Patent Application
20230383252
T cell exhaustion is a broad term that has been used to describe the response of T cells to chronic antigen stimulation. This was first observed in the setting of chronic viral infection but has also been studied in the immune response to tumors. The features and characteristics of the T-cell exhaustion mechanism may have crucial implications for the success of checkpoint blockade and adoptive T cell transfer therapies.
T cell exhaustion is a progressive loss of effector function due to prolonged antigen stimulation, characteristic of chronic infections and cancer. In addition to continuous antigen stimulation, antigen presenting cells and cytokines present in the microenvironment can also contribute to this exhausted phenotype. Thus T cell exhaustion is a state of T cell dysfunction in which T cells present poor effector function and sustained expression of inhibitory receptors. This prevents optimal control of infections or tumours. Additionally, exhausted T cells have a transcriptional state distinct from that of functional effector or memory T cells. Therapeutic treatments have the potential to rescue exhausted T cells (Goldberg, M. V. & Drake, C. G., 2011, Wherry, E. J. & Kurachi M., 2015).
Exhausted T cells typically express co-inhibitory receptors such as programmed cell death 1 (PDCD1 or PD-1). The gene product acts as a component of an immune checkpoint system. T cell exhaustion may be reversed by blocking these receptors.
Natural Killer Cell Receptor 2B4 (also known as CD244) is an immunoregulatory transmembrane receptor in the Signaling Lymphocyte Activation Molecule (SLAM) family. 2B4 expression has been shown in various cells, including e.g., natural killer cells, T cells, dendritic cells, basophils, monocytes, and myeloid-derived suppressor cells. Prior studies demonstrated that 2B4 expression on certain immune cells is altered under specific pathologic conditions. Subsequently, 2B4 inhibition has been linked to the maintenance of an exhausted phenotype in, e.g., T cells in chronic infection and cancer. Agresta et al., Front. Immunol. 9:2809, 2018.
Provided herein are compounds and compositions for use, for example, in methods of preparation of cells with genetic modifications (e.g., insertions, deletions, substituions) in a 2B4 sequence, e.g., a genomic locus, generated, for example, using the CRISPR/Cas system; and the cells with genetic modifications in the 2B4 sequence and their use in various methods, e.g., to promote an immune response e.g., in immunooncology and infectious disease. The cells with 2B4 genetic modifications that may reduce 2B4 expression, may include genetic modifications in additional genomic sequences including, T-cell receptor (TCR) loci, e.g., TRAC or TRBC loci, to reduce TCR expression; genomic loci that reduce expression of MHC class I molecules, e.g., B2M and HLA-A loci; genomic loci that reduce expression of MHC class II molecules, e.g., CIITA loci; and checkpoint inhibitor loci, e.g., LAG3 loci, TIM3 loci, and PD-1 loci. The present disclosure relates to populations of cells including cells with genetic modification of the 2B4 sequence, and optionally other genomic loci as provided herein. The cells may be used in adoptive T cell transfer therapies. The present disclosure relates to compositions and uses of the cells with genetic modification of the 2B4 sequence for use in therapy, e.g., cancer therapy and immunotherapy. The present disclosure relates to and provides gRNA molecules, CRISPR systems, cells, and methods useful for genome editing of cells.
Provided herein is an engineered cell comprising a genetic modification in a human 2B4 sequence within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160830160-160862887. Further embodiments are provided throughout and described in the claims and Figures.
Also disclosed is the use of a composition or formulation of a cell of any of the foregoing embodiments for the preparation of a medicament for treating a subject. The subject may be human or animal (e.g. human or non-human animal, e.g., cynomolgus monkey). Preferably the subject is human.
Also disclosed are any of the foregoing compositions or formulations for use in producing a genetic modification (e.g., an insertion, a substitution, or a deletion) a 2B4 gene sequence. In certain embodiments, the genetic modification within the sequence results in a change in the nucleic acid sequence that prevents translation of a full-length protein prior to genetic modification of the genomic locus, e.g., by forming a frameshift or nonsense mutation, such that translation is terminated prematurely. The genetic modification can include insertion, substitution, or deletion at a splice site, i.e., a splice acceptor site or a splice donor site, such that the abnormal splicing results in a frameshift mutation, nonsense mutation, or truncated mRNA, such that translation is terminated prematurely. Genetic modifications can also disrupt translation or folding of the encoded protein resulting in premature translation termination.
Compositions provided herein for use in producing a genetic modification within the sequence preferably results in reduced expression of a protein, e.g., cell surface expression of the protein, from the sequence.
In another aspect, the invention provides a method of providing an immunotherapy to a subject, the method including administering to the subject an effective amount of a cell as described herein, for example, a cell of any of the aforementioned cell aspects and embodiments.
In embodiments of the methods, the method includes lymphodepletion prior to administering a cell or population of cells as described herein. In embodiments of the methods, the method includes administering a lymphodepleting agent or immunosuppressant prior to administering to the subject an effective amount of the cell as described herein, for example, a cell of any of the aforementioned cell aspects and embodiments. In another aspect, the invention provides a method of preparing cells (e.g., a population of cells).
Immunotherapy is the treatment of disease by activating or suppressing the immune system. Immunotherapies designed to elicit or amplify an immune response are classified as activation immunotherapies. Cell-based immunotherapies have been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of some cancers. Immune effector cells such as lymphocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells, natural killer cells (NK Cell), cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) can be programmed to act in response to abnormal antigens expressed on the surface of tumor cells. Thus, cancer immunotherapy allows components of the immune system to destroy tumors or other cancerous cells.
Immunotherapy can also be useful for the treatment of chronic infectious disease, e.g., hepatitis B and C virus infection, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, tuberculosis infection, and malarial infection. Immune effector cells comprising a targeting receptor such as a transgenic TCR or CAR are useful in immunotherapies, such as those described herein.
In another aspect, the invention provides a method of preparing cells (e.g., a population of cells) for immunotherapy, the method including: (a) modifying cells by reducing or eliminating expression of one or more or all components of a T-cell receptor (TCR), for example, by introducing into said cells a gRNA molecule (as described herein), or more than one gRNA molecule, as disclosed herein; and (b) expanding said cells. Cells of the invention are suitable for further engineering, e.g. by introduction of a heterologous sequence coding for a targeting receptor, e.g. a polypeptide that mediates TCR/CD3 zeta chain signalling. In some embodiments, the polypeptide is a targeting receptor selected from a non-endogenous TCR or CAR sequence. In some embodiments, the polypeptide is a wild-type or variant TCR. Cells of the invention may also be suitable for further engineering by introduction of a heterologous sequence coding for an alternative antigen binding moiety, e.g. by introduction of a heterologous sequence coding for an alternative (non-endogenous) T cell receptor, e.g. a chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) engineered to target a specific protein. CAR are also known as chimeric immunoreceptors, chimeric T cell receptors or artificial T cell receptors).
In another aspect, the invention provides a method of treating a subject that includes administering cells (e.g., a population of cells) prepared by a method of preparing cells described herein, for example, a method of any of the aforementioned aspects and embodiments of methods of preparing cells.
Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the present teachings are described in conjunction with various embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present teachings to those embodiments. On the contrary, the present teaching encompass various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, as will be appreciated by those of skill in the art.
Before describing the present teachings in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to specific compositions or process steps, as such may vary. It should be noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular form “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Thus, for example, reference to “a conjugate” includes a plurality of conjugates and reference to “a cell” includes a plurality of cells (e.g., a population of cells) and the like.
Numeric ranges are inclusive of the numbers defining the range. Measured and measurable values are understood to be approximate, taking into account significant digits and the error associated with the measurement. In some embodiments a population of cells refers to a population of at least 103, 104, 105 or 106 cells, preferably 107, 2×107, 5×107, or 108 cells.
The use of “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “contain”, “contains”, “containing”, “include”, “includes”, and “including” are not intended to be limiting. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the teachings. Unless specifically noted in the specification, embodiments in the specification that recite “comprising” various components are also contemplated as “consisting of” or “consisting essentially of” the recited components; embodiments in the specification that recite “consisting of” various components are also contemplated as “comprising” or “consisting essentially of” the recited components; and embodiments in the specification that recite “consisting essentially of” various components are also contemplated as “consisting of” or “comprising” the recited components (this interchangeability does not apply to the use of these terms in the claims).
The term “or” is used in an inclusive sense in the specification, i.e., equivalent to “and/or,” unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.
The term “about”, when used before a list, modifies each member of the list. The term “about” is understood to encompass tolerated variation or error within the art, e.g., 2 standard deviations from the mean, or the sensitivity of the method used to take a measurement. When “about” is present before the first value of a series, it can be understood to modify each value in the series.
Ranges are understood to include the numbers at the end of the range and all logical values therebetween. For example, 5-10 nucleotides is understood as 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or nucleotides, whereas 5-10% is understood to contain 5% and all possible values through 10%.
At least 17 nucleotides of a 20 nucleotide sequence is understood to include 17, 18, 19, or 20 nucleotides of the sequence provided, thereby providing a upper limit even if one is not specifically provided as it would be clearly understood. Similarly, up to 3 nucleotides would be understood to encompass 0, 1, 2, or 3 nucleotides, providing a lower limit even if one is not specifically provided. When “at least”, “up to”, or other similar language modifies a number, it can be understood to modify each number in the series.
As used herein, “no more than” or “less than” is understood as the value adjacent to the phrase and logical lower values or integers, as logical from context, to zero. For example, a duplex region of “no more than 2 nucleotide base pairs” has a 2, 1, or 0 nucleotide base pairs. When “no more than” or “less than” is present before a series of numbers or a range, it is understood that each of the numbers in the series or range is modified.
As used herein, ranges include both the upper and lower limit.
In the event of a conflict between a sequence in the application and an indicated accession number or position in an accession number, the sequence in the application predominates.
In the event of a conflict between a chemical name and a structure, the structure predominates.
As used herein, “detecting an analyte” and the like is understood as performing an assay in which the analyte can be detected, if present, wherein the analyte is present in an amount above the level of detection of the assay.
As used herein, it is understood that when the maximum amount of a value is represented by 100% (e.g., 100% inhibition or 100% encapsulation) that the value is limited by the method of detection. For example, 100% inhibition is understood as inhibition to a level below the level of detection of the assay, and 100% encapsulation is understood as no material intended for encapsulation can be detected outside the vesicles.
The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the desired subject matter in any way. In the event that any material incorporated by reference contradicts any term defined in this specification or any other express content of this specification, this specification controls.
Unless stated otherwise, the following terms and phrases as used herein are intended to have the following meanings:
“Polynucleotide” and “nucleic acid” are used herein to refer to a multimeric compound comprising nucleosides or nucleoside analogs which have nitrogenous heterocyclic bases or base analogs linked together along a backbone, including conventional RNA, DNA, mixed RNA-DNA, and polymers that are analogs thereof. A nucleic acid “backbone” can be made up of a variety of linkages, including one or more of sugar-phosphodiester linkages, peptide-nucleic acid bonds (“peptide nucleic acids” or PNA; PCT No. WO 95/32305), phosphorothioate linkages, methylphosphonate linkages, or combinations thereof. Sugar moieties of a nucleic acid can be ribose, deoxyribose, or similar compounds with substitutions, e.g., 2′ methoxy or 2′ halide substitutions. An RNA may comprise one or more deoxyribose nucleotides, e.g. as modifications, and similarly a DNA may comprise one or more ribonucleotides. Nitrogenous bases can be conventional bases (A, G, C, T, U), analogs thereof (e.g., modified uridines such as 5-methoxyuridine, pseudouridine, or N1-methylpseudouridine, or others); inosine; derivatives of purines or pyrimidines (e.g., N4-methyl deoxyguanosine, deaza- or aza-purines, deaza- or aza-pyrimidines, pyrimidine bases with substituent groups at the 5 or 6 position (e.g., 5-methylcytosine), purine bases with a substituent at the 2, 6, or 8 positions, 2-amino-6-methylaminopurine, O6-methylguanine, 4-thio-pyrimidines, 4-amino-pyrimidines, 4-dimethylhydrazine-pyrimidines, and O4-alkyl-pyrimidines; U.S. Pat. No. 5,378,825 and PCT No. WO 93/13121). For general discussion see The Biochemistry of the Nucleic Acids 5-36, Adams et al., ed., 11th ed., 1992). Nucleic acids can include one or more “abasic” residues where the backbone includes no nitrogenous base for position(s) of the polymer (U.S. Pat. No. 5,585,481). A nucleic acid can comprise only conventional RNA or DNA sugars, bases and linkages, or can include both conventional components and substitutions (e.g., conventional nucleosides with 2′ methoxy substituents, or polymers containing both conventional nucleosides and one or more nucleoside analogs). Nucleic acid includes “locked nucleic acid” (LNA), an analogue containing one or more LNA nucleotide monomers with a bicyclic furanose unit locked in an RNA mimicking sugar conformation, which enhance hybridization affinity toward complementary RNA and DNA sequences (Vester and Wengel, 2004, Biochemistry 43(42):13233-41). RNA and DNA have different sugar moieties and can differ by the presence of uracil or analogs thereof in RNA and thymine or analogs thereof in DNA.
“Guide RNA”, “gRNA”, and simply “guide” are used herein interchangeably to refer to, for example, either a single guide RNA, or the combination of a crRNA and a trRNA (also known as tracrRNA). The crRNA and trRNA may be associated as a single RNA molecule (as a single guide RNA, sgRNA) or, for example, in two separate RNA strands (dual guide RNA, dgRNA). “Guide RNA” or “gRNA” refers to each type. The trRNA may be a naturally-occurring sequence, or a trRNA sequence with modifications or variations.
As used herein, a “guide sequence” refers to a sequence within a guide RNA that is complementary to a target sequence and functions to direct a guide RNA to a target sequence for binding or modification (e.g., cleavage) by an RNA-guided DNA binding agent. A “guide sequence” may also be referred to as a “targeting sequence,” or a “spacer sequence.” A guide sequence can be 20 base pairs in length, e.g., in the case of Streptococcus pyogenes (i.e., Spy Cas9) and related Cas9 homologs/orthologs. Shorter or longer sequences can also be used as guides, e.g., 15-, 16-, 17-, 18-, 19-, 21-, 22-, 23-, 24-, or 25-nucleotides in length. For example, in some embodiments, the guide sequence comprises at least 17, 18, 19, or 20 contiguous nucleotides of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 1-86. In some embodiments, the target sequence is in a gene or on a chromosome, for example, and is complementary to the guide sequence. In some embodiments, the degree of complementarity or identity between a guide sequence and its corresponding target sequence is at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95%, or is 100%. For example, in some embodiments, the guide sequence comprises a sequence with at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95%, or 100% identity to at least 17, 18, 19, or 20 contiguous nucleotides of a sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 1-86. In some embodiments, the guide sequence and the target region may be 100% complementary or identical. In other embodiments, the guide sequence and the target region may contain at least one mismatch, i.e., one nucleotide that is not identical or not complementary, depending on the reference sequence. For example, the guide sequence and the target sequence may contain 1, 2, 3, or 4 mismatches, where the total length of the target sequence is 17, 18, 19, 20 nucleotides, or more. In some embodiments, the guide sequence and the target region may contain 1-4 mismatches where the guide sequence comprises at least 17, 18, 19, 20 nucleotides, or more. In some embodiments, the guide sequence and the target region may contain 1, 2, 3, or 4 mismatches where the guide sequence comprises 20 nucleotides. That is, the guide sequence and the target region may form a duplex region having 17, 18, 19, 20 base pairs, or more. In certain embodiments, the duplex region may include 1, 2, 3, or 4 mismatches such that guide strand and target sequence are not fully complementary. For example, a guide strand and target sequence may be complementary over a 20 nucleotide region, including 2 mismatches, such that the guide sequence and target sequence are 90% complementary providing a duplex region of 18 base pairs out of 20.
Target sequences for RNA-guided DNA binding agents include both the positive and negative strands of genomic DNA (i.e., the sequence given and the reverse complement of the sequence), as a nucleic acid substrate for an RNA-guided DNA binding agent is a double stranded nucleic acid. Accordingly, where a guide sequence is said to be “complementary to a target sequence”, it is to be understood that the guide sequence may direct a guide RNA to bind to the sense or antisense strand (e.g. reverse complement) of a target sequence. Thus, in some embodiments, where the guide sequence binds the reverse complement of a target sequence, the guide sequence is identical to certain nucleotides of the target sequence (e.g., the target sequence not including the PAM) except for the substitution of U for T in the guide sequence.
As used herein, an “RNA-guided DNA binding agent” means a polypeptide or complex of polypeptides having RNA and DNA binding activity, or a DNA-binding subunit of such a complex, wherein the DNA binding activity is sequence-specific and depends on the sequence of the RNA. Exemplary RNA-guided DNA binding agents include Cas cleavases/nickases and inactivated forms thereof (“dCas DNA binding agents”). “Cas nuclease”, as used herein, encompasses Cas cleavases, Cas nickases, and dCas DNA binding agents. The dCas DNA binding agent may be a dead nuclease comprising non-functional nuclease domains (RuvC or HNH domain). In some embodiments the Cas cleavase or Cas nickase encompasses a dCas DNA binding agent modified to permit DNA cleavage, e.g. via fusion with a FokI domain. Cas cleavases/nickases and dCas DNA binding agents include a Csm or Cmr complex of a type III CRISPR system, the Cas10, Csm1, or Cmr2 subunit thereof, a Cascade complex of a type I CRISPR system, the Cas3 subunit thereof, and Class 2 Cas nucleases. As used herein, a “Class 2 Cas nuclease” is a single-chain polypeptide with RNA-guided DNA binding activity. Class 2 Cas nucleases include Class 2 Cas cleavases/nickases (e.g., H840A, D10A, or N863A variants), which further have RNA-guided DNA cleavases or nickase activity, and Class 2 dCas DNA binding agents, in which cleavase/nickase activity is inactivated. Class 2 Cas nucleases include, for example, Cas9, Cpf1, C2c1, C2c2, C2c3, HF Cas9 (e.g., N497A, R661A, Q695A, Q926A variants), HypaCas9 (e.g., N692A, M694A, Q695A, H698A variants), eSPCas9(1.0) (e.g., K810A, K1003A, R1060A variants), and eSPCas9(1.1) (e.g., K848A, K1003A, R1060A variants) proteins and modifications thereof. Cpf1 protein, Zetsche et al., Cell, 163: 1-13 (2015), is homologous to Cas9, and contains a RuvC-like nuclease domain. Cpf1 sequences of Zetsche are incorporated by reference in their entirety. See, e.g., Zetsche, Tables S1 and S3. See, e.g., Makarova et al., Nat Rev Microbiol, 13(11): 722-36 (2015); Shmakov et al., Molecular Cell, (2015).
Exemplary nucleotide and polypeptide sequences of Cas9 molecules are provided below. Methods for identifying alternate nucleotide sequences encoding Cas9 polypeptide sequences, including alternate naturally occurring variants, are known in the art. Sequences with at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% identity to any of the Cas9 nucleic acid sequences, amino acid sequences, or nucleic acid sequences encoding the amino acid sequences provided herein are also contemplated.
As used herein, “ribonucleoprotein” (RNP) or “RNP complex” refers to a guide RNA together with an RNA-guided DNA binding agent, such as a Cas nuclease, e.g., a Cas cleavase, Cas nickase, or dCas DNA binding agent (e.g., Cas9). In some embodiments, the guide RNA guides the RNA-guided DNA binding agent such as Cas9 to a target sequence, and the guide RNA hybridizes with and the agent binds to the target sequence; in cases where the agent is a cleavase or nickase, binding can be followed by cleaving or nicking.
