Antigen Recognition Receptor Targeting uPAR and Uses Thereof

Abstract

The subject matter disclosed herein provides an antigen recognition receptor that specifically targets uPAR, and a cell that comprises such an uPAR-targeting antigen recognition receptor. The subject matter disclosed herein further provides the use of the uPAR-targeting antigen recognition receptor for treatment.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 209,940, filed June 11, 2021, the contents of which are incorporated by reference in their entirety and priority is claimed.

[0002] Sequence Listing This application contains a Sequence Listing that was submitted in ASCII format via EFS-Web and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. The ASCII copy, created on Jun. 10, 2022, is named 072734.1361_ST25.txt and is 48,969 bytes in size.

[0003] 1. Introduction The subject matter disclosed herein provides methods and compositions for immunotherapy, including antigen recognition receptors (e.g., chimeric antigen receptors (CARs)) that specifically target uPAR, cells containing such receptors, and methods of using such cells for therapy. [Background technology]

[0004] 2.Background technology Cell-based immunotherapy is a potentially curative therapy for the treatment of cancer. T cells and other immune cells can be engineered to target tumor antigens through the introduction of genetic material that encodes an artificial or synthetic receptor for the antigen, called a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), specific for the selected antigen. Targeted T cell therapy using CARs has recently shown clinical success in the treatment of hematological malignancies and solid tumors.

[0005] uPAR is associated with tumor growth or metastasis in a variety of different types of cancer, including breast cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, lung cancer, gastric cancer, prostate cancer, renal cancer, pancreatic cancer, rectal cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It also plays a role in aging, such as its association with aging-related diseases associated with aging. It can also regulate immune responses and cell-matrix interactions, promoting tumor cell proliferation and awakening from dormancy.

[0006] Given the important role of uPAR in various diseases or disorders, immunotherapies that target uPAR (eg, CARs) are desirable. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] 3. Overview of the Invention The subject matter disclosed herein provides an antigen recognition receptor that specifically targets uPAR, and a cell that comprises such an uPAR-targeting antigen recognition receptor. The subject matter disclosed herein further provides the use of the uPAR-targeting antigen recognition receptor for treatment.

[0008] The subject matter disclosed herein provides an antigen-recognizing receptor comprising an extracellular antigen-binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular signaling domain, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain specifically binds to uPAR. In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain is a single chain variable fragment (scFv). In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain is a human scFv. In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain is an optionally cross-linked Fab. In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain is an F(ab) 2 In certain embodiments, scFv, Fab, and F(ab) 2 One or more of are included in the fusion protein with the heterologous sequence to form the extracellular antigen-binding domain.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain comprises: (a) CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or a conservative modification thereof, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2 or a conservative modification thereof, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3 or a conservative modification thereof; (b) CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7 or a conservative modification thereof, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8 or a conservative modification thereof, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9 or a conservative modification thereof; (c) CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or a conservative modification thereof, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14 or a conservative modification thereof, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15 or a conservative modification thereof; (d) CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 19 or a conservative modification thereof, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 20 or a conservative modification thereof, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 21 or a conservative modification thereof; (e) CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 41 or a conservative modification thereof, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 42 or a conservative modification thereof, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 43 or a conservative modification thereof; or (f) a heavy chain variable region comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 49 or a conservative modification thereof, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 50 or a conservative modification thereof, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 51 or a conservative modification thereof.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain comprises: (a) CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4 or a conservative modification thereof, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5 or a conservative modification thereof, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6 or a conservative modification thereof; (b) CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10 or a conservative modification thereof, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11 or a conservative modification thereof, and CDR3 comprising SEQ ID NO: 12 or a conservative modification thereof; (c) CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 16 or a conservative modification thereof, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 17 or a conservative modification thereof, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 18 or a conservative modification thereof; (d) CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 22 or a conservative modification thereof, CDR2 comprising SEQ ID NO: 23 or a conservative modification thereof, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 24 or a conservative modification thereof; (e) CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 44 or a conservative modification thereof, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 45 or a conservative modification thereof, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 46 or a conservative modification thereof; or (f) comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 52 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 53 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 54 or a conservative modification thereof.

[0011] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain comprises: (a) a heavy chain variable region comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3, and a light chain variable region comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6; (b) a heavy chain variable region comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9, and a light chain variable region comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12; (c) a heavy chain variable region comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15, and a light chain variable region comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 16, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 17, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 18; (d) a heavy chain variable region comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 19, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 20, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 21, and a light chain variable region comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 22, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 23, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 24; (e) a heavy chain variable region comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 41, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 42, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 43, and a light chain variable region comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 44, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 45, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 46; or (f) a heavy chain variable region comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 49, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 50, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 51, and a light chain variable region comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 52, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 53, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 54.

[0012] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:8, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9, and a light chain variable region comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:11, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:12.

[0013] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, or about 99% homologous or identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:25, SEQ ID NO:27, SEQ ID NO:29, SEQ ID NO:31, SEQ ID NO:47, or SEQ ID NO:55. In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:25, SEQ ID NO:27, SEQ ID NO:29, SEQ ID NO:31, SEQ ID NO:47, or SEQ ID NO:55.

[0014] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, or about 99% homologous or identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:48, or SEQ ID NO:56. In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:48, or SEQ ID NO:56.

[0015] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain comprises: (a) an amino acid sequence that is at least about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, or about 99% homologous or identical to a selected amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:25, SEQ ID NO:27, SEQ ID NO:29, SEQ ID NO:31, SEQ ID NO:47, or SEQ ID NO:55. and (b) a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, or about 99% homologous or identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:48, or SEQ ID NO:56. In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises (a) a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:25, SEQ ID NO:27, SEQ ID NO:29, SEQ ID NO:31, SEQ ID NO:47, or SEQ ID NO:55, and (b) a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:48, or SEQ ID NO:56.

[0016] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain comprises: (a) a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 25, and a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 26; (b) a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 27, and a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 28; (c) a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 29, and a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30; (d) a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 31, and a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 32; (e) a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 47, and a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 48; or (f) a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 55, and a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 56.

[0017] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:27, and a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:28.

[0018] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a linker between the heavy chain variable region and the light chain variable region of the extracellular antigen-binding domain, hi certain embodiments, the linker comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:62, SEQ ID NO:63, SEQ ID NO:64, SEQ ID NO:65, SEQ ID NO:66, or SEQ ID NO:67.

[0019] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a signal peptide covalently linked to the 5' end of the extracellular antigen-binding domain. In certain embodiments, the transmembrane domain comprises a CD8 polypeptide, a CD28 polypeptide, a CD3ζ polypeptide, a CD4 polypeptide, a 4-1BB polypeptide, an OX40 polypeptide, an ICOS polypeptide, a CTLA-4 polypeptide, a PD-1 polypeptide, a LAG-3 polypeptide, a 2B4 polypeptide, a BTLA polypeptide, or a combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain comprises a CD3ζ polypeptide. In certain embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain further comprises at least one costimulatory signaling region. In certain embodiments, the at least one costimulatory signaling region comprises a CD28 polypeptide, a 4-1BB polypeptide, an OX40 polypeptide, an ICOS polypeptide, a DAP-10 polypeptide, or a combination thereof.

[0020] In certain embodiments, the antigen recognition receptor is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), a T cell receptor (TCR), or a T cell-like fusion protein. In certain embodiments, the antigen recognition receptor is a CAR.

[0021] In certain embodiments, the antigen-recognizing receptor is recombinantly expressed. In certain embodiments, the antigen-recognizing receptor is expressed from a vector. In certain embodiments, the vector is a gamma retroviral vector.

[0022] The subject matter disclosed herein provides that a cell comprises the antigen recognition receptor disclosed herein.In certain embodiments, the cell is transduced with the antigen recognition receptor.In certain embodiments, the antigen recognition receptor is constitutively expressed on the surface of the cell.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the cell is an immunoresponsive cell. In certain embodiments, the cell is a cell of lymphoid lineage or a cell of myeloid lineage. In certain embodiments, the cell is selected from the group consisting of a T cell, a natural killer (NK) cell, and a stem cell from which a lymphoid cell can be differentiated. In certain embodiments, the cell is a T cell. In certain embodiments, the T cell is a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) or a regulatory T cell. In certain embodiments, the stem cell is a pluripotent stem cell. In certain embodiments, the pluripotent stem cell is an embryonic-like stem cell or an induced pluripotent stem cell.

[0024] The subject matter disclosed herein further provides a nucleic acid encoding the antigen recognition receptor disclosed herein.The subject matter disclosed herein further provides a vector comprising the nucleic acid molecule disclosed herein.In certain embodiments, the vector is a viral vector.In certain embodiments, the vector is a gamma retroviral vector.

[0025] In addition, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a host cell that expresses the nucleic acid molecules disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, the host cell is a T cell.

[0026] The presently disclosed subject matter further provides a composition comprising the cells disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the composition is a pharmaceutical composition further comprising a pharma- ceutically acceptable carrier.

[0027] The subject matter disclosed herein further provides a method for treating or alleviating a disease or disorder in a subject. In certain embodiments, the method comprises administering to a subject a cell or composition disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, the disease or disorder expresses uPAR. In certain embodiments, the disease or disorder is associated with overexpression of uPAR. In certain embodiments, the disease or disorder is selected from the group consisting of tumors, aging-related pathologies, and age-related tissue loss. In certain embodiments, the disease or disorder is selected from the group consisting of pulmonary fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, liver fibrosis, atherosclerosis, osteoarthritis, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease.

[0028] In certain embodiments, the disease or disorder is an aging-associated condition, hi certain embodiments, the aging-associated condition is selected from the group consisting of pulmonary fibrosis, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, liver fibrosis, chronic kidney disease, cardiac fibrosis, and Parkinson's disease.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the disease or disorder is a tumor. In certain embodiments, the tumor is selected from the group consisting of breast cancer (including triple-negative breast cancer), endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, lung cancer (e.g., non-small cell lung cancer), stomach cancer, prostate cancer, gastric cancer, renal cancer, pancreatic cancer, blood cancer, cervical cancer, head and neck cancer, liver cancer (e.g., cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and fibrolamaellar hepatocellular carcinoma), urothelial cancer, melanoma, and brain cancer (including glioblastoma multiforme). In certain embodiments, the blood cancer is selected from the group consisting of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera, myelodysplastic syndrome, and erythroleukemia. In certain embodiments, the tumor is cancer.

[0030] The subject matter disclosed herein further provides a method of increasing production of an immune-activating cytokine in response to tumor cells in a subject. In certain embodiments, the method comprises administering to a subject a cell or composition disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, the immune-activating cytokine is selected from the group consisting of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, IL-6, IL-11, IL-7, IL-8, IL-12, IL-15, IL-21, interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7), CCL1, CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CCL7, CCL8, CCL13, CCL16, CXCL1, CXCL3, CXCL5, CXCL9, CXCL10, and combinations thereof. In certain embodiments, the subject is a human.

[0031] The subject matter disclosed herein further provides a kit for treating or alleviating a disease or disorder in a subject and / or increasing production of immune stimulating cytokines in response to tumor cells in a subject, the kit comprising a cell, nucleic acid, or composition disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, the kit further comprises written instructions for using the cell or composition disclosed herein to treat or alleviate a disease or disorder in a subject and / or increase production of immune stimulating cytokines in response to tumor cells in a subject.

[0032] In addition, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a method for producing a uPAR-targeted antigen-recognizing receptor, comprising introducing into a cell a nucleic acid encoding the antigen-recognizing receptor.

[0033] 4. Brief description of the drawings The following detailed description is given by way of example and is not intended to limit the subject matter disclosed herein to the particular embodiments described and may be understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0034] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows the expression levels of four uPAR-targeting CARs disclosed herein on RD114 producer cells. 11E10 represents the 11E10 CAR. 17C9 represents the 17C9 CAR. 8B1 represents the 8B1 CAR. 19D7 represents the 19D7 CAR. [Figure 2-1] Figure 2 shows the expression levels of four uPAR-targeting CARs disclosed herein on human T cells.11E10 represents 11E10 CAR.17C9 represents 17C9 CAR.8B1 represents 8B1 CAR.19D7 represents 19D7 CAR. [Figure 2-2] Same as above. [Figure 3A]Figure 2 shows the cytotoxic activity of the four uPAR-targeting CARs disclosed herein.11E10 represents the 11E10 CAR.17C9 represents the 17C9 CAR.8B1 represents the 8B1 CAR.19D7 represents the 19D7 CAR. [Figure 3B] Figure 2 shows the cytotoxic activity of the four uPAR-targeting CARs disclosed herein.11E10 represents the 11E10 CAR.17C9 represents the 17C9 CAR.8B1 represents the 8B1 CAR.19D7 represents the 19D7 CAR. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0035] 5. MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THEINVENTION The subject matter disclosed herein provides an antigen recognition receptor (e.g., a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)) that specifically targets uPAR. The subject matter disclosed herein further provides a cell comprising such a receptor. The cell can be an immunoresponsive cell, e.g., a genetically modified immunoresponsive cell (e.g., a T cell or an NK cell). The subject matter disclosed herein also provides a method of using such a cell for therapy, e.g., to treat and / or alleviate a disease or disorder.

[0036] Non-limiting embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated in the specification and by way of examples.

[0037] For purposes of clarity of disclosure, and not by way of limitation, this detailed description is divided into the following subsections. 5.1. Definition, 5.2.uPAR, 5.3. Antigen Recognition Receptors, 5.4.Cells, 5.5. Nucleic Acid Compositions and Vectors 5.6. Polypeptides, 5.7. Formulation and Administration 5.8. Treatment methods, 5.9.Kit

[0038] 5.1.Definition Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which this invention belongs. The following references provide those skilled in the art with general definitions of many of the terms used in this invention: Singleton et al., Dictionary of Microbiology and Molecular Biology (2nd ed.1994), The Cambridge Dictionary of Science and Technology (Walker ed.,1988), The Glossary of Genetics, 5th Ed., R. Rieger et al. (eds.), Springer Verlag (1991), and Hale & Marham, The Harper Collins Dictionary of Biology (1991). As used herein, the following terms have the meanings ascribed to them below, unless otherwise specified.

[0039] As used herein, the term "about" or "approximately" means within an acceptable error range for a particular value as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which depends in part on how the value is measured or determined, i.e., the limitations of the measurement system. For example, "about" can mean within 3 or more than 3 standard deviations, as is customary in the art. Alternatively, "about" can mean within a range of up to 20%, preferably up to 10%, more preferably up to 5%, and even more preferably up to 1% of a given value. Alternatively, particularly with respect to biological systems or processes, the term can mean within an order of magnitude, preferably within 5-fold, and more preferably within 2-fold of a value.

[0040] "Immunoresponsive cell" refers to a cell that functions in the immune response or a precursor, or progeny thereof. In certain embodiments, an immunoresponsive cell is a cell of the lymphoid lineage. Non-limiting examples of cells of the lymphoid lineage include T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, B cells, and stem cells from which lymphoid cells can be differentiated. In certain embodiments, an immunoresponsive cell is a cell of the myeloid lineage.

[0041] "Activating an immunoresponsive cell" refers to the induction of signal transduction or protein expression changes within the cell that result in the initiation of an immune response. For example, clustering of CD3 chains in response to ligand binding and immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory motifs (ITAMs) generates a signal transduction cascade. In certain embodiments, binding of an endogenous TCR or an exogenous CAR to an antigen leads to the formation of an immunological synapse that involves the clustering of many molecules near the bound receptor (e.g., CD4 or CD8, CD3γ / δ / ε / ζ, etc.). This clustering of membrane-bound signal transduction molecules can phosphorylate the ITAM motifs contained within the CD3 chains. This phosphorylation in turn initiates the T cell activation pathway, ultimately activating transcription factors such as NF-κB and AP-1. These transcription factors induce global gene expression in T cells to increase IL-2 production for proliferation and expression of master regulator T cell proteins to initiate a T cell-mediated immune response.

[0042] "Stimulating immunoresponsive cells" refers to signals that result in a robust and sustained immune response. In various embodiments, this occurs after activation of immune cells (e.g., T cells) or is mediated simultaneously through receptors including, but not limited to, CD28, 4-1BB, OX40, CD40, and ICOS. Receiving multiple stimulatory signals may be important to initiate a robust and long-lasting T cell-mediated immune response. T cells can quickly become inhibited and unresponsive to antigens. Although the effects of these costimulatory signals may vary, they generally result in increased gene expression to generate long-lived, proliferative, anti-apoptotic T cells that respond strongly to antigens for complete and sustained eradication.

[0043] As used herein, the term "antigen-recognizing receptor" refers to a receptor that can recognize a target antigen (e.g., uPAR). In certain embodiments, an antigen-recognizing receptor can activate an immune cell or an immunoresponsive cell (e.g., a T cell) upon binding to a target antigen.

[0044] As used herein, the term "antibody" refers not only to intact antibody molecules, but also to fragments of antibody molecules that retain immunogen-binding ability. Such fragments are also well known in the art and are commonly used both in vitro and in vivo. Thus, as used herein, the term "antibody" refers not only to intact immunoglobulin molecules, but also to the well-known active fragments F(ab') 2 F(ab') also means F(ab') 2, and Fab fragments, which lack the Fe fragment of intact antibodies, are cleared more rapidly from the circulation and may have less nonspecific tissue binding than intact antibodies (Wahl et al., Nucl Med (1983); 24:316-325). As used herein, the term includes whole natural antibodies, bispecific antibodies, chimeric antibodies, Fab, Fab', single chain V region fragments (scFv), fusion polypeptides, and non-conventional antibodies. In certain embodiments, an antibody is a glycoprotein comprising at least two heavy (H) chains and two light (L) chains interconnected by disulfide bonds. Each heavy chain comprises a heavy chain variable region (referred to herein as V H ) and heavy chain constant (C H The heavy chain constant region is composed of three domains, CH1, CH2 and CH3. Each light chain comprises a light chain variable region (herein referred to as V L (abbreviated as ) and light chain constant C L The light chain constant region consists of one domain, C L It consists of V H Area and V L The regions can be further subdivided into regions of hypervariability, called complementarity determining regions (CDRs), interspersed with regions that are more conserved, called framework regions (FRs). H and V L is composed of three CDRs and four FRs arranged from amino terminus to carboxy terminus in the following order: FR1, CDR1, FR2, CDR2, FR3, CDR3, FR4. The variable regions of the heavy and light chains contain a binding domain that interacts with an antigen. The constant region of the antibody may mediate the binding of the immunoglobulin to host tissues or factors, including various cells of the immune system (e.g., effector cells) and the first component (C1q) of the classical complement system.

[0045] As used herein, "CDR" is defined as the complementarity determining region amino acid sequence of an antibody, which is the hypervariable region of the immunoglobulin heavy and light chains. See, for example, Kabat et al., Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, 4th USDepartment of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health (1987), or the IMGT numbering system (Lefranc, The Immunologist (1999); 7:132-136; Lefranc et al., Dev. Comp. Immunol. (2003); 27:55-77). In certain embodiments, CDRs are identified using the IMGT numbering system, accessible at http: / / www.imgt.org / IMGT_vquest / input. Generally, an antibody contains three heavy chain and three light chain CDRs or CDR regions in the variable region. CDRs provide the majority of contact residues for the binding of the antibody to an antigen or epitope. In certain embodiments, the CDRs are delineated using the Kabat numbering system. In certain embodiments, the CDRs are identified according to the Kabat numbering system and the Chothia system.

