 (CARD11), CD2, CD7, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD40, CD54 (ICAM), CD83, CD94, CD134 (OX40), CD137 (4-1BB), CD278 (ICOS), DNAX-Activation Protein 10 (DAP10), Linker for activation of T-cells family member 1 (LAT), SH2 Domain-Containing Leukocyte Protein Of 76 kD (SLP76), T cell receptor associated transmembrane adaptor 1 (TRAT1), TNFR2, TNFRS14, TNFRS18, TNFRS25, and zeta chain of T cell receptor associated protein kinase 70 (ZAP70).

In particular embodiments, a DARIC signaling component contemplated herein comprises a signal peptide, e.g., secretion signal peptide, and do not comprise a transmembrane domain. Illustrative examples of signal peptides suitable for use in particular DARIC signaling components include but are not limited to an IgG1 heavy chain signal polypeptide, an Igκ light chain signal polypeptide, a CD8α signal polypeptide, or a human GM-CSF receptor alpha signal polypeptide. In various preferred embodiments, a DARIC signaling component comprises a CD8α signal polypeptide.

In particular embodiments, a DARIC signaling component comprises one or more costimulatory signaling domains selected from the group consisting of CD28, CD137, and CD134. In particular embodiments, a DARIC signaling component comprises one or more costimulatory signaling domains selected from the group consisting of CD28, CD137, and CD134, and a CD3ζ primary signaling domain. In a particular embodiment, a DARIC signaling component comprises a CD137 costimulatory domain and a CD3ζ primary signaling domain.

In preferred embodiments, a BCMA DARIC signaling component comprises an FRB T2098L multimerization domain, a CD8α transmembrane domain, a CD137 costimulatory domain and a CD3ζ primary signaling domain.

2. DARIC Binding Component

A “DARIC binding component” or “DARIC binding polypeptide” refers to a polypeptide comprising a binding domain that binds one or more epitopes of a BCMA polypeptide and one or more multimerization domains. In particular embodiments the DARIC binding component comprises a transmembrane domain, e.g., a second transmembrane domain. In particular embodiments, the DARIC binding component comprises a binding domain that binds a BCMA polypeptide, a second multimerization domain, and a second transmembrane domain. In other particular embodiments, the DARIC binding component comprises a multimerization domain, a transmembrane domain and one or more intracellular signaling domains. In particular embodiments, the DARIC binding component comprises a binding domain that binds a BCMA polypeptide, a second multimerization domain, a second transmembrane domain, and a second costimulatory domain.

In particular embodiments, one or more DARIC binding components comprises are expressed: a DARIC binding component that comprises a binding domain that binds a BCMA polypeptide, a second multimerization domain, a second transmembrane domain, and optionally, a second costimulatory domain.; and a DARIC binding component that comprises a binding domain that binds an antigen expressed on a normal or malignant B cell or plasma cell, e.g., BAFFR, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD30, CD38, CD56, CD79a, CD79b, CD123, CD138, CLL-1, CS-1 (SLAMF7), HLA-DR, and TACI.

Illustrative examples of binding domains suitable for use in particular DARIC binding components include, but are not limited to, antibodies or antigen binding fragments thereof, that bind to and one or more epitopes of BAFFR, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD30, CD38, CD56, CD79a, CD79b, CD123, CD138, CLL-1, CS-1 (SLAMF7), HLA-DR, and TACI.

Illustrative examples of antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof suitable for use in particular DARIC binding components include, but are not limited to, a Camel Ig, a Llama Ig, an Alpaca Ig, Ig NAR, a Fab′ fragment, a F(ab′)2 fragment, a bispecific Fab dimer (Fab2), a trispecific Fab trimer (Fab3), an Fv, an single chain Fv protein (“scFv”), a bis-scFv, (scFv)₂, a minibody, a diabody, a triabody, a tetrabody, a disulfide stabilized Fv protein (“dsFv”), and a single-domain antibody (sdAb, a camelid VHH, Nanobody).

In particular embodiments, the binding domain that binds BCMA comprises APRIL or BAFF or a BCMA binding fragment thereof.

In particular embodiments, antibodies and antigen binding fragments thereof suitable for use in particular DARIC binding components include, but are not limited to, murine antibodies, camelid antibodies, chimeric antibodies, humanized antibodies, or human antibodies. In particular embodiments, the antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof is derived from a monoclonal antibody.

In particular embodiments, the binding domain comprises one or more humanized camelid VHH antibodies that bind to one or more BCMA epitopes.

In particular embodiments, the binding domain comprises one or more humanized camelid VHH antibodies that bind to one or more BCMA epitopes and one or more scFvs or humanized camelid VHH antibodies that bind an antigen expressed on normal or malignant B cells or plasma cells.

In particular preferred embodiments, the binding domain is a humanized or human scFv that binds to a BCMA polypeptide.

In particular embodiments, the binding domain comprises one or more scFvs that bind to one or more BCMA epitopes and one or more humanized camelid VHH antibodies or scFvs that bind an antigen expressed on normal or malignant B cells or plasma cells.

In certain preferred embodiments, the binding domain that binds BCMA is a humanized or human scFv that competes with a C11D5.3 anti-BCMA antibody disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,034,324, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In other preferred embodiments, the binding domain that binds BCMA is a C11D5.3 scFv or variant thereof.

In particular embodiments, a DARIC binding component comprises one or more multimerization domains.

Illustrative examples of multimerization domains suitable for use in particular DARIC binding components contemplated herein include, but are not limited to, an FKBP polypeptide or variants thereof, an FRB polypeptide or variants thereof, a calcineurin polypeptide or variants thereof, a cyclophilin polypeptide or variants thereof, a DHFR polypeptide or variants thereof, a PYL1 polypeptide or variants thereof and an ABI1 polypeptide or variants thereof.

In particular embodiments, a DARIC binding component comprises an FRB polypeptide or variant thereof and a DARIC signaling component comprises an FKBP polypeptide or variant thereof. In preferred embodiments, a DARIC binding component comprises an FRB polypeptide comprising a T2098L mutation, or variant thereof and a DARIC signaling component comprises an FKBP12 polypeptide or variant thereof.

In particular embodiments, a DARIC binding component comprises an FKBP polypeptide or variant thereof and a DARIC signaling component comprises an FRB polypeptide, or variant thereof. In preferred embodiments, a DARIC binding component comprises an FKBP12 polypeptide, or variant thereof and a DARIC signaling component comprises an FRB polypeptide comprising a T2098L mutation, or variant thereof.

In certain embodiments, a DARIC binding component comprises a spacer or hinge domain. The hinge domain is preferably positioned between the binding domain and the multimerization domain. In particular embodiments, the spacer domain comprises the CH2 and CH3 of IgG1, IgG4, or IgD. In particular embodiments, the spacer domain comprises a CD28 hinge domain.

In particular embodiments, a DARIC binding component comprises a transmembrane domain. In one embodiment, the transmembrane domain may be the same as the transmembrane domain used in the DARIC signaling component. In a preferred embodiment, the transmembrane domain is different from the transmembrane domain used in the DARIC signaling component.

Illustrative examples of transmembrane domains suitable for use in particular DARIC binding components contemplated herein include, but are not limited to, the transmembrane region(s) of the alpha, beta, gamma, or delta chain of a T-cell receptor, CD3ε, CD3ζ, CD4, CD5, CD8α, CD9, CD 16, CD22, CD27, CD28, CD33, CD37, CD45, CD64, CD71, CD80, CD86, CD 134, CD137, CD152, CD 154, amnionless (AMN), and programmed cell death 1 (PDCD1). In a preferred embodiment, a DARIC binding component comprises a CD4 transmembrane domain or an AMN transmembrane domain. In a preferred embodiment, a DARIC binding component comprises an AMN transmembrane domain.

In various preferred embodiments, a short oligo- or poly-peptide linker, preferably between 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 amino acids in length links the transmembrane domain and the intracellular signaling domain. A glycine-serine based linker provides a particularly suitable linker.

DARIC binding components contemplated in particular embodiments herein do not comprise one or more intracellular signaling domains.

In other particular embodiments, DARIC binding components contemplated herein comprise one or more intracellular signaling domains. In preferred embodiments, wherein the DARIC binding component comprises one or more intracellular signaling domains, those domains are different that the intracellular signaling domains present in the cognate DARIC signaling component. In one embodiment, a DARIC binding component comprises a costimulatory signaling domain.

Illustrative examples of costimulatory domains suitable for use in particular DARIC binding components contemplated herein include, but are not limited to those domains isolated from the following costimulatory molecules: Toll-like receptor 1 (TLR1), TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6, TLR7, TLR8, TLR9, TLR10, caspase recruitment domain family member 11 (CARD11), CD2, CD7, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD40, CD54 (ICAM), CD83, CD94, CD134 (OX40), CD137 (4-1BB), CD278 (ICOS), DNAX-Activation Protein 10 (DAP10), Linker for activation of T-cells family member 1 (LAT), SH2 Domain-Containing Leukocyte Protein Of 76 kD (SLP76), T cell receptor associated transmembrane adaptor 1 (TRAT1), TNFR2, TNFRS14, TNFRS18, TNFRS25, and zeta chain of T cell receptor associated protein kinase 70 (ZAP70).

In a preferred embodiment, the costimulatory domain is TNRF2.

In particular embodiments, a DARIC binding component contemplated herein comprises a signal peptide, e.g., secretion signal peptide, and do not comprise a transmembrane domain. Illustrative examples of signal peptides suitable for use in particular DARIC binding components include but are not limited to an IgG1 heavy chain signal polypeptide, an Igκ light chain signal polypeptide, a CD8α signal polypeptide, or a human GM-CSF receptor alpha signal polypeptide. In various preferred embodiments, a DARIC binding component comprises a Igκ light chain signal polypeptide.

In particular embodiments, a DARIC binding component comprises an scFv that binds to one or more BCMA epitopes, an FKBP12 multimerization domain, and a CD4 transmembrane domain or an AMN transmembrane domain, and optionally a TNFR2 costimulatory domain.

In certain embodiments, a DARIC binding component comprises an scFv that binds to one or more BCMA epitopes and an FKBP12 multimerization domain.

In some embodiments, a DARIC binding component comprises an scFv that competes with a C11D5.3 anti-BCMA antibody or antigen binding fragment thereof for binding to a BCMA polypeptide, an FKBP12 multimerization domain, and a CD4 transmembrane domain or an AMN transmembrane domain, and optionally a TNFR2 costimulatory domain.

In particular embodiments, a DARIC binding component comprises an scFv that competes with a C11D5.3 anti-BCMA for binding to a BCMA polypeptide and an FKBP12 multimerization domain.

In some embodiments, a DARIC binding component comprises an scFv derived from a C11D5.3 anti-BCMA antibody, an FKBP12 multimerization domain, and a CD4 transmembrane domain or an AMN transmembrane domain, and optionally a TNFR2 costimulatory domain.

In particular embodiments, a DARIC binding component comprises an scFv derived from a C11D5.3 anti-BCMA antibody and an FKBP12 multimerization domain.

In particular embodiments, a DARIC binding component comprises a binding domain that binds an antigen expressed on a normal or malignant B cell or plasma cell, an FKBP12 multimerization domain, and a CD4 transmembrane domain or an AMN transmembrane domain, and optionally a TNFR2 costimulatory domain.

3. Bridging Factor

Bridging factors contemplated in particular embodiments herein, mediate or promote the association of one or more DARIC signaling components with one or more DARIC binding components through multimerization domains in the respective components. A bridging factor associates with and is disposed between the multimerization domains to promote association of a DARIC signaling component and a DARIC binding component. In the presence of a bridging factor, the DARIC binding component and the DARIC signaling component associate and initiate immune effector cell activity against a target cell when the DARIC binding polypeptide is bound to a target antigen on the target cell. In the absence of a bridging factor, the DARIC binding component does not associate with the DARIC signaling component and the DARIC is inactive.

In particular embodiments, a BCMA DARIC signaling component and a BCMA DARIC binding component comprise a cognate pair of multimerization domains selected from the group consisting of: FKBP and FKBP12-rapamycin binding (FRB), FKBP and calcineurin, FKBP and cyclophilin, FKBP and bacterial dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), calcineurin and cyclophilin, and PYR1-like 1 (PYL1) and abscisic acid insensitive 1 (ABI1).

In certain embodiments, the multimerization domains of DARIC signaling and binding components associate with a bridging factor selected from the group consisting of: rapamycin or a rapalog thereof, coumermycin or a derivative thereof, gibberellin or a derivative thereof, abscisic acid (ABA) or a derivative thereof, methotrexate or a derivative thereof, cyclosporin A or a derivative thereof, FK506/cyclosporin A (FKCsA) or a derivative thereof, and trimethoprim (Tmp)-synthetic ligand for FK506 binding protein (FKBP) (SLF) or a derivative thereof.

In particular embodiments, a BCMA DARIC signaling component and a BCMA DARIC binding component comprise one or more FRB and/or FKBP multimerization domains or variants thereof. In certain embodiments, a BCMA DARIC signaling component comprises an FRB multimerization domain or variant thereof and a BCMA DARIC binding component comprises an FKBP multimerization domain or variant thereof. In particular preferred embodiments, a BCMA DARIC signaling component comprises an FRB T2098L multimerization domain or variant thereof and a BCMA DARIC binding component comprises an FKBP12 or FKBP12 F36V multimerization domains or variant thereof.

In particular embodiments, a BCMA DARIC signaling component, a BCMA DARIC binding component, and a DARIC binding component that binds a B cell or plasma cell antigen comprise one or more FRB and/or FKBP multimerization domains or variants thereof. In certain embodiments, a BCMA DARIC signaling component comprises an FRB multimerization domain or variant thereof and a BCMA DARIC binding component and a DARIC binding component that binds a B cell or plasma cell antigen comprise an FKBP multimerization domain or variant thereof. In particular preferred embodiments, a BCMA DARIC signaling component comprises an FRB T2098L multimerization domain or variant thereof and a BCMA DARIC binding component and a DARIC binding component that binds a B cell or plasma cell antigen comprise an FKBP12 or FKBP12 F36V multimerization domains or variant thereof.

Illustrative examples of bridging factors suitable for use in particular embodiments contemplated herein include, but are not limited to, AP1903, AP20187, AP21967 (also known as C-16-(S)-7-methylindolerapamycin), everolimus, novolimus, pimecrolimus, ridaforolimus, tacrolimus, temsirolimus, umirolimus, and zotarolimus. In particular preferred embodiments, the bridging factor is AP21967. In certain preferred embodiments, the bridging factor is a non-immunosuppressive dose of sirolimus (rapamycin).

D. Polypeptides

Various polypeptides are contemplated herein, including, but not limited to, BCMA DARICs, BCMA DARIC binding components, DARIC binding components that bind B cell or plasma cell antigens, BCMA DARIC signaling components, fusion proteins comprising the foregoing polypeptides and fragments thereof. In preferred embodiments, a polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-3. “Polypeptide,” “peptide” and “protein” are used interchangeably, unless specified to the contrary, and according to conventional meaning, i.e., as a sequence of amino acids. In one embodiment, a “polypeptide” includes fusion polypeptides and other variants. Polypeptides can be prepared using any of a variety of well-known recombinant and/or synthetic techniques. Polypeptides are not limited to a specific length, e.g., they may comprise a full-length protein sequence, a fragment of a full-length protein, or a fusion protein, and may include post-translational modifications of the polypeptide, for example, glycosylations, acetylations, phosphorylations and the like, as well as other modifications known in the art, both naturally occurring and non-naturally occurring. In particular preferred embodiments, fusion polypeptides, polypeptides, fragments and other variants thereof are prepared, obtained, or isolated from one or more human polypeptides.

An “isolated peptide” or an “isolated polypeptide” and the like, as used herein, refer to in vitro isolation and/or purification of a peptide or polypeptide molecule from a cellular environment, and from association with other components of the cell, i.e., it is not significantly associated with in vivo substances. In particular embodiments, an isolated polypeptide is a synthetic polypeptide, a semi-synthetic polypeptide, or a polypeptide obtained or derived from a recombinant source.

