Composition and method of cellular immunotherapy
Immune-evasive cells engineered with NK-resistant fusion proteins and chimeric receptors address NK cell-mediated rejection in allogeneic transplantation, improving transplant success and treating diseases like autoimmune diseases and cancers.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/CN2025/088658
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-08-13
- Filing Date
- 2025-04-11
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-16
AI Technical Summary
Allogeneic transplantation is hindered by donor graft recognition and rejection from the recipient's immune cells, particularly due to NK cell-mediated rejection, necessitating strategies to prevent immune rejection and enhance transplantation outcomes.
Development of immune-evasive cells, such as universal CAR T-cells, engineered with nucleic acids encoding fusion proteins that resist NK cell cytotoxicity, including CD300A-binding domains and chimeric receptors targeting pathological cells or NK cell markers, and optionally incorporating signal transduction domains.
The engineered cells effectively resist NK cell cytotoxicity, enhancing survival and proliferation in allogeneic hosts, thereby preventing transplant rejection and treating conditions like autoimmune diseases and cancers.
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Abstract
Description
COMPOSITION AND METHOD OF CELLULAR IMMUNOTHERAPY1. Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to the field of molecular biology, cell biology, physiology and pathology.2. Cross Reference
[0002] This application claims the priority of Chinese Patent Application No. CN202410447415.7, filed on April 12, 2024, Chinese Patent Application No. CN202410776062.5, filed on June 14, 2024, and Chinese Patent Application No. CN202411122251.7, filed on August 13, 2024, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.3. Simultaneously Submitted Sequence Listing
[0003] The entire content of the following XML file is incorporated herein by reference: sequence listing in Computer Readable Format (CRF) (Name: 350A005WO05_SL; Date: April 11, 2025; Size: 167,818 Bytes) .4. Background
[0004] Due to immunogenetic differences between the donor and recipient, allogeneic transplantation may result in the donor graft being recognized and attacked by the recipient's immune cells, causing suppression or elimination of the graft-commonly referred to as the host-versus-graft response (HVGR) . Knocking out MHC molecules in graft cells can effectively mitigate T-cell-mediated rejection by the host. However, this approach triggers rejection by other immune cells in the host. For example, in allogeneic cell transplantation, the absence of MHC-I molecules on allogeneic cells can activate NK cells, leading to their mediated rejection and enhanced elimination of the transplanted cells. As a result, developing strategies to effectively prevent NK cell-mediated immune rejection is essential for advancing allogeneic cell transplantation therapies. There is currently an urgent need for innovative solutions to address these immune rejection challenges and improve the outcomes of allogeneic transplantation.
[0005] Methods and systems provided herein address these needs and provide related advantages.5. Summary of the Invention
[0006] The presently disclosed recombinant nucleic acids, vectors, compositions of nucleic acids, engineered cells, populations of engineered cells, and methods of using the same enable the development of, for example, immune-evasive (hypoimmunogenic) cells-such as universal CAR T-cells-that are resistant to NK cell cytotoxicity and compatible with adoptive cell transfer in an allogeneic setting. Disclosed herein are nucleic acids encoding fusion proteins that confer or enhance the ability of a cell to resist NK cell cytotoxicity. In some embodiments, nucleic acids provided herein encode a fusion protein having, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, an extracellular domain and a transmembrane domain, wherein the extracellular domain includes a CD300A-binding domain. The CD300A-binding domain can be provided by, for example, a CD300A ligand or fragment thereof, or by an anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment (including scFv, VHH, etc. ) . Illustrative transmembrane regions include those from CD28, CD8, PDGFRA / PDGFRB, or CD300A. In some embodiments, the fusion protein further comprises a hinge region between its extracellular and transmembrane domains. Representative hinge domains include those derived from CD8, IgG (e.g., IgG4) , or PDGFR (e.g., PDGFRA or PDGFRB) . Optionally, the fusion protein can incorporate a cytoplasmic domain that can include, for example, a signal transduction domain or multiple signaling transduction domains, such as a co-stimulatory (e.g., 4-1BB, CD28) and / or a primary signaling domain (e.g., CD3ζ) .
[0007] Provided herein are also compositions that contain a first nucleic acid encoding the anti-CD300A fusion protein and a second nucleic acid encoding a chimeric receptor. The chimeric receptor can be a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) , a T Cell Receptor (TCR) , a TCR Fusion Construct (TRuC) , a T cell antigen coupler (TAC) , or a SynNotch receptor. The chimeric receptor can target a target antigen on a pathological cell (e.g., CD19, CD20, CD7, BCMA, GPRC5D, Claudin18.2, GPC3, CLL1, CD123, etc. ) or an NK cell marker that is not CD300A (e.g., NKG2A, NKp80, CD38, NKG2DL, etc. ) . In some embodiments, compositions provided herein further comprise a third nucleic acid encoding a second chimeric receptor. The first chimeric receptor and the second chimeric receptor can binds to (1) two target antigens on a pathological cell, (2) two NK cell markers that are not CD300A, or (3) one target antigen on a pathological cell and one NK cell marker that is not CD300A. Multiple variations are expressly contemplated, including bivalent or multi-specific chimeric receptors, or multiple nucleic acids encoding multiple chimeric receptors in the same cell or in different cells within a population. These nucleic acids can be arranged on separate molecules or linked by a variety of sequences, such as sequences encoding “self-cleaving” peptides (e.g., 2A peptide) or IRES elements, and optionally inserted into an endogenous genomic locus (e.g., B2M or TRAC) .
[0008] Further disclosed are vectors (e.g., plasmids, viral vectors, lipid nanoparticles) comprising such nucleic acids, optionally with promoters, 3′UTR elements, or homology arms for targeted integration. Also described are engineered cells (e.g., T cells, NKT cells, iPSC cells) transduced or transfected with these nucleic acids, optionally exhibiting reduced endogenous expression of one or more genes (e.g., B2M, TRAC, FAS, or NKG2A) to optimize immune compatibility, proliferative capacity, or persistence. A population of engineered cells can contain one subset modified with the CD300A fusion protein and another subset modified with different chimeric receptors (e.g., NK-targeting chimeric receptors) , allowing coordinated or complementary targeting strategies.
[0009] Therapeutic uses disclosed herein include preventing or treating transplant rejection (using allogeneic or xenogeneic grafts) , alleviating autoimmune or inflammatory conditions, and treating cancer (solid tumors or hematologic malignancies) . The disclosed nucleic acids, fusion proteins, compositions, vectors, and cells can be formulated into pharmaceutical compositions for administration alone or in combination with additional therapies. Kits and methods of producing engineered cells resistant to NK-mediated cytotoxicity are also encompassed. These and other aspects, embodiments, and advantages are provided by the inventions described herein.6. Brief Description of the Drawings
[0010] FIGs. 1A-1B show the expression of CD300A in primary NK cells (FIG. 1A) and activated NK cells (aNK, FIG. 1B) .
[0011] FIG. 2A shows schematic diagrams of the structures of exemplary CD300A fusion proteins ( “CD300A FP” ) . FIG. 2B shows a representation of a CD300A FP having a CD300A-binding scFv and a PDGFR transmembrane domain.
[0012] FIGs. 3A-3B show the CD300A-28Z CAR-positive rate (FIG. 3A) , and the proportion of CD300A-28Z-dko cells after magnetic beads sorting (FIG. 3B) .
[0013] FIGs. 4A-4B show that when co-incubated at effector-to-target ratios of 1: 1.5 or 1: 5, CD300A-28Z-dko cells effectively inhibited and / or killed aNK cells (FIG. 4A) , and resisted cytotoxicity mediated by aNK cells and achieved enhanced survival (FIG. 4B) .
[0014] FIGs. 5A-5B show that when co-incubated at effector-to-target ratios of 1: 1.5 or 1: 5, CD300A-28Z-dko cells effectively inhibited and / or killed aNK cells (FIG. 5A) , and resisted cytotoxicity mediated by aNK cells and achieved enhanced survival (FIG. 5B) .
[0015] FIGs. 6A-6B show the CD300A-PDGFR1, CD300A-PDGFR2, CD300A-CD300A (TM) -positive rate of the prepared T cells (FIG. 6A) , and the proportion of CD300A positive cells after magnetic beads sorting (FIG. 6B) .
[0016] FIGs. 7A-7C show that CD300A-PDGFR1-dko cells significantly resisted the cytotoxicity of human primary NK cells and enhanced T cell survival (FIG. 7A) , while not affecting the survival of human primary NK cells (FIG. 7B) ; compared to TIM3-PDGFR-dKO cells, CD300A-PDGFR1-dKO cells significantly resisted the cytotoxicity of human primary NK cells and enhanced T cell survival (FIG. 7C) .
[0017] FIGs. 8A-8C show that when co-incubated at an effector-to-target ratio of 1: 1.5, CD300A-PDGFR1-dko cells significantly resisted cytotoxicity mediated by aNK cells and had improved T cell survival (FIG. 8A) , while not affecting the survival of aNK cells (FIG. 8B) ; when co-incubated at an effector-to-target ratio of 1: 2, CD300A-PDGFR1-dko had no impact on the survival of human aNK cells, but significantly resisted cytotoxicity mediated by aNK cells and improved T cell survival, compared to TIM3-PDGFR-dko (FIG. 8C) .
[0018] FIGs. 9A-9B show that when co-incubated at an effector-to-target ratio of 1: 2, CD300A / FasL-CAR-T-dko cells did not affect the survival of human primary NK cells, but significantly resisted the cytotoxicity of primary NK cells and enhanced T cell survival (FIG. 9B) ; when co-incubated at an effector-to-target ratio of 1: 2, CD300A / NKG2A-CAR-T-tko1 cells exhibited ability to inhibit and / or kill aNK cells, while robustly resisting cytotoxicity mediated by aNK cells and enhanced T cell survival (FIG. 9A, upper panel) ; when co-incubated at an effector-to-target ratio of 1: 1 or 1: 2, CD300A / CD38-NKG2A-CAR-T-tko1 cells significantly resisted cytotoxicity mediated by aNK cells and enhanced T cell survival (FIG. 9A, lower panel) .
[0019] FIGs. 10A-10B show that when co-incubated at an effector-to-target ratio of 1: 1 or 1: 2, CD300A / BCMA-NKG2A-CAR-T-tko1 cells significantly resisted cytotoxicity mediated by aNK cells and enhanced T cell survival (FIG. 10A) ; when co-incubated at a ratio of 1: 2, CD300A / BCMA-NKG2A-CAR-T-tko1 cells significantly resisted the cytotoxicity of primary NK cells and enhanced T cell survival (FIG. 10B) .
[0020] FIG. 11 shows that CD300A / CD19-CD20-CAR-T-dko cells significantly resisted cytotoxicity mediated by aNK cells and enhanced T cell survival as compared to CD19-CD20-BBZ-dko cells when co-incubated at an effector-to-target ratio of 1: 1.
[0021] FIG. 12 shows that at an effector-to-target ratio of 1: 2, CD300A-PDGFR2-dko cells significantly resisted human the cytotoxicity of primary NK cells and enhanced T cell survival (left panel) , while CD300A-PDGFR2-dko cells did not affect the survival of human primary NK cells (right panel) .
[0022] FIG. 13 shows that at an effector-to-target ratio of 1: 1, CD300A-PDGFR2-dko cells significantly resisted cytotoxicity mediated by aNK cells and enhanced T cell survival (left panel) , while CD300A-PDGFR2-dko cells did not affect the survival of aNK cells (right panel) .
[0023] FIGs. 14A-14B show the resistance to NK-mediated cytotoxicity, impact on NK cell survival and the survival and / or expansion of T cells for CD300A / NKp80-CAR-T cells in comparison to NKp80-CAR-T cells (FIG. 14A) , and the corresponding results for CD300A / NKG2DL-CAR-T cells in comparison to NKG2DL-CAR-T cells (FIG. 14B) .
[0024] [Rectified under Rule 91, 13.05.2025]FIGs. 15A-15H show the resistance to NK-mediated cytotoxicity, impact on NK cell survival and the survival and / or expansion of T cells for CD300A / NKG2A / CD19-CAR-T cells and CD300A / CD19-CAR-T cells in comparison to CD19-CAR-T cells (FIG. 15A) , and corresponding results for CD300A / CD19-CD20-CAR-T cells in comparison to CD19-CD20-CAR-T cells (FIG.15B) , for CD300A / BCMA-NKG2A-CAR-T cells in comparison to BCMA-NKG2A-CAR-T cells and BCMA-BBZ cells (FIG. 15C) , the secretion of cytokines by CD300A / BCMA-NKG2A-CAR-T cells in comparison to BCMA-NKG2A-CAR-T cells (FIG. 15D) , the enhanced survival of CD300A / BCMA-GPRC5D-CAR-T cells and CD300A / NKG2A / BCMA-GPRC5D-CAR-T cells in comparison to BCMA-GPRC5D-CAR-T cells (FIG. 15E) , and for CD300A / Claudin18.2-CAR-T cells and CD300A / NKG2A / Claudin18.2-CAR-T cells in comparison to Claudin18.2-CAR-T cells (FIG. 15F) , and for CD300A / CLL1-CAR-T cells and CD300A / NKG2A / CLL1-CAR-T cells in comparison to CLL1-CAR-T cells (FIG. 15G) , and for combination group of CLL1-CAR-T cells and CD300A / NKG2A-CAR-T cells, and combination group of CLL1-CAR-T cells and CD300A / NKp80-CAR-T cells, in comparison to combination group of CLL1-CAR-T cells and UTD cells (FIG. 15H) .
[0025] FIGs. 16A-16F show the robust anti-tumor activities of engineered cells disclosed herein, including CD300A / CD19-CAR-T cells, CD300A / CD19-CD20-CAR-T cells, CD300A / NKG2A / CD19-CAR-T cells (FIG. 16A) , CD300A / CD38-CAR-T cells and CD300A / NKG2A / CD38-CAR-T cells (FIG. 16B) , CD300A / BCMA-NKG2A-CAR-T cells (FIG. 16C) , CD300A / BCMA-GPRC5D-CAR T cells and CD300A / NKG2A / BCMA-GPRC5D-CAR-T cells (FIG. 16E) , and CD300A / Claudin18.2-CAR-T cells andCD300A / NKG2A / Claudin18.2-CAR T cells (FIG. 16F) , and their activities for promoting cytokine secretion (FIG. 16D) .
[0026] FIG. 17 shows effective inhibition of tumor growth in orthotopic tumor model of NPG mice bearing human B-cell lymphoma Daudi by CD300A / CD19-CAR-T cells (left panel) and that in the presence of NK cells, the CD300A / CD19-CAR-T group had significantly higher T cell survival and enhanced antitumor efficacy compared to the CD19-CAR-T group (left and right panels) .
[0027] FIG. 18 shows effective inhibition of tumor growth in orthotopic tumor model of NPG mice bearing human B-cell lymphoma Daudi by CD300A / NKG2A / CD19-CAR T cells in the presence of NK cells compared to the CD19-CAR-T cells (left panel) and that the CD300A / NKG2A / CD19-CAR T cells had significantly higher T cell survival in the presence of NK cells compared to the CD19-CAR-T group (middle and right panels) .
[0028] FIG. 19 shows effective inhibition of tumor growth in subcutaneous tumor model of NPG mice bearing human B-cell lymphoma Daudi by CD300A / CD19-CAR-T cells and by the combination of CD300A / NKG2A-CAR-T and CD19-CAR-T cells in the presence of NK cells compared to the CD19-CAR-T cells group (left panel) and that the CD300A / CD19-CAR-T group as well as the CD300A / NKG2A-CAR-T and CD19-CAR-T cells combination group had significantly higher T cell survival in the presence of NK cells compared to the CD19-CAR-T group (right panel) .
[0029] FIG. 20 shows effective inhibition of tumor growth in orthotopic tumor model of NPG mice bearing human B-cell lymphoma Daudi by the CD300A / CD19-CD20-CAR-T group in the presence of NK cells compared to the CD19-CD20-CAR-T group (left panel) and that the CD300A / CD19-CD20-CAR-T group had significantly higher T cell survival in the presence of NK cells compared to the CD19-CD20-CAR-T group (right panel) .
[0030] FIG. 21 shows effective inhibition of tumor growth in orthotopic tumor model of NPG mice bearing human B-cell lymphoma Daudi by both CD300A / NKG2A / CD19-CD20-CAR-T cells group, and the combination group of CD300A / CD19-CD20-CAR-T cells and CD300A / NKG2A-CAR-T cells in the presence of NK cells compared to the CD19-CD20-CAR-T cells group (left panel) , and that both groups had significantly higher T cell survival in the presence of NK cells compared to the CD19-CD20-CAR-T group (right panel) .
[0031] FIGs. 22A-22C shows effective inhibition of tumor growth in orthotopic tumor model of NPG mice bearing human multiple myeloma cells MM. 1S by CD300A / BCMA-NKG2A-CAR-T cells group, which demonstrated significantly better efficacy than BCMA-NKG2A-CAR-T group, both in the absence of NK cells (FIG. 22A) and in the presence of NK cells (FIG. 22B) , and by CD300A / BCMA-NKG2A-CAR-T cells group, which demonstrated significantly better efficacy than BCMA-CAR-T group, both in the absence of NK cells and in the presence of NK cells (FIG. 22C) .
[0032] FIG. 23 shows effective inhibition of tumor growth in subcutaneous tumor model of NPG mice bearing human multiple myeloma cells MM. 1S by the CD300A / BCMA-NKG2A-CAR-T cells compared to the BCMA-CAR-T cells.
[0033] FIG. 24 shows effective inhibition of tumor growth in subcutaneous tumor model of NPG mice bearing human gastric carcinoma cells HGC27-A2 by the combination group of CD300A / Claudin18.2-CAR-T cells and CD300A / NKG2A-CAR-T2 cells compared to the Claudin18.2-CAR-T cells group (left panel) and that the combination group of CD300A / Claudin18.2-CAR-T cells and CD300A / NKG2A-CAR-T2 cells had higher T cell survival in the presence of NK cells compared to the Claudin18.2-CAR-T cells (right panel) .
[0034] FIG. 25A-25B show the CD300A FP14, FP15, FP16-positive rate of the prepared T cells (FIG. 25A) , and the CD300A FP4, FP5, FP6, FP7, FP8, FP9, FP10, FP11, FP12, FP13, FP14-positive rate of the prepared T cells (FIG. 25B) .
[0035] FIG. 26A-26C show the CD300A-CD300A (TM) -dko cells significantly resisted the cytotoxicity mediated by NK cells and enhanced T cell survival, while not affecting the survival of NK cells (FIG. 26A) ; CD300A FP14, FP15, FP16-UCAR-T cells significantly resisted cytotoxicity mediated by NK cells and enhanced T cell survival (FIG. 26B) ; CD300A FP4, FP5, FP6, FP7, FP8, FP9, FP10, FP11, FP12, FP13, FP14 / CD19-UCAR-T cells significantly resisted NK-mediated cytotoxicity and enhanced T cell survival (FIG. 26C) .
[0036] FIG. 27 shows the robust anti-tumor activities of engineered cells disclosed herein, including CD300A FP4, FP5, FP6, FP7, FP8, FP9, FP10, FP11, FP12, FP13, FP14 / CD19-UCAR-T cells.
[0037] FIG. 28 shows that, in the presence of NK cells, synE-NKG2DL-UCAR-T cells expressing CD300A / NKG2A-CAR exhibited significantly enhanced survival (right panel) and anti-tumor activity (left panel) compared to the same cells without CD300A / NKG2A-CAR expression.7. Detailed Description
[0038] Provided herein are fusion proteins that target CD300A (e.g., human CD300A) and engineered cells expressing such fusion proteins. The terms “CD300A FP, ” “CD300A fusion protein, ” “αCD300A fusion protein, ” “anti-CD300A fusion protein, ” “CD300A-binding fusion protein, ” or “CD300A-targeting fusion protein” are used interchangeably herein to refer to a fusion protein comprising an extracellular domain that has a CD300A binding domain and a transmembrane domain. CD300A FPs can further comprise a cytoplasmic domain, such as an intracellular signal transduction domain. Engineered cells (e.g., T, NKT or iPSC cells) expressing a CD300A FP are capable of inhibiting NK cells and therefore resistant to NK cells-mediated cytotoxicity, thereby having enhanced survival and proliferation in an allogeneic host. Accordingly, compositions and methods for preventing transplant immune rejection are also provided herein, as well as compositions and methods for treating a disease or disorder (e.g., cancer or tumor, inflammatory disease, or autoimmune diseases) using cell transplant with improved resistance to host immune rejection.7.1 Definitions
[0039] Unless otherwise defined herein, scientific and technical terms used in this disclosure shall have the meanings commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the relevant fields, including gene therapy, biochemistry, genetics, molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, and protein and nucleic acid chemistry. All definitions provided herein are intended to encompass their grammatical equivalents unless expressly stated otherwise. Singular terms shall include pluralities, and plural terms shall include the singular unless otherwise required by context. The nomenclature and techniques described herein, particularly those related to cell and tissue culture, molecular biology, and hybridization, are those well-known and commonly used in the art. In the event of any conflict, the definitions and specifications provided in this disclosure shall take precedence.
[0040] As used herein in the specification, “a” or “an” may mean one or more. As used herein in the claim (s) , when used in conjunction with the word “comprising, ” the words “a” or “an” may mean one or more than one.
[0041] As used herein, the term “or” in the claims is used to mean “and / or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and “and / or. ” As used herein “another” or “additional” means at least a second or more.
[0042] As used herein, the term “about” refers to an ordinary error range for each value that is readily known to those skilled in the art, or an error range acceptable within the technical field. The term “about” can include the inherent variation of error for the device or the method being employed to determine the value, or the variation that exists among the study subjects. The term “about” encompasses the exact number recited. For example, a value that is “about X” encompasses the value “X. ” In some embodiments, “about” means within plus or minus 10%of a given value or range. For example, “about 5 μM” can encompass any value between 4.5 μM and 5.5 μM. In certain embodiments, “about” means that the variation is ±5%, ±4%, ±3%, ±2%, ±1%, ±0.5%, ±0.2%, or ±0.1%of the value to which “about” refers.
[0043] The term "antibody" is used in the broadest sense herein, encompassing various antibody structures, including but not limited to monoclonal antibody, polyclonal antibody, multispecific antibody (e.g., bispecific antibody) , domain antibody, and antibody fragment thereof that can specifically bind to an antigen or epitope, provided it exhibits the required antigen-binding activity. The terms “antibody fragment, ” “antigen-binding fragment, ” and “antigen-binding unit” are used interchangeably herein are refer to a fragment of an intact antibody that is the antigenic determining variable region of an intact antibody. These fragments are collectively referred to as “antigen binding units. ” The term 'antigen binding unit' further includes any molecular structure comprising a polypeptide chain with a specific shape that is suitable for recognizing an epitope, where one or more non-covalent binding interactions stabilize the complex between the molecular structure and the epitope.
[0044] Examples of antibody fragment include but is not limited to: (i) Fab fragment composed of VL, VH, CL, and CH1 domains, comprising Fab' and Fab'-SH, (ii) Fd fragment composed of VH and CH1 domains, (iii) Fv fragment composed of VL and VH domains of a single antibody; (iv) dAb fragment composed of a single variable region; (v) F (ab') 2 fragment, which is a bivalent fragment comprising two connected Fab fragments; (vi) antigen binding site of a single chain Fv molecule; (vii) bispecific single-chain Fv dimer; (viii) “diabody” or “tribody, ” multivalent or multispecific fragment constructed by gene fusion; and (ix) scFv genetically fused with the same or different antibody. For example, the antibody is chosen from full antibody, scFv, single domain antibody, Fab fragment, Fab’ fragment, Fv fragment, F (ab') 2 fragment, Fd fragment, sdAb, multifunctional antibody, scFv-Fc antibody, or IgG4 antibody. In one embodiment, the antibodies described in the present disclosure include conjugates of a scaffold and an antibody fragment, for example, a DDpp can be covalently linked (e.g., via a peptide bond or a chemical linker) to the N-terminus of the heavy chain and / or light chain of a typical intact (full-length) antibody or inserted into the heavy chain (H-chain) and / or light chain (L-chain) of the full-length antibody.
[0045] The terms “bind, ” “recognize, ” and “target” are used interchangeably herein and refer to selective binding to a target antigen. For example, binding to a target cell refers to binding to a target antigen (e.g., a target molecule) on the surface of the target cell. The terms mean that a polypeptide or molecule interacts more frequently, more rapidly, with greater duration, with greater affinity, or with some combination of the above to the epitope, protein, or target molecule than with alternative substances, including related and unrelated proteins. A binding moiety (e.g., antibody) that binds a target molecule (e.g., antigen) can be identified, for example, by immunoassays, ELISAs, Bio-Layer Interferometry ( “BLI” ) , SPR (e.g., Biacore) , or other techniques known to those of skill in the art. It is understood that, in some embodiments, a binding moiety (e.g., antibody or a chimeric receptor) that specifically binds a first target may or may not specifically bind a second target. As such, the selective binding does not necessarily require (although it can include) exclusive binding, i.e., binding to a single target. Thus, a binding moiety (e.g., antibody) can, in some embodiments, specifically bind more than one target. For example, an antibody or a chimeric receptor can be bispecific and comprise at least two antigen-binding sites that bind different target antigens.
[0046] The term “binding domain” as used herein refers to a region of a molecule, typically a protein, that is responsible, in full or in part, for binding with a target, such as an antigen, receptor, or ligand. A binding domain can be, for example, an antibody, an antigen-binding fragment of an antibody, or the receptor-binding domain of a ligand. For example, a “CD300A binding domain” refers a peptide region that imparts the ability to bind CD300A to a molecule, such as a fusion protein or a chimeric receptor. The CD300A binding domain can be, for example, an anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, or a CD300A ligand.
[0047] The term “variable region” or “variable domain” refers to the domain of the antibody heavy chain or light chain that is used in the binding and specificity of each particular antibody for its particular antigen. The variable domains are generally located at the amino-terminal of the light or heavy chain of an immunoglobulin. The heavy chain variable domain (VH) and light chain variable domain (VL) of a natural antibody typically have similar structures, with each domain comprising four conserved framework regions (FRs) and three complementarity determining regions (CDRs) . A “pair of VL and VH” or “VH / VL pair” can associate with each other and form a binding site that binds the target antigen or epitope. In some embodiments, a single VH or VL domain can provide antigen binding specificity. An antibody binding to a specific antigen can be isolated by screening libraries of complementary VL or VH domains by virtue of VH or VL domains from antibody binding to the antigen, respectively.
[0048] The term “hypervariable region” or “complementarity determining region” or “CDR” refers to a region in an antibody variable domain that exhibits sequence hypervariation, and / or forms structurally determined loops ( “hypervariable loops” ) , and / or comprises residues that come into contact with the antigen ( “antigen contact site” ) . Typically, an antibody comprises six CDRs: three in VH (HCDR1, HCDR2, HCDR3) , and three in VL (LCDR1, LCDR2, LCDR3) . CDR regions are well known to those skilled in the art and have been defined by a variety of methods / systems. These systems and / or definitions include, for example, Kabat, Chothia, IMGT, AbM, and Contact. For example, Kabat defines the regions of most hypervariability within the antibody variable (V) domains (Kabat et al., J. Biol. Chem. 252: 6609-6616 (1977) ; Kabat, Adv. Prot. Chem. 32: 1-75 (1978) , Kabat et al. (1991) . SEQUENCES OF PROTEINS OF IMMUNOLOGICAL INTEREST (5TH ED. ) . U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, National Institutes of Health) . Software programs (e.g., abYsis) are available and known to those of skill in the art for analysis of antibody sequence and determination of CDRs.
[0049] The term “Framework (FR) ” is used herein to refer to variable domain residues different from the hypervariable region (CDR) residues. The variable domain FR typically consists of four FR regions: FR1, FR2, FR3, and FR4. In VH (or VL) , CDR and FR sequences usually appear in the following order: FR1-HCDR1 (LCDR1) -FR2-HCDR2 (LCDR2) -FR3-HCDR3 (LCDR3) -FR4.
[0050] Unless otherwise specified herein, CDR residues and other residues (e.g., FR residues) in the variable domain are numbered according to Kabat numbering system et al., supra.
[0051] The term “Fc region” or “Fc” as used herein refers to the C-terminal region of an immunoglobulin heavy chain comprising at least a portion of a constant region. This term encompasses the natural sequence Fc regions and variant Fc regions.
[0052] The term “scFv” as used herein refers to a fusion protein which comprises at least one antibody fragment comprising a light chain variable region and at least one antibody fragment comprising a heavy chain variable region, wherein the light chain variable region and heavy chain variable region are adjacent (e.g., linked by a synthetic linker, such as a short flexible polypeptide linker) and can be expressed in the form of a single chain polypeptide, and wherein the scFv retains the specificity of the intact antibody that contains the scFv. Unless otherwise specified, scFv used herein can have the VL and VH variable regions in any order (e.g., relative to N-terminus and C-terminus of the polypeptide) , and scFv can comprise VL-linker-VH or VH-linker-VL.
[0053] The term “D domain polypeptide” or “DDpp, ” as used herein refers to a target-binding D domain (DD) polypeptide based on a non-traditional antibody structural scaffold. DDpp is characterized by high target-binding affinity and a non-antibody structural scaffold. DDpp can be either monovalent or multivalent. In some embodiments, DDpp is monospecific or multispecific. In some embodiments, it is monospecific and multivalent. In other embodiments, DDpp is multispecific and multivalent. More information could be found in CN111727250A. DDpp is covalently linked (e.g., via a peptide bond or chemical linker) to N-terminus of the heavy chain and / or light chain of a typical intact (full-length) antibody, or inserted into an H-chain and / or L-chain of the full-length antibody. For example, the DDpp antibody recognizing CD300A can be prepared according to the methods described in CN111727250A.
[0054] The term “natural antibody” as used herein refers to an immunoglobulin molecule that exists naturally. Natural antibody can have a variety of structures. For example, a natural IgG antibody is a heterotetrameric glycoprotein of about 150,000 Daltons, composed of two identical light chains and two identical heavy chains linked by disulfide bonds. From N-terminus to C-terminus, each heavy chain has a variable region (VH) , also known as a variable heavy chain domain or heavy chain variable domain, followed by three constant domains (CH1, CH2, and CH3) . Similarly, from N-terminus to C-terminus, each light chain has a variable region (VL) , also known as a variable light chain domain or light chain variable domain, followed by a light chain constant (CL) domain. The light chain of an antibody may be classed based on the amino acid sequence of its constant domain into two types, known as kappa (κ) and lambda (λ) .
[0055] The terms “full antibody, ” “full-length antibody” , and “intact antibody” are used interchangeably herein and refer to an antibody that maintains its complete, functional structure, similar to that of a naturally occurring antibody.
[0056] The term “single domain antibody (sdAb) ” refers to an antibody that has a single variable domain, which can be the heavy chain variable domain, or a light chain variable domain of an intact antibody. The antigen binding of sdAb is mediated by three CDRs, flanked by four relatively constant framework regions (FRs) . A sdAb can be a “VHH antibody, ” or a “VHH polypeptide, ” which refers to an antibody that comprises a single heavy chain variable domain. VHH antibodies lack a light chain and only have a variable region of the heavy chain. Due to its small molecular weight, it is also known as a nanobody. In some embodiments, VHH can be truncated at N-terminus or C-terminus, such that it only has a portion of FR1 and / or FR4, or lacks one or two of those framework regions, as long as the antigen binding ability and specificity are substantially maintained.