[0046] As used herein, the term "single chain variable fragment" or "scFv" refers to a V H Heavy chains (VL) of immunoglobulins (e.g., mouse or human) covalently linked to form a VL heterodimer. H ) and light chain (V L ) is a fusion protein of the variable regions of the heavy chain (V H ) and light chain (V L ) are either directly connected or connected by a peptide-encoding linker (e.g., 10, 15, 20, 25 amino acids), H N-terminus of V L or V H The C-terminus of V LThe linker is usually rich in glycine for flexibility and rich in serine or threonine for solubility. The linker may link the heavy and light chain variable regions of the extracellular antigen-binding domain. Non-limiting examples of linkers are described in Shen et al., Anal. Chem. 80(6):1910-1917 (2008) and WO2014 / 087010, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. In certain embodiments, the linker is a G4S linker.

[0047] In certain embodiments, the linker comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:62, provided below. GGGGSGGGGSGGGSGGGGS [SEQ ID NO: 62]

[0048] In certain embodiments, the linker comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:63, provided below. GGGGSGGGGSGGGGS [SEQ ID NO: 63]

[0049] In certain embodiments, the linker comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:64, provided below. GGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGSGGGGS [SEQ ID NO: 64]

[0050] In certain embodiments, the linker comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:65, provided below. GGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGGSGGGSGGGGS [SEQ ID NO: 65]

[0051] In certain embodiments, the linker comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:66, provided below. GGGGS [SEQ ID NO: 66]

[0052] In certain embodiments, the linker comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:67, provided below. GGGGSGGGGS [SEQ ID NO: 67]

[0053] Despite the removal of the constant region and the introduction of the linker, the scFv protein retains the specificity of the original immunoglobulin. Single-chain Fv polypeptide antibodies can be synthesized using the VFv polypeptide as described by Huston, et al. Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA, (1988); 85:5879-5883, U.S. Patent Nos. 5,091,513, 5,132,405 and 4,956,778, and U.S. Patent Publication Nos. 2005 / 0196754 and 2005 / 0196754. H and V L Antagonistic scFvs can be expressed from nucleic acids containing sequences encoding the scFvs. Antagonistic scFvs with inhibitory activity have been described (e.g., Zhao et al., Hyrbidoma (Larchmt) (2008); 27(6): 455-51; Peter et al., J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle (2012); August 12; Shieh et al., J Imunol (2009); 183(4): 2277-85; Giomarelli et al., Thromb Haemost (2007); 97(6): 955-63; Fife et al., J Clin Invst (2006); 116(8): 2252-61; Brocks et al., Immunotechnology 1997 3(3): 173-84; Moosmayer et al., Ther Immunol 1995 2 (10:31-40). Agonistic scFvs with stimulatory activity have been described (Peter et al., J Biol Chern (2003); 25278(38):36740-7; Xie et al., Nat Biotech 1997 15(8):768-71; Ledbetter et al., Crit Rev Immunol (1997); 17(5-6):427-55; Ho et al., BioChim Biophys Acta (2003); 1638(3):257-66).

[0054] As used herein, the term "chimeric antigen receptor" or "CAR" refers to a molecule that comprises an extracellular antigen-binding domain fused to an intracellular signaling domain capable of activating or stimulating an immunoresponsive cell, and a transmembrane domain. In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of a CAR comprises an scFv. An scFv can be obtained by fusing the variable heavy and variable light regions of an antibody. Alternatively or additionally, an scFv can be derived from a Fab (e.g., obtained from a Fab library instead of from an antibody). In certain embodiments, an scFv is fused to a transmembrane domain and then to an intracellular signaling domain. The term "substantially identical" or "substantially homologous" refers to a polypeptide or nucleic acid molecule that exhibits at least about 50% homology or identity to a reference amino acid sequence (e.g., any one of the amino acid sequences described herein) or a reference nucleic acid sequence (e.g., any one of the nucleic acid sequences described herein). In certain embodiments, such sequences are at least about 60%, at least about 65%, at least about 70%, at least about 75%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 99%, or at least about 100% homologous or identical to the amino acid or nucleic acid sequence used for comparison.

[0055] Sequence identity can be measured using sequence analysis software (e.g., Sequence Analysis Software Package of the Genetics Computer Group, University of Wisconsin Biotechnology Center, 1710 University Avenue, Madison, Wis. 53705, BLAST, BESTFIT, GAP, or PILEUP / PRETTYBOX programs). Such software matches identical or similar sequences by assigning degrees of homology to various substitutions, deletions, and / or other modifications. Conservative substitutions typically include substitutions within the following groups: glycine, alanine; valine, isoleucine, leucine; aspartic acid, glutamic acid, asparagine, glutamine; serine, threonine; lysine, arginine; and phenylalanine, tyrosine. In an exemplary approach to determining the degree of identity, the BLAST program may be used, with a probability score of e-3 to e-100 indicating closely related sequences.

[0056] As used herein, the percentage of homology between two amino acid sequences corresponds to the percentage of identity between the two sequences. The percentage of identity between two sequences is a function of the number of identical positions shared by the sequences (i.e., % homology = number of identical positions / total number of positions x 100), taking into account the number of gaps that need to be introduced for optimal alignment of the two sequences and the length of each gap. The comparison of sequences and the determination of the percentage of identity between two sequences can be accomplished using a mathematical algorithm.

[0057] The percent homology between two amino acid sequences can be determined using the algorithm of E. Meyers and W. Miller (Comput. Appl. Biosci., 4:11-17 (1988)) incorporated into the ALIGN program (version 2.0) using a PAM120 weight residue table, a gap length penalty of 12, and a gap penalty of 4. In addition, the percent homology between two amino acid sequences can be determined using the algorithm of Needleman and Wunsch (J. Mol. Biol. 48:444-453 (1970)) incorporated into the GAP program in the GCG software package (available at www.gcg.com) using either a Blossum62 matrix or a PAM250 matrix, and gap weights of 16, 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, or 4, and length weights of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6.

[0058] Additionally or alternatively, the amino acid sequences of the subject matter described herein can further be used as a "query sequence" to perform searches against public databases, for example to identify related sequences. Such searches can be performed using the XBLAST program (version 2.0) of Altschul, et al. (1990) J. Mol. Biol. 215:403-10. BLAST protein searches can be performed with the XBLAST program, score=50, wordlength=3, to obtain amino acid sequences homologous to the specified sequences disclosed herein (e.g., the heavy and light chain variable region sequences of scFv m903, m904, m905, m906, and m900). To obtain gapped alignments for comparison purposes, gapped BLAST can be utilized as described in Altschul et al., (1997) Nucleic Acids Res. 25(17):3389-3402. When utilizing BLAST, Gapped BLAST programs, the default parameters of the respective programs (eg, XBLAST and NBLAST) can be used.

[0059] An "effective amount" is an amount sufficient to produce a beneficial or desired clinical result upon treatment. An effective amount may be administered to a subject in one or more doses. In certain embodiments, an effective amount may be an amount sufficient to palliate, improve, stabilize, reverse, or slow the progression of a disease, or otherwise reduce the pathological consequences of a disease. An effective amount may be determined by a physician on a case-by-case basis and is within the skill of a person of ordinary skill in the art. Several factors are typically considered in determining the appropriate dosage to achieve an effective amount. These factors include the age, sex, and weight of the subject, the condition being treated, the severity of the condition, and the form and effective concentration of the cells being administered.

[0060] As used herein, the term "endogenous" refers to a nucleic acid molecule or a polypeptide that is normally expressed in a cell or tissue.

[0061] As used herein, the term "exogenous" refers to a nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide that is not endogenously present in a cell. Thus, the term "exogenous" will encompass foreign, heterologous, and any recombinant nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide expressed in a cell, such as overexpressed nucleic acid molecules and polypeptides. An "exogenous" nucleic acid refers to a nucleic acid that is not present in a natural wild-type cell, e.g., an exogenous nucleic acid may differ from its endogenous counterpart by sequence, position / location, or both. For clarity, an exogenous nucleic acid may have the same or different sequence compared to its natural endogenous counterpart, may be introduced into the cell itself or its precursor by genetic engineering, and may optionally be linked to alternative regulatory sequences, such as non-native promoters or secretion sequences.

[0062] The term "heterologous nucleic acid molecule or polypeptide" refers to a nucleic acid molecule (e.g., a cDNA, DNA, or RNA molecule) or a polypeptide that is not normally present in a cell or a sample obtained from a cell. The nucleic acid may be from another organism, or may be, for example, an mRNA molecule that is not normally expressed in the cell or sample.

[0063] By "increase" is meant a positive change of at least about 5%. The change may be about 5%, about 10%, about 25%, about 30%, about 50%, about 75%, about 100%, or more.

[0064] By "decreasing" is meant a negative change of at least about 5%. The change may be about 5%, about 10%, about 25%, about 30%, about 50%, about 75%, or even about 100%.

[0065] The terms "isolated," "purified," or "biologically pure" refer to material that is free to various degrees from components that normally accompany it as found in its native state. "Isolate" refers to a degree of separation from the original source or surroundings. "Purify" refers to a degree of separation greater than isolation. A "purified" or "biologically pure" protein is sufficiently free from other materials that any impurities do not substantially affect the biological properties of the protein or cause other deleterious consequences. That is, a nucleic acid or peptide is purified when it is substantially free of cellular material, viral material, or culture medium when produced by recombinant DNA techniques, or substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals when chemically synthesized. Purity and homogeneity are typically determined using analytical chemistry techniques, such as polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis or high performance liquid chromatography. The term "purified" can indicate that the nucleic acid or protein gives rise to essentially one band in an electrophoretic gel. For proteins that can be subject to modifications, such as phosphorylation or glycosylation, different modifications can give rise to different isolated proteins that can be purified separately.

[0066] The term "isolated cell" means a cell that is separated from molecules and / or cellular components that naturally accompany the cell.

[0067] As used herein, the term "antigen-binding domain" refers to a domain capable of specifically binding a particular antigenic determinant or set of antigenic determinants present on a cell.

[0068] "Recognize" means selectively binding to a target. T cells that recognize a tumor can express a receptor (e.g., a CAR) that binds to a tumor antigen.

[0069] By "signal sequence" or "leader sequence" is meant a peptide sequence (eg, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 or 30 amino acids) present at the N-terminus of a newly synthesized protein that directs entry into the secretory pathway.

[0070] "Specifically binds" or "specifically binds to" or "specifically targets" refers to a polypeptide or fragment thereof that recognizes and / or binds to a biological molecule of interest (e.g., a polypeptide, e.g., a uPAR polypeptide) but does not substantially recognize and / or bind other molecules in a sample, e.g., a biological sample, and that naturally includes a polypeptide disclosed herein (e.g., a uPAR polypeptide).

[0071] The terms "comprises" and "comprising" are intended to have the broad meaning ascribed to them in U.S. patent law and can mean "includes," "including," etc.

[0072] As used herein, the term "treatment" refers to clinical intervention in an attempt to change the disease course of the individual or cell being treated, and can be performed either for prophylaxis or during the course of clinical pathology. The therapeutic effect of treatment includes, but is not limited to, preventing the onset or recurrence of the disease, alleviating symptoms, reducing any direct or indirect pathological consequences of the disease, preventing metastasis, reducing the rate of disease progression, improving or alleviating the disease state, and remission or improved prognosis. By preventing the progression of a disease or disorder, treatment can not only prevent deterioration due to the disorder in a subject who has been affected or diagnosed, or a subject who is suspected of having the disorder, but also prevent the onset of the disorder or symptoms of the disorder in a subject who is at risk of the disorder or a subject who is suspected of having the disorder.

[0073] An "individual" or "subject" herein is a vertebrate, e.g., a human or a non-human animal, e.g., a mammal. Mammals include, but are not limited to, humans, primates, farm animals, sport animals, rodents, and pets. Non-limiting examples of non-human animal subjects include rodents, such as mice, rats, and hamsters, as well as guinea pigs, rabbits, dogs, cats, sheep, pigs, goats, cows, horses, and non-human primates, such as apes and monkeys. As used herein, the term "immunocompromised" refers to a subject with an immunodeficiency. Subjects are highly vulnerable to opportunistic infections caused by organisms that do not normally cause disease in humans with healthy immune systems, but may affect people with impaired or suppressed immune systems.

[0074] Other aspects of the presently disclosed subject matter are described in the disclosure that follows and are within the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0075] 5.2.uPAR uPAR (urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor), also known as CD87, is a glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein. uPAR is rich in cysteines and consists of three tandem LU domains that bind urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA). (Kessler et al., J.Neurochem.(2017);142:7-18; Llinas et al.,EMBO J.(2005);24(9):1655-63; Huai et al.,Science(2006);311(5761):656-9; Chelsea et al.,Human Genomics(2016);10:10). uPAR also interacts with several other proteins, including vitronectin, uPAR-associated protein (uPARAP), and the integrin family of membrane proteins.

[0076] uPAR has been implicated in tumor growth or metastasis in a variety of different types of cancer, including breast cancer (including triple-negative breast cancer), endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, prostate cancer, renal cancer, pancreatic cancer, rectal cancer, cervical cancer, head and neck cancer, liver cancer, gastric cancer, urothelial cancer, melanoma, brain cancer (including glioblastoma multiforme), acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It also plays a role in aging, including its association with aging-related diseases associated with aging. It can also regulate immune responses and cell-matrix interactions, promoting tumor cell proliferation and awakening from dormancy.

[0077] uPAR is induced during the process of cellular senescence, can be induced by certain cancer drugs, and can accumulate in a range of age-related and tissue-damaging pathologies (LIST). Removal of senescent cells can improve therapy responses and alleviate symptoms of tissue-damaging pathologies, including fibrosis.

[0078] Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) is found to be upregulated in some of the above pathologies, as well as in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma, liver failure, heart failure, cardiovascular disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. (Desmedt et al., Crit. Rev. Clin. Lab. Sci. (2017); 54(2): 117-133, Amor et al., Nature (2020 Jul); 583 (7814): 127-132). Thus, uPAR (e.g., suPAR) can be used as a biomarker of disease stage. uPAR is found to be highly expressed on senescent cells. (Wagner et al., Nature (2020); 583 (7814): 37-38). Many oncogenic signaling pathways and tumor microenvironment conditions, such as hypoxia, can activate transcription factors, which in turn regulate uPAR. uPAR can regulate protein degradation by associating with the outer layer of the plasma membrane via a glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor, but can be secreted or shed from the cell surface. (Harvey et al., Nat. Rev. Mol. Cell Biol (2010); 11, 23-36). uPAR expression directly correlates with the invasive potential of endometrial cancer. (Foca et al., Gynecol. Oncol. (2000); 79(2): 244-50). uPAR is involved in several hematological malignancies, particularly acute leukemia and multiple myeloma. (Hata et al., Blood (1993); 81: 3357-3364, MC Bene et al., Leukemia (2004); 18, 394-400). uPAR has been reported to be associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer patients. (Bo et al., Oncol.Rep.(2005);14(1):105-12, Foekens et al., Cancer Res.(2000);60(3):636-43).

[0079] In certain embodiments, uPAR is human uPAR comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of UniProt reference number Q03405-1 (SEQ ID NO: 61) or a fragment thereof. SEQ ID NO: 61 is provided below. In certain embodiments, uPAR comprises three domains: domain 1 (domain UPAR / Ly6 1), domain 2 (domain UPAR / Ly6 2), and domain 3 (domain UPAR / Ly6 3). In certain embodiments, domain 1 comprises or consists of amino acids 23-114 of SEQ ID NO: 61. In certain embodiments, domain 2 comprises or consists of amino acids 115-213 of SEQ ID NO: 61. In certain embodiments, domain 3 comprises or consists of amino acids 214-305 of SEQ ID NO: 61. [ka]

[0080] In certain embodiments, uPAR comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence that is at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, or at least about 99%, at least about 100% identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 61 or a fragment thereof.

[0081] In certain embodiments, the antigen recognition receptor binds to a portion of human uPAR. In certain embodiments, the antigen recognition receptor binds to at least one of domain 1, domain 2, and domain 3. In certain embodiments, the antigen recognition receptor binds to domain 2. In certain embodiments, the antigen recognition receptor binds to domain 3. In certain embodiments, the antigen recognition receptor binds to both domain 2 and domain 3. In certain embodiments, the antigen recognition receptor binds to amino acids 115-303 of SEQ ID NO:61. In certain embodiments, the antigen recognition receptor binds to amino acids 115-305 of SEQ ID NO:61.

[0082] 5.3. Antigen Recognition Receptors The antigen-recognizing receptor disclosed herein specifically targets or binds to uPAR.In certain embodiments, the antigen-recognizing receptor is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR).In certain embodiments, the antigen-recognizing receptor is a T cell receptor (TCR).In certain embodiments, the antigen-recognizing receptor is a TCR-like fusion molecule.

[0083] The subject matter disclosed herein also provides the nucleic acid molecule that encodes the antigen-recognition receptor disclosed herein.In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid molecule comprises the nucleotide sequence that encodes the polypeptide of the uPAR target antigen-recognition receptor disclosed herein.

[0084] T cell receptor (TCR) In certain embodiments, the antigen recognition receptor is a TCR. A TCR is a disulfide-linked heterodimeric protein consisting of two variable chains expressed as part of a complex with an invariant CD3 chain molecule. TCRs found on the surface of T cells are involved in the recognition of antigens as peptides bound to major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules. In certain embodiments, the TCR comprises an alpha chain and a beta chain (encoded by TRA and TRB, respectively). In certain embodiments, the TCR comprises a gamma chain and a delta chain (encoded by TRG and TRD, respectively).

[0085] Each chain of the TCR is composed of two extracellular domains: a variable (V) region and a constant (C) region. The constant region is proximal to the cell membrane and is followed by a transmembrane region and a short cytoplasmic tail. The variable region binds to the peptide / MHC complex. The variable domains of both chains each have three complementarity determining regions (CDRs).

[0086] In certain embodiments, the TCR can form a receptor complex with three dimeric signaling modules CD3δ / ε, CD3γ / ε, and CD247ζ / ζ or ζ / η. T cells expressing the TCR complex are activated when the TCR complex engages with its antigen and MHC (peptide / MHC).

[0087] In certain embodiments, the TCR is an endogenous TCR. In certain embodiments, the antigen recognition receptor is a naturally occurring TCR.

[0088] In certain embodiments, the antigen-recognizing receptor is an exogenous TCR. In certain embodiments, the antigen-recognizing receptor is a recombinant TCR. In certain embodiments, the antigen-recognizing receptor is a recombinant TCR. In certain embodiments, the recombinant TCR differs from any recombinant TCR by at least one amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, the recombinant TCR differs from any naturally occurring TCR by at least about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, about 12, about 13, about 14, about 15, about 20, about 25, about 30, about 40, about 50, about 60, about 70, about 80, about 90, about 100, or more amino acid residues. In certain embodiments, the recombinant TCR is modified from a naturally occurring TCR by at least one amino acid residue. In certain embodiments, a recombinant TCR has at least about 2, about 3, about 4, about 5, about 6, about 7, about 8, about 9, about 10, about 11, about 12, about 13, about 14, about 15, about 20, about 25, about 30, about 40, about 50, about 60, about 70, about 80, about 90, about 100, or more amino acid residues modified from a naturally occurring TCR.

[0089] Chimeric Antigen Receptors (CARs) In certain embodiments, the antigen recognition receptor is a CAR. A CAR is an engineered receptor that implants or confers a specificity of interest on immune effector cells. CAR can be used to implant the specificity of a monoclonal antibody into T cells, and the implantation of its coding sequence is facilitated by a retroviral vector.