Polypeptides include “polypeptide variants.” Polypeptide variants may differ from a naturally occurring polypeptide in one or more substitutions, deletions, additions and/or insertions. Such variants may be naturally occurring or may be synthetically generated, for example, by modifying one or more of the above polypeptide sequences. For example, in particular embodiments, it may be desirable to improve the binding affinity and/or other biological properties of a polypeptide by introducing one or more substitutions, deletions, additions and/or insertions the polypeptide. In particular embodiments, polypeptides include polypeptides having at least about 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 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%, 86%, 97%, 98%, or 99% amino acid identity to any of the reference sequences contemplated herein, typically where the variant maintains at least one biological activity of the reference sequence. In particular embodiments, the biological activity is binding affinity. In particular embodiments, the biological activity is enzymatic activity.

In certain embodiments, a BCMA DARIC comprises a polypeptide complex comprising (i) a first polypeptide, e.g., first fusion polypeptide, comprising a first multimerization domain and (ii) second polypeptide, e.g., second fusion polypeptide, comprising a second multimerization domain.

In certain embodiments, a BCMA DARIC comprises a polypeptide complex comprising (i) a first polypeptide, e.g., first fusion polypeptide, comprising a first multimerization domain (ii) a second polypeptide, e.g., second fusion polypeptide, comprising a second multimerization domain; and (iii) a third polypeptide, e.g., third fusion polypeptide, comprising a third multimerization domain.

In particular embodiments, the multimerization domains are the same; in certain embodiments, the first multimerization domain is different than the second and/or third multimerization domains. In particular embodiments, the second and third multimerization domains are the same. In particular embodiments, the second and third multimerization domains are different. The first and second multimerization domains and/or the first and third multimerization domains substantially contribute to or efficiently promote formation of the polypeptide complex in the presence of a bridging factor. The interaction(s) between the first and second multimerization domains and/or the first and third multimerization domains substantially contributes to or efficiently promotes the multimerization of the first and second fusion polypeptides and/or first and third fusion polypeptides if there is a statistically significant reduction in the association between the first and second fusion polypeptides and/or the first and third fusion polypeptides in the absence of the first multimerization domain, the second multimerization domain, or the bridging factor. In certain embodiments, when the first and second (and/or third) fusion polypeptides are co-expressed, at least about 60%, for instance, at least about 60% to about 70%, at least about 70% to about 80%, at least about 80% to about 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%, and at least about 90% to about 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of the first and second (and/or third) single chain polypeptides form multimers with each other in the presence of a bridging factor.

Polypeptides variants include biologically active “polypeptide fragments.” Illustrative examples of biologically active polypeptide fragments include but are not limited to signal peptides, binding domains, multimerization domains, transmembrane domains, intracellular signaling domains, and the like. As used herein, the term “biologically active fragment” or “minimal biologically active fragment” refers to a polypeptide fragment that retains at least 100%, at least 90%, at least 80%, at least 70%, at least 60%, at least 50%, at least 40%, at least 30%, at least 20%, at least 10%, or at least 5% of the naturally occurring polypeptide activity. In certain embodiments, a polypeptide fragment can comprise an amino acid chain at least 5 to about 1700 amino acids long. It will be appreciated that in certain embodiments, fragments are at least 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, 100, 110, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 550, 600, 650, 700, 750, 800, 850, 900, 950, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300, 1400, 1500, 1600, 1700 or more amino acids long.

In particular embodiments, the polypeptides set forth herein may comprise one or more amino acids denoted as “X.” “X” if present in an amino acid SEQ ID NO, refers to any one or more amino acids. In particular embodiments, SEQ ID NOs denoting a fusion protein comprise a sequence of continuous X residues that cumulatively represent any amino acid sequence.

As noted above, polypeptides may be altered in various ways including amino acid substitutions, deletions, truncations, and insertions. Methods for such manipulations are generally known in the art. For example, amino acid sequence variants of a reference polypeptide can be prepared by mutations in the DNA. Methods for mutagenesis and nucleotide sequence alterations are well known in the art. See, for example, Kunkel (1985, Proc. Natl. Acad Sci. USA. 82: 488-492), Kunkel et al., (1987, Methods in Enzymol, 154: 367-382), U.S. Pat. No. 4,873,192, Watson, J. D. et al., (Molecular Biology of the Gene, Fourth Edition, Benjamin/Cummings, Menlo Park, Calif, 1987) and the references cited therein. Guidance as to appropriate amino acid substitutions that do not affect biological activity of the protein of interest may be found in the model of Dayhoff et al., (1978) Atlas of Protein Sequence and Structure (Natl. Biomed. Res. Found, Washington, D.C.).

In certain embodiments, a polypeptide variant comprises one or more conservative substitutions. A “conservative substitution” is one in which an amino acid is substituted for another amino acid that has similar properties, such that one skilled in the art of peptide chemistry would expect the secondary structure and hydropathic nature of the polypeptide to be substantially unchanged. Modifications may be made in the structure of the polynucleotides and polypeptides contemplated in particular embodiments and still obtain a functional molecule that encodes a variant or derivative polypeptide with desirable characteristics. When it is desired to alter the amino acid sequence of a polypeptide to create an equivalent, or even an improved, variant polypeptide, one skilled in the art, for example, can change one or more of the codons of the encoding DNA sequence, e.g., according to Table 1.

TABLE 1

Amino Acid Codons

One
Three

letter
letter

Amino Acids
code
code
Codons

Alanine
A
Ala
GCA
GCC
GCG
GCU

Cysteine
C
Cys
UGC
UGU

Aspartic acid
D
Asp
GAC
GAU

Glutamic acid
E
Glu
GAA
GAG

Phenylalanine
F
Phe
UUC
UUU

Glycine
G
Gly
GGA
GGC
GGG
GGU

Histidine
H
His
CAC
CAU

Isoleucine
I
Iso
AUA
AUC
AUU

Lysine
K
Lys
AAA
AAG

Leucine
L
Leu
UUA
UUG
CUA
CUC
CUG
CUU

Methionine
M
Met
AUG

Asparagine
N
Asn
AAC
AAU

Proline
P
Pro
CCA
CCC
CCG
CCU

Glutamine
Q
Gln
CAA
CAG

Arginine
R
Arg
AGA
AGG
CGA
CGC
CGG
CGU

Serine
S
Ser
AGC
AGU
UCA
UCC
UCG
UCU

Threonine
T
Thr
ACA
ACC
ACG
ACU

Valine
V
Val
GUA
GUC
GUG
GUU

Tryptophan
W
Trp
UGG

Tyrosine
Y
Tyr
UAC
UAU

Guidance in determining which amino acid residues can be substituted, inserted, or deleted without abolishing biological activity can be found using computer programs well known in the art, such as DNASTAR, DNA Strider, Geneious, Mac Vector, or Vector NTI software. Preferably, amino acid changes in the protein variants disclosed herein are conservative amino acid changes, i.e., substitutions of similarly charged or uncharged amino acids. A conservative amino acid change involves substitution of one of a family of amino acids which are related in their side chains. Naturally occurring amino acids are generally divided into four families: acidic (aspartate, glutamate), basic (lysine, arginine, histidine), non-polar (alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, proline, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan), and uncharged polar (glycine, asparagine, glutamine, cysteine, serine, threonine, tyrosine) amino acids. Phenylalanine, tryptophan, and tyrosine are sometimes classified jointly as aromatic amino acids. In a peptide or protein, suitable conservative substitutions of amino acids are known to those of skill in this art and generally can be made without altering a biological activity of a resulting molecule. Those of skill in this art recognize that, in general, single amino acid substitutions in non-essential regions of a polypeptide do not substantially alter biological activity (see, e.g., Watson et al. Molecular Biology of the Gene, 4th Edition, 1987, The Benjamin/Cummings Pub. Co., p. 224).

In one embodiment, where expression of two or more polypeptides is desired, the polynucleotide sequences encoding them can be separated by an IRES sequence as disclosed elsewhere herein.

Polypeptides contemplated in particular embodiments include fusion polypeptides. In particular embodiments, fusion polypeptides and polynucleotides encoding fusion polypeptides are provided. Fusion polypeptides and fusion proteins refer to a polypeptide having at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, or ten polypeptide segments. In preferred embodiments, a fusion polypeptide comprises one or more BCMA DARIC components. In other preferred embodiments, the fusion polypeptide comprises one or more BCMA DARICs.

In another embodiment, two or more BCMA DARIC components and/or other polypeptides can be expressed as a fusion protein that comprises one or more self-cleaving peptide sequences between the polypeptides as disclosed elsewhere herein.

In particular embodiments, a fusion polypeptide comprises a BCMA DARIC signaling component, a BCMA binding component, and another DARIC binding component that is directed against another target antigen, e.g., BAFFR, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD30, CD38, CD56, CD79a, CD79b, CD123, CD138, CLL-1, CS-1 (SLAMF7), HLA-DR, and TACI.

Fusion polypeptides can comprise one or more polypeptide domains or segments including, but are not limited to signal peptides, cell permeable peptide domains (CPP), binding domains, signaling domains, etc., epitope tags (e.g., maltose binding protein (“MBP”), glutathione S transferase (GST), HIS6, MYC, FLAG, V5, VSV-G, and HA), polypeptide linkers, and polypeptide cleavage signals. Fusion polypeptides are typically linked C-terminus to N-terminus, although they can also be linked C-terminus to C-terminus, N-terminus to N-terminus, or N-terminus to C-terminus. In particular embodiments, the polypeptides of the fusion protein can be in any order. Fusion polypeptides or fusion proteins can also include conservatively modified variants, polymorphic variants, alleles, mutants, subsequences, and interspecies homologs, so long as the desired activity of the fusion polypeptide is preserved. Fusion polypeptides may be produced by chemical synthetic methods or by chemical linkage between the two moieties or may generally be prepared using other standard techniques. Ligated DNA sequences comprising the fusion polypeptide are operably linked to suitable transcriptional or translational control elements as disclosed elsewhere herein.

Fusion polypeptides may optionally comprise one or more linkers that can be used to link the one or more polypeptides or domains within a polypeptide. A peptide linker sequence may be employed to separate any two or more polypeptide components by a distance sufficient to ensure that each polypeptide folds into its appropriate secondary and tertiary structures so as to allow the polypeptide domains to exert their desired functions. Such a peptide linker sequence is incorporated into the fusion polypeptide using standard techniques in the art. Suitable peptide linker sequences may be chosen based on the following factors: (1) their ability to adopt a flexible extended conformation; (2) their inability to adopt a secondary structure that could interact with functional epitopes on the first and second polypeptides; and (3) the lack of hydrophobic or charged residues that might react with the polypeptide functional epitopes. In particular embodiments, preferred peptide linker sequences contain Gly, Asn and Ser residues. Other near neutral amino acids, such as Thr and Ala may also be used in the linker sequence. Amino acid sequences which may be usefully employed as linkers include those disclosed in Maratea et al., Gene 40:39-46, 1985; Murphy et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 83:8258-8262, 1986; U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,935,233 and 4,751,180. Linker sequences are not required when a particular fusion polypeptide segment contains non-essential N-terminal amino acid regions that can be used to separate the functional domains and prevent steric interference. In particular embodiments, preferred linkers are typically flexible amino acid subsequences which are synthesized as part of a recombinant fusion protein. Linker polypeptides can be between 1 and 200 amino acids in length, between 1 and 100 amino acids in length, or between 1 and 50 amino acids in length, including all integer values in between.

Exemplary polypeptide cleavage signals include polypeptide cleavage recognition sites such as protease cleavage sites, nuclease cleavage sites (e.g., rare restriction enzyme recognition sites, self-cleaving ribozyme recognition sites), and self-cleaving viral oligopeptides (see deFelipe and Ryan, 2004. Traffic, 5(8); 616-26).

In another embodiment, two or more polypeptides can be expressed as a fusion protein that comprises one or more self-cleaving polypeptide sequences as disclosed elsewhere herein.

Suitable protease cleavages sites and self-cleaving peptides are known to the skilled person (see, e.g., in Ryan et al., 1997. J. Gener. Virol. 78, 699-722; Scymczak et al. (2004) Nature Biotech. 589-594). Exemplary protease cleavage sites include, but are not limited to the cleavage sites of potyvirus NIa proteases (e.g., tobacco etch virus protease), potyvirus HC proteases, potyvirus P1 (P35) proteases, byovirus NIa proteases, byovirus RNA-2-encoded proteases, aphthovirus L proteases, enterovirus 2A proteases, rhinovirus 2A proteases, picorna 3C proteases, comovirus 24K proteases, nepovirus 24K proteases, RTSV (rice tungro spherical virus) 3C-like protease, PYVF (parsnip yellow fleck virus) 3 C-like protease, heparin, thrombin, factor Xa and enterokinase. Due to its high cleavage stringency, TEV (tobacco etch virus) protease cleavage sites are preferred in one embodiment, e.g., EXXYXQ(G/S) (SEQ ID NO: 17), for example, ENLYFQG (SEQ ID NO: 18) and ENLYFQS (SEQ ID NO: 19), wherein X represents any amino acid (cleavage by TEV occurs between Q and G or Q and S).

In particular embodiments, the polypeptide cleavage signal is a viral self-cleaving peptide or ribosomal skipping sequence.

Illustrative examples of ribosomal skipping sequences include, but are not limited to: a 2A or 2A-like site, sequence or domain (Donnelly et al., 2001. J. Gen. Viral. 82:1027-1041). In a particular embodiment, the viral 2A peptide is an aphthovirus 2A peptide, a potyvirus 2A peptide, or a cardiovirus 2A peptide.

In one embodiment, the viral 2A peptide is selected from the group consisting of: a foot-and-mouth disease virus (FIVIDV) 2A peptide, an equine rhinitis A virus (ERAV) 2A peptide, a Thosea asigna virus (TaV) 2A peptide, a porcine teschovirus-1 (PTV-1) 2A peptide, a Theilovirus 2A peptide, and an encephalomyocarditis virus 2A peptide.

Illustrative examples of 2A sites are provided in Table 2.

TABLE 2

SEQ ID NO: 20
GSGATNFSLLKQAGDVEENPGP

SEQ ID NO: 21
ATNFSLLKQAGDVEENPGP

SEQ ID NO: 22
LLKQAGDVEENPGP

SEQ ID NO: 23
GSGEGRGSLLTCGDVEENPGP

SEQ ID NO: 24
EGRGSLLTCGDVEENPGP

SEQ ID NO: 25
LLTCGDVEENPGP

SEQ ID NO: 26
GSGQCTNYALLKLAGDVESNPGP

SEQ ID NO: 27
QCTNYALLKLAGDVESNPGP

SEQ ID NO: 28
LLKLAGDVESNPGP

SEQ ID NO: 29
GSGVKQTLNFDLLKLAGDVESNPGP

SEQ ID NO: 30
VKQTLNFDLLKLAGDVESNPGP

SEQ ID NO: 31
LLKLAGDVESNPGP

SEQ ID NO: 32
LLNFDLLKLAGDVESNPGP

SEQ ID NO: 33
TLNFDLLKLAGDVESNPGP

SEQ ID NO: 34
LLKLAGDVESNPGP

SEQ ID NO: 35
NFDLLKLAGDVESNPGP

SEQ ID NO: 36
QLLNFDLLKLAGDVESNPGP

SEQ ID NO: 37
APVKQTLNFDLLKLAGDVESNPGP

SEQ ID NO: 38
VTELLYRMKRAETYCPRPLLAIHPTEARHKQKI

VAPVKQT

SEQ ID NO: 39
LNFDLLKLAGDVESNPGP

SEQ ID NO: 40
LLAIHPTEARHKQKIVAPVKQTLNFDLLKLAGD

VESNPGP

SEQ ID NO: 41
EARHKQKIVAPVKQTLNFDLLKLAGDVESNPGP

In preferred embodiments, a polypeptide or fusion polypeptide comprises one or more BCMA DARIC components or BCMA DARICs. In preferred embodiments, a fusion polypeptide comprises one or more BCMA DARIC components or BCMA DARICs separated by one or more self-cleaving polypeptides.

In particular embodiments, a polypeptide or fusion polypeptide comprises a BCMA DARIC signaling component, a BCMA DARIC binding component and a DARIC binding component that binds another target antigen, e.g., a B cell or plasma cell antigen. In preferred embodiments, a fusion polypeptide comprises a BCMA DARIC signaling component, a BCMA DARIC binding component and a DARIC binding component separated by one or more self-cleaving polypeptides.

