PDE5 compositions and methods for immunotherapy

This application claims priority to PCT International Application No. PCT/US2018/037005, filed Jun. 12, 2018, which claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/518,078 filed Jun. 12, 2017, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/523,850, filed Jun. 23, 2017, U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/523,862, filed Jun. 23, 2017, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/555,313, filed Sep. 7, 2017. The entire contents of the aforementioned applications are incorporated herein in their entireties.

The present application is being filed along with a Sequence Listing in electronic format. The Sequence Listing is provided as a file entitled 2095_1003PCT_SL.txt, created on Jun. 12, 2018, which is 18,074,972 bytes in size. The information in the electronic format of the sequence listing is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

The present invention relates to tunable biocircuit systems for the development of controlled and/or regulated therapeutic systems. In particular, regulatable biocircuits containing destabilizing domains (DD) derived from mutant human cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) are disclosed. The present invention also relates to compositions and methods for immunotherapy.

Provided in the present invention include polypeptides of biocircuit systems, effector modules, stimulus response elements (SREs) and immunotherapeutic agents, polynucleotides encoding the same, vectors and cells containing the polypeptides and/or polynucleotides for use in cancer immunotherapy. In one embodiment, the compositions comprise destabilizing domains (DDs) which tune protein stability.

Safe and effective gene therapy requires tightly regulated expression of a therapeutic transgenic product (e.g., the protein product). Similarly, the analysis of gene function in development, cell differentiation and other physiological activities requires the controllable expression of a protein under investigation. However, current technologies do not allow titration of levels of target protein induced or kinetics of induction. Inadequate exogenous and/or endogenous gene control is a critical issue in numerous settings including ex vivo and in vivo gene therapy. This lack of tunability also makes it difficult to safely express proteins with narrow or uncertain therapeutic windows or those requiring more titrated, controlled or transient expression.

One approach to regulated protein expression or function is the use of Destabilizing Domains (DDs). Destabilizing domains are small protein domains that can be appended to a payload such as a protein of interest (POI). DDs render the attached protein of interest (POI) unstable in the absence of a DD-binding ligand such that the protein is rapidly degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome system of the cell (Stankunas, K., et al., (2003). Mol. Cell 12, 1615-1624; Banaszynski, L. A., et al., (2006) Cell; 126(5): 995-1004; reviewed in Banaszynski, L. A., and Wandless, T. J. (2006) Chem. Biol. 13, 11-21; Iwamoto, M., et al. (2010). Chem Biol. 17(9):981-8; Egeler, E. L. et al. (2011). J Biol Chem. 286(36):31328-36; and Rakhit R, Navarro R, Wandless T J (2014) Chem Biol . September 18; 21(9):1238-52; Navarro, R. et al. (2016) ACS Chem Biol. 11(8): 2101-2104). In some cases, the protein of interest is not completely processed and may not be secreted or presented on the membrane in the absence of DD-binding ligand (Sellmeyer et al., (2012), doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0043297; the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety). However, when a specific small molecule ligand binds its intended DD as a ligand binding partner, the instability is reversed and protein function is restored or, in some cases, processing is restored and the protein of interest is presented on the membrane or secreted. Such a system is herein referred to as a biocircuit, with the canonical DD-containing biocircuit described above being the prototypical model biocircuit

It is believed that improvements of biocircuits, including those containing DDs can form the basis of a new class of cell and gene therapies that employ tunable and temporal control of gene expression and function. Such novel moieties are described by the present inventors as stimulus response elements (SREs) which act in the context of an effector module to complete a biocircuit arising from a stimulus and ultimately producing a signal or outcome. When properly formatted with a polypeptide payload, and when activated by a particular stimulus, e.g., a small molecule, biocircuit systems can be used to regulate transgene and/or protein levels either up or down by perpetuating a stabilizing signal or destabilizing signal. This approach has many advantages over existing methods of regulating protein function and/or expression, which are currently focused on top level transcriptional regulation via inducible promoters.

The present invention provides novel protein domains, in particular, destabilizing domains (DDs) derived from mutant human cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5), particularly the catalytic domain of human PDE5, that display small molecule dependent stability, and the biocircuit systems and effector modules comprising such DDs. Methods for tuning transgene functions using the same are also provided.

Cancer immunotherapy aims to eradicate cancer cells by rejuvenating the tumoricidal functions of tumor-reactive immune cells, predominantly T cells. Strategies of cancer immunotherapy including the recent development of checkpoint blockade, adoptive cell transfer (ACT) and cancer vaccines which can increase the anti-tumor immune effector cells have produced remarkable results in several tumors.

The impact of host anti-tumor immunity and cancer immunotherapy is impeded by three major hurdles: 1) low number of tumor antigen-specific T cells due to clonal deletion; 2) poor activation of innate immune cells and accumulation of tolerogenic antigen-presenting cells in the tumor microenvironment; and 3) formation of an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Particularly, in solid tumors the therapeutic efficacy of immunotherapeutic regimens remains unsatisfactory due to lack of an effective an anti-tumor response in the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Tumor cells often induce immune tolerance or suppression and such tolerance is acquired because even truly foreign tumor antigens will become tolerated. Such tolerance is also active and dominant because cancer vaccines and adoptive transfer of pre-activated immune effector cells (e.g., T cells), are subject to suppression by inhibitory factors in the tumor microenvironment (TME).

In addition, administration of engineered T cells could result in on/off target toxicities as well as a cytokine release syndrome (reviewed by Tey Clin. Transl. Immunol., 2014, 3: e17 10.1038).

Development of a tunable switch that can turn on or off the transgenic immunotherapeutic agent expression is needed in case of adverse events. For example, adoptive cell therapies may have a very long and an indefinite half-life. Since toxicity can be progressive, a safety switch is desired to eliminate the infused cells. Systems and methods that can tune the transgenic protein level and expression window with high flexibility can enhance therapeutic benefit, and reduce potential side effects.

In an effort to develop regulatable therapeutic agents for disease therapy, in particular cancer immunotherapy, the present invention provides biocircuit systems to control the expression of immunotherapeutic agents. The biocircuit system comprises a stimulus and at least one effector module that responds to the stimulus. The effector module may include a stimulus response element (SRE) that binds and is responsive to a stimulus and an immunotherapeutic agent operably linked to the SRE. In one example, a SRE is a destabilizing domain (DD) which is destabilized in the absence of its specific ligand and can be stabilized by binding to its specific ligand.

The present invention provides compositions and methods for immunotherapy. The compositions relate to tunable systems and agents that induce anti-cancer immune responses in a cell or in a subject. The tunable system and agent may be a biocircuit system comprising at least one effector module that is responsive to at least one stimulus. The biocircuit system may be, but is not limited to, a destabilizing domain (DD) biocircuit system, a dimerization biocircuit system, a receptor biocircuit system, and a cell biocircuit system. These systems are further taught in co-owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/320,864 filed Apr. 11, 2016, 62/466,596 filed Mar. 3, 2017 and the International Publication WO2017/180587 (the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety).

The present invention provides compositions for an inducing immune response in a cell or subject. In some embodiments, the composition may include a stimulus response element (SRE) and at least one payload. In some embodiments, the payload may be attached, appended or associated with the SRE. The SRE may comprise a destabilizing domain (DD). In some embodiments, the DD may comprise, in whole or in part, the cGMP-specific 3′, 5′-cyclic phosphodiesterase (hPDE5; SEQ ID NO.1). In some embodiments, the payload may be appended to the SRE.

In some embodiments, the DD may comprise the catalytic domain of hPDE5 (SEQ ID NO. 3). In some aspects, the catalytic domain may include amino acids 535-860 of hPDE5 (SEQ ID NO. 1). In some embodiments, the DD may include a mutation in the amino acid at position 732 (R732) of SEQ ID NO. 1. The mutation at position R732 may include but is not limited to R732L, R732A, R732G, R732V, R732I, R732P, R732F, R732W, R732Y, R732H, R732S, R732T, R732D, R732E, R732Q, R732N, R732M, R732C, and R732K.

In some aspects, the DD may be selected from the group including but not limited to hPDE5 (Amino acid 535-860 of WT, R732L) (SEQ ID NO. 12); hPDE5 (Amino acid 535-860 of WT, R732A) (SEQ ID NO. 384); hPDE5 (Amino acid 535-860 of WT, R732G) (SEQ ID NO. 383); hPDE5 (Amino acid 535-860 of WT, R732V) (SEQ ID NO. 385); hPDE5 (Amino acid 535-860 of WT, R732I) (SEQ ID NO. 386); hPDE5 (Amino acid 535-860 of WT, R732P) (SEQ ID NO. 387); hPDE5 (Amino acid 535-860 of WT, R732F) (SEQ ID NO. 388); hPDE5 (Amino acid 535-860 of WT, R732W) (SEQ ID NO. 389); hPDE5 (Amino acid 535-860 of WT, R732Y) (SEQ ID NO. 390); hPDE5 (Amino acid 535-860 of WT, R732H) (SEQ ID NO. 391); hPDE5 (Amino acid 535-860 of WT, R732S) (SEQ ID NO. 392); hPDE5 (Amino acid 535-860 of WT, R732T) (SEQ ID NO. 393); hPDE5 (Amino acid 535-860 of WT, R732D) (SEQ ID NO. 394); hPDE5 (Amino acid 535-860 of WT, R732E) (SEQ ID NO. 395); hPDE5 (Amino acid 535-860 of WT, R732Q) (SEQ ID NO. 396); hPDE5 (Amino acid 535-860 of WT, R732N) (SEQ ID NO. 397); hPDE5 (Amino acid 535-860 of WT, R732M) (SEQ ID NO. 398); hPDE5 (Amino acid 535-860 of WT, R732C) (SEQ ID NO. 399); and hPDE5 (Amino acid 535-860 of WT, R732K) (SEQ ID NO. 400).

In some embodiments, the mutation in the amino acid at position R732 may be R732L. In one embodiment, the DD may comprise the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 12. In some embodiments, the mutation in the amino acid at position R732 may be R732A. In one embodiment, the DD may comprise the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 384. In some embodiments, the mutation in the amino acid at position R732 may be R732G. In one embodiment, the DD may comprise the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 383.

The DDs of the present invention may further comprise one or more mutations independently selected from the group consisting of H653A, F736A, D764A, D764N, Y612F, Y612W, Y612A, W853F, I821A, Y829A, F787A, D656L, Y728L, M625I, E535D, E536G, Q541R, K555R, F559L, F561L, F564L, F564S, K591E, N587S, K604E, K608E, N609H, K630R, K633E, N636S, N661S, Y676D, Y676N, C677R, H678R, D687A, T712S, D724N, D724G, L738H, N742S, A762S, D764G, D764V, S766F, K795E, L797F, I799T, T802P, S815C, M816A, I824T, C839S, K852E, S560G, V585A, I599V, I648V, S663P, L675P, T711A, F744L, L746S, F755L, L804P, M816T, and F840S.

In one embodiment the DD may include the mutation H653A. In one embodiment, the DD may comprise the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 509. In one embodiment, the DD may include the mutation F736A. In one embodiment, the DD may comprise the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 227. In one embodiment, the DD may comprise the mutation D764A. In one embodiment, the DD comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 510. In one embodiment, the DD may include the mutation Y612F. In one aspect, the DD may comprise the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 506. In one embodiment, the DD may include the Y612W mutation. In one aspect, the DD may include the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 507. In one embodiment, the DD may include the mutation Y612A. In one embodiment the DD may comprise the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 508. In one embodiment, the DD may include the mutation D64N. In some aspects, the DD may comprise the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 505.

In some embodiments, the SRE of the present invention may be appended to a payload. In some aspects, the payload may be an immunotherapeutic agent. In some aspects, the immunotherapeutic agent may be selected from a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and a cytokine-cytokine receptor fusion polypeptide.

In some embodiments the CAR may include an extracellular target moiety, a hinge and transmembrane domain, an intracellular signaling domain; and optionally, one or more co-stimulatory domains. In some embodiments, the CAR may be a standard CAR, a split CAR, an off-switch CAR, an on-switch CAR, a first-generation CAR, a second-generation CAR, a third-generation CAR, or a fourth-generation CAR.

The extracellular target moiety of the CAR may have an affinity of bind to a target molecule on the surface of the cancer cell. In some aspects, the extracellular target moiety of the CAR may be an scFv. In one aspect, the target molecule may be CD19. In some embodiments, the extracellular target moiety of the CAR is a CD19 scFv (SEQ ID NO. 8233). In some embodiments, wherein the hinge and transmembrane domain of the CAR may be paired. The paired hinge and transmembrane domain may be derived from CD8a, CD5, CD4, CD9, CD16, CD22, CD33, CD28, CD37, CD45, CD64, CD80, CD86, CD148, DAP 10, EpoRI, GITR, LAG3, ICOS, Her2, OX40 (CD134), 4-1BB (CD137), CD152, CD154, PD-1, or CTLA-4. In some embodiments, the paired domain may be derived from a transmembrane region of an alpha, beta or zeta chain of a T-cell receptor; or an immunoglobulin selected from IgG1, IgD, IgG4, and an IgG4 Fc region; or the CD3 epsilon chain of a T-cell receptor. In one embodiment, the paired hinge and transmembrane domain of the CAR may be derived from CD8a. In one aspect, the paired hinge and transmembrane domain may comprise the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 8235. In some embodiments, the CAR of the present invention may include an intracellular domain. The intracellular domain may be derived from CD3zeta or a cell surface molecule selected from the group consisting of FcR gamma, FcR beta, CD3 gamma, CD3 delta, CD3 epsilon, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b, and CD66d. In some embodiments, the co-stimulatory domain may be present. The costimulatory domain may be derived from 4-1BB (CD137) 2B4, HVEM, ICOS, LAG3, DAP10, DAP12, CD27, CD28, OX40 (CD134), CD30, CD40, ICOS (CD278), glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor (GITR), lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), CD2, CD7, LIGHT, NKG2C, and B7-H3. In one aspect the intracellular domain may be derived from CD3 Zeta SEQ ID NO. 8236. In some embodiments, the CAR may include a co-stimulatory domain derived from 4-1BB (SEQ ID NO. 8237). In some aspects, the CAR further may also include a signal sequence. The signal sequence may be derived from CD8α. In some aspects, the signal sequence may comprise the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 278.

In some embodiments, the immunotherapeutic agent may be a cytokine-cytokine receptor fusion polypeptide. The cytokine-cytokine receptor fusion polypeptide may include the whole or a portion of IL15, fused to the whole or a portion of IL15Ra to produce a IL15-IL15Ra fusion polypeptide. In one embodiment the cytokine-cytokine receptor fusion polypeptide may include amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 8324 fused to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 8324 to produce a fusion polypeptide.

In some embodiments, the effector module of the invention may be a DD-CD19 CAR fusion polypeptide. The fusion polypeptide may comprise the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 8283; 8271-8282 or 8284. In some embodiments, the effector module of the invention may be a DD-IL15-IL15Ra fusion polypeptide (SEQ ID NO. 8338; 8334-8337 or 8339-8343).

In some embodiments, the SRE may be responsive to one or more stimuli. The stimulus may be a small molecule such as but not limited to Tadalafil, Vardenafil, Sildenafil, Avanafil, Lodenafil, Mirodenafil, Udenafil, Benzamidenafil, Dasantafil, and Beminafil. In one aspect, the small molecule may be Tadalafil.

The present invention also provides a pharmaceutical composition which may include the compositions described herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.

The present invention also provides polynucleotides encoding the compositions and the pharmaceutical compositions described herein.

Also provided herein are immune cells for adoptive transfer. The immune cells may express the compositions, pharmaceutical compositions, the polynucleotides, or the vectors described herein.

The present invention also provides methods of inducing an immune response in a cell. Such methods may include administering to the cell, a therapeutically effective amount of any of the pharmaceutical composition and administering to the cell, a therapeutically effective amount of a stimulus to modulate the expression of the immunotherapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the stimulus may be a ligand. In some aspects, the immunotherapeutic agent may be capable of inducing an immune response in the cell, in response to the stimulus.

Methods of reducing tumor burden using the compositions described herein are also provided. Such methods may include administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of the immune cells described herein and administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of a stimulus. In some embodiments, the stimulus may be a ligand. In some embodiments, the stimulus may be able to modulate the expression of the immunotherapeutic agent, thereby reducing the tumor burden. In some embodiments, the ligand is Tadalafil. In some aspects the Tadalafil may be administered to the subject at a dose ranging from about 0.1 mg/kg to about 100 mg/kg body weight of the subject. In some aspects, the Tadalafil may be administered to the subject at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight of the subject. In some aspects, the Tadalafil may be administered to the subject at a dose of 30 mg/kg body weight of the subject. In some aspects, the Tadalafil may be administered to the subject at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight of the subject.

The foregoing and other objects, features and advantages will be apparent from the following description of particular embodiments of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale; emphasis instead being placed upon illustrating the principles of various embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 1 shows an overview diagram of a biocircuit system of the invention. The biocircuit comprises a stimulus and at least one effector module responsive to a stimulus, where the response to the stimulus produces a signal or outcome. The effector module comprises at least one stimulus response element (SRE) and one payload.

FIG. 2 shows representative effector modules carrying one payload. The signal sequence (SS), SRE and payload may be located or positioned in various arrangements without (A to F) or with (G to Z, and AA to DD) a cleavage site. An optional linker may be inserted between each component of the effector module.

FIG. 3 shows representative effector modules carrying two payloads without a cleavage site. The two payloads may be either directly linked to each other or separated.

FIG. 4 shows representative effector modules carrying two payloads with a cleavage site. In one embodiment, an SS is positioned at the N-terminus of the construct, while other components: SRE, two payloads and the cleavage site may be located at different positions (A to L). In another embodiment, the cleavage site is positioned at the N-terminus of the construct (M to X). An optional linker may be inserted between each component of the effector module.

FIG. 5 shows effector modules of the invention carrying two payloads, where an SRE is positioned at the N-terminus of the construct (A to L), while SS, two payloads and the cleavage site can be in any configuration. An optional linker may be inserted between each component of the effector module.

FIG. 6 shows effector modules of the invention carrying two payloads, where either the two payloads (A to F) or one of the two payloads (G to X) is positioned at the N-terminus of the construct (A to L), while SS, SRE and the cleavage site can be in any configuration. An optional linker may be inserted between each component of the effector module.

FIG. 7 depicts representative configurations of the stimulus and effector module within a biocircuit system. A trans-membrane effector module is activated either by a free stimulus (A) or a membrane bound stimulus (B) which binds to SRE. The response to the stimulus causes the cleavage of the intracellular signal/payload, which activates down-stream effector/payload.

FIG. 8 depicts a dual stimulus-dual presenter biocircuit system, where two bound stimuli (A and B) from two different presenters (e.g., different cells) bind to two different effector modules in a single receiver (e.g., another single cell) simultaneously and create a dual-signal to downstream payloads.

FIG. 9 depicts a dual stimulus-single presenter biocircuit system, where two bound stimuli (A and B) from the same presenter (e.g., a single cell) bind to two different effector modules in another single cell simultaneously and create a dual-signal.

FIG. 10 depicts a single-stimulus-bridged receiver biocircuit system. In this configuration, a bound stimulus (A) binds to an effector module in the bridge cell and creates a signal to activate a payload which is a stimulus (B) for another effector module in the final receiver (e.g., another cell).

FIG. 11 depicts a single stimulus-single receiver biocircuit system, wherein the single receiver contains the two effector modules which are sequentially activated by a single stimulus.

FIG. 12 depicts a biocircuit system which requires a dual activation. In this embodiment, one stimulus must bind the transmembrane effector module first to prime the receiver cell being activated by the other stimulus. The receiver only activates when it senses both stimuli (B).

FIG. 13 depicts a standard effector module of a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) system which comprises an antigen binding domain as an SRE, and signaling domain(s) as payload.

FIG. 14 depicts the structure design of a regulatable CAR system, where the trans-membrane effector modules comprise antigen binding domains sensing an antigen and a first switch domain and the intracellular module comprises a second switch domain and signaling domains. A stimulus (e.g., a dimerization small molecule) can dimerize the first and second switch domains and assemble an activated CAR system.

FIG. 15 shows schematic representation of CAR systems having one (A) or two (B and C) SREs incorporated into the effector module.

FIG. 16 depicts a split CAR design to control T cell activation by a dual stimulus (e.g., an antigen and small molecule). (A) shows normal T cell activation which entails a dual activation of TCR and co-stimulatory receptor. The regular CAR design (B) combines the antigen recognition domain with TCR signaling motif and co-stimulatory motif in a single molecule. The split CAR system separates the components of the regular CAR into two separate effector modules which can be reassembled when a heterodimerizing small molecule (stimulus) is present.

FIG. 17 depicts the positive and negative regulation of CAR engineered T cell activation. The absence or presence of a second stimulus can negatively (A) or positively (B) control T cell activation.

FIG. 18 shows schematic representation of gated activation of CAR engineered T cells. If a normal cell that has no stimulus (e.g., an antigen) (A) or an antigen that cannot bind to the trans-membrane effector module (B), or only an antigen that activates the trans-membrane effector module and primes the receiver T cell to express the second effector (C), the receiver T cell remains inactive. When both stimuli (e.g. two antigens) that bind the trans-membrane effector module and the primed effector, are present on the presenter cell (e.g. a cancer cell), the T cell is activated (D).

FIG. 19A shows the percent of CAR positive cells obtained with cells transduced with different volumes of virus related to the CAR constructs. FIG. 19B shows the percentage of CAR positive cells with vardenafil treatment. FIG. 19C shows the expression of the CAR with CD3/CD28 bead restimulation. FIG. 19D shows the percentage of CAR positive cells with different concentrations of virus and in the presence or absence of CD3/CD28 bead restimulation. FIG. 19E shows the dose response of CD19 CAR constructs to sildenafil, vardenafil and tadalafil. FIG. 19F shows the response of CD19 CAR constructs to different ligands and with varying the duration of ligand treatment. FIG. 19G shows IL2 and IFNγ levels obtained from the supernatants of cocultures of effector and target cells in the presence of vardenafil. FIG. 19H shows the percentage of CAR positive T cells obtained with Tadalafil treatment. FIG. 19I shows the IL2 and IFNγ levels obtained from the supernatants of cocultures of effector and target cells in the presence of tadalafil. FIG. 19J shows the target cell killing by CAR expressing T cells in the presence of vardenafil. FIG. 19K shows the proliferation of target cells cocultured with CAR expressing T cells in the presence of vardenafil.

FIG. 20A shows the total flux of Nalm6 luc cells in mice, in the presence of tadalafil. FIG. 20B and FIG. 20C show the pharmacokinetics of vardenafil and tadalafil in plasma of mice after injections of ligand at indicated doses.

The details of one or more embodiments of the invention are set forth in the accompanying description below. Although any materials and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention, the preferred materials and methods are now described. Other features, objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the description. In the description, the singular forms also include the plural unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. In the case of conflict, the present description will control.

Protein Regulation

The ability to conditionally control protein levels is a powerful tool in gene and cell therapy. Techniques to control protein expression on a genetic level have been widely studied. The Cre-Lox technology provides a useful approach to activate or inactivate genes. Tissue or cell specific promoters can be used to control spatial and temporal expression of genes of interest. However, this system is limited in application due to the irreversible nature of the perturbation. The transcription of the gene of interest can be conditionally regulated using tools such as Doxycycline (Dox)-inducible system. Alternatively, the stability of mRNA can be regulated using RNA interference techniques. However, methods targeting DNA or RNA are slow acting, irreversible and have low efficiency.

Direct manipulation of activities at the protein level provides significant advantages in flexibility, reversibility and speed. Strategies which directly trigger a cell's natural degradation system have been developed. Szostak and colleagues showed that a small peptide sequence could be fused to the N-terminus of a protein of interest to modulate protein stability (Park, E-C., et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 1992, 89:1249-1252). Varshavsky and coworkers isolated a temperature-sensitive peptide sequence that greatly reduced the half-life of dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) at the non-permissive temperatures (Dohmen et al. Science 1994, 263:1273-1276). These mutants have been widely used to study protein functions in yeast (Labib et al. Science 2000, 288:1643-1646; and Kanemaki et al. Nature 2003, 423:720-724).

Subsequently, reversible systems employing a rapamycin derivative for the regulation of GSK-3β kinase fused to an unstable triple-mutant of the FRB domain (FRB*) were developed. The rapamycin derivative induces dimerization of the FRB*-GSK-3β and endogenous FKBP12 and stabilizes the FRB* fusion thus restoring the function of the fused kinase. (Stankunas et al., Mol Cell. 2003; 12:1615-1624 and Liu et al., Nature. 2007; 446:79-82).

Building on the FRB* domain system, Banaszynski, et al., developed a cell-permeable ligand system using mutants of FKBP12 protein which were engineered to be unstable in the absence of a high-affinity ligand, Shield-1. (Banaszynski et al., Cell. 2006; 126:995-1004). They termed these unstable domains, destabilizing domains (DDs).

The FKBP/shield-1 tuning system has been successfully used in several studies to control target proteins. For example, Dettwier et al., fused FKBP to tune the express of NADPH P450 oxidoreductase (POR) (Dettwier et al., PLoS One, 2014, 9(11): el 13540).

The FKBP DD-shield system has been used in cell lines, transgenic mice, protozoan Entamoeba histolytica , the flatworm Caenorhabditis elegans , the medaka, and transgenic xenografts to investigate the activity of a protein of interest (Maynard-Smith et al., J Biol Chem. 2007, 282(34): 24866-24872; Liu et al., Int J Parasitol. 2014, 44(10):729-735; Cho et al., PLoS One. 2013, 8(8): e72393); Banaszynski et al. Nat Med. 2008, 14(10):1123-1127; Rodriguez and Wolfgang, Chem Biol. 2011, 19(3):391-398; and Froschauer et al., PLoS One, 2015, 10(7): e0131252), for iPSC reprogramming (Sui et al., Stem cell Reports., 2014, 2(5): 721-733).

In addition, the destabilizing domain has been used for the conditional knock-down or knock-out of the target gene fused with the destabilizing domain. Park et al achieved this genomic engineering by CRISPR/Cas9-mediated homologous recombination and a donor template coding for a resistance cassette and the DD-tagged TCOF 1 sequence (Park et al., PLoS One. 2014, 9(4): e95101).

More recently protein switches useful as biosensors as well as new chimeric antigen receptors and other small molecule stabilization frameworks have been disclosed (An W, et al. PLoS ONE, 2015, 10(12): e0145783. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0145783; Nicholes, et al., Protein Engineering, Design & Selection, 2016, vol. 29 no. 2, pp. 77-85; Nath, et al., Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 2016, 470: 411 e416); Stevers, et al., PNAS, 2016, vol. 119, no. 9, pp. E112-1161; Juillerat, A. et al., Sci. Rep. 2016, 6: 18950; Roybal, Cell, 2016, vol. 164, pp. 1-10; and Morsut, Cell, 2016, vol. 164, pp. 1-12).

One drawback of the FKBP/Shield-1 is that Shield-1 is a novel drug whose biodistribution is not fully characterized and it is not known to what extent Shield-1 crosses the blood-brain barrier.

Other DD ligand pairs include estrogen receptor domains which can be regulated by several estrogen receptor antagonists (Miyazaki et al., J Am Chem. Soc., 2012, 134(9): 3942-3945), and fluorescent destabilizing domain (FDD) derived from bilirubin-inducible fluorescent protein, UnaG. A FDD and its cognate ligand bilirubin (BR) can induce degradation of a protein fused to the FDD (Navarro et al., ACS Chem Biol., 2016, June 6, Epub). Other known DDs and their applications in protein stability include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,173,792 and 8,530,636, the contents of which are each incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In an orthogonal approach, the destabilizing domains of the bacterial dihydrofolate reductase (ecDHFR) were explored. (Iwamoto et al., Chem Biol. 2010, 17(9):981-988; and Tai et al., PLoS One. 2012, 7(9): e46269). Numerous inhibitors of DHFR have been developed as drugs and one such inhibitor Trimethoprim (TMP), inhibits ecDHFR much more potently than mammalian DHFR providing specificity to the interaction. Additionally, TMP is commercially available and has desirable pharmacological properties making this protein-ligand pair ideal for development for use as a biocircuit (Iwamoto, et al., Chem Biol. (2010) September 24; 17(9): 981-988).

The present invention provides novel protein domains displaying small molecule dependent stability. Such protein domains are called destabilizing domains (DDs). In the absence of its binding ligand, the DD is destabilizing and causes degradation of a payload fused to the DD (e.g., a protein of interest (POI), while in the presence of its binding ligand, the fused DD and payload can be stabilized and its stability is dose dependent. Methods for tuning the expression level and activity of a protein of interest using the DDs, effector modules, biocircuit systems and compositions of the invention are also provided. In some embodiments, the SRE may be a destabilizing domain (DD). In some examples, the DD may be a portion or region of human protein PDE5. In this context, the biocircuit system is a DD biocircuit system.

The present invention expands upon the technology of tuning protein stability using novel destabilizing domains derived from human PDE5 protein. The destabilization and stabilization of a protein of interest, e.g., a transgene for gene therapy, can be controlled by PDE5 mutant DDs having destabilizing or stabilizing properties and their ligands, e.g. Sildenafil and Vardenafil specifically binding to such protein domains. The presence and/or absence of a small molecule ligand can tune the activity of a payload (e.g., a protein of interest) that is operably linked to the destabilizing domain.

Immunotherapy

Cancer immunotherapy aims' at the induction or restoration of the reactivity of the immune system towards cancer. Significant advances in immunotherapy research have led to the development of various strategies which may broadly be classified into active immunotherapy and passive immunotherapy. In general, these strategies may be utilized to directly kill cancer cells or to counter the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. Active immunotherapy aims at induction of an endogenous, long-lasting tumor-antigen specific immune response. The response can further be enhanced by non-specific stimulation of immune response modifiers such as cytokines. In contrast, passive immunotherapy includes approaches where immune effector molecules such as tumor-antigen specific cytotoxic T cells or antibodies are administered to the host. This approach is short lived and requires multiple applications.

Despite significant advances, the efficacy of current immunotherapy strategies is limited by associated toxicities. These are often related to the narrow therapeutic window associated with immunotherapy, which in part, emerges from the need to push therapy dose to the edge of potentially fatal toxicity to get a clinically meaningful treatment effect. Further, dose expands in vivo since adoptively transferred immune cells continue to proliferate within the patient, often unpredictably.

A major risk involved in immunotherapy is the on-target but off tumor side effects resulting from T-cell activation in response to normal tissue expression of the tumor associated antigen (TAA). Clinical trials utilizing T cells expressing T-cell receptor against specific TAA reported skin rash, colitis and hearing loss in response to immunotherapy.

Immunotherapy may also produce on target, on-tumor toxicities that emerge when tumor cells are killed in response to the immunotherapy. The adverse effects include tumor lysis syndrome, cytokine release syndrome and the related macrophage activation syndrome. Importantly, these adverse effects may occur during the destruction of tumors, and thus even a successful on-tumor immunotherapy might result in toxicity. Approaches to regulatably control immunotherapy are thus highly desirable since they have the potential to reduce toxicity and maximize efficacy.

The present invention provides systems, compositions, immunotherapeutic agents and methods for cancer immunotherapy. These compositions provide tunable regulation of gene expression and function in immunotherapy. The present invention also provides biocircuit systems, effector modules, stimulus response elements (SREs) and payloads, as well as polynucleotides encoding any of the foregoing. In one aspect, the systems, compositions, immunotherapeutic agents and other components of the invention can be controlled by a separately added stimulus, which provides a significant flexibility to regulate cancer immunotherapy. Further, the systems, compositions and the methods of the present invention may also be combined with therapeutic agents such as chemotherapeutic agents, small molecules, gene therapy, and antibodies.

The tunable nature of the systems and compositions of the invention has the potential to improve the potency and duration of the efficacy of immunotherapies. Reversibly silencing the biological activity of adoptively transferred cells using compositions of the present invention allows maximizing the potential of cell therapy without irretrievably killing and terminating the therapy.

In particular, present invention provides methods for fine tuning of immunotherapy after administration to patients. This in turn improves the safety and efficacy of immunotherapy and increases the subject population that may benefit from immunotherapy.

A variety of strategies that can directly control protein, e.g., a transgene, expression and function are available. The present invention provides novel protein domains displaying small molecule dependent stability. Such protein domains are called destabilizing domains (DDs). In the absence of its binding ligand, the DD causes degradation of a payload such as a protein of interest (POI) that is operably linked to the DD, while in the presence of its binding ligand, the fused DD and payload can be stabilized and its stability is dose dependent.

According to the present invention, novel destabilizing domains derived from human hPDE5 (cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5; also referred to as cGMP-specific 3′,5′-cyclic phosphodiesterase) protein are provided. The destabilizing domain (DD) mutants are derived from the human PDE5 protein, comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 1 (encoded by the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 2). The hPDE5 DD mutant may also comprise more than one mutation in the catalytic domain of human PDE5 (SEQ ID NO. 3), encoded by nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO.339, e.g., two, three, four, five or more mutations. These hPDE5 DDs can bind to Sildenafil and/or Vardenafil and be stabilized. In some embodiments, the hPDE5 DD may include a methionine appended to the N terminus of catalytic domain (SEQ ID NO. 237), encoded by SEQ ID NO. 4.

According to the present invention, biocircuit systems are provided which comprise, at their core, at least one effector module system. Such effector module systems comprise at least one effector module having associated, or integral therewith, one or more stimulus response elements (SREs). The overall architecture of a biocircuit system of the invention is illustrated in FIG. 1 . In general, a stimulus response element (SRE) may be operably linked to a payload construct which could be any protein of interest (POI) (e.g., an immunotherapeutic agent), to form an effector module. The SRE, when activated by a particular stimulus, e.g., a small molecule, can produce a signal or outcome, to regulate transcription and/or protein levels of the linked payload either up or down by perpetuating a stabilizing signal or destabilizing signal, or any other types of regulation. A much-detailed description of a biocircuit system can be found in co-owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/320,864 filed Apr. 11, 2016, 62/466,596 filed Mar. 3, 2017 and the International Publication WO2017/180587 (the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety). In accordance with the present invention, biocircuit systems, effector modules, SREs and components that tune expression levels and activities of any agents used for immunotherapy are provided. In particular, biocircuit systems and effector modules comprising the novel hPDE5 destabilizing domains discussed herein are provided.

As used herein, a “biocircuit” or “biocircuit system” is defined as a circuit within or useful in biologic systems comprising a stimulus and at least one effector module responsive to a stimulus, where the response to the stimulus produces at least one signal or outcome within, between, as an indicator of, or on a biologic system. Biologic systems are generally understood to be any cell, tissue, organ, organ system or organism, whether animal, plant, fungi, bacterial, or viral. It is also understood that biocircuits may be artificial circuits which employ the stimuli or effector modules taught by the present invention and effect signals or outcomes in acellular environments such as with diagnostic, reporter systems, devices, assays or kits. The artificial circuits may be associated with one or more electronic, magnetic, or radioactive components or parts.

In accordance with the present invention, a biocircuit system may be a destabilizing domain (DD) biocircuit system, a dimerization biocircuit system, a receptor biocircuit system, and a cell biocircuit system. Any of these systems may act as a signal to any other of these biocircuit systems. In some embodiments, the present invention provides biocircuit systems, effector modules and compositions comprising the DDs of the present invention. In one aspect, the biocircuit system is a DD biocircuit system.

In one aspect of the present invention, the biocircuit system is a DD biocircuit system. The DD is a hPDE5 derived DD.

Effector Modules and SREs for Immunotherapy

In accordance with the present invention, biocircuit systems, effector modules, SREs, and components that tune expression levels and activities of any agents used for immunotherapy are provided. As non-limiting examples, an immunotherapeutic agent may be an antibody and fragments and variants thereof, a cancer specific T cell receptor (TCR) and variants thereof, an anti-tumor specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), a chimeric switch receptor, an inhibitor of a co-inhibitory receptor or ligand, an agonist of a co-stimulatory receptor and ligand, a cytokine, chemokine, a cytokine receptor, a chemokine receptor, a soluble growth factor, a metabolic factor, a suicide gene, a homing receptor, or any agent that induces an immune response in a cell and a subject.

As stated, the biocircuits of the invention include at least one effector module as a component of an effector module system. As used herein, an “effector module” is a single or multi-component construct or complex comprising at least (a) one or more stimulus response elements (SREs) and (b) one or more payloads (i.e. proteins of interest (POIs)). In the context of the present invention, the SRE is a DD derived from human PDE5 protein.

As used herein a “stimulus response element (SRE)” is a component of an effector module which is joined, attached, linked to or associated with one or more payloads of the effector module and in some instances, is responsible for the responsive nature of the effector module to one or more stimuli. As used herein, the “responsive” nature of an SRE to a stimulus may be characterized by a covalent or non-covalent interaction, a direct or indirect association or a structural or chemical reaction to the stimulus. Further, the response of any SRE to a stimulus may be a matter of degree or kind. The response may be a partial response. The response may be a reversible response. The response may ultimately lead to a regulated signal or output. Such output signal may be of a relative nature to the stimulus, e.g., producing a modulatory effect of between 1% and 100% or a factored increase or decrease such as 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 10-fold or more.

In some embodiments, the biocircuit system of the present invention comprising a stimulus and an effector module of the invention. The DD of the effector module binds to the stimulus and regulates the stability of the linked payload. The DD may destabilize the protein of interest by a destabilization ratio between 0, and 0.09, wherein the destabilization ratio comprises the ratio of expression, function or level of a protein of interest in the absence of the stimulus specific to the DD to the expression, function or level of the protein of interest that is expressed constitutively, and in the absence of the stimulus specific to the DD. In some embodiments, the DD may stabilize the protein of interest by a stabilization ratio of 1 or more, wherein the stabilization ratio comprises the ratio of expression, function or level of a protein of interest in the presence of the stimulus to the expression, function or level of the protein of interest in the absence of the stimulus.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods for modulating protein expression, function or level. In some aspects, the modulation of protein expression, function or level refers to modulation of expression, function or level by at least about 20%, such as by at least about 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95% and 100%, or at least 20-30%, 20-40%, 20-50%, 20-60%, 20-70%, 20-80%, 20-90%, 20-95%, 20-100%, 30-40%, 30-50%, 30-60%, 30-70%, 30-80%, 30-90%, 30-95%, 30-100%, 40-50%, 40-60%, 40-70%, 40-80%, 40-90%, 40-95%, 40-100%, 50-60%, 50-70%, 50-80%, 50-90%, 50-95%, 50-100%, 60-70%, 60-80%, 60-90%, 60-95%, 60-100%, 70-80%, 70-90%, 70-95%, 70-100%, 80-90%, 80-95%, 80-100%, 90-95%, 90-100% or 95-100%.

According to the present invention, biocircuit systems and effector modules of the invention can be used to regulate the expression and activity of a payload in response to the presence or absence of a ligand that specifically binds to the DD integrated within the biocircuit system and effector module.

In some aspects, DDs, effector modules and biocircuit systems of the invention may be used to regulate the expression, function and activity of a payload in a cell or a subject. The regulation refers to a level of change of its expression, function and activity, by at least about 10%, or at least about 20%, or at least about 30%, or at least about 40%, or at least about 50%, or at least about 60%, or at least about 70%, or at least about 80%, or at least about 85%, or at least about 90%, or at least about 95%, or at least about 100%, or at least 20-30%, 20-40%, 20-50%, 20-60%, 20-70%, 20-80%, 20-90%, 20-95%, 20-100%, 30-40%, 30-50%, 30-60%, 30-70%, 30-80%, 30-90%, 30-95%, 30-100%, 40-50%, 40-60%, 40-70%, 40-80%, 40-90%, 40-95%, 40-100%, 50-60%, 50-70%, 50-80%, 50-90%, 50-95%, 50-100%, 60-70%, 60-80%, 60-90%, 60-95%, 60-100%, 70-80%, 70-90%, 70-95%, 70-100%, 80-90%, 80-95%, 80-100%, 90-95%, 90-100% or 95-100%.

In some embodiments, the mutation co-efficient of the biocircuits of the invention may also be measured as a way of evaluating the ability of the DD to modulate protein expression, function or level. As used herein, the “mutation co-efficient” refers to the expression, function or level or a protein of interest, appended to a particular DD mutant, in the absence of the stimulus specific to the SRE; to the protein expression, function or level of the protein of interest, appended to the corresponding wildtype sequence from which the particular DD mutant is derived and in the absence of the stimulus. The mutation co-efficient is indicative of the contribution of the destabilizing mutations towards the basal expression of the protein independent of the whether the corresponding wildtype protein can be destabilized without any mutations. In some aspects, the mutation co-efficient ratio is at least 0, such as by at least 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or at least, 0-0.1, 0-0.2, 0-0.3, 0-0.4, 0-0.5, 0-0.6, 0-0.7, 0-0.8, 0-0.9, 0.1-0.2, 0.1-0.3, 0.1-0.4, 0.1-0.5, 0.1-0.6, 0.1-0.7, 0.1-0.8, 0.1-0.9, 0.2-0.3, 0.2-0.4, 0.2-0.5, 0.2-0.6, 0.2-0.7, 0.2-0.8, 0.2-0.9, 0.3-0.4, 0.3-0.5, 0.3-0.6, 0.3-0.7, 0.3-0.8, 0.3-0.9, 0.4-0.5, 0.4-0.6, 0.4-0.7, 0.4-0.8, 0.4-0.9, 0.5-0.6, 0.5-0.7, 0.5-0.8, 0.5-0.9, 0.6-0.7, 0.6-0.8, 0.6-0.9, 0.7-0.8, 0.7-0.9 or 0.8-0.9.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods for modulating protein, expression, function or level by measuring the stabilization ratio, destabilization ratio, and/or destabilizing mutation co-efficient. As used herein, the “stabilization ratio” is the ratio of expression, function or level of a protein of interest in response to the stimulus to the expression, function or level of the protein of interest in the absence of the stimulus specific to the SRE. In some aspects, the stabilization ratio is at least 1, such as by at least 1-10, 1-20, 1-30, 1-40, 1-50, 1-60, 1-70, 1-80, 1-90, 1-100, 20-30, 20-40, 20-50, 20-60, 20-70, 20-80, 20-90, 20-95, 20-100, 30-40, 30-50, 30-60, 30-70, 30-80, 30-90, 30-95, 30-100, 40-50, 40-60, 40-70, 40-80, 40-90, 40-95, 40-100, 50-60, 50-70, 50-80, 50-90, 50-95, 50-100, 60-70, 60-80, 60-90, 60-95, 60-100, 70-80, 70-90, 70-95, 70-100, 80-90, 80-95, 80-100, 90-95, 90-100 or 95-100. As used herein, the “destabilization ratio” is the ratio of expression, function or level of a protein of interest in the absence of the stimulus specific to the effector module to the expression, function or level of the protein of interest, that is expressed constitutively and in the absence of the stimulus specific to the SRE. As used herein “constitutively” refers to the expression, function or level a protein of interest that is not linked to an SRE, and is therefore expressed both in the presence and absence of the stimulus to the SRE. As used herein, the “destabilizing mutation co-efficient” may be defined as the ratio of expression or level of a protein of interest that is appended to a DD, in the absence of the stimulus specific to the effector module to the expression, function or level of the protein that is appended to the wild type protein from which the DD is derived. In some aspects, the destabilization ratio and/or the destabilizing mutation co-efficient is at least 0, such as by at least 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or at least, 0-0.1, 0-0.2, 0-0.3, 0-0.4, 0-0.5, 0-0.6, 0-0.7, 0-0.8, 0-0.9, 0.1-0.2, 0.1-0.3, 0.1-0.4, 0.1-0.5, 0.1-0.6, 0.1-0.7, 0.1-0.8, 0.1-0.9, 0.2-0.3, 0.2-0.4, 0.2-0.5, 0.2-0.6, 0.2-0.7, 0.2-0.8, 0.2-0.9, 0.3-0.4, 0.3-0.5, 0.3-0.6, 0.3-0.7, 0.3-0.8, 0.3-0.9, 0.4-0.5, 0.4-0.6, 0.4-0.7, 0.4-0.8, 0.4-0.9, 0.5-0.6, 0.5-0.7, 0.5-0.8, 0.5-0.9, 0.6-0.7, 0.6-0.8, 0.6-0.9, 0.7-0.8, 0.7-0.9 or 0.8-0.9.

The SRE of the effector module may be selected from, but is not limited to, a peptide, peptide complex, peptide-protein complex, protein, fusion protein, protein complex, protein-protein complex. The SRE may comprise one or more regions derived from any natural or mutated protein, or antibody. In this aspect, the SRE is an element, when responding to a stimulus, can tune intracellular localization, intramolecular activation, and/or degradation of payloads.

In some embodiments, effector modules of the present invention may comprise additional features that facilitate the expression and regulation of the effector module, such as one or more signal sequences (SSs), one or more cleavage and/or processing sites, one or more targeting and/or penetrating peptides, one or more tags, and/or one or more linkers. Additionally, effector modules of the present invention may further comprise other regulatory moieties such as inducible promoters, enhancer sequences, microRNA sites, and/or microRNA targeting sites. Each aspect or tuned modality may bring to the effector module or biocircuit a differentially tuned feature. For example, an SRE may represent a destabilizing domain, while mutations in the protein payload may alter its cleavage sites or dimerization properties or half-life and the inclusion of one or more microRNA or microRNA binding site may impart cellular detargeting or trafficking features. Consequently, the present invention embraces biocircuits which are multifactorial in their tenability. Such biocircuits may be engineered to contain one, two, three, four or more tuned features.

As shown in FIG. 2 , representative effector module embodiments comprising one payload, i.e. one immunotherapeutic agent are illustrated. Each components of the effector module may be located or positioned in various arrangements without (A to F) or with (G to Z, and AA to DD) a cleavage site. An optional linker may be inserted between each component of the effector module.

FIGS. 3 to 6 illustrate representative effector module embodiments comprising two payloads, i.e. two immunotherapeutic agents. In some aspects, more than two immunotherapeutic agents (payloads) may be included in the effector module under the regulation of the same SRE (e.g., the same DD). The two or more agents may be either directly linked to each other or separated ( FIG. 3 ). The SRE may be positioned at the N-terminus of the construct, or the C-terminus of the construct, or in the internal location.

In some aspects, the two or more immunotherapeutic agents may be the same type such as two antibodies, or different types such as a CAR construct and a cytokine IL12. Biocircuits and components utilizing such effector molecules are given in FIGS. 7-12 .

As used herein a “payload” or “target payload” is defined as any protein or nucleic acid whose function is to be altered. Payloads may include any coding or non-coding gene or any protein or fragment thereof, or fusion constructs, or antibodies.

Payloads are often associated with one or more SREs (e.g., DDs) and may be encoded alone or in combination with one or more DD in a polynucleotide of the invention. Payloads themselves may be altered (at the protein or nucleic acid level) thereby providing for an added layer of tenability of the effector module. For example, payloads may be engineered or designed to contain mutations, single or multiple, which affect the stability of the payload or its susceptibility to degradation, cleavage or trafficking. The combination of a DD which can have a spectrum of responses to a stimulus with a payload which is altered to exhibit a variety of responses or gradations of output signals, e.g., expression levels, produce biocircuits which are superior to those in the art. For example, mutations or substitutional designs such as those created for IL12 in WO2016048903 (specifically in Example 1 therein), the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, may be used in any protein payload in conjunction with a DD of the present invention to create dual tunable biocircuits. The ability to independently tune both the DD and the payload greatly increases the scope of uses of the effector modules of the present invention.

Effector modules may be designed to include one or more payloads, one or more DDs, one or more cleavage sites, one or more signal sequences, one or more tags, one or more targeting peptides, and one or more additional features including the presence or absence of one or more linkers. Representative effector module embodiments of the invention are illustrated in FIGS. 2-6 . In some aspects, the DD can be positioned at the N-terminal end, or the C-terminal end, or internal of the effector module construct. Different components of an effector module such as DDs, payloads and additional features are organized linearly in one construct, or are separately constructed in separate constructs.

Additionally, effector modules of the present invention may further comprise other regulatory moieties such as inducible promoters, enhancer sequences, microRNA sites, and/or microRNA targeting sites that provide flexibility on controlling the activity of the payload. The payloads of the present invention may be any natural proteins and their variants, or fusion polypeptides, antibodies and variants thereof, transgenes and therapeutic agents.

The stimulus of the biocircuit system may be, but is not limited to, a ligand, a small molecule, an environmental signal (e.g., pH, temperature, light and subcellular location), a peptide or a metabolite. In one aspect of the present invention, the stimulus is a hPDE5 DD binding ligand including Sildenafil and Vardenafil.

Polypeptides of DDs, biocircuit systems and effector modules comprising such DDs and payload constructs, other components, polynucleotides encoding these polypeptides and variants thereof, vectors comprising these polynucleotides, are provided in the present invention. The vector may be a plasmid or a viral vector including but not limited to a lentiviral vector, a retroviral vector, a recombinant AAV vector and oncolytic viral vector.

The position of the payload with respect to the DD, within the SRE may be varied to achieve optimal DD regulation. In some embodiments, the payload may be fused to the N terminus of the DD. In another embodiment, the payload may be fused to the C terminus of the DDs. An optional start codon nucleotide sequence encoding for methionine may be added to the DD and/or payload.

In some embodiments, more than one biocircuit system may be used in combination to control various protein functions in the same cell or organism, each of which uses different DD and ligand pair and can be regulated separately.

In some embodiments, biocircuits of the invention may be modified to reduce their immunogenicity. Immunogenicity is the result of a complex series of responses to a substance that is perceived as foreign and may include the production of neutralizing and non-neutralizing antibodies, formation of immune complexes, complement activation, mast cell activation, inflammation, hypersensitivity responses, and anaphylaxis. Several factors can contribute to protein immunogenicity, including, but not limited to protein sequence, route and frequency of administration and patient population. In a preferred embodiment, protein engineering may be used to reduce the immunogenicity of the compositions of the invention. In some embodiments, modifications to reduce immunogenicity may include those that reduce binding of the processed peptides derived from the sequence of the compositions of the invention, to the MHC proteins. For example, amino acid may be modified such that virtually none or a minimal of number of immune epitopes predicted to bind to any prevalent MHC alleles are present in the compositions of the invention. Several methods to identify MHC binding epitopes of known protein sequences are known in the art and may be used to score epitopes in the compositions of the present invention. Such methods are disclosed in US Patent Publication No. US20020119492, US200402303 80, and US20060148009; the contents of each of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Epitope identification and subsequent sequence modification may be applied to reduce immunogenicity. The identification of immunogenic epitopes may be achieved either physically or computationally. Physical methods of epitope identification may include, for example, mass spectrometry and tissue culture/cellular techniques. Computational approaches that utilize information related to antigen processing, loading and display, structural and/or proteomic data for identifying peptides that may result from antigen processing, and that are likely to have good binding characteristics in the groove of the MHC may also be utilized. One or more mutations may be introduced into the biocircuits of the invention to render the identified epitope less or non-immunogenic, while maintaining functionality.

In some embodiments, protein modifications engineered into the structure of the compositions of the invention to interfere with antigen processing and peptide loading such as glycosylation and PEGylation, may also be useful in the present invention. Compositions of the invention may also be engineered to include non-classical amino acid sidechains. Any of the methods discussed in International Patent Publication No. WO2005051975 for reducing immunogenicity may be useful in the present invention (the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety).

In one embodiment, patients may also be stratified according to the immunogenic peptides presented by their immune cells and may be utilized as a parameter to determine patient cohorts that may therapeutically benefit from the compositions of the invention.

In some embodiments, reduced immunogenicity may be achieved by limiting immunoproteasome processing. The proteasome is an important cellular protease that is found in two forms: the constitutive proteasome, which is expressed in all cell types and which contains catalytic subunits and the immunoproteasome that is expressed in cells of the hematopoietic lineage, and which contains different active subunits termed low molecular weight proteins (LMP) namely LMP-2, LMP-7 and LMP-10. Immunoproteasomes exhibit altered peptidase activities and cleavage site preferences that result in more efficient liberation of many MHC class I epitopes. A well described function of the immunoproteasome is to generate peptides with hydrophobic C terminus that can be processed to fit in the groove of MHC class I molecules. Deol P et al. have shown that immunoproteasomes may lead to a frequent cleavage of specific peptide bonds and thereby to a faster appearance of a certain peptide on the surface of the antigen presenting cells; and enhanced peptide quantities (Deol P et al. (2007) J Immunol 178 (12) 7557-7562; the contents of which are incorporated herein reference in its entirety). This study indicates that reduced immunoproteasome processing may be accompanied by reduced immunogenicity. In some embodiments, immunogenicity of the compositions of the invention may be reduced by modifying the sequence encoding the compositions of the invention to prevent immunoproteasome processing. Biocircuits of the present invention may also be combined with immunoproteasome-selective inhibitors to achieve the same effects. Examples of inhibitors useful in the present invention include UK-101 (B1i selective compound), IPSI-001, ONX 0914 (PR-957), and PR-924 (IPSI).

In some embodiments, effector modules of the present invention may include one or more degrons to tune expression. As used herein, a “degron” refers to a minimal sequence within a protein that is sufficient for the recognition and the degradation by the proteolytic system. An important property of degrons is that they are transferrable, that is, appending a degron to a sequence confers degradation upon the sequence. In some embodiments, the degron may be appended to the destabilizing domains, the payload or both. Incorporation of the degron within the effector module of the invention, confers additional protein instability to the effector module and may be used to reduce basal expression. In some embodiments, the degron may be an N-degron, a phospho degron, a heat inducible degron, a photosensitive degron, an oxygen dependent degron. As a non-limiting example, the degron may be an Ornithine decarboxylase degron as described by Takeuchi et al. (Takeuchi J et al. (2008). Biochem J. 2008 Mar. 1; 410(2):401-7; the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety). Other examples of degrons useful in the present invention include degrons described in International patent publication Nos. WO2017004022, WO2016210343, and WO2011062962; the contents of each of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, the effector modules of the present invention may include degrons at their C termini. The degrons may comprise -GG, -RG, -KG, -QG, -WG, -PG, and -AG as the penultimate and the ultimate amino acids of the SREs. Furthermore, certain −2 amino acids (D, E, V, I and L) may be more enriched in the C terminus of the of the effector modules. Other degrons include, but are not limited, to RxxG motif, wherein x is any amino acid, C-terminal twin glutamic acid (EE) motif, and motifs that comprise an arginine at the −3 positions. Degrons may also be selected from the R-3 motif, G-end, R at −3, A-end, A at −2, V at −2 positions. Any of the degrons described in Koren et al., 2018, Cell 173, 1-14, may be useful in the present invention (the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety). In some aspects, the expression of the effector module may be tuned by altering its overall amino acid composition. In some aspects, the amino acid composition of the effector module may be tuned to reduce basal expression. In some embodiments, basal expression may be tuned by increasing the number of bulky aromatic residues such as tryptophan (W), phenylalanine (F), and tyrosine (Y) in the effector module. Such bulky amino acids are known to reduce protein stability. In some embodiments, the amino acid composition of the SREs may be enriched with acidic residues such as, but not limited to, aspartic acid (D) and glutamic acid (E), and positively charged lysine (K), if an increase in the basal expression of the SRE is desired.