As used herein, a “target sequence” refers to a sequence of nucleic acid in a target gene that has complementarity to the guide sequence of the gRNA, i.e., that is sufficiently complementary to the guide sequence to permit specific binding of the guide sequence. The interaction of the target sequence and the guide sequence directs an RNA-guided DNA binding agent to bind, and potentially nick or cleave (depending on the activity of the agent), within the target sequence.
As used herein, a first sequence is considered to be “identical” or have “100% identity” with a second sequence if an alignment of the first sequence to the second sequence shows that all of the positions of the second sequence in its entirety are matched by the first sequence. For example, the sequence AAG has 100% identity to the sequence AAGA because an alignment would give 100% identity in that there are matches, without gaps, to all three positions of the first sequence. Less than 100% identity can be calculated using routine methods. For example ACG would have 67% identity with AAGA as two of the three positions of the first sequence are matches to the second sequence (2/3=67%). The differences between RNA and DNA (generally the exchange of uridine for thymidine or vice versa) and the presence of nucleoside analogs such as modified uridines do not contribute to differences in identity or complementarity among polynucleotides as long as the relevant nucleotides (such as thymidine, uridine, or modified uridine) have the same complement (e.g., adenosine for all of thymidine, uridine, or modified uridine; another example is cytosine and 5-methylcytosine, both of which have guanosine or modified guanosine as a complement). Thus, for example, the sequence 5′-AXG where X is any modified uridine, such as pseudouridine, N1-methyl pseudouridine, or 5-methoxyuridine, is considered 100% identical to AUG in that both are perfectly complementary to the same sequence (5′-CAU). Exemplary alignment algorithms are the Smith—Waterman and Needleman—Wunsch algorithms, which are well-known in the art. One skilled in the art will understand what choice of algorithm and parameter settings are appropriate for a given pair of sequences to be aligned; for sequences of generally similar length and expected identity >50% for amino acids or >75% for nucleotides, the Needleman-Wunsch algorithm with default settings of the Needleman-Wunsch algorithm interface provided by the EBI at the www.ebi.ac.uk web server is generally appropriate.
Similarly, as used herein, a first sequence is considered to be “fully complementary” or 100% complementary” to a second sequence when all of the nucleotides of a first sequence are complementary to a second sequence, without gaps. For example, the sequence UCU would be considered to be fully complementary to the sequence AAGA as each of the nucleobases from the first sequence basepair with the nucleotides of the second sequence, without gaps. The sequence UGU would be considered to be 67% complementary to the sequence AAGA as two of the three nucleobases of the first sequence basepair with nucleobases of the second sequence. One skilled in the art will understand that algorithms are available with various parameter settings to determine percent complementarity for any pair of sequences using, e.g., the NCBI BLAST interface (blast.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/Blast.cgi) or the Needleman-Wunsch algorithm.
“mRNA” is used herein to refer to a polynucleotide that comprises an open reading frame that can be translated into a polypeptide (i.e., can serve as a substrate for translation by a ribosome and amino-acylated tRNAs). mRNA can comprise a phosphate-sugar backbone including ribose residues or analogs thereof, e.g., 2′-methoxy ribose residues. In some embodiments, the sugars of an mRNA phosphate-sugar backbone consist essentially of ribose residues, 2′-methoxy ribose residues, or a combination thereof.
Exemplary guide sequences useful in the guide RNA compositions and methods described herein are shown in Table 1 and throughout the application. For example, where Table 1 shows a guide sequence, this guide sequence may be used in a guide RNA to direct a RNA-guided DNA binding agent, e.g., a nuclease, such as a Cas nuclease, such as Cas9, to a target sequence. Target sequences are provided in Table 1 as genomic coordinates, and include both the positive and negative strands of genomic DNA (i.e., the sequence given and the sequence's reverse complement. In some embodiments, where the guide sequence binds the reverse complement of a target sequence, the guide sequence is identical to certain nucleotides of the target sequence (e.g., the target sequence not including the PAM) except for the substitution of U for T in the guide sequence.
As used herein, “indels” refer to insertion/deletion mutations consisting of a number of nucleotides that are either inserted or deleted at the site of double-stranded breaks (DSBs) in a target nucleic acid.
As used herein, “inhibit expression” and the like refer to a decrease in expression of a particular gene product (e.g., protein, mRNA, or both). Expression of a protein (i.e., gene product) can be measured by detecting total cellular amount of the protein from a tissue or cell population of interest by detecting expression of a protein as individual members of a population of cells, e.g., by cell sorting to define percent of cells expressing a protein, or expression of a protein in cells in aggregate, e.g., by ELISA or western blot. Inhibition of expression can result from genetic modification of a gene sequence, e.g., a genomic sequence, such that the full-length gene product, or any gene product, is no longer expressed, e.g. knockdown of the gene. Certain genetic modifications can result in the introduction of frameshift or nonsense mutations that prevent translation of the full-length gene product. Genetic modifications at a splice site, e.g., at a position sufficiently close to a splice acceptor site or a splice donor site to disrupt splicing, can prevent translation of the full-length protein. Inhibition of expression can result from a genetic modification in a regulatory sequence within the genomic sequence required for the expression of the gene product, e.g., a promoter sequence, a 3′ UTR sequence, e.g., a capping sequence, a 5′ UTR sequence, e.g., a poly A sequence. Inhibition of expression may also result from disrupting expression or activity of regulatory factors required for translation of the gene product, e.g., production of no gene product. For example, a genetic modification in a transcription factor sequence, inhibiting expression of the full-length transcription factor, can have downstream effects and inhibit expression of the expression of one or more gene products controlled by the transcription factor. Therefore, inhibition of expression can be predicted by changes in genomic or mRNA sequences. Therefore, mutations expected to result in inhibition of expression can be detected by known methods including sequencing of mRNA isolated from a tissue or cell population of interest. Inhibition of expression can be determined as the percent of cells in a population having a predetermined level of expression of a protein, i.e., a reduction of the percent or number of cells in a population expressing a protein of interest at at least a certain level. Inhibition of expression can also be assessed by determining a decrease in overall protein level, e.g., in a cell or tissue sample, e.g., a biopsy sample. In certain embodiments, inhibition of expression of a secreted protein can be assessed in a fluid sample, e.g., cell culture media or a body fluid. Proteins may be present in a body fluid, e.g., blood or urine, to permit analysis of protein level. In certain embodiments, protein level may be determined by protein activity or the level of a metabolic product, e.g., in urine or blood. In some embodiments, “inhibition of expression” may refer to some loss of expression of a particular gene product, for example a decrease in the amount of mRNA transcribed or a decrease in the amount of protein expressed by a population of cells. In some embodiments, “inhibition” may refer to some loss of expression of a particular gene product, for example a 2B4 gene product at the cell surface. It is understood that the level of knockdown is relative to a starting level in the same type of subject sample. For example, routine monitoring of a protein level is more easily performed in a fluid sample from a subject, e.g., blood or urine, than in a tissue sample, e.g., a biopsy sample. It is understood that the level of knockdown is for the sample being assayed. Similarly, in animal studies where serial tissue samples may be obtained, e.g., liver tissue, the knockdown target may be expressed in other tissues. Therefore, the level of knockdown is not necessarily the level of knockdown systemically, but within the tissue, cell type, or fluid being sampled.
As used herein, a “genetic modification” is a change at the DNA level, e.g. induced by a CRISPR/Cas9 gRNA and Cas9 system. A genetic modification may comprise an insertion, deletion, or substitution (i.e., base sequence substitution, i.e., mutation), typically within a defined sequence or genomic locus. A genetic modification changes the nucleic acid sequence of the DNA. A genetic modification may be at a single nucleotide position. A genetic modification may be at multiple nucleotides, e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5 or more nucleotides, typically in close proximity to each other, e.g, contiguous nucleotides. A genetic modification can be in a coding sequence, e.g., an exon sequence. A genetic modification can be at a splice site, i.e., sufficiently close to a splice acceptor site or a splice donor site to disrupt splicing. A genetic modification can include insertion of a nucleotide sequence not endogenous to the genomic locus, e.g., insertion of a coding sequence of a heterologous open reading frame or gene. As used herein, preferably a genetic modification prevents translation of a full-length protein having an amino acid sequence of the full-length protein prior to genetic modification of the genomic locus. Prevention of translation of a full-length protein or gene product includes prevention of translation of a protein or gene product of any length. Translation of a full-length protein can be prevented, for example, by a frameshift mutation that results in the generation of a premature stop codon or by generation of a nonsense mutation. Translation of a full-length protein can be prevented by disruption of splicing.
As used herein, a “heterologous coding sequence” refers to a coding sequence that has been introduced as an exogenous source within a cell (e.g., inserted at a genomic locus such as a safe harbor locus including a TCR gene locus). That is, the introduced coding sequence is heterologous with respect to at least its insertion site. A polypeptide expressed from such heterologous coding sequence gene is referred to as a “heterologous polypeptide.” The heterologous coding sequence can be naturally-occurring or engineered, and can be wild-type or a variant. The heterologous coding sequence may include nucleotide sequences other than the sequence that encodes the heterologous polypeptide (e.g., an internal ribosomal entry site). The heterologous coding sequence can be a coding sequence that occurs naturally in the genome, as a wild-type or a variant (e.g., mutant). For example, although the cell contains the coding sequence of interest (as a wild-type or as a variant), the same coding sequence or variant thereof can be introduced as an exogenous source for, e.g., expression at a locus that is highly expressed. The heterologous gcoding sequence can also be a coding sequence that is not naturally occurring in the genome, or that expresses a heterologous polypeptide that does not naturally occur in the genome. “Heterologous coding sequence”, “exogenous coding sequence”, and “transgene” are used interchangeably. In some embodiments, the heterologous coding sequence or transgene includes an exogenous nucleic acid sequence, e.g., a nucleic acid sequence is not endogenous to the recipient cell. In some embodiments, the heterologous coding sequence or transgene includes an exogenous nucleic acid sequence, e.g., a nucleic acid sequence that does not naturally occur in the recipient cell. For example, a heterologous coding sequence may be heterologous with respect to its insertion site and with respect to its recipient cell.
A “safe harbor” locus is a locus within the genome wherein a gene may be inserted without significant deleterious effects on the cell. Non-limiting examples of safe harbor loci that are targeted by nuclease(s) for use herein include AAVS1 (PPP 1 R12C), TCR, B2M. In some embodiments, insertions at a locus or loci targeted for knockdown such as a TRC gene, e.g., TRAC gene, is advantageous for cells. Other suitable safe harbor loci are known in the art.
As used herein, “targeting receptor” refers to a receptor present on the surface of a cell, e.g., a T cell, to permit binding of the cell to a target site, e.g., a specific cell or tissue in an organism. Targeting receptors include, but are not limited to a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), a T-cell receptor (TCR), and a receptor for a cell surface molecule operably linked through at least a transmembrane domain in an internal signaling domain capable of activating a T cell upon binding of the extracellular receptor portion of a protein.
As used herein, a “chimeric antigen receptor” refers to an extracellular antigen recognition domain, e.g., an scFv, VHH, nanobody; operably linked to an intracellular signaling domain, which activates the T cell when an antigen is bound. CARs are composed of four regions: an antigen recognition domain, an extracellular hinge region, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular T-cell signaling domain. Such receptors are well known in the art (see, e.g., WO2020092057, WO2019191114, WO2019147805, WO2018208837, the corresponding portions of the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference). A reversed universal CAR that promotes binding of an immune cell to a target cell through an adaptor molecule (see, e.g., WO2019238722, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety) is also contemplated. CARs can be targeted to any antigen to which an antibody can be developed and are typically directed to molecules displayed on the surface of a cell or tissue to be targeted.
As used herein, “treatment” refers to any administration or application of a therapeutic for disease or disorder in a subject, and includes inhibiting the disease, arresting its development, relieving one or more symptoms of the disease, curing the disease, preventing one or more symptoms of the disease, or preventing reoccurrence of one or more symptoms of the disease. Treating an autoimmune or inflammatory response or disorder may comprise alleviating the inflammation associated with the specific disorder resulting in the alleviation of disease-specific symptoms. Treatment with the engineered T cells described herein may be used before, after, or in combination with additional therapeutic agents, e.g., the standard of care for the indication to be treated.
The human wild-type 2B4 sequence is available at NCBI Gene ID: 51744 (www. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/51744, in the version available on the date of filing the instant application); Ensembl: ENSG00000122223, chr1:160830160-160862887. The 2B4 gene contains 9 exons. CD244, NAIL, NKR2B4, Nmrk, SLAMF4 are gene synonyms for 2B4. The 2B4 gene corresponds to the protein UniProtKB identifier Q9BZW8. The 2B4 gene encodes a cell surface receptor expressed on natural killer (NK) cells and T cells that mediate non-major histocompatibility complex (MHC) restricted killing.
As used herein, “T cell receptor” or “TCR” refers to a receptor in a T cell. In general, a TCR is a heterodimer receptor molecule that contains two TCR polypeptide chains, α and β. α and β chain TCR polypeptides can complex with various CD3 molecules and elicit immune response(s), including inflammation and autoimmunity, after antigen binding. As used herein, a knockdown of TCR refers to a knockdown of any TCR gene in part or in whole, e.g., deletion of part of the TRBC1 gene, alone or in combination with knockdown of other TCR gene(s) in part or in whole.
“TRAC” is used to refer to the T cell receptor a chain. A human wild-type TRAC sequence is available at NCBI Gene ID: 28755; Ensembl: ENSG00000277734. T-cell receptor Alpha Constant, TCRA, IMD7, TRCA and TRA are gene synonyms for TRAC.
“TRBC” is used to refer to the T-cell receptor (3-chain, e.g., TRBC1 and TRBC2. “TRBC1” and “TRBC2” refer to two homologous genes encoding the T-cell receptor (3-chain, which are the gene products of the TRBC1 or TRBC2 genes.
A human wild-type TRBC1 sequence is available at NCBI Gene ID: 28639; Ensembl: ENSG00000211751. T-cell receptor Beta Constant, V_segment Translation Product, BV05S1J2.2, TCRBC1, and TCRB are gene synonyms for TRBC1.
A human wild-type TRBC2 sequence is available at NCBI Gene ID: 28638; Ensembl: ENSG00000211772. T-cell receptor Beta Constant, V_segment Translation Product, and TCRBC2 are gene synonyms for TRBC2.
A “T cell” plays a central role in the immune response following exposure to an antigen. T cells can be naturally occurring or non-natural, e.g., when T cells are formed by engineering, e.g., from a stem cell or by transdifferentiation, e.g., reprogramming a somatic cell. T cells can be distinguished from other lymphocytes by the presence of a T cell receptor on the cell surface. Included in this definition are conventional adaptive T cells, which include helper CD4+ T cells, cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, memory T cells, and regulatory CD4+ T cells, and innate-like T cells including natural killer T cells, mucosal associated invariant T cells, and gamma delta T cells. In some embodiments, T cells are CD4+. In some embodiments, T cells are CD3+/CD4+.
As used herein, “MHC” or “MHC protein” refers to a major histocompatibility complex molecule (or plural), and includes e.g., MHC class I molecules (e.g., HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C in humans) and MHC class II molecules (e.g., HLA-DP, HLA-DQ, and HLA-DR in humans).
“CIITA” or “CIITA” or “C2TA,” as used herein, refers to the nucleic acid sequence or protein sequence of “class II major histocompatibility complex transactivator;” the human gene has accession number NC 000016.10 (range 10866208 . . . 10941562), reference GRCh38.p13. The CIITA protein in the nucleus acts as a positive regulator of MHC class II gene transcription and is required for MHC class II protein expression.
“132M” or “B2M,” as used herein, refers to nucleic acid sequence or protein sequence of “β-2 microglobulin”; the human gene has accession number NC 000015 (range 44711492 . . . 44718877), reference GRCh38.p13. The B2M protein is associated with MHC class I molecules as a heterodimer on the surface of nucleated cells and is required for MHC class I protein expression.
The term “HLA-A,” as used herein in the context of HLA-A protein, refers to the MHC class I protein molecule, which is a heterodimer consisting of a heavy chain (encoded by the HLA-A gene) and a light chain (i.e., beta-2 microglobulin). The term “HLA-A” or “HLA-A gene,” as used herein in the context of nucleic acids refers to the gene encoding the heavy chain of the HLA-A protein molecule. The HLA-A gene is also referred to as “HLA class I histocompatibility, A alpha chain;” the human gene has accession number NC 000006.12 (29942532 . . . 29945870). The HLA-A gene is known to have thousands of different versions (also referred to as “alleles”) across the population (and an individual may receive two different alleles of the HLA-A gene). A public database for HLA-A alleles, including sequence information, may be accessed at IPD-IMGT/HLA: www.ebi.ac.uk/ipd/imgt/hLa/. All alleles of HLA-A are encompassed by the terms “HLA-A” and “HLA-A gene.”
As used herein, the term “within the genomic coordinates” includes the boundaries of the genomic coordinate range given. For example, if chr6:29942854-chr6:29942913 is given, the coordinates chr6:29942854-chr6:29942913 are encompassed. Throughout this application, the referenced genomic coordinates are based on genomic annotations in the GRCh38 (also referred to as hg38) assembly of the human genome from the Genome Reference Consortium, available at the National Center for Biotechnology Information website. Tools and methods for converting genomic coordinates between one assembly and another are known in the art and can be used to convert the genomic coordinates provided herein to the corresponding coordinates in another assembly of the human genome, including conversion to an earlier assembly generated by the same institution or using the same algorithm (e.g., from GRCh38 to GRCh37), and conversion of an assembly generated by a different institution or algorithm (e.g., from GRCh38 to NCBI33, generated by the International Human Genome Sequencing Consortium). Available methods and tools known in the art include, but are not limited to, NCBI Genome Remapping Service, available at the National Center for Biotechnology Information website, UCSC LiftOver, available at the UCSC Genome Brower website, and Assembly Converter, available at the Ensembl.org website.
A “splice site,” as used herein, refers to the three nucleotides that make up an acceptor splice site or a donor splice site (defined below), or any other nucleotides known in the art that are part of a splice site. See e.g., Burset et al., Nucleic Acids Research 28(21):4364-4375 (2000) (describing canonical and non-canonical splice sites in mammalian genomes). The three nucleotides that make up an “acceptor splice site” are two conserved residues (e.g., AG in humans) at the 3′ of an intron and a boundary nucleotide (i.e., the first nucleotide of the exon 3′ of the AG). The “splice site boundary nucleotide” of an acceptor splice site is designated as “Y” in the diagram below and may also be referred to herein as the “acceptor splice site boundary nucleotide,” or “splice acceptor site boundary nucleotide.” The terms “acceptor splice site,” “splice acceptor site,” “acceptor splice sequence,” or “splice acceptor sequence” may be used interchangeably herein.
The three nucleotides that make up a “donor splice site” are two conserved residues (e.g., GT (gene) or GU (in RNA such as pre-mRNA) in human) at the 5′ end of an intron and a boundary nucleotide (i.e., the first nucleotide of the exon 5′ of the GT). The “splice site boundary nucleotide” of a donor splice site is designated as “X” in the diagram below and may also be referred to herein as the “donor splice site boundary nucleotide,” or “splice donor site boundary nucleotide.” The terms “donor splice site,” “splice donor site,” “donor splice sequence,” or “splice donor sequence” may be used interchangeably herein.
A. Compositions Comprising Guide RNA (gRNAs)
Provided herein are compositions useful for altering a DNA sequence, e.g., inducing a single-stranded (SSB) or double-stranded break (DSB), within a 2B4 gene, e.g., using a guide RNA with an RNA-guided DNA binding agent (e.g., a CRISPR/Cas system). Guide sequences targeting a 2B4 gene are shown in Table 1 at SEQ ID NOs: 1-86, as are the genomic coordinates that such guide RNA targets.