In particular embodiments, a fusion polypeptide comprises a BCMA DARIC signaling component comprising an FRB T2098L multimerization domain, a CD8α transmembrane domain, a CD137 costimulatory domain and a CD3ζ primary signaling domain; a first viral self-cleaving 2A polypeptide; a BCMA DARIC binding component comprising an anti-BCMA scFv, an FKBP12 multimerization domain polypeptide, and a CD4 transmembrane domain or an AMN transmembrane domain; a second viral self-cleaving 2A polypeptide; a DARIC binding component comprising an scFv that binds a B cell or plasma cell antigen, an FKBP12 multimerization domain polypeptide, and a CD4 transmembrane domain or an AMN transmembrane domain.

In particular embodiments, a fusion polypeptide comprises a BCMA DARIC signaling component comprising an FRB T2098L multimerization domain, a CD8α transmembrane domain, a CD137 costimulatory domain and a CD3ζ primary signaling domain; a first viral self-cleaving 2A polypeptide; a BCMA DARIC binding component comprising an anti-BCMA scFv, an FKBP12 multimerization domain polypeptide, and a CD4 transmembrane domain or an AMN transmembrane domain, and optionally a CD27, CD28, TNFRS14, TNFRS18, TNFRS25, OX40 or TNFR2 costimulatory domain; a second viral self-cleaving 2A polypeptide; a DARIC binding component comprising an scFv that binds a B cell or plasma cell antigen, an FKBP12 multimerization domain polypeptide, and a CD4 transmembrane domain or an AMN transmembrane domain, and optionally a CD27, CD28, TNFRS14, TNFRS18, TNFRS25, OX40 or TNFR2 costimulatory domain.

In particular embodiments, a fusion polypeptide comprises a BCMA DARIC signaling component comprising an FRB T2098L multimerization domain, a CD8α transmembrane domain, a CD137 costimulatory domain and a CD3ζ primary signaling domain; a viral self-cleaving 2A polypeptide; a BCMA DARIC binding component comprising an anti-BCMA scFv, an FKBP12 multimerization domain polypeptide, and a CD4 transmembrane domain or an AMN transmembrane domain, and optionally a CD27, CD28, TNFRS14, TNFRS18, TNFRS25, OX40 or TNFR2 costimulatory domain; and a DARIC binding component comprising a binding domain that binds BAFFR, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD30, CD38, CD56, CD79a, CD79b, CD123, CD138, CLL-1, CS-1 (SLAMF7), HLA-DR, or TACT, a CD4 transmembrane domain, and optionally a CD27, CD28, TNFRS14, TNFRS18, TNFRS25, OX40 or TNFR2 costimulatory domain; wherein the DARIC components are separated from each other by a viral self-cleaving 2A polypeptide.

E. Polynucleotides

In particular embodiments, polynucleotides encoding a BCMA DARIC, one or more DARIC components, fusion proteins comprising the foregoing polypeptides and fragments thereof are provided. As used herein, the terms “polynucleotide” or “nucleic acid” refer to deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA) and DNA/RNA hybrids. Polynucleotides may be single-stranded or double-stranded and either recombinant, synthetic, or isolated. Polynucleotides include, but are not limited to: pre-messenger RNA (pre-mRNA), messenger RNA (mRNA), RNA, short interfering RNA (siRNA), short hairpin RNA (shRNA), microRNA (miRNA), ribozymes, genomic RNA (gRNA), plus strand RNA (RNA(+)), minus strand RNA (RNA(−)), tracrRNA, crRNA, single guide RNA (sgRNA), synthetic RNA, synthetic mRNA, genomic DNA (gDNA), PCR amplified DNA, complementary DNA (cDNA), synthetic DNA, or recombinant DNA. Polynucleotides refer to a polymeric form of nucleotides of at least 5, at least 10, at least 15, at least 20, at least 25, at least 30, at least 40, at least 50, at least 100, at least 200, at least 300, at least 400, at least 500, at least 1000, at least 5000, at least 10000, or at least 15000 or more nucleotides in length, either ribonucleotides or deoxyribonucleotides or a modified form of either type of nucleotide, as well as all intermediate lengths. It will be readily understood that “intermediate lengths,” in this context, means any length between the quoted values, such as 6, 7, 8, 9, etc., 101, 102, 103, etc.; 151, 152, 153, etc.; 201, 202, 203, etc. In particular embodiments, polynucleotides or variants have at least or about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 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% or 100% sequence identity to a reference sequence.

As used herein, “isolated polynucleotide” refers to a polynucleotide that has been purified from the sequences which flanks it in a naturally-occurring state, e.g., a DNA fragment that has been removed from the sequences that are normally adjacent to the fragment. In particular embodiments, an “isolated polynucleotide” also refers to a complementary DNA (cDNA), a recombinant DNA, or other polynucleotide that does not exist in nature and that has been made by the hand of man. In particular embodiments, an isolated polynucleotide is a synthetic polynucleotide, a semi-synthetic polynucleotide, or a polynucleotide obtained or derived from a recombinant source.

In various embodiments, a polynucleotide comprises an mRNA encoding a polypeptide contemplated herein. In certain embodiments, the mRNA comprises a cap, one or more nucleotides, and a poly(A) tail.

In particular embodiments, polynucleotides encoding one or more DARIC components may be codon-optimized. As used herein, the term “codon-optimized” refers to substituting codons in a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide in order to increase the expression, stability and/or activity of the polypeptide. Factors that influence codon optimization include, but are not limited to one or more of: (i) variation of codon biases between two or more organisms or genes or synthetically constructed bias tables, (ii) variation in the degree of codon bias within an organism, gene, or set of genes, (iii) systematic variation of codons including context, (iv) variation of codons according to their decoding tRNAs, (v) variation of codons according to GC %, either overall or in one position of the triplet, (vi) variation in degree of similarity to a reference sequence for example a naturally occurring sequence, (vii) variation in the codon frequency cutoff, (viii) structural properties of mRNAs transcribed from the DNA sequence, (ix) prior knowledge about the function of the DNA sequences upon which design of the codon substitution set is to be based, (x) systematic variation of codon sets for each amino acid, and/or (xi) isolated removal of spurious translation initiation sites.

It is understood that codon optimization can be applied to polypeptides comprising multiple copies of particular amino acid sequences or protein domains to decrease the chances of recombination within the polynucleotide sequence and enhance polynucleotide sequence stability and translatability.

As used herein the term “nucleotide” refers to a heterocyclic nitrogenous base in N-glycosidic linkage with a phosphorylated sugar. Nucleotides are understood to include natural bases, and a wide variety of art-recognized modified bases. Such bases are generally located at the position of a nucleotide sugar moiety. Nucleotides generally comprise a base, sugar and a phosphate group. In ribonucleic acid (RNA), the sugar is a ribose, and in deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) the sugar is a deoxyribose, i.e., a sugar lacking a hydroxyl group that is present in ribose.

Illustrative examples of polynucleotides include, but are not limited to, polynucleotides encoding polypeptides set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 1-3.

In various illustrative embodiments, polynucleotides contemplated herein include, but are not limited to polynucleotides encoding one or more BCMA DARIC components, BCMA DARIC receptors, DARIC binding components that bind B cell or plasma cell antigens, engineered antigen receptors, fusion polypeptides, and expression vectors, viral vectors, and transfer plasmids comprising polynucleotides contemplated herein.

As used herein, the terms “polynucleotide variant” and “variant” and the like refer to polynucleotides displaying substantial sequence identity with a reference polynucleotide sequence or polynucleotides that hybridize with a reference sequence under stringent conditions that are defined hereinafter. These terms also encompass polynucleotides that are distinguished from a reference polynucleotide by the addition, deletion, substitution, or modification of at least one nucleotide. Accordingly, the terms “polynucleotide variant” and “variant” include polynucleotides in which one or more nucleotides have been added or deleted, or modified, or replaced with different nucleotides. In this regard, it is well understood in the art that certain alterations inclusive of mutations, additions, deletions and substitutions can be made to a reference polynucleotide whereby the altered polynucleotide retains the biological function or activity of the reference polynucleotide.

The recitations “sequence identity” or, for example, comprising a “sequence 50% identical to,” as used herein, refer to the extent that sequences are identical on a nucleotide-by-nucleotide basis or an amino acid-by-amino acid basis over a window of comparison. Thus, a “percentage of sequence identity” may be calculated by comparing two optimally aligned sequences over the window of comparison, determining the number of positions at which the identical nucleic acid base (e.g., A, T, C, G, I) or the identical amino acid residue (e.g., Ala, Pro, Ser, Thr, Gly, Val, Leu, Ile, Phe, Tyr, Trp, Lys, Arg, His, Asp, Glu, Asn, Gln, Cys and Met) occurs in both sequences to yield the number of matched positions, dividing the number of matched positions by the total number of positions in the window of comparison (i.e., the window size), and multiplying the result by 100 to yield the percentage of sequence identity. Included are nucleotides and polypeptides having at least about 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 66%, 67%, 68%, 69%, 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%, 86%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to any of the reference sequences described herein.

The term “nucleic acid cassette” or “expression cassette” as used herein refers to genetic sequences within the vector which can express an RNA, and subsequently a polypeptide. In one embodiment, the nucleic acid cassette contains a gene(s)-of-interest, e.g., a polynucleotide(s)-of-interest. In another embodiment, the nucleic acid cassette contains one or more expression control sequences, e.g., a promoter, enhancer, poly(A) sequence, and a gene(s)-of-interest, e.g., a polynucleotide(s)-of-interest. Vectors may comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 or more nucleic acid cassettes. The nucleic acid cassette is positionally and sequentially oriented within the vector such that the nucleic acid in the cassette can be transcribed into RNA, and when necessary, translated into a protein or a polypeptide, undergo appropriate post-translational modifications required for activity in the transformed cell, and be translocated to the appropriate compartment for biological activity by targeting to appropriate intracellular compartments or secretion into extracellular compartments. Preferably, the cassette has its 3′ and 5′ ends adapted for ready insertion into a vector, e.g., it has restriction endonuclease sites at each end. The cassette can be removed and inserted into a plasmid or viral vector as a single unit.

Polynucleotides include polynucleotide(s)-of-interest. As used herein, the term “polynucleotide-of-interest” refers to a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide or fusion polypeptide or a polynucleotide that serves as a template for the transcription of an inhibitory polynucleotide, as contemplated herein.

The polynucleotides contemplated herein, regardless of the length of the coding sequence itself, may be combined with other DNA sequences, such as promoters and/or enhancers, untranslated regions (UTRs), signal sequences, Kozak sequences, polyadenylation signals, additional restriction enzyme sites, multiple cloning sites, internal ribosomal entry sites (IRES), recombinase recognition sites (e.g., LoxP, FRT, and Att sites), termination codons, transcriptional termination signals, and polynucleotides encoding self-cleaving polypeptides, epitope tags, as disclosed elsewhere herein or as known in the art, such that their overall length may vary considerably. It is therefore contemplated that a polynucleotide fragment of almost any length may be employed, with the total length preferably being limited by the ease of preparation and use in the intended recombinant DNA protocol.

Polynucleotides can be prepared, manipulated, expressed and/or delivered using any of a variety of well-established techniques known and available in the art. In order to express a desired polypeptide, a nucleotide sequence encoding the polypeptide, can be inserted into appropriate vector.

Illustrative examples of vectors include, but are not limited to plasmid, autonomously replicating sequences, and transposable elements, e.g., Sleeping Beauty, PiggyBac.

Additional Illustrative examples of vectors include, without limitation, plasmids, phagemids, cosmids, artificial chromosomes such as yeast artificial chromosome (YAC), bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC), or P1-derived artificial chromosome (PAC), bacteriophages such as lambda phage or M13 phage, and animal viruses.

Illustrative examples of viruses useful as vectors include, without limitation, retrovirus (including lentivirus), adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, herpesvirus (e.g., herpes simplex virus), poxvirus, baculovirus, papillomavirus, and papovavirus (e.g., SV40).

Illustrative examples of expression vectors include, but are not limited to, pClneo vectors (Promega) for expression in mammalian cells; pLenti4/V5-DEST™, pLenti6/V5-DEST™, and pLenti6.2/V5-GW/lacZ (Invitrogen) for lentivirus-mediated gene transfer and expression in mammalian cells. In particular embodiments, coding sequences of polypeptides disclosed herein can be ligated into such expression vectors for the expression of the polypeptides in mammalian cells.

In particular embodiments, the vector is an episomal vector or a vector that is maintained extrachromosomally. As used herein, the term “episomal” refers to a vector that is able to replicate without integration into host's chromosomal DNA and without gradual loss from a dividing host cell also meaning that said vector replicates extrachromosomally or episomally.

“Expression control sequences,” “control elements,” or “regulatory sequences” present in an expression vector are those non-translated regions of the vector—origin of replication, selection cassettes, promoters, enhancers, translation initiation signals (Shine Dalgarno sequence or Kozak sequence) introns, a polyadenylation sequence, 5′ and 3′ untranslated regions—which interact with host cellular proteins to carry out transcription and translation. Such elements may vary in their strength and specificity. Depending on the vector system and host utilized, any number of suitable transcription and translation elements, including ubiquitous promoters and inducible promoters may be used.

In particular embodiments, a polynucleotide comprises a vector, including but not limited to expression vectors and viral vectors. A vector may comprise one or more exogenous, endogenous, or heterologous control sequences such as promoters and/or enhancers. An “endogenous control sequence” is one which is naturally linked with a given gene in the genome. An “exogenous control sequence” is one which is placed in juxtaposition to a gene by means of genetic manipulation (i.e., molecular biological techniques) such that transcription of that gene is directed by the linked enhancer/promoter. A “heterologous control sequence” is an exogenous sequence that is from a different species than the cell being genetically manipulated. A “synthetic” control sequence may comprise elements of one more endogenous and/or exogenous sequences, and/or sequences determined in vitro or in silico that provide optimal promoter and/or enhancer activity for the particular therapy.

The term “promoter” as used herein refers to a recognition site of a polynucleotide (DNA or RNA) to which an RNA polymerase binds. An RNA polymerase initiates and transcribes polynucleotides operably linked to the promoter. In particular embodiments, promoters operative in mammalian cells comprise an AT-rich region located approximately 25 to 30 bases upstream from the site where transcription is initiated and/or another sequence found 70 to 80 bases upstream from the start of transcription, a CNCAAT region where N may be any nucleotide.

The term “enhancer” refers to a segment of DNA which contains sequences capable of providing enhanced transcription and in some instances can function independent of their orientation relative to another control sequence. An enhancer can function cooperatively or additively with promoters and/or other enhancer elements. The term “promoter/enhancer” refers to a segment of DNA which contains sequences capable of providing both promoter and enhancer functions.

The term “operably linked”, refers to a juxtaposition wherein the components described are in a relationship permitting them to function in their intended manner. In one embodiment, the term refers to a functional linkage between a nucleic acid expression control sequence (such as a promoter, and/or enhancer) and a second polynucleotide sequence, e.g., a polynucleotide-of-interest, wherein the expression control sequence directs transcription of the nucleic acid corresponding to the second sequence.

As used herein, the term “constitutive expression control sequence” refers to a promoter, enhancer, or promoter/enhancer that continually or continuously allows for transcription of an operably linked sequence. A constitutive expression control sequence may be a “ubiquitous” promoter, enhancer, or promoter/enhancer that allows expression in a wide variety of cell and tissue types or a “cell specific,” “cell type specific,” “cell lineage specific,” or “tissue specific” promoter, enhancer, or promoter/enhancer that allows expression in a restricted variety of cell and tissue types, respectively.