[0057] The term “monoclonal antibody” or “mAb” refers to an antibody obtained from a population of essentially homologous antibodies, i.e., the antibodies within this population are essentially identical and / or bind to the same epitope. In some embodiments, monoclonal antibodies can include possible variants, such as those with naturally occurring mutations or those arising during the preparation of monoclonal antibody formulations. Such variants or mutants are typically present in small quantities. Compared to polyclonal antibody formulations, which generally include antibodies targeting different determinants (epitopes) , each monoclonal antibody in monoclonal antibody formulations targets a single determinant on the antigen. Monoclonal antibodies can be prepared using any methods known in the art, including but not limited to hybridoma method, recombinant DNA technology, phage display, and a method using a transgenic animal comprising all or part of human immunoglobulin gene loci.
[0058] The term “humanized antibody” as used herein refers to forms of non-human (e.g., murine) antibodies that are specific immunoglobulin chains, chimeric immunoglobulins, or fragments thereof that contain minimal non-human sequences. Typically, humanized antibodies are human immunoglobulins. In some instances, the variable region residues of a human immunoglobulin are replaced with the corresponding residues in an antibody from a non-human species. In some instances, residues of the CDRs are replaced by residues from the CDRs of a non-human species (e.g., mouse, rat, hamster, camel) that have the desired specificity, affinity, and / or binding capability.
[0059] The terms “human antibody” and “fully human antibody” as used interchangeably herein refer to an antibody that has an amino acid sequence corresponding to the amino acid sequence of an antibody produced by human or human cell or corresponding to the amino acid sequence obtained from an antibody of non-human source but utilizing a human antibody library or other human antibody-encoding sequences. Fully human antibodies explicitly exclude humanized antibodies comprising non-human antigen binding residues. A fully human antibody can be generated by phage display technology. A fully human antibody can be produced by an engineered strain and / or an engineered cell.
[0060] The terms “peptide, ” “polypeptide, ” and “protein” are used interchangeably, and refer to a compound comprised of amino acid residues covalently linked by peptide bonds. A protein or peptide must contain at least two amino acids, and no limitation is placed on the maximum number of amino acids that can comprise a protein’s or peptide’s sequence. Polypeptides include any peptide or protein comprising two or more amino acids joined to each other by peptide bonds. As used herein, the term refers to both short chains, which also commonly are referred to in the art as peptides, oligopeptides and oligomers, for example, and to longer chains, which generally are referred to in the art as proteins, of which there are many types. “Polypeptides” include, for example, biologically active fragments, substantially homologous polypeptides, oligopeptides, homodimers, heterodimers, variants of polypeptides, modified polypeptides, derivatives, analogs, fusion proteins, among others. A polypeptide includes a natural peptide, a recombinant peptide, or a combination thereof.
[0061] The terms “fusion polypeptide” and “fusion protein” as used interchangeably herein refer to a non-naturally occurring protein, peptide or polypeptide that has an amino acid sequence derived from two or more separate proteins, peptides or polypeptides. In some embodiments, a fusion protein also includes linking regions of amino acids between amino acid portions derived from separate proteins, peptides or polypeptides. Such linking region of amino acids is referred herein as a “linker. ” A fusion protein can be prepared by methods known in the art, such as by recombinant expression of operably linked DNA fragments that encode the corresponding proteins or peptide segments.
[0062] The term “linker, ” as used herein, refers to a chemical group or a molecule linking two adjacent molecules or moieties. Typically, the linker is positioned between, or flanked by, two groups, molecules, or other moieties and connected to each one via a covalent bond. The term “linker” as used in the context of a scFv can refer to a peptide linker comprising amino acids such as glycine and / or serine residues used alone or in combination, to link variable heavy and variable light chain regions together. In one embodiment, the flexible polypeptide linker is a Gly / Ser linker and comprises the amino acid sequence (Gly-Gly-Gly-Gly-Ser) n, where n is a positive integer equal to or greater than 1. For example, n=1, n=2, n=3, n=4, n=5, n=6, n=7, n=8, n=9 and n=10. In one embodiment, the flexible polypeptide linkers include, but are not limited to, (Gly4Ser) 5 or (Gly4Ser) 4. In another embodiment, the linkers include multiple repeats of (GlySer) , (Gly2Ser) , or (Gly3Ser) . Also included within the scope of the disclosure are linkers described in WO2012 / 138475 (incorporated herein by reference) . In some instances, the linker sequence comprises (G4S) n, wherein n=3 to 6. A linker may also be used to link one or more binding domains (such as one or more scFvs) together, such as within a fusion protein as described herein. Such linkers can comprise the linkers described above and / or a cleavable peptide linker, such as those described elsewhere herein.
[0063] The term “chimeric receptor” refers to an artificially engineered polypeptide (or polypeptide complex) comprising at least an extracellular domain linked to a transmembrane domain, and optionally one or more intracellular domains, wherein the components originate from different sources (e.g., distinct proteins, species, or synthetic sequences) . Chimeric receptors are typically fusion molecules created by linking DNA fragments or corresponding cDNA from different sources using genetic recombination technology. Typically, the extracellular domain is responsible for binding to specific target molecules, such as antigens expressed on the surface of other cells. This domain is often derived from antibodies, ligands, or other binding moieties, enabling precise targeting capabilities. The transmembrane domain serves to anchor the receptor to the cell membrane, ensuring structural stability and optionally facilitating the transmission of signals from the extracellular environment into the cell. The intracellular domain is responsible for signal transduction and triggers specific cellular responses upon binding of the extracellular domain to its target. Chimeric receptors include but are not limited to chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) , recombinant TCR receptors, and synthetic receptors such as SynNotch receptor.
[0064] The term “chimeric antigen receptor” or “CAR” as used herein refers to a type of chimeric receptor designed to redirect immune cells, such as T cells, to recognize specific antigens on target cells, such as tumor cells or NK cells. Typically, the extracellular domain of a CAR contains an antigen-binding fragment that provides antigen-binding specificity, the transmembrane domain provides structural support, while the intracellular signal transduction domain typically includes a primary signaling domain (e.g., CD3ζ) , and / or with a co-stimulatory domain (e.g., CD28 or 4-1BB) , to enhance the activation, proliferation, and persistence of the immune cell. CAR-T cells, engineered T cells that express CARs, are widely used in cancer immunotherapy. As used herein, a “ [target name] CAR” refers to a CAR that recognizes this target. For example, a NKG2A CAR refers to a CAR that specifically binds to NKG2A.
[0065] The term “T cell receptor” or “TCR” refers to a specialized protein complex expressed on the surface of T cells that is essential for recognizing and responding to specific antigens by mediating the interaction between T cells and specific major histocompatibility complex (MHC) -restricted peptide antigens. TCRs include classical TCR receptors and optimized TCR receptors. A classic TCR receptor consists of two peptide chains, alpha and beta, each of which can be divided into a variable region (V region) , a constant region (C region) , a transmembrane region, and a cytoplasmic region; and its antigen specificity exists in the V regions (V alpha and V beta) , each of which has three hypervariable regions CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3. A T cell expressing the classic TCR can induce a specific response to a target antigen.
[0066] The term “recombinant T cell receptor” or “recombinant TCR” or “chimeric TCR” refers to a chimeric receptor comprising one or more TCR subunits. For example, a recombinant TCR comprises at least a portion of the extracellular domain of TCR subunits, transmembrane domain, and TCR intracellular domain, wherein the TCR subunits are effectively linked to antigen binding domain. For example, the TCR subunits in a recombinant TCR comprise CD3ζ, CD3ε, CD3γ, CD3δ, TCRα, TCRβ, TCRγ, and / or TCRδ subunits. For example, a recombinant TCR may be integrated into a TCR / CD3 complex expressed on T cells. For example, a recombinant TCR comprises constant regions and intracellular domains of TCRα and TCRβsubunits, and the constant regions of these subunits are effectively linked to antigen binding domains. For example, recombinant TCR comprises constant regions and intracellular domains of TCRγ and TCRδ subunits, and the constant regions of these subunits are effectively linked to antigen binding domains. For example, recombinant TCR comprises CD3ζ, CD3ε, CD3γ, or CD3δ subunits, and the extracellular domains of these subunits are effectively linked to antigen binding domains.
[0067] As used herein, the term “synNotch receptors” refers to any engineered or synthetic Notch-based receptor system comprising: (1) an extracellular domain capable of binding a designated target (e.g., a specific antigen or ligand) , (2) a regulatory domain including one or more cleavage sites adapted from or analogous to the Notch receptor’s cleavage mechanisms, and (3) an intracellular effector domain that is released or activated upon cleavage. The extracellular and / or transmembrane regions can differ from those of native Notch polypeptides, but retain the ability to induce proteolytic cleavage in response to target binding, thereby releasing the intracellular domain to modulate gene expression, signaling pathways, or other cellular functions. This term encompasses synNotch receptors constructs known in the art (e.g., chimeric polypeptides synJagged2EC, synEphrinB2EC, and synEphrinB2EC-APLP2 (TM) described in PCT / CN2022 / 102395, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety) and variations thereof, including but not limited to chimeric polypeptides with altered ligand-binding, transmembrane, or intracellular domains.
[0068] The terms “signaling domain, ” “signal transduction domain, ” “intracellular signaling domain, ” and “intracellular signal transduction domain, ” as used interchangeably herein refer to the functional domain of a protein that transmits information through a signaling pathway within a cell and regulates cell activity by producing a second messenger or by acting as an effector in response to such a messenger. An intracellular signal transduction domain of a specific protein (e.g., CD28) can refer to the entire intracellular portion of the protein, the entire natural intracellular signal transduction domain of the protein, or its functional fragments or variants. An intracellular signal transduction domain can be further categorized based on their specific functions. In a T cell, for example, a signal transduction domain can be a primary signal domain, or a co-stimulatory singling domain.
[0069] The term “primary signal domain” or “primary signaling domain” refers to the intracellular signal transduction domain that promotes the initial activation of a TCR complex. A primary signal domain can be triggered by, for example, the binding of TCR / CD3 complex to an MHC molecule loaded with peptides, thereby mediating T-cell responses (including, but not limited to, proliferation, activation, differentiation, etc) . A primary signal domain can comprise the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM) or the signaling motif of an ITAM. The intracellular signaling domain of CD3γ, CD3δ, CD3ε, CD3ζ, CD5, CD79a, CD79b, CD278, or CD66d can serve as primary signal domain. In some embodiments, the primary signal domain of the fusion protein or chimeric receptor provided herein comprise the intracellular signal transduction domain of CD3γ, CD3δ, CD3ε, CD3ζ, CD5, CD79a, CD79b, CD278, or CD66d, or a combination thereof.
[0070] The term “co-stimulatory signal domain” or “co-stimulatory signaling domain” refers to an intracellular signal transduction domain of a co-stimulatory molecule. A co-stimulatory molecule is a cell surface protein that provides a secondary stimulatory signal to immune cells, such as T cells, in addition to the primary signal delivered through the T cell receptor (TCR) . This secondary signal is essential for full activation, proliferation, and survival of immune cells. Typically, a co-stimulatory ligand binds to a co-stimulatory molecule on T cell surface, which activates the co-stimulatory signaling. Exemplary co-stimulatory molecules include but are not limited to: MHC class I molecules, BTLA and Toll ligand receptors, as well as CD137 (4-1BB) , CD28, CD27, TNFRSF9, TNFRSF4, TNFRSF8, TNFRSF14, TNFRSF18, CD40LG, ICOS, ITGB2, CD2, CD7, KLRC2, HAVCR1, LGALS9, CARD11, CD30, CD54, OX40, CD150, CD152, CD223, CD270, PD-L2, PD-L1, DAP10, LAT, NKD2C, SLP76, TRIM, FcεRIγ, MyD88, ICAM-1, LFA-1 (CD11a / CD18) , 41BBL, and CD83.
[0071] The term “immunosuppressive signaling domain” or “immunosuppressive signal domain” refers to an intracellular signal domain of an immunosuppressive receptor, or immunosuppressive molecule. An immunosuppressive receptor or immunosuppressive molecule refers to a receptor that negatively regulates and suppresses immune cell activation signals, such as a classical receptor comprising the Immunoreceptor Tyrosine-based Inhibitory Motif (ITIM) . Immunosuppressive receptors can further comprise non-classical ITIM domains. Receptors containing ITIM domains include CD300A. Immunosuppressive receptors also include other non-ITIM dependent inhibitory receptors or enzyme molecules, such as CTLA-4, IDO1, and IDO2.
[0072] The terms “variant” and “functional variant, ” as used interchangeably herein with respect to a protein or peptide having specific sequence characteristics (a “reference protein” or “reference peptide” ) , refers to a protein or peptide that differs from the reference protein or reference peptide by one or more (e.g., approximately 1 to about 25, approximately 1 to about 20, approximately 1 to about 15, approximately 1 to about 10, or approximately 1 to about 5) amino acid substitutions, deletions, and / or additions. The change in amino acid sequence can be amino acid substitution. The change in amino acid sequence can be conservative amino acid substitution. The term “conservative sequence modifications” refers to amino acid modifications that do not significantly affect or alter the binding characteristics of the antibody or antibody fragment containing the amino acid sequence. Such conservative modifications include amino acid substitutions, additions and deletions. A functional fragment or variant of a protein or polypeptide maintains the basic structure and functional properties of the control protein or polypeptide. In some embodiments, a variant of a protein or a peptide is obtained by modification and / or substitution of one or more amino acids, and / or deletion and / or addition of one or more amino acids based on a reference protein or peptide. A variant can have at least 60%, at least 65%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%or higher identity with the amino acid sequence of the reference protein or peptide, and retains the basic structure and function of the reference protein or peptide. If a peptide of a specific sequence is described herein, its variants are also expressly contemplated herein.
[0073] The terms “nucleic acid” and “polynucleotide” are used interchangeably herein and refer to a polymer or oligomer of nucleotides of any length. The nucleotides can be deoxyribonucleotides, ribonucleotides, modified nucleotides or bases (such as methylated, hydroxymethylated, or glycosylated) , non-natural nucleotides, non-nucleotide building blocks that exhibit similar structure and / or function as natural nucleotides (i.e., “nucleotide analogs” ) , and / or any substrate that can be incorporated into a polymer by DNA or RNA polymerase. The nucleic acids or polynucleotides can be heterogenous or homogenous in composition, can be isolated from naturally occurring sources, or can be artificially or synthetically produced. In addition, the nucleic acids or polynucleotides can be DNA (e.g., cDNA or genomic DNA) or RNA (e.g., mRNA, anti-sense RNA, siRNA, and miRNA) , or a mixture thereof, and can exist permanently or transitionally in single-stranded or double-stranded form, including homoduplex, heteroduplex, and hybrid states.
[0074] Conventional notation is used herein to describe nucleotide sequences: the left-hand end of a single-stranded nucleotide acid is the 5’ -end; the left-hand direction of a double-stranded nucleic acid is referred to as the 5’ -direction; the right-hand end of a single-stranded nucleotide acid is the 3’ -end; the right-hand direction of a double-stranded nucleic acid is referred to as the 3’-direction. The direction of 5’ to 3’a ddition of nucleotides to nascent RNA transcripts is referred to as the transcription direction. The DNA strand having the same sequence as an mRNA is referred to as the “coding strand. ” Sequences on the DNA strand which are located 5’ to a reference point on the DNA are referred to as “upstream sequences. ” Sequences on the DNA strand which are 3’ to a reference point on the DNA are referred to as “downstream sequences. ”
[0075] The term “plurality of nucleic acids” as used herein refers to two or more nucleic acids as defined herein, which may exist as separate entities or as covalently joined or operably linked components within a single molecule. In some embodiments, the plurality of nucleic acids are present as a mixture in a composition. In some embodiments, the plurality of nucleic acids can be arranged in a configuration that enables functional coordination, such as co-expression (e.g., as part of a polycistronic transcript) or regulated expression (e.g., under the control of shared or independent regulatory elements) . Examples include, but are not limited to: nucleic acids encoding different polypeptides (e.g., a CD300A FP and an NK-targeting CAR disclosed herein) , which can be separate molecules in a composition or positioned on the same vector. Multiple nucleic acids that contain coding sequences can be linked by internal ribosome entry sites (IRES) or a sequence that encodes self-cleaving peptides (e.g., 2A sequences) .
[0076] The term “encode” as used herein refers to the process by which the sequence of nucleotides in a DNA molecule specifies the information required to synthesize a functional biological product, such as a protein, RNA, or regulatory molecule. This information is stored in the genetic code, where specific sequences of DNA correspond to particular amino acids or RNA sequences. Nucleic acids that “encode” a polypeptide include the coding sequences for the polypeptide, and optionally additional coding and / or non-coding sequences. The nucleic acids of the disclosure can be in the form of RNA or in the form of DNA. DNA can be cDNA, genomic DNA, or synthetic DNA, and can be double-stranded or single-stranded. Single stranded DNA can be the coding strand or non-coding (anti-sense) strand. The nucleic acids of the disclosure can be mRNA. Unless otherwise specified, a “nucleotide sequence encoding an amino acid sequence” includes all nucleotide sequences that are degenerate versions of each other and that encode the same amino acid sequence. The phrase nucleotide sequence that encodes a protein or an RNA can also include introns to the extent that the nucleotide sequence encoding the protein can in some version contain one or more introns.
[0077] The term “identity” as used herein refers to the degree of similarity between sequence of two polymer molecules, for example, two nucleic acid molecules (such as two DNA molecules, or two RNA molecules) , or two peptide molecules, expressed as a percentage of matches (identical residues) in an alignment. The percent identity indicates how closely two sequences match over their full length, providing insight into their similarity or evolutionary relationship. The term “substantially identical” refers to peptides or nucleic acid molecules that exhibit at least about 50%identity compared with a reference amino acid sequence or nucleic acid sequence. In some embodiments, such a sequence has at least about 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or 100%identity with the reference amino acid or nucleic acid sequence. Sequence identity can be determined by methods well known in the art. For example, commonly used algorithms include the Needleman-Wunsch algorithm for global alignment of sequences of similar lengths and the Smith-Waterman algorithm for local alignment of sequences with substantial length differences. Other methods include the search for similarity method by Pearson &Lipman, the BLAST algorithm (e.g., WU-BLAST-2, gapped BLAST) , and tools like GAP, BESTFIT, FASTA, and TFASTA in the Wisconsin Genetics Software Package. Online resources such as BLAST (http: / / blast. ncbi. nlm. nih. gov) and EMBOSS Needle (http: / / www. ebi. ac. uk / Tools / emboss / ) can be employed for determining sequence identity.
[0078] As used herein, a nucleic acid that is at least about 95%identical to a reference nucleotide sequence means that the nucleotide sequence of the nucleic acid can include up to five point mutations per each 100 nucleotides of the reference nucleotide sequence. In other words, to obtain a nucleic acid having at least 95%identical to a reference nucleotide sequence, up to 5%of the nucleotides in the reference sequence can be deleted or substituted with another nucleotide, or a number of nucleotides up to 5%of the total nucleotides in the reference sequence can be inserted into the reference sequence. These mutations of the reference sequence can occur at the 5’ or 3’ terminal positions of the reference nucleotide sequence or anywhere between those terminal positions, interspersed either individually among nucleotides in the reference sequence or in one or more contiguous groups within the reference sequence.
[0079] Nucleic acid variants can contain alterations in the coding regions, non-coding regions, or both. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid variant contains alterations which produce silent substitutions, additions, or deletions, but does not alter the properties or activities of the encoded polypeptide. In some embodiments, a nucleic acid variant comprises silent substitutions that result in no change to the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide (due to the degeneracy of the genetic code) . Nucleic acid variants can be produced for a variety of reasons, for example, to optimize codon expression for a particular host (e.g., change codons in the human mRNA to those preferred by a bacterial host such as E. coli) . In some embodiments, a nucleic acid variant comprises at least one silent mutation in a non-coding or a coding region of the sequence. A nucleic acid variant can be produced to modulate or alter expression (or expression levels) of the encoded polypeptide.
[0080] As used herein, the term “vector” refers to a vehicle for carrying genetic material (e.g., a nucleotide sequence) that can be introduced into a host cell, where it can be replicated and / or expressed. Vectors encompass nucleic acid molecules (DNA or RNA) capable of being operably linked to foreign genetic material (e.g., a nucleic acid transgene) . Vectors can be single-or double-stranded, linear or circular, and can include at least one restriction endonuclease recognition sequence for insertion of the transgene. Vectors can also include one or more genes conferring antibiotic resistance or other selectable characteristics to facilitate identifying host cells that harbor the vector-transgene construct. Non-limiting examples of vectors include linear polynucleotides, polynucleotides associated with ionic or amphiphilic compounds, plasmids (e.g., self-replicating vectors) , and viral vectors. Non-plasmid and non-viral compounds that promote nucleic acid transfer into cells-such as polylysine-based compounds, liposomes, or similar carriers-are also included within the definition of “vector. ” A donor nucleic acid employed for gene editing with zinc finger nucleases, TALENs, or CRISPR / Cas can be considered a type of vector. Viral vectors typically contain viral RNA or DNA backbone sequences that can be linked to the transgene, with examples including, but not limited to, retroviral, lentiviral, adenoviral, adeno-associated viral, baculoviral, papovaviral, vaccinia viral, herpes simplex viral, and Epstein-Barr viral vectors. Certain vectors replicate autonomously in a host cell (e.g., bacterial vectors with a bacterial origin of replication, or episomal mammalian vectors) , while others integrate into the genome of the host cell (e.g., non-episomal mammalian vectors) and are replicated alongside the host genome.
[0081] As used herein, the term “expression vector” refers to a vector engineered to promote the production of RNA or protein from an inserted gene in a host cell or in an in vitro system. Such vectors typically include all necessary regulatory elements-such as promoters, enhancers, and other cis-acting sequences-to drive transcription and translation of the target gene. Additional factors needed for efficient expression can be provided by the host cell or supplied by the in vitro system. Non-limiting examples of expression vectors include plasmids (which can be introduced as naked DNA or encapsulated within liposomes) , cosmids, and viral vectors (e.g., lentiviruses, retroviruses, adenoviruses, and adeno-associated viruses) that incorporate the recombinant nucleic acid and furnish sufficient cis-acting elements to enable gene expression. Expression vectors known in the art include, for example, cosmids, plasmids (e.g., naked or contained in liposomes) and viruses (e.g., lentiviruses, retroviruses, adenoviruses, and adeno-associated viruses) .
[0082] The term “promoter” refers to a DNA sequence recognized by the transcription machinery of the cell, or introduced synthetic machinery, that can initiate the specific transcription of a polynucleotide sequence. The term “constitutive” promoter refers to a nucleotide sequence which, when operably linked with a nucleic acid which encodes or specifies a gene product, causes the gene product to be produced in a cell under most or all physiological conditions of the cell. The term “inducible” promoter refers to a nucleotide sequence which, when operably linked with a nucleic acid which encodes or specifies a gene product, causes the gene product to be produced in a cell substantially only when an inducer which corresponds to the promoter is present in the cell. In some embodiments, a promoter is an endogenous promoter. In some embodiments, a promoter is an exogenous promoter. In some embodiments, the promoter is an EF1a promoter, a CAG promoter, a PGK promoter, a CMV promoter, or B2M promoter. In some embodiments, such as certain embodiments wherein a recombinant nucleic acid or vector disclosed herein is inserted into a gene locus (such as a B2M or TRAC locus) in a cell, the promoter is an endogenous B2M promoter or an endogenous TRAC promoter.
[0083] The term “operably linked” refers to a functional arrangement between polynucleotide sequences that enables one sequence to directly or indirectly regulate, influence, or facilitate the activity, function, or expression of another. For instance: a transgene is operably linked to a vector when their physical or functional connection permits the transcription, translation, or other expression-related activity of the transgene within the vector system; a regulatory sequence (e.g., promoter, enhancer, silencer, or terminator) is operably linked to a transgene if it modulates one or more aspects of the transgene’s expression, including but not limited to its level, timing, tissue specificity, developmental stage, or subcellular localization; DNA regions are operably linked if their spatial, sequential, or functional configuration allows interaction, such as a promoter controlling transcription of a coding sequence, a ribosome binding site (RBS) enabling translation, or a signal peptide sequence directing secretion of the translated protein. In some embodiments, operably linked sequences can include leader or signal sequences that direct extracellular secretion or compartment-specific localization of the encoded protein.
[0084] The term “endogenous” as used herein refers to any substance, molecule, or process that originates from within an organism, cell, or system itself. It is a natural part of the biological system and is produced or regulated internally. For example, an endogenous gene refers to a gene present within an organism’s native genome; an endogenous protein refers to the protein synthesized by the cell using its own genetic material.
[0085] The term “exogenous” as used herein refers to any substance, molecule, or process introduced into an organism, cell, or system from an external source. This includes nucleic acid molecules, polypeptides, cells, or tissues that are not naturally expressed within the organism or whose natural expression levels are insufficient to achieve the desired level. For example, an exogenous gene refers to a gene that has been introduced into an organism’s genome through external manipulation, and an exogenous protein refers to a protein produced in a cell through the expression of such an introduced gene. An exogenous gene may or may not have an endogenous counterpart.
[0086]
[0087] The term “regulate” refers to inducing positive or negative changes in a biological system, process, or function. Regulation encompasses adjustments of varying degrees, which may include small changes (e.g., 1%or 2%) or more substantial alterations (e.g., 10%, 25%, 50%, 75%, or even 100%) . Regulation can occur at the molecular, cellular, or systemic level and is often mediated by external or internal signals. An “up-regulation” can refer to an increase of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 100%, 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 10-fold, 20-fold, 50-fold, 100-fold, or greater in a recited variable. A “down-regulation” can refer to a decrease of 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, 100%, 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 10-fold, 20-fold, 50-fold, 100-fold, or greater in a recited variable. The terms “activate, ” “stimulate, ” or “agonize” are used interchangeably herein and refer to the process by which a molecule (e.g., a receptor) or a cell transitions from a quiescent state to an active state to carry out certain biological function. Activation of a cell involves phenotypic or genetic changes that lead to increased functionality or responsiveness. For example, T cell activation can involve responses to specific antigen recognition via TCR, co-stimulation signals that enhance activation, and observable effects such as cell proliferation, cytokine production, or effector function. T cell activation is a dynamic process regulated by external stimuli, such as antigen-presenting cells, CD3 / CD28 magnetic beads, or in vivo signals from tumor or infected cells. The degree and duration of activation vary based on the type and intensity of the stimulus.
[0088] The terms “inhibit, ” “suppress, ” or “antagonize” are used interchangeably herein and refer to reducing, blocking, or halting a biological activity or process. Suppression can involve partial inhibition (e.g., 10%, 25%) or complete inhibition (100%) . Examples include, for example, downregulating gene expression or protein production, preventing cell activation, proliferation, or signaling, and suppressing immune responses to prevent autoimmunity or overactivation. For example, inhibiting or suppressing NK-mediated cytotoxicity refers to any reduction-whether partial or complete-in the activity and / or number of NK cells. Such inhibition or suppression can be assessed by: (1) direct measurement of NK cell number or function (e.g., cytolytic activity) , or (2) indirect measurement via changes in the number or activity of target cells subject to NK-mediated cytotoxicity. For example, a modification to a cell (e.g., expressing a CD300A FP, alone or in combination with a NK-targeting chimeric receptor) “inhibits or suppress NK-mediated cytotoxicity” because, compared to an unmodified cell, (1) NK cells become inactivated or reduced in number when co-cultured with the modified cell, and / or (2) the modified cell exhibits enhanced survival or proliferation in the presence of NK cells.
[0089] The term “target antigen” as used herein refers to a specific molecule, for example, a protein, carbohydrates, or lipids, that is expressed on the surface or within a cell and recognized by a binding entity such as an antibody, TCR, or engineered receptor like a CAR. Target antigens serve as the focus for therapeutic, diagnostic, or research disclosures by facilitating specific interactions with immune systems or synthetic systems.
[0090] The term “pathological cell” as used herein refer to a cell associated with a disease or abnormal condition that contributes to the deterioration of health. These cells typically exhibit specific target antigens, which are molecules expressed on their surface or presented intracellularly, distinguishing them from normal, healthy cells. Pathological cells are involved in conditions such as tumor or cancer, infections, autoimmune diseases, or inflammatory disorders. Examples include, for example, tumor cells, virus-infected cells, or hyperactive immune cells in autoimmune diseases.
[0091] The term “tumor antigen” as used herein refers to an antigen that is newly expressed or overexpressed during the onset and progression of a hyperproliferative disease, such as cancer or tumor. Depending on the type of tumor, tumor antigens are categorized into two main types: solid tumor antigens and hematological cancer antigens (liquid tumor antigens) .
[0092] The term “cell marker” , also referred to as a cell surface molecule or cell surface protein, refers to a molecule typically expressed on the surface of a cell’s membrane. Cell markers are often used to identify and distinguish specific cell types based on their unique expression patterns. For example, an NK cell marker refers to a molecule that is expressed on the surface of NK cells that can distinguish them from other cell types. In particular, immune cell markers are preferentially found on the surface of immune cell membranes and are critical for defining subsets of immune cells and their functional states. These markers can serve as identifiers for immune cell populations or as indicators of their activation, differentiation, or functional state. Examples include CD3 as a T cell marker and CD56 as an NK cell marker, which can also be co-expressed on certain subsets of cells. NK cell markers include, for example, NK cell receptors, which further include activatory receptors and inhibitory receptors.
[0093] The term “NK activatory receptor” or “NKAR” as used herein refers to receptors expressed on the surface of NK cells that, when engaged with its ligands, including, for example, stress-induced molecules or tumor-associated antigens, transmit intracellular signals that promote the activation and / or proliferation of the NK cells, resulting in increased cytotoxicity and cytokine production. Typically, activatory NK receptors have an ITAM or bind to an ITAM. The term “NK inhibitory receptor” or “NKIR” as used herein refers to receptors expressed on the surface of NK cells that, when engaged with its ligands, including, for example, self-molecules such as MHC class I molecules or other regulatory proteins, transmit intracellular signals that suppress the activation and / or proliferation of the NK cells, reducing its cytotoxicity. NKIRs maintain immune tolerance by preventing NK cells from attacking healthy self-cells and regulate the balance between activation and inhibition. Typically, NK inhibitory receptors have an ITIM or bind to an ITIM. Normally, inhibitory receptors that recognize MHC-I molecules dominate to prevent NK cells from inhibiting and / or killing healthy cells. However, when the expression of MHC-I molecules on the cell surface is reduced or absent, or when tumor cells or other pathological cells bind to activatory receptors through surface antigens, the activation signal exceeds the inhibitory signal, thereby activating NK cells to inhibit and / or kill the target cells.
[0094] Exemplary NKIRs include: NKG2 / CD94 components, KIR family members, LIR family members, SIGLEC family members, Ly49 family members, NKR-P1 family members, KLRG1, LAIR1, immune checkpoint receptors. NKIRs include HLA specific and non-HLA specific inhibitory receptors.