[0090] There are three generations of CARs. "First generation" CARs are typically composed of an extracellular antigen binding domain (e.g., scFv) fused to a transmembrane domain that is fused to a cytoplasmic / intracellular signaling domain. "First generation" CARs can provide novel antigen recognition and are independent of HLA-mediated antigen presentation, and can be expressed by CD4 ζ chain signaling domains in a single fusion molecule. + and CD8 + The "second generation" CARs add intracellular signaling domains from various costimulatory molecules (e.g., CD28, 4-1BB, ICOS, OX40) to the cytoplasmic tail of the CAR to provide additional signals to the T cell. "Second generation" CARs include those that provide both costimulation (e.g., CD28 or 4-1BB) and activation (CD3zeta). "Third generation" CARs include those that provide multiple costimulations (e.g., CD28 and 4-1BB) and activation (CD3zeta). In certain embodiments, the antigen recognition receptor is a first generation CAR. In certain embodiments, the antigen recognition receptor is a CAR that does not include the intracellular signaling domain of a costimulatory molecule or a fragment thereof. In certain embodiments, the antigen recognition receptor is a second generation CAR.

[0091] In certain embodiments, the CAR comprises an extracellular antigen-binding domain that specifically binds to uPAR, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular signaling domain.

[0092] 5.3.2.1. Extracellular Antigen-Binding Domain of the CAR In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain is an scFv. In certain embodiments, the scFv is a human scFv. In certain embodiments, the scFv is a humanized scFv. In certain embodiments, the scFv is a mouse scFv. In certain embodiments, the scFv is identified by screening an scFv phage library with an antigen-Fc fusion protein.

[0093] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain is a Fab. In certain embodiments, the Fab is cross-linked. In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain is a F(ab) 2 It is.

[0094] Any of the aforementioned molecules can be included in a fusion protein with a heterologous sequence to form an extracellular antigen-binding domain. In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR (embodied, for example, as an scFv or analog thereof) has a binding affinity of, for example, about 1×10 -6 M or less, for example, about 1×10 -7 M or less, approximately 1×10 -8 M or less, approximately 1×10 -9 M or less, approximately 1×10 -10 M or less, or about 1 x 10 -11 The dissociation constant (K D ) and binds to uPAR (e.g., human uPAR). In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR has a molecular weight of about 1×10 -7 K below M D In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR binds to uPAR (e.g., human uPAR) at about 1×10 -9 M ~ approx. 1×10 -7 K of M D In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR binds to uPAR (e.g., human uPAR) at about 1×10 -8 K of M D In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR has a binding affinity of about 1.9×10 -8 K of M D In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR has a binding affinity of about 2×10 -8 K of M D In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR has a binding domain of about 3×10 -8 K of M DIn certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR has a binding domain of about 3.5×10 -8 K of M D In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR has a binding affinity of about 4×10 -8 K of M D In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR has a binding affinity of about 4.2×10 -8 K of M D In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR binds to uPAR (e.g., human uPAR) at about 1×10 -7 K of M D In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR has a binding affinity of about 9.5×10 -8 K of M D In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR has a binding domain of about 6×10 -9 K of M D In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR has a binding domain of about 7×10 -9 K of M D In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR has a binding affinity of about 6.6×10 -9 K of M D and binds to uPAR (e.g., human uPAR).

[0095] The binding of the extracellular antigen-binding domain of CAR can be confirmed, for example, by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), radioimmunoassay (RIA), FACS analysis, bioassay (e.g., growth inhibition), or Western blot assay. Each of these assays generally detects the presence of a particular protein-antibody complex of interest by using a labeled reagent (e.g., antibody or scFv) specific for the complex of interest. For example, scFv can be radioactively labeled and used in a radioimmunoassay (RIA) (see, for example, Weintraub, B., Principles of Radioimmunoassays, Seventh Training Course on Radioligand Assay Techniques, The Endocrine Society, March, 1986, incorporated herein by reference). Radioisotopes can be detected by means such as the use of a gamma counter or scintillation counter, or autoradioactive testing. In certain embodiments, the uPAR target extracellular antigen-binding domain is labeled with a fluorescent marker. Non-limiting examples of fluorescent markers include green fluorescent protein (GFP), blue fluorescent protein (e.g., EBFP, EBFP2, Azurite, and mKalama1), cyan fluorescent protein (e.g., ECFP, Cerulean, and CyPet), and yellow fluorescent protein (e.g., YFP, Citrine, Venus, and YPet). In certain embodiments, the uPAR-targeting human scFv is labeled with GFP.

[0096] In certain embodiments, the CDRs are identified according to the Kabat system, the Chothia system, or a combination thereof.

[0097] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3 or a conservative modification thereof. H SEQ ID NOs: 1-3 are provided in Table 1.

[0098] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:4 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:5 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6 or a conservative modification thereof. L SEQ ID NOs: 4-6 are provided in Table 1.

[0099] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3 or a conservative modification thereof. H and CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:4 or a conservative modification thereof, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:5 or a conservative modification thereof, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6 or a conservative modification thereof. L Including,

[0100] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2, and aCDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3. H and CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6. L Includes.

[0101] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain (e.g., scFv) of the CAR comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least about 80% (e.g., at least about 85%, at least about 90%, or at least about 95%) homologous or identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:25. H For example, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) can comprise a VFv that comprises an amino acid sequence that is about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% homologous or identical to SEQ ID NO:25. H In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a V H An exemplary nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:25 is set forth in SEQ ID NO:33. SEQ ID NOs:25 and 33 are provided in Table 1 below.

[0102] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain (e.g., scFv) of the CAR comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least about 80% (e.g., at least about 85%, at least about 90%, or at least about 95%) homologous or identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:26. L For example, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) can comprise a VFv that comprises an amino acid sequence that is about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% homologous or identical to SEQ ID NO:26. L In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a V L An exemplary nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26 is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 34. SEQ ID NOs: 26 and 34 are provided in Table 1 below.

[0103] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 25. H and V comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:26 L In certain embodiments, V H and V L are linked via a linker.

[0104] In certain embodiments, the variable region within the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR comprises a heavy chain variable region (V H In certain embodiments, when the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR is an scFv, the variable regions are arranged from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: H -V L .

[0105] In certain embodiments, the variable region within the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR comprises a light chain variable region (V L In certain embodiments, when the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR is an scFv, the variable regions are arranged from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: L -V H .

[0106] In certain embodiments, the scFv is designated "8B1."

[0107] In certain embodiments, the CDR sequences disclosed in Table 1 are identified according to the Kabat system or a combination of the Kabat and Chothia systems. SEQ ID NOs: 2-6 are identified according to the Kabat system. SEQ ID NO: 1 is identified according to a combination of the Kabat and Chothia systems. [Table 1-1] [Table 1-2]

[0108] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises a VH comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9 or a conservative modification thereof. SEQ ID NOs: 7-9 are provided in Table 2.

[0109] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12 or a conservative modification thereof. L SEQ ID NOs: 10 to 12 are provided in Table 2.

[0110] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises a VH comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:8 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9 or a conservative modification thereof, and a VH comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:11 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:12 or a conservative modification thereof. L Including,

[0111] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises a VH comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:7, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:8, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:9, and a VH comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:10, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:11, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:12. L Includes.

[0112] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain (e.g., scFv) of the CAR comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least about 80% (e.g., at least about 85%, at least about 90%, or at least about 95%) homologous or identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:27. H For example, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) can comprise a VFv that comprises an amino acid sequence that is about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% homologous or identical to SEQ ID NO:27. H In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a V H An exemplary nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27 is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 35. SEQ ID NOs: 27 and 35 are provided in Table 2 below.

[0113] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain (e.g., scFv) of the CAR comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least about 80% (e.g., at least about 85%, at least about 90%, or at least about 95%) homologous or identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:28. L For example, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) can comprise a VFv that comprises an amino acid sequence that is about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% homologous or identical to SEQ ID NO:28. L In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a V L An exemplary nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28 is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 36. SEQ ID NOs: 28 and 36 are provided in Table 2 below.

[0114] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 27. H and V comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:28 L In certain embodiments, V H and V L are linked via a linker.

[0115] In certain embodiments, the variable region within the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR comprises a heavy chain variable region (V H In certain embodiments, when the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR is an scFv, the variable regions are arranged from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: H -V L .

[0116] In certain embodiments, the variable region within the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR comprises a light chain variable region (V L In certain embodiments, when the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR is an scFv, the variable regions are arranged from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: L -V H .

[0117] In certain embodiments, the scFv is designated "11E10."

[0118] In certain embodiments, the CDR sequences disclosed in Table 2 are identified according to the Kabat system or a combination of the Kabat and Chothia systems. SEQ ID NOs: 8-12 are identified according to the Kabat system. SEQ ID NO: 7 is identified according to a combination of the Kabat and Chothia systems. [Table 2-1] [Table 2-2]

[0119] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises a VH comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15 or a conservative modification thereof. SEQ ID NOs: 13-15 are provided in Table 3.

[0120] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 16 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 17 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 18 or a conservative modification thereof. L SEQ ID NOs: 16-18 are provided in Table 3.

[0121] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises a VH comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15 or a conservative modification thereof, and a VH comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 16 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 17 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 18 or a conservative modification thereof. L Including,

[0122] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises a VH comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15, and a VH comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 16, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 17, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 18. L Includes.

[0123] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain (e.g., scFv) of the CAR comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least about 80% (e.g., at least about 85%, at least about 90%, or at least about 95%) homologous or identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:29. H For example, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) can comprise a VFv that comprises an amino acid sequence that is about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% homologous or identical to SEQ ID NO:29. H In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a V H An exemplary nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:29 is set forth in SEQ ID NO:37. SEQ ID NOs:29 and 37 are provided in Table 3 below.

[0124] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain (e.g., scFv) of the CAR comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least about 80% (e.g., at least about 85%, at least about 90%, or at least about 95%) homologous or identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:30. LFor example, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) can comprise a VFv that comprises an amino acid sequence that is about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% homologous or identical to SEQ ID NO:30. L In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a V L An exemplary nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30 is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 38. SEQ ID NOs: 30 and 38 are provided in Table 3 below.

[0125] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:29. H and V comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:30 L In certain embodiments, V H and V L are linked via a linker.

[0126] In certain embodiments, the variable region within the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR comprises a heavy chain variable region (V H In certain embodiments, when the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR is an scFv, the variable regions are arranged from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: H -V L .

[0127] In certain embodiments, the variable region within the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR comprises a light chain variable region (V L In certain embodiments, when the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR is an scFv, the variable regions are arranged from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: L -V H .

[0128] In certain embodiments, the scFv is designated "17C9."

[0129] In certain embodiments, the CDR sequences disclosed in Table 3 are identified according to the Kabat system or a combination of the Kabat and Chothia systems. SEQ ID NOs: 14-18 are identified according to the Kabat system. SEQ ID NO: 13 is identified according to a combination of the Kabat and Chothia systems. [Table 3-1] [Table 3-2]

[0130] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises a VH comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 19 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 20 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 21 or a conservative modification thereof. SEQ ID NOs: 19-21 are provided in Table 4.

[0131] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 22 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 23 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 24 or a conservative modification thereof. L SEQ ID NOs:22-24 are provided in Table 4.

[0132] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises a VH comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 19 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 20 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 21 or a conservative modification thereof, and a VH comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 22 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 23 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 24 or a conservative modification thereof. L Including,

[0133] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises a VH comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 19, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 20, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 21, and a VH comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 22, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 23, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 24. L Includes.

[0134] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least about 80% (e.g., at least about 85%, at least about 90%, or at least about 95%) homologous or identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:31. H For example, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) can comprise a VFv that comprises an amino acid sequence that is about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% homologous or identical to SEQ ID NO:31. H In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a V HAn exemplary nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:31 is set forth in SEQ ID NO:39. SEQ ID NOs:31 and 39 are provided in Table 4 below.

[0135] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain (e.g., scFv) of the CAR comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least about 80% (e.g., at least about 85%, at least about 90%, or at least about 95%) homologous or identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:32. L For example, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) can comprise a VFv that comprises an amino acid sequence that is about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% homologous or identical to SEQ ID NO:32. L In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a V L An exemplary nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 32 is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 40. SEQ ID NOs: 32 and 40 are provided in Table 4 below.

[0136] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 31. H and V comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:32 L In certain embodiments, V H and V L are linked via a linker.

[0137] In certain embodiments, the variable region within the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR comprises a heavy chain variable region (V H In certain embodiments, when the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR is an scFv, the variable regions are arranged from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: H -VL .

[0138] In certain embodiments, the variable region within the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR comprises a light chain variable region (V L In certain embodiments, when the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR is an scFv, the variable regions are arranged from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: L -V H .

[0139] In certain embodiments, the scFv is designated "19D7."

[0140] In certain embodiments, the CDR sequences disclosed in Table 4 are identified according to the Kabat system or a combination of the Kabat and Chothia systems. SEQ ID NOs: 20-24 are identified according to the Kabat system. SEQ ID NO: 19 is identified according to a combination of the Kabat and Chothia systems. [Table 4]

[0141] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises a VH comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 41, or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 42, or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 43, or a conservative modification thereof. SEQ ID NOs: 41-43 are provided in Table 5.

[0142] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 44 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 45 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 46 or a conservative modification thereof. L SEQ ID NOs: 44-46 are provided in Table 5.

[0143] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises a VH comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 41 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 42 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 43 or a conservative modification thereof, and a VH comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 44 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 45 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 46 or a conservative modification thereof. L Including,

[0144] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises a VH comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 41, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 42, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 43, and a VH comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 44, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 45, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 46. L Includes.

[0145] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain (e.g., scFv) of the CAR comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least about 80% (e.g., at least about 85%, at least about 90%, or at least about 95%) homologous or identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:47. H For example, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) can comprise a VFv that comprises an amino acid sequence that is about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% homologous or identical to SEQ ID NO:47. H In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a V HAn exemplary nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 47 is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 57. SEQ ID NOs: 47 and 57 are provided in Table 5 below.

[0146] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain (e.g., scFv) of the CAR comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least about 80% (e.g., at least about 85%, at least about 90%, or at least about 95%) homologous or identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:48. L For example, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) can comprise a VFv that comprises an amino acid sequence that is about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% homologous or identical to SEQ ID NO:48. L In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a V L An exemplary nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 48 is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 58. SEQ ID NOs: 48 and 58 are provided in Table 5 below.

[0147] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 47. H and V comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:48 L In certain embodiments, V H and V L are linked via a linker.

[0148] In certain embodiments, the variable region within the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR comprises a heavy chain variable region (V H In certain embodiments, when the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR is an scFv, the variable regions are arranged from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: H -VL .

[0149] In certain embodiments, the variable region within the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR comprises a light chain variable region (V L In certain embodiments, when the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR is an scFv, the variable regions are arranged from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: L -V H .

[0150] In certain embodiments, the scFv is designated "6C8."

[0151] In certain embodiments, the CDR sequences disclosed in Table 5 are identified according to the Kabat system or a combination of the Kabat and Chothia systems. SEQ ID NOs: 42-46 are identified according to the Kabat system. SEQ ID NO: 41 is identified according to a combination of the Kabat and Chothia systems. [Table 5]

[0152] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises a VH comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 49 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 50 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 51 or a conservative modification thereof. SEQ ID NOs: 49-51 are provided in Table 6.

[0153] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 52 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 53 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 54 or a conservative modification thereof. L SEQ ID NOs:52-54 are provided in Table 6.

[0154] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises a VH comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 49 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 50 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 51 or a conservative modification thereof, and a VH comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 52 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 53 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 54 or a conservative modification thereof. L Including,

[0155] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises a VH comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 49, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 50, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 51, and a VH comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 52, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 53, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 54. L Includes.

[0156] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain (e.g., scFv) of the CAR comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least about 80% (e.g., at least about 85%, at least about 90%, or at least about 95%) homologous or identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:55. H For example, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) can comprise a VFv that comprises an amino acid sequence that is about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% homologous or identical to SEQ ID NO:55. H In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a V HAn exemplary nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:55 is set forth in SEQ ID NO:59. SEQ ID NOs:55 and 59 are provided in Table 6 below.

[0157] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain (e.g., scFv) of the CAR comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least about 80% (e.g., at least about 85%, at least about 90%, or at least about 95%) homologous or identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:56. L For example, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) can comprise a VFv that comprises an amino acid sequence that is about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% homologous or identical to SEQ ID NO:56. L In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a V L An exemplary nucleotide sequence encoding the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 56 is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 60. SEQ ID NOs: 56 and 60 are provided in Table 6 below.

[0158] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR (e.g., scFv) comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:55. H and V comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:56 L In certain embodiments, V H and V L are linked via a linker.

[0159] In certain embodiments, the variable region within the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR comprises a heavy chain variable region (V H In certain embodiments, when the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR is an scFv, the variable regions are arranged from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: H -VL .

[0160] In certain embodiments, the variable region within the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR comprises a light chain variable region (V L In certain embodiments, when the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR is an scFv, the variable regions are arranged from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: L -V H .

[0161] In certain embodiments, the scFv is designated "14C5."

[0162] In certain embodiments, the CDR sequences disclosed in Table 6 are identified according to the Kabat system. [Table 6]

[0163] As used herein, the term "conservative sequence modification" refers to an amino acid modification that does not significantly affect or change the binding characteristics of the uPAR-targeting CAR (e.g., the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR) disclosed herein, including the amino acid sequence. Conservative modifications can include amino acid substitutions, additions, and deletions. Modifications can be introduced into the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR disclosed herein by standard techniques known in the art, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis. Amino acids can be classified into groups according to physicochemical properties, such as charge and polarity. Conservative amino acid substitutions are those in which an amino acid residue is replaced with an amino acid within the same group. For example, amino acids can be classified by charge, with positively charged amino acids including lysine, arginine, and histidine, negatively charged amino acids including aspartic acid and glutamic acid, and neutrally charged amino acids including alanine, asparagine, cysteine, glutamine, glycine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tryptophan, tyrosine, and valine. Additionally, amino acids can be classified by polarity, with polar amino acids including arginine (basic polar), asparagine, aspartic acid (acidic polar), glutamic acid (acidic polar), glutamine, histidine (basic polar), lysine (basic polar), serine, threonine, and tyrosine, and non-polar amino acids including alanine, cysteine, glycine, isoleucine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, tryptophan, and valine. Thus, one or more amino acid residues in the CDR regions can be replaced with other amino acid residues from the same group, and the altered antibodies can be tested for retained function (i.e., the functions shown in (c)-(l) above) using the functional assays described herein. In certain embodiments, no more than one, no more than two, no more than three, no more than four, no more than five residues in a specified sequence or CDR region are altered.

[0164] A V that has at least about 80%, at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, or at least about 95% (e.g., about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, or about 99%) homology or identity to a particular sequence(s) (e.g., SEQ ID NO:25, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:27, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:29, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:31, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:47, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:55, or SEQ ID NO:56). H Amino acid sequence and / or V L The amino acid sequence may contain substitutions (e.g., conservative substitutions), insertions, or deletions relative to the designated sequence, but may retain the ability to bind to uPAR. In certain embodiments, a total of 1-10 amino acids are substituted, inserted, and / or deleted within a particular sequence (e.g., SEQ ID NO:25, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:27, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:29, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:31, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:47, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:55, or SEQ ID NO:56). In certain embodiments, the substitutions, insertions, or deletions occur in regions (e.g., FRs) outside the CDRs of the extracellular antigen-binding domain. In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain is a V selected from SEQ ID NO:25, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:27, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:29, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:31, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:47, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:55, or SEQ ID NO:56 (including post-translational modifications of that sequence (SEQ ID NO:25, SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:27, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:29, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:31, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:47, SEQ ID NO:48, SEQ ID NO:55, or SEQ ID NO:56)). H Sequence and / or V L Contains arrays.