Each of the guide sequences shown in Table 1 at SEQ ID NOs: 1-86 may further comprise additional nucleotides to form a crRNA, e.g., with the following exemplary nucleotide sequence following the guide sequence at its 3′ end: GUUUUAGAGCUAUGCUGUUUUG (SEQ ID NO: 200) in 5′ to 3′ orientation.
In the case of a sgRNA, the above guide sequences may further comprise additional nucleotides to form a sgRNA, e.g., with the following exemplary nucleotide sequence following the 3′ end of the guide sequence: GUUUUAGAGCUAGAAAUAGCAAGUUAAAAUAAGGCUAGUCCGUUAUCAACUU GAAAAAGUGGCACCGAGUCGGUGC (SEQ ID NO: 201) in 5′ to 3′ orientation.
In the case of a sgRNA, the above guide sequences may further comprise additional nucleotides to form a sgRNA, e.g., with the following exemplary nucleotide sequence following the 3′ end of the guide sequence: GUUUUAGAGCUAGAAAUAGCAAGUUAAAAUAAGGCUAGUCCGUUAUCAACUU GAAAAAGUGGCACCGAGUCGGUGCUUUU (SEQ ID NO: 202) in 5′ to 3′ orientation.
In the case of a sgRNA, the guide sequences may be integrated into the following modified motif mN*mN*mN NNGUUUUAGAmGmCmUmAmGmAmAmAmU mAmGmCAAGUUAAAAUAAGGCUAGUCCGUUAUCAmAmCmUmUmGmAmAmAm AmAmGmUmGmGmCmAmCmCmGmAmGmUmCmGmGmUmGmCmU*mU*mU*Mu (SEQ ID NO: 300), where “N” may be any natural or non-natural nucleotide, preferably an RNA nucleotide; sugar moieties of the nucleotide can be ribose, deoxyribose, or similar compounds with substitutions; m is a 2′-O-methyl modified nucleotide, and * is a phosphorothioate linkage between nucleotide residues; and wherein the N's are collectively the nucleotide sequence of a guide sequence.
In the case of a sgRNA, the guide sequences may further comprise a SpyCas9 sgRNA sequence. An example of a SpyCas9 sgRNA sequence is shown in the table below (SEQ ID NO: 201 (GUUUUAGAGCUAGAAAUAGCAAGUUAAAAUAAGGCUAGUCCGUUAUCAACUU GAAAAAGUGGCACCGAGUCGGUGC—“Exemplary SpyCas9 sgRNA-1”) included at the 3′ end of the guide sequence, and provided with the domains as shown in the table below. LS is lower stem. B is bulge. US is upper stem. H1 and H2 are hairpin 1 and hairpin 2, respectively. Collectively H1 and H2 are referred to as the hairpin region. A model of the structure is provided in FIG. 10A of WO2019237069 which is incorporated herein by reference.
The nucleotide sequence of Exemplary SpyCas9 sgRNA-1 may serve as a template sequence for specific chemical modifications, sequence substitutions and truncations.
In certain embodiments, the gRNA is an sgRNA or a dgRNA, for example, and it optionally comprises a chemical modification. In some embodiments, the modified sgRNA comprises a guide sequence and a SpyCas9 sgRNA sequence, e.g., Exemplary SpyCas9 sgRNA-1. A gRNA, such as an sgRNA, may include modifications on the 5′ end of the guide sequence or on the 3′ end of the guides sequence, such as, e.g., Exemplary SpyCas9 sgRNA-1, at one or more of the terminal nucleotides, e.g., at 1, 2, 3, or 4 of the nucleotides at the 3′ end or at the 5′ end. In certain embodiments, the modified nucleotide is selected from a 2′-(2′-OMe) modified nucleotide, a 2′-O-(2-methoxyethyl) (2′-O-moe) modified nucleotide, a 2′-fluoro (2′-F) modified nucleotide, a phosphorothioate (PS) linkage between nucleotides, an inverted abasic modified nucleotide, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the modified nucleotide includes a 2′-OMe modified nucleotide. In certain embodiments, the modified nucleotide includes a PS linkage. In certain embodiments, the modified nucleotide includes a 2′-OMe modified nucleotide and a PS linkage.
In certain embodiments, using (SEQ ID NO: 201 “Exemplary SpyCas9 sgRNA-1”) as an example, the Exemplary SpyCas9 sgRNA-1 further includes one or more of:
In certain embodiments, Exemplary SpyCas9 sgRNA-1 (SEQ ID NO: 201), or an sgRNA, such as an sgRNA comprising an Exemplary SpyCas9 sgRNA-1, further includes a 3′ tail, e.g., a 3′ tail of 1, 2, 3, 4, or more nucleotides. In certain embodiments, the tail includes one or more modified nucleotides. In certain embodiments, the modified nucleotide is selected from a 2′-O-methyl (2′-OMe) modified nucleotide, a 2′-O-(2-methoxyethyl) (2′-O-moe) modified nucleotide, a 2′-fluoro (2′-F) modified nucleotide, a phosphorothioate (PS) linkage between nucleotides, an inverted abasic modified nucleotide; or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the modified nucleotide includes a 2′-OMe modified nucleotide. In certain embodiments, the modified nucleotide includes a PS linkage between nucleotides. In certain embodiments, the modified nucleotide includes a 2′-OMe modified nucleotide and a PS linkage between nucleotides.
In certain embodiments, the hairpin region includes one or more modified nucleotides. In certain embodiments, the modified nucleotide is selected from a 2′-O-methyl (2′-OMe) modified nucleotide, a 2′-O-(2-methoxyethyl) (2′-O-moe) modified nucleotide, a 2′-fluoro (2′-F) modified nucleotide, a phosphorothioate (PS) linkage between nucleotides, an inverted abasic modified nucleotide; or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the modified nucleotide includes a 2′-OMe modified nucleotide.
In certain embodiments, the upper stem region includes one or more modified nucleotides. In certain embodiments, the modified nucleotide selected from a 2′-O-methyl (2′-OMe) modified nucleotide, a 2′-O-(2-methoxyethyl) (2′-O-moe) modified nucleotide, a 2′-fluoro (2′-F) modified nucleotide, a phosphorothioate (PS) linkage between nucleotides, an inverted abasic modified nucleotide; or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the modified nucleotide includes a 2′-OMe modified nucleotide.
In certain embodiments, the Exemplary SpyCas9 sgRNA-1 comprises one or more YA dinucleotides, wherein Y is a pyrimidine, wherein the YA dinucleotide includes a modified nucleotide. In certain embodiments, the modified nucleotide selected from a 2′-O-methyl (2′-OMe) modified nucleotide, a 2′-O-(2-methoxyethyl) (2′-O-moe) modified nucleotide, a 2′-fluoro (2′-F) modified nucleotide, a phosphorothioate (PS) linkage between nucleotides, an inverted abasic modified nucleotide, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the modified nucleotide includes a 2′-OMe modified nucleotide.
In certain embodiments, the Exemplary SpyCas9 sgRNA-1 comprises one or more YA dinucleotides, wherein Y is a pyrimidine, wherein the YA dinucleotide includes a substituted nucleotide, i.e., sequence substituted nucleotide, wherein the pyrimidine is substituted for a purine. In certain embodiments, when the pyrimidine forms a Watson-Crick base pair in the single guide, the Watson-Crick based nucleotide of the substituted pyrimidine nucleotide is substituted to maintain Watson-Crick base pairing.
For each crRNA, the indicated 20 nt guide sequence is included within an N20GUUUUAGAGCUAUGCUGUUUUG (SEQ ID NO: 203) nucleic acid sequence, where “N20” represents the guide sequence.
In some embodiments, the invention provides a composition comprising one or more guide RNA (gRNA) comprising guide sequences that direct an RNA-guided DNA binding agent, which can be a nuclease (e.g., a Cas nuclease such as Cas9), to a target DNA sequence in 2B4. In some embodiments comprising a gRNA, the gRNA may comprise a guide sequence shown in Table 1, e.g., as an sgRNA. In some embodiments, the gRNA may comprise a guide sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 1-28, SEQ ID NOs: 1-5, SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2, or SEQ ID NOs: 3, 4, 10, and 17. The gRNA may comprise a guide sequence comprising 17, 18, 19, or 20 contiguous nucleotides of a guide sequence shown in Table 1. In some embodiments, the gRNA comprises a guide sequence comprising a sequence with at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95%, or 100% identity to at least 17, 18, 19, or 20 contiguous nucleotides of a guide sequence shown in Table 1, optionally SEQ ID NOs: 1-28, SEQ ID NOs: 1-5, SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2, or SEQ ID NOs: 3, 4, 10, and 17. In some embodiments, the gRNA comprises a guide sequence comprising a sequence with at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95%, or 100% identity to a guide sequence shown in Table 1, optionally SEQ ID NOs: 1-28, SEQ ID NOs: 1-5, SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2, or SEQ ID NOs: 3, 4, 10, and 17. The gRNA may further comprise a trRNA. In each embodiment described herein, the gRNA may comprise a crRNA and trRNA associated as a single RNA (sgRNA) or on separate RNAs (dgRNA). In the context of sgRNAs, the crRNA and trRNA components may be covalently linked, e.g., via a phosphodiester bond or other covalent bond.
In each embodiment described herein, the guide RNA may comprise two RNA molecules as a “dual guide RNA” or “dgRNA.” The dgRNA comprises a first RNA molecule comprising a crRNA comprising, e.g., a guide sequence shown in Table 1, and a second RNA molecule comprising a trRNA. The first and second RNA molecules may not be covalently linked, but may form an RNA duplex via the base pairing between portions of the crRNA and the trRNA.
In each embodiment described herein, the guide RNA may comprise a single RNA molecule as a “single guide RNA” or “sgRNA”. The sgRNA may comprise a crRNA (or a portion thereof) comprising a guide sequence shown in Table 1, or a guide sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 1-28, SEQ ID NOs: 1-5, SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2, or SEQ ID NOs: 3, 4, 10, and 17, covalently linked to a trRNA. The sgRNA may comprise 17, 18, 19, or 20 contiguous nucleotides of a guide sequence shown in Table 1, or a guide sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 1-28, SEQ ID NOs: 1-5, SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2, or SEQ ID NOs: 3, 4, 10, and 17. In some embodiments, the crRNA and the trRNA are covalently linked via a linker. In some embodiments, the sgRNA forms a stem-loop structure via the base pairing between portions of the crRNA and the trRNA. In some embodiments, the crRNA and the trRNA are covalently linked via one or more bonds that are not a phosphodiester bond.
In some embodiments, the trRNA may comprise all or a portion of a trRNA sequence derived from a naturally-occurring CRISPR/Cas system. In some embodiments, the trRNA comprises a truncated or modified wild type trRNA. The length of the trRNA depends on the CRISPR/Cas system used. In some embodiments, the trRNA comprises or consists of 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, or more than 100 nucleotides. In some embodiments, the trRNA may comprise certain secondary structures, such as, for example, one or more hairpin or stem-loop structures, or one or more bulge structures.
In some embodiments, the invention provides a composition comprising one or more guide RNAs comprising a guide sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-86, preferably SEQ ID NOs: 1-28, SEQ ID NOs: 1-5, SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2, or SEQ ID NOs: 3, 4, 10, and 17.
In some embodiments, the invention provides a composition comprising one or more sgRNAs comprising any one of SEQ ID NOs: 87-119.
In one aspect, the invention provides a composition comprising a gRNA that comprises a guide sequence that is 100% or at least 95% or 90% identical to any of the nucleic acids of SEQ ID NOs: 1-86, preferably SEQ ID NOs: 1-28, SEQ ID NOs: 1-5, SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2, or SEQ ID NOs: 3, 4, 10, and 17.
In other embodiments, the composition comprises at least one, e.g., at least two gRNAs comprising guide sequences selected from any two or more of the guide sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1-86, preferably SEQ ID NOs: 1-28, SEQ ID NOs: 1-5, SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2, or SEQ ID NOs: 3, 4, 10, and 17. In some embodiments, the composition comprises at least two gRNA's that each comprise a guide sequence 100%, or at least 95% or 90% identical to any of the nucleic acids of SEQ ID NOs: 1-86, preferably SEQ ID NOs: 1-28, SEQ ID NOs: 1-5, SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2, or SEQ ID NOs: 3, 4, 10, and 17.
The guide RNA compositions of the present invention are designed to recognize (e.g., hybridize to) a target sequence in a 2B4 gene. For example, the 2B4 target sequence may be recognized and cleaved by a provided Cas cleavase comprising a guide RNA. In some embodiments, an RNA-guided DNA binding agent, such as a Cas cleavase, may be directed by a guide RNA to a target sequence of a 2B4 gene, where the guide sequence of the guide RNA hybridizes with the target sequence and the RNA-guided DNA binding agent, such as a Cas cleavase, cleaves the target sequence.
In some embodiments, the selection of the one or more guide RNAs is determined based on target sequences within a 2B4 gene.
Without being bound by any particular theory, mutations (e.g., frameshift mutations resulting from indels, i.e., insertions or deletions, occurring as a result of a nuclease-mediated DSB) in certain regions of the gene may be less tolerable than mutations in other regions of the gene, thus the location of a DSB is an important factor in the amount or type of protein knockdown that may result. In some embodiments, a gRNA complementary or having complementarity to a target sequence within 2B4 is used to direct the RNA-guided DNA binding agent to a particular location in the appropriate 2B4 gene. In some embodiments, gRNAs are designed to have guide sequences that are complementary or have complementarity to target sequences in exon 1, exon 2, exon 3, exon 4, exon 5, exon 6, exon 7, or exon 8 of 2B4.
In some embodiments, the guide sequence is 100% or at least 95% or 90% identical to a target sequence or the reverse complement of a target sequence present in a human 2B4 gene. In some embodiments, the target sequence may be complementary to the guide sequence of the guide RNA. In some embodiments, the degree of complementarity or identity between a guide sequence of a guide RNA and its corresponding target sequence may be at least 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95%; or 100%. In some embodiments, the target sequence and the guide sequence of the gRNA may be 100% complementary or identical. In other embodiments, the target sequence and the guide sequence of the gRNA may contain at least one mismatch. For example, the target sequence and the guide sequence of the gRNA may contain 1, 2, 3, or 4 mismatches, where the total length of the guide sequence is 20. In some embodiments, the target sequence and the guide sequence of the gRNA may contain 1-4 mismatches where the guide sequence is 20 nucleotides.
In some embodiments, a composition or formulation disclosed herein comprises an mRNA comprising an open reading frame (ORF) encoding an RNA-guided DNA binding agent, such as a Cas nuclease as described herein. In some embodiments, an mRNA comprising an ORF encoding an RNA-guided DNA binding agent, such as a Cas nuclease, is provided, used, or administered.
B. Modified gRNAs and mRNAs
In some embodiments, the gRNA is chemically modified. A gRNA comprising one or more modified nucleosides or nucleotides is called a “modified” gRNA or “chemically modified” gRNA, to describe the presence of one or more non-naturally or naturally occurring components or configurations that are used instead of or in addition to the canonical A, G, C, and U residues. In some embodiments, a modified gRNA is synthesized with a non-canonical nucleoside or nucleotide, is here called “modified.” Modified nucleosides and nucleotides can include one or more of: (i) alteration, e.g., replacement, of one or both of the non-linking phosphate oxygens or of one or more of the linking phosphate oxygens in the phosphodiester backbone linkage (an exemplary backbone modification); (ii) alteration, e.g., replacement, of a constituent of the ribose sugar, e.g., of the 2′ hydroxyl on the ribose sugar (an exemplary sugar modification); (iii) wholesale replacement of the phosphate moiety with “dephospho” linkers (an exemplary backbone modification); (iv) modification or replacement of a naturally occurring nucleobase, including with a non-canonical nucleobase (an exemplary base modification); (v) replacement or modification of the ribose-phosphate backbone (an exemplary backbone modification); (vi) modification of the 3′ end or 5′ end of the oligonucleotide, e.g., removal, modification or replacement of a terminal phosphate group or conjugation of a moiety, cap or linker (such 3′ or 5′ cap modifications may comprise a sugar or backbone modification); and (vii) modification or replacement of the sugar (an exemplary sugar modification).
Chemical modifications such as those listed above can be combined to provide modified gRNAs or mRNAs comprising nucleosides and nucleotides (collectively “residues”) that can have two, three, four, or more modifications. For example, a modified residue can have a modified sugar and a modified nucleobase. In some embodiments, every base of a gRNA is modified, e.g., all bases have a modified phosphate group, such as a phosphorothioate group. In certain embodiments, all, or substantially all, of the phosphate groups of a gRNA molecule are replaced with phosphorothioate groups. In some embodiments, modified gRNAs comprise at least one modified residue at or near the 5′ end of the RNA. In some embodiments, modified gRNAs comprise at least one modified residue at or near the 3′ end of the RNA.
In some embodiments, the gRNA comprises one, two, three or more modified residues. In some embodiments, at least 5% (e.g., at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 45%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, or 100%) of the positions in a modified gRNA are modified nucleosides or nucleotides.
Unmodified nucleic acids can be prone to degradation by, e.g., intracellular nucleases or those found in serum. For example, nucleases can hydrolyze nucleic acid phosphodiester bonds. Accordingly, in one aspect the gRNAs described herein can contain one or more modified nucleosides or nucleotides, e.g., to introduce stability toward intracellular or serum-based nucleases. In some embodiments, the modified gRNA molecules described herein can exhibit a reduced innate immune response when introduced into a population of cells, both in vivo and ex vivo. The term “innate immune response” includes a cellular response to exogenous nucleic acids, including single stranded nucleic acids, which involves the induction of cytokine expression and release, particularly the interferons, and cell death.
In some embodiments of a backbone modification, the phosphate group of a modified residue can be modified by replacing one or more of the oxygens with a different substituent. Further, the modified residue, e.g., modified residue present in a modified nucleic acid, can include the wholesale replacement of an unmodified phosphate moiety with a modified phosphate group as described herein. In some embodiments, the backbone modification of the phosphate backbone can include alterations that result in either an uncharged linker or a charged linker with unsymmetrical charge distribution.
Examples of modified phosphate groups include, phosphorothioate, phosphoroselenates, borano phosphates, borano phosphate esters, hydrogen phosphonates, phosphoroamidates, alkyl or aryl phosphonates and phosphotriesters. The phosphorous atom in an unmodified phosphate group is achiral. However, replacement of one of the non-bridging oxygens with one of the above atoms or groups of atoms can render the phosphorous atom chiral. The stereogenic phosphorous atom can possess either the “R” configuration (herein Rp) or the “S” configuration (herein Sp). The backbone can also be modified by replacement of a bridging oxygen, (i.e., the oxygen that links the phosphate to the nucleoside), with nitrogen (bridged phosphoroamidates), sulfur (bridged phosphorothioates) and carbon (bridged methylenephosphonates). The replacement can occur at either linking oxygen or at both of the linking oxygens.
The phosphate group can be replaced by non-phosphorus containing connectors in certain backbone modifications. In some embodiments, the charged phosphate group can be replaced by a neutral moiety. Examples of moieties which can replace the phosphate group can include, without limitation, e.g., methyl phosphonate, hydroxylamino, siloxane, carbonate, carboxymethyl, carbamate, amide, thioether, ethylene oxide linker, sulfonate, sulfonamide, thioformacetal, formacetal, oxime, methyleneimino, methylenemethylimino, methylenehydrazo, methylenedimethylhydrazo and methyleneoxymethylimino.