[0095] NKG2 / CD94 receptor NKIRs include, for example, NKG2A and NKG2B. Exemplary KIR family NKIRs include KIR2DL1, KIR2DL2 / 3, KIR2DL5A, KIR2DL5B, KIR3DL1, KIR3DL2, and KIR3DL3. Exemplary LIR family NKIRs include LIR1, LIR2, LIR3, LIR5, and LIR8. Exemplary SIGLEC family NKIRs include SIGLEC7 and SIGLEC9. Exemplary Ly49 family NKIRs include Ly49A, Ly49C, Ly49F, Ly49G (e.g., Ly49G1, Ly49G4) , and Ly49Q. Exemplary NKR-P1 family NKIRs include NKR-P1B and NKR-P1D. Exemplary immune checkpoint receptor NKIRs include: PD-1, PDL-1, TIM-3, TIGIT, LAG-3, CTLA-4, 4-1BB, 4-1BBL, A2aR, BATE, BTLA, CD39, CD47, CD73, CD94, CD96, CD160, CD200, CD200R, CD274, CSF-1R, Foxpl, GARP, HVEM, IDO, EDO, TDO, LAIR-1, MICA / B, NR4A2, MAFB, OCT-2, RARa (retinoic acid receptor α) , TLR3, VISTA, NKG2A / HLA-E, CEACAM1, and inhibitory KIR. In some embodiments, the NKIR can be PD-1, TIGIT, CD96, TIM3, or LAG3.
[0096] Exemplary NKARs include: NKG2 family members, NCR family members, KIR family members, and co-receptors. NKG2 family NKARs include, for example, NKG2D, NKG2C, NKG2E, NKG2F, and NKG2H; NCR family NKARs include, for example, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, and NKp80; KIR family NKARs include, for example, KIR2DS1, KIR2DS2, KIR2DS3, KIR2DS4, KIR2DS5, and KIR3DS1; and co-receptors NKARs include, for example, 2B4 (CD244) , DNAM-1 (CD226) , CD2, and LFA-1 (CD11a / CD18) .
[0097] All gene and protein names used herein are consistent with their accepted meanings and common usage in the relevant scientific field, and information about these genes / proteins can be found on publicly available databases, for example, Uniprot, NCBI, etc. The information below regarding specific proteins is provided for illustrative purposes.
[0098] The NKG2 family (also known as CD159) includes seven members: A, B, C, D, E F, and H. CD94 / NKG2 receptors are C-type lectin receptors which are expressed predominantly on the surface of NK cells and a subset of CD8+ T-lymphocytes. These receptors stimulate or inhibit cytotoxic activity of NK cells, and are thereby divided into activating and inhibitory receptors. NKG2A, -B, -C, -E and -H form heterodimers with CD94, linked by disulfide bonds, whereas NKG2D forms homodimers. Inhibitory NKG2 molecules containing ITIMs recruit the Src homology 2 domain containing phosphatases SHP-1 and SHP-2, which leads to the inhibition of cytotoxicity. “NKG2A” refers to the NKG2 family member A that dimerizes with CD94 to form an inhibitory receptor (CD94 / NKG2A) . NKG2A and its splice variant NKG2B contain immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motifs (ITIMs) in the intracellular part of the molecule. Activating molecules NKG2C and NKG2E and its splice variant NKG2H contain a positively charged residue in their transmembrane regions through which they interact with adaptor molecules containing ITAMs. Ligands of CD94 / NKG2 heterodimeric molecules include nonclassical MHC class I molecules, such as HLA-E in humans.
[0099] NKp80, also known as KLRF1 or CLEC5C (Gene ID: 51348) , is an activating dimeric C-type lectin-like receptor (CTLR) that is expressed on nearly all natural killer (NK) cells. It stimulates NK cell cytotoxicity and cytokine release. As a surface activation receptor specific to NK cells, NKp80 exhibits high expression only in NK cells, with elevated levels observed in both resting and activated NK cells.
[0100] Fas Ligand (FasL) (Gene ID: 356) , a member of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) superfamily, induces apoptosis by binding to the Fas receptor on target cells. FasL is a type II transmembrane protein structurally composed of an N-terminal intracellular proline-rich domain (PRD) , a transmembrane domain (TM) , a stalk region (SR) , and a C-terminal TNF homology domain (THD) . Humans FasL exists in at least two alternatively spliced isoforms. The canonical isoform (UniProt: P48023-1) consists of 281 amino acids.
[0101] CD38 (Gene ID: 952) functions both as a receptor and an enzyme. As a receptor, it binds CD31 on T cells to activate cytokine production. Enzymatically, it acts as a cyclic ADP ribose hydrolase, catalyzing the conversion of NAD+ into ADP-ribose and cyclic ADP-ribose. CD38 is expressed on the surface of multiple immune cells, including CD4+ T cells, CD8+ T cells, B lymphocytes, and NK cells.
[0102] NKG2D (KLRK1, Gene ID: 22914) is a C-type lectin family receptor critical for NK cell activation, is expressed not only on NK cells but also on NKT cells, activated CD8+ T cells, activated CD4+ T cells, and γδ T cells.
[0103] NKG2D ligand (NKG2DL or NKG2D-L) refers to the ligand for NKG2D, including eight polypeptides: MICA (Gene ID: 100507436) , MICB (Gene ID: 4277) , ULBP-1 (RAET1I, Gene ID: 80329) , ULBP-2 (RAET1H, Gene ID: 80328) , ULBP-3 (RAET1N, Gene ID: 79465) , ULBP-4 (RAET1E, Gene ID: 135250) , ULBP-5 (RAET1G, Gene ID: 353091) , and ULBP-6 (RAET1L, Gene ID: 154064) .
[0104] TIGIT (T-cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain; Gene ID: 201633) , an inhibitory receptor of the poliovirus receptor (PVR) / Nectin family, features an extracellular immunoglobulin variable (IgV) domain, a transmembrane region, and an intracellular domain containing an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motif (ITIM) and an immunoglobulin tyrosine tail (ITT) . TIGIT is expressed in lymphocytes, with particularly high levels in effector / regulatory CD4+ T cells, follicular helper CD4+ T cells, effector CD8+ T cells, and NK cells (Eur. J. Immunol. 2015, 45: 2886–2897) .
[0105] CS1 (SLAMF7 / CD319; NCBI RefSeq: NP_067004.3) , a member of the signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM) family, mediates cell adhesion and NK cell activation. It is predominantly expressed in plasma cells, NK cells, CD8+ T cells, activated B cells, and monocyte-derived dendritic cells, but is virtually absent in hematopoietic progenitor cells and non-hematopoietic tissues.
[0106] CD80, also known as B7, BB1, B7-1, B7.1, LAB7, CD28LG, or CD28LG1 (human CD80: Gene ID: 941; mouse CD80 gene ID: 12519) , is a type I transmembrane glycoprotein characterized by extracellular immunoglobulin variable (IgV) and constant (IgC) domains. Primarily expressed on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) , it is known to dynamically regulate T-cell activation and immune homeostasis.
[0107] Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I refers to a class of MHC molecules that are displayed on the surface of nucleated cells and platelets in vertebrates. MHC class I molecules function as part of the adaptive immune system by binding fragments of cytosolic foreign (non-self) proteins and displaying these antigens on the cell surface for recognition of cells of the immune system, e.g., T cells. In humans, MHC is also referred to as human leukocyte antigen (HLA) . Rejection of allogenic therapeutic cells (e.g., in GvHD) , such as CAR T cells, is believed to be largely driven by donor-or iPSC-derived T cell recognition of host peptide-HLA complexes through the αβ T cell receptor complex (αβTCR) . Rejection is mainly driven by host NK cells, CD8+ T-cells, CD4+ T cells, and, to a lesser extent, by macrophages. HLAs include HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-E, HLA-F, and HLA-G. HLA class I histocompatibility antigen alpha chain E (HLA-E) is a non-classical HLA molecule that plays a role in recognition by NK cells. Without being bound by a particular theory, using the heterodimeric receptor CD94 / NKG2A / B / C, NK cells recognize HLA-E molecules bound to antigen at the cell surface. CD94 / NKG2A or CD94 / NKG2B engagement results in an inhibitory effect on the cytotoxic activity of the NK cell, thereby preventing cell lysis, while simultaneously causing NK cell activation.
[0108] B2M, or B2 microglobulin, refers to a particular polypeptide component of MHC class I molecules. The B2M protein is encoded by the B2M gene. MHC class I molecules are heterodimers comprised of two polypeptide chains, α and β2-microglobulin, that are noncovalently linked via interaction of B2M and the α3 domain. Without being bound to a particular theory, β2 microglobulin is required for cell surface expression of MHC class I molecules and for stability of the peptide-binding groove. Absence of B2M expression leads to significant reductions in MHC class I molecules detectable on the cell surface.
[0109] TRAC, or T cell receptor alpha constant, refers to the constant region of the TCR alpha chain. The TCR is a membrane-anchored heterodimeric protein typically consisting of the highly variable alpha (α) and beta (β) chains (encoded by TRA and TRB, respectively) expressed as part of a complex with invariant CD3 chain molecules. TCRs are found on the surface of T cells, or T lymphocytes, and recognize antigens bound to MHC molecules. Removal of the endogenous TCR by targeting TRAC (e.g., through CAR transgene knock-in) has been used to address histocompatibility barriers associated with cells derived from unrelated donors.
[0110] The term “engineered cell” as used herein refers to cells that have been intentionally modified at the genetic or molecular level to alter their properties, functions, or behavior, in line with specific objectives. These modifications are achieved using principles and techniques from cell biology, molecular biology, and genetic engineering, enabling desired changes to the cell’s genetic material, organelles, or other components. Engineering a cell typically involves one or more of the following modifications to nucleic acids, such as DNA or RNA: gene addition, gene deletion, and gene editing. In some embodiments, an exogenous nucleic acid has been introduced to an engineered cell. The exogenous nucleic acid can include an expression vector comprising a transgene, which can be expressed by the engineered cell. An engineered cell can be a cultured cell or can be extracted from a subject. An engineered cell can be extracted from healthy human donor. The engineered cell can include the primary subject cell and its progeny without regard for the number of passages. Engineered cells also encompass progeny cells. In some embodiments, an engineered cell refers to any cell (including its progeny) that has been modified, transfected, transduced, transformed, and / or manipulated in any way to express a recombinant nucleic acid as disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the engineered cell can be introduced with an expression vector containing a nucleic acid described herein. Engineered cells can also harbor an expression vector that is stably integrated into the host’s genome or can harbor an extrachromosomal expression vector. In embodiments, an engineered cell can harbor an extrachromosomal vector that is present after several cell divisions or is present transiently and is lost after several cell divisions.
[0111] The term “population of engineered cells” as used herein refers to any group of two or more engineered cells (as defined above) that have been subjected to one or more modifications described herein. Such a population can be homogeneous or heterogeneous in terms of genetic modifications, origin, or expression levels. This term encompasses progeny of the initially modified cell (s) , regardless of the number of passages.
[0112] The term “stem cells” as used herein refers to cells capable of going through numerous cycles of cell division, maintaining an undifferentiated state, and having the capacity to differentiate into specialized cell types. Stem cells are further classified into three categories: totipotent, pluripotent, or multipotent somatic. A totipotent cell has the ability to form an entire organism (e.g., a fertilized egg) . As used herein, “pluripotent stem cells” refers to stem cells that lack the ability to form extraembryonic tissue and are therefore unable to generate a fetus, but have the potential to differentiate into any of the three germ layers: endoderm (e.g., the stomach lining, gastrointestinal tract, lungs, etc. ) , mesoderm (e.g., muscle, bone, blood, urogenital tissue, etc. ) or ectoderm (e.g., epidermal tissues and nervous system tissues) . Pluripotent stem cells encompass embryonic stem cells (ESCs) .
[0113] As used herein, the term “hypoimmunogenic cell” refers to a cell with a reduced immunological rejection response when transferred into an allogeneic host . For example, a hypoimmunogenic pluripotent cell (e.g., an iPSC) is a pluripotent cell that retains its pluripotent characteristics and yet gives rise to a reduced immunological rejection response when transferred into an allogeneic host. A hypoimmunogenic cell described herein induces a reduced immune response (such as compared to cell that is not hypoimmunogenic) or no immune response. Unless otherwise specified, “hypoimmunogenic” or “hypoimmune” refers to any amount of reduced or eliminated immune response when compared to the immune response of a parental (i.e., “wild-type” ) cell prior to engineering (e.g., prior to introduction of recombinant nucleic acids comprising a CD300A fusion protein or comprising a CD300A fusion protein and a chimeric receptor that targets an additional NK cell marker (e.g., NKG2A, CD38, NKG2DL, FasL, or Nkp80) , as described herein) . For example, relative to a wild-type cell, such a hypoimmunogenic cell can be at least 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or at least 99%less prone to immune rejection (e.g., cytolysis) by a subject into which such cells are transplanted. In the context of an engineered cell (such as a T cell or Umbilical cord blood T cells or a pluripotent stem cell, as used herein, such as an iPSC) , “wild-type” means a cell that that may comprise some nucleic acid changes, but has not undergo the gene editing procedures of the present disclosure (i.e., introduction of a recombinant nucleic acid comprising a CD300A fusion protein or comprising a CD300A fusion protein and a chimeric receptor that targets an additional NK cell marker (e.g., NKG2A, CD38, NKG2DL, FasL, or Nkp80, as described herein) to achieve hypoimmunogenicity.
[0114] The term “low expression” as used herein refers to a reduction in the protein and / or RNA levels of a target gene in cells compared to a reference level. The “reference level” for evaluating low expression refers to a baseline or control measurement of the protein and / or RNA levels of the target gene in cells. The reference level can be, for example, the expression level in untreated, unmodified or wild-type cell, which can be used to assess the impact of genetic or molecular engineering, or a particular treatment on the gene’s expression. For example, the reference level can be the level of a control group of cells subjected to identical conditions but without the engineering modification (e.g., mock-transfected cells) , or the known expression profile of the gene in the specific cell line or tissue type under study. This reduction can vary in magnitude and can include decreases of at least 1%, 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or up to 100%. Low expression levels can be quantified using methods known in the art, such as: ELISA (Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay) ; immunohistochemistry (IHC) ; immunoblotting (Western blot) ; and flow cytometry.
[0115] The term “no expression” as used herein refers to the lack of detectable expression of protein and / or RNA levels of a target gene in engineered cells such as by PCR, immunohistochemical staining, ELISA, western blotting, or other suitable nucleic acid or protein detection methods. This condition typically results from interventions such as gene deletion, knockout, or transcriptional silencing, ensuring that the target gene’s activity is undetectable under specified experimental or physiological conditions.
[0116] The term “deficient” as used herein refers to reduced or eliminated expression and / or functionality of a particular gene product (e.g., as measured by RNA and / or protein detection methods, and / or by functional assays) , such as an MHC class I molecule component (e.g., B2M) , a TCR component (e.g., TRA, such as via disruption of the TRAC locus) , or a molecule that regulates or controls MHC class II expression (such as a Class II major histocompatibility complex transactivator (CIITA) gene product) . In this context, “deficient” refers to any amount of reduced or eliminated expression or functionality when compared to levels of the same gene product in a parental (i.e., “wild-type” ) cell prior to the deficiency (e.g., prior to engineered disruption of the gene, such as by any suitable means described herein or known in the art) . In some embodiments, in a cell that is deficient in a particular gene product, the gene product is reduced by at least 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or at least 99%, relative to a wild-type cell. In some embodiments, in a cell that is deficient in a particular gene product, the gene product is reduced by 10-100%, 20-100%, 30-100%, 40-100%, 50-100%, 60-100%, 70-100%, 80-100%, 81-100%, 82-100%, 83-100%, 84-100%, 85-100%, 86-100%, 87-100%, 88-100%, 89-100%, 90-100%, 91-100%, 92-100%, 93-100%, 94-100%, 95-100%, 96-100%, 97-100%, 98-100%, 99-100%, or 100%relative to a wild-type cell. “Deficient” can also refer to a reduction or elimination of a detectable molecule in a cell, such as an MHC class I molecule or an MHC class II molecule. For example, a cell is MHC class I deficient when expression of one or more components of an MHC class I molecule (such as B2M) is reduced, relative to a wild-type cell, by at least 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or at least 99%, resulting in reduced or eliminated detectable MHC class I on a cell surface by at least 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or at least 99%, relative to a wild-type cell. By way of another example, a cell is MHC class II deficient when expression of one or more components of an MHC class II molecule or of a molecule that regulates or controls expression of an MHC class II molecule (such as CIITA) is reduced, relative to a wild-type cell, by at least 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or at least 99%, resulting in reduced or eliminated detectable MHC class II on a cell surface by at least 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or at least 99%, relative to a wild-type cell. By way of another example, a cell is TRAC deficient when expression of the TRAC locus is reduced, relative to a wild-type cell, by at least 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or at least 99%. By way of another example, a cell is NKG2A deficient when expression of the NKG2A locus is reduced, relative to a wild-type cell, by at least 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or at least 99%. In some embodiments, in a cell that is deficient in a particular gene product, the gene product is not detectable, such as by PCR, immunohistochemical staining, ELISA, western blotting, or other suitable nucleic acid or protein detection methods. In some embodiments, a gene locus is “disrupted, ” resulting in a cell that is deficient for the gene product encoded by the gene. For example, insertion of a recombinant nucleic acid or vector disclosed herein into a gene locus (e.g., a B2M and / or TRAC locus) can disrupt the locus, thereby reducing or eliminating expression of the gene at the locus. Methods of disrupting a gene locus can be gene editing. Methods of disrupting a gene locus are known in the art, such as, but not limited to, homologous recombination, CRISPR-Cas9, and TALENs. Further, disruption can be achieved with (e.g., through gene knock out methods) or without (e.g., through insertion of a nucleotide sequence into the gene locus) removal of all or a portion of the targeted gene locus. Thus, methods disclosed herein can include disrupting a gene locus (such as a B2M and / or TRAC locus) using any suitable means known in the art.
[0117] The terms “genome editing” and “gene editing” are used interchangeably herein to describe genetic engineering technologies that utilize site-specific nucleases to insert, knock out, modify, or replace DNA sequences at specific locations within an organism’s genome, thereby altering the DNA sequence. Gene editing enables precise and efficient modifications, including gene knockout and gene insertion. Examples of nuclease-based technologies used for gene editing include CRISPR / Cas systems, zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) , transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) , hybrid TALEN-CRISPR / Cas systems, base editors, prime editors, and meganucleases. A guide RNA (gRNA) or small guide RNA (sgRNA) is a polynucleotide sequence designed to be complementary to a target DNA sequence, allowing it to hybridize with the target. Typically, the complementarity between a guide sequence and its corresponding target sequence is at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 97.5%, at least 99%, or higher. The gRNA directs CRISPR complexes to specifically bind to the target sequence. As disclosed herein, the gRNA can be a targeted DNA sequence or a complete Cas9 guide sequence, which includes ribonucleotides corresponding to the DNA target, crRNA and tracrRNA. The gRNA functions to guide, bind, or recognize a Cas enzyme. In some embodiments, a gene locus is “disrupted, ” resulting in a cell that has low or no expression of the gene. For example, insertion of a recombinant nucleic acid or vector disclosed herein into a gene locus (e.g., a B2M and / or TRAC locus) can disrupt the locus, thereby reducing or eliminating expression of the gene at the locus. Methods of disrupting a gene locus are known in the art, such as, but not limited to, homologous recombination, CRISPR-Cas9, and TALENs. Further, disruption can be achieved with (e.g., through gene knock out methods) or without (e.g., through insertion of a nucleotide sequence into the gene locus) removal of all or a portion of the targeted gene locus. Thus, methods disclosed herein can include disrupting a gene locus (such as a B2M and / or TRAC locus) using any suitable means known in the art.
[0118] The term “transfect, ” “transform, ” and “transduce” as used herein refer to the process of introducing exogenous nucleic acids into a cell, such as an engineered cells disclosed herein. Transfection can be achieved through various methods known in the art, including calcium phosphate-DNA co-precipitation, DEAE-dextran mediated transfection, polybrene mediated transfection, electroporation, microinjection, liposome fusion, lipid transfection, protoplast fusion, retroviral infection, and biolistics.
[0119] The term “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” refers to a material that is suitable for drug administration to an individual along with an active agent without causing undesirable biological effects or interacting in a deleterious manner with any of the other components of the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical compositions disclosed herein can comprise one or more of a buffer system, a preservative, a tonicity agent, a chelating agent, a stabilizer and / or a surfactant, as well as various combinations thereof. The use of preservatives, isotonic agents, chelating agents, stabilizers and surfactants in pharmaceutical compositions is well-known to the skilled person. Reference may be made to REMINGTON: THE SCIENCE AND PRACTICE OF PHARMACY, 19th edition, 1995.
[0120] The term “transplant” as used herein refers to biological material or preparation derived from an individual other than the host, intended for implantation into the host. Transplants can originate from any animal source, including mammalian species, with a preference for human-derived materials. A transplant can also be derived from the host, such as cells that are isolated, cultured in vitro, or modified before re-implantation into the same host. Alternatively, transplants can come from other individuals of the same species, where cells or tissues are isolated, cultured in vitro, or modified prior to implantation into the host. Transplants can also be obtained from individuals of different species, such as organs or tissues harvested from animals (e.g., mice, pigs, monkeys) for implantation into humans. This process, known as xenotransplantation, encompasses various approaches, including but not limited to vascularized xenotransplantation, partially vascularized xenotransplantation, non-vascularized xenotransplantation, xenodressing, xenobandage, and xenostructures. Transplants can include organ transplants and cell transplants. Organ transplants include transplants of solid organs (e.g., kidneys, liver, lungs, hearts, lung, pancreas, vascularized composite) , and of luminal organs (e.g., gastrointestinal tract) . Cell transplants include transplants of cells such as hematopoietic stem cells, pancreatic islet cells, pluripotent cells, skin tissue, skin cells, immune cells, including but not limited to NK cells or T cells.
[0121] The term “host” or “subject” refers to the recipient of a transplant, such as an individual receiving the implantation of foreign cells, which can be a human. The host can be a patient, a clinical trial participant, an experimental animal, or other suitable recipients.
[0122] The term “autologous” refers to cells, tissues, or substances that are derived from and then reintroduced into the same individual. For example, a sample (e.g., cells) can be removed from a subject, processed, and subsequently returned to the same subject (e.g., patient) . An autologous process differs from an allogeneic process, in which the donor and recipient are different individuals. The term “auto-transplantation” or “autologous transplantation” refers to any procedure involving the transplantation, implantation, or infusion of cells, tissues, or organs into a recipient, where the donor and recipient are the same individual. The compositions and methods described herein can be used for autologous transplantation in humans. Examples of autologous transplantation include, but are not limited to, vascularized, partially vascularized, and non-vascularized autologous transplantation, as well as autologous dressings, bandages, and structures.
[0123] The term “allogeneic transplantation” refers to any procedure involving the transplantation, implantation, or infusion of cells, tissues, or organs into a recipient, where the donor and recipient are different individuals of the same species. The compositions and methods described herein can be used for allogeneic transplantation in humans. Examples of allogeneic transplantation include, but are not limited to, vascularized, partially vascularized, and non-vascularized allogeneic transplantation, as well as allogeneic dressings, bandages, and structures.
[0124] The term “transplant rejection” refers to the immune response of a host to a foreign transplant, recognized as an “alien component. ” This response results in the transplant being attacked, destroyed, and cleared by the host’s immune system after an allogeneic tissue, organ, or cell transplant is introduced.
[0125] The term “host-versus-graft response” or “HVGR” refers to the immune reaction occurring during transplantation from an exogenous donor, wherein the host’s immune cells (e.g., NK cells) recognize and attack the foreign graft due to immunogenetic differences between the donor and the recipient (host) . This immune response leads to the suppression or elimination of the graft by the host immune system.
[0126] The term “graft-versus-host disease” or “GVHD” refers to a condition in which the donor’s T lymphocytes, driven by the diversity of their TCRs and incompatibility with the host’s human leukocyte antigen (HLA) molecules, recognize antigens on normal host tissues. This recognition triggers amplification of the donor’s T lymphocytes and the release of cytokines, resulting in an immune-mediated attack on the host’s cells.
[0127] The term “autoimmune disease” as used herein refers to a pathological condition in which the immune system aberrantly recognizes and targets the body’s own cells, tissues, or organs as foreign entities. This results in the production of autoantibodies or autoreactive T cells that mediate tissue damage and functional impairment. Autoimmune diseases are often chronic and may involve systemic or organ-specific immune responses, with their etiology attributed to a combination of genetic predispositions, environmental triggers, and dysregulation of immune tolerance mechanisms. Non-limiting examples include Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) , rheumatoid arthritis (RA) , type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) , multiple sclerosis (MS) , myasthenia gravis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, Sjogren's syndrome, scleroderma, immune nephritis, arthritis, autoimmune-induced fibrotic disease, pemphigus vulgaris, multiple sclerosis, colitis, type I diabetes mellitus, graft-versus-host disease, atherosclerosis, and mucosal dominant PV.
[0128] The term “inflammatory disease” as used herein refers to a disorder characterized by dysregulated or excessive inflammation, which is an immune-mediated physiological response to tissue injury, infection, or other harmful stimuli that becomes maladaptive, leading to sustained tissue damage and altered organ function. Inflammatory diseases may arise from diverse causes, including autoimmune processes, chronic infections, metabolic disorders, and exposure to irritants or toxins. Non-limiting examples include inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) , asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) , and atherosclerosis.
[0129] The terms “cancer” or “tumor” as used herein refer to a disease characterized by the rapid and uncontrolled growth of aberrant cells. Cancer cells can spread locally or through the bloodstream and lymphatic system to other parts of the body. The term encompasses malignant neoplasms, including but not limited to carcinomas, sarcomas, leukemias, lymphomas, and gliomas, as classified under the World Health Organization (WHO) International Classification of Diseases (ICD) . As used herein, “cancers” or “tumors” include solid tumors, liquid tumors (e.g., hematologic malignancies) , and premalignant conditions with a propensity for progression to malignancy.
[0130] The term “treat” and its grammatical equivalents as used herein refer to intervention measures that attempt to change the course of a disease. The therapeutic effect encompasses, but is not limited to, the following outcomes: preventing the onset or recurrence of a disease, reduction in the frequency, severity, or rate of progression of the signs or symptoms of a disease, minimizing direct or indirect pathological consequences, inhibiting metastasis, slowing disease progression, improving or alleviating the condition, and enhancing or alleviating the prognosis. As used herein, a “treatment” does not require complete alleviation of signs or symptoms and does not require a cure. The term “prevent” refers to intervention measures taken prior to the onset of a disease or condition, such as preventing a rejection reaction caused by cell transplantation.
[0131] The term “effective amount” or “therapeutic effective amount” refers to a dosage sufficient to prevent or treat an individual’s disease. The effective dosage for therapeutic or preventive use depends on the stage and severity of the disease being treated, the age, weight, and general health status of the subjects, as well as the judgment of the prescribing physician. The size of the dose also depends on the selected active substance, administration method, administration time and frequency, the presence, nature and degree of adverse effects that may accompany the administration of specific active substances, and the desired physiological effects. According to the judgment of the prescribing physician or technical personnel in this field, it may be necessary to administer the engineering cells of this disclosure in one or more rounds, or multiple times.
[0132] The term “administer” as used herein refers to the act of delivering, or causing to be delivered, a compound or a pharmaceutical composition to the body of a subject by a method described herein or otherwise known in the art, and the act of providing a medical procedure on the subject for the purpose of treating the subject. Administering a compound or a pharmaceutical composition includes prescribing a compound or a pharmaceutical composition to be delivered into the body of a patient. Exemplary forms of administration include oral dosage forms, such as tablets, capsules, syrups, suspensions; injectable dosage forms, such as intravenous (IV) , intramuscular (IM) , or intraperitoneal (IP) ; transdermal dosage forms, including creams, jellies, powders, or patches; buccal dosage forms; inhalation powders, sprays, suspensions, and rectal suppositories.
[0133] The term “subject” as used herein refers to any animal, such as mammals or marsupials. Examples include, but are not limited to, humans, non-human primates (e.g., rhesus monkeys or other macaques) , canines, felines, rodents (e.g., mice, rats) , livestock (e.g., pigs, horses, donkeys, cows, sheep) , and poultry. The term “subject” can refer to a patient, a clinical trial participant, an experimental animal, or another suitable recipient. A subject can be healthy or have a particular disease or condition. For instance, the subject can be suspected of having, or diagnosed with, a disease characterized by abnormal cell proliferation, tumors, immune diseases (e.g., autoimmune diseases) , or inflammatory diseases.
[0134] In this disclosure, we describe various genes and proteins without specifying their species of origin in each occurrence; unless otherwise stated, all references are intended to refer to the human genes or human proteins. For example, reference made to CD8 means human CD8, unless otherwise stated. However, where proteins have counterparts in other species, for example, in mouse (e.g., Mus musculus) or monkey (e.g., Macaca mulatta, or Macaca fascicularis) , these variants are also expressly contemplated herein as alternatives to the human form.
[0135] Nomenclature for nucleotides, nucleic acids, nucleosides, and amino acids used herein is consistent with International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) standards (see, e.g., bioinformatics. org / smsylupac. html) . Exemplary genes and polypeptides are described herein with reference to GenBank numbers, GI numbers and / or SEQ ID NOS. It is understood that one skilled in the art can readily identify homologous sequences by reference to sequence sources, including but not limited to Uniprot (https: / / www. uniprot. org / ) , GenBank (ncbi. nlm. nih. gov / genbank / ) and EMBL (embl. org / ) .
[0136] Ranges: throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the invention can be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all the possible subranges as well as individual numerical values within that range. For example, description of a range such as from 1 to 6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as from 1 to 3, from 1 to 4, from 1 to 5, from 2 to 4, from 2 to 6, from 3 to 6 etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.3, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range or the characteristics being described.7.2 CD300A Fusion Protein
[0137] The present disclosure discloses a novel class of genetic constructs, CD300A FP, which, when expressed on the surface of a mammalian cell, can enhance the persistence of said cell by reducing or preventing its rejection by NK cells (by inhibiting and / or killing NK cells) . CD300A FPs are modular constructs comprising the following domains or functional parts: 1) a binding domain that binds to CD300A (e.g., an anti-CD300A VHH, or scFv) , 2) an optional extracellular spacer (such as hinge region) , 3) a transmembrane region, and 4) an optional cytoplasmic region. The CD300A FP can also include a signal peptide to present the molecule to the cell surface.
[0138] CD300A, also known as CD300 antigen-like family member A, CMRF35-like molecule 8, or CLM-8, is transmembrane glycoprotein and an inhibitory receptor belonging to the CD300 family of cell surface molecules. CD300A consists of an IgV-like extracellular domain, transmembrane domain and intracellular domain. The natural ligands for CD300A are phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and phosphatidylserine (PS) on the cell membrane. CD300A is mainly expressed on NK cells, DC cells, monocytes, and other cells. CD300As plays a crucial role in the regulation of immune responses, particularly in the context of maintaining homeostasis and preventing excessive inflammation during immune responses. An exemplary full length human CD300A sequence is provided in SEQ ID NO: 11, including an extracellular domain (amino acids: 18-180) , a transmembrane domain (amino acids: 181-201) , and a cytoplasmic domain (amino acids: 202-299) . The cytoplasmic domain of CD300A contains immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs (ITIMs) , which are critical for transmitting inhibitory signals upon ligand binding. This mechanism involves the recruitment of phosphatases that attenuate signaling pathways associated with cell activation, thereby influencing the behavior of various immune cell types, including NK cells. More information about human CD300A can be found on public databases with the following IDs: Gene ID: 11314, HGNC: Q9UGN4; neXtProt: NX_Q9UGN4; HGNC: 19319, and OMIM: 606790. Four (4) alternatively spliced transcript variants encoding different isoforms are described for the human CD300A gene (Uniprot NOs: Q9UGN4-1 to Q9UGN4-4) .
[0139] Provided herein are fusion proteins comprising, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, an extracellular domain and a transmembrane domain, wherein the extracellular domain comprises a CD300A binding domain. CD300A FPs can further comprise a cytoplasmic domain (e.g., intracellular signal transduction domain) .