[0165] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of a CAR disclosed herein is selected from the group consisting of, for example, the V of any one of the scFvs disclosed herein (e.g., 8B1, 11E10, 17C9, 19D7, 6C8, and 14C5) for binding to uPAR (e.g., human uPAR). H CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 sequences, and V L In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of a CAR disclosed herein cross-competes with a reference antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof comprising the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 sequences of any one of the VFvs disclosed herein (e.g., 8B1, 11E10, 17C9, 19D7, 6C8, and 14C5) for binding to uPAR (e.g., human uPAR). H Sequence and V L Cross-competes with a reference antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof comprising the sequence.

[0166] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of a CAR disclosed herein comprises, for binding to uPAR (e.g., human uPAR), the V H CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 sequences, and V L For example, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR disclosed herein cross-competes with a reference antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof comprising CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 sequences for binding to uPAR (e.g., human uPAR), comprising a VH comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:2, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:3, and a VH comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:4, CDR2 comprising amino acids having the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:5, and CDR3 comprising amino acids having the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:6. L and V of scFv 8B1 for binding to uPAR (e.g., human uPAR). H Sequence and V LFor example, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR disclosed herein comprises an amino acid sequence having the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 25 for binding to uPAR (e.g., human uPAR), and cross-competes with a reference antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof comprising the sequence: H and V comprising an amino acid sequence having the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:26. L and a reference antibody, or antigen-binding portion thereof, comprising:

[0167] In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain binds to the same epitope region on uPAR (e.g., human uPAR) as the reference antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof. For example, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of a CAR disclosed herein can be, for example, the V of any one of the scFvs disclosed herein (e.g., 8B1, 11E10, 17C9, 19D7, 6C8, and 14C5). H CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 sequences, and V L The CAR binds to the same epitope region on uPAR (e.g., human uPAR) as a reference antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof comprising CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3 sequences. In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of a CAR disclosed herein comprises, for example, the V of any one of the scFvs disclosed herein (e.g., 8B1, 11E10, 17C9, 19D7, 6C8, and 14C5). H Sequence and V L It binds to the same epitope region on EMR2 (eg, human EMR2) as a reference antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof that comprises the sequence.

[0168] Extracellular antigen-binding domains that cross-compete or compete with a reference antibody or antigen-binding portion thereof for binding to uPAR (e.g., human uPAR) can be identified by using conventional methods known in the art, including, but not limited to, ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA), Biacore, flow cytometry, Western blotting, and any other suitable quantitative or qualitative antibody binding assay. Competitive ELISA is described in Morris, "Epitope Mapping of Protein Antigens by Competition ELISA", The Protein Protocols Handbook (1996), pp 595-600, edited by J. Walker, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In certain embodiments, the antibody binding assay comprises measuring the initial binding of a reference antibody to a uPAR polypeptide, mixing the reference antibody with a test extracellular antigen binding domain, measuring the second binding of the reference antibody to a uPAR polypeptide in the presence of the test extracellular antigen binding domain, and comparing the second binding of the reference antibody to the initial binding, wherein a decrease in the second binding of the reference antibody to the uPAR polypeptide compared to the initial binding indicates that the test extracellular antigen binding domain cross-competes with the reference antibody for binding to uPAR, for example, an antibody that recognizes the same or substantially the same epitope, an overlapping epitope, or an adjacent epitope. In certain embodiments, the reference antibody is labeled, for example, with a fluorescent dye, biotin, or peroxidase. In certain embodiments, the uPAR polypeptide is expressed intracellularly, for example, in a flow cytometry assay. In certain embodiments, the uPAR polypeptide is immobilized on a surface that includes a Biacore ship (e.g., in a Biacore assay) or other medium suitable for surface plasmon resonance analysis. Binding of the reference antibody in the presence of a completely unrelated antibody (that does not bind to uPAR) can serve as a high control. A low control can be obtained by incubating a labeled reference antibody with an unlabeled reference antibody, which will result in competition and reduced binding of the labeled reference antibody.In certain embodiments, a test extracellular antigen-binding domain that reduces binding of the reference antibody to a uPAR polypeptide by at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, or at least about 95% is considered to be an extracellular antigen-binding domain that competes with the reference antibody for binding to uPAR. In certain embodiments, the assay is performed at room temperature.

[0169] In certain embodiments, the antibody binding assay comprises measuring an initial binding of a test extracellular antigen binding domain to a uPAR polypeptide, mixing the test extracellular antigen binding domain with a reference antibody, measuring a second binding of the test extracellular antigen binding domain to a uPAR polypeptide in the presence of the reference antibody, and comparing the second binding of the test extracellular antigen binding domain to the initial binding, wherein a decrease in the second binding of the test extracellular antigen binding domain to the uPAR polypeptide compared to the initial binding indicates that the test extracellular antigen binding domain cross-competes with the reference antibody for binding to uPAR, e.g., an antibody that recognizes the same or substantially the same epitope, an overlapping epitope, or an adjacent epitope. In certain embodiments, the test extracellular antigen binding domain is labeled, e.g., with a fluorescent dye, biotin, or peroxidase. In certain embodiments, the uPAR polypeptide is expressed intracellularly, e.g., in a flow cytometry assay. In certain embodiments, the uPAR polypeptide is immobilized on a surface that includes a Biacore ship (e.g., in a Biacore assay) or other medium suitable for surface plasmon resonance analysis. Binding of the test extracellular antigen binding domain in the presence of a completely unrelated antibody (that does not bind to uPAR) can serve as a high control. A low control can be obtained by incubating a labeled test extracellular antigen binding domain with an unlabeled test extracellular antigen binding domain, which will result in competition and reduced binding of the labeled test extracellular antigen binding domain. In certain embodiments, a test extracellular antigen binding domain whose binding to a uPAR polypeptide is reduced by at least about 20%, at least about 30%, at least about 40%, at least about 50%, at least about 60%, at least about 70%, at least about 80%, at least about 90%, or at least about 95% in the presence of a reference antibody is considered to be an extracellular antigen binding domain that cross-competes with the reference antibody for binding to uPAR. In certain embodiments, the assay is performed at room temperature.

[0170] In certain non-limiting embodiments, the extracellular antigen binding domain of a CAR disclosed herein comprises a linker connecting the heavy chain variable region and the light chain variable region of the extracellular antigen binding domain. In certain embodiments, the linker comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 62. In certain embodiments, the linker comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 63. In certain embodiments, the linker comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 64. In certain embodiments, the linker comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 65. In certain embodiments, the linker comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 66. In certain embodiments, the linker comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 67.

[0171] In certain embodiments, the variable region within the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR comprises a heavy chain variable region (V H In certain embodiments, when the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR is an scFv, the variable regions are arranged from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: H -V L .

[0172] In certain embodiments, the variable region within the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR comprises a light chain variable region (V L In certain embodiments, when the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the CAR is an scFv, the variable regions are arranged from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: L -V H .

[0173] In addition, the extracellular antigen-binding domain can include a leader or signal peptide that directs the nascent protein into the endothelial endoplasmic reticulum. If the CAR is glycosylated and anchored in the cell membrane, the signal peptide or leader may be essential. The signal sequence or leader can be a peptide sequence (about 5, about 10, about 15, about 20, about 25, or about 30 amino acids long) present at the N-terminus of the newly synthesized protein that directs entry into the secretory pathway. In certain embodiments, the signal peptide is covalently linked to the 5' end of the extracellular antigen-binding domain. In certain embodiments, the signal peptide comprises a CD8 polypeptide, e.g., the CAR comprises a truncated CD8 signal peptide.

[0174] 4.3.2.2. CAR Transmembrane Domain In certain non-limiting embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the CAR comprises a hydrophobic alpha helix that spans at least a portion of the membrane. Different transmembrane domains result in different receptor stabilities. After antigen recognition, the receptors cluster and a signal is transmitted to the cell. According to the subject matter disclosed herein, the transmembrane domain of the CAR may comprise a native or modified transmembrane domain of CD8 or a fragment thereof, a native or modified transmembrane domain of CD28 or a fragment thereof, a native or modified transmembrane domain of CD3zeta or a fragment thereof, a native or modified transmembrane domain of CD4 or a fragment thereof, a native or modified transmembrane domain of 4-1BB or a fragment thereof, a native or modified transmembrane domain of OX40 or a fragment thereof, a fragment thereof, a native or modified transmembrane domain of ICOS or a fragment thereof, a native or modified transmembrane domain of CD84 or a fragment thereof, a native or modified transmembrane domain of CD166 or a fragment thereof, a native or modified transmembrane domain of CD8a or a fragment thereof, a native or modified transmembrane domain of CD8b or a fragment thereof, a native or modified transmembrane domain of ICAM-1 or a fragment thereof, a native or modified transmembrane domain of CTLA-4 or a fragment thereof, a native or modified transmembrane domain of CD27 or a fragment thereof, a native or modified transmembrane domain of CD40 or a fragment thereof, NKGD2 or a fragment thereof, or a combination thereof.

[0175] In certain embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the CAR comprises a CD8 polypeptide (e.g., the transmembrane domain of CD8 or a fragment thereof). In certain embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the CAR comprises the transmembrane domain of human CD8 or a fragment thereof. In certain embodiments, the CD8 polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence that is at least about 85%, about 90%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% homologous or identical to an amino acid sequence having NCBI reference number NP_001139345.1 (SEQ ID NO: 68), or a fragment thereof, and / or may optionally comprise up to one, or up to two, or up to three conservative amino acid substitutions. In certain embodiments, the CD8 polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence that is a contiguous portion of SEQ ID NO: 68 that is at least 20, or at least 30, or at least 40, or at least 50, and up to 235 amino acids in length. Alternatively or additionally, in various non-limiting embodiments, the CD8 polypeptide comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of amino acids 1-235, 1-50, 50-100, 100-150, 150-200, 137-209, or 200-235 of SEQ ID NO: 68. In certain embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the CAR comprises a CD8 polypeptide comprising or consisting of amino acids 137-209 of SEQ ID NO: 68. SEQ ID NO: 68 is provided below. MALPVTALLLPLALLLHAARPSQFRVSPLDRTWNLGETVELKCQVLLSNPTSGCSWLFQPRGAAASPTFLLYLSQNKPKAAEGLDTQRFSGKRLGDTFVLTLSDFRRENEGYYFCSALSNSIMYFSHFVPVFLPAKPTTTPAPRPPTPAPTIASQPLSLRPEACRPAAGGAVHTRGLDFACDIYIWAPLAGTCGVLLLSLVITLYCNHRNRRRVCKCPRPVVKSGDKPSLSARYV [SEQ ID NO: 68]

[0176] In certain embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the CAR comprises the transmembrane domain of mouse CD8 or a fragment thereof. In certain embodiments, the CD8 polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence that is at least about 85%, about 90%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% homologous or identical to an amino acid sequence having NCBI reference number AAA92533.1 (SEQ ID NO: 69) or a fragment thereof, and / or may optionally comprise up to one, or up to two, or up to three conservative amino acid substitutions. In certain embodiments, the CD8 polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence that is a contiguous portion of SEQ ID NO: 69 and is at least about 20, or at least about 30, or at least about 40, or at least about 50, or at least about 60, or at least about 70, or at least about 100, or at least about 200, and up to 247 amino acids in length. Alternatively or additionally, in various non-limiting embodiments, the CD8 polypeptide comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of amino acids 1-247, 1-50, 50-100, 100-150, 150-200, 151-219, or 200-247 of SEQ ID NO: 69. In certain embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the CAR comprises a CD8 polypeptide comprising or consisting of amino acids 151-219 of SEQ ID NO: 69. SEQ ID NO: 69 is provided below. [ka]

[0177] In certain embodiments, the transmembrane domain of a CAR disclosed herein comprises a CD28 polypeptide (e.g., the transmembrane domain of CD28 or a fragment thereof).

[0178] In certain embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the CAR comprises the transmembrane domain of human CD28 or a fragment thereof. In certain embodiments, the CD28 polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence that is at least about 85%, about 90%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or 100% homologous or identical to the amino acid sequence having NCBI reference number NP_006130 (SEQ ID NO: 70) or a fragment thereof, and / or may optionally contain up to one, or up to two, or up to three conservative amino acid substitutions. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the CD28 polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence that is a contiguous portion of SEQ ID NO: 70 that is at least 20, or at least 30, or at least 40, or at least 50, and up to 220 amino acids in length. Alternatively or additionally, in various non-limiting embodiments, the CD28 polypeptide comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of amino acids 1-220, 1-50, 50-100, 100-150, 150-200, 153-179, or 200-220 of SEQ ID NO: 70. In certain embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the CAR comprises a CD28 polypeptide comprising or consisting of amino acids 153-179 of SEQ ID NO: 70. SEQ ID NO: 70 is provided below. [ka]

[0179] In certain embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the CAR comprises a CD28 polypeptide (e.g., the transmembrane domain of mouse CD28 or a fragment thereof). In certain embodiments, the CD28 polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence that is at least about 85%, about 90%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or 100% homologous or identical to the amino acid sequence having NCBI reference number NP_031668.3 (SEQ ID NO: 71), or a fragment thereof, and / or may optionally contain up to one, or up to two, or up to three conservative amino acid substitutions. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the CD28 polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence that is a contiguous portion of SEQ ID NO: 71 that is at least 20, or at least 30, or at least 40, or at least 50, and up to 218 amino acids in length. Alternatively or additionally, in various non-limiting embodiments, the CD28 polypeptide comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of amino acids 1-220, 1-50, 50-100, 100-150, 150-200, 151-177, or 200-218 of SEQ ID NO: 71. In certain embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the CAR comprises a CD28 polypeptide comprising or consisting of amino acids 151-177 of SEQ ID NO: 71. SEQ ID NO: 71 is provided below. [ka]

[0180] In certain non-limiting embodiments, the CAR further comprises a spacer region that links the extracellular antigen-binding domain to the transmembrane domain. The spacer region can be flexible enough to orient the antigen-binding domain in different directions to facilitate antigen recognition while maintaining the activation activity of the CAR.

[0181] In certain embodiments, the hinge / spacer region of the CAR is selected from the group consisting of a native or modified hinge region of CD8 or a fragment thereof, a native or modified hinge region of CD28 or a fragment thereof, a native or modified hinge region of CD3ζ or a fragment thereof, a native or modified hinge region of CD40 or a fragment thereof, a native or modified hinge region of 4-1BB or a fragment thereof, a native or modified hinge region of OX40 or a fragment thereof, a native or modified hinge region of CD84 or a fragment thereof, a native or modified hinge region of CD166 or a fragment thereof, a native or modified hinge region of CD8a ...40 or a fragment thereof, a native or modified hinge region of CD40 or a fragment thereof, a native or modified hinge region of CD40 or a fragment thereof, a native or modified hinge region of CD40 or a fragment thereof, a native or modified hinge region of CD40 or The hinge / spacer region may comprise a hinge region from an IgG1 or a CH of an immunoglobulin, a native or modified hinge region or fragment thereof, a decorated hinge region or fragment thereof, a native or modified hinge region of CD8b or fragment thereof, a native or modified hinge region of ICOS or fragment thereof, a native or modified hinge region of ICAM-1 or fragment thereof, a native or modified hinge region of CTLA-4 or fragment thereof, a native or modified hinge region of CD27 or fragment thereof, a native or modified hinge region of CD40 or fragment thereof, a native or modified hinge region of NKGD2 or fragment thereof, a synthetic polypeptide (not based on a protein associated with an immune response), or a combination thereof. 2 CH 3 The region may be a portion of CD3, a portion of a CD28 polypeptide (e.g., a portion of SEQ ID NO: 70 or 71), a portion of a CD8 polypeptide (e.g., a portion of SEQ ID NO: 68 or 69), a variation of any of the foregoing that is at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, or at least about 100% homologous or identical thereto, or a synthetic spacer sequence.

[0182] 4.3.2.3. CAR Intracellular Signaling Domain In certain embodiments, the CAR comprises an intracellular signaling domain. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain of the CAR comprises a CD3ζ polypeptide. CD3ζ can activate or stimulate cells (e.g., cells of lymphoid lineage, e.g., T cells). Wild-type ("native") CD3ζ comprises three functional immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motifs (ITAMs), three functional basic-rich stretch (BRS) regions (BRS1, BRS2, ​​and BRS3). CD3ζ transmits activation signals to cells (e.g., cells of lymphoid lineage, e.g., T cells) after antigen binding. The intracellular signaling domain of the CD3ζ chain is the primary transmitter of signals from endogenous TCR.

[0183] In certain embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain of the CAR comprises a native CD3ζ polypeptide. In certain embodiments, the CD3ζ polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence that is at least about 85%, about 90%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or about 100% homologous or identical to the amino acid sequence having NCBI reference number NP_932170 (SEQ ID NO: 72) or a fragment thereof, and / or may optionally contain up to one, or up to two, or up to three conservative amino acid substitutions. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the CD3ζ polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence that is a contiguous portion of SEQ ID NO: 72 that is at least 20, or at least 30, or at least 40, or at least 50, and up to 164 amino acids in length. Alternatively or additionally, in various non-limiting embodiments, the CD3ζ polypeptide comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of amino acids 1-164, 1-50, 50-100, 52-164, 100-150, or 150-164 of SEQ ID NO: 72. In certain embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain of a CAR comprises a CD3ζ polypeptide comprising or consisting of amino acids 52-164 of SEQ ID NO: 72. SEQ ID NO: 72 is provided below. [ka]

[0184] In certain embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain of the CAR comprises a modified CD3ζ polypeptide. In certain embodiments, the modified CD3ζ polypeptide comprises one, two, or three ITAMs. In certain embodiments, the modified CD3ζ polypeptide comprises a native ITAM1. In certain embodiments, the native ITAM1 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:74, as provided below. QNQLYNELNLGRREEYDVLDKR [SEQ ID NO: 74]

[0185] An exemplary nucleic acid sequence that encodes the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:74 is set forth in SEQ ID NO:75, provided below. CAGAACCAGCTCTATAACGAGCTCAATCTAGGACGAAGAGAGGAGTACGATGTTTTGGACAAGAGA [SEQ ID NO: 75]

[0186] In certain embodiments, the modified CD3ζ polypeptide comprises an ITAM1 variant comprising one or more loss-of-function mutations. In certain embodiments, the ITAM1 variant comprises or consists of two loss-of-function mutations. In certain embodiments, each of the one or more (e.g., two) loss-of-function mutations comprises a mutation of a tyrosine residue in ITAM1. In certain embodiments, the ITAM1 variant consists of two loss-of-function mutations. In certain embodiments, the ITAM1 variant comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 76, provided below. QNQLFNELNLGRREEFDVLDKR [SEQ ID NO: 76]

[0187] An exemplary nucleic acid sequence that encodes the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:76 is set forth in SEQ ID NO:77, provided below. CAGAACCAGCTCTTTAACGAGCTCAATCTAGGACGAAGAGAGGAGTTCGATGTTTTGGACAAGAGA [SEQ ID NO: 77]

[0188] In certain embodiments, the modified CD3ζ polypeptide comprises a native ITAM2. In certain embodiments, the native ITAM2 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:78, provided below. QEGLYNELQKDKMAEAYSEIGMK [SEQ ID NO: 78]

[0189] An exemplary nucleic acid sequence that encodes the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:78 is set forth in SEQ ID NO:79, provided below. CAGGAAGGCCTGTACAATGAACTGCAGAAAGATAAGATGGCGGAGGCCTACAGTGAGATTGGGATGAAA [SEQ ID NO: 79]

[0190] In certain embodiments, the modified CD3ζ polypeptide comprises an ITAM2 variant. In certain embodiments, the ITAM2 variant comprises or consists of one or more loss-of-function mutations. In certain embodiments, the ITAM2 variant comprises or consists of two loss-of-function mutations. In certain embodiments, each of the one or more (e.g., two) loss-of-function mutations comprises a mutation of a tyrosine residue in ITAM2. In certain embodiments, the ITAM1 variant consists of two loss-of-function mutations. In certain embodiments, the ITAM2 variant comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 80, provided below. QEGLFNELQKDKMAEAFSEIGMK [SEQ ID NO: 80]

[0191] An exemplary nucleic acid sequence that encodes the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:80 is set forth in SEQ ID NO:81, provided below. CAGGAAGGCCTGTTCAATGAACTGCAGAAAGATAAGATGGCGGAGGCCTTCAGTGAGATTGGGATGAAA [SEQ ID NO: 81]

[0192] In certain embodiments, the modified CD3ζ polypeptide comprises a native ITAM3. In certain embodiments, the native ITAM3 comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:82, provided below. HDGLYQGLSTATKDTYDALHMQ [SEQ ID NO: 82]

[0193] An exemplary nucleic acid sequence that encodes the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:82 is set forth in SEQ ID NO:83, provided below. CACGATGGCCTTTACCAGGGTCTCAGTACAGCCACCAAGGACACCTACGACGCCCTTCACATGCAG [SEQ ID NO: 83]

[0194] In certain embodiments, the modified CD3ζ polypeptide comprises an ITAM3 variant. In certain embodiments, the ITAM3 variant comprises or consists of two loss-of-function mutations. In certain embodiments, each of the one or more (e.g., two) loss-of-function mutations comprises a mutation of a tyrosine residue in ITAM3. In certain embodiments, the ITAM3 variant comprises or consists of two loss-of-function mutations. In certain embodiments, the ITAM3 variant comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 84, provided below. HDGLFQGLSTATKDTFDALHMQ [Sequence number 84]

[0195] An exemplary nucleic acid sequence that encodes the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:84 is set forth in SEQ ID NO:85, provided below. CACGATGGCCTTTTCCAGGGGCTCAGTACAGCCACCAAGGACACCTTCGACGCCCTTCACATGCAG[SEQ ID NO: 85]

[0196] Various modified CD3ζ polypeptides and CARs comprising modified CD3ζ polypeptides are disclosed in International Patent Application Publication No. WO2019 / 133969, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein.