Scaffolds that can mimic nucleic acids can also be constructed wherein the phosphate linker and ribose sugar are replaced by nuclease resistant nucleoside or nucleotide surrogates. Such modifications may comprise backbone and sugar modifications. In some embodiments, the nucleobases can be tethered by a surrogate backbone. Examples can include, without limitation, the morpholino, cyclobutyl, pyrrolidine and peptide nucleic acid (PNA) nucleoside surrogates.
The modified nucleosides and modified nucleotides can include one or more modifications to the sugar group, i.e. at sugar modification. For example, the 2′ hydroxyl group (OH) can be modified, e.g. replaced with a number of different “oxy” or “deoxy” substituents. In some embodiments, modifications to the 2′ hydroxyl group can enhance the stability of the nucleic acid since the hydroxyl can no longer be deprotonated to form a 2′-alkoxide ion.
Examples of 2′ hydroxyl group modifications can include alkoxy or aryloxy (OR, wherein “R” can be, e.g., alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl or a sugar); polyethyleneglycols (PEG), O(CH2CH2O)nCH2CH2OR wherein R can be, e.g., H or optionally substituted alkyl, and n can be an integer from 0 to 20 (e.g., from 0 to 4, from 0 to 8, from 0 to 10, from 0 to 16, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 8, from 1 to 10, from 1 to 16, from 1 to from 2 to 4, from 2 to 8, from 2 to 10, from 2 to 16, from 2 to 20, from 4 to 8, from 4 to from 4 to 16, and from 4 to 20). In some embodiments, the 2′ hydroxyl group modification can be 2′-O-Me. In some embodiments, the 2′ hydroxyl group modification can be a 2′-fluoro modification, which replaces the 2′ hydroxyl group with a fluoride. In some embodiments, the 2′ hydroxyl group modification can include “locked” nucleic acids (LNA) in which the 2′ hydroxyl can be connected, e.g., by a C1-6 alkylene or C1-6 heteroalkylene bridge, to the 4′ carbon of the same ribose sugar, where exemplary bridges can include methylene, propylene, ether, or amino bridges; O-amino (wherein amino can be, e.g., NH2; alkylamino, dialkylamino, heterocyclyl, arylamino, diarylamino, heteroarylamino, or diheteroarylamino, ethylenediamine, or polyamino) and aminoalkoxy, O(CH2)n-amino, (wherein amino can be, e.g., NH2; alkylamino, dialkylamino, heterocyclyl, arylamino, diarylamino, heteroarylamino, or diheteroarylamino, ethylenediamine, or polyamino). In some embodiments, the 2′ hydroxyl group modification can include “unlocked” nucleic acids (UNA) in which the ribose ring lacks the C2′-C3′ bond. In some embodiments, the 2′ hydroxyl group modification can include the methoxyethyl group (MOE), (OCH2CH2OCH3, e.g., a PEG derivative).
“Deoxy” 2′ modifications can include hydrogen (i.e. deoxyribose sugars, e.g., at the overhang portions of partially dsRNA); halo (e.g., bromo, chloro, fluoro, or iodo); amino (wherein amino can be, e.g., NH2; alkylamino, dialkylamino, heterocyclyl, arylamino, diarylamino, heteroarylamino, diheteroarylamino, or amino acid); NH(CH2CH2NH)nCH2CH2— amino (wherein amino can be, e.g., as described herein), —NHC(O)R (wherein R can be, e.g., alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, aralkyl, heteroaryl or sugar), cyano; mercapto; alkyl-thio-alkyl; thioalkoxy; and alkyl, cycloalkyl, aryl, alkenyl and alkynyl, which may be optionally substituted with e.g., an amino as described herein.
The sugar modification can comprise a sugar group which may also contain one or more carbons that possess the opposite stereochemical configuration than that of the corresponding carbon in ribose. Thus, a modified nucleic acid can include nucleotides containing e.g., arabinose, as the sugar. The modified nucleic acids can also include abasic sugars. These abasic sugars can also be further modified at one or more of the constituent sugar atoms. The modified nucleic acids can also include one or more sugars that are in the L form, e.g. L-nucleosides.
The modified nucleosides and modified nucleotides described herein, which can be incorporated into a modified nucleic acid, can include a modified base, also called a nucleobase. Examples of nucleobases include, but are not limited to, adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and uracil (U). These nucleobases can be modified or wholly replaced to provide modified residues that can be incorporated into modified nucleic acids. The nucleobase of the nucleotide can be independently selected from a purine, a pyrimidine, a purine analog, or pyrimidine analog. In some embodiments, the nucleobase can include, for example, naturally-occurring and synthetic derivatives of a base.
In embodiments employing a dual guide RNA, each of the crRNA and the tracr RNA can contain modifications. Such modifications may be at one or both ends of the crRNA or tracr RNA. In embodiments comprising an sgRNA, one or more residues at one or both ends of the sgRNA may be chemically modified, or internal nucleosides may be modified, or the entire sgRNA may be chemically modified. Certain embodiments comprise a 5′ end modification. Certain embodiments comprise a 3′ end modification. Certain embodiments comprise a 5′ end modification and a 3′ end modification.
In some embodiments, the guide RNAs disclosed herein comprise one of the modification patterns disclosed in WO2018/107028 A1, filed Dec. 8, 2017, titled “Chemically Modified Guide RNAs,” the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. In some embodiments, the guide RNAs disclosed herein comprise one of the structures/modification patterns disclosed in US20170114334, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. In some embodiments, the guide RNAs disclosed herein comprise one of the structures/modification patterns disclosed in WO2017/136794, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
In some embodiments, the sgRNA comprises any of the modification patterns shown herein, where N is any natural or non-natural nucleotide, and wherein the totality of the N's comprise a 2B4 guide sequence as described herein in Table 1, for example. In some embodiments, the modified sgRNA comprises the following sequence: mN*mN*mN*NNGUUUUAGAmGmCmUmAmGmAmAmAmU mAmGmCAAGUUAAAAUAAGGCUAGUCCGUUAUCAmAmCmUmUmGmAmAmAm AmAmGmUmGmGmCmAmCmCmGmAmGmUmCmGmGmUmGmCmU*mU*mU*mU (SEQ ID NO: 300), where “N” may be any natural or non-natural nucleotide, and wherein the totality of N's comprise an 2B4 guide sequence as described in Table 1. For example, where the N's are replaced with any of the guide sequences disclosed herein in Table 1 optionally wherein the N's are replaced with SEQ ID NOs: 1-86; or, preferably SEQ ID NOs: 1-28, SEQ ID NOs: 1-5, SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2, or SEQ ID NOs: 3, 4, 10, and 17.
Any of the modifications described below may be present in the gRNAs and mRNAs described herein.
The terms “mA,” “mC,” “mU,” or “mG” may be used to denote a nucleotide that has been modified with 2′-O-Me.
Modification of 2′-O-methyl can be depicted as follows:
Another chemical modification that has been shown to influence nucleotide sugar rings is halogen substitution. For example, 2′-fluoro (2′-F) substitution on nucleotide sugar rings can increase oligonucleotide binding affinity and nuclease stability.
In this application, the terms “fA,” “fC,” “fU,” or “fG” may be used to denote a nucleotide that has been substituted with 2′-F.
Substitution of 2′-F can be depicted as follows:
Phosphorothioate (PS) linkage or bond refers to a bond where a sulfur is substituted for one non-bridging phosphate oxygen in a phosphodiester linkage, for example in the bonds between nucleotides bases. When phosphorothioates are used to generate oligonucleotides, the modified oligonucleotides may also be referred to as S-oligos.
A “*” may be used to depict a PS modification. In this application, the terms A*, C*, U*, or G* may be used to denote a nucleotide that is linked to the next (e.g., 3′) nucleotide with a PS bond.
In this application, the terms “mA*,” “mC*,” “mU*,” or “mG*” may be used to denote a nucleotide that has been substituted with 2′-O-Me and that is linked to the next (e.g., 3′) nucleotide with a PS bond.
The diagram below shows the substitution of S— into a non-bridging phosphate oxygen, generating a PS bond in lieu of a phosphodiester bond:
Abasic nucleotides refer to those which lack nitrogenous bases. The figure below depicts an oligonucleotide with an abasic (also known as apurinic) site that lacks a base:
Inverted bases refer to those with linkages that are inverted from the normal 5′ to 3′ linkage (i.e., either a 5′ to 5′ linkage or a 3′ to 3′ linkage). For example:
An abasic nucleotide can be attached with an inverted linkage. For example, an abasic nucleotide may be attached to the terminal 5′ nucleotide via a 5′ to 5′ linkage, or an abasic nucleotide may be attached to the terminal 3′ nucleotide via a 3′ to 3′ linkage. An inverted abasic nucleotide at either the terminal 5′ or 3′ nucleotide may also be called an inverted abasic end cap.
In some embodiments, one or more of the first three, four, or five nucleotides at the 5′ terminus, and one or more of the last three, four, or five nucleotides at the 3′ terminus are modified. In some embodiments, the modification is a 2′-O-Me, 2′-F, inverted abasic nucleotide, PS bond, or other nucleotide modification well known in the art to increase stability or performance.
In some embodiments, the first four nucleotides at the 5′ terminus, and the last four nucleotides at the 3′ terminus are linked with phosphorothioate (PS) bonds.
In some embodiments, the first three nucleotides at the 5′ terminus, and the last three nucleotides at the 3′ terminus comprise a 2′-O-methyl (2′-O-Me) modified nucleotide. In some embodiments, the first three nucleotides at the 5′ terminus, and the last three nucleotides at the 3′ terminus comprise a 2′-fluoro (2′-F) modified nucleotide. In some embodiments, the first three nucleotides at the 5′ terminus, and the last three nucleotides at the 3′ terminus comprise an inverted abasic nucleotide.
In some embodiments, the guide RNA comprises a modified sgRNA. In some embodiments, the sgRNA comprises the modification pattern shown in mN*mN*mN*NNGUUUUAGAmGmCmUmAmGmAmAmAmU mAmGmCAAGUUAAAAUAAGGCUAGUCCGUUAUCAmAmCmUmUmGmAmAmAm AmAmGmUmGmGmCmAmCmCmGmAmGmUmCmGmGmUmGmCmU*mU*mU*mU (SEQ ID NO: 300), where N is any natural or non-natural nucleotide, and where the totality of the N's comprise a guide sequence that directs a nuclease to a target sequence in 2B4, e.g., the genomic coordinates shown in Table 1.
In some embodiments, the guide RNA comprises a sgRNA comprising any one of the guide sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1-86 and a conserved portion of an sgRNA for example, the conserved portion of sgRNA shown as Exemplary SpyCas9 sgRNA-1 or the conserved portions of the gRNAs shown in Table 2 and throughout the specification. In some embodiments, the guide RNA comprises a sgRNA comprising any one of the guide sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1-86 and the nucleotides of GUUUUAGAGCUAGAAAUAGCAAGUUAAAAUAAGGCUAGUCCGUUAUCAACUU GAAAAAGUGGCACCGAGUCGGUGCUUUU (SEQ ID NO: 202), wherein the nucleotides are on the 3′ end of the guide sequence, and wherein the sgRNA may be modified as shown herein or in the sequence mN*mN*mN*NNGUUUUAGAmGmCmUmAmGmAmAmAmU mAmGmCAAGUUAAAAUAAGGCUAGUCCGUUAUCAmAmCmUmUmGmAmAmAm AmAmGmUmGmGmCmAmCmCmGmAmGmUmCmGmGmUmGmCmU*mU*mU*mU (SEQ ID NO: 300). In some embodiments, the sgRNA comprises Exemplary SpyCas9 sgRNA-1 and the modified versions thereof provided herein, or a version as provided in Table 3 below, where the totality of the N's comprise a guide sequence that directs a nuclease to a target sequence. Each N is independently modified or unmodified. In certain embodiments, in the absence of an indication of a modification, the nucleotide is an unmodified RNA nucleotide residue, i.e., a ribose sugar and a phosphodiester backbone.
As noted above, in some embodiments, a composition or formulation disclosed herein comprises an mRNA comprising an open reading frame (ORF) encoding an RNA-guided DNA binding agent, such as a Cas nuclease, e.g. Cas9 nuclease, as described herein. In some embodiments, an mRNA comprising an ORF encoding an RNA-guided DNA binding agent, such as a Cas nuclease, e.g. Cas9 nuclease, is provided, used, or administered. In some embodiments, the ORF encoding an RNA-guided DNA nuclease is a “modified RNA-guided DNA binding agent ORF” or simply a “modified ORF,” which is used as shorthand to indicate that the ORF is modified.
In some embodiments, the mRNA or modified ORF may comprise a modified uridine at least at one, a plurality of, or all uridine positions. In some embodiments, the modified uridine is a uridine modified at the 5 position, e.g., with a halogen, methyl, or ethyl. In some embodiments, the modified uridine is a pseudouridine modified at the 1 position, e.g., with a halogen, methyl, or ethyl. The modified uridine can be, for example, pseudouridine, N1-methyl-pseudouridine, 5-methoxyuridine, 5-iodouridine, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the modified uridine is 5-methoxyuridine. In some embodiments, the modified uridine is 5-iodouridine. In some embodiments, the modified uridine is pseudouridine. In some embodiments, the modified uridine is N1-methyl-pseudouridine. In some embodiments, the modified uridine is a combination of pseudouridine and N1-methyl-pseudouridine. In some embodiments, the modified uridine is a combination of pseudouridine and 5-methoxyuridine. In some embodiments, the modified uridine is a combination of N1-methyl pseudouridine and 5-methoxyuridine. In some embodiments, the modified uridine is a combination of 5-iodouridine and N1-methyl-pseudouridine. In some embodiments, the modified uridine is a combination of pseudouridine and 5-iodouridine. In some embodiments, the modified uridine is a combination of 5-iodouridine and 5-methoxyuridine.
In some embodiments, an mRNA disclosed herein comprises a 5′ cap, such as a Cap0, Cap1, or Cap2. A 5′ cap is generally a 7-methylguanine ribonucleotide (which may be further modified, as discussed below e.g. with respect to ARCA) linked through a 5′-triphosphate to the 5′ position of the first nucleotide of the 5′-to-3′ chain of the mRNA, i.e., the first cap-proximal nucleotide. In Cap0, the riboses of the first and second cap-proximal nucleotides of the mRNA both comprise a 2′-hydroxyl. In Cap1, the riboses of the first and second transcribed nucleotides of the mRNA comprise a 2′-methoxy and a 2′-hydroxyl, respectively. In Cap2, the riboses of the first and second cap-proximal nucleotides of the mRNA both comprise a 2′-methoxy. See, e.g., Katibah et al. (2014) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 111(33):12025-30; Abbas et al. (2017) Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 114(11):E2106-E2115. Most endogenous higher eukaryotic mRNAs, including mammalian mRNAs such as human mRNAs, comprise Cap1 or Cap2. Cap0 and other cap structures differing from Cap1 and Cap2 may be immunogenic in mammals, such as humans, due to recognition as “non-self” by components of the innate immune system such as IFIT-1 and IFIT-5, which can result in elevated cytokine levels including type I interferon. Components of the innate immune system such as IFIT-1 and IFIT-5 may also compete with eIF4E for binding of an mRNA with a cap other than Cap1 or Cap2, potentially inhibiting translation of the mRNA.
A cap can be included co-transcriptionally. For example, ARCA (anti-reverse cap analog; Thermo Fisher Scientific Cat. No. AM8045) is a cap analog comprising a 7-methylguanine 3′-methoxy-5′-triphosphate linked to the 5′ position of a guanine ribonucleotide which can be incorporated in vitro into a transcript at initiation. ARCA results in a Cap0 cap in which the 2′ position of the first cap-proximal nucleotide is hydroxyl. See, e.g., Stepinski et al., (2001) “Synthesis and properties of mRNAs containing the novel ‘anti-reverse’ cap analogs 7-methyl(3′-O-methyl)GpppG and 7-methyl(3′deoxy)GpppG,” RNA 7: 1486-1495. The ARCA structure is shown below.
CleanCap™ AG (m7G(5′)ppp(5′)(2′OmeA)pG; TriLink Biotechnologies Cat. No. N-7113) or CleanCap™ GG (m7G(5′)ppp(5′)(2′OmeG)pG; TriLink Biotechnologies Cat. No. N-7133) can be used to provide a Cap1 structure co-transcriptionally. 3′-O-methylated versions of CleanCap™ AG and CleanCap™ GG are also available from TriLink Biotechnologies as Cat. Nos. N-7413 and N-7433, respectively. The CleanCap™ AG structure is shown below.
Alternatively, a cap can be added to an RNA post-transcriptionally. For example, Vaccinia capping enzyme is commercially available (New England Biolabs Cat. No. M2080S) and has RNA triphosphatase and guanylyltransferase activities, provided by its D1 subunit, and guanine methyltransferase, provided by its D12 subunit. As such, it can add a 7-methylguanine to an RNA, so as to give Cap0, in the presence of S-adenosyl methionine and GTP. See, e.g., Guo, P. and Moss, B. (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 87, 4023-4027; Mao, X. and Shuman, S. (1994) J. Biol. Chem. 269, 24472-24479.
In some embodiments, the mRNA further comprises a poly-adenylated (poly-A) tail. In some embodiments, the poly-A tail comprises at least 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, or 100 adenines, optionally up to 300 adenines. In some embodiments, the poly-A tail comprises 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100 adenine nucleotides.
C. Ribonucleoprotein Complex
In some embodiments, a composition is encompassed comprising one or more gRNAs comprising one or more guide sequences from Table 1 or one or more sgRNAs from Table 2 and an RNA-guided DNA binding agent, e.g., a nuclease, such as a Cas nuclease, such as Cas9. In some embodiments, the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent has cleavase activity, which can also be referred to as double-strand endonuclease activity. In some embodiments, the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent comprises a Cas nuclease. Examples of Cas9 nucleases include those of the type II CRISPR systems of S. pyogenes, S. aureus, and other prokaryotes (see, e.g., the list in the next paragraph), and modified (e.g., engineered or mutant) versions thereof. See, e.g., US20160312198; US 20160312199. Other examples of Cas nucleases include a Csm or Cmr complex of a type III CRISPR system or the Cas10, Csm1, or Cmr2 subunit thereof; and a Cascade complex of a type I CRISPR system, or the Cas3 subunit thereof. In some embodiments, the Cas nuclease may be from a Type-IIA, Type-IIB, or Type-IIC system. For discussion of various CRISPR systems and Cas nucleases see, e.g., Makarova et al., N
Non-limiting exemplary species that the Cas nuclease can be derived from include Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus thermophilus, Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria innocua, Lactobacillus gasseri, Francisella novicida, Wolinella succinogenes, Sutterella wadsworthensis, Gammaproteobacterium, Neisseria meningitidis, Campylobacter jejuni, Pasteurella multocida, Fibrobacter succinogene, Rhodospirillum rubrum, Nocardiopsis dassonvillei, Streptomyces pristinaespiralis, Streptomyces viridochromogenes, Streptomyces viridochromogenes, Streptosporangium roseum, Streptosporangium roseum, Alicyclobacillus acidocaldarius, Bacillus pseudomycoides, Bacillus selenitireducens, Exiguobacterium sibiricum, Lactobacillus delbrueckii, Lactobacillus salivarius, Lactobacillus buchneri, Treponema denticola, Microscilla marina, Burkholderiales bacterium, Polaromonas naphthalenivorans, Polaromonas sp., Crocosphaera watsonii, Cyanothece sp., Microcystis aeruginosa, Synechococcus sp., Acetohalobium arabaticum, Ammonifex degensii, Caldicelulosiruptor becscii, Candidatus Desulforudis, Clostridium botulinum, Clostridium difficile, Finegoldia magna, Natranaerobius thermophilus, Pelotomaculum thermopropionicum, Acidithiobacillus caldus, Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans, Allochromatium vinosum, Marinobacter sp., Nitrosococcus halophilus, Nitrosococcus watsoni, Pseudoalteromonas haloplanktis, Ktedonobacter racemifer, Methanohalobium evestigatum, Anabaena variabilis, Nodularia spumigena, Nostoc sp., Arthrospira maxima, Arthrospira platensis, Arthrospira sp., Lyngbya asp., Microcoleus chthonoplastes, Oscillatoria sp., Petrotoga mobilis, Thermosipho africanus, Streptococcus pasteurianus, Neisseria cinerea, Campylobacter lari, Parvibaculum lavamentivorans, Corynebacterium diphtheria, Acidaminococcus sp., Lachnospiraceae bacterium ND2006, and Acaryochloris marina.