In some embodiments, the endoplasmic reticulum associated degradation (ERAD) pathway may be used to optimize degradation of the payloads described herein e.g. secreted and membrane cargos. In one embodiment, the effector modules of the invention may be directed to the ER E3 ligases by using adaptor proteins or protein domains. The endoplasmic reticulum is endowed with a specialized machinery to ensure proteins deployed to the distal secretory pathway are correctly folded and assembled into native oligomeric complexes. Proteins failing to meet this conformational standard are degraded by the ERAD pathway, a process through which folding defective proteins are selected and ultimately degraded by the ubiquitin proteasome system. ERAD proceeds through four main steps involving substrate selection, dislocation across the ER membrane, covalent conjugation with polyubiquitin, and proteasome degradation. Any of these steps may be modulated to optimize the degradation of the payloads and the effector modules described herein. Protein adaptors within the ER membrane, link substrate recognition to the ERAD machinery (herein referred to as the “dislocon”), which causes the dislocation of the proteins from the ER. Non-limiting examples of protein adaptors that may be used to optimize ERAD pathway degradation include, but are not limited to SEL1L (an adaptor that links glycan recognition to the dislocon), Erlins (intermembrane substrate adaptors), Insigs (client specific adaptors), F-Box proteins (act as adaptors for dislocated glycoproteins in the cytoplasm) and viral-encoded adaptors.

According to the present invention, novel destabilizing domains derived from human hPDE5 (cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5) protein are provided. The destabilizing mutants are derived from the human PDE5 protein, comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 1 (encoded by the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2). The hPDE5 DD mutant may also comprise more than one mutation in the catalytic domain of human PDE5 of SEQ ID NO. 3 (encoded by nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 339), e.g., two, three, four, five or more mutations. These hPDE5 DDs can bind to Sildenafil and/or Vardenafil and be stabilized.

Destabilizing Domains (DDs)

As used herein, the term “destabilizing domains (DDs)” refers to protein domains that are unstable and degraded in the absence of ligand, but whose stability is rescued by binding to a high affinity cell-permeable ligand. Destabilizing domains (DDs) can be appended to a target protein of interest (POI) and can convey its destabilizing property to the protein of interest, causing protein degradation. The presence, absence or an amount of a small molecule ligand that binds to or interacts with the DD, can, upon such binding or interaction modulate the stability of the payload(s) and consequently the function of the payload. A protein domain with destabilizing property (e.g. a DD) is used in conjunction with a cell-permeable ligand to regulate any protein of interest when it is fused with the destabilizing domain. DDs render the attached protein of interest unstable in the absence of a DD-binding ligand such that the protein is rapidly degraded by the ubiquitin-proteasome system of the cell. However, when a specific small molecule ligand binds its intended DD as a ligand binding partner, the instability is reversed and protein function is restored. The conditional nature of DD stability allows a rapid and non-perturbing switch from stable protein to unstable substrate for degradation. Moreover, its dependency on the concentration of its ligand further provides tunable control of degradation rates. Depending on the degree of binding and/or interaction the altered function of the payload may vary, hence providing a “tuning” of the payload function.

Due to its reversibility, specificity and the fast and easy regulation on protein level, the post-transcriptional tuning system provides a useful system for gene regulation. Furthermore, the regulation may be dose-dependent, thereby altering the protein-turnover rate to transform a short-lived or no detectable protein into a protein that functions for a precisely controlled period of time (Iwamoto et al., Chem. Biol. 2010, 17: 981-988).

In some embodiments, the desired characteristics of the DDs may include, but are not limited to, low protein levels in the absence of a ligand of the DD (i.e. low basal stability), large dynamic range, robust and predictable dose-response behavior, and rapid kinetics of degradation. Candidate DDs that bind to a desired ligand but not endogenous molecules may be preferred.

Candidate destabilizing domain sequence identified from protein domains of known wildtype proteins (as a template) may be mutated to generate libraries of mutants based on the template candidate domain sequence. Mutagenesis strategies used to generate DD libraries may include site-directed mutagenesis e.g. by using structure guided information, or random mutagenesis e.g. using error-prone PCR, or a combination of both. In some embodiments, destabilizing domains identified using random mutagenesis may be used to identify structural properties of the candidate DDs that may be required for destabilization, which may then be used to further generate libraries of mutations using site directed mutagenesis.

In some embodiments, novel DDs may be identified by mutating one or more amino acids in the candidate destabilizing domain to an amino acid that is vicinal to the mutation site. As used herein a vicinal amino acid refers to an amino acid that is located 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more amino acids upstream or downstream of the mutation site in the linear sequence and/or the crystal structure of the candidate destabilizing domain. In some embodiments, the vicinal amino acid may be a conserved amino acid (with similar physicochemical properties as the amino acid at the mutation site), a semi-conserved amino acid (e.g. negatively to positively charge amino acid) or a non-conserved amino acid (with different physicochemical properties than the amino acid at the mutation site).

In some embodiments, DD mutant libraries may be screened for mutations with altered, preferably higher binding affinity to the ligand, as compared to the wild type protein. DD libraries may also be screened using two or more ligands and DD mutations that are stabilized by some ligands but not others may be preferentially selected. DD mutations that bind preferentially to the ligand compared to a naturally occurring protein may also be selected. Such methods may be used to optimize ligand selection and ligand binding affinity of the DD. Additionally, such approaches can be used to minimize deleterious effects caused by off-target ligand binding.

In some embodiments, suitable DDs may be identified by screening mutant libraries using barcodes. Such methods may be used to detect, identify and quantify individual mutant clones within the heterogeneous mutant library. Each DD mutant within the library may have distinct barcode sequences (with respect to each other). In other instances, the polynucleotides can also have different barcode sequences with respect to 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 or more nucleic acid bases. Each DD mutant within the library may also comprise a plurality of barcode sequences. When used in plurality barcodes may be used such that each barcode is unique to any other barcode. Alternatively, each barcode used may not be unique, but the combination of barcodes used may create a unique sequence that can be individually tracked. The barcode sequence may be placed upstream of the SRE, downstream of the SRE, or in some instances may be placed within the SRE. DD mutants may be identified by barcodes using sequencing approaches such as Sanger sequencing, and next generation sequencing, but also by polymerase chain reaction and quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In some embodiments, polymerase chain reaction primers that amplify a different size product for each barcode may be used to identify each barcode on an agarose gel. In other instances, each barcode may have a unique quantitative polymerase chain reaction probe sequence that enables targeted amplification of each barcode.

Inventors of the present invention investigated several human proteins and identified novel human DDs which can confer its instability features to the fused payload and facilitate the rapid degradation of the fusion polypeptide in the absence of its ligand but stabilize the fused payload in response to the binding to its ligand. Specifically, the new DDs are derived from human PDE5 protein.

Human PDE5 Mutants

In some embodiments, DDs of the invention may be derived from human cGMP-specific phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5); gene name: PDE5A (herein referred to as “hPDE5”). hPDE5 (phosphodiesterase 5) is a member of the 3,5′-cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterase family which degrades/hydrolyzes cyclic GMP (cGMP) into its inactive form, GMP, and regulates cGMP signaling. The cGMP/PDE 5 signaling contributes to the development of hypertension in the vasculature, the central nervous system, and the kidney. hPDE5 is known to bind to small molecule such as Sildenafil, Vardenafil, Tadalafil, Avanafil, Lodenafil, Mirodenafil, Udenafil, Benzamidenafil, Dasantafil, Beminafil, SLx-2101, LAS 34179, UK-343,664, UK-357903, UK-371800, and BMS-341400. Sildenafil, Vardenafil, Avanafil, and Tadalafil are hPDE5 inhibitors clinically approved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction. In particular, the binding of these small molecules to hPDE5 occurs within the catalytic domain. In some embodiments, the DDs of the invention may be derived from the catalytic domain of hPDE5 (SEQ ID NO. 3) which includes of residues 535 to 860 of hPDE5 (SEQ ID NO. 1; GenBank Access NO. 076074.2) which may be stabilized by ligands such as small molecule inhibitors of hPDE5 e.g. Sildenafil and Vardenafil. As used herein the term “PDE5 WT” or “hPDE5 WT”, refers to the human wildtype PDE5 protein sequence, which is defined as SEQ ID NO. 1, with the GenBank Access NO. 076074.2. In some embodiments, DDs of the present invention may be identified by utilizing a cocktail of hPDE5 inhibitors. In other instances, the suitable DDs may be identified by screening first with one hPDE5 inhibitor and subsequently screening with a second hPDE5 inhibitor.

In one embodiment, the hPDE5 derived DD may comprise the amino acid sequence of UniProt ID: O76074 (SEQ ID NO. 1) or a portion or a fragment thereof. In another embodiment, the hPDE5 derived DD may comprise the catalytic domain of UniProt ID: O76074, spanning from amino acid position 535 to position 860 (SEQ ID NO. 3); encoded by SEQ ID NO. 339. In addition to the catalytic domain, hPDE5 derived DDs may also comprise one or more GAF domains and/or the C terminal portion that extends beyond the catalytic domain. In some embodiment, the hPDE5 derived DD may be identified by testing constructs generated by truncating the 5′ and/or the 3′ end of hPDE5. In one embodiment, the hPDE5 derived DD may be truncated and the smallest hPDE5 based DD may be identified. In another embodiment, the hPDE5 derived DD may include amino acids from position 535 to 836 of SEQ ID NO. 1 which removes the C terminal helix. In another embodiment, the hPDE5 derived DD may consist of amino acids from position 567 to 860 of UniProt ID: O76074 (SEQ ID NO. 1), or position 590 to 860 of UniProt ID: O76074 (SEQ ID NO. 1), which removes a portion of the N terminal domain. In another embodiment, the hPDE5 derived DD may consist of amino acids from position 590 to 836 of UniProt ID: 076074 (SEQ ID NO. 1), which removes a portion of the N terminal domain and the C terminal helix. The DD may include amino acids from position 535 to position 875 of UniProt ID: O76074 (SEQ ID NO. 1). In another embodiment, the hPDE5 derived DD may consist of amino acids from position 466 to 875 of UniProt ID: O76074 (SEQ ID NO. 1) or position 420 to 875 of UniProt ID: O76074 (SEQ ID NO. 1).

According to the present invention, several hPDE5 destabilizing mutations were discovered by site directed mutagenesis of the catalytic domain of wildtype human PDE5 using site directed mutagenesis. The destabilization of the mutants in the absence of its binding ligands is tested. Binding to hPDE5 ligands, Sildenafil, Tadalafil and Vardenafil to human PDE5 was tested and ligand dependent stabilization was characterized. Based on the structural analysis of hPDE5 bound to Sildenafil, several residues were selected for mutagenesis. In some embodiments one or more of the residues described herein may be mutagenized to obtain hPDE5 derived DDs. The tryptophan at position 853 of SEQ ID NO.1 may be mutated to phenylalanine to induce hydrophobic packing near binding site, while maintaining pi bond with the nearby tryptophan at position 772. The isoleucine at position 821 may be mutated to valine or alanine, which results in hydrophobic packing near binding site. The tyrosine at position 829 may be mutated to isoleucine, valine or alanine, which results in hydrophobic packing near binding site. The aspartate at position 656 may be mutated to asparagine or leucine to break up the charge and the salt bridge on loop/helix. The tyrosine at position 728 may be mutated to phenylalanine or leucine to break the salt bridges at position 732 and to affect hydrophobic packing. Alternatively, the arginine at position 732 may be mutated to lysine or leucine to generate the inverse of the effects of mutating tyrosine at position 728. The methionine at position 625 may be mutated to leucine or isoleucine to alter packing in away from the binding site. In some embodiments, destabilizing mutations that do not affect ligand binding may be preferentially selected.

In some embodiments, new destabilizing domains of the present invention are derived from the catalytic domain of human PDE5 protein comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 3. In some aspects, the destabilizing mutant domain may comprise one, two, three, four, five or more mutations such as, but not limited to, M625I, D656L, Y728L, R732L, F736A, F787A, 1821A, Y829A and W853F. The DDs of the invention may further include additional mutations e.g. E535D, E536G, Q541R, K555R, S560G, F559L, F561L, F564L, F564S, S766F, V585A, N587S, K591E, I599V, K604E, K608E, N609H, K630R, K633E, N636S, I648V, N661S, S663P, L675P, Y676D, Y676N, C677R, H678R, D687A, T711A, T712S, D724N, L738H, N742S, F744L, L746S, F755L, A762S, D764V, D764N, D764G, K795E, L797F, I799T, L804P, T802P, S815C, M816A, M816T, I824T, C839S, F840S, and K852E. In some embodiments, any of the mutation sites disclosed herein may be mutated to any of the known amino acids such as Histidine, Alanine, Isoleucine, Arginine, Leucine, Aspartic acid, Lysine, Cysteine, Methionine, Glutamic acid, Phenylalanine, Glutamine, Threonine, Glycine, Tryptophan, Proline, Valine, Serine, Tyrosine, Asparagine, Selenocysteine, Pyrrolysine. In some embodiments, DDs of the present invention may be stabilized by ligands such as Sildenafil, Vardenafil, Tadalafil, Avanafil, Lodenafil, Mirodenafil, Udenafil, Benzamidenafil, Dasantafil, and Beminafil.

The amino acid sequences of the destabilizing domains encompassed in the invention have at least about 40%, 50 or 60% identity, further at least about 70% identity, preferably at least about 75% or 80% identity, more preferably at least about 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89% or 90% identity, and further preferably at least about 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98% or 99% identity to the amino acid sequence set forth therein. Percent identity may be determined, for example, by comparing sequence information using the advanced BLAST computer program, including version Magic-BLAST 1.2.0, available from the National Institutes of Health. The BLAST program is based on the alignment method discussed in Karl and Altschul (1990) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci USA, 87:2264-68 (the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety).

Several hPDE5 destabilizing mutants were identified and are provided in Table 1. The position of the mutated amino acids listed in Table 1 is relative to the full length hPDE5 of SEQ ID NO. 1. The domains described in Table 1 include the catalytic domain of hPDE5 (e.g., 535-860 of SEQ ID NO. 1). In some embodiments, the hPDE5 DDs described in Table 1 may include a methionine at the N terminal of the catalytic domain of hPDE5, i.e. amino acid 535-860 of PDE5 WT. In Table 1, the mutated amino acids are in bold and underlined.

In some embodiments, DDs derived from hPDE5 may include one, two, three, four, five, or more of the mutations described in the previous Table (Table 1).

In some embodiments, DDs derived from hPDE5 may further comprise one, two, three, four, five or more mutations to the catalytic domain of hPDE5 and may be selected from E535D, E536G, Q541R, K555R, S560G, F559L, F561L, F564L, F564S, S766F, V585A, N587S, K591E, I599V, K604E, K608E, N609H, K630R, K633E, N636S, I648V, N661S, S663P, L675P, Y676D, Y676N, C677R, H678R, D687A, T711A, T712S, D724N, L738H, N742S, F744L, L746S, F755L, A762S, D764V, D764N, D764G, K795E, L797F, I799T, L804P, T802P, S815C, M816A, M816T, I824T, C839S, F840S, and K852E (as listed in Table 2). The position of the mutated amino acid is with respect to the hPDE5 of SEQ ID NO. 1. In Table 2, the mutated amino acids are underlined and in bold. The position of the mutated amino acids listed in Table 2 is relative to the full length hPDE5 of SEQ ID NO.1

In some embodiments, DDs derived from hPDE5 may include the combination of at least one, two, three, four or five mutations listed in Table 1 with at least 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or more mutations listed in Table 2.

In some embodiments, the DDs may be derived from hPDE5 (SEQ ID NO. 3), by mutating one or more amino acids residues between positions 530-550, 550-570, 570-590, 590-610, 620-640, 640-660, 660-680, 680-700, 710-730, 730-750, 750-770, 770-790, 790-810-830, 830-850, 850-860 of the catalytic domain of human PDE5 (SEQ ID NO. 1). In some embodiments, the mutation may be a conserved (with similar physicochemical properties as the amino acid at the mutation site), a semi conserved (e.g., negatively to positively charge amino acid) or a non-conserved (amino acid with different physicochemical properties than the amino acid at the mutation site). In some embodiments, the amino acid lysine may be mutated to glutamic acid or arginine; the amino acid phenylalanine may be mutated to leucine; the amino acid leucine may be mutated to phenylalanine; or the amino acid asparagine may be mutated to serine. Regions or portions or domains of wild type proteins may be utilized as SREs/DDs in whole or in part. They may be combined or rearranged to create new peptides, proteins, regions or domains of which any may be used as SREs/DDs or the starting point for the design of further SREs and/or DDs.

In some embodiments, DDs may be derived from hPDE5 by mutating amino acid residues conserved within all members of the PDE family. Exemplary conserved residues include but are not limited to, E682, H613, H617, H653, D654, and H657 residues of full length human PDE5 (SEQ ID NO. 1) and are taught in Sung et al. Nature (2003) 425, 98-102 (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). In other embodiments, residues that are critical for binding to metals such as zinc and magnesium may be mutated to identify novel hPDE5 DDs. In some embodiments, hPDE5 derived DDs may be identified from a library of mutants of hPDE5 catalytic domain generated using a combination of error-prone PCR and nucleotide analog mutagenesis through random mutagenesis. Any of the mutations identified by site directed mutagenesis may be combined with the mutations identified by random mutagenesis. In some embodiments, DDs described herein may be derived by mutating the Y612 amino acid of hPDE5 (SEQ ID NO.1). In some embodiments, the mutations to the Y612 amino acid may be combined with any of the mutations described herein. Independent co-crystals of hPDE5 with vardenafil and with sildenafil, have demonstrated that one of the rings of the both ligand, interacts with Y612 of hPDE5, an amino acid located within the catalytic site of hPDE5. Interactions occur via a hydrogen bond with a water molecule and via hydrophobic bonds. Y612F mutation, which ablates the hydrogen bonding potential, increases the inhibition of hPDE5 activity by both ligands. The Y612A mutation, which leads to the ablation of both hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic bonding potential has been shown to weaken the inhibition of hPDE5 catalytic activity by vardenafil and sildenafil to a lesser extent. These studies suggest that hydrophobic bonding involving Y612 is stronger for vardenafil than for sildenafil (Corbin et al. 2006 , International Journal of Impotence Research 18, 251-257; the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety).

The destabilization domains described herein may also include amino acid and nucleotide substitutions that do not affect stability, including conservative, non-conservative substitutions and or polymorphisms.

In some embodiments, hPDE5 DDs described herein may also be fragments of the above destabilizing domains, including fragments containing variant amino acid sequences. Preferred fragments are unstable in the absence of the stimulus and stabilized upon addition of the stimulus. Preferred fragments retain the ability to interact with the stimulus with similar efficiency as the DDs described herein.

In one embodiment, hPDE5 mutants are fused to AcGFP through a linker sequence at either the N-terminal or the C-terminal end of the fusion constructs. The AcGFP of Uniprot ID BAE93141 (SEQ ID NO. 363), may be used as the GFP template and is referred to as the wildtype or “WT” version of AcGFP. In some embodiments, the hPDE5 mutants described herein may also be operably linked to a luciferase (luc) gene, such as the firefly luciferase (Fluc) or Renilla luciferase (Rluc). The position of the mutations in the Fluc protein sequence described herein are based on the comparison of the SEQ ID NO. 223 with the wildtype luciferase sequence of Photinus pyralis (Uniprot ID: P08659.1) or “Fluc WT”, comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 364. The destabilizing and ligand dependent stabilization properties of the fusion proteins may be evaluated by methods such as western blotting, and FACS. hPDE5 mutants that are fused to the N terminus of GFP are provided in Table 3. All constructs may be cloned into any vector known in the art and/or described herein such as, but not limited to, pLVX. IRES Puro vectors. OT-hPDE5C-036 (OT-001232) was placed under the transcriptional control of the EF1a promoter, while the other constructs described in Table 3 were placed under the transcriptional control of CMV promoter. In Table 3, and asterisk indicates the translation of the stop codon. Table 3 also provides alternate aliases for a given construct ID. These aliases are identified by the prefix OT.

In addition to human PDE5, other phosphodiesterases may also be used to generate novel destabilizing domains. The human PDE superfamily includes 11 structurally related but functionally distinct gene families (hPDE1 to hPDE11). These differ in their cellular functions, primary structures, affinities for cAMP and cGMP, catalytic properties and response to specific activators, inhibitors, effectors and mechanisms of regulation. As modular proteins, hPDEs exhibit a common structural organization with divergent amino-terminal regulatory regions and conserved carboxy-terminal catalytic core. The hPDE family proteins contain an N terminal regulatory region and a C terminal catalytic region. The N-terminal regulatory regions contain structural determinants that target individual hPDEs to different subcellular locations, and allow individual hPDEs to specifically respond to different post translational modification. The structural elements include dimerization domains, auto-inhibitory modules, binding sites for ligands and allosteric effectors. In contrast, the X ray crystal structure isolated catalytic domains of nine hPDE families (hPDE1 to hPDE5 and hPDE7 to hPDE10) have demonstrated that the catalytic domains of hPDEs share a similar topography, composed of ˜350 amino acids folded into 16 helices. Across the hPDE families, the active site forms a deep hydrophobic pocket that contains a hPDE specific, histidine-containing signature motif, HD(X 2 ) H(X 4 ) N (SEQ ID NO: 8377), and binding sites for two divalent metal ions that are essential for catalytic function. The affinity of hPDEs to specific cyclic nucleotides varies within the family-some hPDEs specifically hydrolyze cAMP (hPDE4, hPDE7 and hPDE8), whereas others hydrolyze cGMP (hPDE5, hPDE6 and hPDE9), and some hydrolyze both cAMP and cGMP (hPDE1, hPDE2, hPDE3, hPDE10 and hPDE11).

Similar to hPDE5, the catalytic domain or other functional domain of any hPDE family member may be mutagenized and screened for destabilizing mutations. Known inhibitors for each hPDE protein may also be tested for ligand-dependent stabilization.

In some embodiments, known mutations in phosphodiesterases that affect protein stability may be utilized to identify novel hPDE derived DDs. Mutations previously identified include, but are not limited to, hPDE5 (I778T), or hPDE6C (H602L), hPDE6C (E790K), hPDE6C (R104W), hPDE6C (Y323N), and hPDE6C (P391L) or hPDE4D (S752A), hPDE4D (S754A), hPDE4D (S752A, S754A), and hPDE4D (E757A, E758A, D759A) (Zhu et al. (2010) Mol Cell Biol. 4379-4390; Alexandre et al. (2015). Endocr. Relat. Cancer 22(4):519-30; Cheguru P. et al. (2015) Mol Cell Neurosci; 64: 1-8; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

In some embodiments, novel DDs may be generated from hPDE1 which is also known as calcium and calmodulin dependent phosphodiesterase. It has three subtypes hPDE1A, hPDE1B and hPDE1C. The enzyme contains three functional domains; a conserved catalytic core, a regulatory N-terminus and a C-terminus. The catalytic domains of hPDE1 have three helical subdomains; an N-terminal cyclin fold region, a linker region and a C-terminal helical bundle. Vinpocetine is a known inhibitor of hPDE1.

In some embodiments, novel DDs may be generated from hPDE2, a dual substrate enzyme that hydrolyzes both cAMP and cGMP. The distinguishing feature of this hPDE is that it is allosterically stimulated by cGMP binding to one of its GAF domains. The crystal structure of hPDE2 GAF-B domain reveals that the GAF-B domain binds cGMP with high affinity and selectivity. Exemplary hPDE2 inhibitors include EHNA (erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl) adenine), Oxindole, PDP and BAY 60-7550. Inhibitors that selectively inhibit a hPDE2 isoform may also be used, for example, substituted pyrido (2,3-b) pyrazines having a hPDE2A selective inhibitory action (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 9,527,841; the contents of which are incorporated by reference in its entirety.)

In some embodiments, novel DDs may be generated from hPDE3 which preferentially hydrolyses cAMP. Like other hPDE family members, it comprises three functional domains, a conserved catalytic core, a regulatory terminus and the C-terminus. The catalytic core of hPDE is characterized by a unique 44-amino acid insert. Amrinone, Cilostazol, Milrinone, Enoximone and Pimobendan are inhibitors for hPDE3 enzyme.

In some embodiments, novel DDs may be generated from hPDE4, the principal second messenger for immune response regulation and is responsible for the hydrolysis of cAMP. Four isoforms of hPDE4 exist with each isoform having a unique N terminal region that specifies cellular localization by mediating interactions with scaffolding proteins which may further comprise upstream conserved regions (UCRs). All isoforms share invariant catalytic domain. The catalytic pocket is lined with highly conserved and invariant residues, including an invariant glutamine (Q369) that forms crucial hydrogen bond with substrates. Analyses of crystal structure of hPDE-inhibitor complexes suggest that two conserved residues are essential for inhibitor binding. The formation of hydrogen bonds with invariant glutamine determines the orientation of the inhibitors and conserved hydrophobic residues (1336 and F340) form a hydrophobic clamp that anchors inhibitors in the pocket. A number of small molecules can inhibit hPDE 4 activity, some of which are FDA approved such as AN2728 (4-[(1-hydroxy-1,3-dihydro-2,1-benzoxaborol-5-yl) oxy]benzonitrile), Apremilast/CC10004 (N-{2-[(1S)-1-(3-Ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(methyl sulfonyl) ethyl]-1,3-dioxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoindol-4-yl}acetamide), and Roflumilast. Other small molecules that inhibit hPDE4 also include E6005/RVT501, Cilomilast/SB-207,499, Ibudilast (AV-411 or MN-166), Mesembrenone, Piclamilast/RP 73401, Rolipram, Atizoram/CP-80633, Arofylline, CC-1088, Catramilast, CGH-2466, Cipamfylline, Drotaverine, Filaminast/WAY-PDA 641, HT-0712, DNS-001, ICI-63197, Indimilast, Irsogladine/MN 1695, Lirimilast/BAY 19-8004, Oglemilast, Revamilast, Ro 20-1724, Ronomilast, GSK256066, DC-TA-46, AWD 12-281 and YM-976.

In some embodiments, novel DDs may be generated from hPDE6. This holoenzyme includes hPDE6 alpha, hPDE6 beta and/or two identical inhibitory subunits of hPDE6 gamma. hPDE6 alpha and beta forms comprise three domains: two N-terminal GAF domains and one C-terminal catalytic domain. The non-catalytic GAF domains are responsible for cGMP binding.

In some embodiments, novel DDs may be generated from hPDE7, a cAMP specific hPDE which consists of two genes, hPDE7A and hPDE7B. There are no known regulatory domains on the N terminus as established for most of the other hPDE families, although consensus PKA phosphorylation sites exist in this region. Several small molecules can inhibit PDE7, including BRL-50481 (N, N,2-Trimethyl-5-nitrobenzenesulfonamide) and ASB 16165 (1H-Thieno(2,3-C) pyrazole-5-carboxamide, 1-cyclohexyl-N-(6-(4-hydroxy-1-piperidinyl)-3-pyridinyl)-3-methyl).

In some embodiments, novel DDs may be generated from hPDE8. Two subfamilies of hPDE8 exist and both they have very high affinity for the substrate cAMP and are insensitive to the non-specific PDE inhibitor IBMX. Each protein contains a catalytic core, a PAS (Per, Arnt and Sim) and a REC (receiver) domain. The crystal structure of the catalytic core of hPDE8 identified Tyr748 residue as a unique residue that distinguishes hPDE8 inhibitor binding from other hPDE proteins bound to inhibitors. PF-04957325 (Pfizer) is a small molecule inhibitor of hPDE8.

In some embodiments, novel DDs may be generated from hPDE9, which has the highest affinity for cGMP. The primary structure of hPDE9A is simple as it does not appear to contain any GAF domains or other N-terminal regulatory sequences found in other hPDEs. The catalytic pocket is lined with highly conserved and invariant residues, including an invariant glutamine Gln 453 in hPDE9A2 that forms crucial hydrogen bond with substrates. The formation of hydrogen bonds with invariant glutamine determines the orientation of the inhibitors and conserved hydrophobic residues form a hydrophobic clamp that anchors inhibitors in the pocket and wedges their ring structures against F456 in hPDE9A. Tested hPDE9 inhibitors may include BAY73-6691 (1-(2-chlorophenyl)-6-[(2R)-3,3,3-trifluoro-2-methylpropyl]-1,5-dihydro-4H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-4-one), PF-04447943 (6-[(3S,4S)-4-methyl-1-(pyrimidin-2-ylmethyl)pyrrolidin-3-yl]-1-(oxan-4-yl)-2H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-one) and WYQ-C28L.

In some embodiments, novel DDs may be generated from hPDE10, which can hydrolyze both cAMP and cGMP. Like some other hPDE family proteins, hPDE10 comprises 2 GAF domains in the N terminal region, a Protein Kinase A phosphorylation site and a catalytic domain. The catalytic pocket is lined with highly conserved and invariant residues, including an invariant glutamine Q726 in hPDE10A2 that forms crucial hydrogen bond with substrates. Several PDE10 inhibitors are under clinical trials including OMS 824, Papaverine and PF-2545920 (2-(4-(1-methyl-4-pyridin-4-yl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl) phenoxymethyl) quinolone).

In some embodiments, novel DDs may be generated from hPDE11. Like hPDE10, the recently discovered hPDE11 can hydrolyze both cAMP and cGMP. It comprises of only one gene with four isoform variants. The longest variant, hPDE11A4, has two N-terminal GAF domains, whereas the other variants are truncations of this variant of varying lengths.

In some embodiments, any of the destabilizing mutations related to hPDE5 described herein may be structurally mapped onto other phosphodiesterases to generate destabilizing domains. In one embodiment, mutations that destabilize hPDE5, and which subsequently result in stabilization in the presence of sildenafil and/or vardenafil may be engineered onto hPDE6. In one embodiment, mutations that destabilize hPDE5, and which subsequently result in stabilization in the presence of Tadalafil may be engineered onto hPDE11.

The full length hPDEs and their catalytic domains that may be utilized to derive novel DDs are listed in Table 4.

In some embodiments, the hPDE5 derived destabilizing domains may be derived from variants, and/or isoforms of hPDE5. The three isoforms hPDE5 Isoform 1, hPDE5 Isoform 2, and hPDE5 Isoform 3 differ at their N terminal regions, and all 3 have unique first exons followed by a common sequence of 823 amino acids. Accordingly, hPDE5 derived DDs may be derived from hPDE5 Isoform 1 (SEQ ID NO. 1; encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 2; hPDE5 Isoform 2 (SEQ ID NO. 147; encoded by the nucleotides 113-2611 of the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 148 or the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 380) and/or hPDE5 Isoform 3 (SEQ ID NO. 149; encoded by the nucleotides 95-2563 of nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 150 or SEQ ID NO. 381). In some embodiments, the hPDE5 DDs may be derived from hPDE5 Isoform X1 (SEQ ID NO. 382).

In some embodiments, the DD mutations identified herein may be mapped back to the hPDE5 sequence to identify DD hotspots. DD hotspots as used herein refer to amino acids within the hPDE5 of SEQ ID NO. 1 whose mutation results in the “responsive” nature of the stimulus responsive element generated from hPDE5. The DD characteristics may be improved by saturation mutagenesis, which involves mutating the amino acids at the hotspot position to any of the known amino acids, including, but not limited to lysine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, glutamine, asparagine, histidine, serine, threonine, tyrosine, cysteine, methionine, tryptophan, alanine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, valine, proline, and glycine. In some instances, a library of hotspot mutations may be generated by site directed mutagenesis and each of the mutants in the library is fused to a reporter protein e.g. AcGFP (SEQ ID NO. 79) via a linker such as SG. The properties of the DDs may be analyzed in the presence and absence of ligands such as Sildenafil, Vardenafil and Tadalafil. In some embodiments, the arginine at position 732 (also referred to as R732) of the hPDE5 of SEQ ID NO. 1, may be mutated to any of the known amino acids and are provided in Table 5A. The mutations of the amino acid R732 may include but are not limited to R732L, R732A, R732G, R732V, R732I, R732P, R732F, R732W, R732Y, R732H, R732S, R732T, R732D, R732E, R732Q, R732N, R732M, R732C, and R732K. The hPDE5 mutants fused either at the N terminus or the C terminus to a linker and GFP are provided in Table 6. In Table 5A, the mutations are in bold. Table 5B provides the additional components that may be combined with the mutants listed in Table 5A to generate the constructs described in Table 6. In Table 6, asterisk indicates the translation of the stop codon. Table 6 also provides alternate aliases for a given construct ID. These aliases are identified by the prefix OT.

In some embodiments, any of the mutations taught in Tables 1, 2, and 5A may be combined. In one embodiment, the combination mutations are provided in Table 7. Combination mutations may be linked to AcGFP (Amino acid 2-239 of WT) (SEQ ID NO. 79); encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 372; AcGFP (Amino acid 1-239 of WT) (SEQ ID NO. 365); encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 94; or firefly luciferase, Fluc (N50D, N119G, S548I, K549A, L550V) (SEQ ID NO. 223) encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 224. In some embodiments, the portions of the construct may be linked through a linker e.g. SG linker, encoded by the nucleotide sequence (AGTGGT). In some embodiments, the constructs described in Table 7 may comprise an Xba I restriction site, SR, encoded by the nucleotide sequence, TCTAGA. Table 7 provides the constructs comprising the combination mutations. In Table 7, translation of the stop codon is indicated by asterisk. Also provided in Table 7 are alternate aliases for a given construct ID. These aliases are identified by the prefix OT.

In some embodiments, any of the mutations described herein may be tested in the context of the truncated hPDE5 domains. As used herein truncated hPDE5 domains refers to regions and/or portions of hPDE5 of SEQ ID NO. 1, and are exemplified in Table 8. Also provided in Table 8 are the constructs utilizing the regions or portions of hPDE5, fused to AcGFP via linkers. In Table 8, translation of the stop codon is indicated by asterisk. Table 8 also provides alternate aliases for a given construct ID. These aliases are identified by the prefix OT.

Stimulus

Biocircuits of the invention are triggered by one or more stimuli. Stimuli may be selected from a ligand, an externally added or endogenous metabolite, the presence or absence of a defined ligand, pH, temperature, light, ionic strength, radioactivity, cellular location, subject site, microenvironment, the presence or the concentration of one or more metal ions.

In some embodiments, the stimulus is a ligand. Ligands may be nucleic acid-based, protein-based, lipid based, organic, inorganic or any combination of the foregoing. In some embodiments, the ligand is selected from the group consisting of a protein, peptide, nucleic acid, lipid, lipid derivative, sterol, steroid, metabolite derivative and a small molecule. In some embodiments, the stimulus is a small molecule. In some embodiments, the small molecules are cell permeable. Ligands useful in the present invention include without limitation, any of those taught in Table 2 of co-owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/320,864 filed Apr. 11, 2016, 62/466,596 filed Mar. 3, 2017 and the International Publication WO2017/180587 (the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety). In some embodiments, the small molecules are FDA-approved, safe and orally administered.

In some embodiments, the ligand binds to phosphodiesterases. In some embodiments, the ligand binds to and inhibits phosphodiesterase function and is herein referred to as a phosphodiesterase inhibitor.

In some embodiments, the ligand is a small molecule that binds to phosphodiesterase 5. In one embodiment, the small molecule is a hPDE5 inhibitor. Examples of hPDE5 inhibitors include, but are not limited to, Sildenafil, Vardenafil, Tadalafil, Avanafil, Lodenafil, Mirodenafil, Udenafil, Benzamidenafil, Dasantafil, Beminafil, SLx-2101, LAS 34179, UK-343,664, UK-357903, UK-371800, and BMS-341400.

In some embodiments, ligands include sildenafil-derived ligands containing portions of the ligand known to mediate binding to hPDE5. Ligands may also be modified to reduce off-target binding to Phosphodiesterases and increase specific binding to hPDE5.

hPDE5 inhibitors cover a broad pharmacokinetic space with respect to the approved dose and their duration of action and is described in Table 9. In Table 9, PO stands forper os (i.e. by mouth); QD represents quaque die (i.e. every day); IV represents intravenous; TID represents ter un die (i.e. three times a day); and Cmax represents the peak serum concentration that a drug achieves after its administration.

In some embodiments, the ligand selection is determined by the magnitude and duration of expression of the effector modules of the invention using the PK parameters described in Table 9. In some embodiments, high levels of expression of the payload for a short duration of time may be desired. In such instances, vardenafil may be selected as the ligand. In some embodiments, high levels of expression of the payload may be desired for a long duration. In such instances, the ligand, Tadalafil may be selected. In some embodiments, low levels of expression of the payload may be desired for a long duration of time. In such instances, Sildenafil may be selected as the ligand.

In some embodiments, additional hPDE5 inhibitors may be developed to show selectivity towards a specific phosphodiesterase protein; to reduce or increase the duration of treatment with the ligand; and to improve the rate of onset of the ligand.

Ligands may also be selected from the analysis of the dependence of a known hPDE5 ligand's activity on its molecular/chemical structure, through Structure Activity Relationships (SAR) study. Any of the methods related to SAR, known in art may be utilized to identify stabilizing ligands of the invention. SAR may be utilized to improve properties of the ligand such as specificity, potency, pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and safety. SAR analysis of known hPDE5 inhibitors may also be combined with high resolution X ray structures of hPDE5 complexed with ligands. The X ray structure of hPDE5 co-crystallized with Sildenafil, Tadalafil, and Vardenafil have been studied and the binding mode of the inhibitors has been identified (Zhang, K. Y. J. et al. (2004) Mol. Cell., 15, 279; Card, G. L. et al. (2004) Structure. 12, 2233; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). There are several classes of hPDE5 inhibitors described. These include aryl, beryl, heteroaryl or heterobiaryl classes with different scaffold structures. The aryl class includes substituted nitroanilines and the biaryl class includes substituted naphthalenes. The heterobiaryl and heterotriaryl are further sub classified based on its fused system into pyrazolopyrimidinones, triazolopyrimidinones, imidazotriazines, purines, pyrrolopyrimidinones, triazolotrizinones, isoxazolopyrimidinones, β-carbolines, pyrroloquinolones, isoquinolines, quinazolines, imidazoquinazolinones, pyrazolopyridines, pyrazolopyridopyrimidinones. These widely different chemical structures are suggested to have different orientation in the binding site of hPDE5 enzyme. Sildenafil has three main chemical groups, the pyrazolopyrimidinone ring, the ethoxyphenyl ring and the methylpiperazine ring. The pyrazolopyrimidinone group is responsible for the binding of the drug to its active binding site of hPDE5.

Many hPDE inhibitors act by competing with the substrate, cGMP, for the catalytic site of the enzyme. Sildenafil and Vardenafil differ in the heterocyclic ring system used to mimic the purine ring of cGMP. They also differ in the substituent (ethyl/methyl) of a piperazine side chain. Although these are the only structural differences, Vardenafil is more potent than Sildenafil. In some embodiments, the structural differences between different know inhibitors of hPDE may be utilized to design better hPDE inhibitor based ligands. For example, Corbin et al. synthesized an analog of sildenafil that contained the sildenafil ring system but with the appended ethyl group found in vardenafil; and an analog of vardenafil (dimethyl-vardenafil) that contained the vardenafil ring system but with the appended methyl group found in sildenafil was also generated. These studies identified that the ring systems play a critical role in higher potency of vardenafil over sildenafil (Corbin J D et al. (2004) Neurochem Int; 45(6):859-63; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). Based on the X ray crystal structure of hPDE complexed with sildenafil, the active site region was defined as a sphere within the 6.5 Angstrom from the reference ligand, sildenafil. Surface hydrophobicity (lipophilicity) potential physicochemical property map of the hPDE5 active site may be generated based on this information. The ethoxyphenyl group of sildenafil fits into the hydrophobic pocket formed by Phe 786, Ala783, Leu804, and Val782, and the pyrazolopyrimidinone ring also forms hydrophobic interaction with the side chains of Val782, Tyr612, and Phe820 in the binding pocket.

New hPDE5 inhibitors may also be developed using a series of analogs of known hPDE5 inhibitors. 3D-Quantitative Structure activity analysis (QSAR), CoMFA (comparative molecular field analysis) and CoMSIA (comparative molecular similarity indices analysis) may be implemented for this purpose. In one embodiment, the structure of hPDE5 inhibitor may preferentially incorporate an N ethyl group in the pyrrolopyrimidinone ring at N5 position; and a propoxyphenyl group, which bear a substituent; one methylene unit longer, respectively in comparison with the corresponding positions of sildenafil. Any of the modifications to Sildenafil structure taught by Koo J et al. may be useful in the present invention (Koo J et al. (2007) Bioorg. & Med. Chem Lett 17; 4271-4274; the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety).

In some embodiments, the stimulus may be a ligand that binds to more than one phosphodiesterase. In one embodiment, the stimulus is a pan phosphodiesterase inhibitor that may bind to two or more hPDEs such as Aminophyline, Paraxanthine, Pentoxifylline, Theobromine, Dipyridamole, Theophyline, Zaprinast, Icariin, CDP-840, Etazolate and Glaucine.

In some embodiments, the ligand is a hPDE1 inhibitor. Exemplary hPDE1 inhibitor, Vinpocetine may in some instances be used as the ligand in the present invention. In some embodiments, the ligand is a hPDE2 inhibitor. Exemplary hPDE2 inhibitors include EHNA (erythro-9-(2-hydroxy-3-nonyl) adenine), Oxindole, PDP and BAY 60-7550. Inhibitors that selectively inhibit a hPDE2 isoform may also be used, for example, substituted pyrido (2,3-b) pyrazines having a hPDE2A selective inhibitory action (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 9,527,841; the contents of which are incorporated by reference in its entirety). In some embodiments, the ligand is a hPDE3 inhibitor. hPDE3 inhibitors useful in the invention include, but are not limited to Amrinone, Cilostazol, Milrinone, Enoximone, and Pimobendan. In some embodiments, the ligand is a hPDE4 inhibitor. Exemplary hPDE4 inhibitors include FDA approved small molecules such as, but not limited to AN2728 (4-[(1-hydroxy-1,3-dihydro-2,1-benzoxaborol-5-yl) oxy]benzonitrile), Apremilast/CC10004 (N-{2-[(1 S)-1-(3-Ethoxy-4-methoxyphenyl)-2-(methylsulfonyl)ethyl]-1,3-dioxo-2,3-dihydro-1H-isoindol-4-yl}acetamide), and Roflumilast. Other exemplary hPDE4 inhibitors include Other small molecules that inhibit hPDE4 also include E6005/RVT501, Cilomilast/SB-207,499, Ibudilast (AV-411 or MN-166), Mesembrenone, Piclamilast/RP 73401, Rolipram, Atizoram/CP-80633, Arofylline, CC-1088, Catramilast, CGH-2466, Cipamfylline, Drotaverine, Filaminast/WAY-PDA 641, HT-0712, DNS-001, ICI-63197, Indimilast, Irsogladine/MN 1695, Lirimilast/BAY 19-8004, Oglemilast, Revamilast, Ro 20-1724, Ronomilast, GSK256066, DC-TA-46, AWD 12-281 and YM-976. Any of the hPDE4 inhibitors described in International Patent Publication No. WO2014078220A1 and US Patent Publication No. US20170129887A1 may be useful in the present invention (the contents of each of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety). In some embodiments, the ligand is a hPDE6 inhibitor. In some embodiments, the ligand is a hPDE7 inhibitor. Exemplary hPDE7 inhibitors, include BRL-50481(N, N,2-Trimethyl-5-nitrobenzenesulfonamide) and ASB 16165 (1H-Thieno(2,3-C) pyrazole-5-carboxamide, 1-cyclohexyl-N-(6-(4-hydroxy-1-piperidinyl)-3-pyridinyl)-3-methyl). In some embodiments, the ligand is a hPDE8 inhibitor such as PF-04957325 (Pfizer). In some embodiments, the ligand is a hPDE9 inhibitor. Exemplary hPDE9 inhibitors include, but are not limited to BAY73-6691 (1-(2-chlorophenyl)-6-[(2R)-3,3,3-trifluoro-2-methylpropyl]-1,5-dihydro-4H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine-4-one), PF-04447943 (6-[(3S,4S)-4-methyl-1-(pyrimidin-2-ylmethyl)pyrrolidin-3-yl]-1-(oxan-4-yl)-2H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidin-4-one) and WYQ-C28L. In some embodiments, the ligand is a hPDE10 inhibitor. Exemplary PDE10 inhibitors include, but are not limited to OMS 824, Papaverine and PF-2545920 (2-(4-(1-methyl-4-pyridin-4-yl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl) phenoxymethyl) quinolone), and GS-5759 (Gilead).

In one embodiment, the stimuli of the present invention may be FDA approved ligands capable of binding to the specific DDs or target regions within the DDs. In other embodiments, FDA approved ligands may be used to screen potential binders in the human protein. DDs may be designed based on the positive hits from the screen using the portion of the protein that binds to the ligand. In one embodiment, proteins that bind to FDA approved ligands as off target interactions may be used to design DDs of the present invention.

In some embodiments, ligands that do not affect the activity of the immune cell, and/or the chimeric antigen receptor, in the absence of the SREs may be preferably selected.

Stabilizing Domains

In some embodiments, the stimulus response element may be stabilized in the absence of the stimulus but destabilized by the stimulus. In some embodiments, SREs may be derived from protein complexes that comprise at least one protein-protein interaction. In other aspects, the SRE may form a protein-protein interaction with a natural protein within the cell. Protein complexes reduce the exposure of the constituent proteins to the risk of undesired oligomerization by reducing the concentration of the free monomeric state. Payloads appended to such SREs may stabilized in the absence of the stimulus. In some aspects, the stimulus may be a small molecule that is capable of interrupting or disrupting the protein-protein interactions related to the SRE. In such instances, addition of the stimulus, results in the reduced expression and/or function of the payload. In some embodiments, stimuli that induce conformational change of the SRE may be utilized. In one aspect, the SRE may be stabilized by the conformational change. In another aspect, the SRE may be destabilized by the conformational change. The stimuli may also be small molecules that disrupt post translational modification of SREs which may result in the disruption of the protein-protein interaction related to the SRE. In some embodiments, SREs may be identified using protein interactomic techniques known in the art. Such methods may enable the identification of protein interactions that are therapeutically relevant. Any of the large-scale quantitative proteomics methods described in International Patent Publication NOs. WO2017210427A1, WO2016196994A9, and WO2014200987A3 may be useful in the present invention (the contents of each of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety).

Payloads

In some embodiments, payloads can be any natural protein in an organism genome, a fusion polypeptide, an antibody, or variants, mutants and derivatives thereof. In some embodiments, the effector module of the present invention is a fusion construct comprising a DD of the invention operably linked to at least one payload. In one aspect, the payload may be any natural protein of interest (POI) or variants thereof, an antibody or fragments thereof, a therapeutic agent, or any artificial peptide or polypeptide.

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may be immunotherapeutic agents. As used herein, an immunotherapeutic agent is any agent that induces immune responses in an organism. An immunotherapeutic agent may be a natural protein in an organism or it may be an artificial protein such as a fusion protein or an antibody. The immunotherapeutic agent may be, but is not limited to, an antibody and fragments and variants thereof, a MHC molecule, an antigen and fragments thereof, a T cell receptor (TCR) such as a tumor specific TCR and variants thereof, a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), a chimeric switch receptor, a co-stimulatory molecule, a co-inhibitory molecule, an inhibitor of a co-inhibitory receptor or ligand, an agonist of a co-stimulatory receptor and ligand, a cytokine, chemokine, a cytokine receptor, a chemokine receptor, a soluble growth factor, a metabolic factor, a homing receptor, a safety switch (e.g., a suicide gene), or any agent that induces an immune response. In one embodiment, the immunotherapeutic agent induces an anti-cancer immune response in a cell, or in a subject. In some aspects, the immunotherapeutic agent reduces the tumor burden in a subject.

The payload may be any immunotherapeutic agent used for cancer immunotherapy such as a T cell receptor (TCR), a chimeric agent receptor (CAR) such as CD19 CAR that targets any molecule of tumor cells, an antibody, an antigen binding domain or combination of antigen binding domains, a cytokine such as IL2, IL12, IL 15 or IL 15/IL15Ra fusion, an antagonist of an immune checkpoint, an agonist of co-stimulatory molecule, a chimeric switch receptor, a safety switch, a metabolic factor, a growth factor, a chemokine, a chemokine receptor, a homing receptor, or any agent that can induce an immune response. The SRE and payload may be operably linked through one or more linkers and the positions of components may vary within the effector module.

1. Protein of Interest

In some embodiments, payloads of the invention may be a natural protein in an organism genome, or variants, mutants, derivatives thereof. The natural protein may be from, for example, a mammalian organism, a bacterium, and a virus.

In one example, the payload may be a protein of interest, or a polypeptide from human genome.

2. Antibodies

In some embodiments, antibodies, fragments and variants thereof are payloads of the present invention. The antibody may be an intact antibody, an antibody light chain, antibody heavy chain, an antibody fragment, an antibody variant, or an antibody derivative.

In some embodiments, payloads of the invention may be an antibody or fragments thereof. Antibodies useful in this method include without limitation, any of those taught in co-owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/320,864 filed Apr. 11, 2016, 62/466,596 filed Mar. 3, 2017 and the International Publication WO2017/180587 (the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety).

Antibody Fragments and Variants

In some embodiments, antibody fragments and variants may comprise antigen binding regions from intact antibodies. Examples of antibody fragments and variants may include, but are not limited to Fab, Fab′, F(ab′)2, and Fv fragments; diabodies; linear antibodies; single-chain antibody molecules such as single chain variable fragment (scFv); and multispecific antibodies formed from antibody fragments. Papain digestion of antibodies produces two identical antigen-binding fragments, called “Fab” fragments, each with a single antigen-binding site. Also produced is a residual “Fc” fragment, whose name reflects its ability to crystallize readily. Pepsin treatment yields an F(ab′)2 fragment that has two antigen-binding sites and is still capable of cross-linking with the antigen. Pharmaceutical compositions, biocircuits, biocircuit components, effector modules including their SREs or payloads of the present invention may comprise one or more of these fragments.

For the purposes herein, an “antibody” may comprise a heavy and light variable domain as well as an Fc region. As used herein, the term “native antibody” usually refers to a heterotetrameric glycoprotein of about 150,000 daltons, composed of two identical light (L) chains and two identical heavy (H) chains. Genes encoding antibody heavy and light chains are known and segments making up each have been well characterized and described (Matsuda et al., The Journal of Experimental Medicine. 1998, 188(11): 2151-62 and Li et al., Blood, 2004, 103(12): 4602-4609; the content of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety). Each light chain is linked to a heavy chain by one covalent disulfide bond, while the number of disulfide linkages varies among the heavy chains of different immunoglobulin isotypes. Each heavy and light chain also has regularly spaced intrachain disulfide bridges. Each heavy chain has at one end a variable domain (VH) followed by a number of constant domains. Each light chain has a variable domain at one end (VL) and a constant domain at its other end; the constant domain of the light chain is aligned with the first constant domain of the heavy chain, and the light chain variable domain is aligned with the variable domain of the heavy chain.

As used herein, the term “variable domain” refers to specific antibody domains found on both the antibody heavy and light chains that differ extensively in sequence among antibodies and are used in the binding and specificity of each particular antibody for its particular antigen. Variable domains comprise hypervariable regions. As used herein, the term “hypervariable region” refers to a region within a variable domain comprising amino acid residues responsible for antigen binding. The amino acids present within the hypervariable regions determine the structure of the complementarity determining regions (CDRs) that become part of the antigen-binding site of the antibody. As used herein, the term “CDR” refers to a region of an antibody comprising a structure that is complimentary to its target antigen or epitope. Other portions of the variable domain, not interacting with the antigen, are referred to as framework (FW) regions. The antigen-binding site (also known as the antigen combining site or paratope) comprises the amino acid residues necessary to interact with a particular antigen. The exact residues making up the antigen-binding site are typically elucidated by co-crystallography with bound antigen, however computational assessments based on comparisons with other antibodies can also be used (Strohl, W. R. Therapeutic Antibody Engineering. Woodhead Publishing, Philadelphia Pa. 2012. Ch. 3, p 47-54, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety). Determining residues that make up CDRs may include the use of numbering schemes including, but not limited to, those taught by Kabat (Wu et al., JEM, 1970, 132(2):211-250 and Johnson et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 2000, 28(1): 214-218, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety), Chothia (Chothia and Lesk, J. Mol. Biol. 1987, 196, 901, Chothia et al., Nature, 1989, 342, 877, and Al-Lazikani et al., J. Mol. Biol. 1997, 273(4): 927-948, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety), Lefranc (Lefranc et al., Immunome Res. 2005, 1:3) and Honegger (Honegger and Pluckthun, J. Mol. Biol. 2001, 309(3): 657-70, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety).

VH and VL domains have three CDRs each. VL CDRs are referred to herein as CDR-L1, CDR-L2 and CDR-L3, in order of occurrence when moving from N- to C-terminus along the variable domain polypeptide. VH CDRs are referred to herein as CDR-H1, CDR-H2 and CDR-H3, in order of occurrence when moving from N- to C-terminus along the variable domain polypeptide. Each of CDRs has favored canonical structures with the exception of the CDR-H3, which comprises amino acid sequences that may be highly variable in sequence and length between antibodies resulting in a variety of three-dimensional structures in antigen-binding domains (Nikoloudis, et al., Peer J. 2014, 2: e456). In some cases, CDR-H3s may be analyzed among a panel of related antibodies to assess antibody diversity. Various methods of determining CDR sequences are known in the art and may be applied to known antibody sequences (Strohl, W. R. Therapeutic Antibody Engineering. Woodhead Publishing, Philadelphia Pa. 2012. Ch. 3, p 47-54, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety).

As used herein, the term “Fv” refers to an antibody fragment comprising the minimum fragment on an antibody needed to form a complete antigen-binding site. These regions consist of a dimer of one heavy chain and one light chain variable domain in tight, non-covalent association. Fv fragments can be generated by proteolytic cleavage, but are largely unstable. Recombinant methods are known in the art for generating stable Fv fragments, typically through insertion of a flexible linker between the light chain variable domain and the heavy chain variable domain (to form a single chain Fv (scFv)) or through the introduction of a disulfide bridge between heavy and light chain variable domains (Strohl, W. R. Therapeutic Antibody Engineering. Woodhead Publishing, Philadelphia Pa. 2012. Ch. 3, p 46-47, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety).