[0197] In certain embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain of the CAR comprises a modified CD3ζ polypeptide comprising a native ITAM1, an ITAM2 variant comprising or consisting of one or more (e.g., two) loss-of-function mutations, and an ITAM3 variant comprising or consisting of one or more (e.g., two) loss-of-function mutations. In certain embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain of the CAR comprises a modified CD3ζ polypeptide comprising a native ITAM1, an ITAM2 variant consisting of two loss-of-function mutations, and an ITAM3 variant consisting of two loss-of-function mutations. In certain embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain of the CAR comprises a modified CD3ζ polypeptide comprising a native ITAM1 consisting of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:74, an ITAM2 variant consisting of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:78, and an ITAM3 variant consisting of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:84. In certain embodiments, the CAR is referred to as "1XX". In certain embodiments, the modified CD3ζ polypeptide comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:86. SEQ ID NO:86 is provided below. RVKFSRSADA PAYQQGQNQL YNELNLGRRE EYDVLDKRRG RDPEMGGKPR RKNPQEGLFN ELQKDKMAEA FSEIGMKGER RRGKGHDGLF QGLSTATKDT FDALHMQALP PR [SEQ ID NO: 86]

[0198] In certain embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain of the CAR comprises a modified CD3ζ polypeptide that comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, or at least about 99%, at least about 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 86, or a fragment thereof, and / or optionally comprises up to one, or up to two, or up to three conservative amino acid substitutions.

[0199] An exemplary nucleic acid sequence that encodes the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:86 is set forth in SEQ ID NO:87, provided below. AGAGTGAAGTTCAGCAGGAGCGCAGACGCCCCCGCGTACCAGCAGGGCCAGAACCAGCTCTATAACGAGCTCAATCTAGGACGAAGAGAGGAGTACGATGTTTTGGACAAGAGACGTGGCCGGGACCCTGAGATGGGGGGAAAGCCGAGAAGGAAGAACCCTCAGGAAGGCC TGTTCAATGAACTGCAGAAAGATAAGATGGCGGAGGCCTTCAGTGAGATTGGGATGAAAGGCGAGCGCCGGAGGGGCAAGGGGCACGATGGCCTTTTCCAGGGGCTCAGTACAGCCACCAAGGACACCTTCGACGCCCTTCACATGCAGGCCCTGCCCCCTCGC [SEQ ID NO: 87]

[0200] In certain non-limiting embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain of the CAR further comprises at least a costimulatory signaling region. In certain embodiments, the costimulatory signaling region comprises at least one costimulatory molecule or a fragment thereof. In certain embodiments, the costimulatory signaling region comprises the intracellular domain of at least one costimulatory molecule or a fragment thereof.

[0201] As used herein, a "costimulatory molecule" refers to a cell surface molecule other than an antigen receptor or its ligand that can provide an efficient response of lymphocytes to antigens. In certain embodiments, a costimulatory molecule can provide optimal lymphocyte activation. Non-limiting examples of costimulatory molecules include CD28, 4-1BB, OX40, ICOS, DAP-10, CD27, CD40, NKGD2, CD2, FN14, HVEM, LTBR, ​​CD28H, TNFR1, TNFR2, BAFF-R, BCMA, TACI, TROY, RANK, CD40, CD27, CD30, EDAR, XEDAR, GITR, DR6, and NGFR, and combinations thereof. A costimulatory molecule can bind to a costimulatory ligand, which is a protein expressed on the cell surface that, upon binding to its receptor, generates a costimulatory response, i.e., an intracellular response that affects the stimulation provided when an antigen-recognizing receptor (e.g., a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)) binds to its target antigen. As an example, 4-1BB ligand (i.e., 4-1BBL) can be used in combination with a CAR signal to express CAR + It can bind 4-1BB to provide an intracellular signal that induces effector cell function of a T cell.

[0202] In certain embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain of the CAR comprises a CD28 polypeptide, e.g., a costimulatory signaling region comprising the intracellular domain of CD28 or a fragment thereof. The CD28 polypeptide may comprise or have an amino acid sequence that is at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, or at least about 99%, at least about 100% homologous or identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 70 or a fragment thereof, and / or may optionally comprise up to one, or up to two, or up to three conservative amino acid substitutions. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the CD28 polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence that is a contiguous portion of SEQ ID NO: 70 that is at least 20, or at least 30, or at least 40, or at least 50, and up to 220 amino acids in length. Alternatively or additionally, in various non-limiting embodiments, the CD28 polypeptide comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of amino acids 1-220, 1-50, 50-100, 100-150, 114-220, 150-200, 180-220, or 200-220 of SEQ ID NO: 70. In certain embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain of the CAR comprises a costimulatory signaling region comprising a CD28 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of amino acids 180-220 of SEQ ID NO: 70.

[0203] In certain embodiments, a CD28 polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence that is at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, or at least about 99%, at least about 100% homologous or identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 71, or a fragment thereof, and / or may optionally contain up to one, or up to two, or up to three conservative amino acid substitutions. In certain non-limiting embodiments, a CD28 polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence that is a contiguous portion of SEQ ID NO: 71 that is at least about 20, or at least about 30, or at least about 40, or at least about 50, and up to 218 amino acids in length. Alternatively or additionally, in various non-limiting embodiments, a CD28 polypeptide comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of amino acids 1-218, 1-50, 50-100, 100-150, 150-218, 178-218, or 200-218 of SEQ ID NO: 71. In certain embodiments, a costimulatory signaling region of a CAR disclosed herein comprises a CD28 polypeptide comprising or consisting of amino acids 178-218 of SEQ ID NO: 71.

[0204] In certain embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain of the CAR comprises a 4-1BB polypeptide, e.g., a costimulatory signaling region comprising the intracellular domain of 4-1BB or a fragment thereof. The 4-1BB polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence that is at least about 80%, at least about 85%, at least about 90%, at least about 95%, at least about 96%, at least about 97%, at least about 98%, or at least about 99%, at least about 100% homologous or identical to an amino acid sequence having NCBI reference number NP_001552 (SEQ ID NO: 73) or a fragment thereof, and / or may optionally comprise up to one, or up to two, or up to three conservative amino acid substitutions. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the 4-1BB polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence that is a contiguous portion of SEQ ID NO: 73 that is at least 20, or at least 30, or at least 40, or at least 50, or at least 100, or at least 150, or at least 150, and up to 255 amino acids in length. Alternatively or additionally, in various non-limiting embodiments, the 4-1BB polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence of amino acids 1-255, 1-50, 50-100, 100-150, 150-200, or 200-255 of SEQ ID NO: 73. In certain embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain of the CAR comprises a costimulatory signaling region that comprises a 4-1BB polypeptide that comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence of amino acids 214-255 of SEQ ID NO: 73. SEQ ID NO: 73 is provided below. [ka]

[0205] In certain embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain of the CAR comprises a costimulatory signaling region that includes the intracellular domains or portions thereof of two or more costimulatory molecules (e.g., the intracellular domain of CD28 or a fragment thereof and the intracellular domain of 4-1BB or a fragment thereof, or the intracellular domain of CD28 or a fragment thereof and the intracellular domain of OX40 or a fragment thereof).

[0206] In certain embodiments, the CARs disclosed herein further comprise an inducible promoter for expressing the nucleic acid sequence in a human cell. The promoter used to express the CAR gene can be a constitutive promoter, such as the Ubiquitin C (UbiC) promoter.

[0207] 5.3.3. TCR-like fusion molecules In certain embodiments, the antigen-recognizing receptor is a TCR-like fusion molecule.Non-limiting examples of TCR fusion molecules include HLA-independent TCR-based chimeric antigen receptor (also known as "HIT-CAR", for example, as disclosed in International Patent Application No. PCT / US19 / 017525 (incorporated by reference in its entirety)) and T cell receptor fusion construct (TRuC) (for example, as disclosed in Baeuerle et al., "Synthetic TRuC receptors engaging the complete T cell receptor for potent anti-tumor response," Nature Communications volume 10, Article number:2087 (2019) (incorporated by reference in its entirety)).

[0208] In certain embodiments, the TCR-like fusion molecule comprises an antigen binding chain comprising an extracellular antigen binding domain and a constant domain, and the TCR-like fusion molecule binds to an antigen in an HLA-independent manner. In certain embodiments, the constant domain comprises a T cell receptor constant region selected from the group consisting of a native or modified TRAC peptide, a native or modified TRBC peptide, a native or modified TRDC peptide, a native or modified TRGC peptide, and any variant or functional fragment thereof. In certain embodiments, the constant domain comprises a native or modified TRAC peptide. In certain embodiments, the constant domain comprises a native or modified TRBC peptide. In certain embodiments, the constant domain can form a homodimer or heterodimer with another constant domain. In certain embodiments, the antigen binding chain can associate with a CD3ζ polypeptide. In certain embodiments, the antigen binding chain can activate a CD3ζ polypeptide associated with the antigen binding chain upon binding to an antigen. In certain embodiments, activation of the CD3ζ polypeptide can activate an immunoresponsive cell. In certain embodiments, the TCR-like fusion molecule can combine with the CD3 complex to provide HLA-independent antigen recognition. In certain embodiments, the TCR-like fusion molecule replaces the endogenous TCR in the CD3 / TCR complex. In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the TCR-like fusion molecule can dimerize with another extracellular antigen-binding domain. In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the TCR-like fusion molecule comprises a ligand for a cell surface receptor, a receptor for a cell surface ligand, an antigen-binding portion of an antibody or fragment thereof, or an antigen-binding portion of a TCR. In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the TCR-like fusion molecule comprises one or two immunoglobulin variable regions. In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the TCR-like fusion molecule comprises a heavy chain variable region (V) of an antibody. H In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the TCR-like fusion molecule comprises the light chain variable region of an antibody (V LIn certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the TCR-like fusion molecule can dimerize with another extracellular antigen-binding domain. In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the TCR-like fusion molecule can dimerize with the V H Including V H is the V of the antibody L In certain embodiments, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of the TCR-like fusion molecule can be dimerized with another extracellular antigen-binding domain comprising the V of an antibody to form a fragment variable (Fv). L Including V L is the V of the antibody H and another extracellular antigen-binding domain comprising the nucleotide sequence of the nucleotide sequence of the nucleotide a, b, c, and d to form a variable fragment (Fv).

[0209] 5.4.Cells The subject matter disclosed herein provides a cell comprising a uPAR target antigen recognition receptor disclosed herein (e.g., as disclosed in Section 4.3). In certain embodiments, the cell is selected from the group consisting of a cell of lymphoid lineage and a cell of myeloid lineage. In certain embodiments, the cell is an immunoresponsive cell. In certain embodiments, the immunoresponsive cell is a cell of lymphoid lineage.

[0210] In certain embodiments, the cell is a lymphoid cell. The lymphoid cell can provide antibody production, regulation of cellular immune system, detection of foreign substances in blood, detection of cells foreign to the host, etc. Non-limiting examples of lymphoid cell include T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, B cells, dendritic cells, stem cells from which lymphoid cells can be differentiated. In certain embodiments, the stem cell is a pluripotent stem cell (e.g., embryonic stem cell).

[0211] In certain embodiments, the cell is a T cell. T cells can be lymphocytes that mature in the thymus and are primarily involved in cell-mediated immunity. T cells are involved in the adaptive immune system. The T cells of the subject matter disclosed herein can be any type of T cell, including, but not limited to, helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, memory T cells (central memory T cells, stem cell-like memory T cells (or stem cell-like memory T cells), and two types of effector memory T cells, e.g., TEM cells and TEMRA cells, regulatory T cells (also known as suppressor T cells), tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), natural killer T cells, mucosal-associated invariant T cells, and γδ T cells. Cytotoxic T cells (CTLs or killer T cells) are a subset of T lymphocytes that can induce the death of infected somatic or tumor cells. A patient's own T cells can be genetically modified to target specific antigens through the introduction of an antigen recognition receptor, e.g., a CAR. In certain embodiments, the immunoresponsive cells are T cells. T cells are CD4 + T cells or CD8 + In certain embodiments, the T cells are CD4 + In certain embodiments, the T cells are CD8 + T cells.

[0212] In certain embodiments, the cell is a NK cell. Natural killer (NK) cells are part of cell-mediated immunity and can be lymphocytes that act during innate immune response. NK cells do not require prior activation to carry out cytotoxic effects on target cells.

[0213] Types of human lymphocytes of the presently disclosed subject matter include, but are not limited to, peripheral donor lymphocytes. See, e.g., Sadelain et al., Nat Rev Cancer (2003); 3:35-45 (disclosing peripheral donor lymphocytes genetically modified to express CARs), Morgan, RA, et al. 2006 Science 314:126-129 (disclosing peripheral donor lymphocytes genetically modified to express a full-length tumor antigen-recognizing T cell receptor complex containing α and β heterodimers), Panelli et al., J Immunol (2000); 164:495-504, Panelli et al., J Immunol (2000); 164:4382-4392 (disclosing lymphocyte cultures derived from tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in tumor biopsies), and Dupont et al., Cancer Res (2005); 65:5417-5427, Papanicolaou et al. al., Blood (2003); 102:2498-2505 (disclosing selective in vitro expanded antigen-specific peripheral blood leukocytes using artificial antigen presenting cells (AAPCs) or pulsed dendritic cells).

[0214] Cells (eg, T cells) can be autologous, non-autologous (eg, allogeneic), or derived in vitro from engineered progenitor or stem cells.

[0215] The subject cell disclosed herein can be a myeloid lineage cell.Non-limiting examples of myeloid lineage cells include monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells, basophils, neutrophils, eosinophils, megakaryocytes, mast cells, erythrocytes, platelets, and stem cells from which myeloid cells can be differentiated.In certain embodiments, the stem cell is a pluripotent stem cell (e.g., an embryonic stem cell or an induced pluripotent stem cell).

[0216] In certain embodiments, the cells disclosed herein can modulate the tumor microenvironment. Tumors have a microenvironment that is hostile to the host's immune response, involving a series of mechanisms by malignant cells to protect themselves from immune recognition and elimination. This "hostile tumor microenvironment" is characterized by the infiltrating regulatory CD4 + These include various immunosuppressive factors, including T cells (Tregs), myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), immunosuppressive cytokines including TGF-β, and expression of ligands that target immunoinhibitory receptors (CTLA-4 and PD-1) expressed by activated T cells. Although these immunosuppressive mechanisms play a role in maintaining tolerance and suppressing inappropriate immune responses, within the tumor microenvironment, these mechanisms prevent effective anti-tumor immune responses. Collectively, these immunosuppressive factors can induce either significant anergy or apoptosis of adoptively transferred CAR-modified T cells upon encounter with target tumor cells.

[0217] In certain embodiments, cells can be transduced with a uPAR-targeted antigen-recognition receptor disclosed herein such that the cells express the antigen-recognition receptor.

[0218] 5.5. Nucleic Acid Compositions and Vectors The present disclosure subject matter provides nucleic acids encoding the uPAR target antigen recognition receptors disclosed herein (e.g., those disclosed in Section 4.3). Additionally, nucleic acid compositions are provided that include the nucleic acids disclosed herein. Cells that include such nucleic acid compositions are also provided.

[0219] In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid composition further comprises a promoter operably linked to the uPAR target antigen recognition receptor disclosed herein.

[0220] In certain embodiments, the promoter is endogenous or exogenous. In certain embodiments, the exogenous promoter is selected from the elongation factor (EF)-1 promoter, the cytomegalovirus immediate-early promoter (CMV) promoter, the simian virus 40 early promoter (SV40) promoter, the phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) promoter, and the metallothionein promoter. In certain embodiments, the promoter is an inducible promoter. In certain embodiments, the inducible promoter is selected from the NFAT transcription response element (TRE) promoter, the CD69 promoter, the CD25 promoter, and the IL-2 promoter.

[0221] The compositions and nucleic acid compositions can be administered to a subject and / or delivered to cells by methods known in the art or as described herein. Genetic modification of cells (e.g., T cells or NK cells) can be achieved by transducing a recombinant DNA construct into a substantially homogenous cell composition. In certain embodiments, retroviral vectors (e.g., gamma retroviral vectors or lentiviral vectors) are used to introduce DNA constructs into cells. For example, a polynucleotide encoding an antigen-recognizing receptor can be cloned into a retroviral vector, and expression can be driven from its endogenous promoter, a retroviral long terminal repeat, or a promoter specific for the target cell type of interest. Non-viral vectors can be used as well.