In some embodiments, the Cas nuclease is the Cas9 nuclease from Streptococcus pyogenes. In some embodiments, the Cas nuclease is the Cas9 nuclease from Streptococcus thermophilus. In some embodiments, the Cas nuclease is the Cas9 nuclease from Neisseria meningitidis. In some embodiments, the Cas nuclease is the Cas9 nuclease is from Staphylococcus aureus. In some embodiments, the Cas nuclease is the Cpf1 nuclease from Francisella novicida. In some embodiments, the Cas nuclease is the Cpf1 nuclease from Acidaminococcus sp. In some embodiments, the Cas nuclease is the Cpf1 nuclease from Lachnospiraceae bacterium ND2006. In further embodiments, the Cas nuclease is the Cpf1 nuclease from Francisella tularensis, Lachnospiraceae bacterium, Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus, Peregrinibacteria bacterium, Parcubacteria bacterium, Smithella, Acidaminococcus, Candidatus Methanoplasma termitum, Eubacterium eligens, Moraxella bovoculi, Leptospira inadai, Porphyromonas crevioricanis, Prevotella disiens, or Porphyromonas macacae. In certain embodiments, the Cas nuclease is a Cpf1 nuclease from an Acidaminococcus or Lachnospiraceae.
In some embodiments, the gRNA together with an RNA-guided DNA binding agent is called a ribonucleoprotein complex (RNP). In some embodiments, the RNA-guided DNA binding agent is a Cas nuclease. In some embodiments, the gRNA together with a Cas nuclease is called a Cas RNP. In some embodiments, the RNP comprises Type-I, Type-II, or Type-III components. In some embodiments, the Cas nuclease is the Cas9 protein from the Type-II CRISPR/Cas system. In some embodiment, the gRNA together with Cas9 is called a Cas9 RNP.
Wild type Cas9 has two nuclease domains: RuvC and HNH. The RuvC domain cleaves the non-target DNA strand, and the HNH domain cleaves the target strand of DNA. In some embodiments, the Cas9 protein comprises more than one RuvC domain or more than one HNH domain. In some embodiments, the Cas9 protein is a wild type Cas9. In each of the composition, use, and method embodiments, the Cas induces a double strand break in target DNA.
In some embodiments, chimeric Cas nucleases are used, where one domain or region of the protein is replaced by a portion of a different protein. In some embodiments, a Cas nuclease domain may be replaced with a domain from a different nuclease such as Fok1. In some embodiments, a Cas nuclease may be a modified nuclease.
In other embodiments, the Cas nuclease may be from a Type-I CRISPR/Cas system. In some embodiments, the Cas nuclease may be a component of the Cascade complex of a Type-I CRISPR/Cas system. In some embodiments, the Cas nuclease may be a Cas3 protein. In some embodiments, the Cas nuclease may be from a Type-III CRISPR/Cas system. In some embodiments, the Cas nuclease may have an RNA cleavage activity.
In some embodiments, the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent has single-strand nickase activity, i.e., can cut one DNA strand to produce a single-strand break, also known as a “nick.” In some embodiments, the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent comprises a Cas nickase. A nickase is an enzyme that creates a nick in dsDNA, i.e., cuts one strand but not the other of the DNA double helix. In some embodiments, a Cas nickase is a version of a Cas nuclease (e.g., a Cas nuclease discussed above) in which an endonucleolytic active site is inactivated, e.g., by one or more alterations (e.g., point mutations) in a catalytic domain. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,889,356 for discussion of Cas nickases and exemplary catalytic domain alterations. In some embodiments, a Cas nickase such as a Cas9 nickase has an inactivated RuvC or HNH domain.
In some embodiments, the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent is modified to contain only one functional nuclease domain. For example, the agent protein may be modified such that one of the nuclease domains is mutated or fully or partially deleted to reduce its nucleic acid cleavage activity. In some embodiments, a nickase is used having a RuvC domain with reduced activity. In some embodiments, a nickase is used having an inactive RuvC domain. In some embodiments, a nickase is used having an HNH domain with reduced activity. In some embodiments, a nickase is used having an inactive HNH domain.
In some embodiments, a conserved amino acid within a Cas protein nuclease domain is substituted to reduce or alter nuclease activity. In some embodiments, a Cas nuclease may comprise an amino acid substitution in the RuvC or RuvC-like nuclease domain. Exemplary amino acid substitutions in the RuvC or RuvC-like nuclease domain include D10A (based on the S. pyogenes Cas9 protein). See, e.g., Zetsche et al. (2015) Cell Oct 22:163(3): 759-771. In some embodiments, the Cas nuclease may comprise an amino acid substitution in the HNH or HNH-like nuclease domain. Exemplary amino acid substitutions in the HNH or HNH-like nuclease domain include E762A, H840A, N863A, H983A, and D986A (based on the S. pyogenes Cas9 protein). See, e.g., Zetsche et al. (2015). Further exemplary amino acid substitutions include D917A, E1006A, and D1255A (based on the Francisella novicida U112 Cpf1 (FnCpf1) sequence (UniProtKB—A0Q7Q2 (CPF1_FRATN)).
In some embodiments, an mRNA encoding a nickase is provided in combination with a pair of guide RNAs that are complementary to the sense and antisense strands of the target sequence, respectively. In this embodiment, the guide RNAs direct the nickase to a target sequence and introduce a DSB by generating a nick on opposite strands of the target sequence (i.e., double nicking). In some embodiments, use of double nicking may improve specificity and reduce off-target effects. In some embodiments, a nickase is used together with two separate guide RNAs targeting opposite strands of DNA to produce a double nick in the target DNA. In some embodiments, a nickase is used together with two separate guide RNAs that are selected to be in close proximity to produce a double nick in the target DNA.
In some embodiments, the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent lacks cleavase and nickase activity. In some embodiments, the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent comprises a dCas DNA-binding polypeptide. A dCas polypeptide has DNA-binding activity while essentially lacking catalytic (cleavase/nickase) activity. In some embodiments, the dCas polypeptide is a dCas9 polypeptide. In some embodiments, the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent lacking cleavase and nickase activity or the dCas DNA-binding polypeptide is a version of a Cas nuclease (e.g., a Cas nuclease discussed above) in which its endonucleolytic active sites are inactivated, e.g., by one or more alterations (e.g., point mutations) in its catalytic domains. See, e.g., US 20140186958; US 20150166980.
In some embodiments, the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent comprises one or more heterologous functional domains (e.g., is or comprises a fusion polypeptide).
In some embodiments, the heterologous functional domain may facilitate transport of the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent into the nucleus of a cell. For example, the heterologous functional domain may be a nuclear localization signal (NLS). In some embodiments, the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent may be fused with 1-10 NLS(s). In some embodiments, the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent may be fused with 1-5 NLS(s). In some embodiments, the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent may be fused with one NLS. Where one NLS is used, the NLS may be linked at the N-terminus or the C-terminus of the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent sequence. It may also be inserted within the RNA-guided DNA binding agent sequence. In other embodiments, the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent may be fused with more than one NLS. In some embodiments, the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent may be fused with 2, 3, 4, or 5 NLSs. In some embodiments, the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent may be fused with two NLSs. In certain circumstances, the two NLSs may be the same (e.g., two SV40 NLSs) or different. In some embodiments, the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent is fused to two SV40 NLS sequences linked at the carboxy terminus. In some embodiments, the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent may be fused with two NLSs, one linked at the N-terminus and one at the C-terminus. In some embodiments, the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent may be fused with 3 NLSs. In some embodiments, the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent may be fused with no NLS. In some embodiments, the NLS may be a monopartite sequence, such as, e.g., the SV40 NLS, PKKKRKV (SEQ ID NO: 123) or PKKKRRV (SEQ ID NO: 124). In some embodiments, the NLS may be a bipartite sequence, such as the NLS of nucleoplasmin, KRPAATKKAGQAKKKK (SEQ ID NO: 125). In a specific embodiment, a single PKKKRKV (SEQ ID NO: 123) NLS may be linked at the C-terminus of the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent. One or more linkers are optionally included at the fusion site.
In some embodiments, the heterologous functional domain may be capable of modifying the intracellular half-life of the RNA-guided DNA binding agent. In some embodiments, the half-life of the RNA-guided DNA binding agent may be increased. In some embodiments, the half-life of the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent may be reduced. In some embodiments, the heterologous functional domain may be capable of increasing the stability of the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent. In some embodiments, the heterologous functional domain may be capable of reducing the stability of the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent. In some embodiments, the heterologous functional domain may act as a signal peptide for protein degradation. In some embodiments, the protein degradation may be mediated by proteolytic enzymes, such as, for example, proteasomes, lysosomal proteases, or calpain proteases. In some embodiments, the heterologous functional domain may comprise a PEST sequence. In some embodiments, the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent may be modified by addition of ubiquitin or a polyubiquitin chain. In some embodiments, the ubiquitin may be a ubiquitin-like protein (UBL). Non-limiting examples of ubiquitin-like proteins include small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO), ubiquitin cross-reactive protein (UCRP, also known as interferon-stimulated gene-15 (ISG15)), ubiquitin-related modifier-1 (URM1), neuronal-precursor-cell-expressed developmentally downregulated protein-8 (NEDD8, also called Rubl in S. cerevisiae), human leukocyte antigen F-associated (FAT10), autophagy-8 (ATG8) and -12 (ATG12), Fau ubiquitin-like protein (FUB1), membrane-anchored UBL (MUB), ubiquitin fold-modifier-1 (UFM1), and ubiquitin-like protein-5 (UBL5).
In some embodiments, the heterologous functional domain may be a marker domain. Non-limiting examples of marker domains include fluorescent proteins, purification tags, epitope tags, and reporter gene sequences. In some embodiments, the marker domain may be a fluorescent protein. Non-limiting examples of suitable fluorescent proteins include green fluorescent proteins (e.g., GFP, GFP-2, tagGFP, turboGFP, sfGFP, EGFP, Emerald, Azami Green, Monomeric Azami Green, CopGFP, AceGFP, ZsGreen1), yellow fluorescent proteins (e.g., YFP, EYFP, Citrine, Venus, Ypet, PhiYFP, ZsYellowl), blue fluorescent proteins (e.g., EBFP, EBFP2, Azurite, mKalamal, GFPuv, Sapphire, T-sapphire,), cyan fluorescent proteins (e.g., ECFP, Cerulean, CyPet, AmCyanl, Midoriishi-Cyan), red fluorescent proteins (e.g., mKate, mKate2, mPlum, DsRed monomer, mCherry, mRFP1, DsRed-Express, DsRed2, DsRed-Monomer, HcRed-Tandem, HcRedl, AsRed2, eqFP611, mRasberry, mStrawberry, Jred), and orange fluorescent proteins (mOrange, mKO, Kusabira-Orange, Monomeric Kusabira-Orange, mTangerine, tdTomato) or any other suitable fluorescent protein. In other embodiments, the marker domain may be a purification tag or an epitope tag. Non-limiting exemplary tags include glutathione-S-transferase (GST), chitin binding protein (CBP), maltose binding protein (MBP), thioredoxin (TRX), poly(NANP), tandem affinity purification (TAP) tag, myc, AcV5, AU1, AUS, E, ECS, E2, FLAG, HA, nus, Softag 1, Softag 3, Strep, SBP, Glu-Glu, HSV, KT3, S, 51, T7, V5, VSV-G, 6×His, 8×His, biotin carboxyl carrier protein (BCCP), poly-His, and calmodulin. Non-limiting exemplary reporter genes include glutathione-S-transferase (GST), horseradish peroxidase (HRP), chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT), beta-galactosidase, beta-glucuronidase, luciferase, or fluorescent proteins.
In additional embodiments, the heterologous functional domain may target the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent to a specific organelle, cell type, tissue, or organ. In some embodiments, the heterologous functional domain may target the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent to mitochondria.
In further embodiments, the heterologous functional domain may be an effector domain. When the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent is directed to its target sequence, e.g., when a Cas nuclease is directed to a target sequence by a gRNA, the effector domain may modify or affect the target sequence. In some embodiments, the effector domain may be chosen from a nucleic acid binding domain, a nuclease domain (e.g., a non-Cas nuclease domain), an epigenetic modification domain, a transcriptional activation domain, or a transcriptional repressor domain. In some embodiments, the heterologous functional domain is a nuclease, such as a FokI nuclease. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 9,023,649. In some embodiments, the heterologous functional domain is a transcriptional activator or repressor. See, e.g., Qi et al., “Repurposing CRISPR as an RNA-guided platform for sequence-specific control of gene expression,” Cell 152:1173-83 (2013); Perez-Pinera et al., “RNA-guided gene activation by CRISPR-Cas9-based transcription factors,” Nat. Methods 10:973-6 (2013); Mali et al., “CAS9 transcriptional activators for target specificity screening and paired nickases for cooperative genome engineering,” Nat. Biotechnol. 31:833-8 (2013); Gilbert et al., “CRISPR-mediated modular RNA-guided regulation of transcription in eukaryotes,” Cell 154:442-51 (2013). As such, the RNA-guided DNA-binding agent essentially becomes a transcription factor that can be directed to bind a desired target sequence using a guide RNA. In some embodiments, the heterologous functional domain is a deaminase, such as a cytidine deaminase or an adenine deaminase. In certain embodiments, the heterologous functional domain is a C to T base converter (cytidine deaminase), such as an apolipoprotein B mRNA editing enzyme (APOBEC) deaminase.
D. Determination of Efficacy of gRNAs
In some embodiments, the efficacy of a gRNA is determined when delivered or expressed together with other components forming an RNP. In some embodiments, the gRNA is expressed together with an RNA-guided DNA binding agent, such as a Cas protein, e.g. Cas9. In some embodiments, the gRNA is delivered to or expressed in a cell line that already stably expresses an RNA-guided DNA nuclease, such as a Cas nuclease or nickase, e.g. Cas9 nuclease or nickase. In some embodiments the gRNA is delivered to a cell as part of a RNP. In some embodiments, the gRNA is delivered to a cell along with a mRNA encoding an RNA-guided DNA nuclease, such as a Cas nuclease or nickase, e.g. Cas9 nuclease or nickase.
As described herein, use of an RNA-guided DNA nuclease and a guide RNA disclosed herein can lead to double-stranded breaks in the DNA which can produce errors in the form of insertion/deletion (indel) mutations upon repair by cellular machinery. Many mutations due to indels alter the reading frame or introduce premature stop codons and, therefore, produce a non-functional protein. In some embodiments, the efficacy of particular gRNAs is determined based on in vitro models. In some embodiments, the in vitro model is HEK293 cells stably expressing Cas9 (HEK293 Cas9). In some embodiments the in vitro model is a peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC). In some embodiments, the in vitro model is a T cell, such as primary human T cells. With respect to using primary cells, commercially available primary cells can be used to provide greater consistency between experiments. In some embodiments, the number of off-target sites at which a deletion or insertion occurs in an in vitro model (e.g., in T cell) is determined, e.g., by analyzing genomic DNA from transfected cells in vitro with Cas9 mRNA and the guide RNA. In some embodiments, such a determination comprises analyzing genomic DNA from the cells transfected in vitro with Cas9 mRNA, the guide RNA, and a donor oligonucleotide. Exemplary procedures for such determinations are provided in the working examples in which HEK293 cells, PBMCs, and human CD3+ T cells are used.
In some embodiments, the efficacy of particular gRNAs is determined across multiple in vitro cell models for a gRNA selection process. In some embodiments, a cell line comparison of data with selected gRNAs is performed. In some embodiments, cross screening in multiple cell models is performed.
In some embodiments, the efficacy of a guide RNA is measured by percent indels or percent genetic modifications of 2B4. In some embodiments, the efficacy of a guide RNA is measured by percent indels or percent genetic modifications at a 2B4 locus. In some embodiments, the efficacy of a guide RNA is measured by percent indels or percent genetic modifications of 2B4 at genomic coordinates of Table 1 or Table 2. In some embodiments, the percent editing of 2B4 is compared to the percent indels or genetic modifications necessary to achieve knockdown of the 2B4 protein products. In some embodiments, the efficacy of a guide RNA is measured by reduced or eliminated expression of 2B4 protein. In embodiments, said reduced or eliminated expression of 2B4 protein is as measured by flow cytometry, e.g., as described herein.
In some embodiments, the 2B4 protein expression is reduced or eliminated in a population of cells using the methods and compositions disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the population of cells is at least 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% 2B4 negative as measured by flow cytometry relative to a population of unmodified cells.
An “unmodified cell” (or “unmodified cells”) refers to a control cell (or cells) of the same type of cell in an experiment or test, wherein the “unmodified” control cell has not been contacted with a 2B4 guide. Therefore, an unmodified cell (or cells) may be a cell that has not been contacted with a guide RNA, or a cell that has been contacted with a guide RNA that does not target 2B4.
In some embodiments, the efficacy of a guide RNA is measured by the number or frequency of indels or genetic modifications at off-target sequences within the genome of the target cell type, such as a T cell. In some embodiments, efficacious guide RNAs are provided which produce indels at off target sites at very low frequencies (e.g., <5%) in a cell population or relative to the frequency of indel creation at the target site. Thus, the disclosure provides for guide RNAs which do not exhibit off-target indel formation in the target cell type (e.g., a T cell), or which produce a frequency of off-target indel formation of <5% in a cell population or relative to the frequency of indel creation at the target site. In some embodiments, the disclosure provides guide RNAs which do not exhibit any off target indel formation in the target cell type (e.g., T cell). In some embodiments, guide RNAs are provided which produce indels at less than 5 off-target sites, e.g., as evaluated by one or more methods described herein. In some embodiments, guide RNAs are provided which produce indels at less than or equal to 4, 3, 2, or 1 off-target site(s) e.g., as evaluated by one or more methods described herein. In some embodiments, the off-target site(s) does not occur in a protein coding region in the target cell (e.g., hepatocyte) genome.
In some embodiments, detecting gene editing events, such as the formation of insertion/deletion (“indel”) mutations and insertion or homology directed repair (HDR) events in target DNA utilize linear amplification with a tagged primer and isolating the tagged amplification products (herein after referred to as “LAM-PCR,” or “Linear Amplification (LA)” method). In some embodiments, the efficacy of a guide RNA is measured by the levels of functional protein complexes comprising the expressed protein product of the gene. In some embodiments, the efficacy of a guide RNA is measured by flow cytometric analysis of TCR expression by which the live population of edited cells is analyzed for loss of the TCR.
E. T Cell Receptors (TCR)
In some embodiments, the engineered cells or population of cells comprising a genetic modification, e.g., of an endogenous nucleic acid sequence encoding 2B4, further comprise a modification, e.g., knockdown, of an endogenous nucleic acid sequence encoding TCR gene sequence(s), e.g., TRAC or TRBC.
In some embodiments, the engineered cells or population of cells comprising a genetic modification, e.g., knockdown, of an endogenous nucleic acid sequence encoding 2B4 and insertion into the cell of heterologous sequence(s) encoding a targeting receptor, further comprise a modification, e.g., knockdown, of an endogenous nucleic acid sequence encoding TCR gene sequence(s), e.g., TRAC or TRBC.