Illustrative ubiquitous expression control sequences suitable for use in particular embodiments include, but are not limited to, a cytomegalovirus (CMV) immediate early promoter, a viral simian virus 40 (SV40) (e.g., early or late), a Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMLV) LTR promoter, a Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) LTR, a herpes simplex virus (HSV) (thymidine kinase) promoter, H5, P7.5, and P11 promoters from vaccinia virus, an elongation factor 1-alpha (EF1a) promoter, early growth response 1 (EGR1), ferritin H (FerH), ferritin L (FerL), Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A1 (EIF4A1), heat shock 70 kDa protein 5 (HSPA5), heat shock protein 90 kDa beta, member 1 (HSP90B1), heat shock protein 70 kDa (HSP70), β-kinesin (β-KIN), the human ROSA 26 locus (Irions et al., Nature Biotechnology 25, 1477-1482 (2007)), a Ubiquitin C promoter (UBC), a phosphoglycerate kinase-1 (PGK) promoter, a cytomegalovirus enhancer/chicken β-actin (CAG) promoter, a β-actin promoter and a myeloproliferative sarcoma virus enhancer, negative control region deleted, d1587rev primer-binding site substituted (MND) U3 promoter (Haas et al. Journal of Virology. 2003; 77(17): 9439-9450).

In one embodiment, a vector comprises an MNDU3 promoter.

In one embodiment, a vector comprises an EF1a promoter comprising the first intron of the human EF1a gene.

In one embodiment, a vector comprises an EF1a promoter that lacks the first intron of the human EF1a gene.

In a particular embodiment, it may be desirable to use a cell, cell type, cell lineage or tissue specific expression control sequence to achieve cell type specific, lineage specific, or tissue specific expression of a desired polynucleotide sequence (e.g., to express a particular nucleic acid encoding a polypeptide in only a subset of cell types, cell lineages, or tissues or during specific stages of development).

In a particular embodiment, it may be desirable to express a polynucleotide a T cell specific promoter.

As used herein, “conditional expression” may refer to any type of conditional expression including, but not limited to, inducible expression; repressible expression; expression in cells or tissues having a particular physiological, biological, or disease state, etc. This definition is not intended to exclude cell type or tissue specific expression. Certain embodiments provide conditional expression of a polynucleotide-of-interest, e.g., expression is controlled by subjecting a cell, tissue, organism, etc., to a treatment or condition that causes the polynucleotide to be expressed or that causes an increase or decrease in expression of the polynucleotide encoded by the polynucleotide-of-interest.

Illustrative examples of inducible promoters/systems include, but are not limited to, steroid-inducible promoters such as promoters for genes encoding glucocorticoid or estrogen receptors (inducible by treatment with the corresponding hormone), metallothionine promoter (inducible by treatment with various heavy metals), MX-1 promoter (inducible by interferon), the “GeneSwitch” mifepristone-regulatable system (Sirin et al., 2003, Gene, 323:67), the cumate inducible gene switch (WO 2002/088346), tetracycline-dependent regulatory systems, etc. Inducer agents include, but are not limited to glucocorticoids, estrogens, mifepristone (RU486), metals, interferons, small molecules, cumate, tetracycline, doxycycline, and variants thereof.

As used herein, an “internal ribosome entry site” or “IRES” refers to an element that promotes direct internal ribosome entry to the initiation codon, such as ATG, of a cistron (a protein encoding region), thereby leading to the cap-independent translation of the gene. See, e.g., Jackson et al., 1990. Trends Biochem Sci 15(12):477-83) and Jackson and Kaminski. 1995. RNA 1(10):985-1000. Examples of IRES generally employed by those of skill in the art include those described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,692,736. Further examples of “IRES” known in the art include, but are not limited to IRES obtainable from picornavirus (Jackson et al., 1990) and IRES obtainable from viral or cellular mRNA sources, such as for example, immunoglobulin heavy-chain binding protein (BiP), the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) (Huez et al. 1998. Mol. Cell. Biol. 18(11):6178-6190), the fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2), and insulin-like growth factor (IGFII), the translational initiation factor eIF4G and yeast transcription factors TFIID and HAP4, the encephelomycarditis virus (EMCV) which is commercially available from Novagen (Duke et al., 1992. J. Virol 66(3):1602-9) and the VEGF IRES (Huez et al., 1998. Mol Cell Biol 18(11):6178-90). IRES have also been reported in viral genomes of Picornaviridae, Dicistroviridae and Flaviviridae species and in HCV, Friend murine leukemia virus (FrMLV) and Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMLV).

In one embodiment, the IRES used in polynucleotides contemplated herein is an EMCV IRES.

In particular embodiments, the polynucleotides a consensus Kozak sequence. As used herein, the term “Kozak sequence” refers to a short nucleotide sequence that greatly facilitates the initial binding of mRNA to the small subunit of the ribosome and increases translation. The consensus Kozak sequence is (GCC)RCCATGG, where R is a purine (A or G) (Kozak, 1986. Cell. 44(2):283-92, and Kozak, 1987. Nucleic Acids Res. 15(20):8125-48).

Elements directing the efficient termination and polyadenylation of the heterologous nucleic acid transcripts increases heterologous gene expression. Transcription termination signals are generally found downstream of the polyadenylation signal. In particular embodiments, vectors comprise a polyadenylation sequence 3′ of a polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide to be expressed. The term “polyA site” or “polyA sequence” as used herein denotes a DNA sequence which directs both the termination and polyadenylation of the nascent RNA transcript by RNA polymerase II. Polyadenylation sequences can promote mRNA stability by addition of a polyA tail to the 3′ end of the coding sequence and thus, contribute to increased translational efficiency. Cleavage and polyadenylation is directed by a poly(A) sequence in the RNA. The core poly(A) sequence for mammalian pre-mRNAs has two recognition elements flanking a cleavage-polyadenylation site. Typically, an almost invariant AAUAAA hexamer lies 20-50 nucleotides upstream of a more variable element rich in U or GU residues. Cleavage of the nascent transcript occurs between these two elements and is coupled to the addition of up to 250 adenosines to the 5′ cleavage product. In particular embodiments, the core poly(A) sequence is an ideal polyA sequence (e.g., AATAAA, ATTAAA, AGTAAA). In particular embodiments, the poly(A) sequence is an SV40 polyA sequence, a bovine growth hormone polyA sequence (BGHpA), a rabbit β-globin polyA sequence (rβgpA), variants thereof, or another suitable heterologous or endogenous polyA sequence known in the art. In particular embodiments, the poly(A) sequence is synthetic.

In particular embodiments, polynucleotides encoding one or more polypeptides, or fusion polypeptides may be introduced into immune effector cells, e.g., T cells, by both non-viral and viral methods. In particular embodiments, delivery of one or more polynucleotides may be provided by the same method or by different methods, and/or by the same vector or by different vectors.

The term “vector” is used herein to refer to a nucleic acid molecule capable transferring or transporting another nucleic acid molecule. The transferred nucleic acid is generally linked to, e.g., inserted into, the vector nucleic acid molecule. A vector may include sequences that direct autonomous replication in a cell, or may include sequences sufficient to allow integration into host cell DNA. In particular embodiments, non-viral vectors are used to deliver one or more polynucleotides contemplated herein to a T cell.

Illustrative examples of non-viral vectors include, but are not limited to plasmids (e.g., DNA plasmids or RNA plasmids), transposons, cosmids, and bacterial artificial chromosomes.

Illustrative methods of non-viral delivery of polynucleotides contemplated in particular embodiments include, but are not limited to: electroporation, sonoporation, lipofection, microinjection, biolistics, virosomes, liposomes, immunoliposomes, nanoparticles, polycation or lipid:nucleic acid conjugates, naked DNA, artificial virions, DEAE-dextran-mediated transfer, gene gun, and heat-shock.

Illustrative examples of polynucleotide delivery systems suitable for use in particular embodiments contemplated in particular embodiments include, but are not limited to those provided by Amaxa Biosystems, Maxcyte, Inc., BTX Molecular Delivery Systems, and Copernicus Therapeutics Inc. Lipofection reagents are sold commercially (e.g., Transfectam™ and Lipofectin™). Cationic and neutral lipids that are suitable for efficient receptor-recognition lipofection of polynucleotides have been described in the literature. See e.g., Liu et al. (2003) Gene Therapy. 10:180-187; and Balazs et al. (2011) Journal of Drug Delivery. 2011:1-12. Antibody-targeted, bacterially derived, non-living nanocell-based delivery is also contemplated in particular embodiments.

Viral vectors comprising polynucleotides contemplated in particular embodiments can be delivered in vivo by administration to an individual patient, typically by systemic administration (e.g., intravenous, intraperitoneal, intramuscular, subdermal, or intracranial infusion) or topical application, as described below. Alternatively, vectors can be delivered to cells ex vivo, such as cells explanted from an individual patient (e.g., mobilized peripheral blood, lymphocytes, bone marrow aspirates, tissue biopsy, etc.) or universal donor hematopoietic stem cells, followed by reimplantation of the cells into a patient.

In one embodiment, viral vectors comprising polynucleotides contemplated herein are administered directly to an organism for transduction of cells in vivo. Alternatively, naked DNA can be administered. Administration is by any of the routes normally used for introducing a molecule into ultimate contact with blood or tissue cells including, but not limited to, injection, infusion, topical application and electroporation. Suitable methods of administering such nucleic acids are available and well known to those of skill in the art, and, although more than one route can be used to administer a particular composition, a particular route can often provide a more immediate and more effective reaction than another route.

Illustrative examples of viral vector systems suitable for use in particular embodiments contemplated in particular embodiments include, but are not limited to, adeno-associated virus (AAV), retrovirus, herpes simplex virus, adenovirus, and vaccinia virus vectors.

In various embodiments, one or more polynucleotides encoding one or more BCMA DARIC components and/or other DARIC binding components and/or other polypeptides contemplated herein are introduced into an immune effector cell, e.g., T cell, by transducing the cell with a recombinant adeno-associated virus (rAAV), comprising the one or more polynucleotides.

AAV is a small (˜26 nm) replication-defective, primarily episomal, non-enveloped virus. AAV can infect both dividing and non-dividing cells and may incorporate its genome into that of the host cell. Recombinant AAV (rAAV) are typically composed of, at a minimum, a transgene and its regulatory sequences, and 5′ and 3′ AAV inverted terminal repeats (ITRs). The ITR sequences are about 145 bp in length. In particular embodiments, the rAAV comprises ITRs and capsid sequences isolated from AAV1, AAV2, AAV3, AAV4, AAV5, AAV6, AAV7, AAV8, AAV9, or AAV10.

In some embodiments, a chimeric rAAV is used the ITR sequences are isolated from one AAV serotype and the capsid sequences are isolated from a different AAV serotype. For example, a rAAV with ITR sequences derived from AAV2 and capsid sequences derived from AAV6 is referred to as AAV2/AAV6. In particular embodiments, the rAAV vector may comprise ITRs from AAV2, and capsid proteins from any one of AAV1, AAV2, AAV3, AAV4, AAV5, AAV6, AAV7, AAV8, AAV9, or AAV10. In a preferred embodiment, the rAAV comprises ITR sequences derived from AAV2 and capsid sequences derived from AAV6. In a preferred embodiment, the rAAV comprises ITR sequences derived from AAV2 and capsid sequences derived from AAV2.

In some embodiments, engineering and selection methods can be applied to AAV capsids to make them more likely to transduce cells of interest.

Construction of rAAV vectors, production, and purification thereof have been disclosed, e.g., in U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,169,494; 9,169,492; 9,012,224; 8,889,641; 8,809,058; and 8,784,799, each of which is incorporated by reference herein, in its entirety.

In various embodiments, one or more polynucleotides encoding one or more BCMA DARIC components and/or other DARIC binding components and/or other polypeptides contemplated herein are introduced into an immune effector cell, e.g., T cell, by transducing the cell with a retrovirus, e.g., lentivirus, comprising the one or more polynucleotides.

As used herein, the term “retrovirus” refers to an RNA virus that reverse transcribes its genomic RNA into a linear double-stranded DNA copy and subsequently covalently integrates its genomic DNA into a host genome. Illustrative retroviruses suitable for use in particular embodiments, include, but are not limited to: Moloney murine leukemia virus (M-MuLV), Moloney murine sarcoma virus (MoMSV), Harvey murine sarcoma virus (HaMuSV), murine mammary tumor virus (MuMTV), gibbon ape leukemia virus (GaLV), feline leukemia virus (FLV), spumavirus, Friend murine leukemia virus, Murine Stem Cell Virus (MSCV) and Rous Sarcoma Virus (RSV)) and lentivirus.

As used herein, the term “lentivirus” refers to a group (or genus) of complex retroviruses. Illustrative lentiviruses include, but are not limited to, HIV (human immunodeficiency virus; including HIV type 1, and HIV type 2); visna-maedi virus (VMV) virus; the caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV); equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV); feline immunodeficiency virus (Hy); bovine immune deficiency virus (BIV); and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). In one embodiment, HIV based vector backbones (i.e., HIV cis-acting sequence elements) are preferred.

In various embodiments, a lentiviral vector contemplated herein comprises one or more LTRs, and one or more, or all, of the following accessory elements: a cPPT/FLAP, a Psi (T) packaging signal, an export element, poly (A) sequences, and may optionally comprise a WPRE or HPRE, an insulator element, a selectable marker, and a cell suicide gene, as discussed elsewhere herein.

In particular embodiments, lentiviral vectors contemplated herein may be integrative or non-integrating or integration defective lentivirus. As used herein, the term “integration defective lentivirus” or “IDLY” refers to a lentivirus having an integrase that lacks the capacity to integrate the viral genome into the genome of the host cells. Integration-incompetent viral vectors have been described in patent application WO 2006/010834, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Illustrative mutations in the HIV-1 pol gene suitable to reduce integrase activity include, but are not limited to: H12N, H12C, H16C, H16V, S81 R, D41A, K42A, H51A, Q53C, D55V, D64E, D64V, E69A, K71A, E85A, E87A, D116N, D1161, D116A, N120G, N1201, N120E, E152G, E152A, D35E, K156E, K156A, E157A, K159E, K159A, K160A, R166A, D167A, E170A, H171A, K173A, K186Q, K186T, K188T, E198A, R199c, R199T, R199A, D202A, K211A, Q214L, Q216L, Q221 L, W235F, W235E, K236S, K236A, K246A, G247W, D253A, R262A, R263A and K264H.

The term “long terminal repeat (LTR)” refers to domains of base pairs located at the ends of retroviral DNAs which, in their natural sequence context, are direct repeats and contain U3, R and U5 regions.

As used herein, the term “FLAP element” or “cPPT/FLAP” refers to a nucleic acid whose sequence includes the central polypurine tract and central termination sequences (cPPT and CTS) of a retrovirus, e.g., HIV-1 or HIV-2. Suitable FLAP elements are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,682,907 and in Zennou, et al., 2000, Cell, 101:173.

As used herein, the term “packaging signal” or “packaging sequence” refers to psi NI sequences located within the retroviral genome which are required for insertion of the viral RNA into the viral capsid or particle, see e.g., Clever et al., 1995. J. of Virology, Vol. 69, No. 4; pp. 2101-2109.

The term “export element” refers to a cis-acting post-transcriptional regulatory element which regulates the transport of an RNA transcript from the nucleus to the cytoplasm of a cell. Examples of RNA export elements include, but are not limited to, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) rev response element (RRE) (see e.g., Cullen et al., 1991. J. Virol. 65: 1053; and Cullen et al., 1991. Cell 58: 423), and the hepatitis B virus post-transcriptional regulatory element (HPRE).

In particular embodiments, expression of heterologous sequences in viral vectors is increased by incorporating posttranscriptional regulatory elements, efficient polyadenylation sites, and optionally, transcription termination signals into the vectors. A variety of posttranscriptional regulatory elements can increase expression of a heterologous nucleic acid at the protein, e.g., woodchuck hepatitis virus posttranscriptional regulatory element (WPRE; Zufferey et al., 1999, J. Virol., 73:2886); the posttranscriptional regulatory element present in hepatitis B virus (HPRE) (Huang et al., Mol. Cell. Biol., 5:3864); and the like (Liu et al., 1995, Genes Dev., 9:1766).