[0140] CD300A FPs can further comprise a leader or a signal peptide that directs the nascent protein into the endoplasmic reticulum and subsequent translocation to the cell surface. A signal peptide (sometimes referred to as signal sequence, targeting signal, localization signal, localization sequence, transit peptide, leader sequence, or leader peptide) is a short amino acid sequence (such as a peptide 10-50 amino acids in length, or typically 15–30 residues) located at the N-terminus (or nonclassically at the C-terminus or internally) of a nascent polypeptide, which ensures that the protein is translocated into the correct compartment (such as to the cell membrane) for proper folding, post-translational modifications, and membrane insertion. Signal peptides function to prompt a cell to translocate the protein, e.g., to the cellular membrane. This signal sequence is sometimes cleaved off by the cell in the maturation of a polypeptide. Any suitable signal peptide, as are well known in the art, can be applied to a fusion protein to provide cell surface expression in an immune cell (see Gierasch, Biochem. 28: 923-930 (1989) ; von Heijne, J. Mol. Biol. 184 (1) : 99–105 (1985) ) . Commonly used signal peptides include, for example, CD8 signal peptide, IgG κ chain signal peptide, GMCSFRα signal peptide, CD33 signal peptide, TNFα signal peptide, PD-L1 signal peptide, and IL2R signal peptide. In some embodiments, CD300A FPs provided herein comprise a CD8 signal peptide. In some embodiments, the CD8 signal peptide has an amnio acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 5. In some embodiments, CD300A FPs provided herein comprise a GMCSFRαsignal peptide. In some embodiments, the GMCSFRα signal peptide has an amnio acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 34. It is understood that, once a polypeptide containing a signal peptide is expressed at the cell surface, the signal peptide has generally been proteolytically removed during processing of the polypeptide in the endoplasmic reticulum and translocation to the cell surface.
[0141] Provided herein are nucleic acids encoding CD300A FP. That is, a fusion protein, comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, an extracellular domain and a transmembrane domain, wherein the extracellular domain comprises a CD300A binding domain.7.2.1 Extracellular Domain
[0142] The CD300A binding domain can be any protein or protein domain that binds to CD300A, which can be natural proteins or domains, as well as artificially synthesized proteins or domains. In some embodiments, a fusion protein comprises a secreted protein that binds to CD300A. In some embodiments, a fusion protein comprises a bispecific or multispecific molecule binding to CD300A. In some embodiments, a fusion protein comprises a membrane protein binding to CD300A. In some embodiments, a fusion protein comprises a synthetic binding domain binding to CD300A.
[0143] In some embodiments, the CD300A binding domain provided herein can comprise a CD300A ligand or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the CD300A binding domain comprises a CD300A ligand or an extracellular fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the CD300A binding domain comprises an extracellular fragment of CD300A ligand that retains its binding to CD300A. In some embodiments, the CD300A ligand is a natural CD300A ligand. In some embodiments, the CD300A binding domain can comprise or be a natural CD300A ligand or its extracellular fragment. The extracellular domain retains its binding to CD300A.
[0144] In some embodiments, the CD300A binding domain provided herein can comprise or be an anti-CD300A antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the CD300A binding domain comprises a synthetic binding domain.
[0145] In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a full antibody, a single chain variable fragment (scFv) , a single-domain antibody, a Fab fragment, a Fab' fragment, an Fv fragment, a F (ab') 2 fragment, an Fd fragment, an sdAb, a multifunctional antibody, a DDPP antibody, an scFv-Fc antibody. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a full antibody. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody is an IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, or IgM antibody. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody is an IgG antibody, such as an IgG1 antibody, an IgG2 antibody, an IgG3 antibody, or an IgG4 antibody.
[0146] In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is an scFv. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a single-domain antibody. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a Fab fragment. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a Fab' fragment. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is an Fv fragment. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a F (ab') 2 fragment. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is an Fd fragment. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is an sdAb. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a multifunctional antibody. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a DDPP antibody (CN111727250A) . In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is an scFv-Fc antibody.
[0147] In some embodiments, the CD300A binding domain provided herein can comprise or be a recombinant anti-CD300A antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a hybridoma antibody, a chimeric antibody, a humanized antibody, or a fully human antibody. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a hybridoma antibody or an antigen-binding fragment. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a chimeric antibody or an antigen-binding fragment. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a humanized antibody or an antigen-binding fragment. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a fully human antibody or an antigen-binding fragment. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a monoclonal antibody or an antigen-binding fragment. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a polyclonal antibody or an antigen-binding fragment.
[0148] Any antibody described in this disclosure or known in the art that has a high affinity for CD300A can be used as the CD300A binding domain in the fusion protein described herein.
[0149] In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment provided herein is derived from the anti-CD300A antibody TX49. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment provided herein has a heavy chain variable region (VH) or a light chain variable region (VL) derived from TX49. The anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment provided herein can have both the VH and the VL from TX49. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment provided herein has a VH that comprises VH CDRs 1, 2, and 3 from the VH from TX49 (SEQ ID NO: 2) . In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment provided herein has a VL that comprises VL CDRs 1, 2, and 3 from the VL from TX49 (SEQ ID NO: 1) . The anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment provided herein can have a VH comprising VH CDRs 1, 2, and 3 and a VL comprising VL CDRs 1, 2, and 3 from the VH and VL of TX49 (SEQ ID NOs: 2 and 1) , respectively. The CDRs can be defined by any system known in the art. In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by Kabat, Chothia, IMGT, AbM, or Contact. In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by Kabat (as detailed herein) . In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by Chothia. In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by IMGT. In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by AbM. In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by Contact.
[0150] In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment provided herein comprises a VH comprising (1) a VH CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 54; (2) a VH CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 55; and / or (3) a VH CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 56; or a variant thereof having up to about 3, about 5, about 8, about 10, about 12, or about 15 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs; and / or a VL comprising (1) a VL CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 51; (2) a VL CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52; and / or (3) a VL CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53; or a variant thereof having up to about 3, about 5, about 8, about 10, about 12, or about 15 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VL CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 3 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VH CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 5 conservative amino acid substitutions in the VH CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 3 conservative amino acid substitutions in the VH CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VL CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 3 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the VL CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 5 conservative amino acid substitutions in the VL CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 3 conservative amino acid substitutions in the VL CDRs.
[0151] In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment provided herein comprises VH CDR1, VH CDR2, VH CDR3, VL CDR1, VL CDR2 and VL CDR3, having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 54, 55, 56, 51, 52 and 53, respectively, or a variant thereof having up to about 3, about 5, about 8, about 10, about 12, or about 15 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 5 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 3 amino acid substitutions, additions, and / or deletions in the CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 5 conservative amino acid substitutions in the CDRs. In some embodiments, the variant has up to about 3 conservative amino acid substitutions in the CDRs.
[0152] In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment provided herein comprises a VH, wherein the VH has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof has a VH having at least 85%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof has a VH having at least 90%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof has a VH having at least 95%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof has a VH having at least 98%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment provided herein comprises a VH having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2.
[0153] In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment provided herein comprises a VL, wherein the VL has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof has a VL having at least 85%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof has a VL having at least 90%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof has a VL having at least 95%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof has a VL having at least 98%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment provided herein comprises a VL having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1.
[0154] In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment provided herein comprises: (a) a VH having an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2; and (b) a VL having an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 1. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment provided herein comprises a VH and a VL, wherein the VH and VL have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2 and 1, respectively.
[0155] In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment provided herein is derived from the anti-CD300A antibody hu-TX49. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment provided herein has a VH or VL derived from hu-TX49. The anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment provided herein can have both the VH and the VL from hu-TX49. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment provided herein has a VH that comprises VH CDRs 1, 2, and 3 from the VH from hu-TX49 (SEQ ID NO: 58) . In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment provided herein has a VL that comprises VL CDRs 1, 2, and 3 from the VL from hu-TX49 (SEQ ID NO: 59) . The anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment provided herein can have a VH comprising VH CDRs 1, 2, and 3 and a VL comprising VL CDRs 1, 2, and 3 from the VH and VL of hu-TX49 (SEQ ID NO: 58 and 59) , respectively. The CDRs can be defined by any system known in the art. In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by Kabat, Chothia, IMGT, AbM, or Contact. In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by Kabat (as detailed herein) . In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by Chothia. In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by IMGT. In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by AbM. In some embodiments, the CDRs are defined by Contact.
[0156] In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment provided herein comprises a VH, wherein the VH has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 58. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof has a VH having at least 85%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 58. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof has a VH having at least 90%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 58. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof has a VH having at least 95%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 58. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof has a VH having at least 98%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 58. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment provided herein comprises a VH having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 58.
[0157] In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment provided herein comprises a VL, wherein the VL has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 59. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof has a VL having at least 85%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 59. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof has a VL having at least 90%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 59. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof has a VL having at least 95%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 59. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof has a VL having at least 98%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 59. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment provided herein comprises a VL having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59.
[0158] In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment provided herein comprises: (a) a VH having an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 58; and (b) a VL having an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 59. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment provided herein comprises a VH and a VL, wherein the VH and VL have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58 and 59, respectively.
[0159] It is well known in this field that the sequences of VH and VL regions may undergo some amino acid substitutions while retaining their affinity for the target in the case where the CDR sequence is unchanged, provided that the amino acids in contact with the target are unchanged, the CDR sequences can also undergo some amino acid substitutions while retaining their affinity for the target.
[0160] In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof is scFv (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 2) . The VH and VL in scFv can be connected by a peptide linker, and their positions may be interchanged. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A scFv comprises, from N-terminus to C-terminus, a VH, a peptide linker, and a VL. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A scFv comprises, from N-terminus to C-terminus, a VL, a peptide linker, and a VH. Any peptide that connects VH and VL together to form a fully functional single chain antibody can be used. In some embodiments, the linker peptide chain is a GS linker peptide chain, such as GGGGS (SEQ ID NO: 93) , (GGGGS) 3 (SEQ ID NO: 94) ) , or (GGGGS) 4 (SEQ ID NO: 95) .
[0161] In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is an scFv having an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 50. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is an scFv having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 50. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is an scFv having an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 57. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is an scFv having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 57. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is an scFv having an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 109. In some embodiments, the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is an scFv having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 109.
[0162] Binding of the extracellular CD300A binding domain (for example, in an scFv) can be confirmed by, for example, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) , radioimmunoassay (RIA) , FACS analysis, bioassay (e.g., growth inhibition) , or Western Blot assay. In general, these assays detect the presence of protein-antibody complexes of particular interest by employing a labeled reagent (e.g., an antibody, or an scFv) specific for the complex of interest. For example, the scFv can be radioactively labeled and used in a radioimmunoassay (RIA) (see, for example, Weintraub, B. (1986) . Principles of Radioimmunoassays. Seventh Training Course on Radioligand Assay Techniques, The Endocrine Society, which is incorporated by reference herein) . The radioactive isotope can be detected by such means as the use of a y counter or a scintillation counter or by autoradiography. In some embodiments, the extracellular CD300A binding domain of the fusion protein can be detected with a fluorescent marker. Non-limiting examples of fluorescent markers include green fluorescent protein (GFP) , blue fluorescent protein (e.g., EBFP, EBFP2, Azurite, and mKalamal) , cyan fluorescent protein (e.g., ECFP, Cerulean, and CyPet) , and yellow fluorescent protein (e.g., YFP, Citrine, Venus, and YPet) .7.2.2 Transmembrane Domain
[0163] The CD300A fusion proteins disclosed herein further comprise a transmembrane domain. The transmembrane domain generally comprises a hydrophobic alpha helix that spans at least a portion of the membrane. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain anchors the fusion protein at the cell membrane. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain transduces signals from the antigen-bound fusion protein to the cell. After antigen recognition, receptors cluster and a signal are transmitted to the cell.
[0164] In some embodiments, the VH or the VL of the CD300A binding domain most proximal to the cellular membrane is linked to the transmembrane domain of the fusion protein. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain is directly linked to the extracellular CD300A binding domain. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain is linked to the extracellular CD300A binding domain with a spacer. In some embodiments, a transmembrane domain that is naturally associated with one of the domains in the fusion protein is used. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain is selected or modified by amino acid substitution to avoid binding of such domains to the transmembrane domains of the same or different surface membrane proteins to minimize unwanted interactions with other members of the receptor complex.
[0165] In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the fusion proteins provided herein can be derived from a natural source. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain can be synthetic. In some embodiments, the source for the transmembrane domain is natural, and the domain can be derived from any membrane-bound or transmembrane protein. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain of a fusion protein can be derived from a protein that is naturally expressed in an immune effector cell (e.g., a T cell) . In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain comprises the transmembrane domain of CD2, CD3ε, CD3δ, CD3ζ, CD8, CD9, CD16, CD22, CD25, CD27, CD28, CD33, CD37, CD40, CD45, CD47, CD64, CD79A, CD79B, CD80, CD86, CD95 (Fas) , CD134 (OX40) , CD137 (4-1BB) , CD150 (SLAMF1) , CD152 (CTLA4) , CD154, CD200R, CD223 (LAG3) , CD270 (HVEM) , CD272 (BTLA) , CD273 (PD-L2) , CD274 (PD-L1) , CD278 (ICOS) , CD279 (PD-1) , CD300, CD300A, CD357 (GITR) , A2aR, CARD11, DAP10, DAP12, FcRα, FcRβ, FcRγ, Fyn, GAL9, KIR, Lck, LAT, LRP, NKG2D, NOTCH1, NOTCH2, NOTCH3, NOTCH4, PTCH2, ROR2, Ryk, Slp76, SIRPα, pTα, TCRα, TCRβ, TIM3, TRIM, LPA5, PDGFR, ITGA, mCD8, HLA-B57, proCAR-4, KIR2DL1 or Zap70, or a functional variant thereof, or a combination thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD2 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD3ε transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD3δ transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD3ζ transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD9 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD16 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD22 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD25 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD27 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD33 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD37 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD40 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD45 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD64 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD79A or CD79B transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD80 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD86 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD95 (Fas) transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD134 (OX40) transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD137 (4-1BB) transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD150 (SLAMF1) transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD152 (CTLA4) transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD154 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD200R transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD223 (LAG3) transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD270 (HVEM) transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD272 (BTLA) transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD273 (PD-L2) transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD274 (PD-L1) transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD278 (ICOS) transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD279 (PD-1) transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD300 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD357 (GITR) transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise A2aR transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CARD11 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise DAP10 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise DAP12 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise FcRα transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise FcRβ transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise FcRγ transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise Fyn transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise GAL9 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise KIR transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise Lck transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise LAT transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise LRP transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise NKG2D transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise NOTCH1 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise NOTCH2 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise NOTCH3 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise NOTCH4 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise PTCH2 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise ROR2 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise Ryk transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise Slp76 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise SIRPα transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise pTα transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise TCRα transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise TCRβtransmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise TIM3 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise TRIM transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise LPA5 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise Zap70 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise CD300A transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise ITGA transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise mCD8 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise HLA-B57 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise proCAR-4 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. The transmembrane domain can comprise KIR2DL1 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. A functional variant can have, for example, up to ten mutations in the original sequence, such as amino acid additions, deletions, and / or substitutions. In some embodiments, a functional variant can have up to eight, up to five, or up to three mutations in the original sequence, such as amino acid additions, deletions, and / or substitutions.
[0166] In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain comprises the transmembrane domains of at least two membrane proteins that are independently CD2, CD3ε, CD3δ, CD3ζ, CD8, CD9, CD16, CD22, CD25, CD27, CD28, CD33, CD37, CD40, CD45, CD64, CD79A, CD79B, CD80, CD86, CD95 (Fas) , CD134 (OX40) , CD137 (4-1BB) , CD150 (SLAMF1) , CD152 (CTLA4) , CD154, CD200R, CD223 (LAG3) , CD270 (HVEM) , CD272 (BTLA) , CD273 (PD-L2) , CD274 (PD-L1) , CD278 (ICOS) , CD279 (PD-1) , CD300, CD300A, CD357 (GITR) , A2aR, DAP10, FcRα, FcRβ, FcRγ, Fyn, GAL9, KIR, Lck, LAT, LRP, NKG2D, NOTCH1, NOTCH2, NOTCH3, NOTCH4, PTCH2, ROR2, Ryk, Slp76, SIRPα, pTα, TCRα, TCRβ, TIM3, TRIM, LPA5, PDGFR, ITGA, mCD8, HLA-B57, proCAR-4, KIR2DL1 or Zap70, and or functional variants thereof.
[0167] In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain can comprise or be CD28 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. In some embodiments, the CD28 transmembrane domain has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 6. In some embodiments, the CD28 transmembrane domain has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6. In some embodiments, the CD28 transmembrane domain has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 29. In some embodiments, the CD28 transmembrane domain has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain can comprise or be CD8 transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. In some embodiments, the CD8 transmembrane domain has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 4. In some embodiments, the CD8 transmembrane domain has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain can comprise or be CD300A transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. In some embodiments, the CD300A transmembrane domain has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 118. In some embodiments, the CD300A transmembrane domain has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 118.
[0168] In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain can comprise or be a PDGFR transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. PDGFR, or platelet-derived growth factor receptor, exists in two isoforms: PDGFR-A and PDGFR-B. PDGFRA (Gene ID: 5156) is the α-subunit of PDGFR, while PDGFRB (Gene ID: 5159) is the β-subunit of PDGFR. This receptor is a type 1 transmembrane protein composed of an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain and an intracellular domain. Exemplary PDGFR transmembrane domain has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42, 43, 46, 63, 66, 77, 115, 116 or 117.
[0169] In some embodiments, the PDGFR transmembrane domain is human PDGFRA transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. In some embodiments, the human PDGFRA transmembrane domain has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 43. In some embodiments, the human PDGFRA transmembrane domain has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 43. In some embodiments, the human PDGFRA transmembrane domain has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 66. In some embodiments, the human PDGFRA transmembrane domain has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 66. In some embodiments, the human PDGFRA transmembrane domain has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 77. In some embodiments, the human PDGFRA transmembrane domain has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 77. In some embodiments, the PDGFR transmembrane domain is mouse PDGFRA (Gene ID: 18595) transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. In some embodiments, the mouse PDGFRA transmembrane domain has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 46. In some embodiments, the mouse PDGFRA transmembrane domain has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 46. In some embodiments, the mouse PDGFRA transmembrane domain has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 115. In some embodiments, the mouse PDGFRA transmembrane domain has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 115.
[0170] In some embodiments, the PDGFR transmembrane domain is a human PDGFRB transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. In some embodiments, the human PDGFRB transmembrane domain has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 42. In some embodiments, the human PDGFRB transmembrane domain has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42. In some embodiments, the human PDGFRB transmembrane domain has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 116. In some embodiments, the human PDGFRB transmembrane domain has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 116. In some embodiments, the PDGFR transmembrane domain is mouse PDGFRB (Gene ID: 18596) transmembrane domain, or a functional variant thereof. In some embodiments, the mouse PDGFRB transmembrane domain has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 63. In some embodiments, the mouse PDGFRB transmembrane domain has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63. In some embodiments, the mouse PDGFRB transmembrane domain has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 117. In some embodiments, the mouse PDGFRB transmembrane domain has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 117.
[0171] In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain is a variant of the PDGFR transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 42, 43, 46, 63, 66, 77, 115, 116 or 117) with no more than three amino acid mutations. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain is a variant of CD28 transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 6 or 29) with no more than three amino acid mutations. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain is a variant of CD8 transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 4) with no more than three amino acid mutations. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain is a variant of CD300A transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 118) with no more than three amino acid mutations.
[0172] The transmembrane domain can also be derived from a polypeptide not naturally expressed in the immune effector cell, provided it can effectively anchor the fusion protein to the cell membrane, ensuring structural stability, and optionally, it can transduce signals from the antigen-bound fusion protein to the intracellular signaling and / or co-stimulatory domains. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain is synthetic. In some embodiments, the synthetic transmembrane domain predominantly comprises hydrophobic residues, such as leucine and valine. In certain embodiments, the transmembrane domain includes a triplet of phenylalanine, tryptophan, and valine at each end. In some embodiments, the linkage can involve linkers, spacers, and / or multiple transmembrane domain (s) . Optionally, a short oligo-or polypeptide linker, preferably 2 to 10 amino acids in length, can connect the transmembrane domain to the cytoplasmic signaling domain of the fusion protein. A glycine-serine doublet is particularly well-suited as a linker.7.2.3 Spacer
[0173] In some embodiments, the extracellular domain further comprises a linker polypeptide. For example, the linker polypeptide comprises a multimerization domain. In some embodiments, the linker polypeptide comprises a spacer (also referred to as a spacer region, a spacer domain or a spacer sequence) that links the domains of the fusion protein. For example, a spacer can be included between a signal peptide and an antigen binding domain (e.g., CD300A binding domain) , and / or between the antigen binding domain and the transmembrane domain. The spacer region can be flexible enough to allow interactions of various domains with other polypeptides, for example, to allow the antigen binding domain to have flexibility in orientation to achieve antigen recognition.
[0174] In some embodiments, the spacer region can be a hinge region. In some embodiments, the spacer region can be a hinge region from an IgG, the CH2CH3 (constant) region of an immunoglobulin, and / or portions of CD3 (cluster of differentiation 3) or some other sequence suitable as a spacer. In some embodiments, the spacer can comprise or be at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the portion of the immunoglobulin constant region includes a hinge region, e.g., an IgG4 hinge region, and / or a CH1, CH2 or CH3 and / or Fc region. In some embodiments, the constant region or portion is of a human IgG, such as IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4. In some embodiments, the spacer can comprise or be at least a portion of human CD4, CD8, or CD28 proteins. In some embodiments, the spacer can comprise or be a hinge region from CD4, CD8, or CD28 extracellular domains. In some embodiments, the spacer can comprise or be a hinge region of CD8, CD28, IgG1, or IgG4. In some embodiments, the spacer can comprise or be a hinge region of PDGFR. In some embodiments, the spacer can comprise or be a hinge region of FACD. In some embodiments, the hinge region can be a peptide linker. In some embodiments, the hinge region can be a flexible peptide linker such as a GS linker.
[0175] The extracellular domain and transmembrane domain of the fusion proteins provided herein can be linked directly or indirectly. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain and transmembrane domain of the fusion proteins provided herein are connected by a spacer region (e.g., a hinge region) , such as any described herein. In some embodiments, the hinge region can comprise or be CD8 hinge region, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the CD8 hinge region has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 9. In some embodiments, the CD8 hinge region has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9. In some embodiments, the CD8 hinge region has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 44. In some embodiments, the CD8 hinge region has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 44. In some embodiments, the hinge region can comprise or be IgG hinge region. In some embodiments, the IgG hinge region can comprise or be IgG4 hinge region, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the IgG4 hinge region has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 14. In some embodiments, the IgG4 hinge region has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14. In some embodiments, the IgG4 hinge region has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 97. In some embodiments, the IgG4 hinge region has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 97. In some embodiments, the IgG4 hinge region has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 98. In some embodiments, the IgG4 hinge region has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 98. In some embodiments, the hinge region can comprise or be PDGFR hinge region, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the hinge region can comprise or be human PDGFRB hinge region, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the human PDGFRB hinge region has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 91. In some embodiments, the human PDGFRB hinge region has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 91. In some embodiments, the human PDGFRB hinge region has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 92. In some embodiments, the human PDGFRB hinge region has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 92. In some embodiments, the human PDGFRB hinge region has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 113. In some embodiments, the human PDGFRB hinge region has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 113. In some embodiments, the hinge region can comprise or be mouse PDGFRB hinge region, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the mouse PDGFRB hinge region has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 114. In some embodiments, the mouse PDGFRB hinge region has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 114. In some embodiments, the hinge region can comprise or be human PDGFRA hinge region, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the human PDGFRA hinge region has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 110. In some embodiments, the human PDGFRA hinge region has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 110. In some embodiments, the human PDGFRA hinge region has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 111. In some embodiments, the human PDGFRA hinge region has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 111. In some embodiments, the hinge region can comprise or be mouse PDGFRA hinge region, or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the mouse PDGFRA hinge region has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 112. In some embodiments, the mouse PDGFRA hinge region has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 112. In some embodiments, the hinge region can comprise a peptide linker. In some embodiments, the peptide linker has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 37. In some embodiments, the peptide linker has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 37. In some embodiments, the hinge region can comprise a flexible peptide linker such as a GS linker. In some embodiments, the peptide linker has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 93, 94 or 95. In some embodiments, the peptide linker has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 93, 94 or 95.
[0176] Any spacer region and transmembrane domain disclosed herein or otherwise known in the art can be combined as part of the CD300A FPs, provided that the resulting configuration effectively anchors the extracellular domain to the membrane, and, optionally, transmits signals upon target binding. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises a CD8 hinge region and a CD28 transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises a CD8 hinge region and a PDGFR (e.g., PDGFRA, PDGFRB, mPDGFRA, mPDGFRB) transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises a CD8 hinge region and a CD8 transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises an IgG4 hinge region and a PDGFR (e.g., PDGFRA, PDGFRB, mPDGFRA, mPDGFRB) transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises an IgG4 hinge region and a CD28 transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises a PDGFR (e.g., PDGFRA, PDGFRB, mPDGFRA, mPDGFRB) hinge region and a PDGFR (e.g., PDGFRA, PDGFRB, mPDGFRA, mPDGFRB) transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises an IgG4 hinge region and a CD300A transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises a CD8 hinge region and a CD300A transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises a FACD hinge region and a PDGFR (e.g., PDGFRA, PDGFRB, mPDGFRA, mPDGFRB) transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises a FACD hinge region and a CD300A transmembrane domain.
[0177] In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein further comprises a hinge region ( “H” ) between the extracellular domain and the transmembrane domain ( “TM” ) , wherein the combination of the hinge region and the transmembrane domain ( “H-TM” ) has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 3, 41, 47, 48, 65, 67, 68, 69, 70 or 71. In some embodiments, the H-TM has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 3. In some embodiments, the H-TM has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3. In some embodiments, the H-TM has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 41. In some embodiments, the H-TM has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 41. In some embodiments, the H-TM has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 47. In some embodiments, the H-TM has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 47. In some embodiments, the H-TM has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 48. In some embodiments, the H-TM has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 48. In some embodiments, the H-TM has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 65. In some embodiments, the H-TM has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 65. In some embodiments, the H-TM has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 67. In some embodiments, the H-TM has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 67. In some embodiments, the H-TM has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 68. In some embodiments, the H-TM has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 68. In some embodiments, the H-TM has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 69. In some embodiments, the H-TM has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 69. In some embodiments, the H-TM has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 70. In some embodiments, the H-TM has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 70. In some embodiments, the H-TM has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 71. In some embodiments, the H-TM has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71.
[0178] In some embodiments, the spacer can be of a length that provides for increased responsiveness of the cell following antigen binding, as compared to in the absence of the spacer or as compared to an alternative spacer of a different length (e.g. longer in length) . In some examples, the spacer is at or about 1-500, 1-400, 1-300, 1-280, 1-260, 1-240, 1-220, 1-200, 1-180, 1-160, 1-140, 1-120, 1-110, 1-100, 10-90, 10-80, 10-70, 15-60, 15-50, 15-40, 15-35, 10-30, 10-15, or 12-15 amino acids in length. In some examples, the spacer is at or about 220 to 240 amino acids in length. In some embodiments, the length of the spacer is adjusted to optimize the biophysical synapse distance between the fusion protein-expressing cell and the target of the fusion protein, such as a fusion protein-expressing T-cell, and the target of the fusion protein, such as an NK cell or a tumor cell. In some embodiments, the fusion protein is expressed by a T cell, and the length of the spacer is adjusted to a length that is compatible for T cell activation or to optimize T-cell performance.
[0179] Additional exemplary spacers include, but are not limited to, those described in Hudecek et al. (2013) Clin. Cancer Res., 19: 3153, Hudecek et al. (2015) Cancer Immunol. Res., 3 (2) : 125-135, or WO2014031687. In some embodiments, the nucleotide sequence of the spacer is optimized to reduce RNA heterogeneity upon expression. In some embodiments, the nucleotide sequence of the spacer is optimized to reduce cryptic splice sites or reduce the likelihood of a splice event at a splice site.7.2.4 Cytoplasmic domain
[0180] In some embodiments, the CD300A FPs provided herein do not include a cytoplasmic domain (e.g., an intracellular signal transduction domain) .
[0181] In some embodiments, the CD300A FPs provided herein further include a cytoplasmic domain. In some embodiments, the cytoplasmic domain is a human cytoplasmic domain. In some embodiments, the cytoplasmic domain is a murine cytoplasmic domain. Any suitable cytoplasmic domain can be of use in the CD300A FPs disclosed herein. For example, the cytoplasmic domain can be a CD8, a mCD80, a CD80, a CD86, or an HLA-B57 cytoplasmic domain. In some embodiments, the cytoplasmic domain is an mCD80 cytoplasmic domain. In some embodiments, the mCD80 cytoplasmic domain has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 119.
[0182] In some embodiments, the CD300A FPs provided herein can include but are not limited to chimeric antigen receptors (CAR) , or recombinant TCR receptors. In some embodiments, the CD300A FPs disclosed herein further comprise a cytoplasmic domain, such as an intracellular signal transduction domain. Such intracellular signal transduction domains can mimic or resemble transduction of signals mediated by a natural antigen receptor, a combination of a natural antigen receptor and a costimulatory receptor, or a costimulatory receptor alone. In some embodiments, a short oligo-or polypeptide linker, typically between 2 and 10 amino acids in length, can be included to connect the transmembrane domain and the cytoplasmic domain (e.g., the intracellular signal transduction domain) .
[0183] In some embodiments, upon target binding, the intracellular signal transduction region of the fusion protein stimulates and / or activates the intracellular signaling events that lead to the activation, proliferation, and differentiation of immune cells (e.g., T, NKT or iPSC cells) . The activities of immune cells (e.g., T, NKT or iPSC cells) are typically mediated by two classes of cytoplasmic signaling sequences: those that directly initiate antigen-dependent activation (primary signaling domain) , such as the TCR complex, and those that act by binding to a receptor of the primary signaling complex to provide a secondary or co-stimulatory signal (secondary or co-stimulatory signaling domain) .
[0184] The CD300A FPs provided herein can include one or both of such classes of intracellular signal transduction domains. In some embodiments, the intracellular signal transduction domain of the CD300A FPs provided herein comprises a primary signaling domain. In some embodiments, the intracellular signal transduction domain comprises a co-stimulatory signaling domain. In some embodiments, the intracellular signal transduction domain comprises both a co-stimulatory signaling domain and a primary signaling domain.
[0185] In some embodiments, the primary signaling domains of the CD300A FPs provided herein comprise the intracellular signal transduction domain from a naturally existing receptor that is responsible for antigen-dependent primary activation. In some embodiments, the co-stimulatory signaling domains of the CD300A FPs provided herein comprise the intracellular signal transduction domain from a naturally existing co-stimulatory molecule. In some embodiments, a variant or fragment of the intracellular signal transduction domain of a primary receptor or costimulatory molecule is used in place of the intact intracellular signal transduction domain, wherein the variant or fragment retains the function of signal transduction.