Generally, a TCR is a heterodimer receptor molecule that contains two TCR polypeptide chains, α and β. Suitable α and β genomic sequences or loci to target for knockdown are known in the art. In some embodiments, the engineered T cells comprise a modification, e.g., knockdown, of a TCR α-chain gene sequence, e.g., TRAC. See, e.g., NCBI Gene ID: 28755; Ensembl: ENSG00000277734 (T-cell receptor Alpha Constant), US 2018/0362975, and WO2020081613.
In some embodiments, the engineered cells or population of cells comprise a genetic modification of an endogenous nucleic acid sequence encoding 2B4, a genetic modification, e.g., knockdown, of an endogenous nucleic acid sequence encoding TCR gene sequence(s), e.g., TRAC or TRBC; and modification, e.g., knockdown of an MHC class I gene, e.g., B2M or HLA-A. In some embodiments, an MHC class I gene is an HLA-B gene or an HLA-C gene.
In some embodiments, the engineered cells or population of cells comprise a genetic modification of an endogenous nucleic acid sequence encoding 2B4 and a genetic modification, e.g., knockdown, of an endogenous nucleic acid sequence encoding TCR gene sequence(s), e.g., TRAC or TRBC; and a genetic modification, e.g., knockdown of an MHC class II gene, e.g., CIITA.
In some embodiments, the engineered cells or population of cells comprise a modification of an endogenous nucleic acid sequence encoding 2B4, a genetic modification, e.g., knockdown, of an endogenous nucleic acid sequence encoding TCR gene sequence(s), e.g., TRAC or TRBC; and a genetic modification, e.g. knockdown of a checkpoint inhibitor gene, e.g., TIM3, LAG3, or PD-1.
In some embodiments, the engineered cells or population of cells comprise a genetic modification of a 2B4 gene as assessed by sequencing, e.g., NGS, wherein at least 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, preferably at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of cells comprise an insertion, deletion, or substitution in the endogenous 2B4 sequence. In some embodiments, at least 50% of cells in the population comprise a modification selected from an insertion, a deletion, and a substitution in the endogenous 2B4 sequence. In some embodiments, at least 55% of cells in the population comprise a modification selected from an insertion, a deletion, and a substitution in the endogenous 2B4 sequence. In some embodiments, at least 60% of cells in the population comprise a modification selected from an insertion, a deletion, and a substitution in the endogenous 2B4 sequence. In some embodiments, at least 65% of cells in the population comprise a modification selected from an insertion, a deletion, and a substitution in the endogenous 2B4 sequence. In some embodiments, at least 70% of cells in the population comprise a modification selected from an insertion, a deletion, and a substitution in the endogenous 2B4 sequence. In some embodiments, at least 75% of cells in the population comprise a modification selected from an insertion, a deletion, and a substitution in the endogenous 2B4 sequence. In some embodiments, at least 85% of cells in the population comprise a modification selected from an insertion, a deletion, and a substitution in the endogenous 2B4 sequence. In some embodiments, at least 70% of cells in the population comprise a modification selected from an insertion, a deletion, and a substitution in the endogenous 2B4 sequence. In some embodiments, at least 90% of cells in the population comprise a modification selected from an insertion, a deletion, and a substitution in the endogenous 2B4 sequence. In some embodiments, at least 95% of cells in the population comprise a modification selected from an insertion, a deletion, and a substitution in the endogenous 2B4 sequence. In some embodiments, 2B4 is decreased by at least 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, preferably at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%, or to below the limit of detection of the assay as compared to a suitable control, e.g., wherein the 2B4 gene has not been modified. In some embodiments, expression of 2B4 is decreased by at least 50%, or to below the limit of detection of the assay as compared to a suitable control, e.g., wherein the 2B4 gene has not been modified. In some embodiments, expression of 2B4 is decreased by at least 55%, or to below the limit of detection of the assay as compared to a suitable control, e.g., wherein the 2B4 gene has not been modified. In some embodiments, expression of 2B4 is decreased by at least 60%, or to below the limit of detection of the assay as compared to a suitable control, e.g., wherein the 2B4 gene has not been modified. In some embodiments, expression of 2B4 is decreased by at least 65%, or to below the limit of detection of the assay as compared to a suitable control, e.g., wherein the 2B4 gene has not been modified. In some embodiments, expression of 2B4 is decreased by at least 70%, or to below the limit of detection of the assay as compared to a suitable control, e.g., wherein the 2B4 gene has not been modified. In some embodiments, expression of 2B4 is decreased by at least 80%, or to below the limit of detection of the assay as compared to a suitable control, e.g., wherein the 2B4 gene has not been modified. In some embodiments, expression of 2B4 is decreased by at least 90%, or to below the limit of detection of the assay as compared to a suitable control, e.g., wherein the 2B4 gene has not been modified. In some embodiments, expression of 2B4 is decreased by at least 95%, or to below the limit of detection of the assay as compared to a suitable control, e.g., wherein the 2B4 gene has not been modified. Assays for 2B4 protein and mRNA expression are known in the art.
In some embodiments, the engineered cells or population of cells comprise a modification, e.g., knockdown, of a TCR gene sequence by gene editing, e.g., as assessed by sequencing, e.g., NGS, wherein at least 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, preferably at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of cells comprise an insertion, deletion, or substitution in the endogenous TCR gene sequence. In some embodiments, TCR is decreased by at least 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, preferably at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or to below the limit of detection of the assay as compared to a suitable control, e.g., wherein the TCR gene has not been modified. In certain embodiments, the TCR is TRAC or TRBC. Assays for TCR protein and mRNA expression are known in the art.
In some embodiments, the engineered cells or population of cells comprise an insertion of sequence(s) encoding a targeting receptor by gene editing, e.g., as assessed by sequencing, e.g., NGS.
In some embodiments, guide RNAs that specifically target sites within the TCR genes, e.g., TRAC gene, are used to provide a modification, e.g., knockdown, of the TCR genes.
In some embodiments, the TCR gene is modified, e.g., knocked down, in a T cell using a guide RNA with an RNA-guided DNA binding agent. In some embodiments, disclosed herein are T cells engineered by inducing a break (e.g., double-stranded break (DSB) or single-stranded break (nick)) within the TCR genes of a T cell, e.g., using a guide RNA with an RNA-guided DNA-binding agent (e.g., a CRISPR/Cas system). The methods may be used in vitro or ex vivo, e.g., in the manufacture of cell products for suppressing immune response.
In some embodiments, the guide RNAs mediate a target-specific cutting by an RNA-guided DNA-binding agent (e.g., Cas nuclease) at a site described herein within a TCR gene. It will be appreciated that, in some embodiments, the guide RNAs comprise guide sequences that bind to, or are capable of binding to, said regions.
The gRNAs and associated methods and compositions disclosed herein are useful for making immunotherapy reagents, such as engineered cells.
In some embodiments, the gRNAs comprising the guide sequences of Table 1 together with an RNA-guided DNA nuclease such as a Cas nuclease induce DSBs, and non-homologous ending joining (NHEJ) during repair leads to a modification in a B24 gene. In some embodiments, NHEJ leads to a deletion or insertion of a nucleotide(s), which induces a frame shift or nonsense mutation in a B24 gene. In certain embodiments, gRNAs comprising guide sequences targeted to TCR sequences, e.g., TRAC and TRBC, are also delivered to the cell together with RNA-guided DNA nuclease such as a Cas nuclease, either together or separately, to make a genetic modification in a TCR sequence to inhibit the expression of a full-length TCR sequence. In certain embodiments, the gRNAs are sgRNAs.
In some embodiments, the subject is mammalian. In some embodiments, the subject is human. In some embodiments, the subject is a non-human primate
In some embodiments, the guide RNAs, compositions, and formulations are used to produce a cell ex vivo, e.g., an immune cell, e.g., a T cell with a genetic modification in a B24 gene. The modified T cell may be a natural killer (NK) T-cell. The modified T cell may express a T-cell receptor, such as a universal TCR or a modified TCR. The T cell may express a CAR or a CAR construct with a zeta chain signaling motif.
Delivery of gRNA Compositions
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are a well-known means for delivery of nucleotide and protein cargo, and may be used for delivery of the guide RNAs and compositions disclosed herein ex vivo and in vitro. In some embodiments, the LNPs deliver nucleic acid, protein, or nucleic acid together with protein.
In some embodiments, the invention comprises a method for delivering any one of the cells or populations of cells disclosed herein to a subject, wherein the gRNA is delivered via an LNP. In some embodiments, the gRNA/LNP is also associated with a Cas9 or an mRNA encoding Cas9.
In some embodiments, the invention comprises a composition comprising any one of the gRNAs disclosed and an LNP. In some embodiments, the composition further comprises a Cas9 or an mRNA encoding Cas9.
In some embodiments, LNPs associated with the gRNAs disclosed herein are for use in preparing cells as a medicament for treating a disease or disorder.
Electroporation is a well-known means for delivery of cargo, and any electroporation methodology may be used for delivery of any one of the gRNAs disclosed herein. In some embodiments, electroporation may be used to deliver any one of the gRNAs disclosed herein and Cas9 or an mRNA encoding Cas9.
In some embodiments, the invention comprises a method for delivering any one of the gRNAs disclosed herein to an ex vivo cell, wherein the gRNA is associated with an LNP or not associated with an LNP. In some embodiments, the gRNA/LNP or gRNA is also associated with a Cas9 or an mRNA encoding Cas9.
In some embodiments, the guide RNA compositions described herein, alone or encoded on one or more vectors, are formulated in or administered via a lipid nanoparticle; see e.g., WO2017/173054 and WO2021/222287, the contents of each of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.
In certain embodiments, the invention comprises DNA or RNA vectors encoding any of the guide RNAs comprising any one or more of the guide sequences described herein. In some embodiments, in addition to guide RNA sequences, the vectors further comprise nucleic acids that do not encode guide RNAs. Nucleic acids that do not encode guide RNA include, but are not limited to, promoters, enhancers, regulatory sequences, and nucleic acids encoding an RNA-guided DNA nuclease, which can be a nuclease such as Cas9. In some embodiments, the vector comprises one or more nucleotide sequence(s) encoding a crRNA, a trRNA, or a crRNA and trRNA. In some embodiments, the vector comprises one or more nucleotide sequence(s) encoding a sgRNA and an mRNA encoding an RNA-guided DNA nuclease, which can be a Cas nuclease, such as Cas9 or Cpf1. In some embodiments, the vector comprises one or more nucleotide sequence(s) encoding a crRNA, a trRNA, and an mRNA encoding an RNA-guided DNA nuclease, which can be a Cas protein, such as, Cas9. In one embodiment, the Cas9 is from Streptococcus pyogenes (i.e., Spy Cas9). In some embodiments, the nucleotide sequence encoding the crRNA, trRNA, or crRNA and trRNA (which may be a sgRNA) comprises or consists of a guide sequence flanked by all or a portion of a repeat sequence from a naturally-occurring CRISPR/Cas system. The nucleic acid comprising or consisting of the crRNA, trRNA, or crRNA and trRNA may further comprise a vector sequence wherein the vector sequence comprises or consists of nucleic acids that are not naturally found together with the crRNA, trRNA, or crRNA and trRNA.
In some embodiments, the components can be introduced as naked nucleic acid, as nucleic acid complexed with an agent such as a liposome or poloxamer, or they can be delivered by viral vectors (e.g., adenovirus, AAV, herpesvirus, retrovirus, lentivirus). Methods and compositions for non-viral delivery of nucleic acids include electroporation, lipofection, microinjection, biolistics, virosomes, liposomes, immunoliposomes, LNPs, polycation or lipid:nucleic acid conjugates, naked nucleic acid (e.g., naked DNA/RNA), artificial virions, and agent-enhanced uptake of DNA. Sonoporation using, e.g., the Sonitron 2000 system (Rich-Mar) can also be used for delivery of nucleic acids.
This description and exemplary embodiments should not be taken as limiting. For the purposes of this specification and appended claims, unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities, percentages, or proportions, and other numerical values used in the specification and claims, are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about,” to the extent they are not already so modified. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the following specification and attached claims are approximations that may vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit the application of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims, each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of the number of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary rounding techniques.
The following examples are provided to illustrate certain disclosed embodiments and are not to be construed as limiting the scope of this disclosure in any way.
Next-Generation Sequencing (“NGS”) and Analysis for On-Target Cleavage Efficiency
Genomic DNA was extracted using QuickExtract™ DNA Extraction Solution (Lucigen, Cat. No. QE09050) according to manufacturer's protocol.
To quantitatively determine the efficiency of editing at the target location in the genome, deep sequencing was utilized to identify the presence of insertions and deletions introduced by gene editing. PCR primers were designed around the target site within the gene of interest (e.g., 2B4), and the genomic area of interest was amplified. Primer sequence design was done as is standard in the field.
Additional PCR was performed according to the manufacturer's protocols (Illumina) to add chemistry for sequencing. The amplicons were sequenced on an Illumina MiSeq instrument. The reads were aligned to the human reference genome (e.g., hg38) after eliminating those having low quality scores. The resulting files containing the reads were mapped to the reference genome (BAM files), where reads that overlapped the target region of interest were selected and the number of wild type reads versus the number of reads which contain an insertion or deletion (“indel”) was calculated.
The editing percentage (e.g., the “editing efficiency” or “indel percent”) as used in the examples is defined as the total number of sequence reads with insertions or deletions (“indels”) over the total number of sequence reads, including wild type.
Preparation of lipid nanoparticles.
Unless otherwise specified, the lipid components were dissolved in 100% ethanol at various molar ratios. The RNA cargos (e.g., Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA) were dissolved in mM citrate buffer, 100 mM NaCl, pH 5.0, resulting in a concentration of RNA cargo of approximately 0.45 mg/mL.
Unless otherwise specified, the lipid nucleic acid assemblies contained ionizable Lipid A ((9Z,12Z)-3-((4,4-bis(octyloxy)butanoyl)oxy)-2-((((3-(diethylamino)propoxy)carbonyl)oxy)methyl)propyl octadeca-9,12-dienoate, also called 3-((4,4-bi s (octyloxy)butanoyl)oxy)-2-((((3-(di ethyl amino)propoxy)carbonyl)oxy)methyl)propyl (9Z,12Z)-octadeca-9,12-dienoate), cholesterol, DSPC, and PEG2k-DMG in a 50:38:9:3 molar ratio, respectively. The lipid nucleic acid assemblies were formulated with a lipid amine to RNA phosphate (N:P) molar ratio of about 6, and a ratio of gRNA to mRNA of 1:1 by weight, unless otherwise specified.
Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) were prepared using a cross-flow technique utilizing impinging jet mixing of the lipid in ethanol with two volumes of RNA solutions and one volume of water. The lipids in ethanol were mixed through a mixing cross with the two volumes of RNA solution. A fourth stream of water was mixed with the outlet stream of the cross through an inline tee (See WO2016010840
In Vitro Transcription (“IVT”) of mRNA
Capped and polyadenylated mRNA containing N1-methyl pseudo-U was generated by in vitro transcription using a linearized plasmid DNA template and T7 RNA polymerase. Plasmid DNA containing a T7 promoter, a sequence for transcription, and a polyadenylation sequence was linearized by incubating at 37° C. for 2 hours with Xbai with the following conditions: 200 ng/μL plasmid, 2 U/μL Xbai (NEB), and 1× reaction buffer. The Xbai was inactivated by heating the reaction at 65° C. for 20 min. The linearized plasmid was purified from enzyme and buffer salts. The IVT reaction to generate modified mRNA was performed by incubating at 37° C. for 1.5-4 hours in the following conditions: 50 ng/μL linearized plasmid; 2-5 mM each of GTP, ATP, CTP, and N1-methyl pseudo-UTP (Trilink); 10-25 mM ARCA (Trilink); 5 U/μL T7 RNA polymerase (NEB); 1 U/μL Murine Rnase inhibitor (NEB); 0.004 U/μL Inorganic E. coli pyrophosphatase (NEB); and 1× reaction buffer. TURBO Dnase (ThermoFisher) was added to a final concentration of 0.01 U/μL, and the reaction was incubated for an additional 30 minutes to remove the DNA template. The mRNA was purified using a MegaClear Transcription Clean-up kit (ThermoFisher) or a Rneasy Maxi kit (Qiagen) per the manufacturers' protocols. Alternatively, the mRNA was purified through a precipitation protocol, which in some cases was followed by HPLC-based purification. Briefly, after the Dnase digestion, mRNA is purified using LiCl precipitation, ammonium acetate precipitation and sodium acetate precipitation. For HPLC purified mRNA, after the LiCl precipitation and reconstitution, the mRNA was purified by RP-IP HPLC (see, e.g., Kariko, et al. Nucleic Acids Research, 2011, Vol. 39, No. 21 e142). The fractions chosen for pooling were combined and desalted by sodium acetate/ethanol precipitation as described above. In a further alternative method, mRNA was purified with a LiCl precipitation method followed by further purification by tangential flow filtration. RNA concentrations were determined by measuring the light absorbance at 260 nm (Nanodrop), and transcripts were analyzed by capillary electrophoresis by Bioanlayzer (Agilent).
Streptococcus pyogenes (“Spy”) Cas9 mRNA was generated from plasmid DNA encoding an open reading frame according to SEQ ID NOs: 801-803 (see sequences in Table 9). When SEQ ID NOs: 801-803 are referred to below with respect to RNAs, it is understood that Ts should be replaced with Us (which were N1-methyl pseudouridines as described above). Messenger RNAs used in the Examples include a 5′ cap and a 3′ poly-A tail, e.g., up to 100 nts, and are identified by the SEQ ID NOs: 801-803 in Table 9.
Guides were designed and tested for editing efficacy at the 2B4 locus in HEK293 cells. Initial guide selection was performed in silico using a human reference genome (e.g., hg38) and user defined genomic regions of interest (e.g., 2B4), for identifying PAMs in the regions of interest. For each identified PAM, analyses were performed and statistics reported. Guide RNA molecules were further selected and rank-ordered based on a number of criteria known in the art (e.g., GC content, predicted on-target activity, and potential off-target activity).
A total of 86 guide RNAs targeting the protein exonic coding regions of 2B4 (ENSG00000122223) were tested. Guide sequences and corresponding genomic coordinates are provided (Table 1).
Guides were initially screened for editing efficiency in HEK293 Cas9 cells. A human embryonic kidney adenocarcinoma cell line HEK293 constitutively expressing Spy Cas9 (“HEK293_Cas9”) was cultured in DMEM media supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. Cells were plated at a density of 10,000 cells/well in a 96-well plate about 24 hours prior to transfection (˜70% confluent at time of transfection). Cells were transfected with Lipofectamine RNAiMAX (ThermoFisher, Cat. 13778150) according to the manufacturer's protocol. Cells were transfected with a lipoplex containing individual guide (25 nM), trRNA (25 nM), Lipofectamine RNAiMAX (0.3 μL/well) and OptiMem. DNA isolation and NGS analysis were performed as described in Example 1. Table 4 shows indel % at the 2B4 locus by these guides in HEK293 Cas9 cells using two primer sets. “No data” indicates that a primer set failed to generate a calculated editing percentage.