[0222] For the initial genetic modification of cells to contain the uPAR-targeted antigen-recognizing receptor (e.g., CAR) disclosed herein, retroviral vectors can be used for transduction, but any other suitable viral vector or non-viral delivery system can be used. Antigen-recognizing receptors can be constructed in a single multicistronic expression cassette, multiple expression cassettes in a single vector, or multiple vectors. Examples of elements that create polycistronic expression cassettes include, but are not limited to, various viral and non-viral internal ribosome entry sites (IRES, e.g., FGF-1 IRES, FGF-2 IRES, VEGF IRES, IGF-II IRES, NF-κB IRES, RUNX1 IRES, p53 IRES, Hepatitis A IRES, Hepatitis C IRES, Plague virus IRES, Aphthovirus IRES, Picornavirus IRES, Poliovirus IRES, and Encephalomyocarditis virus IRES), and cleavable linkers (e.g., 2A peptides, e.g., P2A, T2A, E2A, and F2A peptides). Also suitable are combinations of retroviral vectors with appropriate packaging lines, where the capsid protein will function to infect human cells. A variety of amphotropic virus-producing cell lines are known, including, but not limited to, PA12 (Miller et al., (1985) Mol Cell Biol (1985); 5:431-437), PA317 (Miller, et al., Mol Cell Biol (1986); 6:2895-2902), and CRIP (Danos et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA (1988); 85:6460-6464). Non-amphotropic particles, such as particles pseudotyped with VSVG, RD114 or GALV envelopes and any others known in the art, are also suitable.

[0223] Possible transduction methods also include direct co-culture of the cells with producer cells (Bregni et al., Blood (1992); 80:1418-1422) or culture with viral supernatant alone or concentrated vector stocks with or without appropriate growth factors and polycations (Xu et al., Exp Hemat (1994); 22:223-230, and Hughes et al. J Clin Invest (1992); 89:1817).

[0224] Other transduction viral vectors can be used to modify cells. In certain embodiments, the selected vector shows high infection efficiency and stable integration and expression (see, for example, Cayouette et al., Human Gene Therapy 8:423-430, 1997; Kido et al., Current Eye Research 15:833-844, 1996; Bloomer et al., Journal of Virology 71:6641-6649, 1997; Naldini et al., Science 272:263-267, 1996, and Miyoshi et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 94:10319, 1997). Other viral vectors that can be used include, for example, adenoviruses, lentiviruses, and adeno-associated viral vectors, vaccinia viruses, bovine papilloma viruses, or herpes viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (see also, for example, Miller, Human Gene Thera (1990); 15-14; Friedman, Science 244:1275-1281, 1989; Eglitis et al., BioTechniques (1988); 6:608-614; Tolstoshev et al., Cur Opin Biotechnol (1990); 1:55-61; Sharp, The Lancet (1991); 337:1277-78; Cornetta et al., Nucleic Acid Research and Molecular Biology 36:311-22, 1987; Anderson, Science (1984); 226:401-409; Moen, Blood Cells 17:407-16, 1991; Miller et al., Biotechnol (1989); 7:980-90; LeGal La Salle et al., Science (1993); 259:988-90, and Johnson, Chest (1995) 107:77S-83S.Retroviral vectors are particularly well developed and have been used in clinical settings (Rosenberg et al., N Engl J Med (1990); 323:370, 1990; Anderson et al., U.S. Patent No. 5,399,346).

[0225] Non-viral approaches can also be used for genetic modification of cells.For example, nucleic acid molecules can be introduced into cells by administering nucleic acid in the presence of lipofection (Feigner et al., Proc Natl Acad Sci USA (1987); 84: 7413; Ono et al., Neurosci Lett (1990); 17: 259; Brigham et al., Am J Med Sci (1989); 298: 278; Staubinger et al., Methods in Enzymol (1983); 101: 512; Wu et al., J Biol Chem (1988); 263: 14621; Wu et al., J Biol Chem (1989); 264: 16985) or by microinjection under surgical conditions (Wolff et al., Science (1990); 247: 1465). Other non-viral means for gene transfer include in vitro transfection using calcium phosphate, DEAE dextran, electroporation, and protoplast fusion. Liposomes can also potentially be useful for delivery of DNA to cells. Transplantation of normal genes into diseased tissues of subjects can also be achieved by transferring normal nucleic acids into ex vivo cultivable cell types (e.g., autologous or heterologous primary cells or their progeny), and then injecting the cells (or their descendants) into target tissues or systemically. Recombinant receptors can also be induced or obtained using transposases or targeted nucleases (e.g., zinc finger nucleases, meganucleases, or TALE nucleases, CRISPR). Transient expression can be obtained by RNA electroporation.

[0226] Any targeted genome editing method can also be used to deliver the antigen-recognizing receptor disclosed herein to cell or subject.In certain embodiments, the CRISPR system is used to deliver the antigen-recognizing receptor disclosed herein.In certain embodiments, zinc finger nuclease is used to deliver the antigen-recognizing receptor disclosed herein.In certain embodiments, the TALEN system is used to deliver the antigen-recognizing receptor disclosed herein.

[0227] The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) system is a genome editing tool discovered in prokaryotic cells. When utilized for genome editing, the CRISPR system includes Cas9 (a protein that can modify DNA using the crRNA as a guide), CRISPR RNA (crRNA, which contains the RNA used by Cas9 to guide Cas9 to the correct part of the host DNA, along with a region that binds to the tracrRNA (generally in the form of a hairpin loop) that forms an active complex with Cas9), transactivating crRNA (tracrRNA, which binds to the crRNA and forms an active complex with Cas9), and any part of the DNA repair template (DNA that guides the cell repair process to allow for the insertion of a specific DNA sequence). CRISPR / Cas9 often uses a plasmid to transfect the target cell. The crRNA is the sequence that Cas9 uses to identify and directly bind to the target DNA in the cell, and therefore needs to be designed for each application. The repair template carrying the CAR expression cassette also needs to be designed for each application, as it needs to overlap with the sequences on either side of the cut and code for the insertion sequence. Multiple crRNAs and tracrRNAs can be packaged together to form a single guide RNA (sgRNA), which can be spliced ​​together with a Cas9 gene and made into a plasmid for transfection into cells.

[0228] Zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs) are artificial restriction enzymes generated by combining a zinc finger DNA binding domain with a DNA cleavage domain. The zinc finger domain can be engineered to target specific DNA sequences allowing the zinc finger domain to target desired sequences in the genome. The DNA binding domain of an individual ZFN typically contains multiple individual zinc finger repeats, each capable of recognizing multiple base pairs. The most common method of generating new zinc finger domains is to combine smaller zinc finger "modules" of known specificity. The most common cleavage domain in ZFNs is the non-specific cleavage domain from the type II restriction endonuclease FokI. Using the endogenous homologous recombination (HR) machinery and a homologous DNA template carrying the CAR expression cassette, ZFNs can be used to insert the CAR expression cassette into the genome. When the target sequence is cleaved by the ZFN, the HR machinery searches for homology between the damaged chromosome and the homologous DNA template, and then copies the sequence of the template between the two broken ends of the chromosome, thereby integrating the homologous DNA template into the genome.

[0229] Transcription activator-like effector nucleases (TALENs) are restriction enzymes that can be engineered to cleave specific sequences of DNA. TALEN systems work on roughly the same principle as ZFNs. They are generated by combining a transcription activator-like effector DNA binding domain with a DNA cleavage domain. Transcription activator-like effectors (TALEs) are composed of a 33-34 amino acid repeat motif with two variable positions that strongly recognize specific nucleotides. By assembling an array of these TALEs, the TALE DNA binding domain can be engineered to bind a desired DNA sequence, thereby directing the nuclease to cleave at a specific location in the genome. cDNA expression for use in polynucleotide therapy methods can be directed from any suitable promoter (e.g., human cytomegalovirus (CMV), simian virus 40 (SV40), or metallothionein promoters) and regulated by any suitable mammalian regulatory element or intron (e.g., elongation factor 1a enhancer / promoter / intron structure). For example, if desired, enhancers known to preferentially direct gene expression in specific cell types can be used to direct expression of the nucleic acid. Enhancers used can include, but are not limited to, those characterized as tissue- or cell-specific enhancers. Alternatively, if a genomic clone is used as a therapeutic construct, regulation can be mediated by cognate regulatory sequences or, if desired, by regulatory sequences derived from a heterologous source, including any of the promoters or regulatory elements described above.

[0230] The method for delivering genome editing agent / system can vary according to need. In certain embodiments, the components of the selected genome editing method are delivered as DNA constructs in one or more plasmids. In certain embodiments, the components are delivered via viral vectors. Common delivery methods include, but are not limited to, electroporation, microinjection, gene gun, impalefection, hydrostatic pressure, continuous injection, sonication, magnetofection, adeno-associated virus, envelope protein pseudotype of viral vector, replication-competent vector cis and trans-acting elements, herpes simplex virus, and chemical vehicles (e.g., oligonucleotides, lipoplexes, polymersomes, polyplexes, dendrimers, inorganic nanoparticles, and cell-penetrating peptides).

[0231] Polypeptides The subject matter disclosed herein provides methods for optimizing an amino acid or nucleic acid sequence by generating changes in the sequence. Such changes may include certain mutations, deletions, insertions, or post-translational modifications. The subject matter disclosed herein further includes analogs of any naturally occurring polypeptide disclosed herein, including, but not limited to, uPAR, CD8, CD28, 4-1BB, and CD3zeta. Analogs may differ from naturally occurring polypeptides disclosed herein by differences in amino acid sequence, post-translational modifications, or both. Analogs may exhibit at least about 85%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, about 99%, or more homology or identity to all or a portion of the naturally occurring amino acid sequence of the subject matter disclosed herein. The length of the sequence comparison is at least 5, 10, 15, or 20 amino acid residues, for example, at least 25, 50, or 75 amino acid residues, or more than 100 amino acid residues. Again, in an exemplary approach to determine the degree of identity, the BLAST program may be used, e.g. -3 ~e -100A probability score of 0.01 indicates closely related sequences. Modifications include in vivo and in vitro chemical derivatization of polypeptides, such as acetylation, carboxylation, phosphorylation, or glycosylation, which may occur during the synthesis or processing of the polypeptide, or after treatment with isolated modifying enzymes. Analogs may also differ from naturally occurring polypeptides by changes in the primary sequence. These include natural and induced genetic variants (e.g., those resulting from random mutagenesis by exposure to radiation or ethane methyl sulfate, or by site-directed mutagenesis, as described in Sambrook, Fritsch and Maniatis, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (2d ed.), CSH Press, 1989, or Ausubel et al., supra). Also included are cyclized peptides, molecules, and analogs that contain residues other than L-amino acids, e.g., D-amino acids, or non-naturally occurring or synthetic amino acids, e.g., β or γ amino acids.

[0232] In addition to full-length polypeptides, the subject matter disclosed herein also provides fragments of any of the polypeptides disclosed herein. As used herein, the term "fragment" refers to at least 5, 10, 13, or 15 amino acids. In certain embodiments, a fragment comprises at least 20 contiguous amino acids, at least 30 contiguous amino acids, or at least 50 contiguous amino acids. In certain embodiments, a fragment comprises at least 60-80, 100, 200, 300, or more contiguous amino acids. Fragments can be generated by methods known to those of skill in the art or can result from normal protein processing (e.g., removal of amino acids from a nascent polypeptide that are not required for biological activity, or removal of amino acids by alternative mRNA splicing or alternative protein processing events).

[0233] 5.7. Formulation and Administration The subject matter disclosed herein provides a composition comprising the cells disclosed herein. In certain embodiments, the composition is a pharmaceutical composition further comprising a pharma- ceutically acceptable carrier. The composition comprising the cells disclosed herein can be conveniently provided as a sterile liquid preparation, for example, an isotonic aqueous solution, a suspension, an emulsion, a dispersion, or a viscous composition, which may be buffered to a selected pH. Liquid preparations are usually easier to prepare than gels, other viscous compositions, and solid compositions. Additionally, liquid compositions are somewhat more convenient to administer, particularly by injection. Viscous compositions, on the other hand, can be formulated within a suitable viscosity range to provide a longer contact period with a particular tissue. The liquid or viscous composition can include a carrier, which can be a solvent or dispersion medium, for example, containing water, saline, phosphate buffered saline, polyol (e.g., glycerol, propylene glycol, liquid polyethylene glycol, etc.), and suitable mixtures thereof.

[0234] Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by incorporating the genetically modified cells in the required amount of an appropriate solvent with various amounts of other ingredients as needed. Such compositions may be in a mixture with suitable carriers, diluents, or excipients, such as sterile water, saline, glucose, dextrose, and the like. The compositions can also be lyophilized. Depending on the route of administration and the preparation desired, the compositions can contain auxiliary substances such as wetting agents, dispersing agents, or emulsifying agents (e.g., methylcellulose), pH buffering agents, gelling or viscosity enhancing additives, preservatives, flavoring agents, dyes, and the like. Standard texts such as "REMINGTON'S PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE", 17th edition, 1985 (hereby incorporated by reference) may be consulted to prepare suitable preparations without undue experimentation.

[0235] Various additives that improve the stability and sterility of the composition can be added, including antimicrobial preservatives, antioxidants, chelating agents, and buffers. Prevention of microbial activity can be ensured by various antibacterial and antifungal agents, such as parabens, chlorobutanol, phenol sorbic acid, etc. Prolonged absorption of injectable pharmaceuticals can be brought about by the use of agents that delay absorption, such as aluminum monostearate and gelatin. However, according to the subject matter disclosed herein, any vehicle, diluent, or additive used must be compatible with genetically modified cells.

[0236] These compositions can be isotonic, i.e., they can have the same osmotic pressure as blood and tears. The desired isotonicity of the composition can be achieved using sodium chloride or other pharma- ceutically acceptable agents such as dextrose, boric acid, sodium tartrate, propylene glycol, or other inorganic or organic solutes. Sodium chloride can be used especially for buffers containing sodium ions.

[0237] The viscosity of the composition can be maintained at a selected level by using a pharma- ceutically acceptable thickening agent, if necessary. For example, methylcellulose is readily and economically available and easy to handle. Other suitable thickening agents include, for example, xanthan gum, carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcellulose, carbomer, etc. The concentration of the thickening agent depends on the selected drug. The important point is to use an amount that achieves the selected viscosity. Obviously, the selection of suitable carriers and other additives depends on the exact route of administration and the nature of the particular dosage form, for example, the liquid dosage form (for example, whether the composition is formulated into a solution, suspension, gel, or another liquid form such as a time-release form or liquid-filled form).

[0238] The composition comprising the cells disclosed herein can be provided systemically or directly to a subject to treat or alleviate a disease or disorder. In certain embodiments, the cells disclosed herein or a composition comprising the same are directly injected into an organ of interest (e.g., an organ affected by neoplasia). Alternatively, the cells disclosed herein or a composition comprising the same are provided indirectly to an organ of interest, for example, by administration to the circulatory system (e.g., tumor vasculature). Proliferative and differentiation agents can be provided before, during, or after administration of the cells or compositions to increase the production of cells (e.g., T cells or NK cells) in vitro or in vivo.

[0239] The cells disclosed herein can be administered in any physiologically acceptable vehicle, usually intravascularly, although they can also be introduced into bone or other convenient sites where the cells can find a suitable site for regeneration and differentiation (e.g., the thymus).

[0240] The amount of cells administered can vary depending on the subject being treated. In one particular embodiment, about 10 4 ~about 10 10 , about 10 4 ~about 10 7 , about 10 5 ~about 10 7 , about 10 5 ~about 10 9 , or about 10 6 ~about 10 8 of the cells disclosed herein may be administered to a subject. More effective cells may be administered in even smaller numbers. Typically, at least about 1×10 5 The final number of cells administered was approximately 1 × 10 10 In certain embodiments, the number of 5 pieces, 5×10 5 pieces, 1×10 6 pieces, about 5×10 6 pieces, about 1×10 7 pieces, about 5×10 7 pieces, about 1×10 8 Pieces, or about 5 x 10 8The cells disclosed herein are administered to a subject. In certain embodiments, about 1×10 6 The cells disclosed herein are administered to a subject. The exact determination of what is considered an effective dose may be based on factors individual to each subject, including the size, age, sex, weight, and condition of the particular subject. The dosage can be easily ascertained by those skilled in the art from this disclosure and the knowledge of those skilled in the art.

[0241] The cells disclosed herein can include purified cell populations. One of skill in the art can easily determine the percentage of cells disclosed herein in a population using various well-known methods, such as fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). Suitable ranges of purity in a population containing immunoresponsive cells disclosed herein are about 50% to about 55%, about 5% to about 60%, and about 65% to about 70%. In certain embodiments, the purity is about 70% to about 75%, about 75% to about 80%, or about 80% to about 85%. In certain embodiments, the purity is about 85% to about 90%, about 90% to about 95%, and about 95% to about 100%. The dosage can be easily adjusted by one of skill in the art (e.g., decreasing the purity may require increasing the dosage). The cells can be introduced by injection, catheter, etc.

[0242] One of skill in the art can readily determine the amount of cells and any additives, vehicles, and / or carriers in the composition and administered in the method. Typically, any additives (in addition to the active cell(s) and / or drug(s)) are present in an amount of 0.001 to 50% (by weight) solution in phosphate buffered saline solution, and the active ingredient is present on the order of micrograms to milligrams, such as about 0.0001 to about 5% by weight, about 0.0001 to about 1% by weight, about 0.0001 to about 0.05% by weight, or about 0.001 to about 20% by weight, about 0.01 to about 10% by weight, or about 0.05 to about 5% by weight. For any composition administered to animals or humans, the following can be determined: toxicity, for example, by determining the lethal dose (LD) and LD50 in a suitable animal model, for example, a rodent such as a mouse, the dosage of the composition(s) that induces a suitable response, the concentration of the components in the composition, and the timing of administration of the composition(s). Such determinations do not require undue experimentation from the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art, this disclosure, and the literature cited herein. Also, the time of sequential administration can be ascertained without undue experimentation.

[0243] In certain embodiments, the composition is a pharmaceutical composition, further comprising the cells disclosed herein and a pharma- ceutically acceptable carrier.

[0244] The administration of the composition can be autologous or xenogeneic. For example, cells can be obtained from one subject and administered to the same subject or a different compatible subject. Peripheral blood-derived cells or their progeny (e.g., in vivo, ex vivo, or in vitro derived) can be administered. When administering the composition disclosed herein (e.g., pharmaceutical composition comprising the cells disclosed herein), it can be formulated in a unit dose injectable form (solution, suspension, emulsion).

[0245] The cells and compositions disclosed herein may be administered by any method known in the art, including, but not limited to, oral administration, intravenous administration, subcutaneous administration, intranodal administration, intratumoral administration, intrathecal administration, intravitreal administration, intrapleural administration, intraosseous administration, intraperitoneal administration, pleural administration, and direct administration to a subject.

[0246] 5.8. Treatment method The cells and compositions comprising the cells disclosed herein can be used to treat or alleviate disease or disorder in a subject. In certain embodiments, the disease or disorder is associated with uPAR. In certain embodiments, the disease or disorder is associated with overexpression of uPAR. In certain embodiments, the disease or disorder is selected from the group consisting of tumors, aging-related pathologies, and age-related tissue loss. Non-limiting examples of aging-related pathologies include pulmonary fibrosis, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, liver fibrosis, chronic kidney disease, cardiac fibrosis, and Parkinson's disease.

[0247] In certain embodiments, the method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof a cell disclosed herein or a composition comprising the same. In certain embodiments, the cell is a T cell. The T cell is a CD4 + T cells or CD8 + In certain embodiments, the T cells are CD4 + T cells.

[0248] For treatment, the dosage is an amount effective to produce the desired effect. An effective amount can be provided in one dose or in a series of doses. An effective amount can be provided in a bolus or by continuous perfusion.

[0249] In certain embodiments, the disease or disorder is a tumor. In certain embodiments, the cells and compositions disclosed herein can reduce tumor burden in a subject, reduce the number of tumor cells, reduce tumor size, and / or eradicate tumors, and / or increase or extend the survival of a subject.