Lentiviral vectors preferably contain several safety enhancements as a result of modifying the LTRs. “Self-inactivating” (SIN) vectors refers to replication-defective vectors, e.g., retroviral or lentiviral vectors, in which the right (3′) LTR enhancer-promoter region, known as the U3 region, has been modified (e.g., by deletion or substitution) to prevent viral transcription beyond the first round of viral replication. Self-inactivation is preferably achieved through in the introduction of a deletion in the U3 region of the 3′ LTR of the vector DNA, i.e., the DNA used to produce the vector RNA. Thus, during reverse transcription, this deletion is transferred to the 5′ LTR of the proviral DNA. In particular embodiments, it is desirable to eliminate enough of the U3 sequence to greatly diminish or abolish altogether the transcriptional activity of the LTR, thereby greatly diminishing or abolishing the production of full-length vector RNA in transduced cells. In the case of HIV based lentivectors, it has been discovered that such vectors tolerate significant U3 deletions, including the removal of the LTR TATA box (e.g., deletions from −418 to −18), without significant reductions in vector titers.

An additional safety enhancement is provided by replacing the U3 region of the 5′ LTR with a heterologous promoter to drive transcription of the viral genome during production of viral particles. Examples of heterologous promoters which can be used include, for example, viral simian virus 40 (SV40) (e.g., early or late), cytomegalovirus (CMV) (e.g., immediate early), Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMLV), Rous sarcoma virus (RSV), and herpes simplex virus (HSV) (thymidine kinase) promoters.

The terms “pseudotype” or “pseudotyping” as used herein, refer to a virus whose viral envelope proteins have been substituted with those of another virus possessing preferable characteristics. For example, HIV can be pseudotyped with vesicular stomatitis virus G-protein (VSV-G) envelope proteins, which allows HIV to infect a wider range of cells because HIV envelope proteins (encoded by the env gene) normally target the virus to CD4⁺ presenting cells.

In certain embodiments, lentiviral vectors are produced according to known methods. See e.g., Kutner et al., BMC Biotechnol. 2009; 9:10. doi: 10.1186/1472-6750-9-10; Kutner et al. Nat. Protoc. 2009; 4(4):495-505. doi: 10.1038/nprot.2009.22.

According to certain specific embodiments contemplated herein, most or all of the viral vector backbone sequences are derived from a lentivirus, e.g., HIV-1. However, it is to be understood that many different sources of retroviral and/or lentiviral sequences can be used, or combined and numerous substitutions and alterations in certain of the lentiviral sequences may be accommodated without impairing the ability of a transfer vector to perform the functions described herein. Moreover, a variety of lentiviral vectors are known in the art, see Naldini et al., (1996a, 1996b, and 1998); Zufferey et al., (1997); Dull et al., 1998, U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,013,516; and 5,994,136, many of which may be adapted to produce a viral vector or transfer plasmid contemplated herein.

In various embodiments, one or more polynucleotides encoding one or more BCMA DARIC components and/or other DARIC binding components and/or other polypeptides contemplated herein are introduced into an immune effector cell, by transducing the cell with an adenovirus comprising the one or more polynucleotides.

Adenoviral based vectors are capable of very high transduction efficiency in many cell types and do not require cell division. With such vectors, high titer and high levels of expression have been obtained. This vector can be produced in large quantities in a relatively simple system. Most adenovirus vectors are engineered such that a transgene replaces the Ad E1a, E1b, and/or E3 genes; subsequently the replication defective vector is propagated in human 293 cells that supply deleted gene function in trans. Ad vectors can transduce multiple types of tissues in vivo, including non-dividing, differentiated cells such as those found in liver, kidney and muscle. Conventional Ad vectors have a large carrying capacity.

Generation and propagation of the current adenovirus vectors, which are replication deficient, may utilize a unique helper cell line, designated 293, which was transformed from human embryonic kidney cells by Ad5 DNA fragments and constitutively expresses E1 proteins (Graham et al., 1977). Since the E3 region is dispensable from the adenovirus genome (Jones & Shenk, 1978), the current adenovirus vectors, with the help of 293 cells, carry foreign DNA in either the E1, the D3 or both regions (Graham & Prevec, 1991). Adenovirus vectors have been used in eukaryotic gene expression (Levrero et al., 1991; Gomez-Foix et al., 1992) and vaccine development (Grunhaus & Horwitz, 1992; Graham & Prevec, 1992). Studies in administering recombinant adenovirus to different tissues include trachea instillation (Rosenfeld et al., 1991; Rosenfeld et al., 1992), muscle injection (Ragot et al., 1993), peripheral intravenous injections (Herz & Gerard, 1993) and stereotactic inoculation into the brain (Le Gal La Salle et al., 1993). An example of the use of an Ad vector in a clinical trial involved polynucleotide therapy for antitumor immunization with intramuscular injection (Sterman et al., Hum. Gene Ther. 7:1083-9 (1998)).

In various embodiments, one or more polynucleotides encoding one or more BCMA DARIC components and/or other DARIC binding components and/or other polypeptides contemplated herein are introduced into an immune effector cell by transducing the cell with a herpes simplex virus, e.g., HSV-1, HSV-2, comprising the one or more polynucleotides.

The mature HSV virion consists of an enveloped icosahedral capsid with a viral genome consisting of a linear double-stranded DNA molecule that is 152 kb. In one embodiment, the HSV based viral vector is deficient in one or more essential or non-essential HSV genes. In one embodiment, the HSV based viral vector is replication deficient. Most replication deficient HSV vectors contain a deletion to remove one or more intermediate-early, early, or late HSV genes to prevent replication. For example, the HSV vector may be deficient in an immediate early gene selected from the group consisting of: ICP4, ICP22, ICP27, ICP47, and a combination thereof Advantages of the HSV vector are its ability to enter a latent stage that can result in long-term DNA expression and its large viral DNA genome that can accommodate exogenous DNA inserts of up to kb. HSV-based vectors are described in, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,837,532, 5,846,782, and and International Patent Applications WO 91/02788, WO 96/04394, WO 98/15637, and WO 99/06583, each of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

F. Genetically Modified Cells

In various embodiments, cells are modified to express one or more BCMA DARICs, BCMA DARIC components, other DARIC binding components and/or fusion proteins contemplated herein, for use in the treatment of cancer. Cells may be non-genetically modified to express one or more of the polypeptides contemplated herein, or in particular preferred embodiments, cells may be genetically modified to express one or more of the polypeptides contemplated herein. In particular embodiments, engineered TCR-expressing or CAR T cells are modified to express one or more BCMA DARICs, BCMA DARIC components. In particular embodiments, engineered TCR-expressing or CAR T cells are modified to express a BCMA DARIC signaling component, a BCMA DARIC binding component, and a DARIC binding component that binds a B cell or plasma cell antigen. As used herein, the term “genetically engineered” or “genetically modified” refers to the addition of extra genetic material in the form of DNA or RNA into the total genetic material in a cell. The terms, “genetically modified cells,” “modified cells,” and “redirected cells,” are used interchangeably in particular embodiments.

In particular embodiments, one or more BCMA DARIC components contemplated herein are introduced and expressed in immune effector cells to improve the efficacy of the immune effector cells. In particular embodiments, one or more BCMA DARIC components are introduced and expressed in immune effector cells to redirect the cells to one or more target cells. In particular embodiments, one or more BCMA DARIC components are introduced and expressed in immune effector cells redirected to a target cell by virtue of co-expressing an engineered TCR or a CAR in the cell. Accordingly, in particular embodiments, a dual targeting immune effector cell is contemplated where the target cell expresses an antigen recognized by a TCR or CAR and BCMA DARIC.

In particular embodiments, a dual targeting immune effector cell is contemplated where the target cell expresses an antigen recognized by the engineered antigen receptor and BCMA recognized by a BCMA DARIC receptor.

In particular embodiments, a dual targeting immune effector cell is contemplated where the target cell expresses BCMA recognized by a BCMA DARIC receptor and an antigen recognized by another DARIC binding component. It particular embodiments, the other DARIC binding component binds BAFFR, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD30, CD38, CD56, CD79a, CD79b, CD123, CD138, CLL-1, CS-1 (SLAMF7), HLA-DR, and TACI.

An “immune effector cell,” is any cell of the immune system that has one or more effector functions (e.g., cytotoxic cell killing activity, secretion of cytokines, induction of ADCC and/or CDC). The illustrative immune effector cells contemplated herein are T lymphocytes, including but not limited to cytotoxic T cells (CTLs; CD8⁺ T cells), TILs, and helper T cells (HTLs; CD4⁺ T cells. In a particular embodiment, the cells comprise αβ T cells. In a particular embodiment, the cells comprise γδ T cells. In one embodiment, immune effector cells include natural killer (NK) cells. In one embodiment, immune effector cells include natural killer T (NKT) cells. Immune effector cells can be autologous/autogeneic (“self”) or non-autologous (“non-self,” e.g., allogeneic, syngeneic or xenogeneic).

“Autologous,” as used herein, refers to cells from the same subject. “Allogeneic,” as used herein, refers to cells of the same species that differ genetically to the cell in comparison. “Syngeneic,” as used herein, refers to cells of a different subject that are genetically identical to the cell in comparison. “Xenogeneic,” as used herein, refers to cells of a different species to the cell in comparison. In preferred embodiments, the cells are human autologous immune effector cells.

Illustrative immune effector cells suitable for introducing one or more BCMA DARIC components or one or more DARICs contemplated herein include T lymphocytes. The terms “T cell” or “T lymphocyte” are art-recognized and are intended to include thymocytes, immature T lymphocytes, mature T lymphocytes, resting T lymphocytes, or activated T lymphocytes. A T cell can be a T helper (Th) cell, for example a T helper 1 (Th1) or a T helper 2 (Th2) cell. The T cell can be a helper T cell (HTL; CD4⁺ T cell) CD4⁺ T cell, a cytotoxic T cell (CTL; CD8⁺ T cell), CD4⁺CD8⁺ T cell, CD4⁻CD8⁻ T cell, or any other subset of T cells. Other illustrative populations of T cells suitable for use in particular embodiments include naïve T cells and memory T cells.

As would be understood by the skilled person, other cells may also be used as immune effector cells comprising one or more BCMA DARIC components or one or more DARICs contemplated herein. In particular embodiments, immune effector cells also include NK cells, NKT cells, neutrophils, and macrophages. Immune effector cells also include progenitors of effector cells wherein such progenitor cells can be induced to differentiate into immune effector cells in vivo or in vitro. Thus, in particular embodiments, immune effector cells include progenitors of immune effectors cells such as hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) contained within the CD34⁺ population of cells derived from cord blood, bone marrow or mobilized peripheral blood which upon administration in a subject differentiate into mature immune effector cells, or which can be induced in vitro to differentiate into mature immune effector cells.

The term, “CD34⁺ cell,” as used herein refers to a cell expressing the CD34 protein on its cell surface. “CD34,” as used herein refers to a cell surface glycoprotein (e.g., sialomucin protein) that often acts as a cell-cell adhesion factor and is involved in T cell entrance into lymph nodes. The CD34⁺ cell population contains hematopoietic stem cells (HSC), which upon administration to a patient differentiate and contribute to all hematopoietic lineages, including T cells, NK cells, NKT cells, neutrophils and cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage.

Methods for making the immune effector cells which express one or more BCMA DARIC components, and optionally another DARIC binding component contemplated herein are provided in particular embodiments. In one embodiment, the method comprises transfecting or transducing immune effector cells isolated from an individual such that the immune effector cells with one or more nucleic acids and/or vectors or combination thereof comprising one or more BCMA DARIC components, optionally in combination with another DARIC binding component, contemplated herein. In one embodiment, the method comprises transfecting or transducing immune effector cells isolated from an individual such that the immune effector cells express one or more BCMA DARIC components and an engineered TCR or CAR. In one embodiment, the method comprises transfecting or transducing immune effector cells isolated from an individual such that the immune effector cells express one or more BCMA DARIC components and a DARIC binding component that binds a B cell or plasma cell antigen, e.g., BAFFR, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD30, CD38, CD56, CD79a, CD79b, CD123, CD138, CLL-1, CS-1 (SLAMF7), HLA-DR, and TACI. In certain embodiments, the immune effector cells are isolated from an individual and genetically modified without further manipulation in vitro. Such cells can then be directly re-administered into the individual. In further embodiments, the immune effector cells are first activated and stimulated to proliferate in vitro prior to being genetically modified. In this regard, the immune effector cells may be cultured before and/or after being genetically modified.

In particular embodiments, prior to in vitro manipulation or genetic modification of the immune effector cells described herein, the source of cells is obtained from a subject. In particular embodiments, the modified immune effector cells comprise T cells.

T cells can be obtained from a number of sources including, but not limited to, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, bone marrow, lymph nodes tissue, cord blood, thymus issue, tissue from a site of infection, ascites, pleural effusion, spleen tissue, and tumors. In certain embodiments, T cells can be obtained from a unit of blood collected from a subject using any number of techniques known to the skilled person, such as sedimentation, e.g., FICOLL′ separation.

In other embodiments, an isolated or purified population of T cells is used. In some embodiments, after isolation of PBMC, both cytotoxic and helper T lymphocytes can be sorted into naïve, memory, and effector T cell subpopulations either before or after activation, expansion, and/or genetic modification.

In one embodiment, an isolated or purified population of T cells expresses one or more of the markers including, but not limited to a CD3⁺, CD4⁺, CD8⁺, or a combination thereof

In certain embodiments, the T cells are isolated from an individual and first activated and stimulated to proliferate in vitro prior to being modified to express one or more BCMA DARIC components, optionally in combination with another DARIC binding component that bind a B cell or plasma cell antigen.

In order to achieve sufficient therapeutic doses of T cell compositions, T cells are often subjected to one or more rounds of stimulation, activation and/or expansion. In particular embodiments, T cells can be activated and expanded generally using methods as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,352,694; 6,534,055; 6,905,680; 6,692,964; 5,858,358; 6,887,466; 6,905,681; 7,144,575; 7,067,318; 7,172,869; 7,232,566; 7,175,843; 5,883,223; 6,905,874; 6,797,514; and 6,867,041, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In particular embodiments, T cells are activated and expanded for about 6 hours, about 12 hours, about 18 hours or about 24 hours prior to introduction of vectors or polynucleotides encoding one or more BCMA DARIC components, optionally in combination with an engineered antigen receptor contemplated herein.

In one embodiment, T cells are activated at the same time that they are modified.

In various embodiments, a method of generating an immune effector cell comprises activating a population of cells comprising T cells and expanding the population of T cells. T cell activation can be accomplished by providing a primary stimulation signal through the T cell TCR/CD3 complex and by providing a secondary co-stimulation signal through an accessory molecule, e.g., CD28.

The TCR/CD3 complex may be stimulated by contacting the T cell with a suitable CD3 binding agent, e.g., a CD3 ligand or an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody. Illustrative examples of CD3 antibodies include, but are not limited to, OKT3, G19-4, BC3, and 64.1.

In addition to the primary stimulation signal provided through the TCR/CD3 complex, induction of T cell responses requires a second, co-stimulatory signal. In particular embodiments, a CD28 binding agent can be used to provide a co-stimulatory signal. Illustrative examples of CD28 binding agents include but are not limited to: natural CD 28 ligands, e.g., a natural ligand for CD28 (e.g., a member of the B7 family of proteins, such as B7-1(CD80) and B7-2 (CD86); and anti-CD28 monoclonal antibody or fragment thereof capable of crosslinking the CD28 molecule, e.g., monoclonal antibodies 9.3, B-T3, XR-CD28, KOLT-2, 15E8, 248.23.2, and EX5.3D10.

In one embodiment, the molecule providing the primary stimulation signal, for example a molecule which provides stimulation through the TCR/CD3 complex and the co-stimulatory molecule are coupled to the same surface.

In certain embodiments, binding agents that provide stimulatory and co-stimulatory signals are localized on the surface of a cell. This can be accomplished by transfecting or transducing a cell with a nucleic acid encoding the binding agent in a form suitable for its expression on the cell surface or alternatively by coupling a binding agent to the cell surface.

In another embodiment, the molecule providing the primary stimulation signal, for example a molecule which provides stimulation through the TCR/CD3 complex and the co-stimulatory molecule are displayed on antigen presenting cells.

In a certain embodiment, one of the binding agents that provides stimulatory and co-stimulatory signals is soluble (provided in solution) and the other agent(s) is provided on one or more surfaces.

In a particular embodiment, the binding agents that provide stimulatory and co-stimulatory signals are both provided in a soluble form (provided in solution).

In various embodiments, the methods for making T cells contemplated herein comprise activating T cells with anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies.

