Compositions and methods for genetic modification

Abstract

Provided herein are methods of making genetically engineered cells having multiple modifications (e.g., insertions or deletions), cells and cell populations produced by the methods, and methods involving administering such genetically engineered cells to a subject, e.g., a subject with a hematopoietic malignancy.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] Related Applications This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 228,548, filed August 2, 2021, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 229,484, filed August 4, 2021, U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 341,346, filed May 12, 2022, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 346,819, filed May 27, 2022, which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0002] Electronic Sequence Listing Reference The contents of the electronic sequence listing (V029170018WO00-SEQ-CEW.xml, size: 47,752 bytes, and creation date: August 2, 2022) are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [Background technology]

[0003] The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR) / Cas system provides a platform for targeted gene editing in cells. Despite the versatility of the system and associated tools used, there are several potential risks associated with gene modification using the CRISPR / Cas system, such as off-target effects, risk of translocation events, and potential malignancies. These challenges are safety concerns regarding the use of the CRISPR / Cas system in therapeutic applications. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Aspects of the present disclosure provide methods for generating genetically engineered cells that contain multiple genetic modifications, which can be used, for example, for use in therapeutic approaches. The methods provided herein aim to reduce the deleterious effects of performing multiple genetic modifications in the genome of a cell. In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to the discovery that a sequential order of genetic modifications results in multiple modifications in a cell, minimizing the risk of generating translocation products. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that reducing the time that multiple breaks in genomic DNA coexist in a cell can reduce the production of translocation products. It is believed that breaks in genomic DNA can be recognized and repaired by various cellular DNA repair processes, and that certain breaks (e.g., breaks at specific genomic loci, breaks produced by specific gene editing processes) can be preferentially recognized by specific cellular DNA repair processes and repaired more quickly compared to breaks recognized and repaired by other DNA repair processes. The duration and repair rate of genomic DNA breaks can be influenced by the cellular DNA repair process that recognizes / repairs the breaks. The present disclosure is directed, in part, to a method comprising a first modification step of introducing a first break in genomic DNA, and a second modification step of introducing a second break in genomic DNA, the first break being substantially repaired or degraded (e.g., a genetic modification is produced) before the introduction of the second break. In some embodiments, the first break is recognized by a DNA repair process that degrades / repairs the break quickly, e.g., compared to other DNA repair processes. In some embodiments, the second break introduced is recognized by a DNA repair process that degrades / repairs the break more slowly, e.g., compared to other DNA repair processes.

[0005] Aspects of the disclosure include a) contacting a plurality of cells with (i) a first gRNA comprising a first targeting domain that binds to a first target sequence, and (ii) an RNA-guided nuclease that binds to the first gRNA, thereby forming a first ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex under conditions suitable for the first gRNA to form and / or maintain a first RNP complex with the RNA-guided nuclease of (ii) and for the first RNP complex to bind to the first target sequence; and b) contacting the plurality of cells with (iii) a second target sequence. (iv) contacting the first gRNA with a second gRNA comprising a second targeting domain that binds to the sequence, and (iv) an RNA-guided nuclease that binds to the second gRNA, forming and / or maintaining a second RNP complex with the RNA-guided nuclease of (iv), and wherein the second RNP complex binds to a second target sequence, thereby producing a population of genetically engineered cells comprising a genetic modification of the first target sequence and a genetic modification of the second target sequence, wherein the first targeting domain is not identical to the second targeting domain.

[0006] In some embodiments, the genetic modification of the first target sequence consists of an insertion or deletion at or immediately proximal to a site cleaved by an RNA-guided nuclease when bound by the first gRNA, and / or the genetic modification of the second target sequence consists of an insertion or deletion immediately proximal to a site cleaved by an RNA-guided nuclease when bound by the second gRNA. In some embodiments, the method produces a population of translocation product cells, where each cell of the subpopulation comprises a translocation product that includes a portion of the genome that includes the first target sequence, a portion of the genome that includes the second target sequence, or both.

[0007] In some embodiments, the method produces fewer translocation product cells compared to a method comprising contacting the plurality of cells with the (iii) second gRNA prior to contacting the plurality of cells with the (i) first gRNA. In some embodiments, the method produces at least 10% fewer translocation product cells compared to a method comprising contacting the plurality of cells with the (iii) second gRNA prior to contacting the plurality of cells with the (i) first gRNA. In some embodiments, the method produces fewer translocation product cells compared to a method comprising contacting the plurality of cells with the (i) first gRNA and the (iii) second gRNA substantially simultaneously. In some embodiments, the method produces at least 10% fewer translocation product cells compared to a method comprising contacting the plurality of cells with the (i) first gRNA and the (iii) second gRNA substantially simultaneously.