Twenty-eight guides were screened for editing efficiency in human CD3+ T cells. Pan CD3+ T cells (StemCell) from 2 healthy donors were thawed and activated by addition a 1:100 dilution of T Cell TransAct, human reagent (Miltenyi) in T cell media (RPMI 1640, 10% fetal bovine serum, L-glutamine, 100 uM non-essential amino acids, 1 mM sodium pyruvate, 10 mM HEPES buffer, 22 uM 2-mercaptoethanol and 100 U/ml human recombinant interleukin-2 (Peprotech, Cat. 200-02)). Ribonucleoprotein (RNP) was formed by incubating a solution containing 20 uM sgRNA and 10 uM recombinant Cas9 protein for minutes. Seventy-two hours post activation, T cells were harvested, centrifuged, and resuspended at a concentration of 5×10e6 T cells/ml in P3 electroporation buffer (Lonza). CD3+ T cells were transfected with an RNP using the P3 Primary Cell 96-well Nucleofector™ Kit (Lonza, Cat. V4SP-3960) and the Amaxa™ 96-well Shuttle™ with the manufacturer's pulse code. T cell media was added to cells immediately post-nucleofection and cultured for 4 days. Genomic DNA was collected and NGS prepared as described in Example 1. Table 5 shows editing percentage at the 2B4 locus in T cells.
T cells were engineered with a series of gene disruptions and insertions. Healthy donor cells were treated sequentially with three LNPs, each LNP co-formulated with mRNA encoding Cas9 and a sgRNA targeting. Cells were first edited to knockout TRBC. A transgenic T cell receptor targeting Wilm's tumor antigen (WT1 TCR) (SEQ ID NO: 1001) was then integrated into the TRAC cut site by delivering a homology directed repair template using AAV. Lastly, T cells were edited to knock out 2B4.
4.1. T Cell Preparation
Healthy human donor apheresis was obtained commercially (HemaCare), washed and re-suspended in CliniMACS PBS/EDTA buffer (Miltenyi cat. 130-070-525). T cells from three donors were isolated via positive selection using CD4 and CD8 magnetic beads (Miltenyi BioTec, Cat.130-030-401, 130-030-801) using the CliniMACS Plus and CliniMACS LS disposable kit. T cells were aliquoted into vials and cryopreserved in a 1:1 formulation of Cryostor CS10 (StemCell Technologies cat. 07930) and Plasmalyte A (Baxter cat. 2B2522X) for future use. The day before initiating T cell editing, cells were thawed and rested overnight in T cell activation media (TCAM): CTS OpTmizer (Thermofisher, Cat. A3705001) supplemented with 2.5% human AB serum (Gemini, Cat. 100-512), 1× GlutaMAX (Thermofisher, Cat.35050061), 10 mM HEPES (Thermofisher, Cat. 15630080), 200 U/mL IL-2 (Peprotech, Cat. 200-02), IL-7 (Peprotech, Cat. 200-07), IL-15 (Peprotech, Cat. 200-15).
4.2. LNP Treatment and Expansion of T Cells
On day 1, LNPs containing Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA targeting TRBC (G016239) were incubated at a concentration of 5 ug/mL in TCAM containing 1 ug/mL rhApoE3 (Peprotech, Cat. 350-02). Meanwhile, T cells were harvested, washed, and resuspended at a density of 2×106 cells/mL in TCAM with a 1:50 dilution of T Cell TransAct, human reagent (Miltenyi, Cat. 130-111-160). T cells and LNP-ApoE media were mixed at a 1:1 ratio and T cells plated in culture flasks overnight.
On day 3, T cells were harvested, washed, and resuspended at a density of 1×106 cells/mL in TCAM. LNPs containing Cas9 mRNA and sgRNA targeting TRAC (G013006) were incubated at a concentration of 5 ug/mL in TCAM containing 5 ug/mL rhApoE3 (Peprotech, Cat. 350-02). T cells and LNP-ApoE media were mixed at a 1:1 ratio and T cells plated in culture flasks. WT1 TCR-containing AAV was then added to each group at a MOI of 3×105 genome copies/cell. Cells with these edits are designated “WT1 T cells” in the tables and figures.
On day 4, T cells were harvested, washed, and resuspended at a density of 1×106 cells/mL in TCAM. LNPs containing Cas9 mRNA and one of the gRNAs listed in Table 7. LNPs were incubated at a concentration of 5 ug/mL in TCAM containing 5 ug/mL rhApoE3 (Peprotech, Cat. 350-02). LNP-ApoE solution was then added to the appropriate culture at a 1:1 ratio.
On days 5-11, T cells were transferred to a 24-well GREX plate (Wilson Wolf, Cat. 80192) in T cell expansion media (TCEM): CTS OpTmizer (Thermofisher, Cat. A3705001) supplemented with 5% CTS Immune Cell Serum Replacement (Thermofisher, Cat. A2596101), 1× GlutaMAX (Thermofisher, Cat. 35050061), 10 mM HEPES (Thermofisher, Cat. 15630080), 200 U/mL IL-2 (Peprotech, Cat. 200-02), IL-7 (Peprotech, Cat. 200-07), and IL-15 (Peprotech, Cat. 200-15)). Cells were expanded per manufacturers protocols. T-cells were expanded for 6-days, with media exchanges every other day. Cells were counted using a Vi-CELL cell counter (Beckman Coulter) and all samples showed similar fold-expansion.
4.3. Quantification of T Cell Editing by Flow Cytometry and NGS
Post expansion, edited T cells were assayed by flow cytometry to determine TCR insertion and memory cell phenotype. T cells were incubated with an antibody cocktail targeting the following molecules: CD4 (Biolegend, Cat. 300524), CD8 (Biolegend, Cat. 301045), Vb8 (Biolegend, Cat. 348106), CD3 (Biolegend, Cat. 300327), CD62L (Biolegend, Cat. 304844), CD45RO (Biolegend, Cat. 304230), CCR7 (Biolegend, Cat. 353214), and CD45RA (Biolegend, Cat. 304106). Cells were subsequently processed on a Cytoflex LX instrument (Beckman Coulter) and data analyzed using the FlowJo software package. The percentage of cells expressing relevant cell surface proteins following sequential T cell engineering are shown in Tables 6A-6C and
T cells engineered in Example 4 were assessed for the ability to kill primary leukemic blasts using the Incucyte Live Imaging system. Briefly, T cells were engineered to insert a WT1 TCR into the TRAC locus and knockout the TRBC locus in two T cell donor samples (WT1 T cells). At the third engineering step, some WT1 T cells were treated to knockout 2B4 using G021215 or G021216. WT1-expressing primary leukemic blasts harvested from 3 HLA-A*02:01 patients were labeled with the NucLight Rapid Red reagent (Essen Bioscences) for live-cell nuclear labeling and co-cultured with engineered lymphocytes at different (5:1, 1:1 and 1:5) effector to target (E:T) ratios in the presence of Caspase 3/7 green reagent. Twenty thousand blasts for the E:T ratio of 5:1 and 75,000 blasts for E:T ratios of 1:1 and 1:5 were used. Co-cultures were seeded in flat-bottom 96 well plates in X-VIVO supplemented with 5% FBS, 1% penicillin-streptomycin (BioWhittaker/Lonza), 2 mM glutamine (BioWhittaker/Lonza), 1 μg/mL CD28 monoclonal antibody (BD Biosciences), G-CSF and IL-3 (20 ng/mL; Bio-techne). Images were taken every 60 minutes and green fluorescent Caspase 3/7 signal in red target cells was quantified using the Incucyte Live-Cell Imaging and Analysis software (Essen Biosciences). Live AML cells fluoresce in red only, while dead AML cells fluoresce in both red and green in this assay.
Table 8 and
Checkpoint inhibitors are associated with immune exhaustion which can arise in proliferative disorders such as cancer. Proliferative disorders associated with WT1 include a number of hematological malignancies including acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Cells prepared by the methods of Example 7 to reduce expression of checkpoint inhibitors and induce expression of the WT1 TCR are tested using known models of AML both in vitro and in vivo (see, e.g., Zhou et al., Blood (2009) 114:3793-3802).
In vitro cell killing assays can be used to detect the activity of T cells against cells with abnormal proliferation. The ability of T-cells prepared by the method of Example 7 to eliminate target cells is assessed by co-culturing the engineered T-cells with primary leukemic blasts (CD33+ cells) from an acute myeloid leukemia (AML) with high expression of the WT1 antigen. Leukemic blasts can be as in, e.g., Example 5.
A human WT1 expression AML cell line are injected into mice via an intravenous route at a lethal dose on day 0. Cells prepared by the methods of Example 7 are administered intravenously at day 14. Mice are monitored for survival. Mice treated with T-cells engineered to express the WT1 TCR are viable longer than mice treated with T cells not expressing the WT1 TCR. Mice treated with T-cells engineered to inhibit expression of a checkpoint inhibitor in addition to expression the WT1 TCR are viable longer than mice treated with T cells expressing the WT1 TCR and all of the endogenous checkpoint inhibitors.
Embodiment 1 is an engineered cell comprising a genetic modification in a human 2B4 sequence, within genomic coordinates of chr1:160830160-160862887.
Embodiment 2 is the engineered cell of embodiment 1, wherein the genetic modification is selected from an insertion, a deletion, and a substitution.
Embodiment 3 is the engineered cell of embodiment 1 or 2, wherein the genetic modification inhibits expression of the 2B4 gene.
Embodiment 4 is the engineered cell of any one of embodiments 1-3, wherein the genetic modification comprises a modification of at least one nucleotide within the genomic coordinates selected from:
optionally the genomic coordinates selected from those targeted by 2B4-1 through 2B4-5; 2B4-1 and 2B4-2; or 2B4-3, 2B4-4, 2B4-10, and 2B4-17.
Embodiment 5 is the engineered cell of any one of embodiments 1-4, wherein the engineered cell comprises a genetic modification within the genomic coordinates of an endogenous T cell receptor (TCR) sequence, wherein the genetic modification inhibits expression of the TCR gene.
Embodiment 6 is the engineered cell of embodiment 5, wherein the TCR gene is TRAC or TRBC.
Embodiment 7 is the engineered cell of embodiment 6, comprising a genetic modification of TRBC within genomic coordinates selected from:
Embodiment 8 is the engineered cell of any one of embodiments 5-7, comprising a genetic modification of TRAC within genomic coordinates selected from:
optionally the genetic modification is within genomic coordinates selected from chr14:22547524-22547544, chr14:22547529-22547549, chr14:22547525-22547545, chr14:22547536-22547556, chr14:22547501-22547521, chr14:22547556-22547576, and chr14:22547502-22547522.
Embodiment 9 is the engineered cell of any one of embodiments 1-8, wherein the cell comprises a genetic modification, wherein the genetic modification inhibits expression of one or more MHC class I proteins.
Embodiment 10 is the engineered cell of embodiment 9, wherein the genetic modification that inhibits expression of one or more MHC class I proteins is a genetic modification in a B2M sequence, wherein the genetic modification is within genomic coordinates selected from:
Embodiment 11 is the engineered cell of embodiment 9, wherein the genetic modification that inhibits expression of one or more MHC class I proteins is a genetic modification in an HLA-A sequence and optionally wherein the genetic modification is within genomic coordinates chosen from chr6:29942854 to chr6:29942913 and chr6:29943518 to chr6: 29943619, optionally genomic coordinates chosen from: chr6:29942864-29942884; chr6:29942868-29942888; chr6:29942876-29942896; chr6:29942877-29942897; chr6:29942883-29942903; chr6:29943126-29943146; chr6:29943528-29943548; chr6:29943529-29943549; chr6:29943530-29943550; chr6:29943537-29943557; chr6:29943549-29943569; chr6:29943589-29943609; and chr6:29944026-29944046.
Embodiment 12 is the engineered cell of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the cell comprises a genetic modification, wherein the genetic modification inhibits expression of one or more MHC class II proteins.
Embodiment 13 is the engineered cell of embodiment 12, wherein the genetic modification that inhibits expression of one or more MHC class II proteins is a genetic modification in a CIITA sequence, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates selected from chr:16:10902171-10923242, optionally, chr16:10902662-10923285. chr16:10906542-10923285, or chr16:10906542-10908121, optionally chr16:10908132-10908152, chr16:10908131-10908151, chr16:10916456-10916476, chr16:10918504-10918524, chr16: 10909022-10909042, chr16: 10918512-10918532, chr16: 10918511-10918531, chr16: 10895742-10895762, chr16: 10916362-10916382, chr16: 10916455-10916475, chr16: 10909172-10909192, chr16: 10906492-10906512, chr16: 10909006-10909026, chr16: 10922478-10922498, chr16: 10895747-10895767, chr16: 10916348-10916368, chr16: 10910186-10910206, chr16: 10906481-10906501, chr16: 10909007-10909027, chr16:10895410-10895430, and chr16:10908130-10908150; optionally chr16:10918504-10918524, chr16:10923218-10923238, chr16:10923219-10923239, chr16:10923221-10923241, chr16:10906486-10906506, chr16:10906485-10906505, chr16:10903873-10903893, chr16:10909172-10909192, chr16:10918423-10918443, chr16:10916362-10916382, chr16:10916450-10916470, chr16:10922153-10922173, chr16:10923222-10923242, chr16:10910176-10910196, chr16:10895742-10895762, chr16:10916449-10916469, chr16:10923214-10923234, chr16:10906492-10906512, and chr16:10906487-1090650; or optionally chr16:10916432-10916452, chr16:10922444-10922464, chr16:10907924-10907944, chr16:10906985-10907005, chr16:10908073-10908093, chr16:10907433-10907453, chr16:10907979-10907999, chr16:10907139-10907159, chr16: 10922435-10922455, chr16: 10907384-10907404, chr16: 10907434-10907454, chr16: 10907119-10907139, chr16: 10907539-10907559, chr16: 10907810-10907830, chr16: 10907315-10907335, chr16: 10916426-10916446, chr16: 10909138-10909158, chr16: 10908101-10908121, chr16: 10907790-10907810, chr16: 10907787-10907807, chr16: 10907454-10907474, chr16: 10895702-10895722, chr16: 10902729-10902749, chr16: 10918492-10918512, chr16: 10907932-10907952, chr16: 10907623-10907643, chr16: 10907461-10907481, chr16: 10902723-10902743, chr16: 10907622-10907642, chr16:10922441-10922461, chr16:10902662-10902682, chr16:10915626-10915646, chr16: 10915592-10915612, chr16: 10907385-10907405, chr16: 10907030-10907050, chr16: 10907935-10907955, chr16: 10906853-10906873, chr16: 10906757-10906777, chr16:10907730-10907750, and chr16:10895302-10895322.
Embodiment 14 is the engineered cell of embodiment 12 or 13, wherein the genetic modification that inhibits expression of one or more MHC class II proteins comprises a modification of at least one nucleotide of a CIITA splice site, optionally
Embodiment 15 is the engineered cell of any one of embodiments 1-14, wherein the cell has reduced cell surface expression of 2B4 protein.
Embodiment 16 is the engineered cell of any one of embodiments 1-15, wherein the cell has reduced cell surface expression of 2B4 protein and reduced cell surface expression of TRAC protein.
Embodiment 17 is the engineered cell of embodiment 15 or 16 further comprising reduced cell surface expression of a TRBC protein.
Embodiment 18 is the engineered cell of embodiment 16 or 17, wherein cell surface expression of 2B4 is below the level of detection.
Embodiment 19 is the engineered cell of any one of embodiments 16-18, wherein cell surface expression of at least one of TRAC and TRBC is below the level of detection.
Embodiment 20 is the engineered cell of embodiment 19, wherein cell surface expression of each of 2B4, TRAC, and TRBC is below the level of detection.
Embodiment 21 is the engineered cell of any one of the previous embodiments, comprising a genetic modification in a human LAG3 sequence, within genomic coordinates of chr12: 6772483-6778455.
Embodiment 22 is the engineered cell of embodiment 21, wherein the genetic modification in LAG3 is within genomic coordinates selected from:
optionally the genomic coordinates selected from those targeted by LAG3-1 through LAG3-LAG3-1 through LAG3-11; LAG3-1 through LAG3-4; or LAG3-1, LAG3-4, LAG3-5, and LAG3-9.
Embodiment 23 is the engineered cell of any one of the previous embodiments, comprising a genetic modification in a human TIM3 sequence, within the genomic coordinates of chr5:157085832-157109044.
Embodiment 24 is the engineered cell of embodiment 23, wherein the genetic modification in TIM3 is within genomic coordinates selected from:
optionally the genomic coordinates selected from those targeted by TIM3-1 through TIM3-4, TIM3-6 through TIM3-15, TIM3-18, TIM3-19, TIM3-22, TIM3-29, TIM3-42, TIM3-44, TIM3-58, TIM3-62, TIM3-69, TIM3-82, TIM3-86, and TIM3-88; TIM3-1 through TIM3-5, TIM3-7, TIM3-8, TIM3-12 through TIM3-15, TIM3-23, TIM3-26, TIM3-32, TIM3-56, TIM3-59, TIM3-63, TIM3-66, TIM3-75, and TIM3-87; TIM3-2, TIM3-4, TIM3-15, TIM3-23, TIM3-56, TIM3-59, TIM3-63, TIM3-75, and TIM3-87; TIM3-1 through TIM3-4; TIM3-2, TIM-4, and TIM3-15; TIM3-2, TIM-4, TIM3-15, TIM3-63, and TIM3-87; TIM3-2 and TIM3-15; TIM3-63 and TIM3-87; or TIM3-15.
Embodiment 25 is the engineered cell of any one of the previous embodiments, comprising a genetic modification in a human PD-1 sequence, within the genomic coordinates of chr2: 241849881-241858908.
Embodiment 26 is the engineered cell of any one of embodiments 21-25, wherein the genetic modification in the indicated genomic coordinates is selected from an insertion, a deletion, and a substitution.
Embodiment 27 is the engineered cell of any one of embodiments 21-26, wherein the genetic modification inhibits expression of the gene in which the genetic modification is present.
Embodiment 28 is the engineered cell of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the genetic modification comprises an indel.
Embodiment 29 is the engineered cell of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the genetic modification comprises an insertion of a heterologous coding sequence.
Embodiment 30 is the engineered cell of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the genetic modification comprises a substitution.
Embodiment 31 is the engineered cell of embodiment 30, wherein the substitution comprises a C to T substitution or an A to G substitution.
Embodiment 32 is the engineered cell of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the genetic modification results in a change in the nucleic acid sequence that prevents translation of a full-length protein having an amino acid sequence of the full-length protein prior to genetic modification.
Embodiment 33 is the engineered cell of embodiment 32, wherein the genetic modification results in a change in the nucleic acid sequence that results in a premature stop codon in a coding sequence of the full-length protein.
Embodiment 34 is the engineered cell of embodiment 32, wherein the genetic modification results in a change in the nucleic acid sequence that results in a change in splicing of a pre-mRNA from the genomic locus.
Embodiment 35 is the engineered cell of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the inhibition results in reduced cell surface expression of a protein from the gene comprising a genetic modification.
Embodiment 36 is the engineered cell of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the inhibition results in reduced cell surface expression of a protein regulated by the gene comprising a genetic modification.
Embodiment 37 is the engineered cell of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the cell comprises an exogenous nucleic acid encoding a targeting receptor that is expressed on the surface of the engineered cell.
Embodiment 38 is the engineered cell of embodiment 37, wherein the targeting receptor is a CAR.
Embodiment 39 is the engineered cell of embodiment 37, wherein the targeting receptor is a TCR.
Embodiment 40 is the engineered cell of embodiment 39, wherein the targeting receptor is a WT1 TCR.
Embodiment 41 is the engineered cell of any one of the previous embodiments, wherein the engineered cell is an immune cell.
Embodiment 42 is the engineered cell of embodiment 41, wherein the engineered cell is a monocyte, macrophage, mast cell, dendritic cell, or granulocyte.
Embodiment 43 is the engineered cell of embodiment 41, wherein the engineered cell is a lymphocyte.
Embodiment 44 is the engineered cell of embodiment 43, wherein the engineered cell is a T cell.