[0250] Non-limiting examples of tumors include breast cancer (including triple-negative breast cancer), endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, lung cancer (e.g., non-small cell lung cancer), stomach cancer, prostate cancer, gastric cancer, renal cancer, pancreatic cancer, blood cancer, cervical cancer, head and neck cancer, liver cancer (e.g., cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, and fibrolamaellar hepatocellular carcinoma), urothelial carcinoma, melanoma, and brain cancer (including glioblastoma multiforme). In certain embodiments, the blood cancer is selected from the group consisting of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera, myelodysplastic syndrome, and erythroleukemia. In certain embodiments, the tumor is cancer. In certain embodiments, the cancer is a recurrent or refractory cancer. In certain embodiments, the cancer is resistant to a cancer therapy, for example, chemotherapy.

[0251] Additionally, the subject matter disclosed herein provides methods for increasing production of immune-activating cytokines in response to tumor cells in a subject. In certain embodiments, the methods include administering to a subject the cells and compositions disclosed herein. Non-limiting examples of immune-activating cytokines include granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, IL-6, IL-11, IL-7, IL-8, IL-12, IL-15, IL-21, interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7), CCL1, CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CCL7, CCL8, CCL13, CCL16, CXCL1, CXCL3, CXCL5, CXCL9, CXCL10, and combinations thereof.

[0252] In certain embodiments, the disease or disorder is a senescence-associated pathology. In certain embodiments, the subject exhibits increased accumulation of senescent cells compared to cells observed in healthy control subjects. In certain embodiments, the senescence-associated pathology is selected from the group consisting of pulmonary fibrosis, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, liver fibrosis, chronic kidney disease, osteoarthritis, cardiac fibrosis, and Parkinson's disease. In certain embodiments, the senescent cells exhibit senescence-associated secretory phenomena (SASP). The senescence-associated secretory phenomena may be induced by replication, oncogenes (e.g., HRASG12D, NRAsG12D, NRAsG12D, etc.), radiation, chemotherapy, or drugs (e.g., Cdk4 / 6 inhibitors, MEK inhibitors, chemotherapeutic drugs, etc.). Non-limiting examples of MEK inhibitors include trametinib, cobimetinib, binimetinib, selumetinib, PD-325901, TAK-733, CI-1040 (PD184352), PD0325901, MEK162, AZD8330, GDC-0623, rifametinib, pimasertibi, R04987655, R05126766, WX-554, HL-085, CInQ-03, G-573, PD184161, PD318088, PD98059, R05068760, U0126, and SL327. Non-limiting examples of CDK4 / 6 inhibitors include palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib. Non-limiting examples of chemotherapeutic agents include cisplatin, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, and etoposide.

[0253] In certain embodiments, the methods disclosed herein for treating or alleviating a disease or disorder further comprise administering a tumor-specific monoclonal antibody to a subject, and the subject is undergoing / has undergone a senescence-inducing therapy (e.g., chemotherapy). In certain embodiments, the tumor-specific monoclonal antibody is administered after administration of the cells or a composition comprising the same. Non-limiting examples of specific senescence-inducing therapies include doxorubicin, ionizing radiation therapy, combination therapy with MEK inhibitors and CDK4 / 6 inhibitors, combination therapy with CDC7 inhibitors and mTOR inhibitors, etc. Examples of CDK4 / 6 inhibitors include palbociclib, ribociclib, and abemaciclib. Non-limiting examples of MEK inhibitors include trametinib, cobimetinib, binimetinib, selumetinib, PD-325901, TAK-733, CI-1040 (PD184352), PD0325901, MEK162, AZD8330, GDC-0623, rifametinib, pimasertibi, R04987655, R05126766, WX-554, HL-085, CInQ-03, G-573, PD184161, PD318088, PD98059, R05068760, U0126, and SL327. Non-limiting examples of mTOR inhibitors include rapamycin, sertraline, sirolimus, everolimus, temsirolimus, ridaforolimus, and deforolimus. Examples of CDC7 inhibitors include TAK-931, PHA-767491, XL413, 1H-pyrrolo[2,3-b]pyridine, 2,3-dihydrothieno[3,2-d]pyrimidin-4(1H)-one, furanone derivatives, trisubstituted thiazoles, pyrrolopyridinones, and the like.

[0254] In certain embodiments, the tumor-specific monoclonal antibody is administered following administration of the cells or a composition comprising same.

[0255] In certain embodiments, the subject is a human.

[0256] In certain embodiments, the methods disclosed herein for treating or alleviating a disease or disorder further comprise administering to the subject a cancer therapy, hi certain embodiments, the cancer therapy is selected from the group consisting of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, monoclonal antibodies, anti-cancer nucleic acids or proteins, anti-cancer viruses or microbes, and any combination thereof.

[0257] In certain embodiments, the methods disclosed herein for treating or alleviating a disease or disorder further comprise administering to the subject a cytokine, hi certain embodiments, the cytokine is administered before, during, or after administration of the cells or a composition comprising same. In certain embodiments, the cytokine is interferon a, interferon (3, interferon y, complement C5a, IL-2, TNF-α, CD4OL, IL12, IL-23, IL15, IL17, CCL1, CCL11, CCL12, CCL13, CCL14-1, CCL14-2, CCL14-3, CCL15-1, CCL15-2, CCL16, CCL17, CCL18, CCL19, CCL19, CCL2, CCL20, CCL21, CCL22, CCL23-1, CCL23-2, CCL24, CCL25-1, CCL25-2, CCL26, CCL27, CCL28, CCL29, CCL30, CCL31, CCL32, CCL33-1, CCL33-2, CCL34, CCL35-1, CCL35-2, CCL36, CCL37, CCL38, CCL39, CCL40, CCL41, CCL42, CCL43-2, CCL44, CCL45-1, CCL45-2, CCL46, CCL47, CCL48, CCL49, CCL50, CCL51, CCL52, CCL53, CCL54, CCL55, CCL56, CCL57, CCL58, CCL59, CCL60, CCL61, CCL62, CCL63, CCL64, CCL65, CCL66, CCL67, CCL68, CCL69, CCL70, CCL71, CCL72, CCL73, CCL74, CCL75, CCL75, CCL76, CCL77, CCL78, CCL79, CCL80, CCL81, CCL CL3, CCL3L1, CCL4, CCL4L1, CCL5, CCL6, CCL7, CCL8, CCL9, CCR10, CCR2, CCR5, CCR6, CCR7, CCR8, CCRL1, CCRL2, CX3CL1, CX3CR, CXCL1, CXCL10, CXCL11, CXCL12, CXCL13, CXCL14, CXCL15, CXCL16, CXCL2, CXCL3, CXCL4, CXCL5, CXCL6, CXCL7, CXCL8, CXCL9, CXCL9, CXCR1, CXCR2, CXCR4, CXCR5, CXCR6, CXCR7, and XCL2.

[0258] In certain embodiments, chemotherapy comprises administering to the subject a chemotherapeutic agent, non-limiting examples of which include nitrogen mustards, ethylenimine derivatives, alkylsulfonates, nitrosoureas, gemcitabine, triazenes, folic acid analogs, anthracyclines, taxanes, COX-2 inhibitors, pyrimidine analogs, purine analogs, antibiotics, enzyme inhibitors, epipodophyllotoxins, platinum coordination complexes, vinca alkaloids, substituted ureas, methylhydrazine derivatives, adrenocortical suppressants, hormone antagonists, endostatin, taxol, camptothecin, SN-38, doxorubicin, doxorubicin analogs, antimetabolites, alkylating agents, antimitotic agents, antiangiogenic agents, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, heat shock protein (HSP90) inhibitors, proteosome inhibitors, HDAC inhibitors, pro-apoptotic agents, methotrexate, and CPT-11.

[0259] In certain embodiments, the disease or disorder is pulmonary fibrosis, and the method further comprises administering to the subject at least one therapy selected from the group consisting of pirfenidone, nintedanib, oxygen therapy, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), mycophenolate mofetil / mycophenolic acid, and azathioprine, either sequentially, separately, or simultaneously.

[0260] In certain embodiments, the disease or disorder is atherosclerosis, and the method further comprises administering to the subject at least one therapy selected from the group consisting of statins (e.g., atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin calcium, simvastatin), fibrates (e.g., gemfibrozil, fenofibrate), niacin, ezetimibe, bile acid sequestrants (e.g., cholestyramine, colestipol, colesevelam), proprotein convertase subtilisin kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors, antiplatelet agents (e.g., aspirin, clopidogrel, tacagrelor, warfarin, prasugrel), beta blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and diuretics, either sequentially, separately, or simultaneously.

[0261] In certain embodiments, the disease or disorder is Alzheimer's disease, and the method further comprises administering to the subject at least one therapy selected from the group consisting of donepezil, galantamine, memantine, rivastigmine, memantine extended release and donepezil (Namzaric), aducanumab, solanezumab, insulin, verubecestat, AADvac1, CSP-1103, and intepirdine, either sequentially, separately, or simultaneously.

[0262] In certain embodiments, the disease or disorder is diabetes, and the method includes administering to the subject insulin, metformin, an amylin analog, glucagon, a sulfonylurea (e.g., glimepiride, glipizide, glyburide, chlorpropamide, tolazamide, tolbutamide), a meglitinide (e.g., nateglinide, repaglinide), a thiazolidinedione (e.g., pioglitazone, rosiglitazone), an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor (e.g., acarbose, miglitol), a dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP-4 The method further comprises administering, sequentially, separately or simultaneously, at least one therapy selected from the group consisting of: sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors (e.g., alogliptin, linagliptin, sitagliptin, saxagliptin), sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors (e.g., canagliflozin, dapagliflozin, empagliflozin, ertugliflozin), and incretin mimetics (e.g., exenatide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, lixisenatide, semaglutide).

[0263] In certain embodiments, the disease or disorder is osteoarthritis, and the method further comprises administering to the subject, sequentially, separately, or simultaneously, at least one therapy selected from the group consisting of analgesics (e.g., acetaminophen, tramadol, oxycodone, hydrocodone), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib), cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors, corticosteroids, and hyaluronic acid.

[0264] In certain embodiments, the disease or disorder is liver fibrosis, and the method further comprises administering to the subject, sequentially, separately, or simultaneously, at least one therapy selected from the group consisting of ACE inhibitors (e.g., benazepril, lisinopril, ramipril), a-tocopherol, interferon-a, PPAR antagonists, colchicine, corticosteroids, endothelin inhibitors, interleukin-10, pentoxifylline, phosphatidylcholine, S-adenosyl-methionine, and TGF-131 inhibitors.

[0265] In certain embodiments, the disease or disorder is chronic kidney disease and the method further comprises administering to the subject, sequentially, separately, or simultaneously, at least one therapy selected from the group consisting of an ACE inhibitor (e.g., benazepril, lisinopril, ramipril), a statin (e.g., atorvastatin, fluvastatin, lovastatin, pitavastatin, pravastatin, rosuvastatin calcium, simvastatin), furosemide, erythropoietin, a phosphate binder (e.g., calcium acetate, calcium carbonate), cholecalciferol, ergocalciferol, and cyclophosphamide.

[0266] Further modifications can be introduced into engineered immune cells (e.g., T cells) expressing uPAR-specific CARs to avoid or minimize the risk of immunological complications (known as "malignant T cell transformation"), such as graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). Modification of engineered immune cells can include engineering a suicide gene into uPAR-specific CAR-expressing T cells. Suitable suicide genes include, but are not limited to, herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (hsv-tk), inducible caspase 9 suicide gene (iCasp-9), and truncated human epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFRt) polypeptide. In certain embodiments, the suicide gene is an EGFRt polypeptide. The EGFRt polypeptide can enable T cell elimination by administering an anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody (e.g., cetuximab). The EGFRt can be covalently linked to the C-terminus of the intracellular domain of the uPAR-specific CAR. The suicide gene can be included in a vector that includes a nucleic acid encoding a uPAR-specific CAR as disclosed herein. The incorporation of a suicide gene into the uPAR-specific CAR disclosed herein provides an additional level of safety with the ability to eliminate most CAR T cells within a very short period of time. Engineered immune cells (e.g., T cells) disclosed herein that are incorporated with a suicide gene can be preemptively eliminated at a given time point after CAR T cell infusion or eradicated at the earliest sign of toxicity.

[0267] 5.9.Kit The subject matter disclosed herein provides a kit for treating or alleviating a disease or disorder in a subject. In certain embodiments, the kit comprises a cell disclosed herein or a composition comprising the same. In certain embodiments, the kit comprises a sterile container, such as a box, an ampoule, a bottle, a vial, a tube, a bag, a pouch, a blister pack, or other suitable container form known in the art. Such a container can be made of plastic, glass, laminated paper, metal foil, or other materials suitable for holding pharmaceuticals. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the kit comprises a nucleic acid molecule encoding a uPAR target antigen recognition receptor (e.g., CAR) disclosed herein.

[0268] Optionally, the cells and / or nucleic acid molecules are provided with instructions for administering the cells or nucleic acid molecules to a subject having or at risk of developing a disease or disorder. The instructions generally include information regarding the use of the composition to treat and / or prevent a tumor or neoplasm. In certain embodiments, the instructions include at least one of the following: description of the therapeutic agent, dosing schedule and administration for the treatment or prevention of a tumor or neoplasm, precautions, warnings, indications, counterindications, overdose information, adverse reactions, animal pharmacology, clinical studies, and / or references. The instructions may be printed directly on the container (if present), or as a label applied to the container, or as a separate sheet, pamphlet, card, or folder provided in or with the container.

[0269] 5.10. ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS A1. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the subject matter disclosed herein provides an antigen recognition receptor comprising an extracellular antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular signaling domain, wherein the extracellular antigen binding domain specifically binds to uPAR.

[0270] A2. The antigen-recognizing receptor of A1 above, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain is a single-chain variable fragment (scFv).

[0271] A3. The antigen-recognizing receptor of A2 described above, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain is a human scFv.

[0272] A4. An antigen-recognizing receptor as described above in A1, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain is an optionally cross-linked Fab.

[0273] A5. The extracellular antigen-binding domain is F(ab) 2 This is the antigen recognition receptor for A1 mentioned above.

[0274] A6. ScFv, Fab, and F(ab) 2 An antigen-recognizing receptor selected from any one of A2 to A5, wherein one or more of the above is included in a fusion protein having a heterologous sequence to form an extracellular antigen-binding domain.

[0275] A7. The extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises (a) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3 or a conservative modification thereof, (b) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9 or a conservative modification thereof, (c) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15 or a conservative modification thereof, (d) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 19 or a conservative modification thereof, any one of the above-mentioned antigen recognition receptors A1 to A6, comprising a heavy chain variable region comprising: (a) CDR1 having an amino acid sequence or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 having an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 20 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 having an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 21 or a conservative modification thereof; (b) CDR1 having an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 41 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 having an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 42 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 having an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 43 or a conservative modification thereof; or (c) CDR1 having an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 49 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 having an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 50 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 having an amino acid sequence as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 51 or a conservative modification thereof.

[0276] A8. The extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises: (a) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6 or a conservative modification thereof; (b) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 comprising SEQ ID NO: 12 or a conservative modification thereof; (c) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 16 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 17 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 18 or a conservative modification thereof; (d) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 22 or a conservative modification thereof; any one of the above-mentioned antigen recognition receptors A1 to A7, comprising a light chain variable region comprising: (a) CDR1 having an amino acid sequence or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24 or a conservative modification thereof; (b) CDR1 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 44 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 45 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 46 or a conservative modification thereof; or (c) CDR1 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 having an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 54 or a conservative modification thereof.

[0277] A9. An extracellular antigen-binding domain comprising: (a) a heavy chain variable region comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3; and a light chain variable region comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6; (b) a heavy chain variable region comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9; and a light chain variable region comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12; (c) a heavy chain variable region comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15, and a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 16, and a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 17. (d) a heavy chain variable region comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 19, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 20, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 21, and a light chain variable region comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 22, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 23, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 24; and (e) a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 41. a heavy chain variable region comprising CDR1, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 42, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 43; and a light chain variable region comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 44, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 45, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 46; or (f) a heavy chain variable region comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 49, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 50, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 51;and an antigen recognition receptor selected from any one of A1 to A8, comprising a light chain variable region including CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 52, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 53, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 54.

[0278] A10. The antigen recognition receptor of A9 described above, comprising a heavy chain variable region, the extracellular antigen-binding domain of which comprises CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9, and a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12.

[0279] A11. An antigen recognition receptor of any one of A1 to A10 described above, comprising a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, or about 99% homologous or identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 47, or SEQ ID NO: 55.

[0280] A12. Any one of the above-mentioned antigen-recognizing receptors A1 to A11, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 47, or SEQ ID NO: 55.

[0281] A13. An antigen recognition receptor of any one of the above-mentioned A1 to A12, comprising a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, or about 99% homologous or identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 48, or SEQ ID NO: 56.

[0282] A14. Any one of the above-mentioned antigen recognition receptors A1 to A13, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 48, or SEQ ID NO: 56.

[0283] A15. An extracellular antigen-binding domain comprising: (a) a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, or about 99% homologous or identical to a selected amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:25, SEQ ID NO:27, SEQ ID NO:29, SEQ ID NO:31, SEQ ID NO:47, or SEQ ID NO:55; and (b) An antigen recognition receptor of any one of A1 to A14 described above, comprising a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, or about 99% homologous or identical to the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:26, SEQ ID NO:28, SEQ ID NO:30, SEQ ID NO:32, SEQ ID NO:48, or SEQ ID NO:56.

[0284] A16. An antigen recognition receptor of any one of A1 to A15, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises: (a) a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 47, or SEQ ID NO: 55; and (b) a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 48, or SEQ ID NO: 56.

[0285] A17. An antigen recognition receptor according to the above A16, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises: (a) a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 25, and a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 26; (b) a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 27, and a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 28; (c) a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 29, and a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30; (d) a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 31, and a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 32; (e) a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 47, and a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 48; or (f) a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 55, and a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 56.

[0286] A18. The antigen-recognizing receptor of A17 above, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:27, and a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:28.

[0287] A19. Any one of the antigen-recognizing receptors of A1 to A18 above, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a linker between the heavy chain variable region and the light chain variable region of the extracellular antigen-binding domain.

[0288] A20. The antigen recognition receptor of the aforementioned A19, wherein the linker consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 66, or SEQ ID NO: 67.

[0289] A21. An antigen-recognizing receptor according to any one of A1 to A20 above, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a signal peptide covalently linked to the 5' end of the extracellular antigen-binding domain.

[0290] A22. Any one of the antigen recognition receptors of A1 to A21 above, wherein the transmembrane domain comprises a CD8 polypeptide, a CD28 polypeptide, a CD3ζ polypeptide, a CD4 polypeptide, a 4-1BB polypeptide, an OX40 polypeptide, an ICOS polypeptide, a CTLA-4 polypeptide, a PD-1 polypeptide, a LAG-3 polypeptide, a 2B4 polypeptide, a BTLA polypeptide, or a combination thereof.

[0291] A23. An antigen-recognizing receptor of any one of A1 to A22 above, wherein the intracellular signaling domain comprises a CD3ζ polypeptide.

[0292] A24. An antigen recognition receptor of any one of A1 to A23 above, wherein the intracellular signaling domain further comprises at least one costimulatory signaling region.

[0293] A25. The antigen recognition receptor of A24 above, wherein at least one costimulatory signaling region comprises a CD28 polypeptide, a 4-1BB polypeptide, an OX40 polypeptide, an ICOS polypeptide, a DAP-10 polypeptide, or a combination thereof.

[0294] A26. Any one of the antigen recognition receptors of A1 to A25 above, wherein the antigen recognition receptor is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), a T cell receptor (TCR), or a T cell-like fusion protein.