[0008] In some embodiments, the binding of the first RNP complex comprising (i) and (ii) to the first target sequence results in a genetic modification generated by a non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) event. In some embodiments, the binding of the RNP complex comprising (i) and (ii) to the first target sequence results in a fast-resolving double-stranded break. In some embodiments, the binding of the second RNP complex comprising (iii) and (iv) to the second target sequence results in a genetic modification generated by a microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ) event. In some embodiments, the binding of the second RNP complex comprising (iii) and (iv) to the second target sequence results in a slow-resolving double-stranded break.

[0009] In some embodiments, the first target sequence is present in a first gene, a transcriptional control element operably linked thereto, or a portion of a gene and a transcriptional control element. In some embodiments, genomic modification of the first target sequence results in a reduction or elimination of expression of a product encoded by the first gene, or of a variant of the product expressed by a wild-type cell of the same cell type that does not carry the genomic modification in the first target sequence.

[0010] In some embodiments, the first gene encodes a first lineage-specific cell surface antigen. In some embodiments, the first lineage-specific cell surface antigen is selected from the group consisting of CD33, CD19, CD123, CLL-1, CD30, CD5, CD6, CD7, CD38, and BCMA. In some embodiments, the second target sequence is present in a second gene, a transcriptional control element operably linked thereto, or a portion of a gene and a transcriptional control element. In some embodiments, the genomic modification of the second target sequence results in a reduction or elimination of expression of a product encoded by the second gene, or expression of a variant of the product expressed by a wild-type cell of the same cell type that does not carry the genomic modification in the second target sequence. In some embodiments, the second gene encodes a second lineage-specific cell surface antigen. In some embodiments, the second lineage-specific cell surface antigen is selected from the group consisting of CD33, CD19, CD123, CLL-1, CD30, CD5, CD6, CD7, CD38, and BCMA. In some embodiments, the first lineage-specific cell surface antigen is CD33. In some embodiments, the second lineage-specific cell surface antigen is CD19, CD5, or CLL-1. In some embodiments, the first lineage-specific cell surface antigen is CD5. In some embodiments, the second lineage-specific cell surface antigen is CD33.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first lineage-specific cell surface antigen is CD33 and the second lineage-specific cell surface antigen is CLL-1. In some embodiments, the first lineage-specific cell surface antigen is CLL-1 and the second lineage-specific cell surface antigen is CD33.

[0012] In some embodiments, the time interval between step (b) and step (c) is at least 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, or 36 hours.

[0013] In some embodiments, the RNA-guided nuclease of (ii) and / or the RNA-guided nuclease of (iv) is a CRISPR / Cas nuclease. In some embodiments, the CRISPR / Cas nuclease is a Cas9 nuclease. In some embodiments, the CRISPR / Cas nuclease is a spCas nuclease. In some embodiments, the CRISPR / Cas nuclease is a saCas nuclease. In some embodiments, the CRISPR / Cas nuclease is a Cpf1 nuclease. In some embodiments, the RNA-guided nuclease of (ii) is a Cas9 nuclease and the RNA-guided nuclease of (iv) is a Cpf1 nuclease. In some embodiments, the RNA-guided nuclease of (ii) is a Cpf1 nuclease and the RNA-guided nuclease of (iv) is a Cas9 nuclease. In some embodiments, the RNA-guided nuclease of (ii) and the RNA-guided nuclease of (iv) are Cpf1 nucleases. In some embodiments, the RNA-guided nuclease of (ii) and the RNA-guided nuclease of (iv) are Cas9 nucleases.

[0014] In some embodiments, the contacting in (a) comprises introducing (i) and (ii) into the cell in the form of a preformed ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex, and / or the contacting in (b) comprises introducing (iii) and (iv) into the cell in the form of a preformed ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex. In some embodiments, the preformed ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex is introduced into the cell via electroporation. In some embodiments, the contacting in (a) comprises introducing (i) and / or (ii) into the cell in the form of a nucleic acid encoding the gRNA of (i) and / or the RNA-guided nuclease of (ii), and / or the contacting in (b) comprises introducing (iii) and / or (iv) into the cell in the form of a nucleic acid encoding the gRNA of (i) and / or the RNA-guided nuclease of (ii).

[0015] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid encoding the (i) first gRNA and / or the (ii) RNA-guided nuclease is RNA, preferably an mRNA or an mRNA analog. In some embodiments, the (iii) second gRNA and / or the (iv) RNA-guided nuclease is RNA, preferably an mRNA or an mRNA analog. In some embodiments, the first gRNA and / or the second gRNA comprises one or more nucleotide residues that are chemically modified. In some embodiments, the first and / or the second gRNA comprises one or more nucleotide residues that comprise a 2'O-methyl moiety. In some embodiments, the first and / or the second gRNA comprises one or more nucleotide residues that comprise a phosphorothioate. In some embodiments, the first and / or the second gRNA comprises one or more nucleotide residues that comprise a thioPACE moiety.