As used herein, the term “light chain” refers to a component of an antibody from any vertebrate species assigned to one of two clearly distinct types, called kappa and lambda based on amino acid sequences of constant domains. Depending on the amino acid sequence of the constant domain of their heavy chains, antibodies can be assigned to different classes. There are five major classes of intact antibodies: IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM, and several of these may be further divided into subclasses (isotypes), e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA, and IgA2.

As used herein, the term “single chain Fv” or “scFv” refers to a fusion protein of VH and VL antibody domains, wherein these domains are linked together into a single polypeptide chain by a flexible peptide linker. In some embodiments, the Fv polypeptide linker enables the scFv to form the desired structure for antigen binding. In some embodiments, scFvs are utilized in conjunction with phage display, yeast display or other display methods where they may be expressed in association with a surface member (e.g. phage coat protein) and used in the identification of high affinity peptides for a given antigen.

Using molecular genetics, two scFvs can be engineered in tandem into a single polypeptide, separated by a linker domain, called a “tandem scFv” (tascFv). Construction of a tascFv with genes for two different scFvs yields a “bispecific single-chain variable fragments” (bis-scFvs). Only two tascFvs have been developed clinically by commercial firms; both are bispecific agents in active early phase development by Micromet for oncologic indications, and are described as “Bispecific T-cell Engagers (BiTE).” Blinatumomab is an anti-CD19/anti-CD3 bispecific tascFv that potentiates T-cell responses to B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma in Phase 2. MT110 is an anti-EP-CAM/anti-CD3 bispecific tascFv that potentiates T-cell responses to solid tumors in Phase 1. Bispecific, tetravalent “TandAbs” are also being researched by Affimed (Nelson, A. L., MAbs., 2010, January-February; 2(1):77-83). maxibodies (bivalent scFv fused to the amino terminus of the Fc (CH2-CH3 domains) of IgG may also be included.

As used herein, the term “bispecific antibody” refers to an antibody capable of binding two different antigens. Such antibodies typically comprise regions from at least two different antibodies. Bispecific antibodies may include any of those described in Riethmuller, G. Cancer Immunity. 2012, 12:12-18, Marvin et al., 2005. Acta Pharmacologica Sinica. 2005, 26(6): 649-658 and Schaefer et al., PNAS. 2011, 108(27):11187-11192, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. In some aspects, bispecific antibodies may be trifunctional antibodies (3funct) and BiTE (bi-specific T cell engager).

As used herein, the term “diabody” refers to a small antibody fragment with two antigen-binding sites. Diabodies are functional bispecific single-chain antibodies (bscAb). Diabodies comprise a heavy chain variable domain VH connected to a light chain variable domain VL in the same polypeptide chain. By using a linker that is too short to allow pairing between the two domains on the same chain, the domains are forced to pair with the complementary domains of another chain and create two antigen-binding sites. Diabodies are described more fully in, for example, EP 404,097; WO 93/11161; and Hollinger et al. (Hollinger, P. et al., “Diabodies”: Small bivalent and bispecific antibody fragments. PNAS, 1993. 90: 6444-6448); the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The term “intrabody” refers to a form of antibody that is not secreted from a cell in which it is produced, but instead targets one or more intracellular proteins. Intrabodies may be used to affect a multitude of cellular processes including, but not limited to intracellular trafficking, transcription, translation, metabolic processes, proliferative signaling and cell division. In some embodiments, methods of the present invention may include intrabody-based therapies. In some such embodiments, variable domain sequences and/or CDR sequences disclosed herein may be incorporated into one or more constructs for intrabody-based therapy.

As used herein, the term “monoclonal antibody” refers to an antibody obtained from a population of substantially homogeneous cells (or clones), i.e., the individual antibodies comprising the population are identical and/or bind the same epitope, except for possible variants that may arise during production of the monoclonal antibodies, such variants generally being present in minor amounts. In contrast to polyclonal antibody preparations that typically include different antibodies directed against different determinants (epitopes), each monoclonal antibody is directed against a single determinant on the antigen.

The modifier “monoclonal” indicates the character of the antibody as being obtained from a substantially homogeneous population of antibodies, and is not to be construed as requiring production of the antibody by any particular method. The monoclonal antibodies herein include “chimeric” antibodies (immunoglobulins) in which a portion of the heavy and/or light chain is identical with or homologous to corresponding sequences in antibodies derived from a particular species or belonging to a particular antibody class or subclass, while the remainder of the chain(s) is identical with or homologous to corresponding sequences in antibodies derived from another species or belonging to another antibody class or subclass, as well as fragments of such antibodies.

As used herein, the term “humanized antibody” refers to a chimeric antibody comprising a minimal portion from one or more non-human (e.g., murine) antibody source(s) with the remainder derived from one or more human immunoglobulin sources. For the most part, humanized antibodies are human immunoglobulins (recipient antibody) in which residues from the hypervariable region from an antibody of the recipient are replaced by residues from the hypervariable region from an antibody of a non-human species (donor antibody) such as mouse, rat, rabbit or nonhuman primate having the desired specificity, affinity, and/or capacity. In one embodiment, the antibody may be a humanized full-length antibody. As a non-limiting example, the antibody may have been humanized using the methods taught in US Patent Publication NO. US20130303399, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

As used herein, the term “antibody variant” refers to a modified antibody (in relation to a native or starting antibody) or a biomolecule resembling a native or starting antibody in structure and/or function (e.g., an antibody mimetic). Antibody variants may be altered in their amino acid sequence, composition or structure as compared to a native antibody. Antibody variants may include, but are not limited to, antibodies with altered isotypes (e.g., IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, or IgM), humanized variants, optimized variants, multispecific antibody variants (e.g., bispecific variants), and antibody fragments.

In some embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions, biocircuits, biocircuit components, effector modules including their SREs or payloads of the present invention may be antibody mimetics. As used herein, the term “antibody mimetic” refers to any molecule which mimics the function or effect of an antibody and which binds specifically and with high affinity to their molecular targets. In some embodiments, antibody mimetics may be monobodies, designed to incorporate the fibronectin type III domain (Fn3) as a protein scaffold (U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,673,901; 6,348,584). In some embodiments, antibody mimetics may be those known in the art including, but are not limited to affibody molecules, affilins, affitins, anticalins, avimers, Centyrins, DARPINS™, Fynomers and Kunitz and domain peptides. In other embodiments, antibody mimetics may include one or more non-peptide regions.

In one embodiment, the antibody may comprise a modified Fc region. As a non-limiting example, the modified Fc region may be made by the methods or may be any of the regions described in US Patent Publication NO. US20150065690, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, payloads of the invention may encode multispecific antibodies that bind more than one epitope. As used herein, the terms “multibody” or “multispecific antibody” refer to an antibody wherein two or more variable regions bind to different epitopes. The epitopes may be on the same or different targets. In one embodiment, the multispecific antibody may be generated and optimized by the methods described in International Patent Publication NO. WO2011109726 and US Patent Publication NO. US20150252119, the contents of which each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. These antibodies are able to bind to multiple antigens with high specificity and high affinity.

In certain embodiments, a multi-specific antibody is a “bispecific antibody” which recognizes two different epitopes on the same or different antigens. In one aspect, bispecific antibodies are capable of binding two different antigens. Such antibodies typically comprise antigen-binding regions from at least two different antibodies. For example, a bispecific monoclonal antibody (BsMAb, BsAb) is an artificial protein composed of fragments of two different monoclonal antibodies, thus allowing the BsAb to bind to two different types of antigen. Bispecific antibody frameworks may include any of those described in Riethmuller, G., 2012. Cancer Immunity, 2012, 12:12-18; Marvin et al., Acta Pharmacologica Sinica. 2005, 26(6):649-658; and Schaefer et al., PNAS. 2011, 108(27): 11187-11192, the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. New generations of BsMAb, called “trifunctional bispecific” antibodies, have been developed. These consist of two heavy and two light chains, one each from two different antibodies, where the two Fab regions (the arms) are directed against two antigens, and the Fc region (the foot) comprises the two heavy chains and forms the third binding site.

In some embodiments, payloads may encode antibodies comprising a single antigen-binding domain. These molecules are extremely small, with molecular weights approximately one-tenth of those observed for full-sized mAbs. Further antibodies may include “nanobodies” derived from the antigen-binding variable heavy chain regions (VHHs) of heavy chain antibodies found in camels and llamas, which lack light chains (Nelson, A. L., MAbs. 2010. January-February; 2(1):77-83).

In some embodiments, the antibody may be “miniaturized”. Among the best examples of mAb miniaturization are the small modular immunopharmaceuticals (SMIPs) from Trubion Pharmaceuticals. These molecules, which can be monovalent or bivalent, are recombinant single-chain molecules containing one VL, one VH antigen-binding domain, and one or two constant “effector” domains, all connected by linker domains. Presumably, such a molecule might offer the advantages of increased tissue or tumor penetration claimed by fragments while retaining the immune effector functions conferred by constant domains. At least three “miniaturized” SMIPs have entered clinical development. TRU-015, an anti-CD20 SMIP developed in collaboration with Wyeth, is the most advanced project, having progressed to Phase 2 for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Earlier attempts in systemic lupus erythrematosus (SLE) and B cell lymphomas were ultimately discontinued. Trubion and Facet Biotechnology are collaborating in the development of TRU-016, an anti-CD37 SMIP, for the treatment of CLL and other lymphoid neoplasias, a project that has reached Phase 2. Wyeth has licensed the anti-CD20 SMIP SBI-087 for the treatment of autoimmune diseases, including RA, SLE and possibly multiple sclerosis, although these projects remain in the earliest stages of clinical testing. (Nelson, A. L., MAbs, 2010. January-February; 2(1):77-83).

On example of miniaturized antibodies is called “unibody” in which the hinge region has been removed from IgG4 molecules. While IgG4 molecules are unstable and can exchange light-heavy chain heterodimers with one another, deletion of the hinge region prevents heavy chain-heavy chain pairing entirely, leaving highly specific monovalent light/heavy heterodimers, while retaining the Fc region to ensure stability and half-life in vivo. This configuration may minimize the risk of immune activation or oncogenic growth, as IgG4 interacts poorly with FcRs and monovalent unibodies fail to promote intracellular signaling complex formation (see, e.g., Nelson, A. L., MAbs, 2010. January-February; 2(1):77-83).

In some embodiments, payloads of the invention may encode single-domain antibodies (sdAbs, or nanobodies) which are antibody fragment consisting of a single monomeric variable antibody domain. Like a whole antibody, it is able to bind selectively to a specific antigen. In one aspect, a sdAb may be a “Camel Ig or “camelid VHH”. As used herein, the term “camel Ig” refers to the smallest known antigen-binding unit of a heavy chain antibody (Koch-No lte, et al, FASEB J., 2007, 21: 3490-3498). A “heavy chain antibody” or a “camelid antibody” refers to an antibody that contains two VH domains and no light chains (Riechmann L. et al, J. Immunol. Methods, 1999, 231: 25-38; International patent publication NOs.: WO1994/04678 and WO1994/025591; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,005,079). In another aspect, a sdAb may be a “immunoglobulin new antigen receptor” (IgNAR). As used herein, the term “immunoglobulin new antigen receptor” refers to class of antibodies from the shark immune repertoire that consist of homodimers of one variable new antigen receptor (VNAR) domain and five constant new antigen receptor (CNAR) domains. IgNARs represent some of the smallest known immunoglobulin-based protein scaffolds and are highly stable and possess efficient binding characteristics. The inherent stability can be attributed to both (i) the underlying Ig scaffold, which presents a considerable number of charged and hydrophilic surface exposed residues compared to the conventional antibody VH and VL domains found in murine antibodies; and (ii) stabilizing structural features in the complementary determining region (CDR) loops including inter-loop disulphide bridges, and patterns of intra-loop hydrogen bonds.

In some embodiments, payloads of the invention may encode intrabodies. Intrabodies are a form of antibody that is not secreted from a cell in which it is produced, but instead targets one or more intracellular proteins. Intrabodies are expressed and function intracellularly, and may be used to affect a multitude of cellular processes including, but not limited to intracellular trafficking, transcription, translation, metabolic processes, proliferative signaling and cell division. In some embodiments, methods described herein include intrabody-based therapies. In some such embodiments, variable domain sequences and/or CDR sequences disclosed herein are incorporated into one or more constructs for intrabody-based therapy. For example, intrabodies may target one or more glycated intracellular proteins or may modulate the interaction between one or more glycated intracellular proteins and an alternative protein.

The intracellular expression of intrabodies in different compartments of mammalian cells allows blocking or modulation of the function of endogenous molecules (Biocca, et al., EMBO J. 1990, 9: 101-108; Colby et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 2004, 101: 17616-17621). Intrabodies can alter protein folding, protein-protein, protein-DNA, protein-RNA interactions and protein modification. They can induce a phenotypic knockout and work as neutralizing agents by direct binding to the target antigen, by diverting its intracellular trafficking or by inhibiting its association with binding partners. With high specificity and affinity to target antigens, intrabodies have advantages to block certain binding interactions of a particular target molecule, while sparing others.

Sequences from donor antibodies may be used to develop intrabodies. Intrabodies are often recombinantly expressed as single domain fragments such as isolated VH and VL domains or as a single chain variable fragment (scFv) antibody within the cell. For example, intrabodies are often expressed as a single polypeptide to form a single chain antibody comprising the variable domains of the heavy and light chains joined by a flexible linker polypeptide. Intrabodies typically lack disulfide bonds and are capable of modulating the expression or activity of target genes through their specific binding activity. Single chain intrabodies are often expressed from a recombinant nucleic acid molecule and engineered to be retained intracellularly (e.g., retained in the cytoplasm, endoplasmic reticulum, or periplasm). Intrabodies may be produced using methods known in the art, such as those disclosed and reviewed in: (Marasco et al., PNAS, 1993, 90: 7889-7893; Chen et al., Hum. Gene Ther. 1994, 5:595-601; Chen et al., 1994 , PNAS, 91: 5932-5936; Maciejewski et al., 1995 , Nature Med., 1: 667-673; Marasco, 1995 , Immunotech, 1: 1-19; Mhashilkar, et al., 1995 , EMBO J. 14: 1542-51; Chen et al., 1996 , Hum. Gene Therap., 7: 1515-1525; Marasco, Gene Ther. 4:11-15, 1997; Rondon and Marasco, 1997, Annu. Rev. Microbiol. 51:257-283; Cohen, et al., 1998, Oncogene 17:2445-56; Proba et al., 1998, J. Mol. Biol. 275:245-253; Cohen et al., 1998, Oncogene 17:2445-2456; Hassanzadeh, et al., 1998, FEBS Lett. 437:81-6; Richardson et al., 1998, Gene Ther. 5:635-44; Ohage and Steipe, 1999, J. Mol. Biol. 291:1119-1128; Ohage et al., 1999, J. Mol. Biol. 291:1129-1134; Wirtz and Steipe, 1999, Protein Sci. 8:2245-2250; Zhu et al., 1999, J. Immunol. Methods 231:207-222; Arafat et al., 2000, Cancer Gene Ther. 7:1250-6; der Maur et al., 2002, J. Biol. Chem. 277:45075-85; Mhashilkar et al., 2002, Gene Ther. 9:307-19; and Wheeler et al., 2003, FASEB J. 17: 1733-5; and references cited therein).

In some embodiments, payloads of the invention may encode biosynthetic antibodies as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,091,513, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. Such antibody may include one or more sequences of amino acids constituting a region which behaves as a biosynthetic antibody binding site (BABS). The sites comprise 1) non-covalently associated or disulfide bonded synthetic VH and VL dimers, 2) VH-VL or VL-VH single chains wherein the VH and VL are attached by a polypeptide linker, or 3) individuals VH or VL domains. The binding domains comprise linked CDR and FR regions, which may be derived from separate immunoglobulins. The biosynthetic antibodies may also include other polypeptide sequences which function, e.g., as an enzyme, toxin, binding site, or site of attachment to an immobilization media or radioactive atom. Methods are disclosed for producing the biosynthetic antibodies, for designing BABS having any specificity that can be elicited by in vivo generation of antibody, and for producing analogs thereof.

In some embodiments, payloads may encode antibodies with antibody acceptor frameworks taught in U.S. Pat. No. 8,399,625. Such antibody acceptor frameworks may be particularly well suited accepting CDRs from an antibody of interest.

In one embodiment, the antibody may be a conditionally active biologic protein. An antibody may be used to generate a conditionally active biologic protein which are reversibly or irreversibly inactivated at the wild type normal physiological conditions as well as to such conditionally active biologic proteins and uses of such conditional active biologic proteins are provided. Such methods and conditionally active proteins are taught in, for example, International Publication No. WO2015175375 and WO2016036916 and US Patent Publication No. US20140378660, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Antibody Preparations

The preparation of antibodies, whether monoclonal or polyclonal, is known in the art. Techniques for the production of antibodies are well known in the art and described, e.g. in Harlow and Lane “Antibodies, A Laboratory Manual”, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1988; Harlow and Lane “Using Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual” Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, 1999 and “Therapeutic Antibody Engineering: Current and Future Advances Driving the Strongest Growth Area in the Pharmaceutical Industry” Woodhead Publishing, 2012.

The antibodies and fragments and variants thereof as described herein can be produced using recombinant polynucleotides. In one embodiment, the polynucleotides have a modular design to encode at least one of the antibodies, fragments or variants thereof. As a non-limiting example, the polynucleotide construct may encode any of the following designs: (1) the heavy chain of an antibody, (2) the light chain of an antibody, (3) the heavy and light chain of the antibody, (4) the heavy chain and light chain separated by a linker, (5) the VH1, CH1, CH2, CH3 domains, a linker and the light chain or (6) the VH1, CH1, CH2, CH3 domains, VL region, and the light chain. Any of these designs may also comprise optional linkers between any domain and/or region. The polynucleotides of the present invention may be engineered to produce any standard class of immunoglobulins using an antibody described herein or any of its component parts as a starting molecule.

Antibodies Used for Immunotherapy

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may be antibodies, fragments and variants thereof which are specific to tumor specific antigens (TSAs) and tumor associated antigens (TAAs). Antibodies circulate throughout the body until they find and attach to the TSA/TAA. Once attached, they recruit other parts of the immune system, increasing ADCC (antibody dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity) and ADCP (antibody dependent cell-mediated phagocytosis) to destroy tumor cells. As used herein, the term “tumor specific antigen (TSA)” means an antigenic substance produced in tumor cells, which can trigger an anti-tumor immune response in a host organism. In one embodiment, a TSA may be a tumor neoantigen. The tumor antigen specific antibody mediates complement-dependent cytotoxic response against tumor cells expressing the same antigen.

Of particular interest is a TSA that is a breast cancer antigen, an ovarian cancer antigen, a prostate cancer antigen, a cervical cancer antigen, a pancreatic carcinoma antigen, a lung cancer antigen, a bladder cancer antigen, a colon cancer antigen, a testicular cancer antigen, a glioblastoma cancer antigen, an antigen associated with a B cell malignancy, an antigen associated with multiple myeloma, an antigen associated with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, or an antigen associated with chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Suitable antibodies which can immunoactively bind to a TSA may include, but are not limited to, those specific to 5T4, 707-AP, A33, AFP (α-fetoprotein), AKAP-4 (A kinase anchor protein 4), ALK, α5β1-integrin, androgen receptor, annexin II, alpha-actinin-4, ART-4, B1, B7H3, B7H4, BAGE (B melanoma antigen), BCMA, BCR-ABL fusion protein, beta-catenin, BKT-antigen, BTAA, CA-I (carbonic anhydrase I), CA50 (cancer antigen 50), CA125, CA15-3, CA195, CA242, calretinin, CAIX (carbonic anhydrase), CAMEL (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte recognized antigen on melanoma), CAM43, CAP-1, Caspase-8/m, CD4, CD5, CD7, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD23, CD25, CD27/m, CD28, CD30, CD33, CD34, CD36, CD38, CD40/CD154, CD41, CD44v6, CD44v7/8, CD45, CD49f, CD56, CD68KP1, CD74, CD79a/CD79b, CD103, CD123, CD133, CD138, CD171, cdc27/m, CDK4 (cyclin dependent kinase 4), CDKN2A, CDS, CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen), CEACAM5, CEACAM6, chromogranin, c-Met, c-Myc, coa-1, CSAp, CT7, CT10, cyclophilin B, cyclin B1, cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases, cytokeratin, DAM-10, DAM-6, dek-can fusion protein, desmin, DEPDC1 (DEP domain containing 1), E2A-PRL, EBNA, EGF-R (epidermal growth factor receptor), EGP-1 (epithelial glycoprotein-1) (TROP-2), EGP-2, EGP-40, EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), EGFRvIII, EF-2, ELF2M, EMMPRIN, EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule), EphA2, Epstein Barr virus antigens, Erb (ErbB 1; ErbB3; ErbB4), ETA (epithelial tumor antigen), ETV6-AML1 fusion protein, FAP (fibroblast activation protein), FBP (folate-binding protein), FGF-5, folate receptor α, FOS related antigen 1, fucosyl GM1, G250, GAGE (GAGE-1; GAGE-2), galactin, GD2 (ganglioside), GD3, GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein), GM2 (oncofetal antigen-immunogenic-1; OFA-I-1), GnT-V, Gp100, H4-RET, HAGE (helicase antigen), HER-2/neu, HIFs (hypoxia inducible factors), HIF-1α, HIF-2α, HLA-A2, HLA-A*0201-R170I, HLA-A11, HMWMAA, Hom/Mel-40, HSP70-2M (Heat shock protien 70), HST-2, HTgp-175, hTERT (or hTRT), human papillomavirus-E6/human papillomavirus-E7 and E6, iCE (immune-capture EIA), IGF-1R, IGH-IGK, IL2R, IL5, ILK (integrin-linked kinase), IMP3 (insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding protein 3), IRF4 (interferon regulatory factor 4), KDR (kinase insert domain receptor), KIAA0205, KRAB-zinc finger protein (KID)-3; KID31, KSA (17-1A), K-ras, LAGE, LCK, LDLR/FUT (LDLR-fucosyltransferaseAS fusion protein), LeY (Lewis Y), MAD-CT-1, MAGE (tyrosinase, melanoma-associated antigen) (MAGE-1; MAGE-3), melan-A tumor antigen (MART), MART-2/Ski, MC1R (melanocortin 1 receptor), MDM2, mesothelin, MPHOSPH1, MSA (muscle-specific actin), mTOR (mammalian targets of rapamycin), MUC-1, MUC-2, MUM-1 (melanoma associated antigen (mutated) 1), MUM-2, MUM-3, Myosin/m, MYL-RAR, NA88-A, N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase, neo-PAP, NF-KB (nuclear factor-kappa B), neurofilament, NSE (neuron-specific enolase), Notch receptors, NuMa, N-Ras, NY-BR-1, NY-CO-1, NY-ESO-1, Oncostatin M, OS-9, OY-TES1, p53 mutants, p190 minor bcr-abl, pl5(58), pl85erbB2, pl80erbB-3, PAGE (prostate associated gene), PAP (prostatic acid phosphatase), PAX3, PAX5, PDGFR (platelet derived growth factor receptor), cytochrome P450 involved in piperidine and pyrrolidine utilization (PIPA), Pml-RAR alpha fusion protein, PR-3 (proteinase 3), PSA (prostate specific antigen), PSM, PSMA (Prostate stem cell antigen), PRAME (preferentially expressed antigen of melanoma), PTPRK, RAGE (renal tumor antigen), Raf (A-Raf, B-Raf and C-Raf), Ras, receptor tyrosine kinases, RCAS 1, RGSS, ROR1 (receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1), RU1, RU2, SAGE, SART-1, SART-3, SCP-1, SDCCAGi6, SP-17 (sperm protein 17), src-family, SSX (synovial sarcoma X breakpoint)-1, SSX-2(HOM-MEL-40), SSX-3, SSX-4, SSX-5, STAT-3, STAT-5, STAT-6, STEAD, STn, survivin, syk-ZAP70, TA-90 (Mac-2 binding proteincyclophilin C-associated protein), TAAL6, TACSTD1 (tumor associated calcium signal transducer 1), TACSTD2, TAG-72-4, TAGE, TARP (T cell receptor gamma alternate reading frame protein), TEL/AML1 fusion protein, TEM1, TEM8 (endosialin or CD248), TGFβ, TIE2, TLP, TMPRSS2 ETS fusion gene, TNF-receptor (TNF-α receptor, TNF-β receptor; or TNF-γ receptor), transferrin receptor, TPS, TRP-1 (tyrosine related protein 1), TRP-2, TRP-2/INT2, TSP-180, VEGF receptor, WNT, WT-1 (Wilm's tumor antigen) and XAGE.

In one embodiment, the payload of the present invention may be an anti-CD47 antibody. CD47 is a ubiquitously expressed immunoregulatory protein that prevents phagocytic removal of healthy cells by the immune system. CD47 is expressed on the surface of many types of cancer cells, thereby disrupting anti-cancer immune responses. CD 47 is also involved in various other important cellular processes, such as angiogenesis, cancer cell death and regulation of T-cell immunity. Anti-CD47 antibodies in several pre-clinical studies have shown therapeutic benefit in solid cancers and most notably B-cell malignancies.

In one embodiment, the payload of the present invention may be an anti-CD22 antibody. As a non-limiting example, the anti-CD22 antibody is any of the antibodies, fragments or variants thereof described in US Patent Publication No. US20150086562. The anti-CD22 antibody may comprise a heavy chain variable region having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 49-64 in US20150086562, and/or a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17-32 in US20150086562; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may be antibodies, fragments and variants thereof which can specifically block an immunoinhibitory signal. These blocking antibodies (also referred to as antagonists) bind to co-inhibitory receptors, therefore blocking their signal transduction. As non-limiting examples, the blocking antibodies may be specific to CTLA-4, PD-1, and PD-L1/L2. In one embodiment, the anti-CTLA-4 antibody is Ipilimumab. In another embodiment, the anti-PD-1 antibody is Nivolumab. Antibodies that bind to PD-L1 and enhance T cell immune response may include antibodies taught in US patent publication NO.: 2016/0108123; the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. Other inhibitory immunomodulatory targets may include B7-H3, which can increase cancer cell metabolism such as glucose uptakes and lactate production (Lim et al., Cancer Res., 2016, 76(8): 1-12). Antibodies that block B7-H3 are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,150,656; the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

In one aspect, payloads of the present invention may be antagonistic antibodies specific to VSIG8 (v-set and immunoglobulin domain containing 8) comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2 and 3 in US patent publication NO.: US2016/0159927; the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. Antagonistic antibodies may also include a chimeric IL2 receptor (CD25) antibody (Basiliximab) (US Patent Publication NO.: 20080171017; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety), and antagonizing antibodies which bind to human TIM-3 (US patent publication NO.: US2015/0218274; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety), BTLA, VISTA and LAG-3 (See, e.g., US patent publication NO.: US2015/0259420; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

In one aspect, the payload of the present invention may be an anti-CSF-IR antibody, which is characterized in binding to the dimerization domains D4 to D5 of the extracellular domain of human CSF-IR. This antibody inhibitor can inhibit cell proliferation and survival in CSF-IR ligand-dependent and CSF-1 ligand-independent CSF-IR expressing tumor cells, monocytes and infiltrating macrophages (See, e.g., International Patent Publication NO.: WO2013/132044; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

In another aspect, the payload of the present invention may be an antagonistic antibody against CXCL12. The anti-CXCL12 antibody blocks the interaction of CXCL12 with its receptor CXCR4, thereby inhibiting CXCR4 signaling. The CXCR4 signaling inhibitor increases the proximity or the frequency of T-cells among cancer cells in the tumor tissue (See, International Patent Publication NO.: WO 2015/019284; the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety).

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may be agonistic antibodies, fragments and variants thereof, which trigger immune responses, including antibodies specific to co-stimulatory molecules, including but not limited to 4-1BB (CD137), OX40 (CD134), CD40, GITR and CD27.

In one embodiment, the payload of the present invention may be an agonistic CD40 antibody. In another embodiment, the agonistic antibody specific to 4-1BB (CD137) may be Uremab, a fully human IgG4 monoclonal antibody which specifically binds to and activates 4-1BB (CD137) expressing immune cells, stimulating an immune response, in particular a cytotoxic T cell response, against tumor cells; or Utomilumab, a fully human IgG2 monoclonal antibody; or anti-CD137 antibody described in International Patent Publication NO.: WO2006/088447; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, the payload of the present invention may be an antagonistic antibody against Amphiregulin. Amphiregulin (AREG) is an EGF-like growth factor which binds to the EGFR receptor and enhances T regulatory cell function. AREG is produced in a phenotypically and functionally distinct subtype of CD4 + regulatory T cells (Tregs) which have a distinct T cell receptor (TCR) repertoire and express the IL33R. AREG promotes immune suppression in the tumor environment. The anti-Amphiregulin antibody may comprise a heavy chain variable region having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO.: 2,4, and 12 in U.S. Pat. No. 7,223,393, and/or a light chain variable region having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 3, 5, and 14 in U.S. Pat. No. 7,223,393; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, antibodies specific to co-inhibitory molecules and co-stimulatory molecules may be secreted scFv antibodies.

In some embodiments, antibody payloads of the present invention may be T-cell bispecific antibodies (e.g. T cell-engaging BiTE™ antibodies CDS-CD 19, CD3-EpCam, and CD3-EGFR). Other bispecific antibodies used for immunotherapy may also be included as payloads of the present invention, for example, bispecific anti-TNF-α and anti-IL6 antibody (EP3062818), bispecific antibodies to an immune cell antigen and TAG-72 (WO2016/089610), anti-ovarian and D3 bispecific antibodies in U.S. Pat. No. 7,262,276; bispecific antibodies against CD133 and CD3 in WO2014/128185; bispecific antibodies against CTLA-4 and PD-1 discussed in US2016/0145355, bispecific antibodies against CD3 and CD19 disclosed in WO2015/006749, and U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,635,472; 7,112,324; bispecific antibodies against Her2 and CD3 in US2014/0170149; bispecific antibodies against CD19 and CD16 in US2005/0089519; the contents of each of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

In some embodiments, antibodies with decreased affinity may be selected over antibodies with high affinity for the same antigen. Such low affinity antibodies are more effective in discriminating tumors which express high levels of the antigen and normal tissues that express the same antigen at lower levels, while maintaining similar antitumor response.

In some embodiments, the targeting moieties of the present invention may include variable heavy chain and variable light chain comprising the amino acid sequences selected from those in Table 10.

Intrabodies

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may be intrabodies against players in regulating immune cells. An intrabody is an antibody that is designed to be expressed intracellularly and can be directed to a specific target antigen present in various subcellular locations including the cytosol, nucleus, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria, peroxisomes, plasma membrane and trans-Golgi network (TGN) through in frame fusion with intracellular trafficking/localization peptide sequences. The most commonly used format is a single chain antibody (scFv) created by joining the antigen-binding variable domains of heavy and light chain with a linker, most often the 15-amino acid linker (e.g., (GGGGS) 3 (SEQ ID NO: 307)) between the variable heavy (VH) and variable light (VL) chains. The intracellular intrabodies are being developed to bind to, neutralize, or modify the function or localization of cancer-related targets and thereby affect the malignant phenotype.

Players that modulate immune cells (e.g., T cells) may be any intracellular signaling checkpoint. Exemplary players may include a co-inhibitory ligand, Casitas B-linage lymphoma proto-oncogene-b (Cbl-b) (a E3 ligase), a protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) such as Src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP-1), and Ras. For example, an intrabody may be an intrabody against oncogenic form of RAS disclosed in PCT patent publication NO.: WO2004/046186; the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Therapeutic Antibodies

In some embodiments, antibody payloads of the present invention may be therapeutic antibodies. As non-limiting examples, antibodies and fragments and variants thereof may be specific to tumor associated antigens, or tumor specific antigens, or pathogen antigens. In some aspects, antibodies may be blocking antibodies (also referred to as antagonistic antibodies), for example, blocking antibodies against PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2, CTLA-4 and other inhibitory molecules. In other aspects, antibodies may be agonist antibodies such as agonistic antibodies specific to stimulatory molecules, e g., 4-1BB (CD137), OX40 (CD134), CD40, GITR and CD27.

Other exemplary therapeutic antibodies may include, but are not limited to, Abagovomab, Abcxmab, Abituzumab, Abrilumab, Actoxumab, Adalimumab, Adecatumumab, Afasevikumab, Afelimomab, Afutuzumab, Alacizumab, Alemtuzumab, Alirocumab, Altumomab, Amatuximab, Anetumab, Anifrolumab, Apolizumab, Arcitumomab, Ascrinvacumab, Aselizumab, Atezolizumab, Atinumab, Atlizumab, Atorolimumab, Avelumab, Bapineuzumab, Basiliximab, Bavituximab, Bectumomab, Begelomab, Belimumab, Benralizumab, Bertilimumab, Besilesomab, Bevacizumab, Bezlotoxumab, Biciromab, Bimagrumab, Bimekizumab, Bivatuzumab, Bleselumab, Blinatumomab, Blinatumomab, Blosozumab, Bococizumab, Brentuximab, Briaknumab, Brodalumab, Brolucizumab, Brontictuzumab, Cabiralizumab, Canakinumab, Cantuzumab, Caplacizumab, Capromab, Carlumab, Carotuximab, Catumaxomab, cBR96-doxorubicin immunoconjugate, Cedelizumab, Cergutuzumab, Certolizumab pegol, Cetuximab, Citatuzumab, Cixutumumab, Clazakizumab, Clenoliximab, Clivatuzumab, Codrituzumab, Coltuximab, Contatumumab, Concizumab, Crenezumab, Crotedumab, CR6261, Dacetumab, Daclizumab, Dalotuzumab, Dapirolizumab pegol, Daratumumab, Dectrekumab, Demcizumab, Denintuzumab, Denosumab, Derlotuximab biotin, Detumomab, Dinutuximab, Diridavumab, Domagrozumab, Dorlimomab aritox, Drozitumab, Duligotumab, Dupilumab, Durvalumab, Dusigitumab, Ecromeximab, Eculizumab, Edobacomab, Edrecolomab, Efalizumab, Efungumab, Eldelumab, Elgemtumab, Elotuzumab, Elsilimomab, Emactuzumab, Emibetuzumab, Emicizumab, Enavatuzumab, Enfortumab vedotin, Enlimomab pegol, Enoblituzumab, Enokizumab, Enoticumab, Ensituximab, Epitumomab cituxetan, Epratuzumab, Erlizumab, Ertumaxomab, Etaracizumab, Etrolizumab, Evinacumab, Evolocumab, Exbivirumab, Fanolesomab, Faralimomab, Farletuzumab, Fasinumab, FBTA05, Felvizumab, Fezakinumab, Fibatuzumab, Ficlatuzumab, Figitumumab, Firivumab, Flanvotumab, Fletikumab, Fontolizumab, Foralumab, Foravirumab, Fresolimumab, Fulranumab, Futuximab, Galcanezumab, Galiximab, Ganitumab, Gantenerumab, Gavilimomab, Gemtuzumab ozogamicin, Gevokizumab, Girentuximab, Glembatumumab vedotin, Golimumab, Gomiliximab, Guselkumab, Ibalizumab, Ibritumomab tituxetan, icrucumab, Idarucizumab, Igovomab, IMAB362, Imalumab, Imciromab, Imgatuzumab, Inclacumab, Indatuximab, Indusatumab, Inebilizumab, Infliximab, Intetumumab, Inolimomab, Inotuzumab, Ipilimumab, Iratumumab, Isatuximab, Itolizumab, Ixekizumab, Keliximab, Labetuzumab, Lambrolizumab, Lampalizumab, Lanadelumab, Landogrozumab, Laprituximab, Lebrikizumab, Lemalesomab, Lendalizumab, Lenzilumab, Lerdelimumab, Lexatumumab, Libivirumab, Lifastuzumab, Ligelizumab, Lilotomab, Lintuzumab, Lirilumab, Lodelcizumab, Lokivetmab, Lorvotuzumab, Lucatumumab, Lulizumab pegol, Lumiliximab, Lumretuzumab, Mapatumumab, Margetuximab, Maslimomab, Mavrilimumab, Matuzumab, Mepolizumab, Metelimumab, Milatuzumab, Minretumomab, Mirvetuximab, Mitumomab, Mogamulizumab, Monalizumab, Morolimumab, Motavizumab, Moxetumomab pasudotox, Muromonab-CD3, nacolomab tafenatox, Namilumab, naptumomab, naratuximab, Narnatumab, Natalizumab, Navicixizumab, Navivumab, Nebacumab, Necitumumab, Nemolizumab, Nerelimomab, Nesvacumab, Nimotuzumab, Nivolumab, Nofetumomab, Obiltoxaximab, Obinutuzumab, Ocaratuzumab, Ocrelizumab, Odulimomab, Ofatumumab, Olaratumab, Olaratumab, Olokizumab, Omalizumab, Onartuzumab, Ontuxizumab, Opicinumab, Oportuzumab monatox, Oregovomab, Orticumab, Otelixizumab, Otlertuzumab, Oxelumab, Ozanezumab, Ozoralizumab, Pagibaximab, Palivizumab, Pamrevlumab, Panitumumab, Pankomab, Panobacumab, Parsatuzumab, Pascolizumab, Pasotuxizumab, Pateclizumab, Patritumab, Pembrolizumab, Pemtumomab, Perakizumab, Pertuzumab, Pexelizumab, Pidilizumab, Pinatuzumab, Pintumomab, Placulumab, Plozalizumab, Pogalizumab, Polatuzumab, Ponezumab, Prezalizumab, Priliximab, Pritoxaximab, Pritumumab, PRO 140, Quilizumab, Racotumomab, Radretumab, Rafivirumab, Ralpancizumab, Ramucirumab, Ranibizumab, Raxibacumab, Refanezumab, Regavirumab, Reslizumab, Rilotumumab, Rinucumab, Risankizumab, Rituximab, Rivabazumab pegol, Robatumumab, Roledumab, Romosozumab, Rontalizumab, Rovalpituzumab, Rovelizumab, Ruplizumab, Sacituzumab, Samalizumab, Sapelizumab, Sarilumab, Satumomab pendetide, Secukinumab, Seribantumab, Setoxaximab, Sevirumab, Sibrotuzumab, SGN-CD19A, SGN-CD33A, Sifalimumab, Siltuximab, Simtuzumab, Siplizumab, Sirukumab, Sofituzumab vedotin, Solanezumab, Solitomab, Sonepcizumab, Sontuzumab, Stamulumab, Sulesomab, Suvizumab, tabalumab, Tacatuzumab, Tadocizumab, Talizumab, Tamtuvetmab, Tanezumab, Taplitumomab, Tarextumab, Tefibazumab, Telimomab aritox, Tenatumomab, Teneliximab, Teplizumab, Teprotumumab, Tesidolumab, Tetulomab, Tezepelumab, TGN1412, Ticilimumab, Tildrakizumab, Tigatuzumab, Timolumab, Tisotumab vedotin, TNX-650, Tocilizumab, Toralizumab, Tosatoxumab, Tositumomab, Tovetumab, Tralokinumab, Trastuzumab, TRBS07, Tregalizumab, Tremelimumab, Trevogrumab, Tucotuzumab, Tuvirumab, Ublituximab, Ulcocuplumab, Urelumab, Urtoxazumab, Ustekinumab, Vadastuximab talirine, Vandortuzumab vedotin, Vantictumab, Vanucizumab, Vapaliximab, Varlilumab, Vatelizumab, Vedolizumab, Veltuzumab, Vepalimomab, Vesencumab, Visilizumab, Vobarilizumab, Volociximab, Vorsetuzumab, Votumumab, Xentuzumab, Zalutumumab, Zanolimumab, Zatuximab, Ziralimumab and Zolimomab aritox.

Bicistronic and/or Pseudo-Bicistronic Antibody Payloads

According to the present invention, a bicistronic payload is a polynucleotide encoding a two-protein chain antibody on a single polynucleotide strand. A pseudo-bicistronic payload is a polynucleotide encoding a single chain antibody discontinuously on a single polynucleotide strand. For bicistronic payloads, the encoded two strands or two portions/regions and/or domains (as is the case with pseudo-bicistronic) are separated by at least one nucleotide not encoding the strands or domains. More often the separation comprises a cleavage signal or site or a non-coding region of nucleotides. Such cleavage sites include, for example, furin cleavage sites encoded as an “RKR” site, or a modified furin cleavage site in the resultant polypeptide or any of those taught herein.

According to the present invention, a single domain payload comprises one or two polynucleotides encoding a single monomeric variable antibody domain. Typically, single domain antibodies comprise one variable domain (VH) of a heavy-chain antibody.

According to the present invention, a single chain Fv payloads is a polynucleotide encoding at least two coding regions and a linker region. The scFv payload may encode a fusion protein of the variable regions of the heavy (VH) and light chains (VL) of immunoglobulins, connected with a short linker peptide of ten to about 25 amino acids. The linker is usually rich in glycine for flexibility, as well as serine or threonine for solubility, and can either connect the N-terminus of the VH with the C-terminus of the VL, or vice versa. Other linkers include those known in the art and disclosed herein.

According to the present invention, a bispecific payload is a polynucleotide encoding portions or regions of two different antibodies. Bispecific payloads encode polypeptides which may bind two different antigens. Polynucleotides of the present invention may also encode trispecific antibodies having an affinity for three antigens.

3. Tumor and Pathogen Specific Antigens

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may be tumor specific antigens (TSAs), tumor associated antigens (TAAs), pathogen associated antigens, or fragments thereof. The antigen can be expressed as a peptide or as an intact protein or portion thereof. The intact protein or a portion thereof can be native or mutagenized. Antigens associated with cancers or virus-induced cancers as described herein are well-known in the art. Such a TSA or TAA may be previously associated with a cancer or may be identified by any method known in the art.

A tumor specific antigen (TSA) may be a tumor neoantigen. A neoantigen is a mutated antigen that is only expressed by tumor cells because of genetic mutations or alterations in transcription which alter protein coding sequences, therefore creating novel, foreign antigens. The genetic changes result from genetic substitution, insertion, deletion or any other genetic changes of a native cognate protein (i.e. a molecule that is expressed in normal cells).

As non-limiting examples, neoantigens may include mutated new peptides derived from alpha-actinin-4, ARTC1, BCR-ABL fusion protein (b3a2), B-RAF, CASP-5, CASP-8, beta-catenin, Cdc27, CDK4, CDKN2A, CLPP, CML-66, COA-1, connexin 37, dek-can fusion protein, EFTUD2, Elongation factor 2, ETV6-AML1 fusion protein, fibronectin, FLT3-ITD, FN1, GPNM8, LDLR-fucosyltransferase AS fusion protein, HLA-A2, HLA-A11, Hsp-70-1B, MART-2, ME1, MUM-1, MUM-2, MUM-3, Myosin class I, NFYC, neo-PAP, OGT, OS-9, p53, pml-RARalpha fusion protein, PRDX5, PTPRK, K-Ras, N-Ras, RBAF600, sirtuin-2, SNRPD1, SYT-SSX1/SSX2 fusion protein, TGF-beta receptor II, etc. Additional neoantigen peptides may include SF3B1 peptides, MYD peptides, TP53 peptides, Abl peptides, FBXW7 peptides, MAPK peptides, and GNB1 peptides disclosed in US patent publication NO.: 20110293637; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

New neoantigens identified through large-scale sequencing and algorithm calculation may also be included. See, e.g., International Patent Publication NO.: WO2014/168874; Nishimura et al., Cancer Sci. 2015, 106(5): 505-511; and Linnemann et al., Nat. Med., 2015, 21(1): 81-85; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

A tumor associated antigen (TAA) may be an overexpressed or accumulated antigen that is expressed by both normal and neoplastic tissue, with the level of expression highly elevated in cancer tissues. Numerous proteins (e.g. oncogenes) are up-regulated in tumor tissues, including but not limited to adipophilin, AIM-2, ALDH1A1, BCLX(L), BING-4, CALCA, CD45, CD274, CPSF, cyclin D1, DKK1, ENAH, epCAM, ephA3, EZH2, FGF5, G250, HER-2/neu, HLA-DOB, Hepsin, IDO1, IGFB3, IL13Ralpha2, Intestinal carboxyl esterase, kallikrein 4, KIF20A, lengsin, M-CSF, MCSP, mdm-2, Meloe, Midkine, MMP-2, MMP-7, MUC-1, MUC5AC, p53, Pax5, PBF, PRAME, PSMA, RAGE-1, RGS5, RhoC, RNF43, RU2A5, SECERNIN 1, SOX10, STEAP1, survivin, Telomerase, TPBG, VEGF, and WT1.

A TAA may be an oncofetal antigen that is typically only expressed at different stages during the development of the fetus and in cancerous somatic cells. Many proteins are normally expressed during fetal development but are transcriptionally repressed after birth or at early stage of infancy, therefore are not present, or are expressed in significantly lower levels in the corresponding normal adult tissue. Some of these developmental proteins are re-expressed in certain tumor cells and become oncofetal antigens. Examples of oncofetal antigens may include, but are not limited to CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) in colorectal carcinoma, iLRP/OFA (immature laminin receptor protein/oncofetal antigen) in renal cell carcinoma (RCC), TAG-72 (tumor associated glycoprotein-72) in prostate carcinoma, AFP (alpha-fetoprotein) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), ROR1 (a receptor tyrosine kinase) in many malignant cells such as brain tumors, sperm protein 17, HMGA2 (high mobility group A2) in ovarian carcinoma, oncofetal H19, CR-1 (Cripto-1, a member of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-CFC family), trophoblast glycoprotein precursor and GPC-3 (Glypican-3, a member of heparan sulphate proteoglycans) in HCC.

A TAA may be a cancer-testis antigen that is expressed only by cancer cells and adult reproductive tissues such as testis and placenta, including, but limited to antigens from BAGE family, CAGE family, HAGE family, GAGE family, MAGE family (e.g., MAGE-A1, MAGE-A2, MAGE-A3, MAGE-A6 and MAGE-A13), SAGE family, XAGE family, MCAK, NA88-A (cancer/testis antigen 88), PSAD1, SSX-2, and SLLP-1.

A TAA may be a lineage restricted antigen that is expressed largely by a single cancer histotype, such as Melan-A/MART-1, Gp100/pmel17, Tyrosinase, TRP-1/-2, P. polypeptide, MC1R in melanoma; and prostate specific antigen (PSA) in prostate cancer.

A TAA may be an oncoviral antigen that is encoded by tumorigenic transforming viruses (also called oncogenic viruses). Oncogenic viruses, when they infect host cells, can insert their own DNA (or RNA) into that of the host cells. When the viral DNA or RNA affects the host cell's genes, it can push the cell toward becoming cancer. Oncogenic viruses include, but are not limited to, RNA viruses, and DNA viruses. Some examples of commonly known oncoviruses include human papilloma viruses (HPVs) which are main causes of cervical cancer, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) which may cause nasopharyngeal cancer, certain types of fast-growing lymphomas (e.g., Burkitt lymphoma) and stomach cancer, hepatitis B, C and D viruses (HBV, HCV and HDV) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) which increases the risk of getting many types of cancer (e.g., liver cancer, anal cancer and Hodgkin cancer), Kaposi sarcoma herpes virus (KSHV; also known as human herpes virus 8 (HHV8)) which is linked to lymphoma, human T-lymphotrophic virus (HTLV-1) and merkel cell polymavirus (MCV). A viral antigen can be any defined antigen of a virus that is associated with a cancer in a human. For example, antigens from EBV may include but are not limited to, Epstein-Barr nuclear antigen-1 (EBNA1), latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1), or latent membrane protein 2 (LMP2).

A TAA may be an idiotypic antigen that is generated from highly polymorphic genes where a tumor cell expresses a specific “clonotype”, i.e., as in B cell, T cell lymphoma/leukemia resulting from clonal aberrancies, such as Immunoglobulin and T cell receptors (TCRs). Idiotypic antigens are a class of non-pathogen-associated neoantigens. For example, the malignant B cells express rearranged and multiply mutated surface immunoglobulins (Ig). Tumor specific idiotypes (e.g., immunoglobulin idiotypes) are regarded as particularly attractive tumor-specific antigens that can be successfully targeted by immunotherapy (e.g., Alejandro et al., Front Oncol., 2012, 2: 159).

4. T Cell Receptors (TCRs)

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may be T cell receptors (TCRs). The TCR may be specific to a cancer antigen, having a specific α chain and β chain which together form a TCRαβ heterodimer, or having a specific γ chain and δ chain which together form a TCRγδ heterodimer. The TCR may be a recombinant antigen specific T cell receptor.

The variable regions of α chain and β chain determine T cell specificity to an antigenic peptide presented by the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II molecules. The TCR recognition of the tumor antigen on the surface of a tumor cell presented by MHC molecules by TCR triggers T cell activation. The use of TCR gene therapy can equip a subject's own T cells with desired specificities and generate sufficient numbers of T cells to eradicate tumor cells. In some embodiments, a biocircuit or an effector module comprising a tumor specific TCR may be transduced into T cells and TCR-engineered T cells will be infused into cancer patients who have lymphocytopenia or lymphopenia by chemotherapy or irradiation, allowing efficient engraftment but inhibiting immune suppression.

Sequences encoding tumor antigen recognizing TCR chains can be obtained from tumor-reactive T cells (e.g., tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes isolated from the tumor of a patient).

According to the present invention, a TCR specific to tumor cells can be produced by methods described in International Patent Publication NO.: WO2014/083173; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. A host organism expressing a transgene of a human leucocyte antigen (HLA) type which is known or suspected to be able to present a mutated tumor specific antigen (TSA) is transduced to express the un-rearranged human TCR loci. Preferably these loci encode TCR α and β chains, and preferably comprise a plurality, ideally all, of human TCR V, D, J, and/or C genes. The host organism is immunized with a cancer specific TSA or a peptide epitope derived from the TSA and T cells expressing rearranged TCRs specifically against the TSA are isolated and cloned. The TCR from the cloned T cells are sequenced (International Patent Publication NO.: WO2014/083173; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may be TCRs that specifically recognize TSAs, TAAs, or epitopes thereof, complexed with MHC molecules.

Exemplary tumor antigens that can be recognized by a TCR may include at least the following: 5T4, 707-AP, A33, AFP (α-fetoprotein), AKAP-4 (A kinase anchor protein 4), ALK, α5β1-integrin, androgen receptor, annexin II, alpha-actinin-4, ART-4, B1, B7H3, B7H4, BAGE (B melanoma antigen), BCMA, BCR-ABL fusion protein, beta-catenin, BKT-antigen, BTAA, CA-I (carbonic anhydrase I), CA50 (cancer antigen 50), CA125, CA15-3, CA195, CA242, calretinin, CAIX (carbonic anhydrase), CAMEL (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte recognized antigen on melanoma), CAM43, CAP-1, Caspase-8/m, CD4, CD5, CD7, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD23, CD25, CD27/m, CD28, CD30, CD33, CD34, CD36, CD38, CD40/CD154, CD41, CD44v6, CD44v7/8, CD45, CD49f, CD56, CD68KP1, CD74, CD79a/CD79b, CD103, CD123, CD133, CD138, CD171, cdc27/m, CDK4 (cyclin dependent kinase 4), CDKN2A, CDS, CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen), CEACAM5, CEACAM6, chromogranin, c-Met, c-Myc, coa-1, CSAp, CT7, CT10, cyclophilin B, cyclin B1, cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases, cytokeratin, DAM-10, DAM-6, dek-can fusion protein, desmin, DEPDC1 (DEP domain containing 1), E2A-PRL, EBNA, EGF-R (epidermal growth factor receptor), EGP-1(epithelial glycoprotein-1) (TROP-2), EGP-2, EGP-40, EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), EGFRvIII, EF-2, ELF2M, EMMPRIN, EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule), EphA2, Epstein Barr virus antigens, Erb (ErbB1; ErbB3; ErbB4), ETA (epithelial tumor antigen), ETV6-AML1 fusion protein, FAP (fibroblast activation protein), FBP (folate-binding protein), FGF-5, folate receptor α, FOS related antigen 1, fucosyl GM1, G250, GAGE (GAGE-1; GAGE-2), galactin, GD2 (ganglioside), GD3, GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein), GM2 (oncofetal antigen-immunogenic-1; OFA-I-1), GnT-V, Gp100, H4-RET, HAGE (helicase antigen), HER-2/neu, HIFs (hypoxia inducible factors), HIF-1α, HIF-2α, HLA-A2, HLA-A*0201-R170I, HLA-A11, HMWMAA, Hom/Mel-40, HSP70-2M (Heat shock protein 70), HST-2, HTgp-175, hTERT (or hTRT), human papillomavirus-E6/human papillomavirus-E7 and E6, iCE (immune-capture EIA), IGF-1R, IGH-IGK, IL2R, IL5, ILK (integrin-linked kinase), IMP3 (insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding protein 3), IRF4 (interferon regulatory factor 4), KDR (kinase insert domain receptor), KIAA0205, KRAB-zinc finger protein (KID)-3; KID31, KSA (17-1A), K-ras, LAGE, LCK, LDLR/FUT (LDLR-fucosyltransferaseAS fusion protein), LeY (Lewis Y), MAD-CT-1, MAGE (tyrosinase, melanoma-associated antigen) (MAGE-1; MAGE-3), melan-A tumor antigen (MART), MART-2/Ski, MC1R (melanocortin 1 receptor), MDM2, mesothelin, MPHOSPH1, MSA (muscle-specific actin), mTOR (mammalian targets of rapamycin), MUC-1, MUC-2, MUM-1 (melanoma associated antigen (mutated) 1), MUM-2, MUM-3, Myosin/m, MYL-RAR, NA88-A, N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase, neo-PAP, NF-KB (nuclear factor-kappa B), neurofilament, NSE (neuron-specific enolase), Notch receptors, NuMa, N-Ras, NY-BR-1, NY-CO-1, NY-ESO-1, Oncostatin M, OS-9, OY-TES1, p53 mutants, p190 minor bcr-abl, pl5(58), pl85erbB2, pl80erbB-3, PAGE (prostate associated gene), PAP (prostatic acid phosphatase), PAX3, PAX5, PDGFR (platelet derived growth factor receptor), cytochrome P450 involved in piperidine and pyrrolidine utilization (PIPA), Pml-RAR alpha fusion protein, PR-3 (proteinase 3), PSA (prostate specific antigen), PSM, PSMA (Prostate stem cell antigen), PRAME (preferentially expressed antigen of melanoma), PTPRK, RAGE (renal tumor antigen), Raf (A-Raf, B-Raf and C-Raf), Ras, receptor tyrosine kinases, RCAS 1, RGSS, ROR1 (receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1), RU1, RU2, SAGE, SART-1, SART-3, SCP-1, SDCCAGi6, SP-17 (sperm protein 17), src-family, SSX (synovial sarcoma X breakpoint)-1, SSX-2(HOM-MEL-40), SSX-3, SSX-4, SSX-5, STAT-3, STAT-5, STAT-6, STEAD, STn, survivin, syk-ZAP70, TA-90 (Mac-2 binding proteincyclophilin C-associated protein), TAAL6, TACSTD1 (tumor associated calcium signal transducer 1), TACSTD2, TAG-72-4, TAGE, TARP (T cell receptor gamma alternate reading frame protein), TEL/AML1 fusion protein, TEM1, TEM8 (endosialin or CD248), TGFβ, TIE2, TLP, TMPRSS2 ETS fusion gene, TNF-receptor (TNF-α receptor, TNF-β receptor; or TNF-γ receptor), transferrin receptor, TPS, TRP-1 (tyrosine related protein 1), TRP-2, TRP-2/INT2, TSP-180, VEGF receptor, WNT, WT-1 (Wilm's tumor antigen) and XAGE.