[0186] In some embodiments, the CD300A FPs provided herein comprise an intracellular signal transduction domain having a primary signaling domain that regulates primary stimulation and / or activation of immune effector cells (e.g., T, NKT or iPSC cells) . Primary signaling domains that act in a stimulatory manner can contain signaling motifs which are known as immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs or ITAMs. Examples of ITAM containing primary signaling domains include those derived from CD3ε, CD3δ, CD3ζ, CD25, CD27, CD28, CD40, CD47, CD79A, CD79B, CD134 (OX40) , CD137 (4-1BB) , CD150 (SLAMF1) , CD278 (ICOS) , CD357 (GITR) , CARD11, DAP10, DAP12, FcRα, FcRβ, FcRγ, Fyn, Lck, LAT, LRP, NKG2D, NOTCH1, NOTCH2, NOTCH3, NOTCH4, ROR2, Ryk, Slp76, pTα, TCRα, TCRβ, TRIM, Zap70, or PTCH2, or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the primary signaling domain comprises the intracellular signal transduction domain from CD3ε, CD3δ, CD3ζ, CD25, CD27, CD28, CD40, CD47, CD79A, CD79B, CD134 (OX40) , CD137 (4-1BB) , CD150 (SLAMF1) , CD278 (ICOS) , CD357 (GITR) , CARD11, DAP10, DAP12, FcRα, FcRβ, FcRγ, Fyn, Lck, LAT, LRP, NKG2D, NOTCH1, NOTCH2, NOTCH3, NOTCH4, ROR2, Ryk, Slp76, pTα, TCRα, TCRβ, TRIM, Zap70, or PTCH2, or a functional fragment or variant thereof, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the primary signaling domain comprises the intracellular signal transduction domain from TCRα, TCRβ, TCRγ, TCRδ, FcRγ, FcRβ, CD3γ, CD3δ, CD3ε, CD3ζ, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b, CD278, or CD66d, or a functional fragment or a variant thereof. In some embodiments, the intracellular signal transduction domain comprises two primary signaling domains, each is an intracellular signal transduction domain from CD3ε, CD3δ, CD3ζ, CD25, CD27, CD28, CD40, CD47, CD79A, CD79B, CD134 (OX40) , CD137 (4-1BB) , CD150 (SLAMF1) , CD278 (ICOS) , CD357 (GITR) , CARD11, DAP10, DAP12, FcRα, FcRβ, FcRγ, Fyn, Lck, LAT, LRP, NKG2D, NOTCH1, NOTCH2, NOTCH3, NOTCH4, ROR2, Ryk, Slp76, pTα, TCRα, TCRβ, TRIM, Zap70, PTCH2, or a functional fragment or variant thereof.
[0187] In some embodiments, the primary signaling domain comprises the intracellular signal transduction domain from CD3ζ, or a functional fragment or variant thereof. CD3ζ, CD3 zeta, CD3Z, and CD3z are used interchangeably herein. CD3ζ can be a human CD3ζ, or comprises equivalent residues from non-human species such as mice, rodents, monkeys, apes, etc. CD3ζ can have a 112 AA cytoplasmic domain of isoform 1 of human CD3ζ (Accession No.: BAG36664.1) or a CD3 ζ signaling domain as described in U.S. Patent No.: 7,446,190 or U.S. Patent No. 8,911,993. In some embodiments, the intracellular signal transduction domain of CD3ζ has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 10. In some embodiments, the intracellular signal transduction domain of CD3ζ has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10. In some embodiments, the intracellular signal transduction domain of CD3ζ has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 36. In some embodiments, the intracellular signal transduction domain of CD3ζ has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36.
[0188] In some embodiments, the intracellular signal transduction domain of the CD300A FPs provided herein comprises a co-stimulatory signaling domain. For example, a stimulatory molecule is a zeta (ζ) chain binding to a T cell receptor complex (such as CD3Z) . Such a co-stimulatory signaling domain can provide increased activation of an immune effector cell. In some embodiments, the co-stimulatory signaling domain can comprise or be the intracellular signal transduction domain of CD137 (4-1BB) , CD28, CD27, TNFRSF9, TNFRSF4, TNFRSF8, TNFRSF14, TNFRSF18, CD40LG, ICOS, ITGB2, CD2, CD7, KLRC2, HAVCR1, LGALS9, CARD11, CD30, CD54, OX40, CD150, CD152, CD223, CD270, PD-L2, PD-L1, DAP10, LAT, NKD2C, SLP76, TRIM, FcεRIγ, MyD88, ICAM-1, LFA-1 (CD11a / CD18) , 41BBL, or CD83, or functional fragment or variant thereof. A co-stimulatory signaling domain can be derived from a CD28, 4-1BB, OX40, ICOS, DAP10, 2B4, CD27, CD30, or CD40 and the like. Fusion proteins such as CAR comprising an intracellular domain that comprises a co-stimulatory signaling region comprising 4-1BB, ICOS or DAP-10 have been described previously (see U.S. 7,446,190) . In some embodiments, the intracellular signal transduction domain comprises two co-stimulatory signaling domains, each is an intracellular signal transduction domain from CD137 (4-1BB) , CD28, CD27, TNFRSF9, TNFRSF4, TNFRSF8, TNFRSF14, TNFRSF18, CD40LG, ICOS, ITGB2, CD2, CD7, KLRC2, HAVCR1, LGALS9, CARD11, CD30, CD54, OX40, CD150, CD152, CD223, CD270, PD-L2, PD-L1, DAP10, LAT, NKD2C, SLP76, TRIM, FcεRIγ, MyD88, ICAM-1, LFA-1 (CD11a / CD18) , 41BBL, or CD83, or functional variant thereof, or a functional fragment or variant thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the intracellular signal transduction domain comprises the intracellular signal transduction domains from both CD28 and CD137 (4-1BB) (see Sadelain et al., Cancer Discov. 3 (4) : 388-398 (2013) ) , or CD28 and OX40, or other combinations.
[0189] In some embodiments, the co-stimulatory signaling domain of the CD300A FPs provided herein comprises the intracellular signal transduction domain of CD137 (4-1BB) , or a functional fragment or variant thereof. In some embodiments, the intracellular signal transduction domain of CD137 (4-1BB) has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, the intracellular signal transduction domain of CD137 (4-1BB) has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, the co-stimulatory signaling domain comprises the intracellular signal transduction domain of CD28, or a functional fragment or variant thereof. In some embodiments, the intracellular signal transduction domain of CD28 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 7. In some embodiments, the intracellular signal transduction domain of CD28 has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7. In some embodiments, the co-stimulatory signaling domain of the CD300A FPs provided herein comprises the intracellular signal transduction domain of CD27, or a functional fragment or variant thereof. In some embodiments, the same CD300A FPs includes both the stimulatory or activating components (e.g., cytoplasmic signaling sequence) and costimulatory components.
[0190] In some embodiments, the CD300A FPs provided herein encompasses one or more, e.g., two or more, costimulatory signaling domains and a primary signaling domain in the intracellular signal transduction domain. Exemplary fusion proteins include intracellular components of CD3ζand 4-1BB, intracellular components of CD3ζ and CD28, or intracellular components of CD3ζ, 4-1BB and CD28.
[0191] In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein can also comprise a spacer region (such as any described herein) . For example, a spacer can be included between the transmembrane domain and the intracellular domain, and / or between domains within the intracellular domain, for example, between a co-stimulatory domain signaling and a primary signaling domain.7.2.5 Additional Binding Domain
[0192] In some embodiments, the fusion protein further comprises a domain that binds to a target antigen on a pathological cell, and / or an immune cell (e.g., NK cell) marker that is not CD300A. The target antigen on pathological cells or immune cell (such as NK cell) marker that is not CD300A can be any target antigen or immune cell marker disclosed herein or otherwise known in the art.
[0193] In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein further comprises a domain that binds to a target antigen on a pathological cell, which can together with the CD300A binding domain, constitute the extracellular domain of the fusion protein. The target antigen on a pathological cell in the art can be any target pathological antigen described in the present disclosure or otherwise known in the art.
[0194] In some embodiments, the pathological cell is a malignant cell or an infected cell. The pathological cell can be a solid tumor cell. In some embodiments, the solid tumor is selected from: esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, gastroesophageal junction tumor, liver cancer, biliary tract tumor, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, laryngeal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, head and neck cancer, glioma, thyroid cancer, renal cancer, bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, melanoma, and sarcoma. The pathological cell can be a hematological cancer cell. In some embodiments, the hematological cancer is selected from: leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. The pathological cell can also be a pathological cell of an autoimmune disease. In some embodiments, the autoimmune disease is selected from: myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune liver disease, type 1 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) , rheumatoid arthritis (RA) , ankylosing spondylitis (AS) , Sjogren's syndrome (SS) , and polymyositis / dermatomyositis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders, scleroderma, immune nephritis, arthritis, autoimmune-induced fibrosis disorders, pemphigus vulgaris, colitis, type I diabetes mellitus, graft-versus-host disease, atherosclerosis, or mucosal dominance. The pathological cell can be an infected cell. In some embodiments, the target antigen is a pathogen. In some embodiments, the target antigen is selected from an antigen of viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, or parasites. In some embodiments, the target antigen is a viral antigen. The viral antigen could be selected from: cytomegalovirus antigen, Epstein Barr virus antigen, human immunodeficiency virus antigen, or influenza virus antigen.
[0195] In some embodiments, the target antigen is chosen from thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) ; CD171; CS-1; C-type lectin like molecule-1; ganglioside GD3; Tn antigen; CD19; CD20; CD22; CD30; CD70; CD123; CD138; CD33; CD44; CD44v7 / 8; CD38; CD44v6; B7H3 (CD276) , B7H6; KIT (CD117) ; interleukin-13 receptor subunit α (IL-13Rα) ; interleukin-11 receptor α (IL-11Rα) ; prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) ; prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) ; carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) ; NY-ESO-1; HIV-1 Gag; MART-1; gp100; tyrosinase; mesothelin; EpCAM; protease serine 21 (PRSS21) ; vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) ; Lewis (Y) antigen; CD24; platelet derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFR -β) ; stage specific embryonic antigen-4 (SSEA-4) ; mucin-1 associated with cell surface (MUC1) , MUC6; epidermal growth factor receptor family and a mutant thereof (EGFR, EGFR2, ERBB3, ERBB4, EGFRvIII) ; neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) ; carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) ; LMP2; ephrin type A receptor 2 (EphA2) ; fucosyl GM1; salivary Lewis adhesion molecule (sLe) ; ganglioside GM3; TGS5; high molecular weight melanoma associated antigen (HMWMAA) ; O-acetyl GD2 ganglioside (OAcGD2) ; folate receptor; tumor vascular endothelial marker-1 (TEM1 / CD248) ; tumor vascular endothelial marker-7 related (TEM7R) ; Claudin 6, Claudin 18.2, Claudin 18.1; ASGPR1; CDH16; 5T4; 8H9; αvβ6 integrin; B cell mature antigen (BCMA) ; CA9; kappa light chain; CSPG4; EGP2, EGP40; FAP; FAR; FBP; embryonic AchR; HLA-A1, HLA-A2; MAGEA1, MAGE3; KDR; MCSP; NKG2D ligand (NKG2DL) ; PSC1; ROR1; Sp17; SURVIVIN; TAG72; TEM1; fibronectin; tendon protein; carcinoembryonic variants in the necrotic area of tumors; G protein coupled receptor C group 5-member D (GPRC5D) ; X chromosome open reading frame 61 (CXORF61) ; CD97; CD179a; anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) ; polyasialic acid; placental specificity-1 (PLAC1) ; the hexose portion of globoH glycoceramide (GloboH) ; breast cancer differentiation antigen (NY-BR-1) ; uroplakin 2 (UPK2) ; hepatitis A virus cell receptor-1 (HAVCR1) ; Adrenergic receptor β3 (ADRB3) ; pannexin 3 (PANX3) ; G protein coupled receptor 20 (GPR20) ; lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus K9 (LY6K) ; olfactory receptor 51E2 (OR51E2) ; TCRγ alternating reading frame protein (TARP) ; Wilms tumor protein (WT1) ; ETS translocation variant gene 6 (ETV6-AML) ; sperm protein 17 (SPA17) ; X antigen family member 1A (XAGE1) ; angiotensin binding cell surface receptor 2 (Tie2) ; melanoma cancer testis antigen-1 (MAD-CT-1) ; melanoma cancer testis antigen-2 (MAD-CT-2) ; Fos related antigen 1; P53 mutant; human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) ; tumor translocation breakpoint; melanoma inhibitor of apoptosis (ML-IAP) ; ERG (transmembrane protease serine-2 (TMPRSS2) ETS fusion gene) ; N-acetylglucosamine transferase V (NA17) ; pairing box protein pax-3 (PAX3) ; androgen receptor; cyclin B1; v-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene neurobastoma derived homolog (MYCN) ; Ras homolog family member C (RhoC) ; cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) ; CCCTC binding factor (zinc finger protein) like (BORIS) ; squamous cell carcinoma antigen 3 (SART3) recognized by T cells; pairing box protein Pax-5 (PAX5) ; proacrosin binding protein sp32 (OYTES1) ; lymphocyte specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK) ; A-kinase anchoring protein 4 (AKAP-4) ; synovial sarcoma X breakpoint-2 (SSX2) ; CD79a; CD79b; CD72; leukocyte associated immunoglobulin like receptor 1 (LAIR1) ; Fc fragment of IgA receptor (FCAR) ; member 2 of the leukocyte immunoglobulin like receptor subfamily (LILRA2) ; CD300 molecule-like family member f (CD300LF) ; C-type lectin domain family 12 member A (CLEC12A) ; bone marrow stromal cell antigen-2 (BST2) ; EGF like module containing mucin like hormone receptor-2 (EMR2) ; lymphocyte antigen 75 (LY75) ; phosphatidylinositol proteoglycan-3 (GPC3) ; Fc receptor like-5 (FCRL5) ; immunoglobulin λ like peptide-1 (IGLL1) . In some embodiments, the tumor antigen is chosen from: CD7, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD38, CD123, BCMA, GPRC5D, B7H3, GPC3, Claudin 6, Claudin 18.2, FAP, Mesothelin, NKG2DL, NKG2A, CD94, FCRH5, EGFR, mutant EGFR, ASGPR1, IL13RA2, WT1, or a combination thereof.
[0196] In some embodiments, extracellular domain of the fusion protein comprises a CD300A binding domain and a domain that binds to a target antigen on a pathological cell, wherein the target antigen is BCMA. In some embodiments, the target antigen is CD19. In some embodiments, the target antigen is CD20. In some embodiments, the target antigen is mesothelin. In some embodiments, the target antigen is CD38. In some embodiments, the target antigen is GPRC5D. In some embodiments, the target antigen is GPC3. In some embodiments, the target antigen is Claudin 18.2. In some embodiments, the target antigen is CD7. In some embodiments, the target antigen is CD22. In some embodiments, the target antigen is B7H3. In some embodiments, the target antigen is Claudin 6. In some embodiments, the target antigen is FAP. In some embodiments, the target antigen is NKG2DL. In some embodiments, the target antigen is NKG2A. In some embodiments, the target antigen is CD94. In some embodiments, the target antigen is FCRH5. In some embodiments, the target antigen is EGFR or mutant EGFR. In some embodiments, the target antigen is ASGPR1. In some embodiments, the target antigen is IL13RA2. In some embodiments, the target antigen is WT1. In some embodiments, the target antigen is CLL1. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain of the fusion proteins can comprise binding domains for two, three, or more target antigens. For illustrative purposes, in some embodiments, the fusion proteins can comprise binding domains for both CD19 and CD20. In some embodiments, the fusion proteins can comprise binding domains for GPC3 and CD38. In some embodiments, the fusion proteins can comprise binding domains for BCMA and CD38. In some embodiments, the fusion proteins can comprise binding domains for CD19 and CD38. In some embodiments, the fusion proteins can comprise binding domains for GPRC5D and CD38. In some embodiments, the fusion proteins can comprise binding domains for GPC3 and CD38. In some embodiments, the fusion proteins can comprise binding domains for Claudin 18.2 and CD38. In some embodiments, the fusion proteins can comprise binding domains for BCMA and GPRC5D.
[0197] In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein further comprises a domain that binds to an immune cell marker (e.g., NK cell) distinct from CD300A, which can together with the CD300A binding domain, constitute the extracellular domain of the fusion protein. The immune cell (e.g., NK cell) marker can be any marker described herein or otherwise known in the art. In some embodiments, the immune cell marker is a T cell marker. In some embodiments, the immune cell marker is an NK cell marker. In some embodiments, fusion proteins provided herein comprise an extracellular domain having a CD300A binding domain and a domain that binds an NK cell marker that is not CD300A.
[0198] In some embodiments, the immune cell marker is an NKIR. Provided herein are fusion proteins comprising an extracellular domain having a CD300A binding domain and a domain that binds an NKIR that is not CD300A. Exemplary NKIRs include: NKG2 / CD94 components, KIR family members, LIR family members, SIGLEC family members, Ly49 family members, NKR-P1 family members, KLRG1, LAIR1, immune checkpoint receptors, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. NKIRs include HLA specific and non-HLA specific inhibitory receptors. NKG2 / CD94 receptor NKIRs include, for example, NKG2A, NKG2C, and CD94. Exemplary KIR family NKIRs include KIR2DL1, KIR2DL2 / 3, KIR2DL5A, KIR2DL5B, KIR3DL1, KIR3DL2, and KIR3DL3. Exemplary LIR family NKIRs include LIR1, LIR2, LIR3, LIR5, and LIR8. Exemplary SIGLEC family NKIRs include SIGLEC7 and SIGLEC9. Exemplary Ly49 family NKIRs include Ly49A, Ly49C, Ly49F, Ly49G (e.g., Ly49G1, Ly49G4) , and Ly49Q. Exemplary NKR-P1 family NKIRs include NKR-P1B and NKR-P1D. Exemplary immune checkpoint receptor NKIRs include: PD-1, PDL-1, TIM-3, TIGIT, LAG-3, CTLA-4, 2B4, 4-1BB, 4-1BBL, A2aR, BATE, BTLA, CD39, CD47, CD73, CD94, CD96, CD160, CD200, CD200R, CD274, CEACAM1, CSF-1R, Foxpl, GARP, HVEM, IDO, EDO, TDO, LAIR-1, MICA / B, NR4A2, MAFB, OCT-2, RARa (retinoic acid receptor α) , TLR3, VISTA, NKG2A / HLA-E, CEACAM1, and inhibitory KIR. In some embodiments, the NKIR can be PD-1, TIGIT, CD96, TIM3, or LAG3.
[0199] In some embodiments, the immune cell marker is an NKAR. Provided herein are fusion proteins comprising an extracellular domain having a CD300A binding domain and a domain that binds an NKAR that is not CD300A. Exemplary NKARs include: NKG2 family members, NCR family members, KIR family members, and co-receptors. NKG2 family NKARs include, for example, NKG2D, NKG2C, NKG2E, NKG2F, and NKG2H; NCR family NKARs include, for example, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, and NKp80; KIR family NKARs include, for example, KIR2DS1, KIR2DS2, KIR2DS3, KIR2DS4, KIR2DS5, and KIR3DS1; and co-receptors NKARs include, for example, 2B4 (CD244) , DNAM-1 (CD226) , CD2, and LFA-1 (CD11a / CD18) .
[0200] In some embodiments, the immune cell (e.g., NK cell) marker is selected from: CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD7, CD8, CD16a, CD16b, CD25, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD38, CD45, CD48, CD50, CD52, CD56, CD57, CD62L, CD69, CD94, CD100, CD102, CD122, CD127, CD132, CD137, CD138, CD160, CD161, CD178, CD218, CD226, CD244, CD159a (NKG2A) , CD159c (NKG2C) , FasL, NKG2E, CD279, CD314 (NKG2D) , CD305, CD335 (NKp46) , CD337, CD319 (CS1) , TCRα, TCRβ, TIGIT, TRAIL, SLAMF7, NKG2F, NKG2H, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, NKp80, a SLAM family member, L-selectin, natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR) 1, NCR2, NCR3, and combinations thereof.
[0201] In some embodiments, extracellular domain of the fusion protein comprises a CD300A binding domain and a domain that binds to an immune cell marker, wherein the immune cell marker is NKG2A. In some embodiments, the immune cell marker is NKG2D. In some embodiments, the immune cell marker is FasL. In some embodiments, the immune cell marker is NKp80.
[0202] In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein further comprises a domain that binds to a target antigen on a pathological cell and a domain that binds to an immune cell marker (e.g., NK cell) distinct from CD300A, which can together with the CD300A binding domain, constitute the extracellular domain of the fusion protein. The target antigen on a pathological cell and the immune cell marker (e.g., NK cell) distinct from CD300A can be any target antigen and immune cell marker disclosed herein or otherwise known in the art.
[0203] In some embodiments, the extracellular domain of the fusion protein provided herein comprises an anti-CD300A antibody or a fragment thereof, as well as a second antibody or a fragment thereof binding to an immune cell marker or a target antigen on the pathological cell; wherein the anti-CD300A antibody or a fragment thereof comprises: a heavy chain variable region (VH1) , and a light chain variable region (VL1) ; and the second antibody or a fragment thereof comprises: a heavy chain variable region (VH2) , and a light chain variable region (VL2) . Different variable regions are connected by linker peptide chains. In some embodiments, the linker peptide chain is a GS linker peptide chain, such as such as GGGGS (SEQ ID NO: 93) , (GGGGS) 3 (SEQ ID NO: 94) ) , or (GGGGS) 4 (SEQ ID NO: 95) .
[0204] The two antibodies or antigen-binding fragments can be arranged in tandem configuration or loop configuration. In tandem configuration, the two VH / VL pairs are arranged in linear and sequential fashion, typically joined by flexible peptide linker. In loop configuration, the two VH / VL pairs are intertwined in a palindromic pattern. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain of the fusion protein provided herein comprises, from N terminus to C terminus, VL1, VH1, VL2, and VH2. The extracellular domain of the fusion protein provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VH1, VL1, VH2, and VL2. The extracellular domain of the fusion protein provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VL1, VH1, VH2, and VL2. The extracellular domain of the fusion protein provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VH1, VL1, VL2, and VH2. The extracellular domain of the fusion protein provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VL2, VH2, VL1, and VH1. The extracellular domain of the fusion protein provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VH2, VL2, VH1, and VL1. The extracellular domain of the fusion protein provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VL2, VH2, VH1, and VL1. The extracellular domain of the fusion protein provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VH2, VL2, VL1, and VH1. The extracellular domain of the fusion protein provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VL1, VH2, VL2, and VH1. The extracellular domain of the fusion protein provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VL1, VL2, VH2, and VH1. The extracellular domain of the fusion protein provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VH1, VL2, VH2, and VL1. The extracellular domain of the fusion protein provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VH1, VH2, VL2, and VL1. The extracellular domain of the fusion protein provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VL2, VH1, VL1, and VH2. The extracellular domain of the fusion protein provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VL2, VL1, VH1, and VH2. The extracellular domain of the fusion protein provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VH2, VL1, VH1, and VL2. The extracellular domain of the fusion protein provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VH2, VH1, VL1, and VL2.7.2.6 Exemplary Fusion Proteins
[0205] In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, an extracellular domain and a transmembrane domain, wherein the extracellular domain comprises a CD300A binding domain. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises an intracellular signaling domain. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein does not comprise an intracellular signaling domain. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, an extracellular domain and a transmembrane domain, wherein the extracellular domain comprises a CD300A binding domain, and the fusion protein does not comprise an intracellular signaling domain. In some embodiments, when the CD300A FP is expressed on an immune effector cell (e.g., T, NKT or iPSC cells) , the cell becomes capable of resisting NK-mediated cytotoxicity. In some embodiments, engineered cells expressing the fusion proteins disclosed herein inhibit activities of NK cells without affecting the survival of NK cells. In some embodiments, engineered cells expressing the fusion proteins disclosed herein can kill and / or inhibit NK cells.
[0206] Table1 A: Exemplary fusion proteins with cytoplasmic domain
[0207] Note: (H) : hinge; (TM) : transmembrane; (C) : intracellular signal transduction domain; αCD300A scFv: anti-CD300A scFv; domains of the constructs are listed from N-terminus to C-terminus. Exemplary sequences: VH / VL pair of αCD300A scFv: SEQ ID NOs: 2 and 1, respectively, or SEQ ID NOs: 58 and 59, respectively; αCD300A scFv: SEQ ID NO: 50, 57 or 109; CD8 (H) : SEQ ID NO: 9 or 44; IgG4 (H) : SEQ ID NO: 14, 97 or 98; CD8 (TM) : SEQ ID NO: 4; CD28 (TM) : SEQ ID NO: 6 or 29; PDGFR (TM) : SEQ ID NO: 43, 46, 66, 77, 115, 42, 63, 116 or 117; CD28 (C) : SEQ ID NO: 7; CD3ζ (C) : SEQ ID NO: 10 or 36; CD137 (C) : SEQ ID NO: 8; CD80 (C) : SEQ ID NO: 119.
[0208] Table 1B: Exemplary Fusion Proteins Without Cytoplasmic Domain
[0209] Note: (H) : hinge; (TM) : transmembrane; αCD300A scFv: anti-CD300A scFv; domains of the constructs are listed from N-terminus to C-terminus. Exemplary sequences: VH / VL pair of αCD300A scFv: SEQ ID NOs: 2 and 1, respectively, or SEQ ID NOs: 58 and 59, respectively; αCD300A scFv: SEQ ID NO: 50, 57 or 109; CD8 (H) : SEQ ID NO: 9 or 44; IgG4 (H) : SEQ ID NO: 14, 97 or 98; PDGFRA (H) : SEQ ID NO: 110 or 111; PDGFRB (H) : 91, 92, or 113; mPDGFRA (H) : SEQ ID NO: 112; mPDGFRB (H) : 114; PDGFRA (TM) : SEQ ID NO: 43, 66, or 77; PDGFRB (TM) : SEQ ID NO: 42 or 116; mPDGFRA (TM) : SEQ ID NO: 46 or 115; mPDGFRB (TM) : SEQ ID NO: 63 or 117; CD300A (TM) : SEQ ID NO: 118.
[0210] As shown in Table 1B and FIGs. 2A-2B, in some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, an extracellular domain comprising an anti-CD300A scFv (e.g., TX49) , a CD8 hinge, and a PDGFR (e.g., PDGFRA, PDGFRB, mPDGFRA, or mPDGFRB) transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, an extracellular domain comprising an anti-CD300A scFv (e.g., TX49) , an IgG4 hinge, and a PDGFR (e.g., PDGFRA, PDGFRB, mPDGFRA, or mPDGFRB) transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, an extracellular domain comprising an anti-CD300A scFv (e.g., TX49) , a PDGFR hinge (e.g., PDGFRA, PDGFRB, mPDGFRA, or mPDGFRB) , and a PDGFR (e.g., PDGFRA, PDGFRB, mPDGFRA, or mPDGFRB) transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, an extracellular domain comprising an anti-CD300A scFv (e.g., TX49) , an IgG4 hinge, and a CD300A transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, an extracellular domain comprising an anti-CD300A scFv (e.g., TX49) , an CD8 hinge, and a CD300A transmembrane domain.
[0211] In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, (1) an extracellular domain comprising anti-CD300A antibody having a VH / VL pair having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2 and 1, respectively or SEQ ID NOs: 58 and 59, respectively, and (2) a PDGFRA transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 43, 66, or 77) , a PDGFRB transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 42 or 116) , a mPDGFRA transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 46 or 115) , or a mPDGFRB transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 63 or 117) . In some embodiments, the fusion protein does not comprise a cytoplasmic domain (e.g., an intracellular signaling domain) . In some embodiments, the fusion protein further comprises a cytoplasmic domain (e.g., an intracellular signaling domain) . In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises an anti-CD300A scFv having a VH and a VL, and a transmembrane domain (TM) , wherein the VH, VL, and TM have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, and 43, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH, VL, and TM have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, and 46, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH, VL, and TM have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, and 66, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH, VL, and TM have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, and 42, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH, VL, and TM have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, and 63, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH, VL, and TM have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, and 77, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH, VL, and TM have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, and 115, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH, VL, and TM have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, and 116, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH, VL, and TM have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, and 117, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH, VL, and TM have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59 and 43, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH, VL, and TM have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59 and 46, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH, VL, and TM have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59 and 66, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH, VL, and TM have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59 and 42, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH, VL, and TM have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59 and 63, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH, VL, and TM have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59 and 77, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH, VL, and TM have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59 and 115, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH, VL, and TM have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59 and 116, respectively. In some embodiments, the VH, VL, and TM have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59 and 117, respectively.
[0212] In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, (1) an extracellular domain comprising anti-CD300A antibody (VH / VL chosen from SEQ ID NOs: 2 and 1, or VH / VL chosen from SEQ ID NOs: 58 and 59) , (2) a CD8 hinge region (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 9 or 44) , an IgG4 hinge region (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 14, 97 or 98) , a PDGFRA hinge region (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 110 or 111) , PDGFRB hinge region (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 91, 92, or 113) , a mPDGFRA hinge region (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 112) , or mPDGFRB hinge region (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 114) , and (3) a PDGFRA transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 43, 66, or 77) , a PDGFRB transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 42 or 116) , a mPDGFRA transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 46 or 115) , a mPDGFRB transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 63 or 117) , or a CD300A transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 118) . In some embodiments, the fusion protein further comprises a cytoplasmic domain (e.g., an intracellular signaling domain) . In some embodiments, the fusion protein does not comprise a cytoplasmic domain (e.g., an intracellular signaling domain) .
[0213] In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises an anti-CD300A scFv having a VH and a VL, a hinge region (H) , and a transmembrane domain (TM) , wherein the VH, VL, H and TM have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 44 and 43, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 44 and 46, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 44 and 63, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 44 and 42, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 44 and 66, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 44 and 77, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 44 and 115, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 44 and 116, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 44 and 117, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 44 and 118, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 9 and 43, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 9 and 46, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 9 and 66, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 9 and 42, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 9 and 63, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 9 and 77, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 9 and 115, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 9 and 116, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 9 and 117, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 9 and 118, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 14 and 43, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 14 and 46, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 14 and 66, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 14 and 42, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 14 and 63, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 14 and 77, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 14 and 115, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 14 and 116, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 14 and 117, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 14 and 118, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 97 and 43, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 97 and 46, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 97 and 66, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 97 and 42, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 97 and 63, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 97 and 77, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 97 and 115, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 97 and 116, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 97 and 117, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 97 and 118, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 98 and 43, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 98 and 46, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 98 and 66, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 98 and 42, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 98 and 63, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 98 and 77, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 98 and 115, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 98 and 116, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 98 and 117, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 98 and 118, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 91 and 43, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 91 and 46, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 91 and 66, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 91 and 42, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 91 and 63, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 91 and 116, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 92 and 43, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 92 and 46, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 92 and 66, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 92 and 42, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 92 and 63, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 92 and 116, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 113 and 4, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 113 and 116, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 110 and 43, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 110 and 66, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 110 and 77, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 111 and 43, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 111 and 66, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 111 and 77, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 112 and 46, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 112 and 115, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 114 and 63, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 1, 114 and 117, respectively.