[0016] In some embodiments, the cell is a hematopoietic cell. In some embodiments, the cell is a hematopoietic stem cell. In some embodiments, the cell is a hematopoietic progenitor cell. In some embodiments, the cell is an immune effector cell. In some embodiments, the cell is a lymphocyte. In some embodiments, the cell is a T lymphocyte. In some embodiments, the cell is a NK cell. In some embodiments, the cell is a stem cell. In some embodiments, the stem cell is selected from the group consisting of embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), mesenchymal stem cells, or tissue-specific stem cells.

[0017] Aspects of the disclosure include a) contacting a cell with (i) a first gRNA comprising a first targeting domain that binds a first target sequence, and (ii) an RNA-guided nuclease that binds to the first gRNA, thereby forming a first ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex under conditions suitable for the first gRNA of (i) to form and / or maintain a first RNP complex with the RNA-guided nuclease of (ii), and for the RNP complex to bind to a first target sequence in a genome of the cell; and b) contacting the cell with (iii) a second gRNA comprising a second targeting domain that binds to a second target sequence. and (iv) an RNA-guided nuclease that binds to a second gRNA, whereby the second gRNA of (iii) forms and / or maintains a second ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex with the RNA-guided nuclease of (iv), forming a second RNP complex under conditions suitable for the second RNP complex to bind to a second target sequence in the genome of the cell, wherein steps (a) and (b) are performed sequentially and closely spaced in time, separated by a time interval, and wherein the first targeting domain is different from the second targeting domain.

[0018] In some embodiments, the genetic modification of the first target sequence comprises an insertion or deletion at or immediately proximal to a site cleaved by an RNA-guided nuclease when bound to the first gRNA, and / or the genetic modification of the second target sequence comprises an insertion or deletion immediately proximal to a site cleaved by an RNA-guided nuclease when bound to the second gRNA. In some embodiments, the method produces a subpopulation of translocation product cells, each cell of the subpopulation comprising a translocation product comprising a portion of the genome comprising the first target sequence, a portion of the genome comprising the second target sequence, or both. In some embodiments, the method produces fewer translocation product cells compared to a method comprising contacting the cell with the second gRNA of (iii) prior to contacting the cell with the first gRNA of (i). In some embodiments, the method produces at least 10% fewer translocation product cells compared to a method comprising contacting the cell with the second gRNA of (iii) prior to contacting the cell with the first gRNA of (i). In some embodiments, the method produces fewer translocation product cells compared to a method comprising contacting a cell with (i) the first gRNA and (iii) the second gRNA substantially simultaneously. In some embodiments, the method produces at least 10% fewer translocation product cells compared to a method comprising contacting a cell with (i) the first gRNA and (iii) the second gRNA substantially simultaneously.

[0019] In some embodiments, the binding of the first RNP complex comprising (i) and (ii) to the first target sequence results in a genetic modification generated by a non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) event. In some embodiments, the binding of the RNP complex comprising (i) and (ii) to the first target sequence results in a fast-resolving double-stranded break. In some embodiments, the binding of the second RNP complex comprising (iii) and (iv) to the second target sequence results in a genetic modification generated by a microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ) event. In some embodiments, the binding of the second RNP complex comprising (iii) and (iv) to the second target sequence results in a slow-resolving double-stranded break.

[0020] In some embodiments, the first target sequence is present in a first gene, a transcriptional control element operably linked thereto, or a portion of a gene and a transcriptional control element. In some embodiments, genomic modification of the first target sequence results in a reduction or elimination of expression of a product encoded by the first gene, or of a variant of the product expressed by a wild-type cell of the same cell type that does not carry the genomic modification in the first target sequence.

[0021] In some embodiments, the first gene encodes a first lineage-specific cell surface antigen. In some embodiments, the first lineage-specific cell surface antigen is selected from the group consisting of CD33, CD19, CD123, CLL-1, CD30, CD5, CD6, CD7, CD38, and BCMA. In some embodiments, the second target sequence is present in a second gene, a transcriptional control element operably linked thereto, or a portion of a gene and a transcriptional control element. In some embodiments, the genomic modification of the second target sequence results in a reduction or elimination of expression of a product encoded by the second gene, or expression of a variant of the product expressed by a wild-type cell of the same cell type that does not carry the genomic modification in the second target sequence. In some embodiments, the second gene encodes a second lineage-specific cell surface antigen. In some embodiments, the second lineage-specific cell surface antigen is selected from the group consisting of CD33, CD19, CD123, CLL-1, CD30, CD5, CD6, CD7, CD38, and BCMA. In some embodiments, the first lineage-specific cell surface antigen is CD33. In some embodiments, the second lineage-specific cell surface antigen is CD19, CD5, or CLL-1. In some embodiments, the first lineage-specific cell surface antigen is CD5. In some embodiments, the second lineage-specific cell surface antigen is CD33.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first lineage-specific cell surface antigen is CD33 and the second lineage-specific cell surface antigen is CLL-1. In some embodiments, the first lineage-specific cell surface antigen is CLL-1 and the second lineage-specific cell surface antigen is CD33.