[0295] A27. Any one of the antigen recognition receptors of A1 to A26 above, wherein the antigen recognition receptor is a CAR.

[0296] A28. An antigen-recognizing receptor according to any one of A1 to A27 above, wherein the antigen-recognizing receptor is recombinantly expressed.

[0297] A29. An antigen recognition receptor according to any one of A1 to A28 above, wherein the antigen recognition receptor is expressed from a vector.

[0298] A30. The antigen recognition receptor of A29 above, wherein the vector is a gamma retrovirus vector.

[0299] B1. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a cell comprising an antigen-recognition receptor of any one of A1-A30.

[0300] B2. The cells of B1 above, wherein the cells are transduced with an antigen-recognizing receptor.

[0301] B3. A cell of B1 or B2 above, in which the antigen-recognizing receptor is constitutively expressed on the cell surface.

[0302] B4. Any one of the aforementioned cells B1 to B3, wherein the cell is an immunoresponsive cell.

[0303] B5. Any one of the aforementioned cells B1 to B4, which is a lymphoid cell or a myeloid cell.

[0304] B6. Any one of the aforementioned cells B1 to B5, wherein the cell is selected from the group consisting of T cells, natural killer (NK) cells, and stem cells from which lymphoid cells can be differentiated.

[0305] B7. Any one of the aforementioned cells B1 to B6, wherein the cell is a T cell.

[0306] B8. A cell of B6 or B7 as described above, wherein the T cell is a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) or a regulatory T cell.

[0307] B9. The cell of B6 above, wherein the stem cell is a pluripotent stem cell.

[0308] B10. The cell of B9 above, wherein the pluripotent stem cell is an embryonic-like stem cell or an induced pluripotent stem cell.

[0309] C1. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a nucleic acid encoding an antigen-recognizing receptor of any one of A1-A30.

[0310] D1. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a vector comprising a nucleic acid molecule of C1.

[0311] D2. The vector of D1 above, wherein the vector is a gamma retroviral vector.

[0312] E1. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter provides a host cell that expresses a nucleic acid of C1 or a vector of D1 or D2.

[0313] E2. The host cell of E1 above, wherein the host cell is a T cell.

[0314] F1. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the subject matter disclosed herein provides a composition comprising any one of cells B1-B10.

[0315] F2. The composition of F1 above, which is a pharmaceutical composition further comprising a pharma- ceutically acceptable carrier.

[0316] G1. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the subject matter disclosed herein provides a method of treating or alleviating a disease or disorder in a subject, comprising administering to the subject a cell disclosed herein, any one of B1-B10, or a composition of claim F1 or F2.

[0317] G2. The method of G1 above, wherein the disease or disorder is selected from the group consisting of tumors, aging-related conditions, and age-related tissue loss.

[0318] G3. The method of G2 above, wherein the disease or disorder is an aging-related pathology.

[0319] G4. The method of G3 above, wherein the aging-related pathology is selected from the group consisting of pulmonary fibrosis, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, liver fibrosis, chronic kidney disease, cardiac fibrosis, and Parkinson's disease.

[0320] G5. The method of G1 above, wherein the disease or disorder is a tumor.

[0321] G6. The method of G5 above, wherein the tumor is selected from the group consisting of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, prostate cancer, gastric cancer, renal cancer, pancreatic cancer, blood cancer, cervical cancer, head and neck cancer, liver cancer, urothelial cancer, melanoma, and brain cancer.

[0322] G7. The method of G6 above, wherein the hematological cancer is selected from the group consisting of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera, myelodysplastic syndrome, and erythroleukemia.

[0323] G8. Any one of the methods G5 to G7 above, wherein the tumor is cancer.

[0324] H1. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the subject matter disclosed herein provides a method for increasing production of immune activating cytokines in response to tumor cells in a subject, the method comprising administering to the subject a cell of any one of B1-B10, or a composition of F1 or F2.

[0325] H2. The method of H1 above, wherein the immune stimulating cytokine is selected from the group consisting of granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, IL-6, IL-11, IL-7, IL-8, IL-12, IL-15, IL-21, interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7), CCL1, CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CCL7, CCL8, CCL13, CCL16, CXCL1, CXCL3, CXCL5, CXCL9, CXCL10, and combinations thereof.

[0326] H3. Any one of the preceding methods G1-H2, wherein the subject is a human.

[0327] I1. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the subject matter disclosed herein provides a kit for treating or alleviating a disease or disorder in a subject and / or increasing production of immune stimulatory cytokines in response to tumor cells in a subject, the kit comprising a cell of any one of B1-B10, a nucleic acid of claim C1, or a composition of claim F1 or F2.

[0328] I2. The kit of I1 above, wherein the kit further comprises written instructions for using the cells or composition to treat or alleviate a disease or disorder in a subject and / or to increase production of immune stimulatory cytokines in response to tumor cells in a subject.

[0329] J1. In certain non-limiting embodiments, the subject matter disclosed herein provides a method for producing a uPAR-targeting antigen-recognizing receptor of any one of A1 to A30, comprising introducing into a cell a nucleic acid encoding the antigen-recognizing receptor. EXAMPLES

[0330] 6. Working Example The following examples are presented to provide those of skill in the art with a complete disclosure and description of how to make and use the cells and compositions comprising same, and methods of the subject matter disclosed herein, and are not intended to limit the scope of what the inventors regard as the subject matter disclosed herein. Given the general description provided above, it will be understood that various other embodiments may be practiced.

[0331] Example 1 - Generation of anti-uPAR scFv Recombinant uPAR from R&D (https: / / www.rndsystems.com / products / recombinant-human-upar-protein_807-uk) was used to generate the scFvs disclosed herein. The recombinant uPAR is a human uPAR protein (Leu23-Arg303) with a C-terminal 6-his tag. Six clones were produced: 8B1, 11E10, 17C9, 19D7, 6C8, and 14C5.

[0332] Example 2 - In vitro studies of CAR T cells The expression levels of LNGFR and the four CARs targeting uPAR disclosed herein, as well as the four CARs, in human RD114 cells expressing H.19-H.28z were measured. The four CARs were a CAR comprising 11E10 scFv, a transmembrane domain comprising a CD28 polypeptide, an intracellular domain comprising a CD3ζ polypeptide, and a costimulatory signaling region comprising a CD28 polypeptide (referred to as "11E10 CAR"); a CAR comprising 17C9 scFv, a transmembrane domain comprising a CD28 polypeptide, a CD3ζ polypeptide, and a costimulatory signaling region comprising a CD28 polypeptide (referred to as "17C9 CAR"); a CAR comprising 8B1 scFv, a transmembrane domain comprising a CD28 polypeptide, an intracellular domain comprising a CD3ζ polypeptide, and a costimulatory signaling region comprising a CD28 polypeptide (referred to as "8B1 CAR"); or a CAR comprising 19D7 scFv, a transmembrane domain comprising a CD28 polypeptide, an intracellular domain comprising a CD3ζ polypeptide, and a costimulatory signaling region comprising a CD28 polypeptide (referred to as "19D7 CAR"). Expression levels were compared to non-transduced RD114 cells. H.19-H.28z was used as a positive control. Expression levels were measured using flow cytometry. Two independent experiments were performed. The results are shown in Figure 1. As shown in Figure 1, all four tested uPAR-targeting CARs were expressed on human RD114 cells.

[0333] Furthermore, the expression levels of LNGFR in human T cells expressing H.19-H.28z, 11E10 CAR, 17C9 CAR, 8B1 CAR, or 19D7 CAR were measured and compared to non-transduced human T cells. Two independent experiments were performed. The results are shown in Figure 2. As shown in Figure 2, all four tested uPAR-targeting CARs were expressed on human T cells.

[0334] Next, the cytotoxic activity of 11E10 CAR, 17C9 CAR, 8B1 CAR, and 19D7 CAR was measured. NALM6-human uPAR and NALM6 wild-type cells were transduced with H.19-H.28z, 11E10 CAR, 17C9 CAR, 8B1 CAR, or 19D7 CAR. An 18-hour bioluminescence assay was used to detect and measure firefly luciferase (FFL) signals in FFL-expressing NALM6 wild-type or NALM6 cells overexpressing human uPAR as target cells. Two independent experiments were performed in technical triplicate. The results are shown in Figure 3A (for NALM6-human uPAR cells) and Figure 3B (for NALM6 wild-type cells). As shown in Figures 3A and 3B, 11E10 CAR, 17C9 CAR, and 19D7 CAR showed increased cytotoxicity in NALM6 overexpressing human uPAR compared to NALM6 wild type.

[0335] Embodiments of the subject matter disclosed herein From the above description, it will be apparent that variations and modifications may be made to the subject matter disclosed herein to adapt it to various applications and conditions. Such embodiments are also within the scope of the following claims.

[0336] The recitation of a list of elements in any definition of a variable herein includes definition of that variable as any single element or combination (or subcombination) of the listed elements. The recitation of an embodiment herein includes that embodiment as any single embodiment or in combination with any other embodiment or portion thereof.

[0337] All patents and publications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual patent and publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. An antigen recognition receptor comprising an extracellular antigen-binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular signaling domain, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain specifically binds to uPAR.

2. The antigen recognition receptor according to claim 1, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain is a single-chain variable fragment (scFv).

3. The antigen recognition receptor according to claim 2, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain is a human scFv.

4. The antigen recognition receptor according to claim 1, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain is a Fab optionally cross-linked.

5. The antigen recognition receptor according to claim 1, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain is F(ab) ２ thereof.

6. The antigen recognition receptor according to claim 2, wherein one or more of the scFv, Fab, and F(ab) ２ are included in a fusion protein having a heterologous sequence to form the extracellular antigen-binding domain.

7. The extracellular antigen-binding domain is (a) CDR1 containing the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1 or a conservative modification thereof, CDR2 containing the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2 or a conservative modification thereof, and CDR3 containing the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3 or a conservative modification thereof, (b) CDR1 containing the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7 or a conservative modification thereof, CDR2 containing the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8 or a conservative modification thereof, and CDR3 containing the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9 or a conservative modification thereof, (c) CDR1 containing the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13 or a conservative modification thereof, CDR2 containing the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14 or a conservative modification thereof, and CDR3 containing the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15 or a conservative modification thereof, (d) CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 19 or a conservative modification thereof, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 20 or a conservative modification thereof, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 21 or a conservative modification thereof, (e) CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 41 or a conservative modification thereof, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 42 or a conservative modification thereof, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 43 or a conservative modification thereof, or (f) The antigen recognition receptor according to claim 1, comprising a heavy chain variable region comprising CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 49 or a conservative modification thereof, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 50 or a conservative modification thereof, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 51 or a conservative modification thereof.

8. The extracellular antigen-binding domain is (a) CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4 or a conservative modification thereof, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5 or a conservative modification thereof, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6 or a conservative modification thereof, (b) CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10 or a conservative modification thereof, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11 or a conservative modification thereof, and CDR3 comprising SEQ ID NO: 12 or a conservative modification thereof, (c) CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 16 or a conservative modification thereof, CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 17 or a conservative modification thereof, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 18 or a conservative modification thereof, (d) CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 22 or a conservative modification thereof, CDR2 comprising SEQ ID NO: 23 or a conservative modification thereof, and CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 24 or a conservative modification thereof, (e) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 44 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 45 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 46 or a conservative modification thereof, or (f) a light chain variable region comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 52 or a conservative modification thereof, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 53 or a conservative modification thereof, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 54 or a conservative modification thereof, the antigen recognition receptor according to claim 1.

9. The extracellular antigen-binding domain is (a) a heavy chain variable region comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3, and a light chain variable region comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6, (b) a heavy chain variable region comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9, and a light chain variable region comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 50, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 55, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 12, (c) a heavy chain variable region comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 13, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 14, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 15, and a light chain variable region comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 16, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 17, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 18, (d) A heavy chain variable region comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 19, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 20, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 21, and a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 22, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 23, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 24, which together form a light chain variable region. (e) A heavy chain variable region comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 41, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 42, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 43, and a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 44, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 45, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 46, which together form a light chain variable region, or (f) An antigen recognition receptor according to claim 1, comprising a heavy chain variable region comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 49, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 50, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 51, and a light chain variable region comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 52, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 53, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:

54.

10. The antigen recognition receptor according to claim 9, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9, and a light chain variable region comprising a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10, a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 11, and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:

12.

11. The antigen recognition receptor according to claim 1, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, or about 99% identical or the same as the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 47, or SEQ ID NO:

55.

12. The antigen recognition receptor according to claim 1, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 47, or SEQ ID NO:

55.

13. The antigen recognition receptor according to claim 1, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, or about 99% identical or the same as the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 48, or SEQ ID NO:

56.

14. The antigen recognition receptor according to claim 1, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 48, or SEQ ID NO:

56.

15. The extracellular antigen-binding domain is (a) a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 47, or SEQ ID NO: 55 and at least about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, or about 99% identical or the same, and (b) a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 48, or SEQ ID NO: 56 and at least about 80%, about 81%, about 82%, about 83%, about 84%, about 85%, about 86%, about 87%, about 88%, about 89%, about 90%, about 91%, about 92%, about 93%, about 94%, about 95%, about 96%, about 97%, about 98%, or about 99% identical or the same, the antigen recognition receptor according to claim 1.

16. The extracellular antigen-binding domain is (a) a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 47, or SEQ ID NO: 55, and (b) a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 30, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 48, or SEQ ID NO: 56, the antigen recognition receptor according to claim 1.

17. The extracellular antigen-binding domain is (a) a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 25 and a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 26, (b) a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 27 and a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 28, (c) a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 29 and a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 30, (d) a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 31 and a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 32, (e) a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 47 and a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 48, or (f) an antigen recognition receptor according to claim 16, comprising a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 55 and a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:

56.

18. The antigen recognition receptor according to claim 17, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 27 and a light chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:

28.

19. The antigen recognition receptor according to claim 1, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a linker between the heavy chain variable region and the light chain variable region of the extracellular antigen-binding domain.

20. The antigen recognition receptor according to claim 19, wherein the linker consists of the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO: 62, SEQ ID NO: 63, SEQ ID NO: 64, SEQ ID NO: 65, SEQ ID NO: 66, or SEQ ID NO:

67.

21. The antigen recognition receptor according to claim 1, wherein the extracellular antigen-binding domain comprises a signal peptide covalently attached to the 5' end of the extracellular antigen-binding domain.

22. The antigen recognition receptor according to claim 1, wherein the transmembrane domain comprises a CD8 polypeptide, a CD28 polypeptide, a CD3ζ polypeptide, a CD4 polypeptide, a 4-1BB polypeptide, an OX40 polypeptide, an ICOS polypeptide, a CTLA-4 polypeptide, a PD-1 polypeptide, a LAG-3 polypeptide, a 2B4 polypeptide, a BTLA polypeptide, or a combination thereof.

23. The antigen recognition receptor according to claim 1, wherein the intracellular signaling domain comprises a CD3ζ polypeptide.

24. The antigen recognition receptor according to claim 1, wherein the intracellular signaling domain further comprises at least one co-stimulatory signaling region.

25. The antigen recognition receptor according to claim 24, wherein the at least one co-stimulatory signaling region comprises a CD28 polypeptide, a 4-1BB polypeptide, an OX40 polypeptide, an ICOS polypeptide, a DAP-10 polypeptide, or a combination thereof.

26. The antigen recognition receptor according to claim 1, wherein the antigen recognition receptor is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR), a T cell receptor (TCR), or a T cell-like fusion protein.

27. The antigen recognition receptor according to claim 1, wherein the antigen recognition receptor is a CAR.

28. The antigen recognition receptor according to claim 1, wherein the antigen recognition receptor is recombinantly expressed.

29. The antigen recognition receptor according to claim 1, wherein the antigen recognition receptor is expressed from a vector.

30. The antigen recognition receptor according to claim 29, wherein the vector is a gamma-retroviral vector.

31. A cell comprising the antigen recognition receptor according to claim 1.

32. The cell according to claim 31, wherein the antigen recognition receptor is transduced into the cell.

33. The cell according to claim 31, wherein the antigen recognition receptor is constitutively expressed on the surface of the cell.

34. The cell according to claim 31, wherein the cell is an immune-responsive cell.

35. The cell according to claim 31, wherein the cell is a lymphoid cell or a myeloid cell.

36. The cell according to claim 31, wherein the cell is selected from the group consisting of a T cell, a natural killer (NK) cell, and a stem cell from which lymphoid cells can differentiate.

37. The cell according to claim 31, wherein the cell is a T cell.

38. The method according to claim 36, wherein the T cell is a cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) or a regulatory T cell.

39. The cell according to claim 36, wherein the stem cell is a pluripotent stem cell.

40. The cell according to claim 39, wherein the pluripotent stem cell is an embryonic stem cell or an induced pluripotent stem cell.

41. A nucleic acid encoding the antigen recognition receptor according to claim 1.

42. A vector comprising the nucleic acid according to claim 41.

43. The vector according to claim 42, wherein the vector is a gamma-retroviral vector.

44. A host cell expressing the nucleic acid according to claim 41.

45. The host cell according to claim 44, wherein the host cell is a T cell.

46. A composition comprising the cell according to claim 31.

47. The composition according to claim 46, which is a pharmaceutical composition further comprising a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.

48. A composition for treating or alleviating a disease or disorder in a subject, the composition comprising the cell according to claim 31.

49. The composition according to claim 48, wherein the disease or disorder is selected from the group consisting of tumors, aging-related pathologies, and tissue atrophy associated with aging.

50. The composition according to claim 49, wherein the disease or disorder is an aging-related pathology.

51. The composition according to claim 50, wherein the aging-related pathological condition is selected from the group consisting of pulmonary fibrosis, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, liver fibrosis, chronic kidney disease, cardiac fibrosis, and Parkinson's disease.

52. The composition according to claim 48, wherein the disease or disorder is a tumor.

53. The composition according to claim 52, wherein the tumor is selected from the group consisting of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, ovarian cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer (stomach cancer), prostate cancer, stomach cancer (gastric cancer), kidney cancer, pancreatic cancer, blood cancer, cervical cancer, head and neck cancer, liver cancer, urothelial cancer, melanoma, and brain cancer.

54. The composition according to claim 53, wherein the blood cancer is selected from the group consisting of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), acute myeloid leukemia (AML), myelofibrosis, polycythemia vera, myelodysplastic syndrome, and erythroleukemia.

55. The composition according to claim 52, wherein the tumor is cancer.

56. A composition for increasing the production of an immunostimulatory cytokine in response to tumor cells in a subject, the composition comprising the cells according to claim 31.

57. The composition according to claim 56, wherein the immunostimulatory cytokine is selected from the group consisting of granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), IFN-α, IFN-β, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1, IL-2, IL-3, IL-6, IL-11, IL-7, IL-8, IL-12, IL-15, IL-21, interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7), CCL1, CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, CCL7, CCL8, CCL13, CCL16, CXCL1, CXCL3, CXCL5, CXCL9, CXCL10, and combinations thereof.

58. The composition according to claim 48, wherein the subject is a human.

59. A kit for treating or alleviating a disease or disorder in a subject and / or for increasing the production of an immunostimulatory cytokine in response to tumor cells in the subject, the kit comprising the cells according to claim 31.

60. The kit according to claim 59, further comprising a written instruction for using the cells or composition for treating or alleviating a disease or disorder in a subject and / or for increasing the production of an immunostimulatory cytokine in response to tumor cells in the subject.

61. A method for producing the uPAR-targeting antigen recognition receptor according to claim 1, the method comprising introducing a nucleic acid encoding the antigen recognition receptor into the cells.

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