[0214] The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 44 and 43, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 44 and 46, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 44 and 66, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 44 and 42, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 44 and 63; respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 44 and 77, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 44 and 115, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 44 and 116, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 44 and 117, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 44 and 118, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 9 and 43, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 9 and 46, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 9 and 66, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 9 and 42, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 9 and 63; respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 9 and 77, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 9 and 115, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 9 and 116, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 9 and 117, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 9 and 118, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 14 and 43, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 14 and 46, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 14 and 66, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 14 and 42, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 14 and 63; respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 14 and 77, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 14 and 115, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 14 and 116, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 14 and 117, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 14 and 118, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 97 and 43, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 97 and 46, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 97 and 66, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 97 and 42, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 97 and 63, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 97 and 77, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 97 and 115, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 97 and 116, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 97 and 117, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 97 and 118, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 98 and 43, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 98 and 46, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 98 and 66, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 98 and 42, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 98 and 63, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 98 and 77, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 98 and 115, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 98 and 116, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 98 and 117, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 98 and 118, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 91 and 43, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 91 and 46, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 91 and 66, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 91 and 42, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 91 and 63; respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 91 and 116, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 92 and 43, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 92 and 46, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 92 and 66, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 92 and 42, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 92 and 63. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 92 and 116, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 113 and 42, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 113 and 116, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 110 and 43, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 110 and 66, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 110 and 77, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 111 and 43, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 111 and 66, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 111 and 77, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 112 and 46, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 112 and 115, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 114 and 63, respectively. The VH, VL, H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58, 59, 114 and 117, respectively.
[0215] In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18 ( “CD300A1” ) , or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 18. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%identical to SEQ ID NO: 18. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 90%identical to SEQ ID NO: 18. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 95%identical to SEQ ID NO: 18. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 98%identical to SEQ ID NO: 18. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 99%identical to SEQ ID NO: 18. In some embodiments, the fusion protein is encoded by a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17, or encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 17.
[0216] In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 61 ( “CD300A2” ) , or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 61. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%identical to SEQ ID NO: 61. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 90%identical to SEQ ID NO: 61. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 95%identical to SEQ ID NO: 61. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 98%identical to SEQ ID NO: 61. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 99%identical to SEQ ID NO: 61. In some embodiments, the fusion protein is encoded by a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 60, or encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 60.
[0217] In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 62 ( “CD300A3” ) , or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 62. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%identical to SEQ ID NO: 62. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 90%identical to SEQ ID NO: 62. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 95%identical to SEQ ID NO: 62. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 98%identical to SEQ ID NO: 62. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 99%identical to SEQ ID NO: 62.
[0218] In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 64 ( “CD300A4” ) , or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 64. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%identical to SEQ ID NO: 64. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 90%identical to SEQ ID NO: 64. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 95%identical to SEQ ID NO: 64. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 98%identical to SEQ ID NO: 64. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 99%identical to SEQ ID NO: 64.
[0219] In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 126 ( “FP4” ) , or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 126. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 127 ( “FP5” ) , or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 127. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 128 ( “FP6” ) , or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 128. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 129 ( “FP7” ) , or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 129. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 130 ( “FP8” ) , or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 130. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 131 ( “FP9” ) , or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 131. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 132 ( “FP10” ) , or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 132. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 133 ( “FP11” ) , or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 133. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 134 ( “FP12” ) , or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 134. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 135 ( “FP13” ) , or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 135. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 138 ( “FP16” ) , or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 138. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 140, or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 140.
[0220] In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, an extracellular domain comprising a CD300A binding domain, a transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic domain (e.g., an intracellular signal transduction domain) . In some embodiments, the cytoplasmic domain is an intracellular signal transduction domain, which can comprise a co-stimulatory signaling domain, a primary signaling domain, or both. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, an extracellular domain comprising a CD300A binding domain, a transmembrane domain and a co-stimulatory signaling domain. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, an extracellular domain comprising a CD300A binding domain, a transmembrane domain and a primary signaling domain. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, an extracellular domain comprising a CD300A binding domain, a transmembrane domain, a co-stimulatory signaling domain, and a primary signaling domain.
[0221] As shown in Table 1A and FIG. 2A, in some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, an extracellular domain comprising anti-CD300A scFv (e.g., TX49) , a CD28 transmembrane domain, a CD28 co-stimulatory signaling domain, and optionally a primary signaling domain of CD3ζ. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, an extracellular domain comprising anti-CD300A scFv (e.g., TX49) , a CD8 transmembrane domain, a CD28 co-stimulatory signaling domain, and optionally a primary signaling domain of CD3ζ. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, an extracellular domain comprising an anti-CD300A scFv (e.g., TX49) , a CD28 transmembrane domain, a CD137 co-stimulatory signaling domain, and optionally a primary signaling domain of CD3ζ. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, an extracellular domain comprising an anti-CD300A scFv (e.g., TX49) , a CD8 transmembrane domain, a CD137 co-stimulatory signaling domain, and optionally a primary signaling domain of CD3ζ. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, an extracellular domain comprising an anti-CD300A scFv (e.g., TX49) , a CD8 transmembrane domain, a CD80 cytoplasmic domain, and optionally a primary signaling domain of CD3ζ. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, an extracellular domain comprising an anti-CD300A scFv (e.g., TX49) , a CD8 transmembrane domain, a mCD80 cytoplasmic domain, and optionally a primary signaling domain of CD3ζ. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, an extracellular domain comprising an anti-CD300A scFv (e.g., TX49) , a PDGFR (e.g., PDGFRA, PDGFRB, mPDGFRA, or mPDGFRB) transmembrane domain, a CD80 cytoplasmic domain. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, an extracellular domain comprising an anti-CD300A scFv (e.g., TX49) , a PDGFR (e.g., PDGFRA, PDGFRB, mPDGFRA, or mPDGFRB) transmembrane domain, a mCD80 cytoplasmic domain. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain and the transmembrane domain are connected by a hinge region, such as a CD8 hinge or an IgG4 hinge.
[0222] In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, (1) an extracellular domain comprising anti-CD300A antibody (e.g., having a VH / VL pair having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2 and 1, respectively or SEQ ID NOs: 58 and 59, respectively) ; (2) (optionally) a CD8 hinge region (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 9 or 44) or IgG4 hinge region (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 14, 97 or 98) , (3) a CD8 transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 4) or a CD28 transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 6 or 29) , and (4) a CD28 intracellular signal transduction domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 7) , and / or a CD137 intracellular signal transduction domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 8) ; optionally, it further comprises (5) CD3ζintracellular signal transduction domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 10 or 36) .
[0223] In some embodiments, the extracellular domain of the fusion protein comprises anti-CD300A scFv, wherein the anti-CD300A scFv has a VH / VL pair having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2 and 1, respectively; or the anti-CD300A scFv has a VH / VL pair having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58 and 59, respectively. In some embodiments, the fusion proteins further comprise a hinge domain (H) , a transmembrane domain (TM) , and a cytoplasmic domain, such as an intracellular signal transduction domain (ICD) . The H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 9 and 4 respectively. The H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 9 and 6 respectively. The H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 9 and 29 respectively. The H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 44 and 4 respectively. The H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 44 and 6 respectively. The H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 44 and 29 respectively. The H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 14 and 4 respectively. The H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 14 and 6 respectively. The H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 14 and 29 respectively. The H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 97 and 4 respectively. The H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 97 and 6 respectively. The H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 97 and 29 respectively. The H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 98 and 4 respectively. The H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 98 and 6 respectively. The H and TM can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 98 and 29 respectively. The ICD can have a co-stimulatory signaling domain having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8. The ICD can have a co-stimulatory signaling domain having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7. The ICD can have a primary signaling domain having SEQ ID NO: 10. The ICD can have a primary signaling domain having SEQ ID NO: 36. The ICD can have both a co-stimulatory signaling domain and a primary signaling domain having amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 10, respectively. The co-stimulatory signaling domain and a primary signaling domain having amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 8 and 10, respectively. The co-stimulatory signaling domain and the primary signaling domain having amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 7 and 36, respectively. The co-stimulatory signaling domain and a primary signaling domain having amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 8 and 36, respectively.
[0224] In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein comprises, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, (1) an extracellular domain comprising anti-CD300A antibody (e.g., having a VH / VL pair having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2 and 1, respectively or SEQ ID NOs: 58 and 59, respectively) ; (2) a CD8 transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 4) , a PDGFRA transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 43, 66, or 77) , a PDGFRB transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 42 or 116) , a mPDGFRA transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 46 or 115) , or a mPDGFRB transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 63 or 117) , and (3) a mCD80 cytoplasmic domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 119) ; optionally, it further comprises (4) CD3ζintracellular signal transduction domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 10 or 36) .
[0225] In some embodiments, the extracellular domain of the fusion protein comprises anti-CD300A scFv, wherein the anti-CD300A scFv has a VH / VL pair having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2 and 1, respectively; or the anti-CD300A scFv has a VH / VL pair having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 58 and 59, respectively. In some embodiments, the fusion proteins further comprise a hinge domain (H) , a transmembrane domain (TM) , and a cytoplasmic domain (CD) . The TM and CD can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 4 and 119, respectively. The TM and CD can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 43 and 119, respectively. The TM and CD can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 66 and 119, respectively. The TM and CD can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 77 and 119, respectively. The TM and CD can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 46 and 119, respectively. The TM and CD can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 115 and 119, respectively. The TM and CD can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 42 and 119, respectively. The TM and CD can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 116 and 119, respectively. The TM and CD can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 63 and 119, respectively. The TM and CD can have the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 117 and 119, respectively.
[0226] In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16 ( “CD300A-28Z” ) , or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 16. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%identical to SEQ ID NO: 16. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 90%identical to SEQ ID NO: 16. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 95%identical to SEQ ID NO: 16. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 98%identical to SEQ ID NO: 16. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 99%identical to SEQ ID NO: 16. In some embodiments, the fusion protein is encoded by a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15, or encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 15.
[0227] In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21 ( “CD300A-BB” ) , or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 21. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%identical to SEQ ID NO: 21. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 90%identical to SEQ ID NO: 21. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 95%identical to SEQ ID NO: 21. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 98%identical to SEQ ID NO: 21. The fusion protein can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 99%identical to SEQ ID NO: 21. In some embodiments, the fusion protein is encoded by a nucleotide sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20, or encoded by a nucleotide sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 20.
[0228] In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 136 ( “FP14” ) , or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 136. In some embodiments, the fusion protein provided herein has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 137 ( “FP15” ) , or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 137.
[0229] Additional fusion protein expressly contemplated herein include, but are not limited to, variants of those exemplified herein that can be obtained by swapping VH and VL positions in the anti-CD300A scFv; by replacing a peptide linker with another peptide linker; by replacing the anti-CD300A scFv with other antibody structure (such as a Fab, a single domain antibody, etc. ) . The VH and VL sequences of the anti-CD300A antibody can also undergo certain changes without affecting the binding of anti-CD300A antibody to CD300A. Additional anti-CD300A VH / VL pairs besides those of TX49 (including humanized TX49) can also be used as the extracellular domain. Additional hinge region, transmembrane domain, primary signaling domain, and / or co-stimulatory signaling domain, including those disclosed herein or otherwise known in the art can also be incorporated as appropriate. Those skilled in the art can obtain the variants mentioned above through routine experiments commonly known in this field.7.3 Chimeric Receptors
[0230] Engineered cells (e.g., T, NKT, or iPSC cells) expressing a CD300A FP disclosed herein can have enhanced survival and proliferation in an allogeneic host. Accordingly, the CD300A FP can be co-expressed on an engineered cell with a chimeric receptor that binds to a target antigen on a pathological cell (e.g., a tumor cell or diseased cell in an autoimmune disease) to prepare engineered cells (e.g., CART cells or TCR-T cells) with improved therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, it has been discovered by inventors of present disclosure that co-expression of a CD300A FP together with an NK-targeting chimeric receptor (e.g., an NK-targeting CAR) unexpectedly confers synergistic benefits on engineered cells. Specifically, the CD300A FPs imparts a potent inhibitory signal that mitigates or abrogates NK cell-mediated cytotoxicity, while the NK-targeting chimeric receptor actively targets NK cells, inhibiting and / or killing the NK cells. This dual mechanism leads to a further improvement in the survival and proliferation of the engineered cells beyond what is observed when either the CD300A FPs or the NK-targeting chimeric receptor is expressed alone. As a result, these doubly engineered cells show enhanced persistence and therapeutic activity in an allogeneic environment, offering significant advantages in adoptive cell therapy applications where robust engraftment, expansion, and long-term function of therapeutic cells are critical.
[0231] In some embodiments, the engineered cells provided herein further comprise at least one chimeric receptor comprising an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular signal transduction domain. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) . In some embodiments, a chimeric receptor is a chimeric T cell receptor (cTCR) . In some embodiments, a chimeric receptor is a TCR fusion Construction (TRuC) . In some embodiments, a chimeric receptor is a synNotch receptor . As known in the art, CARs are synthetic receptors that combine an extracellular antigen recognition domain (typically derived from a monoclonal antibody) with intracellular signaling domains, most commonly CD3ζand co-stimulatory molecules like CD28 and / or 4-1BB. This enables T cells to recognize and attack tumor cells independently of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) , bypassing potential immune evasion mechanisms. A chimeric TCR, or cTCR, is an engineered receptor that typically includes the extracellular portion from a monoclonal antibody or other antigen-binding domain, fused with intracellular TCR signaling domains, often including CD3 chains, e.g., CD3ε. A synNotch receptor is an engineered or synthetic Notch-based receptor system comprising: (1) an extracellular domain capable of binding a designated target (e.g., a specific antigen or ligand) , (2) a regulatory domain including one or more cleavage sites adapted from or analogous to the Notch receptor’s cleavage mechanisms, and (3) an intracellular effector domain that is released or activated upon cleavage (see e.g., PCT / CN2022 / 102395) .
[0232] In some embodiments, the chimeric receptors provided herein are CARs. CAR constructs are described, for example, in Fresnak AD, et al. Nat Rev Cancer. 2016; 16 (9) : 566-81, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for the teaching of these CAR models. For example, the CAR can be a TRUCK, Universal CAR, Self-driving CAR, Armored CAR, Self-destruct CAR, Conditional CAR, Marked CAR, TenCAR, Dual CAR, or sCAR. TRUCKS (T cells redirected for universal cytokine killing) co-express a CAR and an antitumor cytokine. Cytokine expression can be constitutive or induced by T cell activation. Targeted by CAR specificity, localized production of pro-inflammatory cytokines recruits endogenous immune cells to tumor sites and can potentiate an antitumor response. Universal, allogeneic CAR T cells can be engineered to no longer express endogenous TCR and / or major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, thereby reducing or preventing graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) or rejection. Self-driving CARs co-express a CAR and a chemokine receptor, which binds to a tumor ligand, thereby enhancing tumor homing. CAR T cells engineered to be resistant to immunosuppression (Armored CARs) can be genetically modified to no longer express various immune checkpoint molecules (for example, cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA4) or programmed cell death protein 1 (PD1) ) , with an immune checkpoint switch receptor, or can be administered with a monoclonal antibody that blocks immune checkpoint signaling. A self-destruct CAR can be designed using RNA delivered by electroporation to encode the CAR. Alternatively, inducible apoptosis of the T cell can be achieved based on ganciclovir binding to thymidine kinase in gene-modified lymphocytes or the more recently described system of activation of human caspase 9 by a small-molecule dimerizer. A conditional CAR T cell is by default unresponsive, or switched Off, until the addition of a small molecule to complete the circuit, enabling full transduction of both signal 1 and signal 2, thereby activating the CAR T cell. Alternatively, T cells can be engineered to express an adaptor-specific receptor with affinity for subsequently administered secondary antibodies directed at target antigen. Marked CAR T cells express a CAR plus a tumor epitope to which an existing monoclonal antibody agent binds. In the setting of intolerable adverse effects, administration of the monoclonal antibody clears the CAR T cells and alleviates symptoms with no additional off-tumor effects. A tandem CAR (TanCAR) T cell expresses a single CAR consisting of two linked single-chain variable fragments (scFvs) that have different affinities fused to intracellular co-stimulatory domain (s) and T cell activation signaling domain (e.g., CD3 Zeta) . TanCAR T cell activation is achieved only when target cells co-express both targets. A dual CAR T cell expresses two separate CARs with different ligand binding targets; one CAR includes only the T cell activation signaling domain (e.g., CD3 Zeta) and the other CAR includes only the co-stimulatory domain (s) . Dual CAR T cell activation requires co-expression of both targets on the tumor. A safety CAR (sCAR) comprises extracellular scFy fused to an intracellular inhibitory domain. sCAR T cells co-expressing a standard CAR become activated only when encountering target cells that possess the standard CAR target but lack the sCAR target.
[0233] The antigen recognition domain of the disclosed CAR can be an scFv or antibody fragment. There are, however, many alternatives. An antigen recognition domain from native T-cell receptor (TCR) alpha and beta single chains have been described, as have simple ectodomains (e.g., CD4 ectodomain to recognize HIV infected cells) and more exotic recognition components such as a linked cytokine (which leads to recognition of cells bearing the cytokine receptor) . In fact, almost anything that binds a given target with high affinity can be used as an antigen recognition region. The endodomain is the business end of the CAR that after antigen recognition transmits a signal to the immune effector cell, activating at least one of the normal effector functions of the immune effector cell. Effector function of a T cell, for example, can be cytolytic activity or helper activity including the secretion of cytokines. Therefore, the endodomain can comprise the intracellular signaling domain of a TCR and optional co-receptors. While usually the entire intracellular signaling domain can be employed, in many cases it is not necessary to use the entire chain. To the extent that a truncated portion of the intracellular signaling domain is used, such truncated portion can be used in place of the intact chain as long as it transduces the effector function signal.
[0234] First-generation CARs typically had the intracellular domain from the T cell activation signaling domain (e.g., CD3 Zeta) , which is the primary transmitter of signals from endogenous TCRs. Second-generation CARs add intracellular signaling domains from various costimulatory protein receptors (e.g., CD27, CD28, 4-1 BB, ICOS) to the endodomain of the CAR to provide additional signals to the T cell. Preclinical studies have indicated that the second generation of CAR designs improves the antitumor activity of T cells. More recent, third-generation CARs combine multiple signaling domains to further augment potency. T cells grafted with these CARs have demonstrated improved expansion, activation, persistence, and tumor-eradicating efficiency independent of costimulatory receptor / ligand interaction.
[0235] For example, the endodomain of the CAR can be designed to comprise the T cell activation signaling domain (e.g., CD3 Zeta) signaling domain by itself or combined with any other desired cytoplasmic domain (s) useful in the context of the CAR. For example, the cytoplasmic domain of the CAR can comprise a T cell activation signaling domain (e.g., CD3 Zeta) portion and a costimulatory signaling region. The costimulatory signaling region refers to a portion of the CAR comprising the intracellular domain of a costimulatory molecule. A costimulatory molecule is a cell surface molecule other than an antigen receptor or their ligands that is required for an efficient response of lymphocytes to an antigen. Examples of such molecules include CD27, CD28, 4-1 BB (CD137) , OX40, CD30, CD40, ICOS, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) , CD2, CD7, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, and a ligand that specifically binds with CD83, CD8, CD4, b2c, CD80, CD86, DAP10, DAP12, MyD88, BTNL3, and NKG2D. Thus, while the CAR is exemplified primarily with CD28 as the co-stimulatory signaling element, other costimulatory elements can be used alone or in combination with other co-stimulatory signaling elements. In some embodiments, the engineered cells provided herein comprise the CD300A FPs described herein, and further comprise at least one chimeric receptor comprising an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular signal transduction domain, wherein the extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor comprises a domain that binds to a target antigen on a pathological cell.
[0236] In some embodiments, the pathological cell is a malignant cell or an infected cell. The pathological cell can be a solid tumor cell. In some embodiments, the solid tumor is selected from: esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, gastroesophageal junction tumor, liver cancer, biliary tract tumor, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, laryngeal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, head and neck cancer, glioma, thyroid cancer, renal cancer, bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, melanoma, and sarcoma. The pathological cell can be a hematological cancer cell. In some embodiments, the hematological cancer is selected from: leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. The pathological cell can also be a pathological cell of an autoimmune disease. In some embodiments, the autoimmune disease is selected from: myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune liver disease, type 1 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) , rheumatoid arthritis (RA) , ankylosing spondylitis (AS) , Sjogren's syndrome (SS) , polymyositis / dermatomyositis, neuromyelitis pedigree disorder, scleroderma, immune nephritis, arthritis, autoimmune induced fibrosis, pemphigus vulgaris, colitis, type I diabetes, graft-versus-host disease, atherosclerosis or mucosal dominance. The pathological cell can be an infected cell. In some embodiments, the target antigen is a pathogen. In some embodiments, the target antigen is selected from an antigen of viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, or parasites. In some embodiments, the target antigen is a viral antigen. The viral antigen could be selected from: cytomegalovirus antigen, Epstein Barr virus antigen, human immunodeficiency virus antigen, or influenza virus antigen.
[0237] In some embodiments, the target antigen is chosen from thyroid stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) ; CD171; CS-1; C-type lectin like molecule-1; ganglioside GD3; Tn antigen; CD19; CD20; CD22; CD30; CD70; CD123; CD138; CD33; CD44; CD44v7 / 8; CD38; CD44v6; B7H3 (CD276) , B7H6; KIT (CD117) ; interleukin-13 receptor subunit α (IL-13Rα) ; interleukin-11 receptor α (IL-11Rα) ; prostate stem cell antigen (PSCA) ; prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) ; carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) ; NY-ESO-1; HIV-1 Gag; MART-1; gp100; tyrosinase; mesothelin; EpCAM; protease serine 21 (PRSS21) ; vascular endothelial growth factor receptor, vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) ; Lewis (Y) antigen; CD24; platelet derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFR -β) ; stage specific embryonic antigen-4 (SSEA-4) ; mucin-1 associated with cell surface (MUC1) , MUC6; epidermal growth factor receptor family and a mutant thereof (EGFR, EGFR2, ERBB3, ERBB4, EGFRvIII) ; neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) ; carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) ; LMP2; ephrin type A receptor 2 (EphA2) ; fucosyl GM1; salivary Lewis adhesion molecule (sLe) ; ganglioside GM3; TGS5; high molecular weight melanoma associated antigen (HMWMAA) ; O-acetyl GD2 ganglioside (OAcGD2) ; folate receptor; tumor vascular endothelial marker-1 (TEM1 / CD248) ; tumor vascular endothelial marker-7 related (TEM7R) ; Claudin 6, Claudin 18.2, Claudin 18.1; ASGPR1; CDH16; 5T4; 8H9; αvβ6 integrin; B cell mature antigen (BCMA) ; CA9; kappa light chain; CSPG4; EGP2, EGP40; FAP; FAR; FBP; embryonic AchR; HLA-A1, HLA-A2; MAGEA1, MAGE3; KDR; MCSP; NKG2DL; PSC1; ROR1; Sp17; SURVIVIN; TAG72; TEM1; fibronectin; tendon protein; carcinoembryonic variants in the necrotic area of tumors; G protein coupled receptor C group 5-member D (GPRC5D) ; X chromosome open reading frame 61 (CXORF61) ; CD97; CD179a; anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) ; polyasialic acid; placental specificity-1 (PLAC1) ; the hexose portion of globoH glycoceramide (GloboH) ; breast cancer differentiation antigen (NY-BR-1) ; uroplakin 2 (UPK2) ; hepatitis A virus cell receptor-1 (HAVCR1) ; Adrenergic receptor β3 (ADRB3) ; pannexin 3 (PANX3) ; G protein coupled receptor 20 (GPR20) ; lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus K9 (LY6K) ; olfactory receptor 51E2 (OR51E2) ; TCRγ alternating reading frame protein (TARP) ; Wilms tumor protein (WT1) ; ETS translocation variant gene 6 (ETV6-AML) ; sperm protein 17 (SPA17) ; X antigen family member 1A (XAGE1) ; angiotensin binding cell surface receptor 2 (Tie2) ; melanoma cancer testis antigen-1 (MAD-CT-1) ; melanoma cancer testis antigen-2 (MAD-CT-2) ; Fos related antigen 1; P53 mutant; human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) ; tumor translocation breakpoint; melanoma inhibitor of apoptosis (ML-IAP) ; ERG (transmembrane protease serine-2 (TMPRSS2) ETS fusion gene) ; N-acetylglucosamine transferase V (NA17) ; pairing box protein pax-3 (PAX3) ; androgen receptor; cyclin B1; v-myc avian myelocytomatosis viral oncogene neurobastoma derived homolog (MYCN) ; Ras homolog family member C (RhoC) ; cytochrome P450 1B1 (CYP1B1) ; CCCTC binding factor (zinc finger protein) like (BORIS) ; squamous cell carcinoma antigen 3 (SART3) recognized by T cells; pairing box protein Pax-5 (PAX5) ; proacrosin binding protein sp32 (OYTES1) ; lymphocyte specific protein tyrosine kinase (LCK) ; A-kinase anchoring protein 4 (AKAP-4) ; synovial sarcoma X breakpoint-2 (SSX2) ; CD79a; CD79b; CD72; leukocyte associated immunoglobulin like receptor 1 (LAIR1) ; Fc fragment of IgA receptor (FCAR) ; member 2 of the leukocyte immunoglobulin like receptor subfamily (LILRA2) ; CD300 molecule-like family member f (CD300LF) ; C-type lectin domain family 12 member A (CLEC12A) ; bone marrow stromal cell antigen-2 (BST2) ; EGF like module containing mucin like hormone receptor-2 (EMR2) ; lymphocyte antigen 75 (LY75) ; phosphatidylinositol proteoglycan-3 (GPC3) ; Fc receptor like-5 (FCRL5) ; immunoglobulin λ like peptide-1 (IGLL1) . In some embodiments, the tumor antigen is chosen from: CD7, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD38, CD123, BCMA, GPRC5D, B7H3, GPC3, Claudin 6, Claudin 18.2, FAP, Mesothelin, NKG2DL, NKG2A, CD94, FCRH5, EGFR, mutant EGFR, ASGPR1, IL13RA2, WT1, CLL1 or a combination thereof.
[0238] In some embodiments, the engineered cells provided herein comprise a CD300A FPs described herein, and at least one chimeric receptor comprising an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular signal transduction domain, wherein the extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor comprises a domain that binds to a target antigen. In some embodiments, the target antigen is BCMA. In some embodiments, the target antigen is CD19. In some embodiments, the target antigen is CD20. In some embodiments, the target antigen is mesothelin. In some embodiments, the target antigen is CD38. In some embodiments, the target antigen is GPRC5D. In some embodiments, the target antigen is GPC3. In some embodiments, the target antigen is Claudin 18.2. In some embodiments, the target antigen is CLL1. In some embodiments, the target antigen is CD7. In some embodiments, the target antigen is CD22. In some embodiments, the target antigen is B7H3. In some embodiments, the target antigen is Claudin 6. In some embodiments, the target antigen is FAP. In some embodiments, the target antigen is NKG2DL. In some embodiments, the target antigen is NKG2A. In some embodiments, the target antigen is CD94. In some embodiments, the target antigen is FCRH5. In some embodiments, the target antigen is EGFR or mutant EGFR. In some embodiments, the target antigen is ASGPR1. In some embodiments, the target antigen is IL13RA2. In some embodiments, the target antigen is WT1. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain of the chimeric antigens can comprise binding domains for two, three, or more target antigens. For illustrative purposes, in some embodiments, the chimeric antigens can comprise binding domains for both CD19 and CD20. In some embodiments, the chimeric antigens can comprise binding domains for CD19 and BCMA. In some embodiments, the chimeric antigens can comprise binding domains for GPC3 and CD38. In some embodiments, the chimeric antigens can comprise binding domains for BCMA and CD38. In some embodiments, the chimeric antigens can comprise binding domains for CD19 and CD38. In some embodiments, the chimeric antigens can comprise binding domains for GPRC5D and CD38. In some embodiments, the chimeric antigens can comprise binding domains for GPC3 and CD38. In some embodiments, the chimeric antigens can comprise binding domains for Claudin 18.2 and CD38. In some embodiments, the chimeric antigens can comprise binding domains for BCMA and GPRC5D.
[0239] In some embodiments, the engineered cells provided herein comprise the CD300A FPs described herein, and further comprise at least one chimeric receptor comprising an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular signal transduction domain, wherein the extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor comprises a domain that binds to at least one immune cell marker that is not CD300A. The immune cell (e.g., NK cell) marker can be any marker described herein or otherwise known in the art. In some embodiments, the immune cell marker is a T cell marker. In some embodiments, the immune cell marker is an NK cell marker. In some embodiments, CD300A FPs provided herein comprise an extracellular domain having a CD300A binding domain and a domain that binds an NK cell marker that is not CD300A.
[0240] In some embodiments, the immune cell marker is an NKIR. Provided herein are engineered cells comprising a CD300A FP described herein, and at least one chimeric receptor comprising an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular signal transduction domain, wherein the extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor comprises a NKIR binding domain. Exemplary NKIRs include: NKG2 / CD94 components, KIR family members, LIR family members, SIGLEC family members, Ly49 family members, NKR-P1 family members, KLRG1, LAIR1, immune checkpoint receptors, and immune checkpoint inhibitors. NKIRs include HLA specific and non-HLA specific inhibitory receptors. NKG2 / CD94 receptor NKIRs include, for example, NKG2A, NKG2C, and CD94. Exemplary KIR family NKIRs include KIR2DL1, KIR2DL2 / 3, KIR2DL5A, KIR2DL5B, KIR3DL1, KIR3DL2, and KIR3DL3. Exemplary LIR family NKIRs include LIR1, LIR2, LIR3, LIR5, and LIR8. Exemplary SIGLEC family NKIRs include SIGLEC7 and SIGLEC9. Exemplary Ly49 family NKIRs include Ly49A, Ly49C, Ly49F, Ly49G (e.g., Ly49G1, Ly49G4) , and Ly49Q. Exemplary NKR-P1 family NKIRs include NKR-P1B and NKR-P1D. Exemplary immune checkpoint receptor NKIRs include: PD-1, PDL-1, TIM-3, TIGIT, LAG-3, CTLA-4, 2B4, 4-1BB, 4-1BBL, A2aR, BATE, BTLA, CD39, CD47, CD73, CD94, CD96, CD160, CD200, CD200R, CD274, CEACAM1, CSF-1R, Foxpl, GARP, HVEM, IDO, EDO, TDO, LAIR-1, MICA / B, NR4A2, MAFB, OCT-2, RARa (retinoic acid receptor α) , TLR3, VISTA, NKG2A / HLA-E, CEACAM1, and inhibitory KIR. In some embodiments, the NKIR can be PD-1, TIGIT, CD96, TIM3, or LAG3.
[0241] In some embodiments, the immune cell marker is an NKAR. Provided herein are engineered cells comprising a CD300A FP described herein, and at least one chimeric receptor comprising an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular signal transduction domain, wherein the extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor comprises a NKAR binding domain. Exemplary NKARs include: NKG2 family members, NCR family members, KIR family members, and co-receptors. NKG2 family NKARs include, for example, NKG2D, NKG2C, NKG2E, NKG2F, and NKG2H; NCR family NKARs include, for example, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, and NKp80; KIR family NKARs include, for example, KIR2DS1, KIR2DS2, KIR2DS3, KIR2DS4, KIR2DS5, and KIR3DS1; and co-receptors NKARs include, for example, 2B4 (CD244) , DNAM-1 (CD226) , CD2, and LFA-1 (CD11a / CD18) .