In one embodiment, expanding T cells activated by the methods contemplated herein further comprises culturing a population of cells comprising T cells for several hours (about 3 hours) to about 7 days to about 28 days or any hourly integer value in between. In another embodiment, the T cell composition may be cultured for 14 days. In a particular embodiment, T cells are cultured for about 21 days. In another embodiment, the T cell compositions are cultured for about 2-3 days. Several cycles of stimulation/activation/expansion may also be desired such that culture time of T cells can be 60 days or more.

In particular embodiments, conditions appropriate for T cell culture include an appropriate media (e.g., Minimal Essential Media or RPMI Media 1640 or, X-vivo 15, (Lonza)) and one or more factors necessary for proliferation and viability including, but not limited to serum (e.g., fetal bovine or human serum), interleukin-2 (IL-2), insulin, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-7, IL-21, GM-CSF, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, TGFβ, and TNF-α or any other additives suitable for the growth of cells known to the skilled artisan.

Further illustrative examples of cell culture media include, but are not limited to RPMI 1640, Clicks, AIM-V, DMEM, MEM, a-MEM, F-12, X-Vivo 15, and X-Vivo 20, Optimizer, with added amino acids, sodium pyruvate, and vitamins, either serum-free or supplemented with an appropriate amount of serum (or plasma) or a defined set of hormones, and/or an amount of cytokine(s) sufficient for the growth and expansion of T cells.

Antibiotics, e.g., penicillin and streptomycin, are included only in experimental cultures, not in cultures of cells that are to be infused into a subject. The target cells are maintained under conditions necessary to support growth, for example, an appropriate temperature (e.g., 37° C.) and atmosphere (e.g., air plus 5% CO2).

In particular embodiments, PBMCs or isolated T cells are contacted with a stimulatory agent and co-stimulatory agent, such as anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies, generally attached to a bead or other surface, in a culture medium with appropriate cytokines, such as IL-2, IL-7, and/or IL-15.

In other embodiments, artificial APC (aAPC) made by engineering K562, U937, 721.221, T2, and C1R cells to direct the stable expression and secretion, of a variety of co-stimulatory molecules and cytokines. In a particular embodiment K32 or U32 aAPCs are used to direct the display of one or more antibody-based stimulatory molecules on the AAPC cell surface. Populations of T cells can be expanded by aAPCs expressing a variety of co-stimulatory molecules including, but not limited to, CD137L (4-1BBL), CD134L (OX40L), and/or CD80 or CD86. Finally, the aAPCs provide an efficient platform to expand genetically modified T cells and to maintain CD28 expression on CD8 T cells. aAPCs provided in WO 03/057171 and US2003/0147869 are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

In a particular embodiment, a polynucleotide encoding one or more BCMA DARIC components is introduced into the population of T cells. In a particular embodiment, a polynucleotide encoding one or more BCMA DARIC components is introduced into a population of T cells that express an engineered antigen receptor. In a particular embodiment, a polynucleotide encoding one or more BCMA DARIC components and a DARIC binding component that binds an antigen expressed on a normal or malignant B cell or plasma cell is introduced into the population of T cells. The polynucleotides may be introduced into the T cells by microinjection, transfection, lipofection, heat-shock, electroporation, transduction, gene gun, microinjection, DEAE-dextran-mediated transfer, and the like.

In a preferred embodiment, polynucleotides are introduced into a T cell by viral transduction.

Illustrative examples of viral vector systems suitable for introducing a polynucleotide into an immune effector cell or CD34⁺ cell include but are not limited to adeno-associated virus (AAV), retrovirus, herpes simplex virus, adenovirus, vaccinia virus vectors for gene transfer.

In one embodiment, polynucleotides are introduced into a T cell by AAV transduction.

In one embodiment, polynucleotides are introduced into a T cell by retroviral transduction.

In one embodiment, polynucleotides are introduced into a T cell by lentiviral transduction.

In one embodiment, polynucleotides are introduced into a T cell by adenovirus transduction.

In one embodiment, polynucleotides are introduced into a T cell by herpes simplex virus transduction.

In one embodiment, polynucleotides are introduced into a T cell by vaccinia virus transduction.

G. Compositions and Formulations

The compositions contemplated herein may comprise a BCMA DARIC, a BCMA DARIC and an engineered antigen receptor, or a BCMA DARIC signaling component, a BCMA DARIC binding component and a DARIC binding component that binds a B cell or plasma cell target antigen, polynucleotides encoding the polypeptides, vectors comprising same, genetically modified immune effector cells comprising the polynucleotides or vectors and expressing the polypeptides, bridging factors, etc. Compositions include, but are not limited to, pharmaceutical compositions. A “pharmaceutical composition” refers to a composition formulated in pharmaceutically-acceptable or physiologically-acceptable solutions for administration to a cell or an animal, either alone, or in combination with one or more other modalities of therapy. It will also be understood that, if desired, the compositions may be administered in combination with other agents as well, such as, e.g., cytokines, growth factors, hormones, small molecules, chemotherapeutics, pro-drugs, drugs, antibodies, or other various pharmaceutically-active agents. There is virtually no limit to other components that may also be included in the compositions, provided that the additional agents do not adversely affect the ability of the composition to deliver the intended therapy.

The phrase “pharmaceutically acceptable” is employed herein to refer to those compounds, materials, compositions, and/or dosage forms which are, within the scope of sound medical judgment, suitable for use in contact with the tissues of human beings and animals without excessive toxicity, irritation, allergic response, or other problem or complication, commensurate with a reasonable benefit/risk ratio.

The term “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” refers to a diluent, adjuvant, excipient, or vehicle with which the bridging factors, polypeptides, polynucleotides, vectors comprising same, or genetically modified immune effector cells are administered. Illustrative examples of pharmaceutical carriers can be sterile liquids, such as cell culture media, water and oils, including those of petroleum, animal, vegetable or synthetic origin, such as peanut oil, soybean oil, mineral oil, sesame oil and the like. Saline solutions and aqueous dextrose and glycerol solutions can also be employed as liquid carriers, particularly for injectable solutions. Suitable pharmaceutical excipients in particular embodiments, include starch, glucose, lactose, sucrose, gelatin, malt, rice, flour, chalk, silica gel, sodium stearate, glycerol monostearate, talc, sodium chloride, dried skim milk, glycerol, propylene, glycol, water, ethanol and the like. Except insofar as any conventional media or agent is incompatible with the active ingredient, its use in the therapeutic compositions is contemplated. Supplementary active ingredients can also be incorporated into the compositions.

In one embodiment, a composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is suitable for administration to a subject. In particular embodiments, a composition comprising a carrier is suitable for parenteral administration, e.g., intravascular (intravenous or intraarterial), intraperitoneal or intramuscular administration. In particular embodiments, a composition comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is suitable for intraventricular, intraspinal, or intrathecal administration. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include sterile aqueous solutions, cell culture media, or dispersions. The use of such media and agents for pharmaceutically active substances is well known in the art. Except insofar as any conventional media or agent is incompatible with the bridging factors, polypeptides, polynucleotides, vectors comprising same, or genetically modified immune effector cells, use thereof in the pharmaceutical compositions is contemplated.

In particular embodiments, compositions contemplated herein comprise genetically modified T cells and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. A composition comprising a cell-based composition contemplated herein can be administered separately by enteral or parenteral administration methods or in combination with other suitable compounds to effect the desired treatment goals.

In particular embodiments, compositions contemplated herein comprise a bridging factor and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

The pharmaceutically acceptable carrier must be of sufficiently high purity and of sufficiently low toxicity to render it suitable for administration to the human subject being treated. It further should maintain or increase the stability of the composition. The pharmaceutically acceptable carrier can be liquid or solid and is selected, with the planned manner of administration in mind, to provide for the desired bulk, consistency, etc., when combined with other components of the composition. For example, the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier can be, without limitation, a binding agent (e.g., pregelatinized maize starch, polyvinylpyrrolidone or hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, etc.), a filler (e.g., lactose and other sugars, microcrystalline cellulose, pectin, gelatin, calcium sulfate, ethyl cellulose, polyacrylates, calcium hydrogen phosphate, etc.), a lubricant (e.g., magnesium stearate, talc, silica, colloidal silicon dioxide, stearic acid, metallic stearates, hydrogenated vegetable oils, corn starch, polyethylene glycols, sodium benzoate, sodium acetate, etc.), a disintegrant (e.g., starch, sodium starch glycolate, etc.), or a wetting agent (e.g., sodium lauryl sulfate, etc.). Other suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers for the compositions contemplated herein include, but are not limited to, water, salt solutions, alcohols, polyethylene glycols, gelatins, amyloses, magnesium stearates, talcs, silicic acids, viscous paraffins, hydroxymethylcelluloses, polyvinylpyrrolidones and the like.

Such carrier solutions also can contain buffers, diluents and other suitable additives. The term “buffer” as used herein refers to a solution or liquid whose chemical makeup neutralizes acids or bases without a significant change in pH. Examples of buffers contemplated herein include, but are not limited to, Dulbecco's phosphate buffered saline (PBS), Ringer's solution, 5% dextrose in water (D5W), normal/physiologic saline (0.9% NaCl).

The pharmaceutically acceptable carriers may be present in amounts sufficient to maintain a pH of the composition of about 7. Alternatively, the composition has a pH in a range from about 6.8 to about 7.4, e.g., 6.8, 6.9, 7.0, 7.1, 7.2, 7.3, and 7.4. In still another embodiment, the composition has a pH of about 7.4.

Compositions contemplated herein may comprise a nontoxic pharmaceutically acceptable medium. The compositions may be a suspension. The term “suspension” as used herein refers to non-adherent conditions in which cells are not attached to a solid support. For example, cells maintained as a suspension may be stirred or agitated and are not adhered to a support, such as a culture dish.

In particular embodiments, compositions contemplated herein are formulated in a suspension, where the modified T cells are dispersed within an acceptable liquid medium or solution, e.g., saline or serum-free medium, in an intravenous (IV) bag or the like. Acceptable diluents include, but are not limited to water, PlasmaLyte, Ringer's solution, isotonic sodium chloride (saline) solution, serum-free cell culture medium, and medium suitable for cryogenic storage, e.g., Cryostor® medium.

In certain embodiments, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier is substantially free of natural proteins of human or animal origin, and suitable for storing a composition comprising a population of modified T cells. The therapeutic composition is intended to be administered into a human patient, and thus is substantially free of cell culture components such as bovine serum albumin, horse serum, and fetal bovine serum.

In some embodiments, compositions are formulated in a pharmaceutically acceptable cell culture medium. Such compositions are suitable for administration to human subjects. In particular embodiments, the pharmaceutically acceptable cell culture medium is a serum free medium.

Serum-free medium has several advantages over serum containing medium, including a simplified and better-defined composition, a reduced degree of contaminants, elimination of a potential source of infectious agents, and lower cost. In various embodiments, the serum-free medium is animal-free, and may optionally be protein-free. Optionally, the medium may contain biopharmaceutically acceptable recombinant proteins. “Animal-free” medium refers to medium wherein the components are derived from non-animal sources. Recombinant proteins replace native animal proteins in animal-free medium and the nutrients are obtained from synthetic, plant or microbial sources. “Protein-free” medium, in contrast, is defined as substantially free of protein.

Illustrative examples of serum-free media used in particular compositions includes, but is not limited to, QBSF-60 (Quality Biological, Inc.), StemPro-34 (Life Technologies), and X-VIVO 10.

In a preferred embodiment, the compositions comprising modified T cells are formulated in PlasmaLyte.

In various embodiments, compositions comprising modified T cells are formulated in a cryopreservation medium. For example, cryopreservation media with cryopreservation agents may be used to maintain a high cell viability outcome post-thaw. Illustrative examples of cryopreservation media used in particular compositions includes, but is not limited to, CryoStor CS10, CryoStor CSS, and CryoStor CS2.

In one embodiment, the compositions are formulated in a solution comprising 50:50 PlasmaLyte A to CryoStor CS10.

In particular embodiments, the composition is substantially free of mycoplasma, endotoxin, and microbial contamination. By “substantially free” with respect to endotoxin is meant that there is less endotoxin per dose of cells than is allowed by the FDA for a biologic, which is a total endotoxin of 5 EU/kg body weight per day, which for an average 70 kg person is 350 EU per total dose of cells. In particular embodiments, compositions contemplated herein contain about 0.5 EU/mL to about 5.0 EU/mL, or about 0.5 EU/mL, 1.0 EU/mL, 1.5 EU/mL, 2.0 EU/mL, 2.5 EU/mL, 3.0 EU/mL, 3.5 EU/mL, 4.0 EU/mL, 4.5 EU/mL, or 5.0 EU/mL.

In particular embodiments, formulation of pharmaceutically-acceptable carrier solutions is well-known to those of skill in the art, as is the development of suitable dosing and treatment regimens for using the particular compositions described herein in a variety of treatment regimens, including e.g., enteral and parenteral, e.g., intravascular, intravenous, intrarterial, intraosseously, intraventricular, intracerebral, intracranial, intraspinal, intrathecal, and intramedullary administration and formulation. It would be understood by the skilled artisan that particular embodiments contemplated herein may comprise other formulations, such as those that are well known in the pharmaceutical art, and are described, for example, in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, volume I and volume II. 22^ndEdition. Edited by Loyd V. Allen Jr. Philadelphia, PA: Pharmaceutical Press; 2012, which is incorporated by reference herein, in its entirety.

In particular embodiments, compositions comprise an amount of immune effector cells that express one or more BCMA DARIC components contemplated herein. In particular embodiments, compositions comprise an amount of immune effector cells that express an engineered antigen receptor and one or more BCMA DARIC components contemplated herein. In particular embodiments, compositions comprise an amount of immune effector cells that express a BCMA DARIC signaling component, a BCMA DARIC binding component, and a DARIC binding component that binds a B cell or plasma cell target antigen contemplated herein. As used herein, the term “amount” refers to “an amount effective” or “an effective amount” of cells comprising one or more DARIC components contemplated herein, etc., to achieve a beneficial or desired prophylactic or therapeutic result in the presence of a bridging factor, including clinical results.

A “prophylactically effective amount” refers to an amount of cells comprising one or more DARIC components contemplated herein, etc., effective to achieve the desired prophylactic result in the presence of a bridging factor. Typically but not necessarily, since a prophylactic dose is used in subjects prior to or at an earlier stage of disease, the prophylactically effective amount is less than the therapeutically effective amount.

A “therapeutically effective amount” refers to an amount of cells comprising one or more DARIC components contemplated herein that is effective to “treat” a subject (e.g., a patient) in the presence of a bridging factor. When a therapeutic amount is indicated, the precise amount of the compositions to be administered, cells, bridging factor, etc, can be determined by a physician with consideration of individual differences in age, weight, tumor size, extent of infection or metastasis, and condition of the patient (subject).

It can generally be stated that a pharmaceutical composition comprising the immune effector cells described herein may be administered at a dosage of 10²to 10¹⁰cells/kg body weight, preferably 10⁵to 10⁶cells/kg body weight, including all integer values within those ranges. The number of cells will depend upon the ultimate use for which the composition is intended as will the type of cells included therein. For uses provided herein, the cells are generally in a volume of a liter or less, can be 500 mLs or less, even 250 mLs or 100 mLs or less. Hence the density of the desired cells is typically greater than 10⁶cells/ml and generally is greater than 10⁷cells/ml, generally 10⁸cells/ml or greater. The clinically relevant number of immune cells can be apportioned into multiple infusions that cumulatively equal or exceed 10⁵, 10⁶, 10⁷, 10⁸, 10⁹, 10¹⁰, 10¹¹, or 10¹²cells. In some embodiments, particularly since all the infused cells will be redirected to a particular target antigen, lower numbers of cells, in the range of 10⁶/kilogram (10⁶-10¹¹per patient) may be administered.

If desired, the treatment may also include administration of mitogens (e.g., PHA) or lymphokines, cytokines, and/or chemokines (e.g., IFN-γ, IL-2, IL-12, TNF-alpha, IL-18, and TNF-beta, GM-CSF, IL-4, IL-13, Flt3-L, RANTES, MIP1α, etc.) as described herein to enhance induction of the immune response.