In one aspect, the payload of the present invention may be a TCR specifically recognizing Her2/neu epitope which has nucleic acid sequences of α chain and β chain disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication NO.: US20110280894 and International Patent Publication NO. WO2016133779A1; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In another aspect, the payload of the present invention may be a TCR specific to TSA tyrosinase (See U.S. Pat. No. 8,697,854; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

In other aspects, payloads of the present invention may be TCRs having polypeptide sequences specific to synovial sarcoma X Breakpoint (SSX)-2 antigen (U.S. Pat. No. 9,345,748); human papillomavirus (HPV) 16 E6 antigen (International Patent Publication NO.: WO2015/009606); cytomegalovirus (CMV) phosphoprotein pp65 (U.S. Pat. No. 8,722,048); and WT-1 specific TCR comprising a TCR α-chain having an amino acid sequence as set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs.: 5-8, and comprising a TCR β-chain having an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO.: 12 or 13, as disclosed in US patent publication NO.: US2016/0083449; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, the TCR specific to a TSA may be modified to possess a sequence encoding an affinity weakening motif which imparts a reduction in non-specific binding to a TSA. In some embodiments, an affinity weakening motif having a modification to a TCR CDR1 or CDR2 region may be used to weaken the interaction between TCR and HLA proteins (see, International Patent Publication NO.: WO2016/014725; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

In some embodiments, the TCR specific to a TSA may be modified to possess an affinity enhancing motif which imparts an enhancement of binding specificity and affinity for a target antigen. In some embodiments, such high affinity TCRs may be generated by using TCR α-chain to select de novo generated TCR β-chains that pair with an antigen specific TCR α-chain during T cell development in vitro to form enhanced TCRs (see, International Patent Publication NO.: WO2013/166321; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). In other embodiments, the modified TCR may also possess a sequence encoding an affinity enhancing modification CDR3 region which strengthens the interaction between the TCR and the TSA.

In one embodiment, the TCR specific to a TSA may be modified using zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs), TALENs or a CRISPR/Cas system. The TCR α chain and β chain may contain target sites of a nuclease. The nuclease can cleave the TCR sequence causing a certain degree of disruption of the TCR (see US Patent Publication NO.: US2014/0301990; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

In one embodiment, the TCR specific to a TSA may be a soluble single-chain TCR having the structure: Vα2-L-Vβ or Vβ-L-Vα2, wherein L is a linker peptide that links a TCR variable β region (Vβ) with a TCR variable α region of the family 2 (Vα2), as discussed in International Patent Publication NO.: WO2011/044186; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In one embodiment, the TCR specific to a TSA may be maturated to increase its affinity to the TSA according to methods described in US Patent Publication NO.: US2014/0065111; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, the TCRs may be specific to the Fc domain of an antibody (e.g. FcgRla) and utilized to enhance efficacy of antibody mediated therapy, as discussed in International Patent Publication NO.: WO2015/179833; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may be recombinant constructs which act as trifunctional T-cell signaling couplers (TriTACs) mimicking the naturally signaling through T cell receptors. The TriTACs enhance chimeric receptor activity while retaining MHC unrestricted targeting. In some aspects, the recombinant construct may comprise a target specific binding ligand such as a scFV specific to a TSA or a designed ankyrin repeat (DARPin), a ligand that binds a protein associated with the TCR complex and a TCR signaling domain polypeptide, e.g. as described in the International Patent Application NO.: WO2015/117229; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The TCR associated proteins may be selected from CD3, ZAP70 9zeta-chain associated protein kinase 70), TYN and CD247. In some aspects, the ligand of a TriTAC that binds the TCR associated protein may be an antibody or an antibody fragment (e.g., scFv). In other aspects, the TCR signaling domain polypeptide of a TriTAC may comprise the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domain of CD4.

According to the present invention, the α chain and β chain of the TCR of the present invention may be included in separate constructs, for example as payloads of two effector modules. In other embodiments, the α chain and β chain of the TCR of the present invention may be included in a single effector module as two payloads of the same effector module, for example as illustrated in FIGS. 3-6 .

5. Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs)

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may be a chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) which when transduced into immune cells (e.g., T cells and NK cells), can re-direct the immune cells against the target (e.g., a tumor cell) which expresses a molecule recognized by the extracellular target moiety of the CAR.

As used herein, the term “chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)” refers to a synthetic receptor that mimics TCR on the surface of T cells. In general, a CAR is composed of an extracellular targeting domain, a transmembrane domain/region and an intracellular signaling/activation domain. In a standard CAR receptor, the components: the extracellular targeting domain, transmembrane domain and intracellular signaling/activation domain, are linearly constructed as a single fusion protein. The extracellular region comprises a targeting domain/moiety (e.g., a scFv) that recognizes a specific tumor antigen or other tumor cell-surface molecules. The intracellular region may contain a signaling domain of TCR complex (e.g., the signal region of CD3ζ), and/or one or more costimulatory signaling domains, such as those from CD28, 4-1BB (CD137) and OX-40 (CD134). For example, a “first-generation CAR” only has the CD3ζ signaling domain, whereas in an effort to augment T-cell persistence and proliferation, costimulatory intracellular domains are added, giving rise to second generation CARs having a CD3ζ signal domain plus one costimulatory signaling domain, and third generation CARs having CD3ζ signal domain plus two or more costimulatory signaling domains. A CAR, when expressed by a T cell, endows the T cell with antigen specificity determined by the extracellular targeting moiety of the CAR. Recently, it is also desirable to add one or more elements such as homing and suicide genes to develop a more competent and safer architecture of CAR, so called the fourth-generation CAR.

Cells such as T cells engineered to express a CAR can be redirected to attack target cells that express a molecule which can be recognized by the targeting moiety of the CAR.

In some embodiments, the extracellular targeting domain is joined through the hinge (also called space domain or spacer) and transmembrane regions to an intracellular signaling domain. The hinge connects the extracellular targeting domain to the transmembrane domain which transverses the cell membrane and connects to the intracellular signaling domain. The hinge may need to be varied to optimize the potency of CAR transformed cells toward cancer cells due to the size of the target protein where the targeting moiety binds, and the size and affinity of the targeting domain itself. Upon recognition and binding of the targeting moiety to the target cell, the intracellular signaling domain leads to an activation signal to the CAR T cell, which is further amplified by the “second signal” from one or more intracellular costimulatory domains. The CAR T cell, once activated, can destroy the target cell.

In some embodiments, the CAR of the present invention may be split into two parts, each part is linked a dimerizing domain, such that an input that triggers the dimerization promotes assembly of the intact functional receptor. Wu and Lim recently reported a split CAR in which the extracellular CD19 binding domain and the intracellular signaling element are separated and linked to the FKBP domain and the FRB* (T2089L mutant of FKBP-rapamycin binding) domain that heterodimerize in the presence of the rapamycin analog AP21967. The split receptor is assembled in the presence of AP21967 and together with the specific antigen binding, activates T cells (Wu et al., Science, 2015, 625(6258): aab4077).

In some embodiments, the CAR of the present invention may be designed as an inducible CAR. Sakemura et al recently reported the incorporation of a Tet-On inducible system to the CD19 CAR construct. The CD19 CAR is activated only in the presence of doxycycline (Dox). Sakemura reported that Tet-CD19CAR T cells in the presence of Dox were equivalently cytotoxic against CD19 + cell lines and had equivalent cytokine production and proliferation upon CD19 stimulation, compared with conventional CD19CAR T cells (Sakemura et al., Cancer Immuno. Res., 2016, June 21, Epub ahead of print). In one example, this Tet-CAR may be the payload of the effector module under the control of SREs (e.g., DDs) of the invention. The dual systems provide more flexibility to turn-on and off the CAR expression in transduced T cells.

According to the present invention, the payload of the present invention may be a first-generation CAR, or a second-generation CAR, or a third-generation CAR, or a fourth-generation CAR. Representative effector module embodiments comprising CAR constructs are illustrated in FIGS. 13-18 . In some embodiments, the payload of the present invention may be a full CAR construct composed of the extracellular domain, the hinge and transmembrane domain and the intracellular signaling region. In other embodiments, the payload of the present invention may be a component of the full CAR construct including an extracellular targeting moiety, a hinge region, a transmembrane domain, an intracellular signaling domain, one or more co-stimulatory domain, and other additional elements that improve CAR architecture and functionality including but not limited to a leader sequence, a homing element and a safety switch, or the combination of such components.

CARs regulated by biocircuits and compositions of the present invention are tunable and thereby offer several advantages. The reversible on-off switch mechanism allows management of acute toxicity caused by excessive CAR-T cell expansion. Pulsatile CAR expression using SREs of the present invention may be achieved by cycling ligand level. The ligand conferred regulation of the CAR may be effective in offsetting tumor escape induced by antigen loss, avoiding functional exhaustion caused by tonic signaling due to chronic antigen exposure and improving the persistence of CAR expressing cells in vivo.

In some embodiments, biocircuits and compositions of the invention may be utilized to down regulate CAR expression to limit on target on tissue toxicity caused by tumor lysis syndrome. Down regulating the expression of the CARs of the present invention following anti-tumor efficacy may prevent (1) On target off tumor toxicity caused by antigen expression in normal tissue. (2) antigen independent activation in vivo.

Extracellular Targeting Domain/Moiety

In accordance with the invention, the extracellular target moiety of a CAR may be any agent that recognizes and binds to a given target molecule, for example, a neoantigen on tumor cells, with high specificity and affinity. The target moiety may be an antibody and variants thereof that specifically binds to a target molecule on tumor cells, or a peptide aptamer selected from a random sequence pool based on its ability to bind to the target molecule on tumor cells, or a variant or fragment thereof that can bind to the target molecule on tumor cells, or an antigen recognition domain from native T-cell receptor (TCR) (e.g. CD4 extracellular domain to recognize HIV infected cells), or exotic recognition components such as a linked cytokine that leads to recognition of target cells bearing the cytokine receptor, or a natural ligand of a receptor.

In some embodiments, the targeting domain of a CAR may be a Ig NAR, a Fab fragment, a Fab′ fragment, a F(ab)′2 fragment, a F(ab)′3 fragment, Fv, a single chain variable fragment (scFv), a bis-scFv, a (scFv)2, a minibody, a diabody, a triabody, a tetrabody, a disulfide stabilized Fv protein (dsFv), a unitbody, a nanobody, or an antigen binding region derived from an antibody that specifically recognizes a target molecule, for example a tumor specific antigen (TSA). In one embodiment, the targeting moiety is a scFv antibody. The scFv domain, when it is expressed on the surface of a CAR T cell and subsequently binds to a target protein on a cancer cell, is able to maintain the CAR T cell in proximity to the cancer cell and to trigger the activation of the T cell. A scFv can be generated using routine recombinant DNA technology techniques and is discussed in the present invention.

In one embodiment, the targeting moiety of a CAR construct may be an aptamer such as a peptide aptamer that specifically binds to a target molecule of interest. The peptide aptamer may be selected from a random sequence pool based on its ability to bind to the target molecule of interest.

In some embodiments, the targeting moiety of a CAR construct may be a natural ligand of the target molecule, or a variant and/or fragment thereof capable of binding the target molecule. In some aspects, the targeting moiety of a CAR may be a receptor of the target molecule, for example, a full-length human CD27, as a CD70 receptor, may be fused in frame to the signaling domain of CD3 ζ forming a CD27 chimeric receptor as an immunotherapeutic agent for CD70-positive malignancies (See, e.g., US patent publication NO.: US20130323214; the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety).

In some embodiments, the targeting moiety of a CAR may recognize a tumor specific antigen (TSA), for example a cancer neoantigen which is restrictedly expressed on tumor cells.

As non-limiting examples, the CAR of the present invention may comprise the extracellular targeting domain capable of binding to a tumor specific antigen selected from 5T4, 707-AP, A33, AFP (α-fetoprotein), AKAP-4 (A kinase anchor protein 4), ALK, a5031-integrin, androgen receptor, annexin II, alpha-actinin-4, ART-4, B1, B7H3, B7H4, BAGE (B melanoma antigen), BCMA, BCR-ABL fusion protein, beta-catenin, BKT-antigen, BTAA, CA-I (carbonic anhydrase I), CA50 (cancer antigen 50), CA125, CA15-3, CA195, CA242, calretinin, CAIX (carbonic anhydrase), CAMEL (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte recognized antigen on melanoma), CAM43, CAP-1, Caspase-8/m, CD4, CD5, CD7, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD23, CD25, CD27/m, CD28, CD30, CD33, CD34, CD36, CD38, CD40/CD154, CD41, CD44v6, CD44v7/8, CD45, CD49f, CD56, CD68KP1, CD74, CD79a/CD79b, CD103, CD123, CD133, CD138, CD171, cdc27/m, CDK4 (cyclin dependent kinase 4), CDKN2A, CDS, CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen), CEACAM5, CEACAM6, chromogranin, c-Met, c-Myc, coa-1, CSAp, CT7, CT10, cyclophilin B, cyclin B1, cytoplasmic tyrosine kinases, cytokeratin, DAM-10, DAM-6, dek-can fusion protein, desmin, DEPDC1 (DEP domain containing 1), E2A-PRL, EBNA, EGF-R (epidermal growth factor receptor), EGP-1(epithelial glycoprotein-1) (TROP-2), EGP-2, EGP-40, EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor), EGFRvIII, EF-2, ELF2M, EMMPRIN, EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule), EphA2, Epstein Barr virus antigens, Erb (ErbB1; ErbB3; ErbB4), ETA (epithelial tumor antigen), ETV6-AML1 fusion protein, FAP (fibroblast activation protein), FBP (folate-binding protein), FGF-5, folate receptor α, FOS related antigen 1, fucosyl GM1, G250, GAGE (GAGE-1; GAGE-2), galactin, GD2 (ganglioside), GD3, GFAP (glial fibrillary acidic protein), GM2 (oncofetal antigen-immunogenic-1; OFA-I-1), GnT-V, Gp100, H4-RET, HAGE (helicase antigen), HER-2/neu, HIFs (hypoxia inducible factors), HIF-1α, HIF-2α, HLA-A2, HLA-A*0201-R170I, HLA-A11, HMWMAA, Hom/Mel-40, HSP70-2M (Heat shock protein 70), HST-2, HTgp-175, hTERT (or hTRT), human papillomavirus-E6/human papillomavirus-E7 and E6, iCE (immune-capture EIA), IGF-1R, IGH-IGK, IL2R, IL5, ILK (integrin-linked kinase), IMP3 (insulin-like growth factor II mRNA-binding protein 3), IRF4 (interferon regulatory factor 4), KDR (kinase insert domain receptor), KIAA0205, KRAB-zinc finger protein (KID)-3; KID31, KSA (17-1A), K-ras, LAGE, LCK, LDLR/FUT (LDLR-fucosyltransferaseAS fusion protein), LeY (Lewis Y), MAD-CT-1, MAGE (tyrosinase, melanoma-associated antigen) (MAGE-1; MAGE-3), melan-A tumor antigen (MART), MART-2/Ski, MC1R (melanocortin 1 receptor), MDM2, mesothelin, MPHOSPH1, MSA (muscle-specific actin), mTOR (mammalian targets of rapamycin), MUC-1, MUC-2, MUM-1 (melanoma associated antigen (mutated) 1), MUM-2, MUM-3, Myosin/m, MYL-RAR, NA88-A, N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase, neo-PAP, NF-KB (nuclear factor-kappa B), neurofilament, NSE (neuron-specific enolase), Notch receptors, NuMa, N-Ras, NY-BR-1, NY-CO-1, NY-ESO-1, Oncostatin M, OS-9, OY-TES1, p53 mutants, p190 minor bcr-abl, pl5(58), pl85erbB2, pl80erbB-3, PAGE (prostate associated gene), PAP (prostatic acid phosphatase), PAX3, PAX5, PDGFR (platelet derived growth factor receptor), cytochrome P450 involved in piperidine and pyrrolidine utilization (PIPA), Pml-RAR alpha fusion protein, PR-3 (proteinase 3), PSA (prostate specific antigen), PSM, PSMA (Prostate stem cell antigen), PRAME (preferentially expressed antigen of melanoma), PTPRK, RAGE (renal tumor antigen), Raf (A-Raf, B-Raf and C-Raf), Ras, receptor tyrosine kinases, RCAS 1, RGSS, ROR1 (receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 1), RU1, RU2, SAGE, SART-1, SART-3, SCP-1, SDCCAGi6, SP-17 (sperm protein 17), src-family, SSX (synovial sarcoma X breakpoint)-1, SSX-2(HOM-MEL-40), SSX-3, SSX-4, SSX-5, STAT-3, STAT-5, STAT-6, STEAD, STn, survivin, syk-ZAP70, TA-90 (Mac-2 binding protein\cyclophilin C-associated protein), TAAL6, TACSTD1 (tumor associated calcium signal transducer 1), TACSTD2, TAG-72-4, TAGE, TARP (T cell receptor gamma alternate reading frame protein), TEL/AML1 fusion protein, TEM1, TEM8 (endosialin or CD248), TGFβ, TIE2, TLP, TMPRSS2 ETS fusion gene, TNF-receptor (TNF-α receptor, TNF-β receptor; or TNF-γ receptor), transferrin receptor, TPS, TRP-1 (tyrosine related protein 1), TRP-2, TRP-2/INT2, TSP-180, VEGF receptor, WNT, WT-1 (Wilm's tumor antigen) and XAGE.

In some embodiments, the CAR of the present invention may comprise a universal immune receptor which has a targeting moiety capable of binding to a labelled antigen. Methods of generating universal immune receptor CAR are discussed in International Patent Publication NO.: WO2013044225A1; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, the CAR of the present invention may comprise the targeting moiety capable of binding to a pathogen antigen.

In some embodiments, the CAR of the present invention may comprise the targeting moiety capable of binding to non-protein molecules such as tumor-associated glycolipids and carbohydrates. TSAs may also be lipid molecules, polysaccharides, saccharides, nucleic acids, haptens, carbohydrate, or the combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the CAR of the present invention may comprise the targeting moiety capable of binding to a component within the tumor microenvironment including proteins expressed in various tumor stroma cells including tumor associated macrophages (TAMs), immature monocytes, immature dendritic cells, immunosuppressive CD4 + CD25 + regulatory T cells (Treg) and MDSCs. A recent study using an animal model, demonstrated that after systemic transplantation, T cells expressing VEGFR-2 CAR and IL12 infiltrated the tumors, expanded and persisted within tumor mass leading to tumor regression. The anti-tumor effect was dependent on targeting of IL12-responsive host cells via activation of VEGFR-2 CAR-T cells and release of IL12 (Chinnasamy et al., Clinical Cancer Research, 2012, 18: 1672-1683).

In some embodiments, the CAR of the present invention may comprise the targeting moiety capable of binding to a cell surface adhesion molecule, a surface molecule of an inflammatory cell that appears in an autoimmune disease, or a TCR causing autoimmunity.

As non-limiting examples, the targeting moiety of the present invention may be a scFv antibody that recognizes a tumor specific antigen (TSA), for example scFvs of antibodies SS, SS1 and HN1 that specifically recognize and bind to human mesothelin (U.S. Pat. No. 9,359,447), scFv of antibody of GD2 (U.S. Pat. No. 9,315,585), a CD19 antigen binding domain (U.S. Pat. No. 9,328,156); a NKG2D ligand binding domain (U.S. Pat. No. 9,273,283; US patent publication NO.: US20160311906A1); human anti-mesothelin scFvs comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID Nos.: 11 and 12 of U.S. Pat. No. 9,272,002; an anti-CS1 binding agent (US patent publication NO.: US20160075784); an anti-BCMA binding domain (International Patent Publication NO.: WO2016/014565); anti-CD19 scFv antibody of SEQ ID NO.: 20 in U.S. Pat. No. 9,102,761; GFR alpha 4 antigen binding fragments having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 59 and 79 of International patent publication NO.: 2016/025880; anti-CLL-1 (C-type lectin-like molecule 1) binding domains having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO.:47, 44, 48, 49, 50, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 45, 46, 51, 73, 70, 74, 75, 76, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 71, 72, 77, 195, 86, 83, 87, 88, 89, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 84, 85, 90 and 196 of International Patent Publication NO.: WO2016014535); CD33 binding domains having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 39-46 of International patent publication NO.: WO2016014576; a GPC3 (glypican-3) binding domain (SEQ ID NO.: 2 and SEQ ID NO.: 4 of International patent publication NO.: WO2016036973); a GFR alpha4 (Glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol (GPI)-linked GDNF family α-receptor 4 cell-surface receptor) binding domain (International Patent Publication NO.: WO2016025880); CD123 binding domains having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 480, 483, 485, 478, 158, 159, 160, 157, 217, 218, 219, 216, 276, 277, 278, and 275 of International patent publication NO.: WO20160258896; an anti-ROR1 antibody or fragments thereof (International patent publication NO.: WO2016016344); scFvs specific to GPC-3 (SEQ ID NOs: 1 and 24 of International patent publication NO.: WO2016049459); scFv for CSPG4 (SEQ ID NO.: 2 of International patent publication NO.: WO2015080981; scFv for folate receptor alpha (US Patent Publication NO.: US20170002072A1); the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, natural ligands may be used as the targeting moieties of the CARs of the present invention. Such natural ligands may be capable of binding to the antigens with affinity in the range of the scFvs and can redirect T cells specificity and effector functions to target cells expressing the complementary receptor. In some embodiments, the targeting moiety of the CAR may be neuregulin-1 (NRG1) which is a natural ligand for HER3 and HER4; VEGF which is a natural ligand of VEGFR; IL13 wildtype protein or IL13 mutein e.g E13Y which binds to IL13Ra2; NKG2D ligand, which is a natural ligand of NKG2D receptor; CD70 which is ligand of CD27; and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) which is a natural high affinity ligand for BCMA8 and transmembrane activator and CAML interactor (TACI). Any of the ligand based BCMA CARs taught in the US Patent Publication No. US20160362467A1, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, the targeting moieties of the present invention may be scFv comprising the amino acid sequences in Table 11.

In one embodiment, the targeting moiety of the CAR may recognize CD19. CD19 is a well-known B cell surface molecule, which upon B cell receptor activation enhances B-cell antigen receptor induced signaling and expansion of B cell populations. CD19 is broadly expressed in both normal and neoplastic B cells. Malignancies derived from B cells such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute lymphocytic leukemia and many non-Hodgkin lymphomas frequently retain CD19 expression. This near universal expression and specificity for a single cell lineage has made CD19 an attractive target for immunotherapies. Human CD19 has 14 exons wherein exon 1-4 encode the extracellular portion of the CD19, exon 5 encodes the transmembrane portion of CD19 and exons 6-14 encode the cytoplasmic tail. In one embodiment, the targeting moiety may comprise scFvs derived from the variable regions of the FMC63 antibody. FMC63 is an IgG2a mouse monoclonal antibody clone specific to the CD19 antigen that reacts with CD19 antigen on cells of the B lineage. The epitope of CD19 recognized by the FMC63 antibody is in exon 2 (Sotillo et al (2015) Cancer Discov; 5(12): 1282-95; the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety). In some embodiments, the targeting moiety of the CAR may be derived from the variable regions of other CD19 monoclonal antibody clones including but not limited to 4G7, SJ25C1, CVID3/429, CVID3/155, HIB19, and J3-119.

In some embodiments, the targeting moiety of a CAR may recognize a tumor specific antigen (TSA), for example a cancer neoantigen that is only expressed by tumor cells because of genetic mutations or alterations in transcription which alter protein coding sequences, therefore creating novel, foreign antigens. The genetic changes result from genetic substitution, insertion, deletion or any other genetic changes of a native cognate protein (i.e. a molecule that is expressed in normal cells). In the context of CD19, TSAs may include a transcript variant of human CD19 lacking exon 2 or lacking exon 5-6 or both (see International patent publication No. WO2016061368; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). Since FMC63 binding epitope is in exon 2, CD19 lacking exon 2 is not recognized by FMC63 antibody. Thus, in some embodiments, the targeting moiety of the CAR may be an FMC63-distinct scFV. As used herein “FMC63-distinct” refers, to an antibody, scFv or a fragment thereof that is immunologically specific and binds to an epitope of the CD19 antigen that is different or unlike the epitope of CD19 antigen that is bound by FMC63. In some instances, targeting moiety may recognize a CD19 antigen lacking exon2. In one embodiment, the targeting moiety recognizes a fragment of CD19 encoded by exon 1, 3 and/or 4. In one example, the targeting moiety recognizes the epitope that bridges the portion of CD19 encoded by exon 1 and the portion of CD19 encoded by exon 3.

Intracellular Signaling Domains

The intracellular domain of a CAR fusion polypeptide, after binding to its target molecule, transmits a signal to the immune effector cell, activating at least one of the normal effector functions of immune effector cells, including cytolytic activity (e.g., cytokine secretion) or helper activity. Therefore, the intracellular domain comprises an “intracellular signaling domain” of a T cell receptor (TCR).

In some aspects, the entire intracellular signaling domain can be employed. In other aspects, a truncated portion of the intracellular signaling domain may be used in place of the intact chain as long as it transduces the effector function signal.

In some embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain of the present invention may contain signaling motifs which are known as immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs). Examples of ITAM containing cytoplasmic signaling sequences include those derived from TCR CD3zeta, FcR gamma, FcR beta, CD3 gamma, CD3 delta, CD3 epsilon, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b, and CD66d. In one example, the intracellular signaling domain is a CD3 zeta (CD3ζ) signaling domain.

In some embodiments, the intracellular region of the present invention further comprises one or more costimulatory signaling domains which provide additional signals to the immune effector cells. These costimulatory signaling domains, in combination with the signaling domain can further improve expansion, activation, memory, persistence, and tumor-eradicating efficiency of CAR engineered immune cells (e.g., CAR T cells). In some cases, the costimulatory signaling region contains 1, 2, 3, or 4 cytoplasmic domains of one or more intracellular signaling and/or costimulatory molecules. The costimulatory signaling domain may be the intracellular/cytoplasmic domain of a costimulatory molecule, including but not limited to CD2, CD7, CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40 (CD134), CD30, CD40, ICOS (CD278), GITR (glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor receptor), LFA-1 (lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1), LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3. In one example, the costimulatory signaling domain is derived from the cytoplasmic domain of CD28. In another example, the costimulatory signaling domain is derived from the cytoplasmic domain of 4-1BB (CD137). In another example, the co-stimulatory signaling domain may be an intracellular domain of GITR as taught in U.S. Pat. No. 9,175,308; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, the intracellular region of the present invention may comprise a functional signaling domain from a protein selected from the group consisting of an MHC class I molecule, a TNF receptor protein, an immunoglobulin-like protein, a cytokine receptor, an integrin, a signaling lymphocytic activation protein (SLAM) such as CD48, CD229, 2B4, CD84, NTB-A, CRACC, BLAME, CD2F-10, SLAMF6, SLAMF7, an activating NK cell receptor, BTLA, a Toll ligand receptor, OX40, CD2, CD7, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD40, CDS, ICAM-1, LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18), 4-1BB (CD137), B7-H3, CDS, ICAM-1, ICOS (CD278), GITR, BAFFR, LIGHT, HVEM (LIGHTR), SLAMF7, NKp80 (KLRF1), NKp44, NKp30, NKp46, CD19, CD4, CD8alpha, CD8beta, IL2R beta, IL2R gamma, IL7R alpha, IL15Ra, ITGA4, VLA1, CD49a, ITGA4, IA4, CD49D, ITGA6, VLA-6, CD49f, ITGAD, CD11 d, ITGAE, CD103, ITGAL, CD11a, LFA-1, ITGAM, CD11b, ITGAX, CD11c, ITGB1, CD29, ITGB2, CD18, LFA-1, ITGB7, NKG2D, NKG2C, NKD2C SLP76, TNFR2, TRANCE/RANKL, DNAM1 (CD226), SLAMF4 (CD244, 2B4), CD84, CD96 (Tactile), CEACAM1, CRTAM, Ly9 (CD229), CD160 (BY55), PSGL1, CD100 (SEMA4D), CD69, SLAMF6 (NTB-A, Ly108), SLAM (SLAMF1, CD150, IPO-3), BLAME (SLAMF8), SELPLG (CD162), LTBR, LAT, CD270 (HVEM), GADS, SLP-76, PAG/Cbp, CD19a, a ligand that specifically binds with CD83, DAP 10, TRIM, ZAP70, Killer immunoglobulin receptors (KIRs) such as KIR2DL1, KIR2DL2/L3, KIR2DL4, KIR2DL5A, KIR2DL5B, KIR2DS1, KIR2DS2, KIR2DS3, KIR2DS4, KIR2DS5, KIR3DL1/S1, KIR3DL2, KIR3DL3, and KIR2DP 1; lectin related NK cell receptors such as Ly49, Ly49A, and Ly49C.

In some embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain of the present invention may contain signaling domains derived from JAK-STAT. In other embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain of the present invention may contain signaling domains derived from DAP-12 (Death associated protein 12) (Topfer et al., Immunol., 2015, 194: 3201-3212; and Wang et al., Cancer Immunol., 2015, 3: 815-826). DAP-12 is a key signal transduction receptor in NK cells. The activating signals mediated by DAP-12 play important roles in triggering NK cell cytotoxicity responses toward certain tumor cells and virally infected cells. The cytoplasmic domain of DAP12 contains an Immunoreceptor Tyrosine-based Activation Motif (ITAM). Accordingly, a CAR containing a DAP 12-derived signaling domain may be used for adoptive transfer of NK cells.

In some embodiments, T cells engineered with two or more CARs incorporating distinct co-stimulatory domains and regulated by distinct DD may be used to provide kinetic control of downstream signaling.

In some embodiments, the payload of the invention may be any of the co-stimulatory molecules and/or intracellular domains described herein. In some embodiments, one or more co-stimulatory molecules, each under the control of different SRE may be used in the present invention. SRE regulated co-stimulatory molecules may also be expressed in conjunction with a first-generation CAR, a second-generation CAR, a third-generation CAR, a fourth-generation, or any other CAR design described herein.

In some embodiments, the intracellular domain of the present invention may comprise amino acid sequences of Table 12.

Transmembrane Domains

In some embodiments, the CAR of the present invention may comprise a transmembrane domain. As used herein, the term “Transmembrane domain (TM)” refers broadly to an amino acid sequence of about 15 residues in length which spans the plasma membrane. More preferably, a transmembrane domain includes at least 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, or 45 amino acid residues and spans the plasma membrane. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the present invention may be derived either from a natural or from a synthetic source. The transmembrane domain of a CAR may be derived from any naturally membrane-bound or transmembrane protein. For example, the transmembrane region may be derived from (i.e. comprise at least the transmembrane region(s) of) the alpha, beta or zeta chain of the T-cell receptor, CD3 epsilon, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD8α, CD9, CD16, CD22, CD33, CD28, CD37, CD45, CD64, CD80, CD86, CD134, CD137, CD152, or CD154.

Alternatively, the transmembrane domain of the present invention may be synthetic. In some aspects, the synthetic sequence may comprise predominantly hydrophobic residues such as leucine and valine.

In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the present invention may be selected from the group consisting of a CD8a transmembrane domain, a CD4 transmembrane domain, a CD 28 transmembrane domain, a CTLA-4 transmembrane domain, a PD-1 transmembrane domain, and a human IgG4 Fc region. As non-limiting examples, the transmembrane domain may be a CTLA-4 transmembrane domain comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs.: 1-5 of International Patent Publication NO.: WO2014/100385; and a PD-1 transmembrane domain comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs.: 6-8 of International Patent Publication NO.: WO2014100385; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, the CAR of the present invention may comprise an optional hinge region (also called spacer). A hinge sequence is a short sequence of amino acids that facilitates flexibility of the extracellular targeting domain that moves the target binding domain away from the effector cell surface to enable proper cell/cell contact, target binding and effector cell activation (Patel et al., Gene Therapy, 1999; 6: 412-419). The hinge sequence may be positioned between the targeting moiety and the transmembrane domain. The hinge sequence can be any suitable sequence derived or obtained from any suitable molecule. The hinge sequence may be derived from all or part of an immunoglobulin (e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4) hinge region, i.e., the sequence that falls between the CHI and CH2 domains of an immunoglobulin, e.g., an IgG4 Fc hinge, the extracellular regions of type 1 membrane proteins such as CD8a CD4, CD28 and CD7, which may be a wild type sequence or a derivative. Some hinge regions include an immunoglobulin CH3 domain or both a CH3 domain and a CH2 domain. In certain embodiments, the hinge region may be modified from an IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4 that includes one or more amino acid residues, for example, 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 residues, substituted with an amino acid residue different from that present in an unmodified hinge. Table 13 provides various transmembrane regions that can be used in the CARs described herein.

Hinge region sequences useful in the present invention are provided in Table 14.

In some embodiments, hinge domains and the transmembrane domains may be paired. The hinge domain may be present at the N terminus of the transmembrane domain, at C terminus of the transmembrane domain or within the transmembrane domain. Hinge and transmembrane region sequences which may be useful in the present invention are provided in Table 15.

In some embodiments, the CAR of the present invention may comprise one or more linkers between any of the domains of the CAR. The linker may be between 1-30 amino acids long. In this regard, the linker may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30 amino acids in length. In other embodiments, the linker may be flexible.

In some embodiments, the components including the targeting moiety, transmembrane domain and intracellular signaling domains of the present invention may be constructed in a single fusion polypeptide. The fusion polypeptide may be the payload of an effector module of the invention. In some embodiments, more than one CAR fusion polypeptides may be included in an effector module, for example, two, three or more CARs may be included in the effector module under the control of a single SRE (e.g., a DD). Representative effector modules comprising the CAR payload are illustrated in FIGS. 2-6 .

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may comprise the CAR constructs including the extracellular targeting domain, transmembrane domain and intracellular signaling domains that are taught in the art, for example, a CAR targeting mesothelin (U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,272,002 and 9,359,447); EGFRvIII specific CARs in U.S. Pat. No. 9,266,960; anti-TAG CARs in U.S. Pat. No. 9,233,125; CD19 CARs in US Patent publication NO.: 2016014533; CD19 CAR having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO.: 24 of U.S. Pat. No. 9,328,156; CD19 CARs in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,911,993; 8,975,071; 9,101,584; 9,102,760; and 9,102,761; BCMA (CD269) specific CARs disclosed in International patent publication NOs: WO2016/014565 (SEQ ID Nos.: 109-113 and 213 to 233) and WO2016/014789; CLL-1 (C-type lectin-like molecule 1) CARs comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 99, 96, 100, 101, 102, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 97, 98, 103, and 197 disclosed in International patent publication NO.: WO2016014535; CD33 specific CARs comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 48-56 in International patent publication NO.: WO2016014576; CD33 specific CARs comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 19-22, 27-30 and 35-38 in International patent publication NO.: WO2015150526; CD37 specific CARs encoded by the nucleic acids of SEQ ID NOs: 1-5 in US patent publication NO.: US20150329640; GPC3 CAR (International patent publication NO.: WO2016036973), GFR alpha 4 CARs having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 85, 86, 90, 92, 94, 96, 98, 100, 102, and 104 in International patent publication NO.: WO2016025880; CD123 CARs comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO: 98, 99, 100 and 101 in International patent publication NOs: WO2016028896; CD123 specific multi-chain CARs in International patent publication NO: WO2015193406; CD123 CARS comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NO.: 160, 171, 188-197 in International patent publication NO: WO2016/120220; ROR-1 specific CARs comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 93, 95 and 117 in International patent publication NO.: WO2016/016344; ROR-1 specific multi-chain CARs in International patent publication NO.: WO2016/016343; trophoblast glycoprotein (5T4, TPBG) specific CARs comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 21, 27, 33, 39, 23, 29, 34, 41, 19, 25, 31, 37, 20, 26, 32, 38, 22, 28, 34, 40, 24, 30, 36 and 42 in International patent publication NO.: WO2016034666; EGFRvIII specific CARs comprising the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 15, 17, 24, 25, 26 and 27 in International patent publication NO.: WO2016016341; a TEM 8 CAR comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 in International patent publication NO.: WO2014164544, a TEM1 CAR comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:2 in International patent publication NO.: WO2014164544; GPC-3 CAR having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 3 and 26 in International patent publication NO.: WO2016/049459; a chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan-4 (CSPG4) CAR in International patent publication NO.: WO2015/080981; Kappa/lambda CARs in International patent publication NO.: WO2015/164739; GD2 CAR in International patent publication NO.: WO2016/134284; CLL1 CARs in International patent publication NO.: WO2016120218; CLL1 multi-subunit CARs in International patent publication NO.: WO2016120219; Hsp70 CARs in International patent publication NO.: WO2016120217; mAb-driven CARs in International patent publication NO.: WO2016120216; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, the CAR constructs of the present invention may include CAIX (carboxy-anhydrase-IX (CAIX) specific CAR (Lamers et al., Biochem Soc Trans, 2016, 44(3): 951-959), HIV-1 specific CAR (Ali et al., J Virol., 2016, May 25, pii: JVI.00805-16), CD20 specific CAR (Rufener et al., Cancer Immunol. Res., 2016, 4(6): 509-519), a CD20/CD19 bispecific CAR (Zah et al., Cancer Immunol Res., 2016, 4(6): 498-508), a CD22/CD19 CAR (International Publication No: WO2016/149578), a CD138/BCMA bi-specific CAR (International Publication No: WO2016/130598) an EGFR specific CARs and anti EGFR viii specific CAR; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, the CAR sequences may be selected from Table 16.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the payload of the invention is a CD19 specific CAR targeting different B cell malignancies and HER2-specific CAR targeting sarcoma, glioblastoma, and advanced Her2-positive lung malignancy.

In some embodiments, the CAR is a CD19 CAR. The amino acid sequences of CD19 CAR components and CD19 CAR constructs are presented in Table 17A and Table 17B. Table 17B also provides alternate aliases for a given construct ID. These aliases are identified by the prefix OT.

Tandem CAR (TanCAR)

In some embodiments, the CAR of the present invention may be a tandem chimeric antigen receptor (TanCAR) which is able to target two, three, four, or more tumor specific antigens. In some aspects, the CAR is a bispecific TanCAR including two targeting domains which recognize two different TSAs on tumor cells. The bispecific CAR may be further defined as comprising an extracellular region comprising a targeting domain (e.g., an antigen recognition domain) specific for a first tumor antigen and a targeting domain (e.g., an antigen recognition domain) specific for a second tumor antigen. In other aspects, the CAR is a multispecific TanCAR that includes three or more targeting domains configured in a tandem arrangement. The space between the targeting domains in the TanCAR may be between about 5 and about 30 amino acids in length, for example, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 and 30 amino acids.

Split CAR

In some embodiments, the components including the targeting moiety, transmembrane domain and intracellular signaling domains of the present invention may be split into two or more parts such that it is dependent on multiple inputs that promote assembly of the intact functional receptor. In one embodiment, the split synthetic CAR system can be constructed in which the assembly of an activated CAR receptor is dependent on the binding of a ligand to the SRE (e.g. a small molecule) and a specific antigen to the targeting moiety. As a non-limiting example, the split CAR consists of two parts that assemble in a small molecule-dependent manner; one part of the receptor features an extracellular antigen binding domain (e.g. scFv) and the other part has the intracellular signaling domains, such as the CD3ζ intracellular domain.

In other aspects, the split parts of the CAR system can be further modified to increase signal. In one example, the second part of cytoplasmic fragment may be anchored to the plasma membrane by incorporating a transmembrane domain (e.g., CD8a transmembrane domain) to the construct. An additional extracellular domain may also be added to the second part of the CAR system, for instance an extracellular domain that mediates homo-dimerization. These modifications may increase receptor output activity, i.e., T cell activation.

In some aspects, the two parts of the split CAR system contain heterodimerization domains that conditionally interact upon binding of a heterodimerizing small molecule. As such, the receptor components are assembled in the presence of the small molecule, to form an intact system which can then be activated by antigen engagement. Any known heterodimerizing components can be incorporated into a split CAR system. Other small molecule dependent heterodimerization domains may also be used, including, but not limited to, gibberellin-induced dimerization system (GID1-GAI), trimethoprim-SLF induced ecDHFR and FKBP dimerization (Czlapinski et al., J Am Chem Soc., 2008, 130(40): 13186-13187) and ABA (abscisic acid) induced dimerization of PP2C and PYL domains (Cutler et al., Annu Rev Plant Biol. 2010, 61: 651-679). The dual regulation using inducible assembly (e.g., ligand dependent dimerization) and degradation (e.g., destabilizing domain induced CAR degradation) of the split CAR system may provide more flexibility to control the activity of the CAR modified T cells.

Switchable CAR

In some embodiments, the CAR of the invention may be a switchable CAR. Juilerat et al (Juilerat et al., Sci. Rep., 2016, 6: 18950; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety) recently reported controllable CARs that can be transiently switched on in response to a stimulus (e.g. a small molecule). In this CAR design, a system is directly integrated in the hinge domain that separate the scFv domain from the cell membrane domain in the CAR. Such system is possible to split or combine different key functions of a CAR such as activation and co-stimulation within different chains of a receptor complex, mimicking the complexity of the TCR native architecture. This integrated system can switch the scFv and antigen interaction between on/off states controlled by the absence/presence of the stimulus.

Reversible CAR

In other embodiments, the CAR of the invention may be a reversible CAR system. In this CAR architecture, a LID domain (ligand-induced degradation) is incorporated into the CAR system. The CAR can be temporarily down-regulated by adding a ligand of the LID domain. The combination of LID and DD mediated regulation provides tunable control of continuingly activated CAR T cells, thereby reducing CAR mediated tissue toxicity.

Inhibitory CAR (iCAR)

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may be inhibitory CARs. Inhibitory CAR (iCAR) refers to a bispecific CAR design wherein a negative signal is used to enhance the tumor specificity and limit normal tissue toxicity. This design incorporates a second CAR having a surface antigen recognition domain combined with an inhibitory signal domain to limit T cell responsiveness even with concurrent engagement of an activating receptor. This antigen recognition domain is directed towards a normal tissue specific antigen such that the T cell can be activated in the presence of first target protein, but if the second protein that binds to the iCAR is present, the T cell activation is inhibited.

As a non-limiting example, iCARs against Prostate specific membrane antigen (PMSA) based on CTLA4 and PD1 inhibitory domains demonstrated the ability to selectively limit cytokine secretion, cytotoxicity and proliferation induced by T cell activation (Fedorov V. D, et al., 2013 , Sci Transl Med, 11; 5(215):215ra172; the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety).

Chimeric Switch Receptor

In some embodiments, payloads of the invention may be chimeric switch receptors which can switch a negative signal to a positive signal. As used herein, the term “chimeric switch receptor” refers to a fusion protein comprising a first extracellular domain and a second transmembrane and intracellular domain, wherein the first domain includes a negative signal region and the second domain includes a positive intracellular signaling region. In some aspects, the fusion protein is a chimeric switch receptor that contains the extracellular domain of an inhibitory receptor on T cell fused to the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domain of a co-stimulatory receptor. This chimeric switch receptor may convert a T cell inhibitory signal into a T cell stimulatory signal.

As a non-limiting example, the chimeric switch receptor may comprise the extracellular domain of PD-1 fused to the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domain of CD28 as taught by Liu et al. (Liu et al., Cancer Res., 2016, 76(6): 1578-1590; the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety). In some aspects, extracellular domains of other inhibitory receptors such as CTLA-4, LAG-3, TIM-3, KIRs and BTLA may also be fused to the transmembrane and cytoplasmic domain derived from costimulatory receptors such as CD28, 4-1BB, CD27, OX40, CD40, GTIR and ICOS. In the context of the present invention, the SRE domain (e.g., DD) may be inserted at the N- or C-terminus of the chimeric switch receptor.

In some embodiments, chimeric switch receptors of the present invention may include recombinant receptors comprising the extracellular cytokine-binding domain of an inhibitory cytokine receptor (e.g., IL13 receptor α (IL13Rα1), IL10R, and IL4Rα) fused to an intracellular signaling domain of a stimulatory cytokine receptor such as IL2R (IL2Rα, IL2Rβ and IL2Rgamma) and IL7Rα. One example of such chimeric cytokine receptor is a recombinant receptor containing the cytokine-binding extracellular domain of IL4Rα linked to the intracellular signaling domain of IL7Rα (see, US patent publication NO: 2014/0050709; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

In one embodiment, the chimeric switch receptor of the present invention may be a chimeric TGFβ receptor. The chimeric TGFβ receptor may comprise an extracellular domain derived from a TGFβ receptor such as TGFβ receptor 1, TGFβ receptor 2, TGFβ receptor 3, or any other TGFβ receptor or variant thereof; and a non-TGFβ receptor intracellular domain. The non-TGFβ receptor intracellular domain may be the intracellular domain or fragment thereof derived from TLR1, TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6, TLR7, TLR8, TLR9, TLR10, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40 (CD134), CD3zeta, CD40, CD27, or a combination thereof. One example of such chimeric TGFβ receptor is discussed in US patent publication NO.: US2016/0075755; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may be bipartite fusion receptors. In one aspect, the bipartite fusion receptor may comprise an antigen-binding domain that binds to a tumor antigen and an activation domain that binds to one or more cell surface molecules. In some aspects, the antigen binding domain of a bipartite receptor is a scFv antibody. In other aspects, the activation domain that binds to a T cell surface stimulatory molecule may be selected from CD3, CD27, CD 28, CD40, OX40(CD134) and 4-1BB(CD137), or a NK cell surface stimulatory molecule selected from CD16, NKG2D and NKp30. The activation domain may also be a scFv specific to a stimulatory molecule on the surface of immune cells (e.g., T cells and NK cells). Immune cells can be genetically modified to express a bipartite molecule comprising at least one antigen binding domain and an activation domain. The antigen binding domain binds to one or more molecules present on target cells such as cancer cells. Immune cells that express the molecule recognized by the activation domain will be activated and attack the recognized cancer cells. As a non-limiting example, a bipartite molecule may be an engager molecule comprising an antigen recognition scFv specific to CD19 or EphA2, as described in US patent publication NO: US2016/0015749; the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

Activation-Conditional CAR

In some embodiments, payloads of the invention may be an activation-conditional chimeric antigen receptor, which is only expressed in an activated immune cell. The expression of the CAR may be coupled to activation conditional control region which refers to one or more nucleic acid sequences that induce the transcription and/or expression of a sequence e.g. a CAR under its control. Such activation conditional control regions may be promoters of genes that are upregulated during the activation of the immune effector cell e.g. IL2 promoter or NFAT binding sites. In some embodiments, activation of the immune cell may be achieved by a constitutively expressed CAR (International Publication No: WO 2016126608; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

CAR Targeting to Tumor Cells with Specific Proteoglycan Markers

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may be a CAR that targets specific types of cancer cells. Human cancer cells and metastasis may express unique and otherwise abnormal proteoglycans, such as polysaccharide chains (e.g., chondroitin sulfate (CS), dermatan sulfate (DS or CSB), heparan sulfate (HS) and heparin). Accordingly, the CAR may be fused with a binding moiety that recognizes cancer associated proteoglycans. In one example, a CAR may be fused with VAR2CSA polypeptide (VAR2-CAR) that binds with high affinity to a specific type of chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) attached to proteoglycans. The extracellular ScFv portion of the CAR may be substituted with VAR2CSA variants comprising at least the minimal CSA binding domain, generating CARs specific to chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) modifications. Alternatively, the CAR may be fused with a split-protein binding system to generate a spy-CAR, in which the scFv portion of the CAR is substituted with one portion of a split-protein binding system such as SpyTag and Spy-catcher and the cancer-recognition molecules (e.g. scFv and or VAR2-CSA) are attached to the CAR through the split-protein binding system (See, e.g., PCT publication No.: WO2016/135291; the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety.)

In some embodiments, the payload of the present invention may be a Split Universal Programmable (SUPRA) CAR. A SUPRA CAR may be a two-component receptor system comprising of a universal receptor (zip CAR) expressed on T cells and a tumor-targeting scFv adaptor. The zip CAR universal receptor may be generated by the fusion of intracellular signaling domains and a leucine zipper as the extracellular domain. The tumor-targeting scFv adaptor molecule or zipFv, may be generated by the fusion of a cognate leucine zipper and an scFv. The scFv of the zipFv may bind to a tumor antigen, and the leucine zipper may bind and activate the zip CAR on the T cells. Unlike the conventional fixed CAR design, the SUPRA CAR modular design allows targeting of multiple antigens without further genetic manipulations of the immune cells. Any of the CAR designs disclosed by Cho et al., 2018, Cell 173, 1-13, may be useful in the present invention (the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety).

6. Cytokines, Chemokines and Other Soluble Factors

In accordance with the present invention, payloads of the present invention may be cytokines, chemokines, growth factors, and soluble proteins produced by immune cells, cancer cells and other cell types, which act as chemical communicators between cells and tissues within the body. These proteins mediate a wide range of physiological functions, from effects on cell growth, differentiation, migration and survival, to a number of effector activities. For example, activated T cells produce a variety of cytokines for cytotoxic function to eliminate tumor cells.

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may be cytokines, and fragments, variants, analogs and derivatives thereof, including but not limited to interleukins, tumor necrosis factors (TNFs), interferons (IFNs), TGF beta and chemokines. In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may be cytokines that stimulate immune responses. In other embodiments, payloads of the invention may be antagonists of cytokines that negatively impact anti-cancer immune responses.

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may be cytokine receptors, recombinant receptors, variants, analogs and derivatives thereof; or signal components of cytokines.

In some embodiments, cytokines of the present invention may be utilized to improve expansion, survival, persistence, and potency of immune cells such as CD8+T EM , natural killer cells and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) cells used for immunotherapy. In other embodiments, T cells engineered with two or more DD regulated cytokines are utilized to provide kinetic control of T cell activation and tumor microenvironment remodeling. In one aspect, the present invention provides biocircuits and compositions to minimize toxicity related to cytokine therapy. Despite its success in mitigating tumor burden, systemic cytokine therapy often results in the development of severe dose limiting side effects. Two factors contribute to the observed toxicity (a) Pleiotropism, wherein cytokines affect different cells types and sometimes produce opposing effects on the same cells depending on the context (b) Cytokines have short serum half-life and thus need to be administered at high doses to achieve therapeutic effects, which exacerbates the pleiotropic effects. In one aspect, cytokines of the present invention may be utilized to modulate cytokine expression in the event of adverse effects. In some embodiments, cytokines of the present invention may be designed to have prolonged life span or enhanced specificity to minimize toxicity.

In some embodiments, the payload of the present invention may be an interleukin (IL) cytokine. Interleukins (ILs) are a class of glycoproteins produced by leukocytes for regulating immune responses. As used herein, the term “interleukin (IL)” refers to an interleukin polypeptide from any species or source and includes the full-length protein as well as fragments or portions of the protein. In some aspects, the interleukin payload is selected from IL1, IL1alpha (also called hematopoietin-1), IL1beta (catabolin), IL1 delta, IL1epsilon, IL1eta, IL1 zeta, interleukin-1 family member 1 to 11 (IL1F1 to IL1F11), interleukin-1 homolog 1 to 4 (IL1H1 to IL1H4), IL1 related protein 1 to 3 (IL1RP1 to IL1RP3), IL2, IL3, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL7, IL8, IL9, IL10, IL10C, IL10D, IL11, IL11a, IL11b, IL12, IL13, IL14, IL15, IL16, IL17, IL17A, 117B, IL17C, IL17E, IL17F, IL18, IL19, IL20, IL20 like (IL20L), Il21, IL22, IL23, IL23A, IL23-p19, IL23-p40, IL24, Il25, IL26, IL27, IL28A, IL28B, IL29, IL30, IL31, IL32, IL33, IL34, IL35, IL36 alpha, IL36 beta, IL36 gamma, IL36RN, IL37, IL37a, IL37b, IL37c, IL37d, IL37e and IL38. In other aspects, the payload of the present invention may be an interleukin receptor selected from CD121a, CDw121b, IL2Rα/CD25, IL2Rβ/CD122, IL2Rγ/CD132, CDw131, CD124, CD131, CDw125, CD126, CD130, CD127, CDw210, IL8RA, IL11Rα, CD212, CD213α1, CD213α2, IL14R, IL15Rα, CDw217, IL18Rα, IL18Rβ, IL20Rα, and IL20R3.

In certain embodiments, a cytokine may be a type I interferons (IFN) including IFN alpha subtypes (IFN α1, IFN α1b, IFN α1c), IFN beta, IFN delta subtypes (IFN delta 1, IFN delta 2, IFN delta 8), IFN gamma, IFN kappa, and IFN epsilon, IFN lambda, IFN omega, IFN tau and IFN zeta. In certain embodiments, a cytokine may be a member of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily, including TNF-alpha, TNF-beta (also known as lymphotoxin-alpha (LT-α)), lymphotoxin-beta (LT-β), CD40L(CD154), CD27L (CD70), CD30L(CD153), FASL(CD178), 4-1BBL (CD137L), OX40L, TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand), APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand), TWEAK, TRANCE, TALL-1, GITRL, LIGHT and TNFSF1 to TNFSF20 (TNF ligand superfamily member 1 to 20).

In one embodiment, the payload of the invention may comprise IL2 (SEQ ID NO. 8299, encoded by SEQ ID NO. 8300 and 8301). In one aspect, the effector module of the invention may be a DD-IL2 fusion polypeptide.