[0242] In some embodiments, the immune cell (e.g., NK cell) marker is selected from: CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD7, CD8, CD16a, CD16b, CD25, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD38, CD45, CD48, CD50, CD52, CD56, CD57, CD62L, CD69, CD94, CD100, CD102, CD122, CD127, CD132, CD137, CD138, CD160, CD161, CD178, CD218, CD226, CD244, CD159a (NKG2A) , CD159c (NKG2C) , FasL, NKG2E, CD279, CD314 (NKG2D) , NKG2DL, CD305, CD335 (NKp46) , CD337, CD319 (CS1) , TCRα, TCRβ, TIGIT, TRAIL, SLAMF7, NKG2F, NKG2H, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, NKp80, a SLAM family member, L-selectin, natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR) 1, NCR2, NCR3, and combinations thereof.
[0243] In some embodiments, provided herein are engineered cells comprising a CD300A FP described herein, and at least one chimeric receptor targeting an immune cell marker. In some embodiments, the immune cell marker is NKG2A. In some embodiments, the immune cell marker is NKG2DL. In some embodiments, the immune cell marker is FasL. In some embodiments, the immune cell marker is NKp80. In some embodiments, the immune cell marker is TIGIT. In some embodiments, the immune cell marker is CS1.
[0244] In some embodiments, provided herein are engineered cells comprising a CD300A FP described herein, and at least one chimeric receptor targeting both a target antigen on a pathological cell and an immune cell marker (e.g., NK cell) distinct from CD300A. The target antigen on a pathological cell and the immune cell marker (e.g., NK cell) distinct from CD300A can be any target antigen and immune cell marker disclosed herein or otherwise known in the art. The pathological cell can be any pathological cell disclosed herein or otherwise known in the art.
[0245] Chimeric receptors provided herein can further comprise a leader or a signal peptide that directs the nascent protein into the endoplasmic reticulum and subsequent translocation to the cell surface. Any suitable signal peptide, as are well known in the art, can be applied to a fusion protein to provide cell surface expression in an immune cell (see Gierasch, Biochem. 28: 923-930 (1989) ; von Heijne, J. Mol. Biol. 184 (1) : 99–105 (1985) ) . Commonly used signal peptides include, for example, CD8 signal peptide, IgG κ chain signal peptide, GMCSFRα signal peptide, CD33 signal peptide, TNFα signal peptide, PD-L1 signal peptide, and IL2R signal peptide. In some embodiments, chimeric receptors provided herein comprise a CD8 signal peptide. In some embodiments, the CD8 signal peptide has an amnio acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 5. In some embodiments, chimeric receptors provided herein comprise a GMCSFRαsignal peptide. In some embodiments, the GMCSFRα signal peptide has an amnio acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 34.7.3.1 Extracellular Domain
[0246] Provided herein are also engineered cells comprising a CD300A FP described herein and a chimeric receptor comprising an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular signal transduction domain. The extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor can comprise a domain that binds to a target antigen on a pathological cell or an NK cell marker that is not CD300A.
[0247] In some embodiments, the binding domain of the chimeric receptor provided herein can comprise a ligand or binding partner for the target antigen. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor targets a receptor, such as a NKIR or NKAR, and the binding domain of the chimeric receptor can be a ligand for the receptor, or a fragment or variant thereof. In some embodiments, the binding domain can comprise a natural ligand for the receptor. In some embodiments, the binding domain can comprise an extracellular domain of the natural ligand. In some embodiments, the binding domain can comprise a synthetic ligand for the receptor. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor targets a ligand, and the binding domain of the chimeric receptor can be a receptor for the ligand, or a fragment or variant thereof. In some embodiments, the binding domain can comprise a natural receptor for the ligand. In some embodiments, the binding domain can comprise an extracellular domain of the natural receptor. In some embodiments, the binding domain can comprise a synthetic receptor for the ligand. For example, in some embodiments, the chimeric receptor targets the NKG2DL, and the binding domain can comprise NKG2D, or an extracellular domain thereof.
[0248] In some embodiments, the extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor that binds to a target antigen on a pathological cell or an immune cell marker can comprise or be an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof. The antibody or an antigen-binding fragment can be in any form described herein (such as those disclosed in Section 7.2.1) or otherwise known in the art. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor comprises a full antibody, such as an IgG antibody (e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, or IgG4) . In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor comprises an antigen-binding fragment, such as an scFv, a single-domain antibody, a Fab fragment, a Fab' fragment, an Fv fragment, a F (ab') 2 fragment, an Fd fragment, an sdAb, a multifunctional antibody, a DDPP antibody, an scFv-Fc antibody. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor comprises an scFv. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor comprises a DDPP antibody. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor comprises a chimeric antibody or antigen-binding fragment. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor comprises a humanized antibody or antigen-binding fragment. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor comprises a human antibody or antigen-binding fragment.
[0249] Any antibody described herein or otherwise known in the art for the target antigen on a pathological cell (e.g., tumor marker) or for the immune cell marker (e.g., NK cell marker) can be used as part of extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor described herein. Some are exemplified below.
[0250] In some embodiments, the engineered cells provided herein comprise a CD300A FP described herein, and further comprise at least one chimeric receptor comprising an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular signal transduction domain, wherein the extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor binds to a target antigen. The target antigen can be of a pathological cell (e.g., a tumor antigen) or an immune cell marker (e.g., a NK cell marker) . In some embodiments, the target antigen is CD19. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain comprises an anti-CD19 scFv. In some embodiments, the anti-CD19 scFv has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 78. In some embodiments, the anti-CD19 scFv has an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 78. In some embodiments, the target antigen is CD20. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain comprises an anti-CD20 scFv. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 scFv has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 79. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 scFv has an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 79. In some embodiments, the target antigen is BCMA. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain comprises an anti-BCMA scFv. In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA scFv has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 80. In some embodiments, the anti-BCMA scFv has an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 80. In some embodiments, the target antigen is GPRC5D. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain comprises an anti-GPRC5D scFv. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D scFv has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 81. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D scFv has an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81. In some embodiments, the target antigen is CD38. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain comprises an anti-CD38 scFv. In some embodiments, the anti-CD38 scFv has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 82. In some embodiments, the anti-CD38 scFv has an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 82. In some embodiments, the target antigen is Claudin18.2. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain comprises an anti-Claudin18.2 scFv. In some embodiments, the anti-Claudin18.2 scFv has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 83. In some embodiments, the anti-Claudin18.2 scFv has an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 83. In some embodiments, the target antigen is FasL. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain comprises an anti-FasL scFv. In some embodiments, the anti-FasL scFv has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 84. In some embodiments, the anti-FasL scFv has an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 84. In some embodiments, the target antigen is NKG2A. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain comprises an anti-NKG2A scFv. In some embodiments, the anti-NKG2A scFv has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 85, 120, 121, 122, 123, or 124. In some embodiments, the anti-NKG2A scFv has an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 85, 120, 121, 122, 123, or 124. In some embodiments, the target antigen is NKp80. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain comprises an anti-NKp80 scFv. In some embodiments, the anti-NKp80 scFv has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 86. In some embodiments, the anti-NKp80 scFv has an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 86. In some embodiments, the target antigen is NKG2DL. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain comprises NKG2D. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain comprises the extracellular domain of NKG2D. In some embodiments, the NKG2D has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 87. In some embodiments, NKG2D has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 87. In some embodiments, the target antigen is GPC3. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain comprises an anti-GPC3 scFv. In some embodiments, the anti-GPC3 scFv has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 104. In some embodiments, the anti-GPC3 scFv has an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 104. In some embodiments, the target antigen is CLL1. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain comprises an anti-CLL1 scFv. In some embodiments, the anti-CLL1 scFv has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 106. In some embodiments, the anti-CLL1 scFv has an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 106. In some embodiments, the target antigen is CD7. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain comprises an anti-CD7 scFv. In some embodiments, the anti-CD7 scFv has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 105. In some embodiments, the anti-CD7 scFv has an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 105. In some embodiments, the target antigen is CD123. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain comprises an anti-CD123 scFv. In some embodiments, the anti-CD123 scFv has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to amino acids 1 to 241 of SEQ ID NO: 125. In some embodiments, the anti-CD123 scFv has amino acids 1 to 241 of SEQ ID NO: 125.
[0251] In some embodiments, the extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor binds to two target antigens (e.g., a first target antigen and a second target antigen) . In some embodiments, the two target antigens are two target antigens on a pathological cell, such as any described herein. In some embodiments, the two target antigens are two NK cell markers that are not CD300A, such as any described herein. In some embodiments, the two target antigens are one target antigen on a pathological cell and one NK cell marker that is not CD300A, such as those described herein.
[0252] In some embodiments, the extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor comprises a first VL / VH pair that binds to the first target antigen ( “VL1 and VH1” ) and a second VL / VH pair that binds to the second target antigen ( “VL2 and VH2” ) . Different variable regions are connected by linker peptide chains. In some embodiments, the linker peptide chain is a GS linker peptide chain, such as such as GGGGS (SEQ ID NO: 93) , (GGGGS) 3 (SEQ ID NO: 94) ) , or (GGGGS) 4 (SEQ ID NO: 95) .
[0253] The two antibodies and antigen-binding fragments can be arranged in tandem configuration or loop configuration. In tandem configuration, the two VH / VL pairs are arranged in linear and sequential fashion, typically joined by flexible peptide linker. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor provided herein comprises, from N terminus to C terminus, VL1, VH1, VL2, and VH2. The extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VH1, VL1, VH2, and VL2. The extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VL1, VH1, VH2, and VL2. The extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VH1, VL1, VL2, and VH2. The extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VL2, VH2, VL1, and VH1. The extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VH2, VL2, VH1, and VL1. The extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VL2, VH2, VH1, and VL1. The extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VH2, VL2, VL1, and VH1. In loop configuration, the two VH / VL pairs are intertwined in a palindromic pattern. The extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VL1, VH2, VL2, and VH1. The extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VL1, VL2, VH2, and VH1. The extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VH1, VL2, VH2, and VL1. The extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VH1, VH2, VL2, and VL1. The extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VL2, VH1, VL1, and VH2. The extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VL2, VL1, VH1, and VH2. The extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VH2, VL1, VH1, and VL2. The extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor provided herein can comprise, from N terminus to C terminus, VH2, VH1, VL1, and VL2.
[0254] In some embodiments, the one or two targets on a pathological cell are independently selected from: CD7, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD38, CD123, BCMA, GPRC5D, B7H3, GPC3, Claudin 6, Claudin 18.2, FAP, Mesothelin, NKG2DL, NKG2A, CD94, FCRH5, EGFR, mutant EGFR, ASGPR1, IL13RA2, WT1, and CLL1. In some embodiments, the one or two NK cell markers are independently selected from CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD7, CD8, CD16a, CD16b, CD25, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD38, CD45, CD48, CD50, CD52, CD56, CD57, CD62L, CD69, CD94, CD100, CD102, CD122, CD127, CD132, CD137, CD138, CD160, CD161, CD178, CD218, CD226, CD244, CD159a (NKG2A) , CD159c (NKG2C) , FasL, NKG2E, CD279, CD314 (NKG2D) , NKG2DL, CS1, CD305, CD335 (NKp46) , CD337, CD319 (CS1) , TCRα, TCRβ, TIGIT, TRAIL, SLAMF7, NKG2F, NKG2H, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, NKp80, a SLAM family member, L-selectin, natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR) 1, NCR2, and NCR3.
[0255] For illustrative purposes, in some embodiments, engineered cells provided herein comprise a CD300A fusion and a chimeric receptor having an extracellular domain targeting two proteins. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain binds to CD19 and CD20. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain binds to CD19 and BCMA. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain binds to BCMA and GPRC5D. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain binds to BCMA and NKG2A. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain binds to GPRC5D and NKG2A. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain binds to CD19 and CD22. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain binds to CD19 and NKG2A. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain binds to CD38 and NKG2A. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain binds to CD19 and NKp80. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain binds to BCMA and NKp80. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain binds to GPRC5D and NKp80. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain binds to GPC3 and NKp80. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain binds to Claudin18.2 and NKp80. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain binds to BCMA and CD38. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain binds to GPRC5D and CD38. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain binds to GPC3 and NKG2A. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain binds to GPC3 and CD38. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain binds to Claudin18.2 and NKG2A. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain binds to Claudin18.2 and CD38.
[0256] In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor comprises an extracellular domain that binds to CD19 and CD20. The extracellular domain can have an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 88. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain can have an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 88. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor binds to BCMA and GPRC5D and has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 89. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor binds to BCMA and GPRC5D and has an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 89. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor binds to BCMA and NKG2A and has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 90. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor binds to BCMA and NKG2A and has an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 90. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor binds to GPRC5D and NKG2A and has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 103. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor binds to GPRC5D and NKG2A and has an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 103.
[0257] The binding of the extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor can be confirmed by any methods known in the art, for example, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) , FACS analysis, or Western Blot assay.7.3.2 Transmembrane Domain and Intracellular Signal Transduction Domain
[0258] The chimeric receptors provided herein comprise an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular signal transduction domain. The intracellular signal transduction domain can comprise a primary signaling domain, a co-stimulatory signaling domain, or both a primary signaling domain and a co-stimulatory signaling domain.
[0259] The chimeric receptor can comprise any transmembrane domain disclosed herein (such as those disclosed in Section 7.2.2) or otherwise known in the art, to the extent that it can facilitate stable integration into the cell membrane, support proper receptor function, and enable effective signal transduction for activating the immune effector cell in response to target antigen recognition. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor comprises a CD28 transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 6 or 29) . In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor comprises a CD8 transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 4) . Optionally, the extracellular domain and the transmembrane domain can be linked by a spacer, such as a hinge region. The hinge region can comprise any hinge region disclosed herein (such as those disclosed in Section 7.2.3) or otherwise known in the art, to the extent that it provides sufficient flexibility and spatial separation between the extracellular antigen-binding domain and the transmembrane domains, ensuring optimal receptor function, stability, and the ability to mediate effective immune cell activation. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor comprises a CD8 hinge region (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 9 or 44) . In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor comprises an IgG4 hinge region (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 14, 97 or 98) . In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor comprises a peptide linker as the hinge region (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 37, 93, 94, or 95) .
[0260] The chimeric receptor can comprise any intracellular signal transduction domain disclosed herein (such as those disclosed in Section 7.2.4) or otherwise known in the art, to the extent that it is capable of initiating and propagating a sufficient activation signal within the engineered immune effector cell, thereby triggering appropriate downstream immune responses, including cytokine release, cytotoxicity, and proliferation, in response to target antigen recognition. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor comprises a CD28 intracellular signal transduction domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 7) and a CD3ζ intracellular signal transduction domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 10 or 36) . In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor comprises a CD137 intracellular signal transduction domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 8) and a CD3ζ intracellular signal transduction domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 10 or 36) . In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor comprises a CD28 intracellular signal transduction domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 7) , a CD137 intracellular signal transduction domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 8) and a CD3ζ intracellular signal transduction domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 10 or 36) .
[0261] In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor described herein comprises a CD8 hinge region (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 9 or 44) , a CD28 transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 6 or 29) , an intracellular signal transduction domain of CD28 (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 7) , and an intracellular signal transduction domain of CD3ζ (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 10 or 36) . In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor described herein comprises a IgG4 hinge region (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 14, 97 or 98) , a CD28 transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 6 or 29) , an intracellular signal transduction domain of CD28 (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 7) , and an intracellular signal transduction domain of CD3ζ (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 10 or 36) . In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor described herein comprises a IgG4 hinge region (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 14, 97 or 98) , a CD28 transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 6 or 29) , an intracellular signal transduction domain of CD137 (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 8) , and an intracellular signal transduction domain of CD3ζ (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 10 or 36) . In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor described herein comprises a CD8 hinge region (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 9 or 44) , a CD8 transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 4) , an intracellular signal transduction domain of CD137 (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 8) , and an intracellular signal transduction domain of CD3ζ (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 10 or 36) .
[0262] In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor comprises, an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain (TM) , and an intracellular signal transduction domain (ICD) . In some embodiments, the combination of the transmembrane domain and the intracellular signal transduction domain ( “TM-ICD” ) has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 96, or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%identical to SEQ ID NO: 96. In some embodiments, the TM-ICD has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 99, or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%identical to SEQ ID NO: 99.7.3.3 Exemplary Chimeric Receptors
[0263] Provided herein are non-limiting exemplary chimeric receptors targeting either a tumor antigen or an NK cell marker. Engineered cells can express one or more of the chimeric receptors together with CD300A FP disclosed herein.
[0264] Table 2: Exemplary Components of Chimeric Receptors
[0265] Chimeric receptors disclosed herein can comprise any extracellular domain, hinge region, transmembrane domain, and intracellular signal transduction domain disclosed herein, such as those listed in Table 2 above. All combinations and permutations of these components of the chimeric receptors are expressly contemplated herein.
[0266] In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor provided herein is FasL-CAR, which has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27, or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%identical to SEQ ID NO: 27. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor provided herein is NKG2A-CAR, which has the an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28, 120, 121, 122, 123, or 124, or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%identical to SEQ ID NO: 28, 120, 121, 122, 123 or 124. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor provided herein is BCMA-CAR, which has the an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 32, or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%identical to SEQ ID NO: 32. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor provided herein is GPRC5D-CAR, which has the an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 33, or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%identical to SEQ ID NO: 33. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor provided herein is CD38-CAR, which has the an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 39 or 45, or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%identical to SEQ ID NO: 39 or 45. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor provided herein is CD19-CAR, which has the an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 49, or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%identical to SEQ ID NO: 49. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor provided herein is NKp80-CAR, which has the an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 72, or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%identical to SEQ ID NO: 72. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor provided herein is NKG2DL-CAR, which has the an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73, or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%identical to SEQ ID NO: 73. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor provided herein is Claudin18.2-CAR, which has the an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 76, or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%identical to SEQ ID NO: 76. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor provided herein is CLL1-CAR, which has the an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 108, or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%identical to SEQ ID NO: 108. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor provided herein is CD19-CD20-CAR, which has the an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30, or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%identical to SEQ ID NO: 30. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor provided herein is BCMA-GPRC5D-CAR, which has the an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 31, or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%identical to SEQ ID NO: 31. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor provided herein is BCMA-NKG2A-CAR, which has the an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 40, or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%identical to SEQ ID NO: 40. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor provided herein is GPRC5D-NKG2A-CAR, which has the an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 107, or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%identical to SEQ ID NO: 107. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor provided herein is GPC3-CAR, which has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 139, or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%identical to SEQ ID NO: 139. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor can be substituted by a polypeptide targeting a NK cell marker or a target antigen on a pathological cell. For example, in some embodiments, provided herein is a NKG2D fusion protein that targets NKG2DL. In some embodiments, the NKG2D fusion protein has the an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 74, or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%identical to SEQ ID NO: 74. In some embodiments, the chimeric receptor provided herein is a CD123 synNotch receptor, which has an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 125, or an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%identical to SEQ ID NO: 125) .7.4 Nucleic Acids, Vectors, and Compositions Thereof
[0267] The present application also provides nucleic acids encoding the CD300A FPs disclosed herein. The present disclosure also provides nucleic acids encoding the chimeric receptors disclosed herein. In some embodiments, provided herein are plurality of nucleic acids having, for example, a first nucleic acid encoding a CD300A FP disclosed herein and a second nucleic acid encoding a chimeric receptor disclosed herein (e.g., a NK-targeting CAR) .
[0268] The nucleic acids of the disclosure can be in the form of RNA or in the form of DNA. DNA can be cDNA, genomic DNA, or synthetic DNA, and can be double-stranded or single-stranded. Single stranded DNA can be the coding strand or non-coding (anti-sense) strand. The nucleic acids of the disclosure can be mRNA.
[0269] In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids encoding CD300A FPs comprising, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, an extracellular domain and a transmembrane domain, wherein the extracellular domain comprises a CD300A binding domain. In some embodiments, CD300A FPs can further comprise an intracellular signal transduction domain. The intracellular signal transduction domain can comprise a primary signaling domain, a co-stimulatory signaling domain, or both a primary signaling domain and a co-stimulatory domain. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain of the CD300A FP can further comprise a binding domain for a target antigen on a pathological cell or for an NK cell marker.
[0270] In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a CD300A FP having, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, (1) an extracellular domain comprising anti-CD300A antibody (VH / VL chosen from SEQ ID NOs: 2 and 1, or VH / VL chosen from SEQ ID NOs: 58 and 59) , (2) a CD8 hinge region (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 9 or 44) , an IgG4 hinge region (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 14, 97 or 98) , a PDGFRA hinge region (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 110 or 111) , PDGFRB hinge region (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 91, 92, or 113) , a mPDGFRA hinge region (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 112) , or mPDGFRB hinge region (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 114) , and (3) a PDGFRA transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 43, 66, or 77) , a PDGFRB transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 42 or 116) , a mPDGFRA transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 46 or 115) , a mPDGFRB transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 63 or 117) , or a CD300A transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 118) . In some embodiments, the fusion protein further comprises a cytoplasmic domain (e.g., an intracellular signaling domain) . In some embodiments, the fusion protein does not comprise a cytoplasmic domain (e.g., an intracellular signaling domain) .
[0271] In some embodiments, the CD300A FP has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18. In some embodiments, the nucleic acids have a nucleotide sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 17. In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a CD300A FP having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 61. In some embodiments, the nucleic acids have a nucleotide sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 60. In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a CD300A FP having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 62. In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a CD300A FP having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 64. In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a CD300A FP having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 126. In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a CD300A FP having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 127. In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a CD300A FP having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 128. In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a CD300A FP having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 129. In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a CD300A FP having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 130. In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a CD300A FP having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 131. In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a CD300A FP having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 132. In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a CD300A FP having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 133. In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a CD300A FP having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 134. In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a CD300A FP having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 135. In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a CD300A FP having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 138. In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a CD300A FP having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 140.
[0272] In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a CD300A FP having a CD300A binding domain, a transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic domain (e.g., an intracellular signal transduction domain) . In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a CD300A FP comprising, from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, (1) an extracellular domain comprising anti-CD300A antibody (e.g., having a VH / VL pair having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2 and 1, respectively or SEQ ID NOs: 58 and 59, respectively) ; (2) a CD8 hinge region (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 9 or 44) or IgG4 hinge region (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 14, 97 or 98) , (3) a CD8 transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 4) or a CD28 transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 6 or 29) , and (4) a CD28 intracellular signal transduction domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 7) , and / or a CD137 intracellular signal transduction domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 8) ; optionally, it further comprises (5) CD3ζ intracellular signal transduction domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 10 or 36) .
[0273] In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a CD300A FP having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16. In some embodiments, the nucleic acids have a nucleotide sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 15. In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a CD300A FP having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21. In some embodiments, the nucleic acids have a nucleotide sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 20. In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a CD300A FP having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 136. In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a CD300A FP having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 137.
[0274] In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids encoding chimeric receptors comprising an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular signal transduction domain. The intracellular signal transduction domain can comprise a primary signaling domain, a co-stimulatory signaling domain, or both a primary signaling domain and a co-stimulatory domain, or both a primary signaling domain and two co-stimulatory domains. In some embodiments, the extracellular domain of the chimeric receptor can further comprise a binding domain for a target antigen on a pathological cell or for an NK cell marker.
[0275] In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a chimeric receptor having an extracellular domain that binds to a target antigen, a transmembrane domain and an intracellular domain. The transmembrane domain can be a CD8 transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 4) or a CD28 transmembrane domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 6 or 29) . The intracellular domain can comprise both a CD3ζ intracellular signal transduction domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 10 or 36) . The intracellular domain can comprise both a CD3ζ intracellular signal transduction domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 10 or 36) and a CD28 intracellular signal transduction domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 7) . The intracellular domain can comprise both a CD3ζ intracellular signal transduction domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 10 or 36) and a CD137 (4-1BB) intracellular signal transduction domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 8) . The intracellular signal transduction domain can comprise a CD3ζ intracellular signal transduction domain (SEQ ID NO: 10 or 36) , a CD28 intracellular signal transduction domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 7) and a CD137 (4-1BB) intracellular signal transduction domain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 8) . The chimeric receptor can further have a hinge region, such as an IgG4 hinge region (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 14, 97 or 98) , or a CD8 hinge region (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 9 or 44) .
[0276] In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a chimeric receptor provided in Table 2. In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a NKG2A CAR (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 28, 120, 121, 122, 123, or 124) . In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a CD38 CAR (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 45 or 39) . In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a FasL CAR (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 27) . In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a NKp80 CAR (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 72) . In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a NKG2DL CAR (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 73) . In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a NKG2D fusion protein (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 74) . In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a BCMA-NKG2A CAR (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 40) . In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a CD19-CD20 CAR (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 30) . In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a CD19 CAR (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 49) . In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a BCMA-GPRC5D CAR (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 31) . In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a BCMA CAR (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 32) . In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a GPRC5D CAR (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 33) . In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a Claudin18.2 CAR (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 76) . In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a GPRC5D-NKG2A CAR (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 107) . In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a CLL1 CAR (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 108) . In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a GPC3 CAR (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 139) . In some embodiments, provided herein are nucleic acids that encode a CD123 synNotch receptor (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 125) .
[0277] As disclosed herein, co-expression of CD300A FP together with an NK-targeting chimeric receptor (e.g., an NK-targeting CAR) unexpectedly confers synergistic benefits on engineered cells. This dual mechanism leads to further improvement in the survival and proliferation of the engineered cells beyond what is observed when either the CD300A FPs or the NK-targeting chimeric receptor is expressed alone. Accordingly, also provided herein are plurality of nucleic acids having, for example, a first nucleic acid that encodes CD300A FP disclosed herein (e.g., any CD300A FP disclosed in Section 7.2) and a second nucleic acid encoding a chimeric receptor described herein (e.g., any chimeric receptor disclosed in Section 7.3) . Wit...