Generally, compositions comprising the cells activated and expanded as described herein may be utilized in the treatment and prevention of diseases that arise in individuals who are immunocompromised. In particular, compositions contemplated herein are used in the treatment of cancer. In particular embodiments, the immune effector cells may be administered either alone, or as a pharmaceutical composition in combination with carriers, diluents, excipients, and/or with other components such as IL-2 or other cytokines or cell populations.

In particular embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions comprise an amount of genetically modified T cells, in combination with one or more pharmaceutically or physiologically acceptable carriers, diluents or excipients.

In particular embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions comprise an amount of bridging factor, in combination with one or more pharmaceutically or physiologically acceptable carriers, diluents or excipients.

In a particular embodiment, compositions comprise an effective amount of immune effector cells comprising a BCMA DARIC signaling component and a BCMA DARIC binding component, and optionally a DARIC binding component that binds a B cell or plasma cell target antigen contemplated herein, alone or in combination with a bridging factor and/or one or more therapeutic agents, such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, transplantation, immunotherapy, hormone therapy, photodynamic therapy, etc. The compositions may also be administered in combination with antibiotics. Such therapeutic agents may be accepted in the art as a standard treatment for a particular disease state as described herein, such as a particular cancer. Exemplary therapeutic agents contemplated include cytokines, growth factors, steroids, NSAIDs, DMARDs, anti-inflammatories, chemotherapeutics, radiotherapeutics, therapeutic antibodies, or other active and ancillary agents.

In a particular embodiment, a composition comprising an effective amount of immune effector cells comprising a BCMA DARIC signaling component and a BCMA DARIC binding component, and optionally a DARIC binding component that binds a B cell or plasma cell target antigen contemplated herein is administered to a subject, and a composition comprising an effective amount of a bridging factor is subsequently, and optionally repetitively, administered to the subject.

In certain embodiments, compositions comprising immune effector cells comprising a BCMA DARIC signaling component and a BCMA DARIC binding component, and optionally a DARIC binding component that binds a B cell or plasma cell target antigen contemplated herein may be administered in conjunction with any number of chemotherapeutic agents.

A variety of other therapeutic agents may be used in conjunction with the compositions described herein. In one embodiment, the composition comprising immune effector cells comprising a BCMA DARIC signaling component and a BCMA DARIC binding component, and optionally a DARIC binding component that binds a B cell or plasma cell target antigen contemplated herein is administered with an anti-inflammatory agent. Anti-inflammatory agents or drugs include, but are not limited to, steroids and glucocorticoids (including betamethasone, budesonide, dexamethasone, hydrocortisone acetate, hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, prednisolone, prednisone, triamcinolone), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) including aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, methotrexate, sulfasalazine, leflunomide, anti-TNF medications, cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate.

Illustrative examples of therapeutic antibodies suitable for combination treatment with the modified T cells comprising a BCMA DARIC signaling component and a BCMA DARIC binding component, and optionally a DARIC binding component that binds a B cell or plasma cell target antigen contemplated herein, include but are not limited to, atezolizumab, avelumab, bavituximab, bevacizumab (avastin), bivatuzumab, blinatumomab, conatumumab, daratumumab, duligotumab, dacetuzumab, dalotuzumab, durvalumab, elotuzumab (HuLuc63), gemtuzumab, ibritumomab, indatuximab, inotuzumab, ipilimumab, lorvotuzumab, lucatumumab, milatuzumab, moxetumomab, nivolumab, ocaratuzumab, ofatumumab, pembrolizumab, rituximab, siltuximab, teprotumumab, and ublituximab.

In certain embodiments, the compositions described herein are administered in conjunction with a cytokine. By “cytokine” as used herein is meant a generic term for proteins released by one cell population that act on another cell as intercellular mediators. Examples of such cytokines are lymphokines, monokines, and traditional polypeptide hormones.

H. Therapeutic Methods

Immune effector cells modified to express a BCMA DARIC, a BCMA DARIC and an engineered antigen receptor, or a BCMA DARIC signaling component and a BCMA DARIC binding component and a DARIC binding component that binds a B cell or plasma cell target antigen contemplated herein provide improved methods of adoptive immunotherapy for use in the treatment of B cell related conditions that include but are not limited to immunoregulatory conditions and hematological malignancies.

In particular embodiments, compositions comprising immune effector cells comprising a BCMA DARIC optionally in combination with an engineered antigen receptor and/or a DARIC binding component that binds an antigen expressed on a normal or malignant B cell or plasma cell are used in the treatment of conditions associated with abnormal B cell activity.

Illustrative examples of conditions that can be treated, prevented or ameliorated using the immune effector cells comprising a BCMA DARIC, a BCMA DARIC and an engineered antigen receptor, or a BCMA DARIC signaling component and a BCMA DARIC binding component and a DARIC binding component that binds a B cell or plasma cell target antigen contemplated herein include, but are not limited to: systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, myasthenia gravis, autoimmune hemolytic anemia, idiopathic thrombocytopenia purpura, anti-phospholipid syndrome, Chagas' disease, Grave's disease, Wegener's granulomatosis, poly-arteritis nodosa, Sjogren's syndrome, pemphigus vulgaris, scleroderma, multiple sclerosis, anti-phospholipid syndrome, ANCA associated vasculitis, Goodpasture's disease, Kawasaki disease, and rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis.

The modified immune effector cells may also have application in plasma cell disorders such as heavy-chain disease, primary or immunocyte-associated amyloidosis, and monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS).

As use herein, “B cell malignancy” refers to a type of cancer that forms in B cells (a type of immune system cell) as discussed infra.

In particular embodiments, compositions comprising BCMA DARIC T cells, T cells that express a BCMA DARIC and engineered antigen receptor, or T cells that express a BCMA DARIC and a DARIC binding component that binds a B cell or plasma cell antigen are used in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, including but not limited to B cell malignancies such as, for example, multiple myeloma (MM) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).

Multiple myeloma is a B cell malignancy of mature plasma cell morphology characterized by the neoplastic transformation of a single clone of these types of cells. These plasma cells proliferate in BM and may invade adjacent bone and sometimes the blood. Variant forms of multiple myeloma include overt multiple myeloma, smoldering multiple myeloma, plasma cell leukemia, non-secretory myeloma, IgD myeloma, osteosclerotic myeloma, solitary plasmacytoma of bone, and extramedullary plasmacytoma (see, for example, Braunwald, et al. (eds), Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 15th Edition (McGraw-Hill 2001)).

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma encompasses a large group of cancers of lymphocytes (white blood cells). Non-Hodgkin lymphomas can occur at any age and are often marked by lymph nodes that are larger than normal, fever, and weight loss. There are many different types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. For example, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can be divided into aggressive (fast-growing) and indolent (slow-growing) types. Although non-Hodgkin lymphomas can be derived from B cells and T-cells, as used herein, the term “non-Hodgkin lymphoma” and “B cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma” are used interchangeably. B cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL) include Burkitt lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/SLL), diffuse large B cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, immunoblastic large cell lymphoma, precursor B-lymphoblastic lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma. Lymphomas that occur after bone marrow or stem cell transplantation are usually B cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is an indolent (slow-growing) cancer that causes a slow increase in immature white blood cells called B lymphocytes, or B cells. Cancer cells spread through the blood and bone marrow, and can also affect the lymph nodes or other organs such as the liver and spleen. CLL eventually causes the bone marrow to fail. Sometimes, in later stages of the disease, the disease is called small lymphocytic lymphoma.

In particular embodiments, immune effector cells modified to express a BCMA DARIC, a BCMA DARIC and an engineered antigen receptor, or a BCMA DARIC signaling component, a BCMA DARIC binding component and a DARIC binding component that binds a B cell or plasma cell target antigen provide improved methods of adoptive immunotherapy to fine-tune the safety and efficacy of a cytotoxic response against target cells, e.g., tumor cells, expressing target antigens while decreasing the risk of on-target antigen, off-target cell cytotoxicity (recognizing the target antigen on a normal, non-target cell).

In particular embodiments, a method of preventing, treating, or ameliorating at least one symptom of a B cell related condition comprises administering the subject an effective amount of modified immune effector cells or T cells comprising one or more components of a BCMA DARIC receptor, optionally expressing an engineered TCR, CAR, DARIC binding component that binds a B cell or plasma cell target antigen, or other therapeutic transgene to redirect the cells to a target cell. The genetically modified cells are a more efficacious and safe cellular immunotherapy by virtue of transducing a chemically regulatable immunostimulatory signal.

In particular embodiments, one or more immune effector cells, e.g., T cells, are modified to express both a BCMA DARIC binding component and a BCMA DARIC signaling component and optionally a DARIC binding component that binds a B cell or plasma cell target antigen. In this case, the modified cells are administered to a subject in need thereof and home to the target cells via the interaction of the BCMA binding component expressed on the immune effector cell and BCMA expressed on the target cell and/or the interaction of the other DARIC binding component expressed on the immune effector cell and its target antigen expressed on the target cell. A bridging factor is administered to the subject before the modified cells, about the same time as the modified cells, or after the modified cells have been administered to the subject. In the presence of the bridging factor, a ternary complex forms between the BCMA DARIC binding component, the bridging factor, and the BCMA DARIC signaling component and if expressed, between the other DARIC binding component, the bridging factor, and the BCMA DARIC signaling component. Upon formation of the ternary complex, the DARIC(s) transduce an immunostimulatory signal to the immune effector cell that in turn, elicits a cytotoxic response from the immune effector cell against the target cell.

In particular embodiments, one or more immune effector cells, e.g., T cells, are modified to express a BCMA DARIC signaling component. In this case, the modified cells are administered to a subject in need thereof. A BCMA DARIC binding component and optionally another DARIC binding component that binds a B cell or plasma cell antigen can be administered to the subject before the modified cells, about the same time as the modified cells, or after the modified cells have been administered to the subject. In addition, the BCMA DARIC binding component and/or other DARIC binding component can be administered to the subject in a preformed complex with the bridging factor; at the same time as the bridging factor, but in a separate composition; or at a different time than the bridging factor. The BCMA binding component binds BCMA expressed on the target cell, and if present, the other DARIC binding component binds its target antigen expressed on the target cell, either in the presence or absence of the bridging factor. In the presence of the bridging factor, a ternary complex forms between the BCMA DARIC binding component, the bridging factor, and the BCMA DARIC signaling component and if present, between the other DARIC binding component, the bridging factor, and the BCMA DARIC signaling component. Upon formation of the ternary complex, the DARIC(s) transduce an immunostimulatory signal to the immune effector cell that in turn, elicits a cytotoxic response from the immune effector cell against the target cell.

In various embodiments, immune effector cells comprising a BCMA DARIC and/or an engineered TCR or CAR fine-tune the safety and efficacy of a cytotoxic response against target cells using a dual targeting strategy wherein one or more target cells express one or more target antigens recognized by the engineered TCR or CAR and BCMA recognized by the BCMA DARIC.

In particular embodiments, one or more immune effector cells, e.g., T cells, are modified to express both a BCMA DARIC binding component and a BCMA DARIC signaling component and an engineered TCR or CAR. In this case, the modified cells are administered to a subject in need thereof and home to the target cells via the interaction of the BCMA DARIC binding component and/or the TCR or CAR, at least one of which is expressed on the immune effector cell; both target antigens are expressed on the target cell. Interaction of the TCR or CAR with a target antigen on the target cell may elicit a cytotoxic response from the immune effector cell against the target cell. A bridging factor is administered to the subject before the modified cells, about the same time as the modified cells, or after the modified cells have been administered to the subject. In the presence of the bridging factor, a ternary complex forms between the BCMA DARIC binding component, the bridging factor, and the BCMA DARIC signaling component. Upon formation of the ternary complex, the BCMA DARIC transduces an immunostimulatory signal to the immune effector cell that in turn, elicits or augments a cytotoxic response from the immune effector cell against the target cell.

In particular embodiments, one or more immune effector cells, e.g., T cells, are modified to express the BCMA DARIC signaling component and an engineered TCR or CAR, at least one of which is expressed on the immune effector cell; both target antigens are expressed on the target cell. In this case, the modified cells are administered to a subject in need thereof. A BCMA DARIC binding component can be administered to the subject before the modified cells, about the same time as the modified cells, or after the modified cells have been administered to the subject. In addition, the BCMA DARIC binding component can be administered to the subject in a preformed complex with the bridging factor; at the same time as the bridging factor, but in a separate composition; or at a different time than the bridging factor. The BCMA binding component binds the target antigen expressed on the target cell, either in the presence or absence of the bridging factor. In the presence of the bridging factor, a ternary complex forms between the BCMA DARIC binding component, the bridging factor, and the BCMA DARIC signaling component. Upon formation of the ternary complex, the BCMA DARIC transduces an immunostimulatory signal to the immune effector cell that in turn, elicits a cytotoxic response from the immune effector cell against the target cell. Upon expression of the TCR or CAR and engagement with the target antigen, an immunostimulatory signal is transduced to the immune effector cell that in turn, elicits a cytotoxic response from the immune effector cell against the target cell.

In particular embodiments, BCMA DARIC activation can be induced in cases where remission or regression is incomplete and the condition relapses or becomes refractory to treatment.

In particular preferred embodiments, the specificity of a primary T cell is redirected to tumor or cancer cells that express a BCMA polypeptide by genetically modifying a T cell, e.g., a primary T cell, with an engineered antigen receptor directed to the target antigen and one or more BCMA DARIC components.

In particular preferred embodiments, the specificity of a primary T cell is redirected to tumor or cancer cells that express a BCMA polypeptide by genetically modifying a T cell, e.g., a primary T cell, with a BCMA DARIC signaling component, a BCMA DARIC binding component, and a DARIC binding component that binds a B cell or plasma cell target antigen.

In particular embodiments, methods comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of BCMA DARIC-expressing immune effector cells contemplated herein or a composition comprising the same, to a patient in need thereof, alone or in combination with one or more therapeutic agents, are provided. In certain embodiments, BCMA DARIC-expressing immune effector cells are used in the treatment of patients at risk for developing a condition associated with abnormal B cell activity or a B cell malignancy. Methods for the treatment or prevention of a condition associated with abnormal B cell activity or a B cell malignancy comprise administering to a subject, a therapeutically effective amount of the immune effector cells expressing one or more BCMA DARIC components and optionally expressing an engineered antigen receptor or a DARIC binding component that binds an antigen on a normal or malignant B cell or plasma cell.

As used herein, the terms “individual” and “subject” are often used interchangeably and refer to any animal that exhibits a symptom of a disease, disorder, or condition that can be treated with the BCMA DARIC compositions contemplated herein. In preferred embodiments, a subject includes any animal that exhibits symptoms of a condition associated with abnormal B cell activity or a B cell malignancy that can be treated with the BCMA DARIC compositions contemplated herein. Suitable subjects (e.g., patients) include laboratory animals (such as mouse, rat, rabbit, or guinea pig), farm animals, and domestic animals or pets (such as a cat or dog). Non-human primates and, preferably, human patients, are included. Typical subjects include human patients that have a B cell malignancy, have been diagnosed with a B cell malignancy, or are at risk or having a B cell malignancy.

As used herein, the term “patient” refers to a subject that has been diagnosed with a condition associated with abnormal B cell activity or a B cell malignancy that can be treated with the BCMA DARIC compositions contemplated herein.

As used herein “treatment” or “treating,” includes any beneficial or desirable effect on the symptoms or pathology of a disease or pathological condition may include even minimal reductions in one or more measurable markers of the disease or condition being treated. Treatment can involve optionally either the reduction of the disease or condition, or the delaying of the progression of the disease or condition, e.g., delaying tumor outgrowth. “Treatment” does not necessarily indicate complete eradication or cure of the disease or condition, or associated symptoms thereof.

As used herein, “prevent,” and similar words such as “prevented,” “preventing” etc., indicate an approach for preventing, inhibiting, or reducing the likelihood of the occurrence or recurrence of, a disease or condition associated with abnormal B cell activity or a B cell malignancy. It also refers to delaying the onset or recurrence of a disease or condition or delaying the occurrence or recurrence of the symptoms of a disease or condition. As used herein, “prevention” and similar words also includes reducing the intensity, effect, symptoms and/or burden of a disease or condition prior to onset or recurrence of the disease or condition.