Embodiment 45 is a pharmaceutical composition comprising the engineered cell of any one of embodiments 1-44.
Embodiment 46 is a population of cells comprising the engineered cell of any one of embodiments 1-44.
Embodiment 47 is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a population of cells, wherein the population of cells comprises engineered cell of any one of embodiments 1-44.
Embodiment 48 is a method of administering the engineered cell, population of cells, or pharmaceutical composition of any one of the preceding embodiments to a subject in need thereof.
Embodiment 49 is a method of administering the engineered cell, population of cells, or pharmaceutical composition of any one of the preceding embodiments to a subject as an adoptive cell transfer (ACT) therapy.
Embodiment 50 is an engineered cell, population of cells, or pharmaceutical composition of any one of the preceding embodiments, for use as an ACT therapy.
Embodiment 51 is a 2B4 guide RNA that specifically hybridizes to a 2B4 sequence comprising a nucleotide sequence selected from:
Embodiment 52 is a 2B4 guide RNA comprising a guide sequence that directs an RNA-guided DNA binding agent to a chromosomal location within the genomic coordinates selected from those targeted by SEQ ID NO: 1-28, optionally genomic coordinates selected from the genomic coordinates targeted by SEQ ID NOs: 1-5, optionally selected from the genomic coordinates targeted by SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 2, or optionally selected from genomic coordinates targeted by SEQ ID NOs: 3, 4, 10, and 17.
Embodiment 53 is the guide RNA of embodiment 51 or 52, wherein the guide RNA is a dual guide RNA (dgRNA).
Embodiment 54 is the guide RNA of embodiment 51 or 52, wherein the guide RNA is a single guide RNA (sgRNA).
Embodiment 55 is the guide RNA of embodiment 54, further comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 400 3′ to the guide sequence, wherein the guide RNA comprises a 5′ end modification or a 3′ end modification.
Embodiment 56 is the guide RNA of embodiment 54, further comprising 5′ end modification or a 3′ end modification and a conserved portion of an gRNA comprising one or more of:
Embodiment 57 is the guide RNA of embodiment 54, further comprising the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 200 (GUUUUAGAGCUAUGCUGUUUUG) 3′ to the guide sequence.
Embodiment 58 is the guide RNA of embodiment 54, further comprising the nucleotide sequence of GUUUUAGAGCUAGAAAUAGCAAGUUAAAAUAAGGCUAGUCCGUUAUCAACUU GAAAAAGUGGCACCGAGUCGGUGC (SEQ ID NO: 201) 3′ to the guide sequence, optionally GUUUUAGAGCUAGAAAUAGCAAGUUAAAAUAAGGCUAGUCCGUUAUCAACUU GAAAAAGUGGCACCGAGUCGGUGCUUUU (SEQ ID NO: 202) 3′ to the guide sequence.
Embodiment 59 is the guide RNA of embodiment 57 or 58, wherein the guide RNA is modified according to the pattern of mN*mN*mN NNGUUUUAGAmGmCmUmAmGmAmAmAmU mAmGmCAAGUUAAAAUAAGGCUAGUCCGUUAUCAmAmCmUmUmGmAmAmAm AmAmGmUmGmGmCmAmCmCmGmAmGmUmCmGmGmUmGmCmU*mU*mU*mU (SEQ ID NO: 300), where “N” may be any natural or non-natural nucleotide, m is a 2′-O-methyl modified nucleotide, and * is a phosphorothioate linkage between nucleotide residues; and wherein the N's are collectively the nucleotide sequence of a guide sequence of any preceding embodiment.
Embodiment 60 is the guide RNA of embodiment 59, wherein each N is independently any natural or non-natural nucleotide and the guide sequence targets Cas9 to the 2B4 gene.
Embodiment 61 is the guide RNA of any one of embodiments 53-60, wherein the guide RNA comprises a modification.
Embodiment 62 is the guide RNA of embodiment 61, wherein the modification comprises a 2′-O-methyl (2′-O-Me) modified nucleotide or a 2′-F modified nucleotide.
Embodiment 63 is the guide RNA of embodiment 61 or 62, wherein the modification comprises a phosphorothioate (PS) bond between nucleotides.
Embodiment 64 is the guide RNA of any one of embodiments 61-63, wherein the guide RNA is a sgRNA and the modification, comprises a modification at one or more of the five nucleotides at the 5′ end of the guide RNA.
Embodiment 65 is the guide RNA of any one of embodiments 61-64, wherein the guide RNA is a sgRNA and the modification, comprises a modification at one or more of the five nucleotides at the 3′ end of the guide RNA.
Embodiment 66 is the guide RNA of any one of embodiments 61-65, wherein the guide RNA is a sgRNA and the modification, comprises a PS bond between each of the four nucleotides at the 5′ end of the guide RNA.
Embodiment 67 is the guide RNA of any one of embodiments 61-66, wherein the guide RNA is a sgRNA and the modification, comprises a PS bond between each of the four nucleotides at the 3′ end of the guide RNA.
Embodiment 68 is the guide RNA of any one of embodiments 61-67, wherein the guide RNA is a sgRNA and the modification, comprises a 2′-O-Me modified nucleotide at each of the first three nucleotides at the 5′ end of the guide RNA.
Embodiment 69 is the guide RNA of any one of embodiments 61-68, wherein the guide RNA is a sgRNA and the modification, comprises a 2′-O-Me modified nucleotide at each of the last three nucleotides at the 3′ end of the guide RNA.
Embodiment 70 is a composition comprising a guide RNA of any one of embodiments 53-69 and an RNA guided DNA binding agent wherein the RNA guided DNA binding agent is a polypeptide RNA guided DNA binding agent or a nucleic acid encoding an RNA guided DNA binding agent polypeptide, optionally the RNA guided DNA-binding agent is a Cas9 nuclease.
Embodiment 71 is the composition of embodiment 70, wherein the RNA guided DNA binding agent is a polypeptide capable of making a modification within a DNA sequence.
Embodiment 72 is the composition of embodiment 71, wherein the RNA guided DNA binding agent is a S. pyogenes Cas9 nuclease.
Embodiment 73 is the composition of any one of embodiments 70-72, wherein the nuclease is selected from the group of cleavase, nickase, and dead nuclease.
Embodiment 74 is the composition of embodiment 70, wherein the nucleic acid encoding an RNA guided DNA binding agent is selected from:
Embodiment 75 is the composition of any one of embodiments 70-74 further comprising a guide RNA that specifically hybridizes to genomic coordinates chosen from:
optionally the genetic modification is within genomic coordinates selected from chr14:22547524-22547544, chr14:22547529-22547549, chr14:22547525-22547545, chr14:22547536-22547556, chr14:22547501-22547521, chr14:22547556-22547576, and chr14:22547502-22547522.
Embodiment 76 is the composition of any one of embodiments 70-75 further comprising a guide RNA that specifically hybridizes to genomic coordinates chosen from:
Embodiment 77 is the composition of any one of embodiments 70-76 further comprising a guide RNA that specifically hybridizes to genomic coordinates chosen from chr:16:10902171-10923242, optionally, chr16:10902662-chr16:10923285. chr16:10906542-chr16:10923285, or chr16:10906542-chr16:10908121, optionally chr16:10908132-10908152, chr16: 10908131-10908151, chr16: 10916456-10916476, chr16: 10918504-10918524, chr16: 10909022-10909042, chr16: 10918512-10918532, chr16: 10918511-10918531, chr16:10895742-10895762, chr16:10916362-10916382, chr16:10916455-10916475, chr16:10909172-10909192, chr16:10906492-10906512, chr16:10909006-10909026, chr16:10922478-10922498, chr16:10895747-10895767, chr16:10916348-10916368, chr16:10910186-10910206, chr16:10906481-10906501, chr16:10909007-10909027, chr16:10895410-10895430, and chr16:10908130-10908150; optionally chr16:10918504-10918524, chr16: 10923218-10923238, chr16: 10923219-10923239, chr16: 10923221-10923241, chr16: 10906486-10906506, chr16: 10906485-10906505, chr16: 10903873-10903893, chr16: 10909172-10909192, chr16: 10918423-10918443, chr16: 10916362-10916382, chr16: 10916450-10916470, chr16: 10922153-10922173, chr16: 10923222-10923242, chr16: 10910176-10910196, chr16: 10895742-10895762, chr16: 10916449-10916469, chr16:10923214-10923234, chr16:10906492-10906512, and chr16:10906487-1090650; or optionally chr16:10916432-10916452, chr16:10922444-10922464, chr16:10907924-10907944, chr16:10906985-10907005, chr16:10908073-10908093, chr16:10907433-10907453, chr16:10907979-10907999, chr16:10907139-10907159, chr16:10922435-10922455, chr16:10907384-10907404, chr16:10907434-10907454, chr16:10907119-10907139, chr16:10907539-10907559, chr16:10907810-10907830, chr16:10907315-10907335, chr16:10916426-10916446, chr16:10909138-10909158, chr16:10908101-10908121, chr16:10907790-10907810, chr16:10907787-10907807, chr16:10907454-10907474, chr16:10895702-10895722, chr16:10902729-10902749, chr16:10918492-10918512, chr16:10907932-10907952, chr16:10907623-10907643, chr16:10907461-10907481, chr16:10902723-10902743, chr16:10907622-10907642, chr16:10922441-10922461, chr16:10902662-10902682, chr16:10915626-10915646, chr16:10915592-10915612, chr16:10907385-10907405, chr16:10907030-10907050, chr16:10907935-10907955, chr16:10906853-10906873, chr16:10906757-10906777, chr16:10907730-10907750, and chr16:10895302-10895322.
Embodiment 78 is the composition of any one of embodiments 70-77 further comprising a guide RNA that specifically hybridizes to genomic coordinates chosen from chr6:29942854-29942913 and chr6:29943518-29943619, optionally genomic coordinates chosen from: chr6:29942864-29942884; chr6:29942868-29942888; chr6:29942876-29942896; chr6:29942877-29942897; chr6:29942883-29942903; chr6:29943126-29943146; chr6:29943528-29943548; chr6:29943529-29943549; chr6:29943530-29943550; chr6:29943537-29943557; chr6:29943549-29943569; chr6:29943589-29943609; and chr6: 29944026-29944046.
Embodiment 79 is the guide RNA of any one of embodiments 51-69 or the composition of any one of any one of embodiments 70-78, wherein the composition further comprises a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
Embodiment 80 is the guide or composition of embodiment 79, wherein the composition is non-pyrogenic.
Embodiment 81 is the guide RNA of any one of embodiments 51-69 or composition of any one of embodiments 70-80, wherein the guide RNA is associated with a lipid nanoparticle (LNP).
Embodiment 82 is a method of making a genetic modification in a 2B4 sequence within a cell, comprising contacting the cell with the guide RNA or composition of any one of embodiments 51-81.
Embodiment 83 is the method of embodiment 82, further comprising making a genetic modification in a TCR sequence to inhibit expression of a TCR gene.
Embodiment 84 is a method of preparing a population of cells for immunotherapy comprising:
Embodiment 85 is the method of embodiment 84, wherein expression of the TCR protein on the surface of the cells is reduced to below the level of detection in at least 70% of the cells in the population.
Embodiment 86 is the method of embodiment 84 or 85, wherein the genetic modification of a TCR sequence in the cells of the population comprises modification of two or more TCR sequences.
Embodiment 87 is the method of embodiment 86, wherein the two or more TCR sequences comprise TRAC and TRBC.
Embodiment 88 is the method of any of embodiments 84-87, comprising insertion of an exogenous nucleic acid encoding a targeting receptor that is expressed on the surface of the engineered cell, e.g. a TCR or a CAR, optionally at a TRAC locus.
Embodiment 89 is the method of any one of embodiments 84-88, further comprising contacting the cells with an LNP composition comprising the 2B4 guide RNA.
Embodiment 90 is the method of embodiment 89 comprising contacting the cells with a second LNP composition comprising a guide RNA.
Embodiment 91 is a population of cells made by the method of any one of embodiments 82-90.
Embodiment 92 is the population of cells of embodiment 91, wherein the population of cells is altered ex vivo.
Embodiment 93 is a pharmaceutical composition comprising a population of cells of embodiment 91 or 92.
Embodiment 94 is a method of administering the population of cells of embodiment 91 or 92, or pharmaceutical composition of embodiment 93 to a subject in need thereof.
Embodiment 95 is a method of administering the population of cells of embodiment 91 or 92, or pharmaceutical composition of embodiment 93 to a subject as an adoptive cell transfer (ACT) therapy.
Embodiment 96 is a population of cells of embodiment 91 or 92, or pharmaceutical composition of embodiment 93, for use as an ACT therapy.
Embodiment 97 is a population of cells comprising a genetic modification of a 2B4 gene, wherein at least 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, preferably at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or 95% of cells in the population comprise a modification selected from an insertion, a deletion, and a substitution in the endogenous 2B4 sequence.
Embodiment 98 is the populations of cells of embodiment 97, wherein the genetic modification is as defined in any of embodiments 1-4.
Embodiment 99 is the population of cells of embodiment 97 or 98, wherein expression of 2B4 is decreased by at least 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, preferably at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or to below the limit of detection of the assay as compared to a suitable control, e.g., wherein the 2B4 gene has not been modified.
Embodiment 100 is a population of cells of any one of embodiments 97-99, comprising a genetic modification of a TCR gene, wherein at least 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, preferably at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% of cells comprise a modification selected from an insertion, a deletion, and a substitution in the endogenous TCR gene sequence.
Embodiment 101 is the populations of cells of embodiment 100, wherein the genetic modification is as defined in any of embodiments 5-8.
Embodiment 102 is the population of cells of embodiment 100 or 101, wherein expression of TCR is decreased by at least 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, preferably at least 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or to below the limit of detection of the assay as compared to a suitable control, e.g., wherein the TCR gene has not been modified.
Embodiment 103 is the population of cells of any of embodiments 97-102, wherein the population comprises at least 103, 104, 105 or 106 cells, preferably 107, 2×107, 5×107, or 108 cells.
Embodiment 104 is the population of cells of any one of embodiments 97-103, wherein at least 70% of cells in the population comprise a modification selected from an insertion, a deletion, and a substitution in the endogenous 2B4 sequence.
Embodiment 105 is the population of cells of any one of embodiments 97-104, wherein at least 80% of cells in the population comprise a modification selected from an insertion, a deletion, and a substitution in the endogenous 2B4 sequence.
Embodiment 106 is the population of cells of any one of embodiments 97-105, wherein at least 90% of cells in the population comprise a modification selected from an insertion, a deletion, and a substitution in the endogenous 2B4 sequence.
Embodiment 107 is the population of cells of any one of embodiments 97-106, wherein at least 95% of cells in the population comprise a modification selected from an insertion, a deletion, and a substitution in the endogenous 2B4 sequence.
Embodiment 108 is the population of cells of any one of embodiments 97-107, wherein expression of 2B4 is decreased by at least 70%, or to below the limit of detection of the assay as compared to a suitable control, e.g., wherein the 2B4 gene has not been modified.
Embodiment 109 is the population of cells of any one of embodiments 97-108, wherein expression of 2B4 is decreased by at least 80%, or to below the limit of detection of the assay as compared to a suitable control, e.g., wherein the 2B4 gene has not been modified.
Embodiment 110 is the population of cells of any one of embodiments 97-109, wherein expression of 2B4 is decreased by at least 90%, or to below the limit of detection of the assay as compared to a suitable control, e.g., wherein the 2B4 gene has not been modified.
Embodiment 111 is the population of cells of any one of embodiments 97-110, wherein expression of 2B4 is decreased by at least 95%, or to below the limit of detection of the assay as compared to a suitable control, e.g., wherein the 2B4 gene has not been modified.
Embodiment 112 is a pharmaceutical composition comprising the population of cells of any of embodiments 97-111.
Embodiment 113 is the population of cells of any of embodiments 97-111 or the pharmaceutical composition of embodiment 112, for use as an ACT therapy.
Embodiment 114 is the engineered cell, guide RNA, composition, pharmaceutical composition, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160841611-160841631.
Embodiment 115 is the engineered cell, guide RNA, composition, pharmaceutical composition, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160841865-160841885.
Embodiment 116 is the engineered cell, guide RNA, composition, pharmaceutical composition, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160862624-160862644.
Embodiment 117 is the engineered cell, guide RNA, composition, pharmaceutical composition, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160862671-160862691.
Embodiment 118 is the engineered cell, guide RNA, composition, pharmaceutical composition, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160841622-160841642.
Embodiment 119 is the engineered cell, guide RNA, composition, pharmaceutical composition, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160841819-160841839.
Embodiment 120 is the engineered cell, guide RNA, composition, pharmaceutical composition, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160841823-160841843.
Embodiment 121 is the engineered cell, guide RNA, composition, pharmaceutical composition, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160841717-160841737.
Embodiment 122 is the engineered cell, guide RNA, composition, pharmaceutical composition, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160841859-160841879.
Embodiment 123 is the engineered cell, guide RNA, composition, pharmaceutical composition, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160841806-160841826.
Embodiment 124 is the engineered cell, guide RNA, composition, pharmaceutical composition, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160841834-160841854.
Embodiment 125 is the engineered cell, guide RNA, composition, pharmaceutical composition, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160841780-160841800.
Embodiment 126 is the engineered cell, guide RNA, composition, pharmaceutical composition, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160841713-160841733.
Embodiment 127 is the engineered cell, guide RNA, composition, pharmaceutical composition, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160841631-160841651.
Embodiment 128 is the engineered cell, guide RNA, composition, pharmaceutical composition, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160841704-160841724.
Embodiment 129 is the engineered cell, guide RNA, composition, pharmaceutical composition, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160841584-160841604.
Embodiment 130 is the engineered cell, guide RNA, composition, pharmaceutical composition, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160841679-160841699.
Embodiment 131 is the engineered cell, guide RNA, composition, pharmaceutical composition, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160841874-160841894.
Embodiment 132 is the engineered cell, guide RNA, composition, pharmaceutical composition, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160841750-160841770.
Embodiment 133 is the engineered cell, guide RNA, composition, pharmaceutical composition, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160841577-160841597.
Embodiment 134 is the engineered cell, guide RNA, composition, pharmaceutical composition, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160841459-160841479.
Embodiment 135 is the engineered cell, guide RNA, composition, pharmaceutical composition, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160841466-160841486.
Embodiment 136 is the engineered cell, guide RNA, composition, pharmaceutical composition, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160841461-160841481.
Embodiment 137 is the engineered cell, guide RNA, composition, pharmaceutical composition, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160841460-160841480.
Embodiment 138 is the engineered cell, guide RNA, composition, pharmaceutical composition, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160841360-160841380.
Embodiment 139 is the engineered cell, guide RNA, composition, pharmaceutical composition, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160841304-160841324.
Embodiment 140 is the engineered cell, guide RNA, composition, pharmaceutical composition, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160841195-160841215.
Embodiment 141 is the engineered cell, guide RNA, composition, pharmaceutical composition, or method of any one of the preceding embodiments, wherein the genetic modification is within the genomic coordinates of chr1:160841305-160841325.
Embodiment 142 is the engineered cell of embodiment 25, wherein the genetic modification comprises a modification of at least one nucleotide within the genomic coordinates selected from:
or
This application is a continuation of International Application No. PCT/US2022/015456, filed on Feb. 7, 2022, which claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/147,226, filed Feb. 8, 2021, the content of all of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. This application is filed with a sequence listing in electronic format. The sequence listing is provided as a file entitled “01155-0042-00US_ST26.xml” created on Aug. 4, 2023, which is 489,575 bytes in size. The information in the electronic format of the sequence listing is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63147226 | Feb 2021 | US |
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Parent | PCT/US2022/015456 | Feb 2022 | US |
| Child | 18366051 | US |