Claims
1.A nucleic acid encoding a fusion protein, comprising from the N-terminus to the C-terminus, an extracellular domain and a transmembrane domain, wherein the extracellular domain comprises a CD300A binding domain.2.The nucleic acid of claim 1, wherein the CD300A binding domain comprises a CD300A ligand or an extracellular fragment thereof; or an anti-CD300A antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof.3.The nucleic acid of claim 2, wherein the CD300A binding domain is an anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment that is a full antibody, an scFv, a single-domain antibody, a Fab fragment, a Fab' fragment, an Fv fragment, a F (ab') 2 fragment, an Fd fragment, an sdAb, a VHH, a multifunctional antibody, a DDPP antibody, an scFv-Fc antibody, or an IgG4 antibody;wherein optionally the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is an scFv.4.The nucleic acid of claim 3, wherein the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a hybridoma antibody, a chimeric antibody or antigen-binding fragment, a humanized antibody or antigen-binding fragment, or a fully human antibody or antigen-binding fragment;wherein optionally the antibody or antigen-binding fragment is a monoclonal antibody or antigen-binding fragment.5.The nucleic acid of claim 3 or 4, wherein the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL) , wherein:(1) the VH comprises a VH CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 54, a VH CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 55, a VH CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 56, and the VL comprises a VL CDR1 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 51, a VL CDR2 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52, and a VL CDR3 having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53;(2) the VH has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 2, and the VL has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 1; or(3) the VH has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 58, and the VL has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 59; orwherein the anti-CD300A antibody or antigen-binding fragment is an scFv having an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to (1) SEQ ID NO: 50, (2) SEQ ID NO:57 or (3) SEQ ID NO: 109.6.The nucleic acid of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the transmembrane domain comprises the transmembrane domain of CD2, CD3ε, CD3δ, CD3ζ, CD8, CD9, CD16, CD22, CD25, CD27, CD28, CD33, CD37, CD40, CD45, CD64, CD79A, CD79B, CD80, CD86, CD95 (Fas) , CD134 (OX40) , CD137 (4-1BB) , CD150 (SLAMF1) , CD152 (CTLA4) , CD154, CD200R, CD223 (LAG3) , CD270 (HVEM) , CD272 (BTLA) , CD273 (PD-L2) , CD274 (PD-L1) , CD278 (ICOS) , CD279 (PD-1) , CD300, CD357 (GITR) , A2aR, DAP10, FcRα, FcRβ, FcRγ, Fyn, GAL9, KIR, Lck, LAT, LRP, NKG2D, NOTCH1, NOTCH2, NOTCH3, NOTCH4, PTCH2, ROR2, Ryk, Slp76, SIRPα, pTα, TCRα, TCRβ, TIM3, TRIM, LPA5, PDGFR, ITGA, mCD8, HLA-B57, proCAR-4, KIR2DL1, or Zap70.7.The nucleic acid of claim 6, wherein the transmembrane domain comprises(1) CD28 transmembrane domain; wherein optionally the CD28 transmembrane domain has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 6 or 29;(2) CD8 transmembrane domain; wherein optionally the CD8 transmembrane domain has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 4;(3) PDGFR transmembrane domain;wherein optionally the PDGFR transmembrane domain is PDGFRA transmembrane domain or PDGFRB transmembrane domain;wherein optionally the PDGFR transmembrane domain is human PDGFRA transmembrane domain, mouse PDGFRA transmembrane domain, human PDGFRB transmembrane domain or mouse PDGFRB transmembrane domain; andwherein optionally the human PDGFRA transmembrane domain has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 43, 66, or 77; the mouse PDGFRA transmembrane domain has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 46 or 115; the human PDGFRB transmembrane domain has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 42 or 116; and the mouse PDGFRB transmembrane domain has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 63 or 117; or(4) CD300A transmembrane domain; wherein optionally the CD300A transmembrane domain has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 118.8.The nucleic acid of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the extracellular domain and the transmembrane domain are connected by a hinge region; wherein optionally the hinge region comprises:(1) CD8 hinge region; wherein optionally the CD8 hinge region has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 9 or 44;(2) IgG hinge region; wherein optionally the IgG hinge region is IgG4 hinge region; wherein optionally the IgG4 hinge region has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 14, 97 or 98;(3) PDGFR hinge region; wherein optionally the PDGFR hinge region is PDGFRA hinge region or PDGFRB hinge region; wherein optionally the PDGFR hinge region is human PDGFRA hinge region, mouse PDGFRA hinge region, human PDGFRB hinge region or mouse PDGFRB hinge region; and wherein optionally the human PDGFRA hinge region has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 110 or 111; the mouse PDGFRA hinge region has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 112; and the human PDGFRB hinge region has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 91, 92, or 113; and the mouse PDGFRB hinge region has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 114; or(4) a peptide linker; wherein optionally the peptide linker has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 37, 93, 94, or 95.9.The nucleic acid of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the fusion protein further comprises a hinge region between the extracellular domain and the transmembrane domain, wherein the hinge region and the transmembrane domain jointly have an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 3, 41, 47, 48, 65, 67, 68, 69, 70 or 71;wherein optionally the hinge and transmembrane domain jointly have an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 3 or 67.10.The nucleic acid of claim 1, wherein the fusion protein has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 18, 61, 62, 64, 126-135, 138, and 140; orwherein the nucleic acid has a nucleotide sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 17 or 60.11.The nucleic acid of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the fusion protein further comprises a cytoplasmic domain; wherein optionally the cytoplasmic domain comprises an intracellular signal transduction domain.12.The nucleic acid of claim 11, wherein the intracellular signal transduction domain comprises a co-stimulatory signaling domain;wherein optionally the co-stimulatory signaling domain comprises the intracellular signal transduction domain of CD137 (4-1BB) , CD28, CD27, TNFRSF9, TNFRSF4, TNFRSF8, TNFRSF14, TNFRSF18, CD40LG, ICOS, ITGB2, CD2, CD7, KLRC2, HAVCR1, LGALS9, CARD11, CD30, CD54, OX40, CD150, CD152, CD223, CD270, PD-L2, PD-L1, DAP10, LAT, NKD2C, SLP76, TRIM, FcεRIγ, MyD88, ICAM-1, LFA-1 (CD11a / CD18) , 41BBL, or CD83, or a combination thereof; andwherein optionally the co-stimulatory signaling domain comprises:(1) the intracellular signal transduction domain of CD137 (4-1BB) ; wherein optionally the intracellular signal transduction domain of CD137 (4-1BB) has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 8; or(2) the intracellular signal transduction domain of CD28; wherein optionally the intracellular signal transduction domain of CD28 has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 7.13.The nucleic acid of claim 11 or 12, wherein the intracellular signal transduction domain comprises a primary signaling domain;wherein optionally the primary signaling domain comprises the intracellular signal transduction domain from TCRα, TCRβ, TCRγ, TCRδ, FcRγ, FcRβ, CD3γ, CD3δ, CD3ε, CD3ζ, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b, CD278, or CD66d, or a combination thereof;wherein optionally the primary signaling domain comprises the intracellular signal transduction domain of CD3ζ; andwherein optionally the intracellular signal transduction domain of CD3ζ has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 10 or 36.14.The nucleic acid of claim 11, wherein the cytoplasmic domain comprises the cytoplasmic domain from CD8, CD80, mCD80, CD86, or HLA-B57, or a combination thereof;wherein optionally the cytoplasmic domain comprises the cytoplasmic domain of mCD80; andwherein optionally the mCD80 cytoplasmic domain has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 119.15.The nucleic acid of claim 11, wherein the fusion protein has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 16, 21, 136 or 137; or wherein the nucleic acid has the nucleotide sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 15 or 20.16.The nucleic acid of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the fusion protein comprises a signal peptide; wherein optionally the signal peptide is CD8 signal peptide or GMCSFRαsignal peptide; wherein optionally the signal peptide has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 5 or 34.17.The nucleic acid of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the extracellular domain of fusion protein further binds to a target antigen on a pathological cell, or an NK cell marker that is not CD300A.18.A plurality of nucleic acids comprising a first nucleic acid that is the nucleic acid of any one of claims 1 to 17, and a second nucleic acid encoding a first chimeric receptor comprising an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular signal transduction domain; wherein optionally the first chimeric receptor is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) , a T Cell Receptor (TCR) , a TCR Fusion Construct (TRuC) , a T cell antigen coupler (TAC) , or a SynNotch receptor.19.The plurality of nucleic acids of claim 18, wherein the transmembrane domain of the first chimeric receptor comprises the transmembrane domain of CD2, CD3ε, CD3δ, CD3ζ, CD8, CD9, CD16, CD22, CD25, CD27, CD28, CD33, CD37, CD40, CD45, CD64, CD79A, CD79B, CD80, CD86, CD95 (Fas) , CD134 (OX40) , CD137 (4-1BB) , CD150 (SLAMF1) , CD152 (CTLA4) , CD154, CD200R, CD223 (LAG3) , CD270 (HVEM) , CD272 (BTLA) , CD273 (PD-L2) , CD274 (PD-L1) , CD278 (ICOS) , CD279 (PD-1) , CD300, CD357 (GITR) , A2aR, DAP10, FcRα, FcRβ, FcRγ, Fyn, GAL9, KIR, Lck, LAT, LRP, NKG2D, NOTCH1, NOTCH2, NOTCH3, NOTCH4, PTCH2, ROR2, Ryk, Slp76, SIRPα, pTα, TCRα, TCRβ, TIM3, TRIM, LPA5, PDGFR, ITGA, mCD8, HLA-B57, proCAR-4, KIR2DL1 or Zap70;wherein optionally the transmembrane domain of the first chimeric receptor comprises CD28 transmembrane domain or CD8 transmembrane domain; andwherein optionally the CD28 transmembrane domain has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 6 or 29; and the CD8 transmembrane domain has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 4.20.The plurality of nucleic acids of claim 18 or 19, wherein the intracellular signal transduction domain of the first chimeric receptor comprises a co-stimulatory signaling domain and / or a primary signaling domain;wherein optionally, the co-stimulatory signaling domain comprises the intracellular signal transduction domain of CD137 (4-1BB) , CD28, CD27, TNFRSF9, TNFRSF4, TNFRSF8, TNFRSF14, TNFRSF18, CD40LG, ICOS, ITGB2, CD2, CD7, KLRC2, HAVCR1, LGALS9, CARD11, CD30, CD54, OX40, CD150, CD152, CD223, CD270, PD-L2, PD-L1, DAP10, LAT, NKD2C, SLP76, TRIM, FcεRIγ, MyD88, ICAM-1, LFA-1 (CD11a / CD18) , 41BBL, or CD83, or a combination thereof, and the primary signaling domain comprises the intracellular signal transduction domain from TCRα, TCRβ, TCRγ, TCRδ, FcRγ, FcRβ, CD3γ, CD3δ, CD3ε, CD3ζ, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b, CD278, or CD66d, or a combination thereof;wherein optionally the co-stimulatory signaling domain comprises the intracellular signal transduction domain of CD137 (4-1BB) or CD28 and the primary signaling domain comprises the intracellular signal transduction domain of CD3ζ; andwherein optionally, the co-stimulatory signaling domain has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 7 or 8, and the primary signaling domain has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 10 or 36.21.The plurality of nucleic acids of any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the extracellular domain and the transmembrane domain of the first chimeric receptor are connected by a hinge region;wherein optionally, the hinge region comprises CD8 hinge region, an IgG hinge region, or a peptide linker; andwherein optionally, the CD8 hinge region has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 9 or 44; the IgG hinge has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 14, 97 or 98; and the peptide linker has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 37, 93, 94, or 95.22.The plurality of nucleic acids of any one of claims 18 to 21, wherein the first chimeric receptor binds to a target antigen on a pathological cell or an NK cell marker that is not CD300A.23.The plurality of nucleic acids of claim 22, wherein the first chimeric receptor binds to a target antigen on a solid tumor cell, a hematological cancer cell, a pathological cell of an autoimmune disease, or an infected cell;wherein optionally the solid tumor is selected from: esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, gastroesophageal junction tumor, liver cancer, biliary tract tumor, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, laryngeal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, head and neck cancer, glioma, thyroid cancer, renal cancer, bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, melanoma, and sarcoma; the hematological cancer is selected from: leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma; and the autoimmune disease is selected from: multiple sclerosis, autoimmune liver disease, type 1 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) , rheumatoid arthritis (RA) , ankylosing spondylitis (AS) , Sjogren's syndrome (SS) , and polymyositis / dermatomyositis, myasthenia gravis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, scleroderma, immune nephritis, arthritis, autoimmune-induced fibrotic disease, pemphigus vulgaris, colitis, graft-versus-host disease, atherosclerosis, and mucosal dominant PV; andwherein optionally the target antigen is selected from: CD7, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD38, CD123, BCMA, GPRC5D, B7H3, GPC3, Claudin 6, Claudin 18.2, FAP, Mesothelin, NKG2DL, NKG2A, CD94, FCRH5, EGFR, mutant EGFR, ASGPR1, IL13RA2, WT1, CLL1, and combinations thereof.24.The plurality of nucleic acids of claim 22, wherein the extracellular domain of the first chimeric receptor binds to an NK cell marker that is not CD300A;wherein optionally the NK cell marker is NK activatory receptor (NKAR) or NK inhibitory receptor (NKIR) ;wherein optionally the NK cell marker is selected from: CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD7, CD8, CD16a, CD16b, CD25, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD38, CD45, CD48, CD50, CD52, CD56, CD57, CD62L, CD69, CD94, CD100, CD102, CD122, CD127, CD132, CD137, CD138, CD160, CD161, CD178, CD218, CD226, CD244, CD159a (NKG2A) , CD159c (NKG2C) , FasL, NKG2E, CD279, CD314 (NKG2D) , CD305, CD335 (NKp46) , CD337, CD319 (CS1) , TCRα, TCRβ, TIGIT, TRAIL, SLAMF7, NKG2F, NKG2H, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, NKp80, a SLAM family member, L-selectin, natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR) 1, NCR2, NCR3, DNAM, 2B4, KIR2DS, KIR2DL, NKG2DL, LILRB1, SIGLEC-7, SIGLEC-9, HLA-E, LAIR-1, KLRG1, CEACAM1, KIR, LIR1, TIM3, and combinations thereof; andwherein optionally the NK cell marker is NKp80, CD94, NKG2D, DNAM, 2B4, NKp30, NKp44, CD122, KIR2DS, KIR2DL, NKG2DL, NKG2A, LILRB1, SIGLEC-7, SIGLEC-9, HLA-E, LAIR-1, KLRG1, TIGIT, CEACAM1, KIR, LIR1, or TIM3.25.The plurality of nucleic acids of claim 22, wherein the extracellular domain of the first chimeric receptor:(1) binds to CD19 and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 78;(2) binds to CD20 and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 79;(3) binds to BCMA and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 80;(4) binds to GPRC5D and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 81;(5) binds to CD38 and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 82;(6) binds to Claudin18.2 and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 83;(7) binds to FasL and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 84;(8) binds to NKG2A and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 85, 120, 121, 122, 123 or 124;(9) binds to NKp80 and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 86;(10) binds to NKG2DL and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 87;(11) binds to GPC3 and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 104;(12) binds to CD7 and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 105;(13) binds to CLL1 and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 106; or(14) binds to CD123 and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to amino acids 1 to 241 of SEQ ID NO: 125.26.The plurality of nucleic acids of any one of claims 18 to 25, wherein the extracellular domain of the first chimeric receptor binds to a first target antigen and a second target antigen, wherein the two target antigens are (1) two target antigens on a pathological cell,(2) two NK cell markers that are not CD300A, or (3) one target antigen on a pathological cell and one NK cell marker that is not CD300A;wherein optionally the one or two target antigens on a pathological cell are independently selected from: CD7, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD38, CD123, BCMA, GPRC5D, B7H3, GPC3, Claudin 6, Claudin 18.2, FAP, Mesothelin, NKG2DL, NKG2A, CD94, FCRH5, EGFR, mutant EGFR, ASGPR1, IL13RA2, WT1, and CLL1; and the one or two NK cell markers are independently selected from CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD7, CD8, CD16a, CD16b, CD25, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD38, CD45, CD48, CD50, CD52, CD56, CD57, CD62L, CD69, CD94, CD100, CD102, CD122, CD127, CD132, CD137, CD138, CD160, CD161, CD178, CD218, CD226, CD244, CD159a (NKG2A) , CD159c (NKG2C) , FasL, NKG2E, CD279, CD314 (NKG2D) , CD305, CD335 (NKp46) , CD337, CD319 (CS1) , TCRα, TCRβ, TIGIT, TRAIL, SLAMF7, NKG2F, NKG2H, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, NKp80, a SLAM family member, L-selectin, natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR) 1, NCR2, NCR3, DNAM, 2B4, KIR2DS, KIR2DL, NKG2DL, LILRB1, SIGLEC-7, SIGLEC-9, HLA-E, LAIR-1, KLRG1, CEACAM1, KIR, LIR1, and TIM3.27.The plurality of nucleic acids of claim 26, wherein the extracellular domain of the first chimeric receptor comprises a VL1 / VH1 pair that binds to the first target antigen and a second VL2 / VH2 pair that binds to the second target antigen;wherein optionally the extracellular domain of the first chimeric receptor comprises, from N terminus to C terminus, (1) VL1, VH1, VL2, and VH2; (2) VH1, VL1, VH2, and VL2, (3) VL1, VH1, VH2, and VL2; (4) VH1, VL1, VL2, and VH2; (5) VL1, VH2, VL2, and VH1; (6) VH1, VL2, VH2, and VL1, (7) VL1, VL2, VH2, and VH1; or (8) VH1, VH2, VL2, and VL1.28.The plurality of nucleic acids of claim 26 or 27, wherein the extracellular domain of the first chimeric receptor:(1) binds to CD19 and CD20 and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 88;(2) binds to BCMA and GPRC5D and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 89;(3) binds to BCMA and NKG2A and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 90; or(4) binds to GPRC5D and NKG2A and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 103.29.The plurality of nucleic acids of claim 18, wherein the first chimeric receptor has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 27, 28, 30, 31, 32, 33, 39, 40, 45, 49, 72, 73, 74, 76, 107, 108, 125, or 139.30.The plurality of nucleic acids of any one of claims 18 to 29, wherein the first chimeric receptor further comprises a signal peptide; wherein optionally the signal peptide is CD8 signal peptide or GMCSFRα signal peptide; and wherein optionally the signal peptide has an amnio acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 5 or 34.31.The plurality of nucleic acids of any one of claims 18 to 30, wherein the first and second nucleic acids are not covalently linked.32.The plurality of nucleic acids of any one of claims 18 to 30, wherein the first and second nucleic acids are operably connected by a linker sequence; wherein optionally the linker sequence is(1) a 2A sequence that encodes a 2A peptide; wherein optionally, the 2A peptide is P2A, F2A, T2A, or E2A; and wherein optionally, P2A has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35, F2A has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 100, T2A has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 101, and E2A has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 102, or(2) an IRES sequence; wherein optionally the IRES is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 75.33.The plurality of nucleic acids of any one of claims 18 to 21, further comprising a third nucleic acid encoding a second chimeric receptor; wherein the second chimeric receptor comprises an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular signal transduction domain; wherein optionally the second chimeric receptor is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) , a T Cell Receptor (TCR) , a TCR Fusion Construct (TRuC) , a T cell antigen coupler (TAC) , or a SynNotch receptor;wherein the first chimeric receptor binds to a first target antigen and the second chimeric receptor binds to a second target antigen; and wherein the first and second target antigens are (1) two target antigens on a pathological cell, (2) two NK cell markers that are not CD300A, or (3) one target antigen on a pathological cell and one NK cell marker that is not CD300A.34.The plurality of nucleic acids of claim 33, wherein the one or two target antigens on a pathological cell are independently selected from: CD7, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD38, CD123, BCMA, GPRC5D, B7H3, GPC3, Claudin 6, Claudin 18.2, FAP, Mesothelin, NKG2DL, NKG2A, CD94, FCRH5, EGFR, mutant EGFR, ASGPR1, IL13RA2, WT1, and CLL1; and the one or two NK cell markers are independently selected from CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD7, CD8, CD16a, CD16b, CD25, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD38, CD45, CD48, CD50, CD52, CD56, CD57, CD62L, CD69, CD94, CD100, CD102, CD122, CD127, CD132, CD137, CD138, CD160, CD161, CD178, CD218, CD226, CD244, CD159a (NKG2A) , CD159c (NKG2C) , FasL, NKG2E, CD279, CD314 (NKG2D) , CD305, CD335 (NKp46) , CD337, CD319 (CS1) , TCRα, TCRβ, TIGIT, TRAIL, SLAMF7, NKG2F, NKG2H, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, NKp80, a SLAM family member, L-selectin, natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR) 1, NCR2, NCR3, DNAM, 2B4, KIR2DS, KIR2DL, NKG2DL, LILRB1, SIGLEC-7, SIGLEC-9, HLA-E, LAIR-1, KLRG1, CEACAM1, KIR, LIR1, and TIM3.35.The plurality of nucleic acids of claim 34, wherein the first target antigen is(1) NKG2A; wherein optionally the extracellular domain of the first chimeric receptor has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 85, 120, 121, 122, 123 or 124; or(2) NKp80; wherein optionally the extracellular domain of the first chimeric receptor has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 86.36.The plurality of nucleic acids of claim 35, wherein the second target antigen is an NK cell marker that is not CD300A, optionally selected from: CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD7, CD8, CD16a, CD16b, CD25, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD38, CD45, CD48, CD50, CD52, CD56, CD57, CD62L, CD69, CD94, CD100, CD102, CD122, CD127, CD132, CD137, CD138, CD160, CD161, CD178, CD218, CD226, CD244, CD159c (NKG2C) , FasL, NKG2E, CD279, CD314 (NKG2D) , CD305, CD335 (NKp46) , CD337, CD319 (CS1) , TCRα, TCRβ, TIGIT, TRAIL, SLAMF7, NKG2F, NKG2H, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, a SLAM family member, L-selectin, natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR) 1, NCR2, NCR3, DNAM, 2B4, KIR2DS, KIR2DL, NKG2DL, LILRB1, SIGLEC-7, SIGLEC-9, HLA-E, LAIR-1, KLRG1, CEACAM1, KIR, LIR1, TIM3, and combinations thereof;wherein optionally the extracellular domain of the second chimeric receptor:(1) binds CD38 and optionally as an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 82;(2) binds FasL and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 84;(3) binds NKG2DL and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 87; or(4) binds CD7 and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 105.37.The plurality of nucleic acids of claim 35, wherein the second target antigen is a target antigen on a pathological cell, optionally selected from: CD7, CD19, CD20, CD22, CD38, CD123, BCMA, GPRC5D, B7H3, GPC3, Claudin 6, Claudin 18.2, FAP, Mesothelin, NKG2DL, NKG2A, CD94, FCRH5, EGFR, mutant EGFR, ASGPR1, IL13RA2, WT1, CLL1, and combinations thereof;wherein optionally the extracellular domain of the second chimeric receptor:(1) binds CD19 and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 78;(2) binds CD20 and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 79;(3) binds BCMA and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 80;(4) binds GPRC5D and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 81;(5) binds Claudin18.2 and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 83;(6) binds NKG2DL and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 87;(7) binds GPC3 and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 104;(8) binds CLL1 and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 106;(9) binds CD19 and CD20 and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 88;(10) binds BCMA and GPRC5D and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 89; or(11) binds CD123 and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to amino acids 1 to 241 of SEQ ID NO: 125.38.The plurality of nucleic acids of claim 33, wherein the first chimeric receptor:(1) binds to NKG2A and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 28; or(2) binds to NKp80 and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 72; andwherein the second chimeric receptor:(1) binds to CD38 and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 45 or 39;(2) binds to FasL and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 27;(3) binds to CD19 and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 49;(4) binds to BCMA and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 32;(5) binds to GPRC5D and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 33;(6) binds to Claudin18.2 and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 76;(7) binds to CLL1 and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 108;(8) binds to NKG2DL and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 73 or 74;(9) binds to GPC3 and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 139;(10) binds to CD123 and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 125;(11) binds to CD19 and CD20, and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 30; or(12) binds to BCMA and GPRC5D and optionally has an amino acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 31.39.The plurality of nucleic acids of any one of claims 33 to 38, wherein the first chimeric receptor and the second chimeric receptor each have a signal peptide, respectively; wherein optionally the signal peptide is CD8 signal peptide or GMCSFRα signal peptide; and wherein optionally the signal peptide has an amnio acid sequence that is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 5 or 34.40.The plurality of nucleic acids of any one of claims 33 to 39, wherein (1) the first, second, and third nucleic acids are operably connected by linker sequences; (2) one of the three nucleic acids is not covalently linked to the other two nucleic acids, and the other two are operably connected by a linker sequence; or (3) none of the three nucleic acids are covalently linked to each other;wherein optionally each of the linker sequence (s) is independently:(1) a 2A sequence that encodes a 2A peptide; wherein optionally the 2A peptide is P2A, F2A, T2A, or E2A; and wherein optionally, P2A has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35, F2A has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 100, T2A has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 101, and E2A has the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 102; or(2) an IRES sequence; wherein optionally the IRES is at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%, or 100%identical to SEQ ID NO: 75.41.A vector comprising the nucleic acid or plurality of nucleic acids of any one of the claims 1 to 40.42.A plurality of vectors collectively comprising the plurality of nucleic acids of any one of the claims 18 to 32, wherein a first vector comprises the first nucleic acid and a second vector comprises the second nucleic acid.43.A plurality of vectors collectively comprising the plurality of nucleic acids of any one of the claims 33 to 40; wherein optionally: (1) a first vector comprises the first and second nucleic acids, and a second vector comprises the third nucleic acid; (2) a first vector comprises the first nucleic acid and a second vector comprises the second and third nucleic acids; or (3) a first vector comprises the first nucleic acid, a second vector comprises the second nucleic acid, and a third vector comprises the third nucleic acid.44.The vector or plurality of vectors of any one of claims 41 to 43, wherein the vector (s) is a DNA vector, an RNA vector, a plasmid, lipid nanoparticle, a retroviral vector, a lentiviral vector, a Rous sarcoma viral (RSV) vector, an adenoviral vector, or an adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector.45.The vector or plurality of vectors of any one of claims 41 to 44, wherein the nucleic acid (s) further comprises(1) a promoter operably linked to its coding sequence (s) ; wherein optionally the promoter is an endogenous promoter or exogenous promoter; wherein optionally the promoter is an EF1a promoter, a CAG promoter, a PGK promoter, a CMV promoter, or B2M promoter;(2) a 3’ UTR sequence; wherein optionally the 3’ UTR sequence comprises a poly (A) signal sequence; wherein optionally the poly (A) signal sequence is an endogenous or exogenous poly (A) signal sequence; wherein optionally the poly (A) signal sequence comprises a SV40 poly (A) signal sequence or bGH poly (A) signal sequence; or (3) a 3’ homology arm and a 5’ homology arm of a gene locus; wherein optionally the gene locus is B2M locus or TRAC locus; or any combination of (1) - (3) .46.A fusion protein encoded by the nucleic acid of any one of claims 1 to 17.47.An engineered cell comprising the nucleic acid of any one of claims 1 to 17, the plurality of nucleic acids of any one of claims 18 to 40, or the vector or plurality of vectors of claims 41 to 45.48.An engineered cell comprising the nucleic acid of any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising a second nucleic acid encoding a first chimeric receptor that binds to an NK cell marker that is not CD300A; wherein optionally, the first chimeric receptor binds to two or more different NK cell markers that are not CD300A; and wherein optionally, the NK cell marker (s) is NKAR or NKIR.49.The engineered cell of claim 48, wherein the NK cell marker (s) is selected from: CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD7, CD8, CD16a, CD16b, CD25, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD38, CD45, CD48, CD50, CD52, CD56, CD57, CD62L, CD69, CD94, CD100, CD102, CD122, CD127, CD132, CD137, CD138, CD160, CD161, CD178, CD218, CD226, CD244, CD159a (NKG2A) , CD159c (NKG2C) , FasL, NKG2E, CD279, CD314 (NKG2D) , CD305, CD335 (NKp46) , CD337, CD319 (CS1) , TCRα, TCRβ, TIGIT, TRAIL, SLAMF7, NKG2F, NKG2H, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, NKp80, a SLAM family member, L-selectin, natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR) 1, NCR2, NCR3, DNAM, 2B4, KIR2DS, KIR2DL, NKG2DL, LILRB1, SIGLEC-7, SIGLEC-9, HLA-E, LAIR-1, KLRG1, CEACAM1, KIR, LIR1, TIM3, and combinations thereof; wherein optionally, the NK cell marker (s) is NKp80, CD94, NKG2D, DNAM, 2B4, NKp30, NKp44, CD122, KIR2DS, KIR2DL, NKG2DL, NKG2A, LILRB1, SIGLEC-7, SIGLEC-9, HLA-E, LAIR-1, KLRG1, TIGIT, CEACAM1, KIR, LIR1, TIM3, or a combination thereof; andwherein optionally, the first chimeric receptor binds to NKG2A and / or NKp80.50.The engineered cell of claim 48 or 49, further comprising a third nucleic acid encoding a second chimeric receptor that binds to an NK cell marker that is different from the NK cell marker (s) to which the first chimeric receptor binds.51.The engineered cell of any one of claims 48 to 50, wherein the first chimeric receptor, the second chimeric receptor, or both the first and second chimeric receptors also bind to a target antigen of a pathological cell.52.The engineered cell of any one of claims 48 to 50, further comprising a fourth nucleic acid encoding a third chimeric receptor that binds to a target antigen of a pathological cell.53.A population of engineered cells comprising a first engineered cell comprising the nucleic acid of any one of claim 1 to 17, and a second engineered cell that comprises a second nucleic acid encoding a first chimeric receptor that binds to a NK cell marker that is not CD300A; wherein optionally, the first chimeric receptor binds to two or more different NK cell markers that are not CD300A; and wherein optionally, the NK cell marker (s) is NKAR or NKIR.54.The population of engineered cells of claim 53, wherein the NK cell marker (s) is selected from: CD2, CD3, CD4, CD5, CD7, CD8, CD16a, CD16b, CD25, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD38, CD45, CD48, CD50, CD52, CD56, CD57, CD62L, CD69, CD94, CD100, CD102, CD122, CD127, CD132, CD137, CD138, CD160, CD161, CD178, CD218, CD226, CD244, CD159a (NKG2A) , CD159c (NKG2C) , FasL, NKG2E, CD279, CD314 (NKG2D) , CD305, CD335 (NKp46) , CD337, CD319 (CS1) , TCRα, TCRβ, TIGIT, TRAIL, SLAMF7, NKG2F, NKG2H, NKp30, NKp44, NKp46, NKp80, a SLAM family member, L-selectin, natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR) 1, NCR2, NCR3, DNAM, 2B4, KIR2DS, KIR2DL, NKG2DL, LILRB1, SIGLEC-7, SIGLEC-9, HLA-E, LAIR-1, KLRG1, CEACAM1, KIR, LIR1, TIM3, and combinations thereof;wherein optionally the NK cell marker is NKp80, CD94, NKG2D, DNAM, 2B4, NKp30, NKp44, CD122, KIR2DS, KIR2DL, NKG2DL, NKG2A, LILRB1, SIGLEC-7, SIGLEC-9, HLA-E, LAIR-1, KLRG1, TIGIT, CEACAM1, KIR, LIR1, TIM3, or a combination thereof.55.The population of engineered cells of claim 53, wherein the first chimeric receptor binds to NKG2A and / or NKp80.56.The population of engineering cells of any one of claims 53 to 55, wherein the first chimeric receptor further binds to a target antigen of a pathological cell.57.The population of engineering cells of any one of claims 53 to 56, wherein the first engineered cell and / or the second engineered cell further comprises a third nucleic acid encoding a second chimeric receptor that binds to a target antigen of pathological cell.58.A population of engineered cells comprising the engineered cell of any one of claim 48 to 52 as the first engineered cell, and a second engineered cell that comprises a nucleic acid encoding a chimeric receptor that binds to a target antigen of a pathological cell.59.A population of engineered cells comprising the engineered cell of any one of claim 48 to 52 as the first engineered cell, and the engineered cell of claim 47 as the second engineered cell.60.A population of engineered cells comprising at least two different engineered cells of claim 47.61.The engineered cell or population of engineered cells of any one of claims 47 to 60, comprising low or no expression of endogenous B2M gene; wherein optionally, the engineered cell or population of engineered cells comprises low or no expression of endogenous TRAC gene; wherein optionally the engineered cell or population of engineered cells further comprises low or no expression of endogenous FAS gene, endogenous NKG2A gene, or both; wherein optionally gene editing is used for gene knockout; wherein optionally nuclease-based gene editing is used; wherein optionally, Crispr / Cas system is used; and wherein optionally, Cas9 enzyme is used.62.The engineered cell or population of engineered cells of claim 61, wherein the nucleic acid (s) is inserted into an endogenous B2M gene locus or TRAC locus; wherein optionally gene editing is used for gene insertion; wherein optionally nuclease-based gene editing is used; wherein optionally, Crispr / Cas system is used; and wherein optionally, Cas9 enzyme is used.63.The engineered cell or population of engineered cells of any one of claims 46 to 62, wherein the cell (s) is selected from: an immune cell, a neuron, an epithelial cell, an endothelial cell, a stem cell, and combinations thereof;wherein optionally the cell (s) is an immune cell selected from: a B cell, a monocyte, a natural killer cell, a basophil, an eosinophil, a neutrophil, a dendritic cell, a macrophage, a T cell, an NKT cell, a stem cell-derived immune effector cell, and combinations thereof; andwherein optionally the cell (s) is a T cell, a NKT cell, or an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) .64.The engineered cell or population of engineered cells of any one of claims 46 to 63, wherein the cell (s) has enhanced survival, proliferation , and / or activity in an allogeneic host compared to the non-engineered parent cell.65.The engineered cell or population of engineered cells of any one of claims 46 to 64, wherein when co-administered with an allogeneic cell to a host, enhances the survival proliferation, and / or activity of the allogeneic cell.66.The engineered cell or population of engineered cells of claim 65, wherein the allogeneic cell is administered into the host before, concurrently with, or after the engineered cell or the population of engineered cell.67.A pharmaceutical composition comprising the nucleic acid of any one of claims 1 to 17, the plurality of nucleic acids of any one of claims 18 to 40, the vector or plurality of vectors of claims 41 to 45, the fusion protein of claim 46, or the engineered cell or population of engineered cells of any one of claims 47 to 66; and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.68.Use of the pharmaceutical composition of claim 67 in preventing or treating transplant rejection;wherein optionally the transplant is from an allogeneic source or a xenogeneic source.69.The use of claim 68, wherein the transplant is an organ transplant;wherein optionally the organ is a solid organ or a luminal organ; andwherein optionally the solid organ is selected from kidney, heart, lung, liver, pancreas, vascularized composite, and combinations thereof; and the luminal organ is gastrointestinal tract.70.The use of claim 68, wherein the transplant is a cell transplant;wherein optionally the cell transplant comprises hematopoietic stem cells, islet cells, pluripotent cells, skin tissue, skin cells, or immune cells; andwherein optionally the cell transplant comprises T cells, NKT cells, or iPSC cells.71.Use of the pharmaceutical composition of claim 67 for treating or preventing an autoimmune disease or inflammatory disease;wherein optionally the autoimmune disease is selected from: multiple sclerosis, autoimmune liver disease, type 1 diabetes, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) , rheumatoid arthritis (RA) , ankylosing spondylitis (AS) , Sjogren’s syndrome (SS) , and polymyositis / dermatomyositis, myasthenia gravis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, scleroderma, immune nephritis, arthritis, autoimmune-induced fibrotic disease, pemphigus vulgaris, colitis, graft-versus-host disease, atherosclerosis, and mucosal dominant PV.72.Use of pharmaceutical composition of claim 67 for treating a tumor or cancer;wherein optionally the tumor is a solid tumor or a hematological cancer; andwherein optionally the solid tumor is selected from: esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, gastroesophageal junction tumor, liver cancer, biliary tract tumor, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, laryngeal cancer, lung cancer, breast cancer, head and neck cancer, glioma, thyroid cancer, renal cancer, bladder cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, melanoma, and sarcoma; and the hematological cancer is selected from: leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.73.A kit comprising the nucleic acid of any one of claims 1 to 17, the plurality of nucleic acids of any one of claims 18 to 40, the vector or plurality of vectors of any one of claims 41 to 45, the fusion protein of claim 46, or the engineered cell or population of engineered cells of any one of claims 47 to 66.74.A method of preparing an engineered cell that is resistant to NK-mediated cytotoxicity, comprising transfecting the nucleic acid of any one of claims 1 to 17, the plurality of nucleic acids of any one of claims 18 to 40, or the vector or plurality of vectors of claims 41 to 45 to the cell;wherein optionally the cell is selected from: an immune cell, a neuron, an epithelial cell, an endothelial cell, a stem cell, and combinations thereof;wherein optionally the cell is an immune cell selected from: a B cell, a monocyte, a natural killer cell, a basophil, an eosinophil, a neutrophil, a dendritic cell, a macrophage, a T cell, an NKT cell, a stem cell-derived immune effector cell, and combinations thereof; andwherein optionally the cell is a T cell, an NKT cell, or an iPSC cell.
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