As used herein, the phrase “ameliorating at least one symptom of” refers to decreasing one or more symptoms of the disease or condition associated with abnormal B cell activity or a B cell malignancy for which the subject is being treated. In particular embodiments, the disease or condition being treated is a cancer, wherein the one or more symptoms ameliorated include, but are not limited to, weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, easy bruising and bleeding, frequent infections, enlarged lymph nodes, distended or painful abdomen (due to enlarged abdominal organs), bone or joint pain, fractures, unplanned weight loss, poor appetite, night sweats, persistent mild fever, and decreased urination (due to impaired kidney function).

By “enhance” or “promote,” or “increase” or “expand” refers generally to the ability of a composition contemplated herein to produce, elicit, or cause a greater physiological response (i.e., downstream effects) compared to the response caused by either vehicle or a control molecule/composition. A measurable physiological response may include an increase in T cell expansion, activation, persistence, cytokine secretion, and/or an increase in cancer cell killing ability, among others apparent from the understanding in the art and the description herein. An “increased” or “enhanced” amount is typically a “statistically significant” amount, and may include an increase that is 1.1, 1.2, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 30 or more times (e.g., 500, 1000 times) (including all integers and decimal points in between and above 1, e.g., 1.5, 1.6, 1.7. 1.8, etc.) the response produced by vehicle or a control composition.

By “decrease” or “lower,” or “lessen,” or “reduce,” or “abate” refers generally to the ability of composition contemplated herein to produce, elicit, or cause a lesser physiological response (i.e., downstream effects) compared to the response caused by either vehicle or a control molecule/composition. A “decrease” or “reduced” amount is typically a “statistically significant” amount, and may include a decrease that is 1.1, 1.2, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 30 or more times (e.g., 500, 1000 times) (including all integers and decimal points in between and above 1, e.g., 1.5, 1.6, 1.7. 1.8, etc.) the response (reference response) produced by vehicle, a control composition, or the response in a particular cell lineage.

By “maintain,” or “preserve,” or “maintenance,” or “no change,” or “no substantial change,” or “no substantial decrease” refers generally to the ability of a composition contemplated herein to produce, elicit, or cause a substantially similar or comparable physiological response (i.e., downstream effects) in a cell, as compared to the response caused by either vehicle, a control molecule/composition, or the response in a particular cell lineage. A comparable response is one that is not significantly different or measurable different from the reference response.

In one embodiment, a method of treating a B cell related condition in a subject in need thereof comprises administering an effective amount, e.g., therapeutically effective amount of a composition comprising immune effector cells contemplated herein. In preferred embodiments, the immune effector cells express a BCMA DARIC, a BCMA DARIC and an engineered antigen receptor, or a BCMA DARIC signaling component, a BCMA DARIC binding component and a DARIC binding component that binds a B cell or plasma cell target antigen. The quantity and frequency of administration will be determined by such factors as the condition of the patient, and the type and severity of the patient's disease, although appropriate dosages may be determined by clinical trials.

The quantity and frequency of administration of modified immune effector cells, DARIC binding components, and/or bridging factor will be determined by such factors as the condition of the patient, and the type and severity of the patient's disease, although appropriate dosages and dose schedules may be determined by clinical trials.

In one illustrative embodiment, the effective amount of modified immune effector cells provided to a subject is at least 2×10⁶cells/kg, at least 3×10⁶cells/kg, at least 4×10⁶cells/kg, at least 5×10⁶cells/kg, at least 6×10⁶cells/kg, at least 7×10⁶cells/kg, at least 8×10⁶cells/kg, at least 9×10⁶cells/kg, or at least 10×10⁶cells/kg, or more cells/kg, including all intervening doses of cells.

In another illustrative embodiment, the effective amount of modified immune effector cells provided to a subject is about 2×10⁶cells/kg, about 3×10⁶cells/kg, about 4×10⁶cells/kg, about 5×10⁶cells/kg, about 6×10⁶cells/kg, about 7×10⁶cells/kg, about 8×10⁶cells/kg, about 9×10⁶cells/kg, or about 10×10⁶cells/kg, or more cells/kg, including all intervening doses of cells.

In another illustrative embodiment, the effective amount of modified immune effector cells provided to a subject is from about 2×10⁶cells/kg to about 10×10⁶cells/kg, about 3×10⁶cells/kg to about 10×10⁶cells/kg, about 4×10⁶cells/kg to about 10×10⁶cells/kg, about 5×10⁶cells/kg to about 10×10⁶cells/kg, 2×10⁶cells/kg to about 6×10⁶cells/kg, 2×10⁶cells/kg to about 7×10⁶cells/kg, 2×10⁶cells/kg to about 8×10⁶cells/kg, 3×10⁶cells/kg to about 6×10⁶cells/kg, 3×10⁶cells/kg to about 7×10⁶cells/kg, 3×10⁶cells/kg to about 8×10⁶cells/kg, 4×10⁶cells/kg to about 6×10⁶cells/kg, 4×10⁶cells/kg to about 7×10⁶cells/kg, 4×10⁶cells/kg to about 8×10⁶cells/kg, 5×10⁶cells/kg to about 6×10⁶cells/kg, 5×10⁶cells/kg to about 7×10⁶cells/kg, 5×10⁶cells/kg to about 8×10⁶cells/kg, or 6×10⁶cells/kg to about 8×10⁶cells/kg, including all intervening doses of cells.

One of ordinary skill in the art would recognize that multiple administrations of the compositions contemplated in particular embodiments may be required to effect the desired therapy. For example, a composition may be administered 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 or more times over a span of 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 3 months, 4 months, 5 months, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 5, years, 10 years, or more. Modified immune effector cells, DARIC components, and bridging factor may be administered in the same or different compositions; in one or more compositions at the same time; or more than one composition at different times. Modified immune effector cells, DARIC binding components, and bridging factor may be administered through the same route of administration or different routes.

In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to administer activated T cells to a subject and then subsequently redraw blood (or have an apheresis performed), activate T cells therefrom, and reinfuse the patient with these activated and expanded T cells. This process can be carried out multiple times every few weeks. In certain embodiments, T cells can be activated from blood draws of from 10 cc to 400 cc. In certain embodiments, T cells are activated from blood draws of 20 cc, 30 cc, 40 cc, 50 cc, 60 cc, 70 cc, 80 cc, 90 cc, 100 cc, 150 cc, 200 cc, 250 cc, 300 cc, 350 cc, or 400 cc or more. Not to be bound by theory, using this multiple blood draw/multiple reinfusion protocol may serve to select out certain populations of T cells.

In one embodiment, a method of treating a subject diagnosed with a disease or condition associated with abnormal B cell activity or a B cell malignancy, comprises removing immune effector cells from the subject, modifying the immune effector cells by introducing one or more vectors encoding one or more DARIC components into the cell and producing a population of modified immune effector cells, and administering the population of modified immune effector cells to the same subject. In a preferred embodiment, the immune effector cells comprise T cells.

In one embodiment, a method of treating a subject diagnosed with a disease or condition associated with abnormal B cell activity or a B cell malignancy, comprises removing immune effector cells from the subject, modifying the immune effector cells by introducing one or more vectors encoding an engineered TCR or CAR and one or more DARIC components into the cell and producing a population of modified immune effector cells, and administering the population of modified immune effector cells to the same subject. In a preferred embodiment, the immune effector cells comprise T cells.

The methods for administering the cell compositions contemplated in particular embodiments include any method which is effective to result in reintroduction of ex vivo modified immune effector cells or reintroduction of modified progenitors of immune effector cells, e.g., CD34⁺ cells, that upon introduction into a subject differentiate into mature immune effector cells. One method comprises modifying peripheral blood T cells ex vivo by introducing one or more vectors encoding an engineered TCR or CAR and one or more DARIC components and returning the transduced cells into the subject.

The methods for administering the cell compositions contemplated in particular embodiments include any method which is effective to result in reintroduction of ex vivo modified immune effector cells or reintroduction of modified progenitors of immune effector cells, e.g., CD34⁺ cells, that upon introduction into a subject differentiate into mature immune effector cells. One method comprises modifying peripheral blood T cells ex vivo by introducing one or more vectors encoding one or more DARIC components and returning the transduced cells into the subject.

All publications, patent applications, and issued patents cited in this specification are herein incorporated by reference as if each individual publication, patent application, or issued patent were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Although the foregoing embodiments have been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, it will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art in light of the teachings contemplated herein that certain changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit or scope of the appended claims. The following examples are provided by way of illustration only and not by way of limitation. Those of skill in the art will readily recognize a variety of noncritical parameters that could be changed or modified in particular embodiments to yield essentially similar results.

EXAMPLES
Example 1
Drug-Regulatable BCMA DARIC T Cell Response Against Tumor Cells

BCMA DARIC lentiviral plasmids containing an MNDU3 promoter operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding a CD8α-derived signal peptide, a FRB domain variant (T82L; T2098L in the FRB reference sequence), a CD8α derived transmembrane domain, a 4-1BB costimulatory domain, and a CD3ζ signaling domain, a P2A sequence, a Igκ-derived signal peptide, an anti-BCMA scFv, a FKBP12 domain and a CD4 derived transmembrane and truncated intracellular domain (SEQ ID NO: 1) or an Amnionless (AMN) derived transmembrane domain (SEQ ID NO: 2) were designed, constructed, and verified. An anti-BCMA CAR construct comprising an MNDU3 promoter operably linked to a CD8α-derived signal peptide, an anti-BCMA scFv, a CD8α derived hinge and transmembrane domain, a 4-1BB and a CD3ζ signaling domain was designed, constructed and verified. FIG. 1A.

Human PBMCs (1×10⁶cells/mL) were activated with soluble anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 antibodies (50 ng/mL) on day 0. After 24 hr incubation, 1×10⁶cells were transduced with a lentivirus encoding an anti-BCMA-CAR, a BCMA DARIC with a CD4 transmembrane domain (DARIC-1) or a BCMA DARIC with an AMN transmembrane domain (DARIC-2). The cells were washed and resuspended at 0.3×10⁶cells/mL on day 3. The cells were cultured for 7 days with IL-2 (250 IU/mL) containing medium changed every other day. CAR or DARIC binding component expression on transduced T cells was analyzed by staining with recombinant BCMA-Fc. FIG. 1B.

On day 10, transduced T cells and untransduced control T cells were co-cultured with BCMA⁺GFP⁺ K562 cells for 48 hr at a 10:1 effector:target ratio (E:T). Anti-BCMA CAR T cells significantly reduced the number of K562 BCMA⁺ cells both in the presence and absence of rapamycin. FIG. 2A. However, DARIC-1 and DARIC-2 T cells only reduced K562 BCMA⁺ cells in the presence of rapamycin or the non-immunosuppressive rapalog AP21967. Id.

Cytokine production of anti-BCMA CAR T cells, DARIC-1 T cells, and DARIC-2 T cells was measured after 24 hours of co-culture with K562 BCMA⁺ cells at a 1:1 E:T ratio in the presence or absence of rapamycin or AP21967. Culture supernatants were collected and cytokine production (IFNγ, IL-2, TNFα, IL-17α, IL-4 and IL-6) was analyzed using the Qbead PlexScreen cytokine assay kit (Intellicyt). Anti-BCMA CAR T cells produced cytokines both in the presence or absence of rapamycin/AP21967, whereas DARIC-1 and DARIC 2 T cells produced cytokines only in the presence of rapamycin or AP21967. In these assays DARIC-2 T cells was expressed at higher levels and produced more cytokines than DARIC-1 T cells. Compare FIG. 1B and FIG. 2B.

Cell cycle analysis was performed on anti-BCMA CAR T cells, DARIC-1 T cells, and DARIC-2 T cells co-cultured with K562 BCMA⁺ cells (E:T ratio of 1:1) for 3 days with or without rapamycin (1 nM) or AP21967 (20 nM). Modified thymidine analogue 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) was added to the culture for the final 16 hours. After 3 days, cells were harvested and EdU incorporation was analyzed using the Click-It Edu staining kit and flow cytometry detection. Expression of EdU indicates cells that underwent proliferation in the previous 16 hours. Anti-BCMA-CAR T cells proliferated after co-culture with K562 BCMA⁺ cells both in the presence or absence of rapamycin/AP21967. FIG. 2C. DARIC-1 T cells and DARIC-2 T cells took up EdU only in the presence of rapamycin/AP21967. Id. These results demonstrate that BCMA DARIC T cells produced cytotoxic responses to BCMA⁺ target cells in a drug-dependent manner.

Example 2
BCMA DARIC Vectors Containing a WPRE Element

A BCMA DARIC lentiviral plasmid comprising an MNDU3 promoter operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding a CD8α-derived signal peptide, a FRB T2098L polypeptide variant, a CD8α derived transmembrane domain, a 4-1BB costimulatory domain, and a CD3ζ signaling domain, a P2A sequence, a Igκ-derived signal peptide, an anti-BCMA scFv, a FKBP12 domain, a CD4 derived transmembrane and truncated intracellular domain; and a Woodchuck Post-Regulatory Element (WPRE) were designed, constructed and verified. The plasmid sequence contained following the stop codon of the CD4 transmembrane domain for enhanced protein expression. FIG. 3A.

Human PBMCs were activated, transduced and expanded as described in Example 1. Anti-BCMA CAR T cells and BCMA DARIC T cells were stained with BCMA-Fc to analyze anti-BCMA CAR expression and expression of the BCMA DARIC binding component. Inclusion of the WPRE resulted in relatively high expression of the BCMA DARIC binding component. FIG. 3B. Cytokine production was analyzed using ELISA. Anti-BCMA CAR T cells co-cultured with BCMA⁺ tumor cells produced high levels of IFNγ, both in the presence and absence of rapamycin. FIG. 3C. BCMA DARIC T cells co-cultured with BCMA⁺ tumor cells produced relatively low levels of IFNγ in the absence of rapamycin but produced relatively high levels of IFNγ in the presence of rapamycin. Id. These data show that inclusion of the WPRE resulted in high level BCMA DARIC expression and activity.

Example 3
BCMA DARICs Containing a Hinge Region

A BCMA-DARIC lentiviral plasmid containing an MNDU3 promoter operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding a CD8α-derived signal peptide, a FRB polypeptide variant (T82L), a CD8α derived transmembrane domain, a 4-1BB costimulatory domain, and a CD3ζ signaling domain, a P2A sequence, a Igκ-derived signal peptide, an anti-BCMA scFv, a CD28 hinge domain, a FKBP12 domain and a CD4 derived transmembrane and truncated intracellular domain were designed, constructed and verified (SEQ ID NO: 3). FIG. 4A.

Human PBMCs were activated, transduced and expanded as described in Example 1. Anti-BCMA CAR T cells and BCMA DARIC T cells were stained with BCMA-Fc to analyze BCMA CAR expression and expression of the BCMA DARIC binding component. FIG. 4B. Anti-BCMA CAR T cells co-cultured with BCMA⁺ tumor cells produced high levels of IFNγ, both in the presence and absence of rapamycin. FIG. 4C. BCMA DARIC T cells co-cultured with BCMA⁺ tumor cells produced relatively high levels of IFNγ only in the presence of rapamycin. Id.

Example 4
Dual Antigen Recognition DARICs

A lentiviral plasmid comprising an MNDU3 promoter operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding a DARIC signaling component comprising a CD8α-derived signal peptide, a FRB variant (T82L), a CD8α derived transmembrane domain, a 4-1BB costimulatory domain and a CD3ζ signaling domain; a P2A sequence; a BCMA DARIC binding component comprising an Igκ-derived signal peptide, an anti-BCMA scFv, a FKBP12 domain and a CD4 derived transmembrane; a P2A sequence; and a CD19 DARIC binding component comprising an Igκ-derived signal peptide, an anti-CD19 scFv, a FKBP12 domain and a CD4 derived transmembrane were designed, constructed, and verified. FIG. 5.

In general, in the following claims, the terms used should not be construed to limit the claims to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification and the claims, but should be construed to include all possible embodiments along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. Accordingly, the claims are not limited by the disclosure.

DIMERIZING AGENT REGULATED IMMUNORECEPTOR COMPLEXES

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