In some aspects of the invention, an IL2 mutein may be used as a payload. As used herein, the term “mutein” is a construct, molecule or sequence of a mutation, change or alteration in a protein and hence is also known as a mutant, e.g., a protein mutant, mutein. Consequently, an “IL2 mutein” is an IL2 mutant. In some embodiments an IL2 mutein is a variant of wild type IL2 protein, where the wildtype IL2 consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 8299. In some aspects, it refers to an IL2 variant which binds to and activates only cells expressing IL2Rαβγ, but does not significantly bind to or activate cell expressing only IL2Rβγ. In some examples, an IL2 mutein may be an IL2 protein in which residues of IL2 responsible for binding to either IL2Rβ or IL2Rγ are substituted and abolish their interaction. In other examples, an IL2 mutein may be an IL2 protein comprising mutations conferring high affinity for IL2Rα. An IL2 mutein may be an IL2 selective agonist (IL2 SA ) which can preferentially activate the high affinity IL2 receptor (i.e., IL2Rαβγ) which is necessary to selectively activate T cells with respect to NK cells. In some embodiments, the IL2 mutein may be IL2 protein which preferentially binds to the lower affinity IL2Rβγ but with reduced affinity to CD25.

In some embodiments, IL2 muteins may be used to preferentially expand or stimulate Treg cells. As used herein “preferentially expand or stimulate Treg cells” means the IL2 muteins promote the proliferation, survival, activation and/or function of T regulatory cells.

Exemplary IL2 muteins may include, but are not limited to, N88R substitution (Shanafelt et al., Nature Biotech., 2000, 18:1197-1202), an IL2 with a V91K substitution (e.g., US Patent publication NO. US20140286898); V91K substitution, C125A substitution, an IL2 with three mutations: V69A, N71R, Q74P; an IL2 mutein with high affinity for IL2Rα (N29S, Y31H, K35R, T37A, K48E, V69A, N71R, Q74P); an IL2 mutein with high affinity for IL2Rα and reduced signaling activity (N29S, Y31H, K35R, T37A, K48E, V69A, N71R, Q74P, N88D), and D20H, D201, N88G, N88I, N88R, and Q126L substitutions as described in PCT application NO. 1999060128; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In other aspects, IL2 muteins may include those described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,518,584; 5,116,943; 5,206,344; 6,955,807; 7,105,653; 7,371,371; 7,803,361; 8,124,066; 8,349,311; 8,759,486; and 9,206,243; PCT patent publication NOs: WO2005086751 and WO2012088446; EP Pat. NOs: EP0234599 and EP0200280 and Sim, G. C. et al. (2016) Cancer Immunol Res; 4(11):983-994; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In some aspects, the IL2 mutein may be fused to a polypeptide that extends the serum half-life of the IL2 mutein, such as an IgG Fc fragment. Preferred Fc regions are derived from human IgG, which includes IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4. In other aspects, the payload of the invention may be an IL2 fusion protein comparing a second functional polypeptide. In a non-limiting example, an IL2 fusion protein may comprise an IL2 or IL2 mutein polypeptide fused with a pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family polypeptide (such as Bad, Bik/Nbk, Bid, Bim/Bod, Hrk, Bak or Bax); such fusion protein may be capable of inhibiting cell survival, inhibiting cell proliferation, or enhancing cell death or apoptosis of a target cell expressing an IL2 receptor. Alternatively, an IL2 or IL2 mutein polypeptide may be fused with an anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family polypeptide (such as Bcl-x L , Bcl-w or Bcl-2). The fusion protein may be capable of enhancing cell survival, enhancing cell proliferation, or inhibiting cell death or apoptosis of a target cell expressing an IL2 receptor. See, e.g., US patent publication NO.: US2016/0229901.

In addition, the IL2 fusion protein may be a IL2-GMCSF fusion protein which can promote cell-cell interaction; therefore, enhances anti-cancer immune responses (Wen et al., J. Translational Med., 2016, 14: 41).

In one embodiment, the payload of the invention may comprise IL12. IL12 is a heterodimeric protein of two subunits (p35, p40) that is secreted by antigen presenting cells, such as macrophages and dendritic cells. IL12 is type 1 cytokine that acts on natural killer (NK) cells, macrophages, CD8 + Cytotoxic T cells, and CD4 + T helper cells through STAT4 pathway to induce IFN γ production in these effector immune cells (reviewed by Trinchieri G, Nat Rev Immunol. 2003; 3(2): 133-146). IL12 can promote the cytotoxic activity of NK cells and CD8 + T cells, therefore has anti-tumor function. Intravenous injection of recombinant IL12 exhibited modest clinical efficacy in a handful of patients with advanced melanoma and renal cell carcinoma (Gollob et al., Clin. Cancer Res. 2000; 6(5):1678-1692). IL12 has been used as an adjuvant to enhance cytotoxic immunity using a melanoma antigen vaccine, or using peptide pulsed peripheral blood mononuclear cells; and to promote NK cell activity in breast cancer with trastuzumab treatment. Local delivery of IL12 to the tumor microenvironment promotes tumor regression in several tumor models. These studies all indicate that locally increased IL12 level can promote anti-tumor immunity. One major obstacle of systemic or local administration of recombinant IL12 protein, or through oncolytic viral vectors is the severe side effects when IL12 is presented at high level. Developing a system that tightly controls IL12 level may provide a safe use of IL12 in cancer treatment.

In one aspect, the effector module of the invention may be a DD-IL12 fusion polypeptide. This regulatable DD-IL12 fusion polypeptide may be directly used as an immunotherapeutic agent or be transduced into an immune effector cell (T cells and TIL cells) to generate modified T cells with greater in vivo expansion and survival capabilities for adoptive cell transfer. The need for harsh preconditioning regimens in current adoptive cell therapies may be minimized using regulated IL12; DD-IL12 may be utilized to modify tumor microenvironment and increase persistence in solid tumors that are currently refractory to tumor antigen targeted therapy. In some embodiments, CAR expressing T cells may be armored with DD regulated IL12 to relieve immunosuppression without systemic toxicity.

In some embodiments, the IL12 may be a Flexi IL12, wherein both p35 and p40 subunits, are encoded by a single cDNA that produces a single chain polypeptide. In one embodiment, the IL12 may comprise p40 subunit, which includes amino acids 23-328 of wildtype IL12B and comprise the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 8302 (encoded by SEQ ID NO. 8303-8312) and a p35 subunit, which includes amino acids 57-253 of wildtype IL12A and comprise the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 8313 (encoded by SEQ ID NO. 8314-8323). Any portion of IL12 that retains one or more functions of full length or mature IL12 may be useful in the present invention.

In some embodiments, DD regulated IL12 compositions of the invention may be utilized to minimize the cytotoxicity associated with systemic L12 administration. Treatment with IL12 has been associated with systemic flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, fatigue, arthromyalgia, headache), toxic effects on the bone marrow, and liver. Hematologic toxicity observed most commonly included neutropenia and thrombocytopenia; hepatic dysfunction manifested in transient (dose dependent) increase in transaminases, hyperbilirubinemia and hypoalbuminemia. In some instances, toxicity is also associated with inflammation of the mucus membranes (oral mucositis, stomatitis or colitis). These toxic effects of IL12 were related to the secondary production of IFNγ, TNF alpha, and chemokines such as IP 10, and MIG. In certain aspects of the invention, DD regulated IL12 may be utilized to prevent the toxic effects associated with elevated production of secondary messengers. In some embodiments, DD regulated Flexi-IL12 constructs may be used to improve the efficacy of the CARs, especially in solid tumor settings, by providing a controlled local signal for tumor microenvironment remodeling and epitope spreading. DD regulation also provides rapid, dose dependent, and local production of Flexi IL12.

The format of the IL12 constructs utilized as payload of the present invention may be optimized. In one embodiment, the payload of the invention may be a bicistronic IL12 containing p40 and p35 subunits separated by an internal ribosome entry site or a cleavage site such as P2A or Furin to allow independent expression of both subunits from a single vector. This results in a configuration of secreted IL12 that is more akin to the naturally occurring IL12 than the flexi IL12 construct, the payload of the invention may be the p40 subunit of the IL12. DD regulated p40 may be co-expressed with constitutive p35 construct to generate “regulatable IL12” expression. Alternatively, the DD regulated p40 may heterodimerize with the endogenous p35. p40 has been shown to stabilize p35 expression and stimulate the export of p35 (Jalah R, et al. (2013). Journal of Biol. Chem. 288, 6763-6776 (the contents of which are incorporated by reference in its entirety).

In some embodiments, modified forms of IL12 may be utilized as the payload. These modified forms of IL12 may be engineered to have shortened half-life in vivo compared to the non-modified form of especially when used in combination with tunable systems described herein.

Human flexi IL12 has a reported half-life of 5-19 hours which, when administered as a therapeutic compound, can result in systemic cytotoxicity (Car et al. (1999) The Toxicology of Interleukin-12: A Review” Toxicologic Path. 27 A, 58-63; Robertson et al. (1999) “Immunological Effects of Interleukin 12 Administered by Bolus Intravenous Injection to Patients with Cancer” Clin. Cancer Res. 5:9-16; Atkins et al. (1997) “Phase I Evaluation of Intravenous Recombinant Human Interleukin 12 in Patients with Advance Malignancies” Clin. Cancer Res. 3:409-417). The ligand inducible control of IL12 can regulate production in a dose dependent fashion, the time from cessation of ligand dosing to cessation of protein synthesis and IL12 clearance may be insufficient to prevent toxic accumulation of IL12 in plasma.

In one embodiment, the modified form of IL12 utilized as the payload may be a Topo-sc IL12 which have the configuration as follows from N to C terminus (i) a first IL12 p40 domain (p40N), (ii) an optional first peptide linker, (iii) an IL12 p35 domain, (iv) an optional second peptide linker, and (v) a second IL12 p40 domain (p40C). In one embodiment, modified topo sc IL12 polypeptides exhibit increased susceptibility to proteolysis. Topo-sc IL12 is described in International Patent Publication No. WO2016048903; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

IL12 polypeptide may also be modified (e.g. genetically, synthetically, or recombinantly engineered) to increase susceptibility to proteinases to reduce the biologically active half-life of the IL12 complex, compared to a corresponding IL12 lacking proteinases susceptibility. Proteinase susceptible forms of IL12 are described in International Patent Publication No. WO2017062953; the contents of which are incorporated by reference in its entirety.

IL12 systemic toxicity may also be limited or tightly controlled via mechanisms involving tethering IL12 to the cell surface to limit its therapeutic efficacy to the tumor site. Membrane tethered IL12 forms have been described previously using Glycosyl phosphatidylinositol (GPI) signal peptide or using CD80 transmembrane domain (Nagarajan S, et al. (2011) J Biomed Mater Res A. 99(3):410-7; Bozeman E N, et al. (2013) Vaccine. 7; 31(20):2449-56; Wen-Yu Pan et al. (2012), Mol. Ther. 20:5, 927-937; the contents of each of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety). In some embodiments, transmembrane domains may be selected from any of those described in Table 13, Table 14, and Table 15.

In some embodiments, the IL12 levels secreted by the immune cells of the invention may approximately be comparable to the IL12 levels secreted by human myeloid dendritic cells (mDC1), when activated with TLR agonists. In one embodiment, the TLR agonist may be the combination of lipopolysaccharide administered with R848.

In some embodiments, the IFN gamma secreted by IL12 induced activation of the immune cells is at least 5-fold greater in the presence of ligand, compared to the levels in the absence of ligand.

In some embodiments, regulation of IL12 provides the necessary safety switch. In some embodiments, IL-12 secretion recruit and/or activates effector cells in the tumor microenvironment. In some embodiments, the IL12 regulation provides a benefit to CAR T function without causing toxicity.

In one embodiment, the payload of the invention may comprise IL15. Interleukin 15 is a potent immune stimulatory cytokine and an essential survival factor for T cells, and Natural Killer cells. Preclinical studies comparing IL2 and IL15, have shown than IL15 is associated with less toxicity than IL2. In some embodiments, the effector module of the invention may be a DD-IL15 fusion polypeptide. IL15 polypeptide may also be modified to increase its binding affinity for the IL15 receptor. For example, the asparagine may be replaced by aspartic acid at position 72 of IL15 (SEQ ID NO. 2 of US patent publication US20140134128A1; the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety). In some aspects, the IL15 comprises amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 8234 (encoded by SEQ ID NO. 8236), which include amino acids 49-162 of wildtype IL15. In some embodiments the IL15 sequence may include a stop codon and may be encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO.8235, and 8237-8238.

A unique feature of IL15 mediated activation is the mechanism of trans-presentation in which IL15 is presented as a complex with the alpha subunit of IL15 receptor (IL15Ra) that binds to and activates membrane bound IL15 beta/gamma receptor, either on the same cell or a different cell. The IL15/IL15Ra complex is more effective in activating IL15 signaling, than IL15 by itself. Thus, in some embodiments, the effector module of the invention may include a DD-IL15/IL15Ra fusion polypeptide. In one embodiment, the payload may be IL15/IL15Ra fusion polypeptide described in US Patent Publication NO.: US20160158285A1 (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). The IL15 receptor alpha comprises an extracellular domain called the sushi domain which contains most of the structural elements necessary for binding to IL15. Thus, in some embodiments, payload may be the IL15/IL15Ra sushi domain fusion polypeptide described in US Patent Publication NO.: US20090238791A1 (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

Regulated IL15/IL15Ra may be used to promote expansion, survival and potency of CD8T EM cell populations without impacting regulatory T cells, NK cells and TIL cells. In one embodiment, DD-IL15/IL15Ra may be utilized to enhance CD19 directed T cell therapies in B cell leukemia and lymphomas. In one aspect, IL15/IL15Ra may be used as payload of the invention to reduce the need for pre-conditioning regimens in current CAR-T treatment paradigms.

The effector modules containing DD-IL15, DD-IL15/IL15Ra and/or DD-IL15/IL15Ra sushi domain may be designed to be secreted (using e.g. IL2 signal sequence) or membrane bound (using e.g. IgE or CD8a signal sequence).

In some embodiments, the IFN gamma secreted by IL15 induced activation of the immune cells is at least 10-fold greater in the presence of ligand, compared to the levels in the absence of ligand.

In some embodiments, regulation of IL15-IL15Ra fusion proteins provides a safety switch as compared to constitutively expressed IL15-IL15Rα. In some embodiments, IL15-IL15Ra leads to better expansion, and/or persistence of CAR T cells.

In some aspects, the DD-IL115/IL15Ra comprises the amino acid sequences provided in Table 18. In some embodiments, the linker utilized in Table 18 may be SG linker. In Table 18, asterisk indicates the translation of the stop codon. In some embodiments, the DDs described in Table 18 may contain an additional stop codon. As used herein the wildtype (WT) of IL15 refers to Uniprot ID: P40933 and wildtype (WT) of IL15Ra refers to UniProt ID: Q13261. Table 18 also provides alternate aliases for a given construct ID. These aliases are identified by the prefix OT.

In some embodiments, the sequences described in Table 18, may contain an additional stop codon. For example, the construct “hPDE5 (Amino acid 535-860 of WT, R732L); stop” may be encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 8362, and the construct “hPDE5 (Amino acid 535-860 of WT, R732L, F736A); stop” may be encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 8363.

In one embodiment, the payload of the present invention may comprise IL18. IL18 is a proinflammatory and immune regulatory cytokine that promotes IFNγ production by T and NK cells. IL18 belongs to the IL1 family. Secreted L18 binds to a heterodimer receptor complex, consisting of IL18Rα and β-chains and initiates signal transduction. IL18 acts in concert with other cytokines to modulate immune system functions, including induction of IFN γ production, Th1 responses, and NK cell activation in response to pathogen products. IL18 showed anti-cancer effects in several tumors. Administration of recombinant IL18 protein or IL18 transgene induces melanoma or sarcoma regression through the activation of CD4 + T and/or NK cell-mediated responses (reviewed by Srivastava et al., Curr. Med. Chem., 2010, 17: 3353-3357). The combination of IL18 with other cytokines, such as IL12 or co-stimulatory molecules (e.g., CD80) increases IL18 anti-tumor effects. For example, IL18 and IL12A/B or CD80 genes have been integrated successfully in the genome of oncolytic viruses, with the aim to trigger synergistically T cell-mediated anti-tumor immune responses (Choi et al., Gene Ther., 2011, 18: 898-909). IL2/IL18 fusion proteins also display enhanced anti-tumor properties relative to either cytokine alone and low toxicity in preclinical models (Acres et al., Cancer Res., 2005, 65:9536-9546).

IL18 alone, or in combination of IL12 and IL15, activates NK cells. Preclinical studies have demonstrated that adoptively transferred IL12, IL15 and L 18 pre-activated NK cells display enhanced effector function against established tumors in vivo (Ni et al., J Exp Med. 2012, 209: 2351-2365; and Romee et al., Blood. 2012, 120:4751-4760). Human IL12/IL15/IL18 activated NK cells also display memory-like features and secrete more IFN γ in response to cytokines (e.g., low concentration of IL2). In one embodiment, the effector module of the present invention may be a DD-IL18 fusion polypeptide.

In one embodiment, the payload of the present invention may comprise IL21. IL21 is another pleiotropic type I cytokine that is produced mainly by T cells and natural killer T (NKT) cells. IL21 has diverse effects on a variety of cell types including but not limited to CD4 + and CD8 + T cells, B cells, macrophages, monocytes, and dendritic cells (DCs). The functional receptor for IL21 is composed of IL21 receptor (IL21R) and the common cytokine receptor gamma chain, which is also a subunit of the receptors for IL2, IL4, IL7, IL9 and IL15. Studies provide compelling evidence that IL21 is a promising immunotherapeutic agent for cancer immunotherapy. IL21 promotes maturation, enhances cytotoxicity, and induces production of IFN γ and perforin by NK cells. These effector functions inhibit the growth of B16 melanoma (Kasaian et al., Immunity. 2002, 16(4):559-569; and Brady et al., J Immunol. 2004, 172(4):2048-2058). IL21 together with IL15 expands antigen-specific CD8 + T-cell numbers and their effector function, resulting in tumor regression (Zeng et al., J Exp Med. 2005, 201(1): 139-148). IL21 may also be used to rejuvenate multiple immune effector cells in the tumor microenvironment. IL21 may also directly induce apoptosis in certain types of lymphoma such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells, via activation of STAT3 or STAT1 signal pathway. IL21, alone or in combination with anti-CD20 mAb (rituximab) can activate NK cell-dependent cytotoxic effects. Interestingly, discovery of the immunosuppressive actions of IL21 suggests that this cytokine is a “double-edged sword”-IL21 stimulation may lead to either the induction or suppression of immune responses. Both stimulatory and suppressive effects of IL21 must be considered when using IL21-related immunotherapeutic agents. The level of IL21 needs to be tightly controlled by regulatory elements. In one aspect, the effector module of the present invention may be a DD-IL21 fusion polypeptide.

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may comprise type I interferons. Type I interferons (IFNs-I) are soluble proteins important for fighting viral infection in humans. IFNs-I include IFN alpha subtypes (IFN α1, IFN α1b, IFN α1c), IFN beta, IFN delta subtypes (IFN delta 1, IFN delta 2, IFN delta 8), IFN gamma, IFN kappa, and IFN epsilon, IFN lambda, IFN omega, IFN tau and IFN zeta. IFN α and IFN β are the main IFN I subtypes in immune responses. All subtypes of IFN I signal through a unique heterodimeric receptor, interferon alpha receptor (IFNAR), composed of 2 subunits, IFNAR1 and IFNAR2. IFNR activation regulates the host response to viral infections and in adaptive immunity. Several signaling cascades can be activated by IFNR, including the Janus activated kinase-signal transducer and activation of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway, the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, the v-crk sarcoma virus CT10 oncogene homolog (avian)-like (CRKL) pathway, and NF-κB cascade. It has long been established that type I IFNs directly inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells and virus-infected cells, and increase MHC class I expression, enhancing antigen recognition. IFNs-I have also proven to be involved in immune system regulation. IFNs can either directly, through interferon receptor (IFNR), or indirectly by the induction of chemokines and cytokines, regulate the immune system. Type I IFNs enhance NK cell functions and promote survival of NK cells. Type I IFNs also affect monocytes, supporting the differentiation of monocytes into DC with high capacity for antigen presentation, and stimulate macrophage function and differentiation. Several studies also demonstrate that IFNs-I promote CD8 + T cell survival and functions. In some instances, it may be desirable to tune the expression of Type I IFNs using biocircuits of the present invention to avoid immunosuppression caused by long-term treatment with IFNs.

New anticancer immunotherapies are being developed that use recombinant type I IFN proteins, type I IFN transgene, type I IFN encoding vectors and type I IFN expressing cells. For example, IFN α has received approval for treatment of several neoplastic diseases, such as melanoma, RCC and multiple myeloma. Though type I IFNs are powerful tools to directly and indirectly modulate the functions of the immune system, side effects of systemic long-term treatments and lack of sufficiently high efficacy have dampened the interest of IFN α for clinical use in oncology. It is believed that if IFN levels are tightly regulated at the malignant tissues, type I IFNs are likely more efficacious. Approaches for intermittent delivery are proposed according to the observation that intermittency at an optimized pace may help to avoid signaling desensitizing mechanisms (negative feedback mechanisms) induced by IFNs-I (i.e., because of SOCS1 induction) in the responding immune cells. In accordance with the present invention, the effector module may comprise a DD-IFN fusion polypeptide. The DD and its ligand control the expression of IFN to induce an antiviral and antitumor immune responses and in the meantime, to minimize the side effects caused by long-term exposure of IFN.

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may comprise members of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily. The term “TNF superfamily” as used herein refers to a group of cytokines that can induce apoptosis. Members of TNF family include TNF-alpha, TNF-beta (also known as lymphotoxin-alpha (LT-α)), lymphotoxin-beta (LT-β), CD40L(CD154), CD27L (CD70), CD30L(CD153), FASL(CD178), 4-1BBL (CD137L), OX40L, TRAIL (TNF-related apoptosis inducing ligand), APRIL (a proliferation-inducing ligand), TWEAK, TRANCE, TALL-1, GITRL, LIGHT and TNFSF1 to TNFSF20 (TNF ligand superfamily member 1 to 20). In one embodiment, the payload of the invention may be TNF-alpha. TNF-alpha can cause cytolysis of tumor cells, and induce cell proliferation differentiation as well. In one aspect, the effector module of the present invention may comprise a DD-TNF alpha fusion polypeptide.

In one embodiment, the payloads of the present invention may be cytokines fused to TNF alpha ectodomain. Such payloads are produced as membrane associated cytokines fused to the TNF ectodomain. In one embodiment, the cytokine may be shed from the cell surface by the action of membrane associated proteases, and/or proteases in the extracellular space e.g. MMP9. Any of the cytokines described herein may be useful in the present invention. Such cytokine-TNF scaffold constructs may be used to preserve the native sequence of the processed cytokine while preserving regulation.

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may comprise inhibitory molecules that block inhibitory cytokines. The inhibitors may be blocking antibodies specific to an inhibitory cytokine, and antagonists against an inhibitory cytokine, or the like.

In some aspects, payloads of the present invention may comprise an inhibitor of a secondary cytokine IL35. IL35 belongs to the interleukin-12 (IL12) cytokine family, and is a heterodimer composed of the IL27 β chain Ebi3 and the IL12 α chain p35. Secretion of bioactive IL35 has been described only in forkhead box protein 3 (Foxp3) + regulatory T cells (Tregs) (resting and activated Tregs). Unlike other membranes in the family, IL35 appears to function solely in an anti-inflammatory fashion by inhibiting effector T cell proliferation and perhaps other parameters (Collison et al., Nature, 2007, 450(7169): 566-569).

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may comprise inhibitors that block the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) subtypes (TGF-β1, TGF-β2 and TGF-β3). TGF-β is secreted by many cell types, including macrophages and is often complexed with two proteins LTBP and LAP. Serum proteinases such as plasmin catalyze the release of active TGF-β from the complex from the activated macrophages. It has been shown that an increase in expression of TGF-β correlates with the malignancy of many cancers. The immunosuppressive activity of TGF-β in the tumor microenvironment contributes to oncogenesis.

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may comprise inhibitors of IDO enzyme. In some embodiments, payloads fused to the DDs of the invention may be an inhibitor of an immunosuppressive molecule such as TGF-beta and IDO.

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may comprise chemokines and chemokine receptors. Chemokines are a family of secreted small cytokines, or signaling proteins that can induce directed chemotaxis in nearby responsive cells. The chemokine may be a SCY (small cytokine) selected from the group consisting of SCYA1-28 (CCL1-28), SCYB1-16 (CXCL1-16), SCYC1-2 (XCL1-2), SCYD-1 and SCYE-1; or a C chemokine selected from XCL1 and XCL2; or a CC chemokine selected from CCL1, CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, CCL6, CCL7, CCL8, CCL9, CCL10, CCL11, CCL12, CCL13, CCL14, CCL15, CCL16, CCL17, CCL18, CCL19, CCL20, CCL21, CCL22, CCL23, CCL24, CCL25, CCL26, CCL27 and CCL28; or a CXC chemokine selected from CXCL1, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL4, CXCL5, CXCL6, CXCL7, CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL12, CXCL13, CXCL14, CXCL15, CXCL16 and CXCL17; or a CX3C chemokine CX3CL1. In some aspects, the chemokine receptor may be a receptor for the C chemokines including XCR1; or a receptor for the CC chemokines including CCR1, CCR2, CCR3, CCR4, CCR5, CCR6, CCR7, CCR8, CCR9 and CCR10; or a receptor for the CXC chemokines including CXCR1, CXCR2, CXCR3, CXCR4 and CXCR5; or a CX3C chemokine receptor CX3CR1.

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may comprise other immunomodulators that play a critical role in immunotherapy, such as GM-CSF (Granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor), erythropoietin (EPO), MIP3a, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), macrophage colony stimulating factor (M-CSF), Interleukin-1 receptor activating kinase (iRAK-1), lactotransferrin, and granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF).

In some embodiments, the payload of the present invention may comprise Amphiregulin. Amphiregulin (AREG) is an EGF-like growth factor which binds to the EGFR receptor and enhances CD4+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) function. AREG promotes immune suppression in the tumor environment. Thus, in some embodiment, the payloads of the present invention may comprise Amhiregulin to dampen immune response during immunotherapy.

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may comprise fusion proteins wherein a cytokine, chemokine and/or other soluble factor may be fused to other biological molecules such as antibodies and or ligands for a receptor. Such fusion molecules may increase the half-life of the cytokines, reduce systemic toxicity, and increase local concentration of the cytokines at the tumor site. Fusion proteins containing two or more cytokines, chemokines and or other soluble factors may be utilized to obtain synergistic therapeutic benefits. In one embodiment, payload may be a GM-CSF/IL2 fusion protein.

In some embodiments, any of the hinge and transmembrane domains described herein may be used as a scaffold for soluble cytokine presentation. The cytokine may be operably linked to the CD8 hinge and transmembrane domain by a protease cleavage site. Cleavage at the cleavage site releases the cytokine from the cell surface membrane. In some aspects, the cytokine may be in a precursor form. Generation of the active form of the cytokine from the precursor form occurs via cleavage at the cleavage site. Any of the cytokines described herein may be engineered using the any of the hinge and transmembrane domains described herein as a scaffold.

7. Immune Regulators

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may comprise inhibitors (antagonists) of co-inhibitory molecules (e.g., immune checkpoint), including without limitation, PD-1, PD-L1, PD-L2, CTLA-4, TIM-3, VISTA, BTLA, TIGIT, LAIRA, CD160, 2B4 and TGFR. In some aspects, the inhibitor may be a blocking/antagonistic antibody or fragment thereof, as discussed previously, or a ligand of the co-inhibitory receptor.

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may comprise agonists of co-stimulatory molecules, including without limitation, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD40, OX40 (CD134), 4-1BB (CD137), CDS, ICAM-1, LFA-1 (CD11a/CD18), ICOS (CD278), GITR, BAFFR, HVEM, CD7, LIGHT, NKG2C, SLAMF7, NKp80, CD160, B7-H3 and CD83. As a non-limiting example, agonists of co-stimulatory molecule ICOS (CD278) may be an ICOS binding protein comprising an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 disclosed in International Patent Publication NO: WO2016120789; the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

In some aspects, the agonist of a co-stimulatory molecule may be an agonistic antibody or fragment thereof, as discussed previously; or a ligand of the co-stimulatory receptor; or any binding molecules that can enhance the biological activity of its target. For example, an agonistic ligand of OX40 may be OX40L (CD252). The OX40 ligand as used herein, includes the intact OX40 ligand, soluble OX40 ligand, fusion proteins including a functionally active portion of OX40 ligand covalently linked to a second moiety, e.g., a protein domain, and variants may be which vary in amino acid sequence from naturally occurring OX4L but which retain the ability to specifically bind to the OX40 receptor or even enhance the biological activity of OX40L.

In general, an agonist of a co-stimulatory molecule substantially enhances the biological activity of its target molecule, such as T cell activation. Desirably, the biological activity is enhanced by 10, 20, 30, 50, 70, 80, 90, 95, or even 100.

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may comprise immunomodulators including stress proteins and heat shock proteins (HSPs) that can integrate both innate and adaptive immune responses. They may also be other chaperones and adaptors that stimulate immune responses. As a non-limiting example, the payload of the present invention may be a fusion protein comprising an NF-KB-activating domain of Flagellin fused with an ATP-binding domain truncated glucose regulated protein 170 (Grp170) (See. US patent publication NO.: US2015/0315255; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). The fusion construct forms a secretable Grp170-Flagellin hybrid chaperone (Flagrp170) which can be used to stimulate anti-cancer immune responses.

In other embodiments, the payload of the present invention may comprise a STING (stimulator of interferon gene) protein, an adaptor molecule in the cytoplasm which, as a component of the host cytosolic surveillance pathway, activates the TANK binding kinase (TBK1)-IRF3 signaling axis, resulting in the induction of IFN β and other IRF-3 dependent gene products that strongly activate innate immunity, leading to the development of an adaptive immune response consisting of both antigen-specific CD4 + and CD8 + T cells as well as pathogen-specific antibodies.

Demaria et al. reported that enforced activation of a STING protein by intratumoral injection of cyclic dinucleotide GMP-AMP (cGAMP), an agonist of STING, can enhance antitumor CD8 + T cell responses leading to growth control of injected and contralateral tumors in mouse models of melanoma and colon cancer. The STING-dependent antitumor immunity was dependent on type I IFNs produced by endothelial cells in the tumor microenvironment (Demaria et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 2015, 112(5): 15408-15413). These studies demonstrate that STING contributes to anti-tumor immune responses via enhancement of type I IFN signaling in the tumor microenvironment. Biocircuits, effector modules comprising STING may be applied to the tumor microenvironment to enhance anti-tumor responses either alone or in combination with other immunotherapeutic agents of the invention.

In addition to STING proteins, payloads of the present invention may comprise PRRs (pattern recognition receptors) that are involved in sensing the infection of cells by viruses and microorganisms to activate innate immune inflammatory responses. Such PRRs include Toll like receptors (TLRs), RIG-I-like receptors (RLRs), NOD-like receptors (NLRs), and C-type lectin receptors (CLRs). The RLR family is a RNA sensing system that is comprised of retinoic acid inducible gene-like-I (RIG-1), melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5), and laboratory of genetics and physiology 2 (LGP2). RIG-1 recognizes relatively short dsRNA (up to 1 kb) whereas MDA5 detects long dsRNA (more than 2 kb) to activate synthesis of type I IFNs, including IFN α and IFN β (Wilkins et al., Curr Opin Immunol., 2010, 22: 41-47). RLRs activate downstream signaling proteins evoking type I IFN production. TLRs recognize distinct structures in microbes; often referred to as “PAMPs” (pathogen associated molecular patterns). Ligand binding to TLRs invokes a cascade of intra-cellular signaling pathways that induce the production of factors involved in inflammation and immunity such as pro-inflammatory cytokines, and chemokines, as well as CD4 + and CD8 + T cell activation. Among ten TLRs identified in human, TLRs-1, 2, 4, 5 and 6 are expressed in the cell surface, while TLR-3, -7/8, and -9 are expressed with the ER compartment. In some embodiments, payloads of the invention may be one of the PRRs, or agonists of PRRs.

8. Metabolic Factors/Metabolic Checkpoint

In some embodiments, immune cells such as T cells used for immunotherapy may be metabolically reprogrammed to enhance anti-tumor T cell responses. Metabolic activities are necessary to support immune cells, specifically T cells growth, expansion, differentiation and effector functions, upon activation through T cell receptor or CAR and co-stimulatory signals. Metabolic competition between cancer cells and infiltrating immune effector cells leads to T cell energy and dysfunction.

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may be modulators of glycolysis. The Warburg effect in cancer cells leads to the massive generation of lactic acid that can suppress T cell cytotoxic and effector functions. As a non-limiting example, immune cells for adoptive transfer may be modified to overexpress phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1), which increases PEP production in T cells. Increased production of the glycolytic metabolite phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) can repress sarco/ER Ca (2+)-ATPase (SERCA) activity, therefore sustaining T cell receptor-mediated Ca (2+)-NFAT signaling and effector functions (Ho et al, Cell, 2015, 162(6): 1217-1228).

In some embodiments, the payloads of the present invention may comprise of proteins involved in the OXPHOS pathway. For example, LEM (lymphocyte expansion molecule), a protein that can promote cytotoxic CD8 + T cell proliferation and effector function, and memory T cell generation in response to infection with lymphocyte choriomeningitis (CMV). LEM is part of a complex of CRIF 1 (CR6 interacting factor 1) that mediates the translation and insertion of OXPHOS (Oxidative phosphorylation) proteins into mitochondrial inner membrane, thereby regulates OXPHOS activity. Thus, LEM is a positive modulator of T cell metabolism (mitochondria respiratory levels) and expansion (Okoye et al., Science, 2015, 348(6238): 995-1001).

In some embodiments, the payloads of the present invention may be inhibitors of metabolic enzymes involved in amino acid regulation. Metabolic competition for between immune cells and tumor cells can lead to establishing and maintaining an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment due to T cell energy. Non-limiting examples include inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase and arginase I that can degrade extracellular arginine, or Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygense (IDO) that degrades tryptophan. Abrogation of these enzymes secreted by tumor cells and immune suppressive cells can promote antitumor immunity.

In other embodiments, payloads of the present invention may comprise proteins critical for de novo fatty acid and cholesterol biosynthesis. This may include proteins such as SREBP1 (also known as SREBF1), SREBP2 (SREBF2), HMGCR, HMGCS, FASN, ACACA and SQLE, and transport pathways, such as LDLR. Modulating cholesterol metabolism of cytotoxic CD8 + T cells may potentiate their anti-tumor effector function and proliferation. Cholesterol is a key component of membrane lipids, and has been shown that the increase in the plasma membrane cholesterol level of CD8 + T cells, enhances T-cell receptor clustering and signaling as well as more efficient formation of the immunological synapse (Molnar et al., J Biol Chem. 2012, 287:42664-42674). T cells used for adoptive transfer (e.g., anti-tumor CAR T cells) may be further engineered to express a protein that enhances cholesterol biosynthesis and/or transportation.

9. Safety Switch

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may comprise SRE regulated safety switches that can eliminate adoptively transferred cells in the case of severe toxicity, thereby mitigating the adverse effects of T cell therapy. Adoptively transferred T cells in immunotherapy may attack normal cells in response to normal tissue expression of TAA. Even on-tumor target activity of adoptively transferred T cells can result in toxicities such as tumor lysis syndrome, cytokine release syndrome and the related macrophage activation syndrome.

In one embodiment, the payloads of the present invention may eliminate the inappropriately activated cells by induction of apoptosis or by immunosurveillance have been developed in the art.

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may comprise inducible killer/suicide genes that acts as a safety switch. The killer/suicide gene when introduced into adoptively transferred immune cells, could control their alloreactivity. The killer/suicide gene may be an apoptotic gene (e.g., a caspase) which allows conditional apoptosis of the transduced cells by administration of a non-therapeutic ligand of the SRE (e.g., DD).

In some embodiments, the payload of the present invention may include Caspase 9. In some instances, Caspase 9 may be modified to have low basal expression and lacking the caspase recruitment domain (CARD) (SEQ ID NO.: 26 and SEQ ID NO.: 28 of U.S. Pat. No. 9,434,935B2; the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety).

In one embodiment, the payload of the present invention is a suicide gene system, iCasp9/Chemical induced dimerization (CID) system which consists of a polypeptide derived from the Caspase9 gene fused to a drug binding domain derived from the human FK506 protein. Administration of bioinert, small molecule AP1903(rimiducid), induces cross linking of the drug binding domains and dimerization of the fusion protein and in turn the dimerization of Caspase 9. This results in the activation of downstream effector Caspase 3 and subsequent induction of cellular apoptosis (Straathof et al., Blood, 2005, 105: 4247-4254; incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). Preclinical trials using CART including an iCasp9 gene have shown effective elimination of CAR T cells in vivo in mouse models and demonstrate the potential efficacy of this approach. (Budde et al, Plos One, 2013, 8: e82742.10.1371; Hoyos et al., Leukemia, 2010; 24(6):1160-1170). In one embodiment, the payload of the invention may comprise Caspase9. In one aspect, the effector module of the invention may be a DD-Caspase9 fusion polypeptide. In some embodiments, the payload of the invention may be full length Caspase 9 (SEQ ID NO. 8364, encoded by SEQ ID No. 8365, 8366) or caspase 9 delta CD (SEQ ID NO. 8367, encoded by SEQ ID No. 8368). The Caspases 9 sequences described herein may optionally include a stop codon at the C terminal of the sequence.

In some instances, the iCasp9/CID system has been shown to have a basal rate of dimerization even in the absence of rimiducid, resulting in unintended cell death. Regulating the expression levels of iCasp9/CID is critical for maximizing the efficacy of iCasp9/CID system. Biocircuits of the present invention and/or any of their components may be utilized in regulating or tuning the iCasp9/CID system in order to optimize its utility. Other examples of proteins used in dimerization-induced apoptosis paradigm may include, but are not limited to Fas receptor, the death effector domain of Fas-associated protein, FADD, Caspase 1, Caspase 3, Caspase 7 and Caspase 8. (Belshaw P. J. et al, Chem Biol., 996, 3:731-738; MacCorkle R. A. et al, Proc Natl Acad Sci, 1998, 95:3655-3660; Spencer, D. M. et al., Curr Biol. 1996; 6:839-847; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

In some embodiments, the safety switch of the present invention may comprise a metabolic enzyme, such as herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) and cytosine deaminase (CD). HSV-TK phosphorylates nucleoside analogs, including acyclovir and ganciclovir (GCV) to generate triphosphate form of nucleosides. When incorporated into DNA, it leads to chain termination and cell death. Unlike the mammalian thymidine kinase, HSV-TK is characterized by 1000-fold higher affinity to nucleoside analogs such as GCV, making it suitable for use as a suicide gene in mammalian cells. Cytosine deaminase (CD) can converts 5-fluorocytosine (5-FC) into the cytotoxic 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) (Tiraby et al., FEMS Lett., 1998, 167: 41-49).

In some embodiments, the safety switch of the present invention may comprise a CYP4B1 mutant (as suicide gene), which may be co-expressed in a CAR engineered T cells (Roellecker et al., Gen Ther., 2016, May 19, doi: 10.1038/gt.2016.38.).

In some embodiments, the payload of the present invention may comprise a fusion construct that can induce cell death, for example, a polypeptide with the formula of St-R1-S1-Q-S2-R2, wherein the St is a stalk sequence, R1/2 and Q are different epitopes; and S1/2 are optional spacer sequences (See, International patent publication NO.: WO2013/153391; the content of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

In some embodiments, safety switch may be mediated by therapeutic antibodies which specifically bind to an antigen that is expressed in the plasma membrane of adoptively transferred cells. The antigen-antibody interaction allows cell removal after administration of a specific monoclonal antibody against the antigen. As non-limiting examples, payloads of the present invention may comprise the antigen and antibody pair used to mediate safety switch such as CD20 and anti-CD20 antibody (Griffioen et al., Haematologica, 2009, 94:1316-1320), a protein tag and anti-tag antibody (Kieback et al., Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A., 2008, 105: 623-628), a compact suicide gene (RQR8) combining epitopes from CD34 (as a marker moiety) and CD20 (as a suicide moiety) which enables CD34 selection, cell tracking, as well as cell deletion after anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody administration (Philip et al., Blood, 2014, 124: 1277-1287); truncated human EGFR polypeptide and anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody (Wang et al., Blood, 2011, 118:1255-1263); and a compact polypeptide safety switch having a structural formula as discussed in U. S Patent Application Publication NO: 2015/0093401; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

10. Regulatory Switch

The utility of adoptive cell therapy (ACT) has been limited by the high incidence of graft versus host disease (GVHD). GVHD occurs when adoptively transferred T cells elicit an immune response resulting in host tissue damage. Recognition of host antigens by the graft cells triggers a proinflammatory cytokine storm cascade that signifies acute GVHD. GVHD is characterized as an imbalance between the effector and the regulatory arms of the immune system. In some embodiments, the payloads of the present invention may be used as regulatory switches. As used herein “regulatory switch” refers proteins, which when expressed in target cells increase tolerance to the graft by enhancing the regulatory arm of the immune system.

In one embodiment, regulatory switches may include payloads that preferentially promote the expansion of regulatory T (Treg cells). Tregs are a distinct population of cells that are positively selected on high affinity ligands in the thymus and play an important role in the tolerance to self-antigens. In addition, T regs have also been shown to play a role in peripheral tolerance to foreign antigens. Since Tregs promote immune tolerance, expansion of Tregs with the compositions of the invention may be desirable to limit GVHD.

In some embodiments, the regulatory switch may include, but is not limited to T regs activation factors such NFκB, FOXO, nuclear receptor Nr4a, Retinoic acid receptor alpha, NFAT, AP-1 and SMAD. Such factors can result in the expression of Fork headbox P3 (FOXP3) in T cells resulting in the activation of the regulatory T cell program and the expansion of T cells.

In one embodiment, the regulatory switch may be FOXP3, a transcriptional regulator in T cells. A function of FOXP3 is to suppress the function of NFAT, which leads to the suppression of expression of many genes including IL2 and effector T-cell cytokines. FOXP3 acts also as a transcription activator for genes such as CD2S, Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Antigen 4 (CTLA4), glucocorticoid-induced TNF receptor family gene (GITR) and folate receptor 4. FOXP3 also inhibits the differentiation of IL17 producing helper T-cells (Th17) by antagonizing RORC (RAR related orphan receptor C). Isoforms of FOXP3 lacking exon2 (FOXP3 delta 2), or exon 7 (FOXP3 delta 7) may also be used as regulatory switches. In one aspect, the effector module of the invention may be a DD-FOXP3 fusion polypeptide. FOXP3 may be a full length FOXP3 (SEQ ID NO. 8369, encoded by SEQ ID NO. 8370); or FOXP3 (amino acid 2-431 of WT) (SEQ ID NO.8371, encoded by SEQ ID NO. 8372), delta 2 FOXP3 (SEQ ID NO. 8373, encoded by SEQ ID NO. 8374); or FOXP3 delta (amino acid 2-396 of WT) (SEQ ID NO. 8375, encoded by SEQ ID NO. 8376).

11. Homing Receptors

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may comprise homing receptors that guide immunotherapeutic cells to different anatomical compartments, such as designated tumor sites. For example, T cells expressing a chimeric antigen receptor may be further modified to express a homing receptor that is not normally expressed by the T cell. As used herein, the term “homing receptor” is a receptor that guides a cell expressing the receptor to a designated organ, a particular tissue, or a particular type of cell. Such trafficking receptors favor T cell accumulation in certain target organs. In some embodiments, the homing receptors of the present invention may be adhesion molecules. In other embodiments, the homing receptors of the invention may be chemokine receptors which mediate chemotaxis to chemokines. As non-limiting examples, a homing receptor may be a B cell zone homing receptor such as CXCR5; T cell zone homing receptor such as CXCR7; a gastrointestinal homing receptor such as CCR9 and integrin α4β7 (also known as lymphocyte Peyer patch adhesion molecule); a skin homing receptor such as CLA (cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen receptor), CCR4, CCR8 and CCR10 (See, e.g., International Patent Publication NO.: WO2016025454; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). Other homing receptors include, without limitation, CXCR2 and CXCR1 which redirect chemokine receptor modified tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes to melanoma tumor (Idorn et al., Methods Mol. Biol., 2016, 1428: 261-276; and Sapoznik et al., Cancer Immunol Immunother., 2012, 61(10): 1833-1847); CCR2 which, when expressed by CD8 + T cells, can home modified CD8 + T cells to the site of prostate cancer in which the CCL2 (a CCR2 ligand) expression is increased (Garetto et al., Oncotarget, 2016, May 10. doi: 10.18632/oncotarget.9280); and CD103 as an intestinal homing receptor.

12. Immune Signaling

Treatment with immunotherapeutic agents may induce immune cell signaling, leading to the activation of cell-type specific immune activities, ultimately resulting in an immune response. In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may be immune signaling biomolecules used to achieve exogenous control of signaling pathways. Exemplary immune signaling biomolecules include transcription factors such as Nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) (e.g., NFAT, NFAT2, NFAT3 and NFAT 4), Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NFκB), Signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT), Activator protein-1 (AP-1), Rel, Fos, and Jun; kinases such as Janus Kinase (JAK), Extracellullar signal-regulated kinases (ERK), Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPK), Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Phsophoinositide-dependent kinase (PDK), Protein kinase B (PKB), IkB kinase (IKK), Calcium/Calmodulin dependent kinase (CaMK); and other signaling molecules such as Ras, Cbl, Calmodulin (CaM), Calpain, and IkkB kinase.

In one embodiment, the payloads of the present invention may be administered in conjunction with inhibitors of SHP-1 and/or SHP-2. The tyrosine-protein phosphatase SHP1 (also known as PTPN6) and SHP2 (also known as PTPN11) are involved in the Programmed Cell Death (PD1) inhibitory signaling pathway. The intracellular domain of PD1 contains an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) and an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based switch motif (ITSM). ITSM has been shown to recruit SHP-1 and 2. This generates negative costimulatory micro clusters that induce the dephosphorylation of the proximal TCR signaling molecules, thereby resulting in suppression of T cell activation, which can lead to T cell exhaustion. In one embodiment, inhibitors of SHP-1 and 2 may include expressing dominant negative versions of the proteins in T cells, TILs or other cell types to relieve exhaustion. Such mutants can bind to the endogenous, catalytically active proteins, and inhibit their function. In one embodiment, the dominant negative mutant of SHP-1 and/or SHP-2 lack the phosphatase domain required for catalytic activity. In some embodiments, any of the dominant negative SHP-1 mutants taught Bergeron S et al. (2011). Endocrinology. 2011 December; 152(12):4581-8; Dustin J B et al. (1999) J Immunol. March 1; 162(5):2717-24; Berchtold S (1998) Mol Endocrinol. April; 12(4):556-67 and Schram et al. (2012) Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol. 1; 302(1):H231-43; may be useful in the invention (the contents of each of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety).

13. Oncolytic Viruses

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may comprise oncolytic viruses or any components of oncolytic viruses. In some embodiments, the payload may be oncolytic viruses or components that have been genetically modified oncolytic viruses for use in oncolytic virotherapy. As used herein, the term “virotherapy” refers to a therapeutic use of oncolytic viruses (replication competent viruses) to attack and destroy cancer cells. Oncolytic viruses refer to those viruses that are able to eliminate malignancies by direct targeting and killing of cancer cells within the tumor, without causing harm to normal tissues. Exemplary oncolytic viruses and genetically engineered oncolytic viruses with cancer specific tropism may include Arvoviruses, Adenoviruses, Coxsackie viruses, Herpes Simplex Viruses (HSVs), Measles, Mumps viruses, Moloney leukemia viruses, Myxovirus, Newcastle Disease Viruses, Reoviruses, Rhabdovirus, Vesticular Stomatic Viruses, and Vaccinia Viruses (VV). It may also be chimeric viruses with increased oncolytic potential such as an adeno-parvovirus chimera in U.S. Pat. No. 9,441,246. The oncolytic viruses may be modified to be less susceptible to immune suppression while more specifically targeting particular classes of cancer cells, or be modified to insert and express cancer-suppressing transgenes. Modifications to the oncolytic virus may also be made to improve replicative potential of the virus, increase viral titers, and/or enhance the range cancer cells that can be infected by the virus. Examples of modified oncolytic viruses that may be used as payload include U.S. Pat. No. 8,282,917B2, International Patent Publication NO.: WO2011070440, WO2004078206A1, WO2016144564, WO2016119052, WO2009111892; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may be one or more coat proteins of the viruses, inserted transgenes, other factors that can increase intratumoral virus replication and the combinations.

In some instance, two or more oncolytic viruses may also be used as payload within the same SRE or in two or more SREs to achieve synergistic killing of target cancer cells as described in International Patent Publication NO.: WO2010020056 (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

14. Genomic Editing Systems

In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may be components of gene editing systems including a CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats), CRISPR enzyme (Cas9), CRISPR-Cas9 or CRISPR system and CRISPR-CAS9 complex. It may also be other genomic editing systems, such as Zinc finger nucleases, TALEN (Transcription activator-like effector-based nucleases) and meganucleases.

Additional Features

The effector module of the present invention may further comprise a signal sequence which regulates the distribution of the payload, a cleavage and/or processing feature which facilitate cleavage of the payload from the effector module construct, a targeting and/or penetrating signal which can regulate the cellular localization of the effector module, and/or one or more linker sequences which link different components (e.g. a DD and a payload) of the effector module. In some embodiments, the effector module may further comprise of one or more additional features such as linker sequences (with specific sequences and lengths), cleavage sites, regulatory elements (that regulate expression of the protein of interest such as microRNA targeting sites), signal sequences that lead the effector module to a specific cellular or subcellular location, penetrating sequences, or tags and biomarkers for tracking the effector module.

1. Signal Sequences

In addition to the SRE (e.g., DD) and payload region, effector modules of the invention may further comprise one or more signal sequences. Signal sequences (sometimes referred to as signal peptides, targeting signals, target peptides, localization sequences, transit peptides, leader sequences or leader peptides) direct proteins (e.g., the effector module of the present invention) to their designated cellular and/or extracellular locations. Protein signal sequences play a central role in the targeting and translocation of nearly all secreted proteins and many integral membrane proteins.

A signal sequence is a short (5-30 amino acids long) peptide present at the N-terminus of the majority of newly synthesized proteins that are destined towards a particular location. Signal sequences can be recognized by signal recognition particles (SRPs) and cleaved using type I and type II signal peptide peptidases. Signal sequences derived from human proteins can be incorporated as a regulatory module of the effector module to direct the effector module to a particular cellular and/or extracellular location. These signal sequences are experimentally verified and can be cleaved (Zhang et al., Protein Sci. 2004, 13:2819-2824).

In some embodiments, a signal sequence may be, although not necessarily, located at the N-terminus or C-terminus of the effector module, and may be, although not necessarily, cleaved off the desired effector module to yield a “mature” payload, i.e., an immunotherapeutic agent as discussed herein.

In some examples, a signal sequence may be a secreted signal sequence derived from a naturally secreted protein, and its variant thereof. In some instances, the secreted signal sequences may be cytokine signal sequences such as, but not limited to, IL2 signal sequence comprising amino acid of SEQ ID NO. 261 (encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 262-265), and/or p40 signal sequence comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO. 266 (encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 267-275).

In some instances, signal sequences directing the payload to the surface membrane of the target cell may be used. Expression of the payload on the surface of the target cell may be useful to limit the diffusion of the payload to non-target in vivo environments, thereby potentially improving the safety profile of the payloads. Additionally, the membrane presentation of the payload may allow for physiologically and qualitative signaling as well as stabilization and recycling of the payload for a longer half-life. Membrane sequences may be the endogenous signal sequence of the N terminal component of the payload. Optionally, it may be desirable to exchange this sequence for a different signal sequence. Signal sequences may be selected based on their compatibility with the secretory pathway of the cell type of interest so that the payload is presented on the surface of the T cell. In some embodiments, the signal sequence may be IgE signal sequence comprising amino acid of SEQ ID NO. 276 (encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 277) or CD8a signal sequence comprising amino acid SEQ ID NO. 278 (encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 279-283).

Other examples of signal sequences include, a variant may be a modified signal sequence discussed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,148,494, 8,258,102, 9,133,265, 9,279,007, and U.S. patent application publication NO. 2007/0141666; and International patent application publication NO. WO1993/018181; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In other examples, a signal sequence may be a heterogeneous signal sequence from other organisms such as virus, yeast and bacteria, which can direct an effector module to a particular cellular site, such as a nucleus (e.g., EP 1209450). Other examples may include Aspartic Protease (NSP24) signal sequences from Trichoderma that can increase secretion of fused protein such as enzymes (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,093,016 to Cervin and Kim), bacterial lipoprotein signal sequences (e.g., PCT application publication NO. 1991/09952 to Lau and Rioux), E. coli enterotoxin II signal peptides (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,605,697 to Kwon et al.), E. coli secretion signal sequence (e.g., U.S. patent publication NO. 2016/090404 to Malley et al.), a lipase signal sequence from a methylotrophic yeast (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,975,041), and signal peptides for DNases derived from Coryneform bacteria (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,965,197); the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Signal sequences may also include nuclear localization signals (NLSs), nuclear export signals (NESs), polarized cell tubulo-vesicular structure localization signals (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 8,993,742; Cour et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 2003, 31(1): 393-396; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety), extracellular localization signals, signals to subcellular locations (e.g. lysosome, endoplasmic reticulum, golgi, mitochondria, plasma membrane and peroxisomes, etc.) (See, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 7,396,811; and Negi et al., Database, 2015, 1-7; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

2. Cleavage Sites

In some embodiments, the effector module comprises a cleavage and/or processing feature. The effector module of the present invention may include at least one protein cleavage signal/site. The protein cleavage signal/site may be located at the N-terminus, the C-terminus, at any space between the N- and the C-termini such as, but not limited to, half-way between the N- and C-termini, between the N-terminus and the half-way point, between the half-way point and the C-terminus, and combinations thereof.

The effector module may include one or more cleavage signal(s)/site(s) of any proteinases. The proteinases may be a serine proteinase, a cysteine proteinase, an endopeptidase, a dipeptidase, a metalloproteinase, a glutamic proteinase, a threonine proteinase and an aspartic proteinase. In some aspects, the cleavage site may be a signal sequence of furin, actinidain, calpain-1, carboxypeptidase A, carboxypeptidase P, carboxypeptidase Y, caspase-1, caspase-2, caspase-3, caspase-4, caspase-5, caspase-6, caspase-7, caspase-8, caspase-9, caspase-10, cathepsin B, cathepsin C, cathepsin G, cathepsin H, cathepsin K, cathepsin L, cathepsin S, cathepsin V, clostripain, chymase, chymotrypsin, elastase, endoproteinase, enterokinase, factor Xa, formic acid, granzyme B, Matrix metallopeptidase-2, Matrix metallopeptidase-3, pepsin, proteinase K, SUMO protease, subtilisin, TEV protease, thermolysin, thrombin, trypsin and TAGZyme.

In one embodiment, the cleavage site is a furin cleavage site comprising the amino acid sequence SARNRQKRS (SEQ ID NO. 284, encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 285), or a revised furin cleavage site comprising the amino acid sequence ARNRQKRS (SEQ ID NO. 286, encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 287), or a modified furin site comprising the amino acid sequence ESRRVRRNKRSK (SEQ ID NO. 288, encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 289-291).

3. Protein Tags

In some embodiments, the effector module of the invention may comprise a protein tag. The protein tag may be used for detecting and monitoring the process of the effector module. The effector module may include one or more tags such as an epitope tag (e.g., a FLAG or hemagglutinin (HA) tag). A large number of protein tags may be used for the present effector modules. They include, but are not limited to, self-labeling polypeptide tags (e.g., haloalkane dehalogenase (halotag2 or halotag7), ACP tag, clip tag, MCP tag, snap tag), epitope tags (e.g., FLAG, HA, His, and Myc), fluorescent tags (e.g., green fluorescent protein (GFP), red fluorescent protein (RFP), yellow fluorescent protein (YFP), and its variants), bioluminescent tags (e.g. luciferase and its variants), affinity tags (e.g., maltose-binding protein (MBP) tag, glutathione-S-transferase (GST) tag), immunogenic affinity tags (e.g., protein A/G, IRS, AU1, AU5, glu-glu, KT3, S-tag, HSV, VSV-G, Xpress and V5), and other tags (e.g., biotin (small molecule), StrepTag (StrepII), SBP, biotin carboxyl carrier protein (BCCP), eXact, CBP, CYD, HPC, CBD intein-chitin binding domain, Trx, NorpA, and NusA.

In other embodiments, a tag may also be selected from those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,999,897; 8,357,511; 7,094,568; 5,011,912; 4,851,341; and 4,703,004; U.S patent application publication NOs.: 2013/115635 and 2013/012687; and International application publication NO.: WO2013/091661; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In some aspects, a multiplicity of protein tags, either the same or different tags, may be used; each of the tags may be located at the same N- or C-terminus, whereas in other cases these tags may be located at each terminus.

4. Targeting Peptides

In some embodiments, the effector module of the invention may further comprise a targeting and/or penetrating peptide. Small targeting and/or penetrating peptides that selectively recognize cell surface markers (e.g. receptors, trans-membrane proteins, and extra-cellular matrix molecules) can be employed to target the effector module to the desired organs, tissues or cells. Short peptides (5-50 amino acid residues) synthesized in vitro and naturally occurring peptides, or analogs, variants, derivatives thereof, may be incorporated into the effector module for homing the effector module to the desired organs, tissues and cells, and/or subcellular locations inside the cells.

In some embodiments, a targeting sequence and/or penetrating peptide may be included in the effector module to drive the effector module to a target organ, or a tissue, or a cell (e.g., a cancer cell). In other embodiments, a targeting and/or penetrating peptide may direct the effector module to a specific subcellular location inside a cell.

A targeting peptide has any number of amino acids from about 6 to about 30 inclusive. The peptide may have 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29 or 30 amino acids. Generally, a targeting peptide may have 25 or fewer amino acids, for example, 20 or fewer, for example 15 or fewer.

Exemplary targeting peptides may include, but are not limited to, those disclosed in the art, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,206,231, 9,110,059, 8,706,219; and 8,772,449, and U.S. application publication NOs. 2016/089447. 2016/060296. 2016/060314. 2016/060312. 2016/060311. 2016/009772. 2016/002613. 2015/314011 and 2015/166621. and International application publication NOs. WO2015/179691 and WO2015/183044; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

5. Linkers

In some embodiments, the effector module of the invention may further comprise a linker sequence. The linker region serves primarily as a spacer between two or more polypeptides within the effector module. A “linker” or “spacer”, as used herein, refers to a molecule or group of molecules that connects two molecules, or two parts of a molecule such as two domains of a recombinant protein.

In some embodiments, “Linker” (L) or “linker domain” or “linker region” or “linker module” or “peptide linker” as used herein refers to an oligo- or polypeptide region of from about 1 to 100 amino acids in length, which links together any of the domains/regions of the effector module (also called peptide linker). The peptide linker may be 1-40 amino acids in length, or 2-30 amino acids in length, or 20-80 amino acids in length, or 50-100 amino acids in length. Linker length may also be optimized depending on the type of payload utilized and based on the crystal structure of the payload. In some instances, a shorter linker length may be preferably selected. In some aspects, the peptide linker is made up of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds, preferably from 1 to 20 amino acids linked by peptide bonds, wherein the amino acids are selected from the 20 naturally occurring amino acids: Glycine (G), Alanine (A), Valine (V), Leucine (L), Isoleucine (I), Serine (S), Cysteine (C), Threonine (T), Methionine (M), Proline (P), Phenylalanine (F), Tyrosine (Y), Tryptophan (W), Histidine (H), Lysine (K), Arginine (R), Aspartate (D), Glutamic acid (E), Asparagine (N), and Glutamine (Q). One or more of these amino acids may be glycosylated, as is understood by those in the art. In some aspects, amino acids of a peptide linker may be selected from Alanine (A), Glycine (G), Proline (P), Asparagine (R), Serine (S), Glutamine (Q) and Lysine (K).

In one example, an artificially designed peptide linker may preferably be composed of a polymer of flexible residues like Glycine (G) and Serine (S) so that the adjacent protein domains are free to move relative to one another. Longer linkers may be used when it is desirable to ensure that two adjacent domains do not interfere with one another. The choice of a particular linker sequence may concern if it affects biological activity, stability, folding, targeting and/or pharmacokinetic features of the fusion construct. Examples of peptide linkers include, but are not limited to: SG, MH, GGSG (SEQ ID NO. 292, encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 293; GGSGG (SEQ ID NO. 294), encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NOs. 295-299; GGSGGG (SEQ ID NO. 78), encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 93 and 300; SGGGS (SEQ ID NO. 301), encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 302-303; GGSGGGSGG (SEQ ID NO. 77), encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 92; GGGGG (SEQ ID NO. 304), GGGGS (SEQ ID NO. 305) or (GGGGS)n (n=2 (SEQ ID NO. 306), 3 (SEQ ID NO. 307; encoded by SEQ ID NO. 308-313), 4 (SEQ ID NO. 314), 5 (SEQ ID NO. 315), or 6 (SEQ ID NO. 316)), SSSSG (SEQ ID NO. 317) or (SSSSG)n (n=2 (SEQ ID NO. 318), 3 (SEQ ID NO. 319), 4 (SEQ ID NO. 320), 5 (SEQ ID NO. 321), or 6 (SEQ ID NO. 322)), SGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGSLQ (SEQ ID NO. 323), encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 324; EFSTEF (SEQ ID NO. 325), encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NOs. 326-327; GKSSGSGSESKS (SEQ ID NO. 328), GGSTSGSGKSSEGKG (SEQ ID NO. 329), GSTSGSGKSSSEGSGSTKG (SEQ ID NO. 330), GSTSGSGKPGSGEGSTKG (SEQ ID NO. 331), VDYPYDVPDYALD (SEQ ID NO. 332), encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 333; or EGKSSGSGSESKEF (SEQ ID NO. 334); or GSGSGS (SEQ ID NO. 8330), encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 8347; or GSGSGSGS (SEQ ID NO. 8331), encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 8348; or GSGSGGGSGS (SEQ ID NO. 8332), encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 8349; SGSGSGS linker (SEQ ID NO: 8382), or SG linker, encoded by AGTGGT; or an LD Linker comprising Lysine Aspartic acid, encoded by CTAGAT. Linkers may also be DNA restriction enzyme recognition sites or modifications thereof such as flexible GS or G/S rich linker; BamH1 Site encoded by GGATCC; flexible G/S rich linker or BamH1 Site; SR/Xba I site, encoded by TCTAGA; or a GSG linker (BamH1-Gly) linker, encoded by GGATCCGGA.

In other examples, a peptide linker may be made up of a majority of amino acids that are sterically unhindered, such as Glycine (G) and Alanine (A). Exemplary linkers are polyglycines (such as (G) 4 (SEQ ID NO: 8378), (G) 5 (SEQ ID NO: 8379), (G) 5 (SEQ ID NO: 8380)), poly(GA), and polyalanines. The linkers described herein are exemplary, and linkers that are much longer and which include other residues are contemplated by the present invention.

A linker sequence may be a natural linker derived from a multi-domain protein. A natural linker is a short peptide sequence that separates two different domains or motifs within a protein.

In some aspects, linkers may be flexible or rigid. In other aspects, linkers may be cleavable or non-cleavable. As used herein, the terms “cleavable linker domain or region” or “cleavable peptide linker” are used interchangeably. In some embodiments, the linker sequence may be cleaved enzymatically and/or chemically. Examples of enzymes (e.g., proteinase/peptidase) useful for cleaving the peptide linker include, but are not limited, to Arg-C proteinase, Asp-N endopeptidase, chymotrypsin, clostripain, enterokinase, Factor Xa, glutamyl endopeptidase, Granzyme B, Achromobacter proteinase I, pepsin, proline endopeptidase, proteinase K, Staphylococcal peptidase I, thermolysin, thrombin, trypsin, and members of the Caspase family of proteolytic enzymes (e.g. Caspases 1-10). Chemical sensitive cleavage sites may also be included in a linker sequence. Examples of chemical cleavage reagents include, but are not limited to, cyanogen bromide, which cleaves methionine residues; N-chloro succinimide, iodobenzoic acid or BNPS-skatole [2-(2-nitrophenylsulfenyl)-3-methylindole], which cleaves tryptophan residues; dilute acids, which cleave at aspartyl-prolyl bonds; and e aspartic acid-proline acid cleavable recognition sites (i.e., a cleavable peptide linker comprising one or more D-P dipeptide moieties). The fusion module may include multiple regions encoding peptides of interest separated by one or more cleavable peptide linkers.

In other embodiments, a cleavable linker may be a “self-cleaving” linker peptide, such as 2A linkers (for example T2A), 2A-like linkers or functional equivalents thereof and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the linkers include the picornaviral 2A-like linker, CHYSEL sequences of porcine teschovirus (P2A), Thosea asigna virus (T2A) or combinations, variants and functional equivalents thereof. In some embodiments, the biocircuits of the present invention may include 2A peptides. The 2A peptide is a sequence of about 20 amino acid residues from a virus that is recognized by a protease (2A peptidases) endogenous to the cell. The 2A peptide was identified among picornaviruses, a typical example of which is the Foot-and Mouth disease virus (Robertson B H, et. al., J Virol 1985, 54:651-660). 2A-like sequences have also been found in Picornaviridae like equine rhinitis A virus, as well as unrelated viruses such as porcine teschovirus-1 and the insect Thosea asigna virus (TaV). In such viruses, multiple proteins are derived from a large polyprotein encoded by an open reading frame. The 2A peptide mediates the co-translational cleavage of this polyprotein at a single site that forms the junction between the virus capsid and replication polyprotein domains. The 2A sequences contain the consensus motif D-V/I-E-X-N-P-G-P (SEQ ID NO: 8381). These sequences are thought to act co-translationally, preventing the formation of a normal peptide bond between the glycine and last proline, resulting in the ribosome skipping of the next codon (Donnelly M L et al. (2001). J Gen Virol, 82:1013-1025). After cleavage, the short peptide remains fused to the C-terminus of the protein upstream of the cleavage site, while the proline is added to the N-terminus of the protein downstream of the cleavage site. Of the 2A peptides identified, four have been widely used namely FMDV 2A (abbreviated herein as F2A); equine rhinitis A virus (ERAV) 2A (E2A); porcine teschovirus-1 2A (P2A) and Thoseaasigna virus 2A (T2A). In some embodiments, the 2A peptide sequences useful in the present invention are selected from SEQ ID NO.8-11 of International Patent Publication WO2010042490, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the cleavage site may be a P2A cleavable peptide (SEQ ID NO. 8239), encoded by the nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 8269.

Other linkers will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be used in connection with alternate embodiments of the invention.

The linkers of the present invention may also be non-peptide linkers. For example, alkyl linkers such as —NH—(CH 2 ) a-C(O)—, wherein a=2-20 can be used. These alkyl linkers may further be substituted by any non-sterically hindering group such as lower alkyl (e.g., C 1 -C 6 ) lower acyl, halogen (e.g., Cl, Br), CN, NH 2 , phenyl, etc.

In some aspects, the linker may be an artificial linker from U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,946,778, 5,525,491, 5,856,456, and International patent publication NO. WO2012/083424; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

6. Embedded Stimulus, Signals and Other Regulatory Features

microRNAs (or miRNA) are 19-25 nucleotide long noncoding RNAs that bind to the 3′UTR of nucleic acid molecules and down-regulate gene expression either by reducing nucleic acid molecule stability or by inhibiting translation. The polynucleotides of the invention may comprise one or more microRNA target sequences, microRNA sequences, or microRNA seeds. Such sequences may correspond to any known microRNA such as those taught in US Publication No. US2005/0261218 and US Publication No. US2005/0059005, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. As a non-limiting embodiment, known microRNAs, their sequences and their binding site sequences in the human genome are listed Table 14 of the co-owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/320,864 filed Apr. 11, 2016, 62/466,596 filed Mar. 3, 2017 and the International Publication WO2017/180587 (the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety).

A microRNA sequence comprises a “seed” region, i.e., a sequence in the region of positions 2-8 of the mature microRNA, which sequence has perfect Watson-Crick complementarity to the miRNA target sequence. A microRNA seed may comprise positions 2-8 or 2-7 of the mature microRNA. In some embodiments, a microRNA seed may comprise 7 nucleotides (e.g., nucleotides 2-8 of the mature microRNA), wherein the seed-complementary site in the corresponding miRNA target is flanked by an adenine (A) opposed to microRNA position 1. In some embodiments, a microRNA seed may comprise 6 nucleotides (e.g., nucleotides 2-7 of the mature microRNA), wherein the seed-complementary site in the corresponding miRNA target is flanked by an adenine (A) opposed to microRNA position 1. See for example, Grimson A, Farh K K, Johnston W K, Garrett-Engele P, Lim L P, Bartel D P; Mol Cell. 2007 Jul. 6; 27(1):91-105. The bases of the microRNA seed have complete complementarity with the target sequence. By engineering microRNA target sequences into the polynucleotides encoding the biocircuit components, effector modules, SREs or payloads of the invention one can target the molecule for degradation or reduced translation, provided the microRNA in question is available. This process will reduce the hazard of off target effects upon nucleic acid molecule delivery.

Identification of microRNA, microRNA target regions, and their expression patterns and role in biology have been reported (Bonauer et al., Curr Drug Targets 2010 11:943-949; Anand and Cheresh Curr Opin Hematol 2011 18:171-176; Contreras and Rao Leukemia 2012 26:404-413 (2011 Dec. 20. doi: 10.1038/leu.2011.356); Bartel Cell 2009 136:215-233; Landgraf et al, Cell, 2007 129:1401-1414; Gentner and Naldini, Tissue Antigens. 2012 80:393-403 and all references therein; each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety).

For example, if the polynucleotide is not intended to be delivered to the liver but ends up there, then miR-122, a microRNA abundant in liver, can inhibit the expression of the polynucleotide if one or multiple target sites of miR-122 are engineered into the polynucleotide. Introduction of one or multiple binding sites for different microRNA can be engineered to further decrease the longevity, stability, and protein translation of a polynucleotide hence providing an additional layer of tenability beyond the stimulus selection, SRE design and payload variation.

As used herein, the term “microRNA site” refers to a microRNA target site or a microRNA recognition site, or any nucleotide sequence to which a microRNA binds or associates. It should be understood that “binding” may follow traditional Watson-Crick hybridization rules or may reflect any stable association of the microRNA with the target sequence at or adjacent to the microRNA site.

Conversely, for the purposes of the polynucleotides of the present invention, microRNA binding sites can be engineered out of (i.e. removed from) sequences in which they naturally occur in order to increase protein expression in specific tissues. For example, miR-122 binding sites may be removed to improve protein expression in the liver.

Regulation of expression in multiple tissues can be accomplished through introduction or removal or one or several microRNA binding sites.

Specifically, microRNAs are known to be differentially expressed in immune cells (also called hematopoietic cells), such as antigen presenting cells (APCs) (e.g. dendritic cells and macrophages), macrophages, monocytes, B lymphocytes, T lymphocytes, granulocytes, natural killer cells, etc. Immune cell specific microRNAs are involved in immunogenicity, autoimmunity, the immune-response to infection, inflammation, as well as unwanted immune response after gene therapy and tissue/organ transplantation. Immune cells specific microRNAs also regulate many aspects of development, proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis of hematopoietic cells (immune cells). For example, miR-142 and miR-146 are exclusively expressed in the immune cells, particularly abundant in myeloid dendritic cells. Introducing the miR-142 binding site into the 3′-UTR of a polypeptide of the present invention can selectively suppress the gene expression in the antigen presenting cells through miR-142 mediated mRNA degradation, limiting antigen presentation in professional APCs (e.g. dendritic cells) and thereby preventing antigen-mediated immune response after gene delivery (see, Annoni A et al., blood, 2009, 114, 5152-5161, the content of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.)

In one embodiment, microRNAs binding sites that are known to be expressed in immune cells, in particular, the antigen presenting cells, can be engineered into the polynucleotides to suppress the expression of the polynucleotide in APCs through microRNA mediated RNA degradation, subduing the antigen-mediated immune response, while the expression of the polynucleotide is maintained in non-immune cells where the immune cell specific microRNAs are not expressed.

Many microRNA expression studies have been conducted, and are described in the art, to profile the differential expression of microRNAs in various cancer cells/tissues and other diseases. Some microRNAs are abnormally over-expressed in certain cancer cells and others are under-expressed. For example, microRNAs are differentially expressed in cancer cells (WO2008/154098, US2013/0059015, US2013/0042333, WO2011/157294); cancer stem cells (US2012/0053224); pancreatic cancers and diseases (US2009/0131348, US2011/0171646, US2010/0286232, U.S. Pat. No. 8,389,210); asthma and inflammation (U.S. Pat. No. 8,415,096); prostate cancer (US2013/0053264); hepatocellular carcinoma (WO2012/151212, US2012/0329672, WO2008/054828, U.S. Pat. No. 8,252,538); lung cancer cells (WO2011/076143, WO2013/033640, WO2009/070653, US2010/0323357); cutaneous T cell lymphoma (WO2013/011378); colorectal cancer cells (WO2011/0281756, WO2011/076142); cancer positive lymph nodes (WO2009/100430, US2009/0263803); nasopharyngeal carcinoma (EP2112235); chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (US2012/0264626, US2013/0053263); thyroid cancer (WO2013/066678); ovarian cancer cells (US2012/0309645, WO2011/095623); breast cancer cells (WO2008/154098, WO2007/081740, US2012/0214699), leukemia and lymphoma (WO2008/073915, US2009/0092974, US2012/0316081, US2012/0283310, WO2010/018563, the content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

In one embodiment, microRNA may be used as described herein in support of the creation of tunable biocircuits.

In some embodiments, effector modules may be designed to encode (as a DNA or RNA or mRNA) one or more payloads, SREs and/or regulatory sequence such as a microRNA or microRNA binding site. In some embodiments, any of the encoded payloads or SREs may be stabilized or de-stabilized by mutation and then combined with one or more regulatory sequences to generate a dual or multi-tuned effector module or biocircuit system.

Each aspect or tuned modality may bring to the effector module or biocircuit a differentially tuned feature. For example, an SRE may represent a destabilizing domain, while mutations in the protein payload may alter its cleavage sites or dimerization properties or half-life and the inclusion of one or more microRNA or microRNA binding site may impart cellular detargeting or trafficking features. Consequently, the present invention embraces biocircuits which are multifactorial in their tenability.

In some embodiments, compositions of the invention may include optional proteasome adaptors. As used herein, the term “proteasome adaptor” refers to any nucleotide/amino acid sequence that targets the appended payload for degradation. In some aspects, the adaptors target the payload for degradation directly thereby circumventing the need for ubiquitination reactions. Proteasome adaptors may be used in conjunction with destabilizing domains to reduce the basal expression of the payload. Exemplary proteasome adaptors include the UbL domain of Rad23 or hHR23b, HPV E7 which binds to both the target protein Rb and the S4 subunit of the proteasome with high affinity, which allows direct proteasome targeting, bypassing the ubiquitination machinery; the protein gankyrin which binds to Rb and the proteasome subunit S6.

Such biocircuits may be engineered to contain one, two, three, four or more tuned features.

Polynucleotides

The present invention provides polynucleotides encoding novel hPDE5 DDs, effector modules comprising payloads and associated DDs, biocircuit systems comprising DDs and effector modules, and other components of the present invention.

The invention provides isolated biocircuit polypeptides, effector modules, stimulus response elements (SREs) and payloads, as well as polynucleotides encoding any of the foregoing; vectors comprising polynucleotides of the invention; and cells expressing polypeptides, polynucleotides and vectors of the invention. The polypeptides, polynucleotides, viral vectors and cells are useful for inducing anti-tumor immune responses in a subject.

The term “polynucleotide” or “nucleic acid molecule” in its broadest sense, includes any compound and/or substance that comprise a polymer of nucleotides, e.g., linked nucleosides. These polymers are often referred to as polynucleotides. Exemplary nucleic acids or polynucleotides of the invention include, but are not limited to, ribonucleic acids (RNAs), deoxyribonucleic acids (DNAs), threose nucleic acids (TNAs), glycol nucleic acids (GNAs), peptide nucleic acids (PNAs), locked nucleic acids (LNAs, including LNA having a β-D-ribo configuration, α-LNA having an α-L-ribo configuration (a diastereomer of LNA), 2′-amino-LNA having a 2′-amino functionalization, and 2′-amino-α-LNA having a 2′-amino functionalization) or hybrids thereof.

In some embodiments, polynucleotides of the invention may be a messenger RNA (mRNA) or any nucleic acid molecule and may or may not be chemically modified. In one aspect, the nucleic acid molecule is a mRNA. As used herein, the term “messenger RNA (mRNA)” refers to any polynucleotide which encodes a polypeptide of interest and which is capable of being translated to produce the encoded polypeptide of interest in vitro, in vivo, in situ or ex vivo.

Traditionally, the basic components of an mRNA molecule include at least a coding region, a 5′UTR, a 3′UTR, a 5′ cap and a poly-A tail. Building on this wild type modular structure, the present invention expands the scope of functionality of traditional mRNA molecules by providing payload constructs which maintain a modular organization, but which comprise one or more structural and/or chemical modifications or alterations which impart useful properties to the polynucleotide, for example tenability of function. As used herein, a “structural” feature or modification is one in which two or more linked nucleosides are inserted, deleted, duplicated, inverted or randomized in a polynucleotide without significant chemical modification to the nucleosides themselves. Because chemical bonds will necessarily be broken and reformed to effect a structural modification, structural modifications are of a chemical nature and hence are chemical modifications. However, structural modifications will result in a different sequence of nucleotides. For example, the polynucleotide “ATCG” may be chemically modified to “AT-5meC-G”. The same polynucleotide may be structurally modified from “ATCG” to “ATCCCG”. Here, the dinucleotide “CC” has been inserted, resulting in a structural modification to the polynucleotide.

In some embodiments, polynucleotides of the present invention may harbor 5′UTR sequences which play a role in translation initiation. 5′UTR sequences may include features such as Kozak sequences which are commonly known to be involved in the process by which the ribosome initiates translation of genes, Kozak sequences have the consensus XCCR(A/G) CCAUG, where R is a purine (adenine or guanine) three bases upstream of the start codon (AUG) and X is any nucleotide. In one embodiment, the Kozak sequence is ACCGCC. By engineering the features that are typically found in abundantly expressed genes of target cells or tissues, the stability and protein production of the polynucleotides of the invention can be enhanced.

Further provided are polynucleotides, which may contain an internal ribosome entry site (IRES) which play an important role in initiating protein synthesis in the absence of 5′ cap structure in the polynucleotide. An IRES may act as the sole ribosome binding site, or may serve as one of the multiple binding sites. Polynucleotides of the invention containing more than one functional ribosome binding site may encode several peptides or polypeptides that are translated independently by the ribosomes giving rise to bicistronic and/or multicistronic nucleic acid molecules.

In some embodiments, polynucleotides encoding biocircuits, effector modules, DDs and payloads may include from about 30 to about 100,000 nucleotides (e.g., from 30 to 50, from 30 to 100, from 30 to 250, from 30 to 500, from 30 to 1,000, from 30 to 1,500, from 30 to 3,000, from 30 to 5,000, from 30 to 7,000, from 30 to 10,000, from 30 to 25,000, from 30 to 50,000, from 30 to 70,000, from 100 to 250, from 100 to 500, from 100 to 1,000, from 100 to 1,500, from 100 to 3,000, from 100 to 5,000, from 100 to 7,000, from 100 to 10,000, from 100 to 25,000, from 100 to 50,000, from 100 to 70,000, from 100 to 100,000, from 500 to 1,000, from 500 to 1,500, from 500 to 2,000, from 500 to 3,000, from 500 to 5,000, from 500 to 7,000, from 500 to 10,000, from 500 to 25,000, from 500 to 50,000, from 500 to 70,000, from 500 to 100,000, from 1,000 to 1,500, from 1,000 to 2,000, from 1,000 to 3,000, from 1,000 to 5,000, from 1,000 to 7,000, from 1,000 to 10,000, from 1,000 to 25,000, from 1,000 to 50,000, from 1,000 to 70,000, from 1,000 to 100,000, from 1,500 to 3,000, from 1,500 to 5,000, from 1,500 to 7,000, from 1,500 to 10,000, from 1,500 to 25,000, from 1,500 to 50,000, from 1,500 to 70,000, from 1,500 to 100,000, from 2,000 to 3,000, from 2,000 to 5,000, from 2,000 to 7,000, from 2,000 to 10,000, from 2,000 to 25,000, from 2,000 to 50,000, from 2,000 to 70,000, and from 2,000 to 100,000 nucleotides). In some aspects, polynucleotides of the invention may include more than 10,000 nucleotides.

Regions of the polynucleotides which encode certain features such as cleavage sites, linkers, trafficking signals, tags or other features may range independently from 10-1,000 nucleotides in length (e.g., greater than 20, 30, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900 nucleotides or at least 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, and 1,000 nucleotides).

In some embodiments, polynucleotides of the present invention may further comprise embedded regulatory moieties such as microRNA binding sites within the 3′UTR of nucleic acid molecules which when bind to microRNA molecules, down-regulate gene expression either by reducing nucleic acid molecule stability or by inhibiting translation. Conversely, for the purposes of the polynucleotides of the present invention, microRNA binding sites can be engineered out of (i.e. removed from) sequences in which they naturally occur in order to increase protein expression in specific tissues. For example, miR-142 and miR-146 binding sites may be removed to improve protein expression in the immune cells. In some embodiments, any of the encoded payloads may be may be regulated by an SRE and then combined with one or more regulatory sequences to generate a dual or multi-tuned effector module or biocircuit system.

In some embodiments, polynucleotides of the present invention may encode fragments, variants, derivatives of polypeptides of the inventions. In some aspects, the variant sequence may keep the same or a similar activity. Alternatively, the variant may have an altered activity (e.g., increased or decreased) relative to the start sequence. Generally, variants of a particular polynucleotide or polypeptide of the invention will have at least about 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% but less than 100% sequence identity to that particular reference polynucleotide or polypeptide as determined by sequence alignment programs and parameters described herein and known to those skilled in the art. Such tools for alignment include those of the BLAST suite (Stephen et al., Gapped BLAST and PSI-BLAST: a new generation of protein database search programs, Nucleic Acids Res., 1997, 25:3389-3402.)

In some embodiments, polynucleotides of the present invention may be modified. As used herein, the terms “modified”, or as appropriate, “modification” refers to chemical modification with respect to A, G, U (T in DNA) or C nucleotides. Modifications may be on the nucleoside base and/or sugar portion of the nucleosides which comprise the polynucleotide. In some embodiments, multiple modifications are included in the modified nucleic acid or in one or more individual nucleoside or nucleotide. For example, modifications to a nucleoside may include one or more modifications to the nucleobase and the sugar. Modifications to the polynucleotides of the present invention may include any of those taught in, for example, International Publication NO. WO2013/052523, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

As described herein “nucleoside” is defined as a compound containing a sugar molecule (e.g., a pentose or ribose) or a derivative thereof in combination with an organic base (e.g., a purine or pyrimidine) or a derivative thereof (also referred to herein as “nucleobase”). As described herein, “nucleotide” is defined as a nucleoside including a phosphate group.

In some embodiments, the modification may be on the internucleoside linkage (e.g., phosphate backbone). Herein, in the context of the polynucleotide backbone, the phrases “phosphate” and “phosphodiester” are used interchangeably. Backbone phosphate groups can be modified by replacing one or more of the oxygen atoms with a different substituent. Further, the modified nucleosides and nucleotides can include the wholesale replacement of an unmodified phosphate moiety with another internucleoside linkage. Examples of modified phosphate groups include, but are not limited to, phosphorothioate, phosphoroselenates, boranophosphates, boranophosphate esters, hydrogen phosphonates, phosphoramidates, phosphorodiamidates, alkyl or aryl phosphonates, and phosphotriesters. Phosphorodithioates have both non-linking oxygens replaced by sulfur. The phosphate linker can also be modified by the replacement of a linking oxygen with nitrogen (bridged phosphoramidates), sulfur (bridged phosphorothioates), and carbon (bridged methylene-phosphonates). Other modifications which may be used are taught in, for example, International Application NO.: WO2013/052523, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Chemical modifications and/or substitution of the nucleotides or nucleobases of the polynucleotides of the invention which are useful in the present invention include any modified substitutes known in the art, for example, (±)1-(2-Hydroxypropyl)pseudouridine TP, (2R)-1-(2-Hydroxypropyl)pseudouridine TP, 1-(4-Methoxy-phenyl)pseudo-UTP, 2′-O-dimethyladenosine, 1,2′-O-dimethylguanosine, 1,2′-O-dimethylinosine, 1-Hexyl-pseudo-UTP, 1-Homoallylpseudouridine TP, 1-Hydroxymethylpseudouridine TP, 1-iso-propyl-pseudo-UTP, 1-Me-2-thio-pseudo-UTP, 1-Me-4-thio-pseudo-UTP, 1-Me-alpha-thio-pseudo-UTP, 1-Me-GTP, 2′-Amino-2′-deoxy-ATP, 2′-Amino-2′-deoxy-CTP, 2′-Amino-2′-deoxy-GTP, 2′-Amino-2′-deoxy-UTP, 2′-Azido-2′-deoxy-ATP, tubercidine, undermodified hydroxywybutosine, uridine 5-oxyacetic acid, uridine 5-oxyacetic acid methyl ester, wybutosine, wyosine, xanthine, Xanthosine-5′-TP, xylo-adenosine, zebularine, α-thio-adenosine, α-thio-cytidine, α-thio-guanosine, and/or α-thio-uridine.

Polynucleotides of the present invention may comprise one or more of the modifications taught herein. Different sugar modifications, base modifications, nucleotide modifications, and/or internucleoside linkages (e.g., backbone structures) may exist at various positions in the polynucleotide of the invention. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the nucleotide analogs or other modification(s) may be located at any position(s) of a polynucleotide such that the function of the polynucleotide is not substantially decreased. A modification may also be a 5′ or 3′ terminal modification. The polynucleotide may contain from about 1% to about 100% modified nucleotides (either in relation to overall nucleotide content, or in relation to one or more types of nucleotide, i.e. any one or more of A, G, U or C) or any intervening percentage (e.g., from 1% to 20%, from 1% to 25%, from 1% to 50%, from 1% to 60%, from 1% to 70%, from 1% to 80%, from 1% to 90%, from 1% to 95%, from 10% to 20%, from 10% to 25%, from 10% to 50%, from 10% to 60%, from 10% to 70%, from 10% to 80%, from 10% to 90%, from 10% to 95%, from 10% to 100%, from 20% to 25%, from 20% to 50%, from 20% to 60%, from 20% to 70%, from 20% to 80%, from 20% to 90%, from 20% to 95%, from 20% to 100%, from 50% to 60%, from 50% to 70%, from 50% to 80%, from 50% to 90%, from 50% to 95%, from 50% to 100%, from 70% to 80%, from 70% to 90%, from 70% to 95%, from 70% to 100%, from 80% to 90%, from 80% to 95%, from 80% to 100%, from 90% to 95%, from 90% to 100%, and from 95% to 100%).

In some embodiments, one or more codons of the polynucleotides of the present invention may be replaced with other codons encoding the native amino acid sequence to tune the expression of the SREs, through a process referred to as codon selection. Since mRNA codon, and tRNA anticodon pools tend to vary among organisms, cell types, sub cellular locations and over time, the codon selection described herein is a spatiotemporal (ST) codon selection.

In some embodiments of the invention, certain polynucleotide features may be codon optimized. Codon optimization refers to a process of modifying a nucleic acid sequence for enhanced expression in the host cell by replacing at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 50 or more codons of the native sequence with codons that are most frequently used in the genes of that host cell while maintaining the native amino acid sequence. Codon usage may be measured using the Codon Adaptation Index (CAI) which measures the deviation of a coding polynucleotide sequence from a reference gene set. Codon usage tables are available at the Codon Usage Database (www.kazusa.or.jp/codon/) and the CAI can be calculated by EMBOSS CAI program (emboss.sourceforge.net/). Codon optimization methods are known in the art and may be useful in efforts to achieve one or more of several goals. These goals include to match codon frequencies in target and host organisms to ensure proper folding, bias nucleotide content to alter stability or reduce secondary structures, minimize tandem repeat codons or base runs that may impair gene construction or expression, customize transcriptional and translational control regions, insert or remove protein signaling sequences, remove/add post translation modification sites in encoded protein (e.g. glycosylation sites), add, remove or shuffle protein domains, insert or delete restriction sites, modify ribosome binding sites and degradation sites, to adjust translational rates to allow the various domains of the protein to fold properly, or to reduce or eliminate problem secondary structures within the polynucleotide. Codon optimization tools, algorithms and services are known in the art, and non-limiting examples include services from GeneArt (Life Technologies), DNA2.0 (Menlo Park Calif.), OptimumGene (GenScript, Piscataway, N.J.), algorithms such as but not limited to, DNAWorks v3.2.3, and/or proprietary methods. In one embodiment, a polynucleotide sequence or portion thereof is codon optimized using optimization algorithms. Codon options for each amino acid are well-known in the art as are various species table for optimizing for expression in that particular species.

In some embodiments of the invention, certain polynucleotide features may be codon optimized. For example, a preferred region for codon optimization may be upstream (5′) or downstream (3′) to a region which encodes a polypeptide. These regions may be incorporated into the polynucleotide before and/or after codon optimization of the payload encoding region or open reading frame (ORF).

After optimization (if desired), the polynucleotide components are reconstituted and transformed into a vector such as, but not limited to, plasmids, viruses, cosmids, and artificial chromosomes.

Spatiotemporal codon selection may impact the expression of the polynucleotides of the invention, since codon composition determines the rate of translation of the mRNA species and its stability. For example, tRNA anticodons to optimized codons are abundant, and thus translation may be enhanced. In contrast, tRNA anticodons to less common codons are fewer and thus translation may proceed at a slower rate. Presnyak et al. have shown that the stability of an mRNA species is dependent on the codon content, and higher stability and thus higher protein expression may be achieved by utilizing optimized codons (Presnyak et al. (2015) Cell 160, 1111-1124; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). Thus, in some embodiments, ST codon selection may include the selection of optimized codons to enhance the expression of the SRES, effector modules and biocircuits of the invention. In other embodiments, spatiotemporal codon selection may involve the selection of codons that are less commonly used in the genes of the host cell to decrease the expression of the compositions of the invention. The ratio of optimized codons to codons less commonly used in the genes of the host cell may also be varied to tune expression.

In some embodiments, certain regions of the polynucleotide may be modified using codon selection methods. For example, a preferred region for codon selection may be upstream (5′) or downstream (3′) to a region which encodes a polypeptide. These regions may be incorporated into the polynucleotide before and/or after codon selection of the payload encoding region or open reading frame (ORF).

The stop codon of the polynucleotides of the present invention may be modified to include sequences and motifs to alter the expression levels of the SREs, payloads and effector modules of the present invention. Such sequences may be incorporated to induce stop codon readthrough, wherein the stop codon may specify amino acids e.g. selenocysteine or pyrrolysine. In other instances, stop codons may be skipped altogether to resume translation through an alternate open reading frame. Stop codon read through may be utilized to tune the expression of components of the effector modules at a specific ratio (e.g. as dictated by the stop codon context). Examples of preferred stop codon motifs include UGAN, UAAN, and UAGN, where N is either C or U.

Polynucleotide modifications and manipulations can be accomplished by methods known in the art such as, but not limited to, site directed mutagenesis and recombinant technology. The resulting modified molecules may then be tested for activity using in vitro or in vivo assays such as those described herein or any other suitable screening assay known in the art.

In some embodiments, polynucleotides of the invention may comprise two or more effector module sequences, or two or more payload sequences, which are in a pattern such as ABABAB or AABBAABBAABB or ABCABCABC or variants thereof repeated once, twice, or more than three times. In these patterns, each letter, A, B, or C represent a different effector module component.

In yet another embodiment, polynucleotides of the invention may comprise two or more effector module component sequences with each component having one or more SRE sequences (DD sequences), or two or more payload sequences. As a non-limiting example, the sequences may be in a pattern such as ABABAB or AABBAABBAABB or ABCABCABC or variants thereof repeated once, twice, or more than three times in each of the regions. As another non-limiting example, the sequences may be in a pattern such as ABABAB or AABBAABBAABB or ABCABCABC or variants thereof repeated once, twice, or more than three times across the entire polynucleotide. In these patterns, each letter, A, B, or C represent a different sequence or component.

According to the present invention, polynucleotides encoding distinct biocircuits, effector modules, SREs and payload constructs may be linked together through the 3′-end using nucleotides which are modified at the 3′-terminus. Chemical conjugation may be used to control the stoichiometry of delivery into cells. Polynucleotides can be designed to be conjugated to other polynucleotides, dyes, intercalating agents (e.g. acridines), cross-linkers (e.g. psoralene, mitomycin C), porphyrins (TPPC4, texaphyrin, Sapphyrin), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (e.g., phenazine, dihydrophenazine), artificial endonucleases (e.g. EDTA), alkylating agents, phosphate, amino, mercapto, PEG (e.g., PEG-40K), MPEG, [MPEG] 2 , polyamino, alkyl, substituted alkyl, radiolabeled markers, enzymes, haptens (e.g. biotin), transport/absorption facilitators (e.g., aspirin, vitamin E, folic acid), synthetic ribonucleases, proteins, e.g., glycoproteins, or peptides, e.g., molecules having a specific affinity for a co-ligand, or antibodies e.g., an antibody, that binds to a specified cell type such as a cancer cell, endothelial cell, or bone cell, hormones and hormone receptors, non-peptidic species, such as lipids, lectins, carbohydrates, vitamins, cofactors, or a drug. As non-limiting examples, they may be conjugates with other immune conjugates.

In some embodiments, the compositions of the polynucleotides of the invention may generated by combining the various components of the effector modules using the Gibson assembly method. The Gibson assembly reaction consists of three isothermal reactions, each relying on a different enzymatic activity including a 5′ exonuclease which generates long overhangs, a polymerase which fills in the gaps of the annealed single strand regions and a DNA ligase which seals the nicks of the annealed and filled-in gaps. Polymerase chain reactions are performed prior to Gibson assembly which may be used to generate PCR products with overlapping sequence. These methods can be repeated sequentially, to assemble larger and larger molecules. For example, the method can comprise repeating a method as above to join a second set of two or more DNA molecules of interest to one another, and then repeating the method again to join the first and second set DNA molecules of interest, and so on. At any stage during these multiple rounds of assembly, the assembled DNA can be amplified by transforming it into a suitable microorganism, or it can be amplified in vitro (e.g., with PCR).

In some embodiments, polynucleotides of the invention may encode effector modules comprising a destabilizing domain (DD) and at least one payload taught herein. The DD domain may be a hPDE5 mutant comprising one, two, three, four, five or more mutations

In some embodiments, the effector module may be a PDE5-GFP fusion encoded by SEQ ID NO. 95-106; 205-222; 234-236; 256-260; 378-379; 469-503; and 526-533. In some embodiments, the effector module may be hPDE5-CAR constructs, encoded by SEQ ID NO. 8285-8298 or a hPDE5-IL15-IL15Ra constructs, encoded by SEQ ID NO. 8352-8361.

Cells

In accordance with the present invention, cells genetically modified to express at least one biocircuit, SRE (e. g, DD), effector module and immunotherapeutic agent of the invention, are provided. Cells of the invention may include, without limitation, immune cells, stem cells and tumor cells. In some embodiments, immune cells are immune effector cells, including, but not limiting to, T cells such as CD8 + T cells and CD4 + T cells (e.g., Th1, Th2, Th17, Foxp3+ cells), memory T cells such as T memory stem cells, central T memory cells, and effector memory T cells, terminally differentiated effector T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, NK T cells, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), regulatory T cells (Tregs), and dendritic cells (DCs), other immune cells that can elicit an effector function, or the mixture thereof. T cells may be Tαβ cells and Tγδ cells. In some embodiments, stem cells may be from human embryonic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, and neural stem cells. In some embodiments, T cells may be depleted endogenous T cell receptors (See U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,273,283; 9,181,527; and 9,028,812; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

In some embodiments, cells of the invention may be autologous, allogeneic, syngeneic, or xenogeneic in relation to a particular individual subject.

In some embodiments, cells of the invention may be mammalian cells, particularly human cells. Cells of the invention may be primary cells or immortalized cell lines.

In some embodiments, cells of the invention may include expansion factors as payload to trigger proliferation and expansion of the cells. Exemplary payloads include RAS such as KRAS, NRAS, RRAS, RRAS2, MRAS, ERAS, and HRAS, DIRAS such as DIRAS1, DIRAS2, and DIRAS3, NKIRAS such as NKIRAS1, and NKIRAS2, RAL such as RALA, and RALB, RAP such as RAP1A, RAP1B, RAP2A, RAP2B, and RAP2C, RASD such as RASD1, and RASD2, RASL such as RASL10A, RASL10B, RASL11A, RASL11B, and RASL12, REM such as REM1, and REM2, GEM, RERG, RERGL, and RRAD.

Engineered immune cells can be accomplished by transducing a cell compositions with a polypeptide of a biocircuit, an effector module, a SRE and/or a payload of interest (i.e., immunotherapeutic agent), or a polynucleotide encoding said polypeptide, or a vector comprising said polynucleotide. The vector may be a viral vector such as a lentiviral vector, a gamma-retroviral vector, a recombinant AAV, an adenoviral vector and an oncolytic viral vector. In other aspects, non-viral vectors for example, nanoparticles and liposomes may also be used. In some embodiments, immune cells of the invention are genetically modified to express at least one immunotherapeutic agent of the invention which is tunable using a stimulus. In some examples, two, three or more immunotherapeutic agents constructed in the same biocircuit and effector module are introduced into a cell. In other examples, two, three, or more biocircuits, effector modules, each of which comprises an immunotherapeutic agent, may be introduced into a cell.

In some embodiments, immune cells of the invention may be T cells modified to express an antigen-specific T cell receptor (TCR), or an antigen specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) taught herein (known as CAR T cells). Accordingly, at least one polynucleotide encoding a CAR system (or a TCR) described herein, or a vector comprising the polynucleotide is introduced into a T cell. The T cell expressing the CAR or TCR binds to a specific antigen via the extracellular targeting moiety of the CAR or TCR, thereby a signal via the intracellular signaling domain (s) is transmitted into the T cell, and as a result, the T cell is activated. The activated CAR T cell changes its behavior including release of a cytotoxic cytokine (e.g., a tumor necrosis factor, and lymphotoxin, etc.), improvement of a cell proliferation rate, change in a cell surface molecule, or the like. Such changes cause destruction of a target cell expressing the antigen recognized by the CAR or TCR. In addition, release of a cytokine or change in a cell surface molecule stimulates other immune cells, for example, a B cell, a dendritic cell, a NK cell, and a macrophage.

The CAR introduced into a T cell may be a first-generation CAR including only the intracellular signaling domain from TCR CD3zeta, or a second-generation CAR including the intracellular signaling domain from TCR CD3zeta and a costimulatory signaling domain, or a third-generation CAR including the intracellular signaling domain from TCR CD3zeta and two or more costimulatory signaling domains, or a split CAR system, or an on/off switch CAR system. In one example, the expression of the CAR or TCR is controlled by a destabilizing domain (DD) such as a hDHFR mutant, in the effector module of the invention. The presence or absence of hDHFR binding ligand such as TMP is used to tune the CAR or TCR expression in transduced T cells or NK cells.

In some embodiments, CAR T cells of the invention may be further modified to express another one, two, three or more immunotherapeutic agents. The immunotherapeutic agents may be another CAR or TCR specific to a different target molecule; a cytokine such as IL2, IL12, IL15 and IL18, or a cytokine receptor such as IL15Rα; a chimeric switch receptor that converts an inhibitory signal to a stimulatory signal; a homing receptor that guides adoptively transferred cells to a target site such as the tumor tissue; an agent that optimizes the metabolism of the immune cell; or a safety switch gene (e.g., a suicide gene) that kills activated T cells when a severe event is observed after adoptive cell transfer or when the transferred immune cells are no-longer needed. These molecules may be included in the same effector module or in separate effector modules.

In one embodiment, the CAR T cell (including TCR T cell) of the invention may be an “armed” CAR T cell which is transformed with an effector module comprising a CAR and an effector module comprising a cytokine. The inducible or constitutively secrete active cytokines further armor CAR T cells to improve efficacy and persistence. In this context, such CAR T cell is also referred to as “armored CAR T cell”. The “armor” molecule may be selected based on the tumor microenvironment and other elements of the innate and adaptive immune systems. In some embodiments, the molecule may be a stimulatory factor such as IL2, IL12, IL15, IL18, type I IFN, CD40L and 4-1BBL which have been shown to further enhance CAR T cell efficacy and persistence in the face of a hostile tumor microenvironment via different mechanisms (Yeku et al., Biochem Soc Trans., 2016, 44(2): 412-418).

In some aspects, the armed CAR T cell of the invention is modified to express a CD19 CAR and IL12. Such T cells, after CAR mediated activation in the tumor, release inducible IL12 which augments T-cell activation and attracts and activates innate immune cells to eliminate CD19-negative cancer cells.

In one embodiment, T cells of the invention may be modified to express an effector module comprising a CAR and an effector module comprising a suicide gene.

In one embodiment, the CAR T cell (including TCR T cell) of the invention may be transformed with effector modules comprising a cytokine and a safety switch gene (e.g., suicide gene). The suicide gene may be an inducible caspase such as caspase 9 which induces apoptosis, when activated by an extracellular stimulus of a biocircuit system. Such induced apoptosis eliminates transferred cell as required to decrease the risk of direct toxicity and uncontrolled cell proliferation.

In some embodiments, immune cells of the invention may be NK cells modified to express an antigen-specific T cell receptor (TCR), or an antigen specific chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) taught herein.

Natural killer (NK) cells are members of the innate lymphoid cell family and characterized in humans by expression of the phenotypic marker CD56 (neural cell adhesion molecule) in the absence of CD3 (T-cell co-receptor). NK cells are potent effector cells of the innate immune system which mediate cytotoxic attack without the requirement of prior antigen priming, forming the first line of defense against diseases including cancer malignancies and viral infection.

Several pre-clinical and clinical trials have demonstrated that adoptive transfer of NK cells is a promising treatment approach against cancers such as acute myeloid leukemia (Ruggeri et al., Science; 2002, 295: 2097-2100; and Geller et al., Immunotherapy, 2011, 3: 1445-1459). Adoptive transfer of NK cells expressing CAR such as DAP12-Based Activating CAR revealed improved eradication of tumor cells (Topfer et al., J Immunol. 2015; 194:3201-3212). NK cell engineered to express a CS-1 specific CAR also displayed enhanced cytolysis and interferon-γ (IFN γ) production in multiple myeloma (Chu et al., Leukemia, 2014, 28(4): 917-927).

NK cell activation is characterized by an array of receptors with activating and inhibitory functions. The important activation receptors on NK cells include CD94/NKG2C and NKG2D (the C-type lectin-like receptors), and the natural cytotoxicity receptors (NCR) NKp30, NKp44 and NKp46, which recognize ligands on tumor cells or virally infected cells. NK cell inhibition is essentially mediated by interactions of the polymorphic inhibitory killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) with their cognate human-leukocyte-antigen (HLA) ligands via the alpha-1 helix of the HLA molecule. The balance between signals that are generated from activating receptors and inhibitory receptors mainly determines the immediate cytotoxic activation.

NK cells may be isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), or derived from human embryonic stem (ES) cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). The primary NK cells isolated from PBMCs may be further expanded for adoptive immunotherapy. Strategies and protocols useful for the expansion of NK cells may include interleukin 2 (IL2) stimulation and the use of autologous feeder cells, or the use of genetically modified allogeneic feeder cells. In some aspects, NK cells can be selectively expanded with a combination of stimulating ligands including IL15, IL21, IL2, 41BBL, IL12, IL18, MICA, 2B4, LFA-1, and BCM1/SLAMF2 (e.g., US patent publication NO: US20150190471).

Immune cells expressing effector modules comprising a CAR and/or other immunotherapeutic agents can be used as cancer immunotherapy. The immunotherapy comprises the cells expressing a CAR and/or other immunotherapeutic agents as an active ingredient, and may further comprise a suitable excipient. Examples of the excipient may include the pharmaceutically acceptable excipients, including various cell culture media, and isotonic sodium chloride.

In some embodiments, cells of the present invention may be dendritic cells that are genetically modified to express the compositions of the invention. Such cells may be used as cancer vaccines.

The present invention further provides pharmaceutical compositions comprising one or more biocircuits, effector modules, SREs (e.g., DDs), stimuli and payloads of interest (i.e., immunotherapeutic agents), vectors, cells and other components of the invention, and optionally at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or inert ingredient.

As used herein the term “pharmaceutical composition” refers to a preparation of biocircuits, SREs, stimuli and payloads of interest (i.e., immunotherapeutic agents), other components, vectors, cells and described herein, or pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, optionally with other chemical components such as physiologically suitable carriers and excipients. The pharmaceutical compositions of the invention comprise an effective amount of one or more active compositions of the invention. The preparation of a pharmaceutical composition that contains at least one composition of the present invention and/or an additional active ingredient will be known to those skilled in the art considering the present disclosure, as exemplified by Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18th Ed. Mack Printing Company, 1990, incorporated herein by reference.

The term “excipient” or “inert ingredient” refers to an inactive substance added to a pharmaceutical composition and formulation to further facilitate administration of an active ingredient. For the purposes of the present disclosure, the phrase “active ingredient” generally refers to any one or more biocircuits, effector modules, SREs, stimuli and payloads of interest (i.e., immunotherapeutic agents), other components, vectors, and cells to be delivered as described herein. The phrases “pharmaceutically acceptable” refers to molecular entities and compositions that do not produce an adverse, allergic or other untoward reaction when administered to an animal, such as, for example, a human, as appropriate.

In some embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions and formulations are administered to humans, human patients or subjects. Although the descriptions of pharmaceutical compositions provided herein are principally directed to pharmaceutical compositions which are suitable for administration to humans, it will be understood by the skilled artisan that such compositions are generally suitable for administration to any other animal, e.g., to non-human animals, e.g. non-human mammals. Subjects to which administration of the pharmaceutical compositions is contemplated include, but are not limited to, non-human mammals, including agricultural animals such as cattle, horses, chickens and pigs, domestic animals such as cats, dogs, or research animals such as mice, rats, rabbits, dogs and non-human primates. It will be understood that, for human administration, preparations should meet sterility, pyrogenicity, general safety and purity standards as required by FDA Office of Biological Standards.

A pharmaceutical composition and formulation in accordance with the invention may be prepared, packaged, and/or sold in bulk, as a single unit dose, and/or as a plurality of single unit doses. As used herein, a “unit dose” is discrete amount of the pharmaceutical composition comprising a predetermined amount of the active ingredient. The amount of the active ingredient is generally equal to the dosage of the active ingredient which would be administered to a subject and/or a convenient fraction of such a dosage such as, for example, one-half or one-third of such a dosage.

The compositions of the present invention may be formulated in any manner suitable for delivery. The formulation may be, but is not limited to, nanoparticles, poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) microspheres, lipidoids, lipoplex, liposome, polymers, carbohydrates (including simple sugars), cationic lipids and combinations thereof.

In one embodiment, the formulation is a nanoparticle which may comprise at least one lipid. The lipid may be selected from, but is not limited to, DLin-DMA, DLin-K-DMA, 98N12-5, C12-200, DLin-MC3-DMA, DLin-KC2-DMA, DODMA, PLGA, PEG, PEG-DMG and PEGylated lipids. In another aspect, the lipid may be a cationic lipid such as, but not limited to, DLin-DMA, DLin-D-DMA, DLin-MC3-DMA, DLin-KC2-DMA and DODMA.

For polynucleotides of the invention, the formulation may be selected from any of those taught, for example, in International Application PCT/US2012/069610, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Relative amounts of the active ingredient, the pharmaceutically acceptable excipient or inert ingredient, and/or any additional ingredients in a pharmaceutical composition in accordance with the invention will vary, depending upon the identity, size, and/or condition of the subject treated and further depending upon the route by which the composition is to be administered. By way of example, the composition may comprise between 0.1 and 100, e.g., between 0.5 and 50, between 1-30, between 5-80, at least 80 (w/w) active ingredient.

Efficacy of treatment or amelioration of disease can be assessed, for example by measuring disease progression, disease remission, symptom severity, reduction in pain, quality of life, dose of a medication required to sustain a treatment effect, level of a disease marker or any other measurable parameter appropriate for a given disease being treated or targeted for prevention. It is well within the ability of one skilled in the art to monitor efficacy of treatment or prevention by measuring any one of such parameters, or any combination of parameters. In connection with the administration of compositions of the present invention, “effective against” for example a cancer, indicates that administration in a clinically appropriate manner results in a beneficial effect for at least a statistically significant fraction of patients, such as an improvement of symptoms, a cure, a reduction in disease load, reduction in tumor mass or cell numbers, extension of life, improvement in quality of life, or other effect generally recognized as positive by medical doctors familiar with treating the particular type of cancer.

A treatment or preventive effect is evident when there is a statistically significant improvement in one or more parameters of disease status, or by a failure to worsen or to develop symptoms where they would otherwise be anticipated. As an example, a favorable change of at least 10 in a measurable parameter of disease, and preferably at least 20, 30, 40, 50 or more can be indicative of effective treatment. Efficacy for a given composition or formulation of the present invention can also be judged using an experimental animal model for the given disease as known in the art. When using an experimental animal model, efficacy of treatment is evidenced when a statistically significant change is observed.

Vectors

The present invention also provides vectors that package polynucleotides of the invention encoding biocircuits, effector modules, SREs (DDs) and payload constructs, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, polynucleotides encoding destabilizing domains, effector modules and biocircuit systems, are provided. Vectors comprising polynucleotides of the invention are provided. In some aspects, the vector may be a non-viral vector, or a viral vector. In some embodiments, the vector of the invention is a viral vector. The viral vector may include, but is not limited to a retroviral vector, an adenoviral vector, an adeno-associated viral vector, or a lentiviral vector. In some embodiments, the vector of the invention may be a non-viral vector, such as a nanoparticles and liposomes.

Vectors of the present invention may also be used to deliver the packaged polynucleotides to a cell, a local tissue site or a subject. These vectors may be of any kind, including DNA vectors, RNA vectors, plasmids, viral vectors and particles. Viral vector technology is well known and described in Sambrook et al. (2001, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York). Viruses, which are useful as vectors include, but are not limited to lentiviral vectors, adenoviral vectors, adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors, herpes simplex viral vectors, retroviral vectors, oncolytic viruses, and the like.

In general, vectors contain an origin of replication functional in at least one organism, a promoter sequence and convenient restriction endonuclease site, and one or more selectable markers e.g. a drug resistance gene.

As used herein a promoter is defined as a DNA sequence recognized by transcription machinery of the cell, required to initiate specific transcription of the polynucleotide sequence of the present invention. Vectors can comprise native or non-native promoters operably linked to the polynucleotides of the invention. The promoters selected may be strong, weak, constitutive, inducible, tissue specific, development stage-specific, and/or organism specific. One example of a suitable promoter is the immediate early cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter sequence. This promoter sequence is a strong constitutive promoter sequence capable of driving high levels of expression of polynucleotide sequence that is operatively linked to it. Another example of a preferred promoter is Elongation Growth Factor-1. Alpha (EF-1. alpha). Other constitutive promoters may also be used, including, but not limited to simian virus 40 (SV40), mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), long terminal repeat (LTR), promoter, an avian leukemia virus promoter, an Epstein-Barr virus immediate early promoter, a Rous sarcoma virus promoter as well as human gene promoters including, but not limited to the phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) promoter, actin promoter, the myosin promoter, the hemoglobin promoter, the Ubiquitin C (Ubc) promoter, the human U6 small nuclear protein promoter and the creatine kinase promoter. In some instances, inducible promoters such as but not limited to metallothionine promoter, glucocorticoid promoter, a progesterone promoter, and a tetracycline promoter may be used. In some embodiments, the promoter may be selected from the following a CMV promoter, comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 335, an EF1a promoter, comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NOs. 336-337, and a PGK promoter, comprising a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO. 338.

In some embodiments, the optimal promoter may be selected based on its ability to achieve minimal expression of the SREs and payloads of the invention in the absence of the ligand and detectable expression in the presence of the ligand.

Additional promoter elements e.g. enhancers may be used to regulate the frequency of transcriptional initiation. Such regions may be located 10-100 base pairs upstream or downstream of the start site. In some instances, two or more promoter elements may be used to cooperatively or independently activate transcription.

In some embodiments, the recombinant expression vector may comprise regulatory sequences, such as transcription and translation initiation and termination codons, which are specific to the type of host cell into which the vector is to be introduced.

1. Lentiviral Vectors

In some embodiments, lentiviral vectors/particles may be used as vehicles and delivery modalities. Lentiviruses are subgroup of the Retroviridae family of viruses, named because reverse transcription of viral RNA genomes to DNA is required before integration into the host genome. As such, the most important features of lentiviral vehicles/particles are the integration of their genetic material into the genome of a target/host cell. Some examples of lentivirus include the Human Immunodeficiency Viruses: HIV-1 and HIV-2, the Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV), feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV), bovine immunodeficiency virus (BIV), Jembrana Disease Virus (JDV), equine infectious anemia virus (EIAV), equine infectious anemia virus, visna-maedi and caprine arthritis encephalitis virus (CAEV).

Typically, lentiviral particles making up the gene delivery vehicle are replication defective on their own (also referred to as “self-inactivating”). Lentiviruses can infect both dividing and non-dividing cells by virtue of the entry mechanism through the intact host nuclear envelope (Naldini L et al., Curr. Opin. Biotechnol, 1998, 9: 457-463). Recombinant lentiviral vehicles/particles have been generated by multiply attenuating the HIV virulence genes, for example, the genes Env, Vif, Vpr, Vpu, Nef and Tat are deleted making the vector biologically safe. Correspondingly, lentiviral vehicles, for example, derived from HIV-1/HIV-2 can mediate the efficient delivery, integration and long-term expression of transgenes into non-dividing cells. As used herein, the term “recombinant” refers to a vector or other nucleic acid containing both lentiviral sequences and non-lentiviral retroviral sequences.

Lentiviral particles may be generated by co-expressing the virus packaging elements and the vector genome itself in a producer cell such as human HEK293T cells. These elements are usually provided in three (in second generation lentiviral systems) or four separate plasmids (in third generation lentiviral systems). The producer cells are co-transfected with plasmids that encode lentiviral components including the core (i.e. structural proteins) and enzymatic components of the virus, and the envelope protein(s) (referred to as the packaging systems), and a plasmid that encodes the genome including a foreign transgene, to be transferred to the target cell, the vehicle itself (also referred to as the transfer vector). In general, the plasmids or vectors are included in a producer cell line. The plasmids/vectors are introduced via transfection, transduction or infection into the producer cell line. Methods for transfection, transduction or infection are well known by those of skill in the art. As non-limiting example, the packaging and transfer constructs can be introduced into producer cell lines by calcium phosphate transfection, lipofection or electroporation, generally together with a dominant selectable marker, such as neo, DHFR, Gln synthetase or ADA, followed by selection in the presence of the appropriate drug and isolation of clones.

The producer cell produces recombinant viral particles that contain the foreign gene, for example, the effector module of the present invention. The recombinant viral particles are recovered from the culture media and titrated by standard methods used by those of skill in the art. The recombinant lentiviral vehicles can be used to infect target cells.

Cells that can be used to produce high-titer lentiviral particles may include, but are not limited to, HEK293T cells, 293G cells, STAR cells (Relander et al., Mol. Ther., 2005, 11: 452-459), FreeStyle™ 293 Expression System (ThermoFisher, Waltham, Mass.), and other HEK293T-based producer cell lines (e.g., Stewart et al., Hum Gene Ther. 2011, 22(3):357-369; Lee et al., Biotechnol Bioeng, 2012, 10996): 1551-1560; Throm et al., Blood. 2009, 113(21): 5104-5110; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

In some aspects, the envelope proteins may be heterologous envelop proteins from other viruses, such as the G protein of vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV G) or baculoviral gp64 envelop proteins. The VSV-G glycoprotein may especially be chosen among species classified in the vesiculovirus genus: carajas virus (CJSV), Chandipura virus (CHPV), Cocal virus (COCV), isfahan virus (ISFV), maraba virus (MARAV), piry virus (PIRYV), Vesicular stomatitis alagoas virus (VSAV), Vesicular stomatitis indiana virus (VSIV) and Vesicular stomatitis New Jersey virus (VSNJV) and/or stains provisionally classified in the vesiculovirus genus as grass carp rhabdovirus, BeAn 157575 virus (BeAn 157575), Boteke virus (BTKV), calchaqui virus (CQIV), Eel virus American (EVA), Gray Lodge virus (GLOV), Jurona virus (JURY), klamath virus (KLAV), kwatta virus (KWAV), La joya virus (LJV), Malpais Spring virus (MSPV), Mount elgon bat virus (MEBV), Perinet virus (PERV), Pike fry rhabdovirus (PFRV), Porton virus (PORV), Radi virus (RADIV), Spring viremia of carp virus (SVCV), Tupaia virus (TUPV), Ulcerative disease rhabdovirus (UDRV) and Yug Bogdanovac virus (YBV). The gp64 or other baculoviral env protein can be derived from Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV), Anagrapha falcifera nuclear polyhedrosis virus, Bombyx mori nuclear polyhedrosis virus, Choristoneura fumiferana nucleopolyhedrovirus, Orgyia pseudotsugata single capsid nuclear polyhedrosis virus, Epiphyas postvittana nucleopolyhedrovirus, Hyphantria cunea nucleopolyhedrovirus, Galleria mellonella nuclear polyhedrosis virus, Dhori virus, Thogoto virus, Antheraea pemyi nucleopolyhedrovirus or Batken virus.

Additional elements provided in lentiviral particles may comprise retroviral LTR (long-terminal repeat) at either 5′ or 3′ terminus, a retroviral export element, optionally a lentiviral reverse response element (RRE), a promoter or active portion thereof, and a locus control region (LCR) or active portion thereof. Other elements include central polypurine tract (cPPT) sequence to improve transduction efficiency in non-dividing cells, Woodchuck Hepatitis Virus (WHP) Posttranscriptional Regulatory Element (WPRE) which enhances the expression of the transgene, and increases titer. The effector module is linked to the vector.

Methods for generating recombinant lentiviral particles are discussed in the art, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,846,385; 7,745,179; 7,629,153; 7,575,924; 7,179,903; and 6,808,905; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Lentivirus vectors used may be selected from, but are not limited to pLVX, pLenti, pLenti6, pLJM1, FUGW, pWPXL, pWPI, pLenti CMV puro DEST, pLJM1-EGFP, pULTRA, pInducer20, pHIV-EGFP, pCW57.1, pTRPE, pELPS, pRRL, and pLionII.

Lentiviral vehicles known in the art may also be used (See, U.S. Pat. Nos. 9,260,725; 9,068,199; 9,023,646; 8,900,858; 8,748,169; 8,709,799; 8,420,104; 8,329,462; 8,076,106; 6,013,516; and 5,994,136; International Patent Publication NO.: WO2012079000; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

2. Retroviral Vectors (γ-Retroviral Vectors)

In some embodiments, retroviral vectors may be used to package and deliver the biocircuits, biocircuit components, effector modules, SREs or payload constructs of the present invention. Retroviral vectors (RVs) allow the permanent integration of a transgene in target cells. In addition to lentiviral vectors based on complex HIV-1/2, retroviral vectors based on simple gamma-retroviruses have been widely used to deliver therapeutic genes and demonstrated clinically as one of the most efficient and powerful gene delivery systems capable of transducing a broad range of cell types. Example species of Gamma retroviruses include the murine leukemia viruses (MLVs) and the feline leukemia viruses (FeLV).

In some embodiments, gamma-retroviral vectors derived from a mammalian gamma-retrovirus such as murine leukemia viruses (MLVs), are recombinant. The MLV families of gamma retroviruses include the ecotropic, amphotropic, xenotropic and polytropic subfamilies. Ecotropic viruses are able to infect only murine cells using mCAT-1 receptor. Examples of ecotropic viruses are Moloney MLV and AKV. Amphotropic viruses infect murine, human and other species through the Pit-2 receptor. One example of an amphotropic virus is the 4070A virus. Xenotropic and polytropic viruses utilize the same (Xpr1) receptor, but differ in their species tropism. Xenotropic viruses such as NZB-9-1 infect human and other species but not murine species, whereas polytropic viruses such as focus-forming viruses (MCF) infect murine, human and other species.

Gamma-retroviral vectors may be produced in packaging cells by co-transfecting the cells with several plasmids including one encoding the retroviral structural and enzymatic (gag-pol) polyprotein, one encoding the envelope (env) protein, and one encoding the vector mRNA comprising polynucleotide encoding the compositions of the present invention that is to be packaged in newly formed viral particles.

In some aspects, the recombinant gamma-retroviral vectors are pseudotyped with envelope proteins from other viruses. Envelope glycoproteins are incorporated in the outer lipid layer of the viral particles which can increase/alter the cell tropism. Exemplary envelop proteins include the gibbon ape leukemia virus envelope protein (GALV) or vesicular stomatitis virus G protein (VSV-G), or Simian endogenous retrovirus envelop protein, or Measles Virus H and F proteins, or Human immunodeficiency virus gp120 envelope protein, or cocal vesiculovirus envelop protein (See, e.g., U.S. application publication NO.: 2012/164118; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). In other aspects, envelope glycoproteins may be genetically modified to incorporate targeting/binding ligands into gamma-retroviral vectors, binding ligands including, but not limited to, peptide ligands, single chain antibodies and growth factors (Waehler et al., Nat. Rev. Genet. 2007, 8(8):573-587; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety). These engineered glycoproteins can retarget vectors to cells expressing their corresponding target moieties. In other aspects, a “molecular bridge” may be introduced to direct vectors to specific cells. The molecular bridge has dual specificities: one end can recognize viral glycoproteins, and the other end can bind to the molecular determinant on the target cell. Such molecular bridges, for example ligand-receptor, avidin-biotin, and chemical conjugations, monoclonal antibodies and engineered fusogenic proteins, can direct the attachment of viral vectors to target cells for transduction (Yang et al., Biotechnol. Bioeng., 2008, 101(2): 357-368; and Maetzig et al., Viruses, 2011, 3, 677-713; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

In some embodiments, the recombinant gamma-retroviral vectors are self-inactivating (SIN) gammaretroviral vectors. The vectors are replication incompetent. SIN vectors may harbor a deletion within the 3′ U3 region initially comprising enhancer/promoter activity. Furthermore, the 5′ U3 region may be replaced with strong promoters (needed in the packaging cell line) derived from Cytomegalovirus or RSV, or an internal promoter of choice, and/or an enhancer element. The choice of the internal promoters may be made according to specific requirements of gene expression needed for a particular purpose of the invention.

In some embodiments, polynucleotides encoding the biocircuit, biocircuit components, effector module, SRE are inserted within the recombinant viral genome. The other components of the viral mRNA of a recombinant gamma-retroviral vector may be modified by insertion or removal of naturally occurring sequences (e.g., insertion of an IRES, insertion of a heterologous polynucleotide encoding a polypeptide or inhibitory nucleic acid of interest, shuffling of a more effective promoter from a different retrovirus or virus in place of the wild-type promoter and the like). In some examples, the recombinant gamma-retroviral vectors may comprise modified packaging signal, and/or primer binding site (PBS), and/or 5′-enhancer/promoter elements in the U3-region of the 5′-long terminal repeat (LTR), and/or 3′-SIN elements modified in the U3-region of the 3′-LTR. These modifications may increase the titers and the ability of infection.

Gamma retroviral vectors suitable for delivering biocircuit components, effector modules, SREs or payload constructs of the present invention may be selected from those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,828,718; 7,585,676; 7,351,585; U.S. application publication NO.: 2007/048285; PCT application publication NOs.: WO2010/113037; WO2014/121005; WO2015/056014; and EP Pat. NOs.: EP1757702; EP1757703 (the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

3. Adeno-Associated Viral Vectors (AAV)

In some embodiments, polynucleotides of present invention may be packaged into recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors. Such vectors or viral particles may be designed to utilize any of the known serotype capsids or combinations of serotype capsids. The serotype capsids may include capsids from any identified AAV serotypes and variants thereof, for example, AAV1, AAV2, AAV2G9, AAV3, AAV4, AAV4-4, AAV5, AAV6, AAV7, AAV8, AAV9, AAV10, AAV11, AAV12 and AAVrh10.

In one embodiment, the AAV serotype may be or have a sequence as described in United States Publication No. US20030138772, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, such as, but not limited to, AAV1 (SEQ ID NO: 6 and 64 of US20030138772), AAV2 (SEQ ID NO: 7 and 70 of US20030138772), AAV3 (SEQ ID NO: 8 and 71 of US20030138772), AAV4 (SEQ ID NO: 63 of US20030138772), AAV5 (SEQ ID NO: 114 of US20030138772), AAV6 (SEQ ID NO: 65 of US20030138772), AAV7 (SEQ ID NO: 1-3 of US20030138772), AAV8 (SEQ ID NO: 4 and 95 of US20030138772), AAV9 (SEQ ID NO: 5 and 100 of US20030138772), AAV10 (SEQ ID NO: 117 of US20030138772), AAV11 (SEQ ID NO: 118 of US20030138772), AAV12 (SEQ ID NO: 119 of US20030138772), AAVrh10 (amino acids 1 to 738 of SEQ ID NO: 81 of US20030138772) or variants thereof. Non-limiting examples of variants include SEQ ID NOs: 9, 27-45, 47-62, 66-69, 73-81, 84-94, 96, 97, 99, 101-113 of US20030138772, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

In one embodiment, the AAV serotype may have a sequence as described in Pulicherla et al. ( Molecular Therapy, 2011, 19(6):1070-1078), U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,156,303; 7,198,951; U.S. Patent Publication NOs.: US2015/0159173 and US2014/0359799; and International Patent Publication NOs.: WO1998/011244, WO2005/033321 and WO2014/14422; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

AAV vectors include not only single stranded vectors but self-complementary AAV vectors (scAAVs). scAAV vectors contain DNA which anneals together to form double stranded vector genome. By skipping second strand synthesis, scAAVs allow for rapid expression in the cell.

The rAAV vectors may be manufactured by standard methods in the art such as by triple transfection, in sf9 insect cells or in suspension cell cultures of human cells such as HEK293 cells.

The biocircuits, biocircuit components, effector modules, SREs or payload constructs may be encoded in one or more viral genomes to be packaged in the AAV capsids taught herein.

Such vectors or viral genomes may also include, in addition to at least one or two ITRs (inverted terminal repeats), certain regulatory elements necessary for expression from the vector or viral genome. Such regulatory elements are well known in the art and include for example promoters, introns, spacers, stuffer sequences, and the like.

In some embodiments, more than one effector module or SRE (e.g. DD) may be encoded in a viral genome.

4. Oncolytic Viral Vector

In some embodiments, polynucleotides of present invention may be packaged into oncolytic viruses, such as vaccine viruses. Oncolytic vaccine viruses may include viral particles of a thymidine kinase (TK)-deficient, granulocyte macrophage (GM)-colony stimulating factor (CSF)-expressing, replication-competent vaccinia virus vector sufficient to induce oncolysis of cells in the tumor (e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 9,226,977).

In some embodiments, the viral vector of the invention may comprise two or more immunotherapeutic agents taught herein, wherein the two or more immunotherapeutic agents may be included in one effector module under the regulation of the same DD. In this case, the two or more immunotherapeutic agents are tuned by the same stimulus simultaneously. In other embodiments, the viral vector of the invention may comprise two or more effector modules, wherein each effector module comprises a different immunotherapeutic agent. In this case, the two or more effector modules and immunotherapeutic agents are tuned by different stimuli, providing separately independent regulation of the two or more components.

5. Messenger RNA (mRNA)

In some embodiments, the effector modules of the invention may be designed as a messenger RNA (mRNA). As used herein, the term “messenger RNA” (mRNA) refers to any polynucleotide which encodes a polypeptide of interest and which is capable of being translated to produce the encoded polypeptide of interest in vitro, in vivo, in situ or ex vivo. Such mRNA molecules may have the structural components or features of any of those taught in International Application number PCT/US2013/030062, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

Polynucleotides of the invention may also be designed as taught in, for example, Ribostem Limited in United Kingdom patent application serial number 0316089.2 filed on Jul. 9, 2003 now abandoned, PCT application number PCT/GB2004/002981 filed on Jul. 9, 2004 published as WO2005005622, United States patent application national phase entry Ser. No. 10/563,897 filed on Jun. 8, 2006 published as US20060247195 now abandoned, and European patent application national phase entry serial number EP2004743322 filed on Jul. 9, 2004 published as EP1646714 now withdrawn; Novozymes, Inc. in PCT application number PCT/US2007/88060 filed on Dec. 19, 2007 published as WO2008140615, United States patent application national phase entry Ser. No. 12/520,072 filed on Jul. 2, 2009 published as US20100028943 and European patent application national phase entry serial number EP2007874376 filed on Jul. 7, 2009 published as EP2104739; University of Rochester in PCT application number PCT/US2006/46120 filed on Dec. 4, 2006 published as WO2007064952 and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/606,995 filed on Dec. 1, 2006 published as US20070141030; BioNTech AG in European patent application serial number EP2007024312 filed Dec. 14, 2007 now abandoned, PCT application number PCT/EP2008/01059 filed on Dec. 12, 2008 published as WO2009077134, European patent application national phase entry serial number EP2008861423 filed on Jun. 2, 2010 published as EP2240572, United States patent application national phase entry Ser. No. 12/735,060 filed Nov. 24, 2010 published as US20110065103, German patent application serial number DE 10 2005 046 490 filed Sep. 28, 2005, PCT application PCT/EP2006/0448 filed Sep. 28, 2006 published as WO2007036366, national phase European patent EP1934345 published Mar. 21, 2012 and national phase U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/992,638 filed Aug. 14, 2009 published as 20100129877; Immune Disease Institute Inc. in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/088,009 filed Apr. 15, 2011 published as US20120046346 and PCT application PCT/US2011/32679 filed Apr. 15, 2011 published as WO20110130624; Shire Human Genetic Therapeutics in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/957,340 filed on Nov. 20, 2010 published as US20110244026; Sequitur Inc. in PCT application PCT/US1998/019492 filed on Sep. 18, 1998 published as WO1999014346; The Scripps Research Institute in PCT application number PCT/US2010/00567 filed on Feb. 24, 2010 published as WO2010098861, and United States patent application national phase entry Ser. No. 13/203,229 filed Nov. 3, 2011 published as US20120053333; Ludwig-Maximillians University in PCT application number PCT/EP2010/004681 filed on Jul. 30, 2010 published as WO2011012316; Cellscript Inc. in U.S. Pat. No. 8,039,214 filed Jun. 30, 2008 and granted Oct. 18, 2011, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/962,498 filed on Dec. 7, 2010 published as US20110143436, Ser. No. 12/962,468 filed on Dec. 7, 2010 published as US20110143397, Ser. No. 13/237,451 filed on Sep. 20, 2011 published as US20120009649, and PCT applications PCT/US2010/59305 filed Dec. 7, 2010 published as WO2011071931 and PCT/US2010/59317 filed on Dec. 7, 2010 published as WO2011071936; The Trustees of the University of Pennsylvania in PCT application number PCT/US2006/32372 filed on Aug. 21, 2006 published as WO2007024708, and U.S. patent application national phase entry Ser. No. 11/990,646 filed on Mar. 27, 2009 published as US20090286852; Curevac GMBH in German patent application serial numbers DE10 2001 027 283.9 filed Jun. 5, 2001, DE10 2001 062 480.8 filed Dec. 19, 2001, and DE 20 2006 051 516 filed Oct. 31, 2006 all abandoned, European patent numbers EP1392341 granted Mar. 30, 2005 and EP1458410 granted Jan. 2, 2008, PCT application numbers PCT/EP2002/06180 filed Jun. 5, 2002 published as WO2002098443, PCT/EP2002/14577 filed on Dec. 19, 2002 published as WO2003051401, PCT/EP2007/09469 filed on Dec. 31, 2007 published as WO2008052770, PCT/EP2008/03033 filed on Apr. 16, 2008 published as WO2009127230, PCT/EP2006/004784 filed on May 19, 2005 published as WO2006122828, PCT/EP2008/00081 filed on Jan. 9, 2007 published as WO2008083949, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/729,830 filed on Dec. 5, 2003 published as US20050032730, Ser. No. 10/870,110 filed on Jun. 18, 2004 published as US20050059624, Ser. No. 11/914,945 filed on Jul. 7, 2008 published as US20080267873, Ser. No. 12/446,912 filed on Oct. 27, 2009 published as US2010047261 now abandoned, Ser. No. 12/522,214 filed on Jan. 4, 2010 published as US20100189729, Ser. No. 12/787,566 filed on May 26, 2010 published as US20110077287, Ser. No. 12/787,755 filed on May 26, 2010 published as US20100239608, Ser. No. 13/185,119 filed on Jul. 18, 2011 published as US20110269950, and Ser. No. 13/106,548 filed on May 12, 2011 published as US20110311472 all of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, the effector modules may be designed as self-amplifying RNA. “Self-amplifying RNA” as used herein refers to RNA molecules that can replicate in the host resulting in the increase in the amount of the RNA and the protein encoded by the RNA. Such self-amplifying RNA may have structural features or components of any of those taught in International Patent Application Publication No. WO2011005799 (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.)

The compositions of the invention may be delivered to a cell or a subject through one or more routes and modalities. The viral vectors containing one or more effector modules, SREs, immunotherapeutic agents and other components described herein may be used to deliver them to a cell and/or a subject. Other modalities may also be used such as mRNAs, plasmids, and as recombinant proteins.

1. Delivery to Cells

In another aspect of the invention, polynucleotides encoding biocircuits, effector modules, SREs (e.g., DDs), payloads of interest (immunotherapeutic agents) and compositions of the invention and vectors comprising said polynucleotides may be introduced into cells such as immune effector cells.

In one aspect of the invention, polynucleotides encoding biocircuits, effector modules, SREs (e.g., DDs), payloads of interest (immunotherapeutic agents) and compositions of the invention, may be packaged into viral vectors or integrated into viral genomes allowing transient or stable expression of the polynucleotides. Preferable viral vectors are retroviral vectors including lentiviral vectors. In order to construct a retroviral vector, a polynucleotide molecule encoding a biocircuit, an effector module, a DD or a payload of interest (i.e. an immunotherapeutic agent) is inserted into the viral genome in the place of certain viral sequences to produce a virus that is replication-defective. The recombinant viral vector is then introduced into a packaging cell line containing the gag, pol, and env genes, but without the LTR and packaging components. The recombinant retroviral particles are secreted into the culture media, then collected, optionally concentrated, and used for gene transfer. Lentiviral vectors are especially preferred as they are capable of infecting both dividing and non-dividing cells.

Vectors may also be transferred to cells by non-viral methods by physical methods such as needles, electroporation, sonoporation, hyrdoporation; chemical carriers such as inorganic particles (e.g. calcium phosphate, silica, gold) and/or chemical methods. In some embodiments, synthetic or natural biodegradable agents may be used for delivery such as cationic lipids, lipid nano emulsions, nanoparticles, peptide based vectors, or polymer based vectors.

In some embodiments, the polypeptides of the invention may be delivered to the cell directly. In one embodiment, the polypeptides of the invention may be delivered using synthetic peptides comprising an endosomal leakage domain (ELD) fused to a cell penetration domain (CLD). The polypeptides of the invention are co introduced into the cell with the ELD-CLD-synthetic peptide. ELDs facilitate the escape of proteins that are trapped in the endosome, into the cytosol. Such domains are derived proteins of microbial and viral origin and have been described in the art. CPDs allow the transport of proteins across the plasma membrane and have also been described in the art. The ELD-CLD fusion proteins synergistically increase the transduction efficiency when compared to the co-transduction with either domain alone. In some embodiments, a histidine rich domain may optionally be added to the shuttle construct as an additional method of allowing the escape of the cargo from the endosome into the cytosol. The shuttle may also include a cysteine residue at the N or C terminus to generate multimers of the fusion peptide. Multimers of the ELD-CLD fusion peptides generated by the addition of cysteine residue to the terminus of the peptide show even greater transduction efficiency when compared to the single fusion peptide constructs. The polypeptides of the invention may also be appended to appropriate localization signals to direct the cargo to the appropriate sub-cellular location e.g. nucleus. In some embodiments any of the ELDs, CLDs or the fusion ELD-CLD synthetic peptides taught in the International Patent Publication, WO2016161516 and WO2017175072 may be useful in the present invention (the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety).

2. Dosing

The present invention provides methods comprising administering any one or more compositions for immunotherapy to a subject in need thereof. These may be administered to a subject using any amount and any route of administration effective for preventing or treating a clinical condition such as cancer, infection diseases and other immunodeficient diseases.

Compositions in accordance with the invention are typically formulated in dosage unit form for ease of administration and uniformity of dosage. It will be understood, however, that the total daily usage of the compositions of the present invention may be decided by the attending physician within the scope of sound medical judgment. The specific therapeutically effective, or prophylactically effective dose level for any particular patient will depend upon a variety of factors including the disorder being treated and the severity of the disorder; the activity of the specific compound employed; the specific composition employed; the age, body weight, general health, sex and diet of the patient; the time of administration, route of administration, previous or concurrent therapeutic interventions and rate of excretion of the specific compound employed; the duration of the treatment; drugs used in combination or coincidental with the specific compound employed; and like factors well known in the medical arts.

Compositions of the invention may be used in varying doses to avoid T cell anergy, prevent cytokine release syndrome and minimize toxicity associated with immunotherapy. For example, low doses of the compositions of the present invention may be used to initially treat patients with high tumor burden, while patients with low tumor burden may be treated with high and repeated doses of the compositions of the invention to ensure recognition of a minimal tumor antigen load. In another instance, the compositions of the present invention may be delivered in a pulsatile fashion to reduce tonic T cell signaling and enhance persistence in vivo. In some aspects, toxicity may be minimized by initially using low doses of the compositions of the invention, prior to administering high doses. Dosing may be modified if serum markers such as ferritin, serum C-reactive protein, IL6, IFN γ, and TNF-α are elevated.

In one embodiment, polypeptides and/or polynucleotides expressing the compositions described herein e.g. effector modules, are administered to a subject in need thereof to treat cancer. In one embodiment, a population of cells comprising the biocircuits, effector modules and/or the SREs described herein is administered to a subject in need thereof to treat cancer.

In one embodiment, the cells expressing the compositions described herein is administered at a dose and/or dosing schedule described herein.

In one embodiment, compositions are introduced into immune cells (e.g., T cells, NK cells). The compositions may be introduced into the immune cells by methods including but not limited to viral transduction, transfection and/or in vitro transcription. In some embodiments, the immune cells are transduced with retroviruses. In one aspect, the retrovirus may be a lentivirus. In some aspects, the titer of the lentiviruses may be used to tune the expression of the payload. In some embodiments, the titer of the lentivirus may have a multiplicity of infection (MOI) ranging from 0.001-0.01, 0.01-0.1, 0.1-1, or 1-10. In some embodiments, the MOI may be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10.

In some embodiments, the subject (e.g., human) receives an initial administration of immune cells comprising the compositions described herein e.g. SREs, and one or more subsequent administrations of cells. In some embodiments, a therapeutically effective amount of the compositions and/or cells described herein may be administered to the subject. In some embodiments, the therapeutically effective amount may indicate the precise amount required to tumor inhibition, tumor prevalence and/or tumor burden. The therapeutically effective amount may be determined with consideration of the subject's age, weight, tumor size, sex, extent of infection or metastasis. In some embodiments, the cells expressing the compositions described herein may be administered at a dosage of 10 4 to 10 9 cells/kg body weight of the subject. The cells can be administered by using infusion techniques that are commonly known in immunotherapy (see, e.g., Rosenberg et al., New Eng. J. of Med. 319: 1676, 1988; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

In some aspects, subjects may undergo leukapheresis, wherein leukocytes are collected, enriched, or depleted ex vivo to select and/or isolate the cells of interest, e.g., T cells. These T cell isolates may be expanded by methods known in the art and treated such that the compositions of the invention may be introduced into the cell. Subjects in need thereof may subsequently undergo standard treatment with high dose chemotherapy followed by peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. In certain aspects, following or concurrent with the transplant, subjects receive an infusion of the immune cells of the present invention. In an additional aspect, expanded cells are administered before or following surgery.

The dosage of the above treatments to be administered to a patient will vary with the precise nature of the condition being treated and the recipient of the treatment. The scaling of dosages for human administration can be performed according to art-accepted practices.

In one embodiment, the compositions are introduced into immune cells (e.g., T cells, NK cells), e.g., using in vitro transcription, and the subject (e.g., human) receives an initial administration of immune cells (e.g., T cells, NK cells) of the invention, and one or more subsequent administrations of the immune cells (e.g., T cells, NK cells) of the invention, wherein the one or more subsequent administrations are administered less than 15 days, e.g., 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, or 2 days after the previous administration. In one embodiment, more than one administration of the immune cells (e.g., T cells, NK cells) of the invention are administered to the subject (e.g., human) per week, e.g., 2, 3, or 4 administrations of the immune cells (e.g., T cells, NK cells) of the invention are administered per week. In one embodiment, the subject (e.g., human subject) receives more than one administration of the immune cells (e.g., T cells, NK cells) per week (e.g., 2, 3 or 4 administrations per week) (also referred to herein as a cycle), followed by a week of no immune cells (e.g., T cells, NK cells) administrations, and then one or more additional administration of the immune cells (e.g., T cells, NK cells) (e.g., more than one administration of the immune cells (e.g., T cells, NK cells) per week) is administered to the subject. In another embodiment, the subject (e.g., human subject) receives more than one cycle of immune cells (e.g., T cells, NK cells), and the time between each cycle is less than 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, or 3 days. In one embodiment, the immune cells (e.g., T cells, NK cells) are administered every other day for 3 administrations per week. In one embodiment, the immune cells (e.g., T cells, NK cells) of the invention are administered for at least two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight or more weeks. In some embodiments, a dose of immune cells expressing compositions of the invention described herein comprises about 1×10 6 , 1.1×10 6 , 2×10 6 , 3.6×10 6 , 5×10 6 , 1×10 7 , 1.8×10 7 , 2×10 7 , 5×10 7 , 1×10 8 , 2×10 8 , 3×10 8 , or 5×10 8 cells/kg. In some embodiments, a dose of immune cells comprises at least about 1×10 6 , 1.1×10 6 , 2×10 6 , 3.6×10 6 , 5×10 6 , 1×10 7 , 1.8×10 7 , 2×10 7 , 5×10 7 , 1×10 8 , 2×10 8 , 3×10 8 , or 5×10 8 cells/kg. In some embodiments, a dose of immune cells comprises up to about 1×10 6 , 1.1×10 6 , 2×10 6 , 3.6×10 6 , 5×10 6 , 1×10 7 , 1.8×10 7 , 2×10 7 , 5×10 7 , 1×10 8 , 2×10 8 , 3×10 8 , or 5×10 8 cells/kg. In some embodiments, a dose of immune cells comprises about 1.1×10 6 , 1.8×10 7 cells/kg. In some embodiments, a dose of immune cells comprises about 1×10 7 , 2×10 7 , 5×10 7 , 1×10 8 , 2×10 8 , 3×10 8 , 5×10 8 , 1×10 9 , 2×10 9 , or 5×10 9 cells. In some embodiments, a dose of the immune cells comprises at least about 1×10 7 , 2×10 7 , 5×10 7 , 1×10 8 , 2×10 8 , 3×10 8 , 5×10 8 , 1×10 9 , 2×10 9 , or 5×10 9 cells. In some embodiments, a dose of immune cells comprises up to about 1×10 7 2×10 7 , 5×10 7 , 1×10 8 , 2×10 8 , 3×10 8 , 5×10 8 , 1×10 9 , 2×10 9 , or 5×10 9 cells. In some embodiments, a dose of the immune cells comprises up to about 1×10 7 , 1.5×10 7 , 2×10 7 , 2.5×10 7 , 3×10 7 , 3.5×10 7 , 4×10 7 , 5×10 7 , 1×10 8 , 1.5×10 8 , 2×10 8 , 2.5×10 8 , 3×10 8 , 3.5×10 8 , 4×10 8 , 5×10 8 , 1×10 9 , 2×10 9 , or 5×10 9 cells. In some embodiments, a dose of immune cells comprises up to about 1-3×10 7 to 1-3×10 8 cells.

In one embodiment, the cells expressing the compositions described herein, are administered as a first line treatment for the disease, e.g., the cancer, e.g., the cancer described herein. In another embodiment, the cells expressing the compositions described herein, are administered as a second, third, fourth line treatment for the disease, e.g., the cancer, e.g., the cancer described herein. In some embodiments, the subject may undergo preconditioning prior to the administration of the cells.

Also provided herein are methods of administering ligands in accordance with the invention to a subject in need thereof. The ligand may be administered to a subject or to cells, using any amount and any route of administration effective for tuning the biocircuits of the invention. The exact amount required will vary from subject to subject, depending on the species, age, and general condition of the subject, the severity of the disease, the particular composition, its mode of administration, its mode of activity, and the like. The subject may be a human, a mammal, or an animal. Compositions in accordance with the invention are typically formulated in unit dosage form for ease of administration and uniformity of dosage. It will be understood, however, that the total daily usage of the compositions of the present invention may be decided by the attending physician within the scope of sound medical judgment. In certain embodiments, the ligands in accordance with the present invention may be administered at dosage levels sufficient to deliver from about 0.0001 mg/kg to about 100 mg/kg, from about 0.001 mg/kg to about 0.05 mg/kg, from about 0.005 mg/kg to about 0.05 mg/kg, from about 0.001 mg/kg to about 0.005 mg/kg, from about 0.05 mg/kg to about 0.5 mg/kg, from about 0.01 mg/kg to about 50 mg/kg, from about 0.1 mg/kg to about 40 mg/kg, from about 0.5 mg/kg to about 30 mg/kg, from about 0.01 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, from about 0.1 mg/kg to about 10 mg/kg, or from about 1 mg/kg to about 25 mg/kg, from about 10 mg/kg to about 100 mg/kg, from about 50 mg/kg to about 500 mg/kg, from about 100 mg/kg to about 1000 mg/kg, of subject body weight per day, one or more times a day, to obtain the desired effect. In some embodiments, the dosage levels may be 1 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg, 60 mg/kg, 70 mg/kg, 80 mg/kg, 90 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 110 mg/kg, 120 mg/kg, 130 mg/kg, 140 mg/kg, 150 mg/kg, 160 mg/kg, 170 mg/kg, 180 mg/kg, 190 mg/kg or mg/kg of subject body weight per day, or more times a day, to obtain the desired effect.

The present disclosure provides methods for delivering to a cell or tissue any of the ligands described herein, comprising contacting the cell or tissue with said ligand and can be accomplished in vitro, ex vivo, or in vivo. In certain embodiments, the ligands in accordance with the present invention may be administered to cells at dosage levels sufficient to deliver from about 1 nM to about 10 nM, from about 5 nM to about 50 nM, from about 10 nM to about 100 nM, from about 50 nM to about 500 nM, from about 100 nM to about 1000 nM, from about 1 μM to about 10 μM, from about 5 μM to about 50 μM, from about 10 μM to about 100 μM from about 25 μM to about 250 μM, from about 50 μM to about 500 μM. In some embodiments, the ligand may be administered to cells at doses selected from but not limited to 0.0064 μM, 0.0032 μM, 0.016 μM, 0.08 μM, 0.4 μM, 1 μM, 2 μM, 5 μM, 10 μM, 25 μM, 50 μM, 75 μM, 100 μM, 150 μM, 200 μM, 250 μM.

The desired dosage of the ligands of the present invention may be delivered only once, three times a day, two times a day, once a day, every other day, every third day, every week, every two weeks, every three weeks, or every four weeks. In certain embodiments, the desired dosage may be delivered using multiple administrations (e.g., two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, eleven, twelve, thirteen, fourteen, or more administrations). When multiple administrations are employed, split dosing regimens such as those described herein may be used. As used herein, a “split dose” is the division of “single unit dose” or total daily dose into two or more doses, e.g., two or more administrations of the “single unit dose”. As used herein, a “single unit dose” is a dose of any therapeutic administered in one dose/at one time/single route/single point of contact, i.e., single administration event. The desired dosage of the ligand of the present invention may be administered as a “pulse dose” or as a “continuous flow”. As used herein, a “pulse dose” is a series of single unit doses of any therapeutic administered with a set frequency over a period of time. As used herein, a “continuous flow” is a dose of therapeutic administered continuously for a period of time in a single route/single point of contact, i.e., continuous administration event. A total daily dose, an amount given or prescribed in 24-hour period, may be administered by any of these methods, or as a combination of these methods, or by any other methods suitable for a pharmaceutical administration.

3. Administration

In some embodiments, the compositions for immunotherapy may be administered to cells ex vivo and subsequently administered to the subject. Immune cells can be isolated and expanded ex vivo using a variety of methods known in the art. For example, methods of isolating cytotoxic T cells are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,805,861 and 6,531,451; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Isolation of NK cells is described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,435,596; the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

In some embodiments, depending upon the nature of the cells, the cells may be introduced into a host organism e.g. a mammal, in a wide variety of ways including by injection, transfusion, infusion, local instillation or implantation. In some aspects, the cells of the invention may be introduced at the site of the tumor. The number of cells that are employed will depend upon a number of circumstances, the purpose for the introduction, the lifetime of the cells, the protocol to be used, for example, the number of administrations, the ability of the cells to multiply, or the like. The cells may be in a physiologically-acceptable medium.

In some embodiments, the cells of the invention may be administrated in multiple doses to subjects having a disease or condition. The administrations generally effect an improvement in one or more symptoms of cancer or a clinical condition and/or treat or prevent cancer or clinical condition or symptom thereof.

In some embodiments, the compositions for immunotherapy may be administered in vivo. In some embodiments, polypeptides of the present invention comprising biocircuits, effector molecules, SREs, payloads of interest (immunotherapeutic agents) and compositions of the invention may be delivered in vivo to the subject. In vivo delivery of immunotherapeutic agents is well described in the art. For example, methods of delivery of cytokines are described in the E.P. Pat. No.: EP0930892 A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Routes of Delivery

The pharmaceutical compositions, biocircuits, biocircuit components, effector modules including their SREs (e.g., DDs), payloads (i.e. immunotherapeutic agents), vectors and cells of the present invention may be administered by any route to achieve a therapeutically effective outcome.

These include, but are not limited to enteral (into the intestine), gastroenteral, epidural (into the dura matter), oral (by way of the mouth), transdermal, peridural, intracerebral (into the cerebrum), intracerebroventricular (into the cerebral ventricles), epicutaneous (application onto the skin), intradermal, (into the skin itself), subcutaneous (under the skin), nasal administration (through the nose), intravenous (into a vein), intravenous bolus, intravenous drip, intra-arterial (into an artery), intramuscular (into a muscle), intracranial (into the heart), intraosseous infusion (into the bone marrow), intrathecal (into the spinal canal), intraperitoneal, (infusion or injection into the peritoneum), intrasinal infusion, intravitreal, (through the eye), intravenous injection (into a pathologic cavity) intracavitary (into the base of the penis), intravaginal administration, intrauterine, extra-amniotic administration, transdermal (diffusion through the intact skin for systemic distribution), transmucosal (diffusion through a mucous membrane), transvaginal, insufflation (snorting), sublingual, sublabial, enema, eye drops (onto the conjunctiva), in ear drops, auricular (in or by way of the ear), buccal (directed toward the cheek), conjunctival, cutaneous, dental (to a tooth or teeth), electro-osmosis, endocervical, endosinusial, endotracheal, extracorporeal, hemodialysis, infiltration, interstitial, intra-abdominal, intra-amniotic, intra-articular, intrabiliary, intrabronchial, intrabursal, intracartilaginous (within a cartilage), intracaudal (within the cauda equine), intracisternal (within the cisterna magna cerebellomedularis), intracorneal (within the cornea), dental intracornal, intracoronary (within the coronary arteries), intracorporus cavernosum (within the dilatable spaces of the corporus cavernosa of the penis), intradiscal (within a disc), intraductal (within a duct of a gland), intraduodenal (within the duodenum), intradural (within or beneath the dura), intraepidermal (to the epidermis), intraesophageal (to the esophagus), intragastric (within the stomach), intragingival (within the gingivae), intraileal (within the distal portion of the small intestine), intralesional (within or introduced directly to a localized lesion), intraluminal (within a lumen of a tube), intralymphatic (within the lymph), intramedullary (within the marrow cavity of a bone), intrameningeal (within the meninges), intramyocardial (within the myocardium), intraocular (within the eye), intraovarian (within the ovary), intrapericardial (within the pericardium), intrapleural (within the pleura), intraprostatic (within the prostate gland), intrapulmonary (within the lungs or its bronchi), intrasinal (within the nasal or periorbital sinuses), intraspinal (within the vertebral column), intrasynovial (within the synovial cavity of a joint), intratendinous (within a tendon), intratesticular (within the testicle), intrathecal (within the cerebrospinal fluid at any level of the cerebrospinal axis), intrathoracic (within the thorax), intratubular (within the tubules of an organ), intratumor (within a tumor), intratympanic (within the aurus media), intravascular (within a vessel or vessels), intraventricular (within a ventricle), iontophoresis (by means of electric current where ions of soluble salts migrate into the tissues of the body), irrigation (to bathe or flush open wounds or body cavities), laryngeal (directly upon the larynx), nasogastric (through the nose and into the stomach), occlusive dressing technique (topical route administration which is then covered by a dressing which occludes the area), ophthalmic (to the external eye), oropharyngeal (directly to the mouth and pharynx), parenteral, percutaneous, periarticular, peridural, perineural, periodontal, rectal, respiratory (within the respiratory tract by inhaling orally or nasally for local or systemic effect), retrobulbar (behind the pons or behind the eyeball), intramyocardial (entering the myocardium), soft tissue, subarachnoid, subconjunctival, submucosal, topical, transplacental (through or across the placenta), transtracheal (through the wall of the trachea), transtympanic (across or through the tympanic cavity), ureteral (to the ureter), urethral (to the urethra), vaginal, caudal block, diagnostic, nerve block, biliary perfusion, cardiac perfusion, photopheresis or spinal.

Kits

The also provides a kit comprising any of the polynucleotides or expression vectors described herein.

The present invention includes a variety of kits for conveniently and/or effectively carrying out methods of the present invention. Typically, kits will comprise sufficient amounts and/or numbers of components to allow a user to perform one or multiple treatments of a subject(s) and/or to perform one or multiple experiments.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides kits for inhibiting genes in vitro or in vivo, comprising a biocircuit of the present invention or a combination of biocircuits of the present invention, optionally in combination with any other suitable active agents.

The kit may further comprise packaging and instructions and/or a delivery agent to form a formulation composition. The delivery agent may comprise, for example, saline, a buffered solution.

In additional embodiments, assay screening kits are provided. The kit includes a container for the screening assay. An instruction for the use of the assay and the information about the screening method are to be included in the kit.

In some embodiments, the DDs, effector modules and biocircuit system and compositions of the invention may be used as research tools to investigate protein activity in a biological system such a cell and a subject. In other embodiments, the DDs, effector modules and biocircuit system and compositions of the invention may be used for treating a disease such as a cancer and a genetic disorder.

In one aspect of the present invention, methods for reducing a tumor volume or burden are provided. The methods comprise administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one biocircuit system, effector module, DD, and/or payload of interest (i.e., an immunotherapeutic agent), at least one vector, or cells to a subject having a tumor. The biocircuit system and effector module having any immunotherapeutic agent as described herein may be in forms of a polypeptide, or a polynucleotide such as mRNA, or a viral vector comprising the polynucleotide, or a cell modified to express the biocircuit, effector module, DD, and payload of interest (i.e., immunotherapeutic agent).

In another aspect of the present invention, methods for inducing an anti-tumor immune response in a subject are provided. The methods comprise administering a pharmaceutically effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising at least one biocircuit system, effector module, DD, and/or payload of interest (i.e., an immunotherapeutic agent), at least one vector, or cells to a subject having a tumor. The biocircuit and effector module having any immunotherapeutic agent as described herein may be in forms of a polypeptide, or a polynucleotide such as mRNA, or a viral vector comprising the polynucleotide, or a cell modified to express the biocircuit, effector module, DD, and payload of interest (i.e., immunotherapeutic agent).

The methods, per the present invention, may be adoptive cell transfer (ACT) using genetically engineered cells such as immune effector cells of the invention, cancer vaccines comprising biocircuit systems, effector modules, DDs, payloads of interest (i.e., immunotherapeutic agents) of the invention, or compositions that manipulate the tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment, or the combination thereof. These treatments may be further employed with other cancer treatment such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

1. Adoptive Cell Transfer (Adoptive Immunotherapy)

Recent progress in the field of cancer immunology has allowed the development of several approaches to help the immune system keep the cancer at bay. Such immunotherapy approaches include the targeting of cancer antigens through monoclonal antibodies or through adoptive transfer of ex vivo engineered T cells (e.g., which contain chimeric antigen receptors or engineered T cell receptors). The present invention also provides methods for inducing immune responses in a subject using the compositions of the invention. Also provided are methods for reducing a tumor burden in a subject using the compositions of the invention. The present invention also provides immune cells engineered to include one or more polypeptides, polynucleotides, or vectors of the present invention. The cells may be immune effector cells, including T cells such as cytotoxic T cells, helper T cells, memory T cells, regulatory T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, NK T cells, cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). The engineered cell may be used for adoptive cell transfer for treating a disease (e.g., a cancer).

In some embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions, biocircuits, biocircuit components, effector modules including their SREs or payloads of the present invention may be used in the modulation or alteration or exploitation of the immune system to target one or more cancers. This approach may also be considered with other such biological approaches, e.g., immune response modifying therapies such as the administration of interferons, interleukins, colony-stimulating factors, other monoclonal antibodies, vaccines, gene therapy, and nonspecific immunomodulating agents are also envisioned as anti-cancer therapies to be combined with the pharmaceutical compositions, biocircuits, biocircuit components, effector modules including their SREs or payloads of the present invention.

Cancer immunotherapy refers to a diverse set of therapeutic strategies designed to induce the patient's own immune system to fight the cancer. In some embodiments, pharmaceutical compositions, biocircuits, biocircuit components, effector modules including their SREs or payloads of the present invention are designed as immune-oncology therapeutics.

In some embodiments, cells which are genetically modified to express at least one biocircuit system, effector module, DD, and/or payload of interest (immunotherapeutic agent) may be used for adoptive cell therapy (ACT). As used herein, Adoptive cell transfer refers to the administration of immune cells (from autologous, allogenic or genetically modified hosts) with direct anticancer activity. ACT has shown promise in clinical application against malignant and infectious disease. For example, T cells genetically engineered to recognize CD19 have been used to treat follicular B cell lymphoma (Kochenderfer et al., Blood, 2010, 116:4099-4102; and Kochenderfer and Rosenberg, Nat Rev Clin Oncol., 2013, 10(5): 267-276) and ACT using autologous lymphocytes genetically-modified to express anti-tumor T cell receptors has been used to treat metastatic melanoma (Rosenberg and Dudley, Curr. Opin. Immunol. 2009, 21: 233-240).

Immune cells for adoptive cell therapy may be selected from but not limited to selected from a CD8+ T cell, a CD4+ T cell, a helper T cell, a natural killer (NK) cell, a NKT cell, a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL), a tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL), a memory T cell, a regulatory T (Treg) cell, a cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cell, a dendritic cell, a human embryonic stem cell, a mesenchymal stem cell, a hematopoietic stem cell, or a mixture thereof.

There are several types of cellular immunotherapies, including tumor infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy, genetically engineered T cells bearing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), and recombinant TCR technology. In some embodiments, the compositions of the present invention may be utilized to alter TIL (tumor infiltrating lymphocyte) populations in a subject. In one embodiment, any of the payloads described herein may be utilized to change the ratio of CD4 positive cells to CD8 positive populations. In some embodiments, TILs may be sorted ex vivo and engineered to express any of the cytokines described herein. Payloads of the invention may be used to expand CD4 and/or CD8 populations of TILs to enhance TIL mediated immune response.

In one embodiment, the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) of the present invention may be a conditionally active CAR. A wild type protein or domain thereof, such as those described herein may be used to generate a conditionally active biologic protein which are reversibly or irreversibly inactivated at the wild type normal physiological conditions as well as to such conditionally active biologic proteins and domains and uses of such conditional active biologic proteins and domains are provided. Such methods and conditionally active proteins are taught in, for example, International Publication No. WO2016033331, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. As a non-limiting example, the CAR comprises at least one antigen specific targeting region evolved from a wild type protein or a domain thereof and one or more of a decrease in activity in the assay at the normal physiological condition compared to the antigen specific targeting region of the wild-type protein or a domain thereof, and an increase in activity in the assay under the aberrant condition compared to the antigen specific targeting region of the wild-type protein or a domain thereof.

According to the present invention, the biocircuits and systems may be used in the development and implementation of cell therapies such as adoptive cell therapy. Certain effector modules useful in cell therapy are given in FIGS. 7-12 . The biocircuits, their components, effector modules and their SREs and payloads may be used in cell therapies to effect TCR removal-TCR gene disruption, TCR engineering, to regulate epitope tagged receptors, in APC platforms for stimulating T cells, as a tool to enhance ex vivo APC stimulation, to improve methods of T cell expansion, in ex vivo stimulation with antigen, in TCR/CAR combinations, in the manipulation or regulation of TILs, in allogeneic cell therapy, in combination T cell therapy with other treatment lines (e.g. radiation, cytokines), to encode engineered TCRs, or modified TCRs, or to enhance T cells other than TCRs (e.g. by introducing cytokine genes, genes for the checkpoint inhibitors PD1, CTLA4).

In some embodiments, improved response rates are obtained in support of cell therapies.

Expansion and persistence of cell populations may be achieved through regulation or fine tuning of the payloads, e.g., the receptors or pathway components in T cells, NK cells or other immune-related cells. In some embodiments, biocircuits, their components, SREs or effector modules are designed to spatially and/or temporally control the expression of proteins which enhance T-cell or NK cell response. In some embodiments, biocircuits, their components, SREs or effector modules are designed to spatially and/or temporally control the expression of proteins which inhibit T-cell or NK cell response.

Provided herein are methods for use in adoptive cell therapy. The methods involve preconditioning a subject in need thereof, modulating immune cells with SRE, biocircuits and compositions of the present invention, administering to a subject, engineered immune cells expressing compositions of the invention and the successful engraftment of engineered cells within the subject.

In some embodiments, SREs, biocircuits and compositions of the present invention may be used to minimize preconditioning regimens associated with adoptive cell therapy. As used herein “preconditioning” refers to any therapeutic regimen administered to a subject in order to improve the outcome of adoptive cell therapy. Preconditioning strategies include, but are not limited to total body irradiation and/or lymphodepleting chemotherapy. Adoptive therapy clinical trials without preconditioning have failed to demonstrate any clinical benefit, indicating its importance in ACT. Yet, preconditioning is associated with significant toxicity and limits the subject cohort that is suitable for ACT. In some instances, immune cells for ACT may be engineered to express cytokines such as IL12 and IL15 as payload using SREs of the present invention to reduce the need for preconditioning (Pengram et al. (2012) Blood 119 (18): 4133-41; the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety).

In some embodiments, the neurotoxicity may be associated with CAR or TIL therapy. Such neurotoxicity may be associated CD19-CARs. Toxicity may be due to excessive T cell infiltration into the brain. In some embodiments, neurotoxicity may be alleviated by preventing the passage of T cells through the blood brain barrier. This can be achieved by the targeted gene deletion of the endogenous alpha-4 integrin inhibitors such as tysabri/natalizumab may also be useful in the present invention.

In some embodiments, the effector modules may encode one or more cytokines. In some embodiments, the cytokine is IL15. Effector modules encoding IL15 may be designed to induce proliferation in cytotoxic populations and avoid stimulation of T regs. In other cases, the effector modules which induce proliferation in cytotoxic populations may also stimulate NK and NKT cells.

In some embodiments, effector modules may encode, or be tuned or induced to produce, one or more cytokines for expansion of cells in the biocircuits of the invention. In such cases the cells may be tested for actual expansion. Expansion may be at least 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90% or more.

In some embodiments, the tumor microenvironment may be remodeled using a biocircuit containing an effector module encoding IL17.

In some embodiments, biocircuits, their components, SREs or effector modules are designed to modulate Tregs to attenuate autoimmune disorders. In such a case, IL2 may be regulated using a singly tuned module or one having multiple tuned features as described herein.

In some embodiments, immune cells for ACT may be dendritic cells, T cells such as CD8 + T cells and CD4 + T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, NK T cells, Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), lymphokine activated killer (LAK) cells, memory T cells, regulatory T cells (Tregs), helper T cells, cytokine-induced killer (CIK) cells, and any combination thereof. In other embodiments, immune stimulatory cells for ACT may be generated from embryonic stem cell (ESC) and induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC). In some embodiments, autologous or allogeneic immune cells are used for ACT.

In some embodiments, cells used for ACT may be T cells engineered to express T cell receptors (TCRs) with new specificities or CARs comprising an antigen-binding domain specific to an antigen on tumor cells of interest. In other embodiments, cells used for ACT may be NK cells engineered to express CARs comprising an antigen-binding domain specific to an antigen on tumor cells of interest. In addition to adoptive transfer of genetically modified T cells (e.g., CAR T cells) for immunotherapy, alternate types of CAR-expressing leukocytes, either alone, or in combination with CAR T cells may be used for adoptive immunotherapy. In one example, a mixture of T cells and NK cells may be used for ACT. The expression level of CARs in T cells and NK cells, according to the present invention, is tuned and controlled by a small molecule that binds to the DD(s) operably linked to the CAR in the effector module.

In some embodiments, NK cells engineered to express the present compositions may be used for ACT. NK cell activation induces perforin/granzyme-dependent apoptosis in target cells. NK cell activation also induces cytokine secretion such as IFN γ, TNF-α and GM-CSF. These cytokines enhance the phagocytic function of macrophages and their antimicrobial activity, and augment the adaptive immune response via up-regulation of antigen presentation by antigen presenting cells such as dendritic cells (DCs) (Reviewed by Vivier et al., Nat. Immunol., 2008, 9(5): 503-510).

Other examples of genetic modification may include the introduction of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) and the down-regulation of inhibitory NK cell receptors such as NKG2A. Examples of CARs include, but are not limited to, CD19 and CD20 specific CARs against B cell malignancies, CARs targeting CD33 on leukemia cells, CS1 CAR and CD138 CAR on myeloma cells, GD2 CAR on neuroblastoma cells, Her2/Neu and erbB2 on breast cancer cells, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) on colon cancers, EpCAM on epithelial tumors, GPA7 on melanoma, NKG2D ligand on leukemia and solid tumors, and TRAIL R1 on various tumor targets. The CARs may be POIs of the effector modules and regulated by the binding of the DD with its corresponding ligand.

In another example, NK cells for ACT may be modified to express an effector module comprising the high-affinity CD16-158V polymorphism (HA-CD16) which augments NK cell mediated antibody dependent cell cytotoxicity (ADCC) against tumors. Infusion of NK cells genetically modified to express HA-CD16 could be used as a strategy to improve the efficacy of antibody-based therapies for cancer patients.

NK cells may also be genetically reprogrammed to circumvent NK cell inhibitory signals upon interaction with tumor cells. For example, using CRISPR, ZFN, or TALEN to genetically modify NK cells to silence their inhibitory receptors may enhance the anti-tumor capacity of NK cells.

Immune cells can be isolated and expanded ex vivo using a variety of methods known in the art. For example, methods of isolating and expanding cytotoxic T cells are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,805,861 and 6,531,451; US Patent Publication No.: US20160348072A1 and International Patent Publication NO: WO2016168595A1; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Isolation and expansion of NK cells is described in US Patent Publication NO.: US20150152387A1, U.S. Pat. No. 7,435,596; and Oyer, J. L. (2016). Cytotherapy. 18(5):653-63; the contents of each of which are incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. Specifically, human primary NK cells may be expanded in the presence of feeder cells e.g. a myeloid cell line that has been genetically modified to express membrane bound IL15, IL21, IL12 and 4-1BBL.

In some instances, sub populations of immune cells may be enriched for ACT. Methods for immune cell enrichment are taught in International Patent Publication NO.: WO2015039100A1. In another example, T cells positive for B and T lymphocyte attenuator marker BTLA) may be used to enrich for T cells that are anti-cancer reactive as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,512,401 (the content of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

In some embodiments, immune cells for ACT may be depleted of select sub populations to enhance T cell expansion. For example, immune cells may be depleted of Foxp3+T lymphocytes to minimize the ant-tumor immune response using methods taught in US Patent Publication NO.: US 20160298081A1; the contents of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.

In some embodiments, activation and expansion of T cells for ACT is achieved antigenic stimulation of a transiently expressed Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) on the cell surface. Such activation methods are taught in International Patent NO.: WO2017015427, the content of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, immune cells may be activated by antigens associated with antigen presenting cells (APCs). In some embodiments, the APCs may be dendritic cells, macrophages or B cells that antigen specific or nonspecific. The APCs may autologous or homologous in their organ. In some embodiments the APCs may be artificial antigen presenting cells (aAPCs) such as cell based aAPCs or acellular aAPCs. Cell based aAPCs are may be selected from either genetically modified allogeneic cells such as human erythroleukemia cells or xenogeneic cells such as murine fibroblasts and Drosophila cells. Alternatively, the APCs maybe be acellular wherein the antigens or costimulatory domains are presented on synthetic surfaces such as latex beads, polystyrene beads, lipid vesicles or exosomes.

In some embodiments, adoptive cell therapy is carried out by autologous transfer, wherein the cells are derived from a subject in need of a treatment and the cells, following isolation and processing are administered to the same subject. In other instances, ACT may involve allogenic transfer wherein the cells are isolated and/or prepared from a donor subject other than the recipient subject who ultimately receives cell therapy. The donor and recipient subject may be genetically identical, or similar or may express the same HLA class or subtype.

In some embodiments, the multiple immunotherapeutic agents introduced into the immune cells for ACT (e.g., T cells and NK cells) may be controlled by the same biocircuit system. In one example, a cytokine such as IL12 and a CAR construct such as CD19 CAR are linked to the same hDHFR destabilizing domain. The expression of IL12 and CD19 CAR is tuned using TMP simultaneously. In other embodiments, the multiple immunotherapeutic agents introduced into the immune cells for ACT (e.g., T cells and NK cells) may be controlled by different biocircuit systems. In one example, a cytokine such as IL12 and a CAR construct such as CD19 CAR are linked to different DDs in two separate effector modules, thereby can be tuned separately using different stimuli. In another example, a suicide gene and a CAR construct may be linked to two separate effector modules.

Following genetic modulation using SREs, biocircuits and compositions of the invention, cells are administered to the subject in need thereof. Methods for administration of cells for adoptive cell therapy are known and may be used in connection with the provided methods and compositions. For example, adoptive T cell therapy methods are described, e.g., in US Patent Application Publication No. 2003/0170238 to Gruenberg et al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,690,915 to Rosenberg; Rosenberg (2011) Nat Rev Clin Oncol. 8(10):577-85). See, e.g., Themeli et al. (2013) Nat Biotechnol. 31(10): 928-933; Tsukahara et al. (2013) Biochem Biophys Res Commun 438(1): 84-9; Davila et al. (2013) PLoS ONE 8(4): e61338; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In some embodiments, immune cells for ACT may be modified to express one or more immunotherapeutic agents which facilitate immune cells activation, infiltration, expansion, survival and anti-tumor functions. The immunotherapeutic agents may be a second CAR or TCR specific to a different target molecule; a cytokine or a cytokine receptor; a chimeric switch receptor that converts an inhibitory signal to a stimulatory signal; a homing receptor that guides adoptively transferred cells to a target site such as the tumor tissue; an agent that optimizes the metabolism of the immune cell; or a safety switch gene (e.g., a suicide gene) that kills activated T cells when a severe event is observed after adoptive cell transfer or when the transferred immune cells are no-longer needed.

In some embodiments, immune cells used for adoptive cell transfer can be genetically manipulated to improve their persistence, cytotoxicity, tumor targeting capacity, and ability to home to disease sites in vivo, with the overall aim of further improving upon their capacity to kill tumors in cancer patients. One example is to introduce effector modules of the invention comprising cytokines such as gamma-cytokines (IL2 and IL15) into immune cells to promote immune cell proliferation and survival. Transduction of cytokine genes (e.g., gamma-cytokines IL2 and EL15) into cells will be able to propagate immune cells without addition of exogenous cytokines and cytokine expressing NK cells have enhanced tumor cytotoxicity.

Another example includes the use of genetic modification for directing the infused NK cells to proper tumor tissues. NK cells may be genetically engineered with an effector module that encodes the CCR7 receptor to improve their migration toward one of its ligands CCL19. Other strategies may involve utilizing chemokine receptors, such as CXCR3 to improve NK cell migration to inflamed tissues, such as those infiltrated with metastatic tumors.

NK cells may be modified to become insensitive to suppressive cytokines such as TGF-β, thereby preserving their cytotoxicity. For example, NK cells can be genetically modified to express the dominant negative mutant form of TGF-β type II receptor (DNTβRII) on their surface that render NK cells resistant to the suppressive effects of TGF-β.

In some embodiments, biocircuits, their components, SREs or effector modules are designed to be significantly less immunogenic than other biocircuits or switches in the art.

As used herein, “significantly less immunogenic” refers to a detectable decrease in immunogenicity. In another embodiment, the term refers to a fold decrease in immunogenicity. In another embodiment, the term refers to a decrease such that an effective amount of the biocircuits, their components, SREs or effector modules which can be administered without triggering a detectable immune response. In another embodiment, the term refers to a decrease such that the biocircuits, their components, SREs or effector modules can be repeatedly administered without eliciting an immune response. In another embodiment, the decrease is such that the biocircuits, their components, SREs or effector modules can be repeatedly administered without eliciting an immune response.

In another embodiment, the biocircuits, their components, SREs or effector modules is 2-fold less immunogenic than its unmodified counterpart or reference compound. In another embodiment, immunogenicity is reduced by a 3-fold factor. In another embodiment, immunogenicity is reduced by a 5-fold factor. In another embodiment, immunogenicity is reduced by a 7-fold factor. In another embodiment, immunogenicity is reduced by a 10-fold factor. In another embodiment, immunogenicity is reduced by a 15-fold factor. In another embodiment, immunogenicity is reduced by a fold factor. In another embodiment, immunogenicity is reduced by a 50-fold factor. In another embodiment, immunogenicity is reduced by a 100-fold factor. In another embodiment, immunogenicity is reduced by a 200-fold factor. In another embodiment, immunogenicity is reduced by a 500-fold factor. In another embodiment, immunogenicity is reduced by a 1000-fold factor. In another embodiment, immunogenicity is reduced by a 2000-fold factor. In another embodiment, immunogenicity is reduced by another fold difference.

Methods of determining immunogenicity are well known in the art, and include, e.g. measuring secretion of cytokines (e.g. IL12, IFNalpha, TNF-alpha, RANTES, MIP-1alpha or beta, IL6, IFN beta, or IL8), measuring expression of DC activation markers (e.g. CD83, HLA-DR, CD80 and CD86), or measuring ability to act as an adjuvant for an adaptive immune response.

The present invention provides method of inducing an immune response in a cell. As used herein the term “immune response” refers to the activity of the cells of the immune system in response to stimulus, or an antigen. In some embodiments, the antigen may be a cancer antigen. In some aspects, the methods of inducing an immune response may involve administering to the cell, a therapeutically effective amount of any of the compositions described herein. In one aspect, the method may involve administering the pharmaceutical compositions described herein. In one aspect, the method may involve administering the polynucleotides, vectors. In some embodiments, induction of the immune response occurs due to the expression and or function of the immunotherapeutic agents described herein. Methods of inducing immune response further may involve administering to the cell, an effective amount of the stimulus to tune the expression of the immunotherapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the immunotherapeutic agent is capable of inducing an immune response in response to the stimulus. The induction of the immune response may occur in a cell within a subject i.e. in vivo, ex vivo or in vitro. The induction of an immune response may be evaluated by measuring the release of cytokine such as IL2 and IFNγ from the cells. In some embodiments, the induction of an immune response may be measured by evaluating the cell surface markers such as but not limited to CD3, CD4, CD8, CD 14, CD20, CD1 b, CD16, CD45 and HLA-DR, CD 69, CD28, CD44, IFNgamma. Examples of cell surface markers for antigen presenting cells include, but are not limited to, MHC class I, MHC Class II, CD40, CD45, B7-1, B7-2, IFN γ receptor and IL2 receptor, ICAM-1 and/or Fcγ receptor. Examples of cell surface markers for dendritic cells include, but are not limited to, MHC class I, MHC Class II, B7-2, CD18, CD29, CD31, CD43, CD44, CD45, CD54, CD58, CD83, CD86, CMRF-44, CMRF-56, DCIR and/or Dectin-1 and the like; while in some cases also having the absence of CD2, CD3, CD4, CD8, CD14, CD15, CD16, CD 19, CD20, CD56, and/or CD57. Examples of cell surface markers for NK cells include, but are not limited to, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, Granulysin, Granzyme B, Granzyme K, IL10, IL22, IFNg, LAP, Perforin, and TNFa.

2. Cancer Vaccines

In some embodiments, biocircuits, effector modules, payloads of interest (immunotherapeutic agents), vectors, cells and compositions of the present invention may be used for cancer vaccines. In one aspect, dendritic cells are modified to express the compositions of the invention and used as cancer vaccines.

In some embodiments, cancer vaccine may comprise peptides and/or proteins derived from tumor associated antigen (TAA). Such strategies may be utilized to evoke an immune response in a subject, which in some instances may be a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) response. Peptides used for cancer vaccines may also modified to match the mutation profile of a subject. For example, EGFR derived peptides with mutations matched to the mutations found in the subject in need of therapy have been successfully used in patients with lung cancer (Li F et al. (2016) Oncoimmunology. October 7; 5(12): e1238539; the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

In one embodiment, cancer vaccines of the present invention may superagonist altered peptide ligands (APL) derived from TAAs. These are mutant peptide ligands deviate from the native peptide sequence by one or more amino acids, which activate specific CTL clones more effectively than native epitopes. These alterations may allow the peptide to bind better to the restricting Class I MHC molecule or interact more favorably with the TCR of a given tumor-specific CTL subset. APLs may be selected using methods taught in US Patent Publication NO.: US20160317633A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

3. Tumor Microenvironment (TME)

In some embodiments, biocircuits, their components, SREs or effector modules are designed to reshape the tumor microenvironment in order to extend utility of the biocircuit or a pharmaceutical composition beyond direct cell killing.

In some embodiments, biocircuits, their components, SREs or effector modules are designed to reduce, mitigate or eliminate the CAR cytokine storm. In some embodiments, such reduction, mitigation and/or elimination occurs in solid tumors or tumor microenvironments.

In some embodiments, biocircuits, effector modules, payloads of interest (immunotherapeutic agents), vectors, cells and pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention may be used to convert the immunosuppressive microenvironment to increase immune responses.

In some embodiments, the invention provides methods for converting the inhibitory immunoregulatory signals from immunosuppressive cytokines secreted by cancer cells or the surrounding tumor stroma into stimulatory signals using compositions of the invention. Immunosuppressive cytokines include without limitation, IL13, IL4, TGF-beta, IL6, IL8, and IL10. In one aspect, the genetically modified tumor-specific T cells (e.g., CAR T cells) or T cells with native tumor specificity may be further engineered to express an effector module comprising a chimeric switch receptor that binds to inhibitory/suppressive cytokines and converts their intracellular consequences to an immunostimulatory/activating signal, thus improving the efficacy of tumor-specific T cells. The chimeric switch receptor is composed of the extracellular domains of an inhibitory cytokine receptor (e.g., IL13R, IL4R, IL10R, TGFβR1/ALK5, TGFβR2, and TGFβR3/β-glycan) fused with the intracellular signal transducing domains derived from stimulatory cytokine receptors such as IL2R (i.e., IL2Rα/CD25, IL2Rβ/CD122, and common γ chain receptor/CD132 which is shared by various cytokine receptors) and/or IL7R (IL7Rα/CD127, common γ chain receptor/CD132). These manipulations render tumor specific T cells or CAR T cells resistant to the suppressive tumor microenvironment.

In some embodiments, the present invention provides methods to abrogate the immunosuppressive effects produced by myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). Tumor cells secrete indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) which promotes immunosuppression through the recruitment of MDSCs. The immunosuppressive environment is further promoted by the MDSCs through nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and arginase 1 (ARG1) which can degrade extracellular arginine. Amino acid deprivation within the tumor microenvironment suppresses T cell anti-tumor activity. In some embodiments, payloads of the present invention may comprise inhibitors of NOS, ARG1 and tryptophan metabolism pathway such as IDO. In one embodiment, the payload may include inhibitors of colony stimulating factor receptor 1 (CSFR1) which required for the proliferation and function of MDSCs.

In some embodiments, dominant negative mutants of inhibitory co receptor such as PD-1, CTLA-4, LAG-3, TIM-3, KIRs, or BTLA may be utilized as payloads of the invention to overcome inhibitory signals in the tumor microenvironment.

4. Combination Treatments

In some embodiments, it is desirable to combine compositions, vectors and cells of the invention for administration to a subject. Compositions of the invention comprising different immunotherapeutic agents may be used in combination for enhancement of immunotherapy.

Immunotherapeutic Agents

In some embodiments, it is desirable to combine compositions of the invention with adjuvants, that can enhance the potency and longevity of antigen-specific immune responses. Adjuvants used as immunostimulants in combination therapy include biological molecules or delivery carriers that deliver antigens. As non-limiting examples, the compositions of the invention may be combined with biological adjuvants such as cytokines, Toll Like Receptors, bacterial toxins, and/or saponins. In other embodiments, the compositions of the present invention may be combined with delivery carriers. Exemplary delivery carriers include, polymer microspheres, immune stimulating complexes, emulsions (oil-in-water or water-in-oil), aluminum salts, liposomes or virosomes.

In some embodiments, immune effector cells modified to express biocircuits, effector modules, DDs and payloads of the invention may be combined with the biological adjuvants described herein. Dual regulation of CAR and cytokines and ligands to segregate the kinetic control of target-mediated activation from intrinsic cell T cell expansion. Such dual regulation also minimizes the need for pre-conditioning regimens in patients. As a non-limiting example, DD regulated CAR e.g. CD19 CAR may be combined with cytokines e.g. IL12 to enhance the anti-tumor efficacy of the CAR (Pegram H. J., et al. Tumor-targeted T cells modified to secrete IL12 eradicate systemic tumors without need for prior conditioning. Blood. 2012; 119:4133-41; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety). As another non-limiting example, Merchant et al. combined dendritic cell-based vaccinations with recombinant human IL7 to improve outcome in high-risk pediatric sarcomas patients (Merchant, M. S. et. al. Adjuvant immunotherapy to Improve Outcome in High-Risk Pediatric Sarcomas. Clin Cancer Res. 2016. 22(13):3182-91; the contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety).

In some embodiments, immune effector cells modified to express one or more antigen-specific TCRs or CARs may be combined with compositions of the invention comprising immunotherapeutic agents that convert the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment.

In one aspect, effector immune cells modified to express CARs specific to different target molecules on the same cell may be combined. In another aspect, different immune cells modified to express the same CAR construct such as NK cells and T cells may be used in combination for a tumor treatment, for instance, a T cell modified to express a CD19 CAR may be combined with a NK cell modified to express the same CD19 CAR to treat B cell malignancy.

In other embodiments, immune cells modified to express CARs may be combined with checkpoint blockade agents.

In some embodiments, immune effector cells modified to expressed biocircuits, effector modules, DDs and payloads of the invention may be combined with cancer vaccines of the invention.

In some embodiments, an effector module comprising a CAR may be used in combination with an effector module comprising a cytokine, or an effector module comprising a safety switch, or an effector module comprising a metabolic factor, or an effector module comprising a homing receptor.

In one embodiment, an effector module comprising a CD19 CAR may be used in combination with amino pyrimidine derivatives such as the Burkit's tyrosine receptor kinase (BTK) inhibitor using methods taught in International Patent Application NO.: WO2016164580, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Cancer

In some embodiments, methods of the invention may include combination of the compositions of the invention with other agents effective in the treatment of cancers, infection diseases and other immunodeficient disorders, such as anti-cancer agents. As used herein, the term “anti-cancer agent” refers to any agent which is capable of negatively affecting cancer in a subject, for example, by killing cancer cells, inducing apoptosis in cancer cells, reducing the growth rate of cancer cells, reducing the incidence or number of metastases, reducing tumor size, inhibiting tumor growth, reducing the blood supply to a tumor or cancer cells, promoting an immune response against cancer cells or a tumor, preventing or inhibiting the progression of cancer, or increasing the lifespan of a subject with cancer.

In some embodiments, anti-cancer agent or therapy may be a chemotherapeutic agent, or radiotherapy, immunotherapeutic agent, surgery, or any other therapeutic agent which, in combination with the present invention, improves the therapeutic efficacy of treatment.

In some embodiments, compositions of the present invention may be used in combination with immunotherapeutics other than the inventive therapy described herein, such as antibodies specific to some target molecules on the surface of a tumor cell.

Exemplary chemotherapies include, without limitation, Acivicin; Aclarubicin; Acodazole hydrochloride; Acronine; Adozelesin; Aldesleukin; Altretamine; Ambomycin; Ametantrone acetate; Amsacrine; Anastrozole; Anthramycin; Asparaginase; Asperrin, Sulindac, Curcumin, alkylating agents including: Nitrogen mustards such as mechlor-ethamine, cyclophosphamide, ifosfamide, melphalan and chlorambucil; nitrosoureas such as carmustine (BC U), lomustine (CCNU), and semustine (methyl-CC U); thylenimines/methylmelamine such as thriethylenemelamine (TEM), triethylene, thiophosphoramide (thiotepa), hexamethylmelamine (HMM, altretamine); alkyl sulfonates such as busulfan; triazines such as dacarbazine (DTIC); antimetabolites including folic acid analogs such as methotrexate and trimetrexate, pyrrolidine analogs such as 5-fluorouracil, fluorodeoxyuridine, gemcitabine, cytosine arabinoside (AraC, cytarabine), 5-azacytidine, 2,2′-difluorodeoxycytidine, purine analogs such as 6-mercaptopurine, 6-thioguanine, azathioprine, 2′-deoxycoformycin (pentostatin), erythrohydroxynonyladenine (EHNA), fludarabine phosphate, and 2-chlorodeoxyadenosine (cladribine, 2-CdA); natural products including antimitotic drugs such as paclitaxel, vinca alkaloids including vinblastine (VLB), vincristine, and vinorelbine, taxotere, estramustine, and estramustine phosphate; epipodophylotoxins such as etoposide and teniposide; antibiotics, such as actimomycin D, daunomycin (rubidomycin), doxorubicin, mitoxantrone, idarubicin, bleomycins, plicamycin (mithramycin), mitomycinC, and actinomycin; enzymes such as L-asparaginase, cytokines such as interferon (IFN)-gamma, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, TNF-beta and GM-CSF, anti-angiogenic factors, such as angiostatin and endostatin, inhibitors of FGF or VEGF such as soluble forms of receptors for angiogenic factors, including soluble VGF/VEGF receptors, platinum coordination complexes such as cisplatin and carboplatin, anthracenediones such as mitoxantrone, substituted urea such as hydroxyurea, methylhydrazine derivatives including N-methylhydrazine (MIFf) and procarbazine, adrenocortical suppressants such as mitotane (o,ρ′-DDD) and aminoglutethimide; hormones and antagonists including adrenocorticosteroid antagonists such as prednisone and equivalents, dexamethasone and aminoglutethimide; progestin such as hydroxyprogesterone caproate, medroxyprogesterone acetate and megestrol acetate; estrogen such as diethylstilbestrol and ethinyl estradiol equivalents; antiestrogen such as tamoxifen; androgens including testosterone propionate and fluoxymesterone/equivalents; antiandrogens such as flutamide, gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs and leuprolide; non-steroidal antiandrogens such as flutamide; kinase inhibitors, histone deacetylase inhibitors, methylation inhibitors, proteasome inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, oxidants, anti-oxidants, telomerase inhibitors, BH3 mimetics, ubiquitin ligase inhibitors, stat inhibitors and receptor tyrosin kinase inhibitors such as imatinib mesylate (marketed as Gleevac or Glivac) and erlotinib (an EGF receptor inhibitor) now marketed as Tarveca; anti-virals such as oseltamivir phosphate, Amphotericin B, and palivizumab; Sdi 1 mimetics; Semustine; Senescence derived inhibitor 1; Sparfosic acid; Spicamycin D; Spiromustine; Splenopentin; Spongistatin 1; Squalamine; Stipiamide; Stromelysin inhibitors; Sulfinosine; Superactive vasoactive intestinal peptide antagonist; Velaresol; Veramine; Verdins; Verteporfin; Vinorelbine; Vinxaltine; Vitaxin; Vorozole; Zanoterone; Zeniplatin; Zilascorb; and Zinostatin stimalamer; PI3Kβ small-molecule inhibitor, GSK2636771; pan-PI3K inhibitor (BKM120); BRAF inhibitors. Vemurafenib (Zelboraf) and dabrafenib (Tafinlar); or any analog or derivative and variant of the foregoing.

In one embodiment, the invention further relates to the use of pharmaceutical compositions, biocircuits, biocircuit components, effector modules including their SREs or payloads of the present invention for treating one or more forms of cancer, in combination with other pharmaceuticals and/or other therapeutic methods, e.g., with known pharmaceuticals and/or known therapeutic methods, such as, for example, those which are currently employed for treating these disorders. For example, the pharmaceutical compositions, biocircuits, biocircuit components, effector modules including their SREs or payloads of the present invention can also be administered in conjunction with one or more additional anti-cancer treatments, such as biological, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Accordingly, a treatment can include, for example, imatinib (Gleevac), all-trans-retinoic acid, a monoclonal antibody treatment (gemtuzumab, ozogamicin), chemotherapy (for example, chlorambucil, prednisone, prednisolone, vincristine, cytarabine, clofarabine, farnesyl transferase inhibitors, decitabine, inhibitors of MDR1), rituximab, interferon-α, anthracycline drugs (such as daunorubicin or idarubicin), L-asparaginase, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, bleomycin, fludarabine, etoposide, pentostatin, or cladribine), bone marrow transplant, stem cell transplant, radiation therapy, anti-metabolite drugs (methotrexate and 6-mercaptopurine), or any of the antibodies taught herein such as those in Table 6 of the co-owned U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/320,864 filed Apr. 11, 2016, 62/466,596 filed Mar. 3, 2017 and the International Publication WO2017/180587 (the contents of each of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety), or combinations thereof.

Radiotherapeutic agents and factors include radiation and waves that induce DNA damage for example, γ-irradiation, X-rays, UV-irradiation, microwaves, electronic emissions, radioisotopes, and the like. Therapy may be achieved by irradiating the localized tumor site with the above described forms of radiations. It is most likely that all of these factors effect a broad range of damage DNA, on the precursors of DNA, the replication and repair of DNA, and the assembly and maintenance of chromosomes. Dosage ranges for X-rays range from daily doses of 50 to 200 roentgens for prolonged periods of time (3 to 4 weeks), to single doses of 2000 to 6000 roentgens. Dosage ranges for radioisotopes vary widely, and depend on the half-life of the isotope, the strength and type of radiation emitted, and the uptake by the neoplastic cells.

Radiation therapy (also called radiotherapy, X-ray therapy, or irradiation) is the use of ionizing radiation to kill cancer cells and shrink tumors. Radiation therapy can be administered externally via external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) or internally via brachytherapy. The effects of radiation therapy are localized and confined to the region being treated. Radiation therapy may be used to treat almost every type of solid tumor, including cancers of the brain, breast, cervix, larynx, lung, pancreas, prostate, skin, stomach, uterus, or soft tissue sarcomas. Radiation is also used to treat leukemia and lymphoma.

In some embodiments, the chemotherapeutic agent may be an immunomodulatory agent such as lenalidomide (LEN). Recent studies have demonstrated that lenalidomide can enhance antitumor functions of CAR modified T cells (Otahal et al., Oncoimmunology, 2015, 5(4): e1115940). Some examples of anti-tumor antibodies include tocilizumab, siltuximab.

Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with drugs that can destroy cancer cells. In current usage, the term “chemotherapy” usually refers to cytotoxic drugs which affect rapidly dividing cells in general, in contrast with targeted therapy. Chemotherapy drugs interfere with cell division in various possible ways, e.g. with the duplication of DNA or the separation of newly formed chromosomes. Most forms of chemotherapy target all rapidly dividing cells and are not specific to cancer cells, although some degree of specificity may come from the inability of many cancer cells to repair DNA damage, while normal cells generally can.

Most chemotherapy regimens are given in combination. Exemplary chemotherapeutic agents include, but are not limited to, 5-FU Enhancer, 9-AC, AG2037, AG3340, Aggrecanase Inhibitor, Aminoglutethimide, Amsacrine (m-AMSA), Asparaginase, Azacitidine, Batimastat (BB94), BAY 12-9566, BCH-4556, Bis-Naphthalimide, Busulfan, Capecitabine, Carboplatin, Carmustaine+Polifepr Osan, cdk4/cdk2 inhibitors, Chlorambucil, CI-994, Cisplatin, Cladribine, CS-682, Cytarabine HCl, D2163, Dactinomycin, Daunorubicin HCl, DepoCyt, Dexifosamide, Docetaxel, Dolastain, Doxifluridine, Doxorubicin, DX8951f, E 7070, EGFR, Epirubicin, Erythropoietin, Estramustine phosphate sodium, Etoposide (VP16-213), Farnesyl Transferase Inhibitor, FK 317, Flavopiridol, Floxuridine, Fludarabine, Fluorouracil (5-FU), Flutamide, Fragyline, Gemcitabine, Hexamethylmelamine (HMM), Hydroxyurea (hydroxycarbamide), Ifosfamide, Interferon Alfa-2a, Interferon Alfa-2b, Interleukin-2, Irinotecan, ISI 641, Krestin, Lemonal DP 2202, Leuprolide acetate (LHRH-releasing factor analogue), Levamisole, LiGLA (lithium-gamma linolenate), Lodine Seeds, Lometexol, Lomustine (CCNU), Marimistat, Mechlorethamine HCl (nitrogen mustard), Megestrol acetate, Meglamine GLA, Mercaptopurine, Mesna, Mitoguazone (methyl-GAG; methyl glyoxal bis-guanylhydrazone; MGBG), Mitotane (o.p′-DDD), Mitoxantrone, Mitoxantrone HCl, MMI 270, MMP, MTA/LY 231514, Octreotide, ODN 698, OK-432, Oral Platinum, Oral Taxoid, Paclitaxel (TAXOL®), PARP Inhibitors, PD 183805, Pentostatin (2′ deoxycoformycin), PKC 412, Plicamycin, Procarbazine HCl, PSC 833, Ralitrexed, RAS Farnesyl Transferase Inhibitor, RAS Oncogene Inhibitor, Semustine (methyl-CCNU), Streptozocin, Suramin, Tamoxifen citrate, Taxane Analog, Temozolomide, Teniposide (VM-26), Thioguanine, Thiotepa, Topotecan, Tyrosine Kinase, UFT (Tegafur/Uracil), Valrubicin, Vinblastine sulfate, Vindesine sulfate, VX-710, VX-853, YM 116, ZD 0101, ZD 0473/Anormed, ZD 1839, ZD 9331.

Other agents may be used in combination with compositions of the invention may also include, but not limited to, agents that affect the upregulation of cell surface receptors and their ligands such as Fas/Fas ligand, DR4 or DR5/TRAIL and GAP junctions, cytostatic and differentiation agents, inhibitors of cell adhesion such as focal adhesion kinase (FAKs) inhibitors and Lovastatin, or agents that increase the sensitivity of the hyper proliferative cells to apoptotic inducers such as the antibody C225.

The combinations may include administering the compositions of the invention and other agents at the same time or separately. Alternatively, the present immunotherapy may precede or follow the other agent/therapy by intervals ranging from minutes, days, weeks to months.

5. Therapeutic Uses

Provided in the present invention is a method of reducing a tumor volume or burden in a subject in need, the method comprising introducing into the subject a composition of the invention.

The present invention also provides methods for treating a cancer in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of an immune effector cell genetically modified to express at least one effector module of the invention.

Cancer

Various cancers may be treated with pharmaceutical compositions, biocircuits, biocircuit components, effector modules including their SREs or payloads of the present invention. As used herein, the term “cancer” refers to any of various malignant neoplasms characterized by the proliferation of anaplastic cells that tend to invade surrounding tissue and metastasize to new body sites and refers to the pathological condition characterized by such malignant neoplastic growths. Cancers may be tumors or hematological malignancies, and include but are not limited to, all types of lymphomas/leukemias, carcinomas and sarcomas, such as those cancers or tumors found in the anus, bladder, bile duct, bone, brain, breast, cervix, colon/rectum, endometrium, esophagus, eye, gallbladder, head and neck, liver, kidney, larynx, lung, mediastinum (chest), mouth, ovaries, pancreas, penis, prostate, skin, small intestine, stomach, spinal marrow, tailbone, testicles, thyroid and uterus.

Types of carcinomas which may be treated with the compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, papilloma/carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, endodermal sinus tumor, teratoma, adenoma/adenocarcinoma, melanoma, fibroma, lipoma, leiomyoma, rhabdomyoma, mesothelioma, angioma, osteoma, chondroma, glioma, lymphoma/leukemia, squamous cell carcinoma, small cell carcinoma, large cell undifferentiated carcinomas, basal cell carcinoma and sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma.

Types of carcinomas which may be treated with the compositions of the present invention include, but are not limited to, soft tissue sarcoma such as alveolar soft part sarcoma, angiosarcoma, dermatofibrosarcoma, desmoid tumor, desmoplastic small round cell tumor, extraskeletal chondrosarcoma, extraskeletal osteosarcoma, fibrosarcoma, hemangiopericytoma, hemangiosarcoma, Kaposi's sarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, liposarcoma, lymphangiosarcoma, lymphosarcoma, malignant fibrous histiocytoma, neurofibrosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, and Askin's tumor, Ewing's sarcoma (primitive neuroectodermal tumor), malignant hemangioendothelioma, malignant schwannoma, osteosarcoma, and chondrosarcoma.

As a non-limiting example, the carcinoma which may be treated may be Acute granulocytic leukemia, Acute lymphocytic leukemia, Acute myelogenous leukemia, Adenocarcinoma, Adenosarcoma, Adrenal cancer, Adrenocortical carcinoma, Anal cancer, Anaplastic astrocytoma, Angiosarcoma, Appendix cancer, Astrocytoma, Basal cell carcinoma, B-Cell lymphoma), Bile duct cancer, Bladder cancer, Bone cancer, Bowel cancer, Brain cancer, Brain stem glioma, Brain tumor, Breast cancer, Carcinoid tumors, Cervical cancer, Cholangiocarcinoma, Chondrosarcoma, Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Chronic myelogenous leukemia, Colon cancer, Colorectal cancer, Craniopharyngioma, Cutaneous lymphoma, Cutaneous melanoma, Diffuse astrocytoma, Ductal carcinoma in situ, Endometrial cancer, Ependymoma, Epithelioid sarcoma, Esophageal cancer, Ewing sarcoma, Extrahepatic bile duct cancer, Eye cancer, Fallopian tube cancer, Fibrosarcoma, Gallbladder cancer, Gastric cancer, Gastrointestinal cancer, Gastrointestinal carcinoid cancer, Gastrointestinal stromal tumors, General, Germ cell tumor, Glioblastoma multiforme, Glioma, Hairy cell leukemia, Head and neck cancer, Hemangioendothelioma, Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hypopharyngeal cancer, Infiltrating ductal carcinoma, Infiltrating lobular carcinoma, Inflammatory breast cancer, Intestinal Cancer, Intrahepatic bile duct cancer, Invasive/infiltrating breast cancer, Islet cell cancer, Jaw cancer, Kaposi sarcoma, Kidney cancer, Laryngeal cancer, Leiomyosarcoma, Leptomeningeal metastases, Leukemia, Lip cancer, Liposarcoma, Liver cancer, Lobular carcinoma in situ, Low-grade astrocytoma, Lung cancer, Lymph node cancer, Lymphoma, Male breast cancer, Medullary carcinoma, Medulloblastoma, Melanoma, Meningioma, Merkel cell carcinoma, Mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, Mesenchymous, Mesothelioma, Metastatic breast cancer, Metastatic melanoma, Metastatic squamous neck cancer, Mixed gliomas, Mouth cancer, Mucinous carcinoma, Mucosal melanoma, Multiple myeloma, Nasal cavity cancer, Nasopharyngeal cancer, Neck cancer, Neuroblastoma, Neuroendocrine tumors, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Non-small cell lung cancer, Oat cell cancer, Ocular cancer, Ocular melanoma, Oligodendroglioma, Oral cancer, Oral cavity cancer, Oropharyngeal cancer, Osteogenic sarcoma, Osteosarcoma, Ovarian cancer, Ovarian epithelial cancer, Ovarian germ cell tumor, Ovarian primary peritoneal carcinoma, Ovarian sex cord stromal tumor, Paget's disease, Pancreatic cancer, Papillary carcinoma, Paranasal sinus cancer, Parathyroid cancer, Pelvic cancer, Penile cancer, Peripheral nerve cancer, Peritoneal cancer, Pharyngeal cancer, Pheochromocytoma, Pilocytic astrocytoma, Pineal region tumor, Pineoblastoma, Pituitary gland cancer, Primary central nervous system lymphoma, Prostate cancer, Rectal cancer, Renal cell cancer, Renal pelvis cancer, Rhabdomyosarcoma, Salivary gland cancer, Sarcoma, Sarcoma, bone, Sarcoma, soft tissue, Sarcoma, uterine, Sinus cancer, Skin cancer, Small cell lung cancer, Small intestine cancer, Soft tissue sarcoma, Spinal cancer, Spinal column cancer, Spinal cord cancer, Spinal tumor, Squamous cell carcinoma, Stomach cancer, Synovial sarcoma, T-cell lymphoma), Testicular cancer, Throat cancer, Thymoma/thymic carcinoma, Thyroid cancer, Tongue cancer, Tonsil cancer, Transitional cell cancer, Transitional cell cancer, Transitional cell cancer, Triple-negative breast cancer, Tubal cancer, Tubular carcinoma, Ureteral cancer, Ureteral cancer, Urethral cancer, Uterine adenocarcinoma, Uterine cancer, Uterine sarcoma, Vaginal cancer, and Vulvar cancer.

In some embodiments, the CARs of the present invention may be a CAR useful in the treatment of multiple myeloma such as a CS1 CAR, a CD38 CAR, a CD138 CAR, and a BCMA CAR. In some embodiments, the CARs of the present invention may be a CAR useful in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia such as a CD33 CAR, a CD123 CAR, and a CLL1 CAR. In some embodiments, the CARs of the present invention may be a CAR useful in the treatment of T cell leukemia such as a CD5 CAR, and a CD7 CAR. In some embodiments, the CARs of the present invention may be a CAR useful in the treatment of solid tumors such a mesothelin CAR, a GD2 CAR, a GPC3 CAR, a Her2 CAR, an EGFR CAR, a Muc1 CAR, an EpCAM CAR, a PD-L1 CAR, a CEA CAR, a Muc16 CAR, a CD133 CAR, a CD171 CAR, a CD70 CAR, a CLD18 CAR, a cMET CAR, a EphA2 CAR, a FAP CAR, a Folate Receptor CAR, an IL13Ra2 CAR, an MG7 CAR, a PSMA CAR, a ROR1 CAR, and a VEGFR2 CAR.

The present invention also provides methods of reducing tumor burden in a subject. In some embodiments. As used herein, “tumor burden” refers to the number of cancer cells, or the amount of cancer in a subject. In some aspects tumor burden also refers to tumor load. In some embodiments, the tumor may be disseminated throughout the body of the subject. In one aspect, the tumor may be a liquid tumor such as leukemia or a lymphoma. The methods of reducing tumor burden may involve administering to the subject, a therapeutically effective amount of the immune cells. Immune cells may be engineered to express the compositions described herein. In some embodiments, the immune cells expressing the compositions of the invention may be administered to the subject via any of the routes of delivery described herein. Also provided herein are dosing regimens for administering the immune cells. In some embodiments, the subject may also be administered a therapeutically effective amount of the stimulus to tune the expression of the immunotherapeutic agent. In some aspects, the immunotherapeutic agents may be capable of reducing the tumor burden. Regimens for ligand/stimulus dosing are also provided. Reduction in tumor burden may be measured by any of the methods known in the art including tumor imaging, and measurement of marker proteins. In some aspects, bioluminescent imaging may be used to measure tumor burden. Bioluminescence imaging utilizes native light emission from bioluminescent proteins such as luciferase. Such bioluminescent proteins can participate in chemical reactions that release photons by the addition of suitable substrates. The release of photons can be captured by sensitive detection methods and quantified. Tumor cells may be engineered to express luciferase and the efficacy of the compositions described herein to reduce tumor burden may quantified by imaging. In some aspects, the tumor burden may be measured by the flux of photons (photons per sec). In some embodiments, photon flux positively correlates with tumor burden.

Diseases and Toxins

Various infectious diseases may be treated with pharmaceutical compositions, biocircuits, biocircuit components, effector modules including their SREs or payloads of the present invention. As used herein, the term “infectious disease” refers to any disorders caused by organisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. As a non-limiting example, the infectious disease may be Acute bacterial rhinosinusitis, 14-day measles, Acne, Acrodermatitis chronica atrophicans (ACA)-(late skin manifestation of latent Lyme disease), Acute hemorrhagic conjunctivitis, Acute hemorrhagic cystitis, Acute rhinosinusitis, Adult T-cell Leukemia-Lymphoma (ATLL), African Sleeping Sickness, AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome), Alveolar hydatid, Amebiasis, Amebic meningoencephalitis, Anaplasmosis, Anthrax, Arboviral or parainfectious, Ascariasis-(Roundworm infections), Aseptic meningitis, Athlete's foot ( Tinea pedis ), Australian tick typhus, Avian Influenza, Babesiosis, Bacillary angiomatosis, Bacterial meningitis, Bacterial vaginosis, Balanitis, Balantidiasis, Bang's disease, Barmah Forest virus infection, Bartonellosis (Verruga peruana ; Carrion's disease; Oroya fever), Bat Lyssavirus Infection, Bay sore (Chiclero's ulcer), Baylisascaris infection (Racoon roundworm infection), Beaver fever, Beef tapeworm, Bejel (endemic syphilis), Biphasic meningoencephalitis, Black Bane, Black death, Black piedra , Blackwater Fever, Blastomycosis, Blennorrhea of the newborn, Blepharitis, Boils, Bornholm disease (pleurodynia), Borrelia miyamotoi Disease, Botulism, Boutonneuse fever, Brazilian purpuric fever, Break Bone fever, Brill, Bronchiolitis, Bronchitis, Brucellosis (Bang's disease), Bubonic plague, Bullous impetigo, Burkholderia mallei (Glanders), Burkholderia pseudomallei (Melioidosis), Buruli ulcers (also Mycoburuli ulcers), Busse, Busse-Buschke disease (Cryptococcosis), California group encephalitis, Campylobacteriosis, Candidiasis, Canefield fever (Canicola fever; 7-day fever; Weil's disease; leptospirosis; canefield fever), Canicola fever, Capillariasis, Carate, Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE), Carbuncle, Carrion's disease, Cat Scratch fever, Cave disease, Central Asian hemorrhagic fever, Central European tick, Cervical cancer, Chagas disease, Chancroid (Soft chancre), Chicago disease, Chickenpox ( varicella ), Chiclero's ulcer, Chikungunya fever, Chlamydial infection, Cholera, Chromoblastomycosis, Ciguatera, Clap, Clonorchiasis (Liver fluke infection), Clostridium difficile Infection, Clostridium perfringens (Epsilon Toxin), Coccidioidomycosis fungal infection (Valley fever; desert rheumatism), Coenurosis, Colorado tick fever, Condyloma accuminata , Condyloma accuminata (Warts), Condyloma lata , Congo fever, Congo hemorrhagic fever virus, Conjunctivitis, cowpox, Crabs, Crimean, Croup, Cryptococcosis, Cryptosporidiosis (Crypto), Cutaneous Larval Migrans, Cyclosporiasis, Cystic hydatid, Cysticercosis, Cystitis, Czechoslovak tick, D68 (EV-D68), Dacryocytitis, Dandy fever, Darling's Disease, Deer fly fever, Dengue fever (1, 2, 3 and 4), Desert rheumatism, Devil's grip, Diphasic milk fever, Diphtheria, Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation, Dog tapeworm, Donovanosis, Donovanosis (Granuloma inguinale ), Dracontiasis, Dracunculosis, Duke's disease, Dum Dum Disease, Durand-Nicholas-Favre disease, Dwarf tapeworm, E. Coli infection ( E. coli ), Eastern equine encephalitis, Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever (Ebola virus disease EVD), Ectothrix, Ehrlichiosis (Sennetsu fever), Encephalitis, Endemic Relapsing fever, Endemic syphilis, Endophthalmitis, Endothrix, Enterobiasis (Pinworm infection), Enterotoxin-B Poisoning (Staph Food Poisoning), Enterovirus Infection, Epidemic Keratoconjunctivitis, Epidemic Relapsing fever, Epidemic typhus, Epiglottitis, Erysipelis, Erysipeloid (Erysipelothricosis), Erythema chronicum migrans, Erythema infectiosum, Erythema marginatum, Erythema multiforme, Erythema nodosum, Erythema nodosum leprosum, Erythrasma, Espundia, Eumycotic mycetoma, European blastomycosis, Exanthem subitum (Sixth disease), Eyeworm, Far Eastern tick, Fascioliasis, Fievre boutonneuse (Tick typhus), Fifth Disease (erythema infectiosum), Filatow-Dukes' Disease (Scalded Skin Syndrome; Ritter's Disease), Fish tapeworm, Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome-Perihepatitis, Flinders Island Spotted Fever, Flu (Influenza), Folliculitis, Four Corners Disease, Four Corners Disease (Human Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS)), Frambesia, Francis disease, Furunculosis, Gas gangrene, Gastroenteritis, Genital Herpes, Genital Warts, German measles, Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker (GSS), Giardiasis, Gilchrist's disease, Gingivitis, Gingivostomatitis, Glanders, Glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis), Gnathostomiasis, Gonococcal Infection (Gonorrhea), Gonorrhea, Granuloma inguinale (Donovanosis), Guinea Worm, Haemophilus Influenza disease, Hamburger disease, Hansen's disease-leprosy, Hantaan disease, Hantaan-Korean hemorrhagic fever, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS), Hard chancre, Hard measles, Haverhill fever-Rat bite fever, Head and Body Lice, Heartland fever, Helicobacterosis, Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Hepatitis D, Hepatitis E, Herpangina, Herpes-genital, Herpes labialis, Herpes-neonatal, Hidradenitis, Histoplasmosis, Histoplasmosis infection (Histoplasmosis), His-Werner disease, HIV infection, Hookworm infections, Hordeola, Hordeola (Stye), HTLV, HTLV-associated myelopathy (HAM), Human granulocytic ehrlichiosis, Human monocytic ehrlichiosis, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), Human Pulmonary Syndrome, Hydatid cyst, Hydrophobia, Impetigo, Including congenital (German Measles), Inclusion conjunctivitis, Inclusion conjunctivitis—Swimming Pool conjunctivitis-Pannus, Infantile diarrhea, Infectious Mononucleosis, Infectious myocarditis, Infectious pericarditis, Influenza, Isosporiasis, Israeli spotted fever, Japanese Encephalitis, Jock itch, Jorge Lobo disease—lobomycosis, Jungle yellow fever, Junin Argentinian hemorrhagic fever, Kala Azar, Kaposi's sarcoma, Keloidal blastomycosis, Keratoconjunctivitis, Kuru, Kyasanur forest disease, LaCrosse encephalitis, Lassa hemorrhagic fever, Legionellosis (Legionnaires Disease), Legionnaire's pneumonia, Lemierre's Syndrome (Postanginal septicemia), Lemming fever, Leprosy, Leptospirosis (Nanukayami fever; Weil's disease), Listeriosis (Listeria), Liver fluke infection, Lobo's mycosis, Lockjaw, Loiasis, Louping Ill, Ludwig's angina, Lung fluke infection, Lung fluke infection (Paragonimiasis), Lyme disease, Lymphogranuloma venereum infection (LGV), Machupo Bolivian hemorrhagic fever, Madura foot, Mal del pinto, Malaria, Malignant pustule, Malta fever, Marburg hemorrhagic fever, Masters disease, Maternal Sepsis (Puerperal fever), Measles, Mediterranean spotted fever, Melioidosis (Whitmore's disease), Meningitis, Meningococcal Disease, MERS, Milker's nodule, Molluscum contagiosum, Moniliasis, monkeypox, Mononucleosis, Mononucleosis-like syndrome, Montezuma's Revenge, Morbilli, MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ) infection, Mucormycosis-Zygomycosis, Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome or MODS, Multiple-system atrophy (MSA), Mumps, Murine typhus, Murray Valley Encephalitis (MVE), Mycoburuli ulcers, Mycoburuli ulcers-Buruli ulcers, Mycotic vulvovaginitis, Myositis, Nanukayami fever, Necrotizing fasciitis, Necrotizing fasciitis-Type 1, Necrotizing fasciitis-Type 2, Negishi, New world spotted fever, Nocardiosis, Nongonococcal urethritis, Non-Polio (Non-Polio Enterovirus), Norovirus infection, North American blastomycosis, North Asian tick typhus, Norwalk virus infection, Norwegian itch, O'Hara disease, Omsk hemorrhagic fever, Onchoceriasis, Onychomycosis, Opisthorchiasis, Opthalmia neonatorium, Oral hairy leukoplakia, Orf, Oriental Sore, Oriental Spotted Fever, Omithosis (Parrot fever; Psittacosis), Oroya fever, Otitis externa, Otitis media, Pannus, Paracoccidioidomycosis, Paragonimiasis, Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning), Paronychia (Whitlow), Parotitis, PCP pneumonia, Pediculosis, Peliosis hepatica, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Pertussis (also called Whooping cough), Phaeohyphomycosis, Pharyngoconjunctival fever, Piedra (White Piedra), Piedra (Black Piedra), Pigbel, Pink eye conjunctivitis, Pinta, Pinworm infection, Pitted Keratolysis, Pityriasis versicolor ( Tinea versicolor ), Plague; Bubonic, Pleurodynia, Pneumococcal Disease, Pneumocystosis, Pneumonia, Pneumonic (Plague), Polio or Poliomyelitis, Polycystic hydatid, Pontiac fever, Pork tapeworm, Posada-Wernicke disease, Postanginal septicemia, Powassan, Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Rubella Panencephalitis, Prostatitis, Pseudomembranous colitis, Psittacosis, Puerperal fever, Pustular Rash diseases (Small pox), Pyelonephritis, Pylephlebitis, Q-Fever, Quinsy, Quintana fever (5-day fever), Rabbit fever, Rabies, Racoon roundworm infection, Rat bite fever, Rat tapeworm, Reiter Syndrome, Relapsing fever, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, Rheumatic fever, Rhodotorulosis, Ricin Poisoning, Rickettsialpox, Rickettsiosis, Rift Valley Fever, Ringworm, Ritter's Disease, River Blindness, Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Rose Handler's disease (Sporotrichosis), Rose rash of infants, Roseola, Ross River fever, Rotavirus infection, Roundworm infections, Rubella, Rubeola, Russian spring, Salmonellosis gastroenteritis, San Joaquin Valley fever, Sao Paulo Encephalitis, Sao Paulo fever, SARS, Scabies Infestation (Scabies) (Norwegian itch), Scalded Skin Syndrome, Scarlet fever (Scarlatina), Schistosomiasis, Scombroid, Scrub typhus, Sennetsu fever, Sepsis (Septic shock), Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS), Shiga Toxigenic Escherichia coli (STEC/VTEC), Shigellosis gastroenteritis (Shigella), Shinbone fever, Shingles, Shipping fever, Siberian tick typhus, Sinusitis, Sixth disease, Slapped cheek disease, Sleeping sickness, Smallpox (Variola), Snail Fever, Soft chancre, Southern tick associated rash illness, Sparganosis, Spelunker's disease, Sporadic typhus, Sporotrichosis, Spotted fever, Spring, St. Louis encephalitis, Staphylococcal Food Poisoning, Staphylococcal Infection, Strep. throat, Streptococcal Disease, Streptococcal Toxic-Shock Syndrome, Strongyloiciasis, Stye, Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis, Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE), Sudden Acute Respiratory Syndrome, Sudden Rash, Swimmer's ear, Swimmer's Itch, Swimming Pool conjunctivitis, Sylvatic yellow fever, Syphilis, Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS), Tabes dorsalis (tertiary syphilis), Taeniasis, Taiga encephalitis, Tanner's disease, Tapeworm infections, Temporal lobe encephalitis, Temporal lobe encephalitis, tetani (Lock Jaw), Tetanus Infection, Threadworm infections, Thrush, Tick, Tick typhus, Tinea barbae, Tinea capitis, Tinea corporis, Tinea cruris, Tinea manuum, Tinea nigra, Tinea pedis, Tinea unguium, Tinea versicolor , Torulopsosis, Torulosis, Toxic Shock Syndrome, Toxoplasmosis, transmissible spongioform (CJD), Traveler's diarrhea, Trench fever 5, Trichinellosis, Trichomoniasis, Trichomycosis axillaris, Trichuriasis, Tropical Spastic Paraparesis (TSP), Trypanosomiasis, Tuberculosis (TB), Tuberculosis, Tularemia, Typhoid Fever, Typhus fever, Ulcus molle, Undulant fever, Urban yellow fever, Urethritis, Vaginitis, Vaginosis, Vancomycin Intermediate (VISA), Vancomycin Resistant (VRSA), Varicella, Venezuelan Equine encephalitis, Verruga peruana, Vibrio cholerae (Cholera), Vibriosis ( Vibrio ), Vincent's disease or Trench mouth, Viral conjunctivitis, Viral Meningitis, Viral meningoencephalitis, Viral rash, Visc