[0023] In some embodiments, the time interval between step (b) and step (c) is at least 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, or 36 hours.

[0024] In some embodiments, the RNA-guided nuclease of (ii) and / or the RNA-guided nuclease of (iv) is a CRISPR / Cas nuclease. In some embodiments, the CRISPR / Cas nuclease is a Cas9 nuclease. In some embodiments, the CRISPR / Cas nuclease is a spCas nuclease. In some embodiments, the CRISPR / Cas nuclease is a saCas nuclease. In some embodiments, the CRISPR / Cas nuclease is a Cpf1 nuclease. In some embodiments, the RNA-guided nuclease of (ii) is a Cas9 nuclease and the RNA-guided nuclease of (iv) is a Cpf1 nuclease. In some embodiments, the RNA-guided nuclease of (ii) is a Cpf1 nuclease and the RNA-guided nuclease of (iv) is a Cas9 nuclease. In some embodiments, the RNA-guided nuclease of (ii) and the RNA-guided nuclease of (iv) are Cpf1 nucleases. In some embodiments, the RNA-guided nuclease of (ii) and the RNA-guided nuclease of (iv) are Cas9 nucleases.

[0025] In some embodiments, the contacting in (a) comprises introducing (i) and (ii) into the cell in the form of a preformed ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex, and / or the contacting in (b) comprises introducing (iii) and (iv) into the cell in the form of a preformed ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex. In some embodiments, the preformed ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex is introduced into the cell via electroporation. In some embodiments, the contacting in (a) comprises introducing (i) and / or (ii) into the cell in the form of a nucleic acid encoding the gRNA of (i) and / or the RNA-guided nuclease of (ii), and / or the contacting in (b) comprises introducing (iii) and / or (iv) into the cell in the form of a nucleic acid encoding the gRNA of (i) and / or the RNA-guided nuclease of (ii).

[0026] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid encoding the (i) first gRNA and / or the (ii) RNA-guided nuclease is RNA, preferably an mRNA or an mRNA analog. In some embodiments, the (iii) second gRNA and / or the (iv) RNA-guided nuclease is RNA, preferably an mRNA or an mRNA analog. In some embodiments, the first gRNA and / or the second gRNA comprises one or more nucleotide residues that are chemically modified. In some embodiments, the first and / or the second gRNA comprises one or more nucleotide residues that comprise a 2'O-methyl moiety. In some embodiments, the first and / or the second gRNA comprises one or more nucleotide residues that comprise a phosphorothioate. In some embodiments, the first and / or the second gRNA comprises one or more nucleotide residues that comprise a thioPACE moiety.

[0027] In some embodiments, the cell is a hematopoietic cell. In some embodiments, the cell is a hematopoietic stem cell. In some embodiments, the cell is a hematopoietic progenitor cell. In some embodiments, the cell is an immune effector cell. In some embodiments, the cell is a lymphocyte. In some embodiments, the cell is a T lymphocyte. In some embodiments, the cell is a NK cell. In some embodiments, the cell is a stem cell. In some embodiments, the stem cell is selected from the group consisting of embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), mesenchymal stem cells, or tissue-specific stem cells.

[0028] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a genetically engineered cell, or progeny thereof, produced by any of the methods described herein. In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a cell population comprising a plurality of cells obtained or obtainable by any of the methods described herein. In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising any of the cells or progeny thereof or cell populations described herein.

[0029] Aspects of the present disclosure provide a method comprising administering to a subject in need thereof any of the cells or progeny thereof described herein, or any of the cell populations or pharmaceutical compositions described herein. In some embodiments, the cells or progeny thereof, or cells of the cell populations comprise a modification to a first gene compared to a wild-type counterpart cell, and a modification to a second gene compared to a wild-type counterpart cell. In some embodiments, the method further comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of at least one agent that targets a product encoded by the first gene or a wild-type copy thereof, the agent comprising an antigen-binding fragment that binds to a product encoded by the first gene or a wild-type copy thereof. In some embodiments, the administration of the at least one agent that targets a product encoded by the first gene or a wild-type copy thereof occurs simultaneously or in close temporal proximity to the administration of any of the cells or progeny thereof, or any of the cell populations described herein.

[0030] In some embodiments, administration of at least one agent that targets a product encoded by the first gene or a wild-type copy thereof occurs after administration of any of the cells, or progeny thereof, or any of the cell populations described herein. In some embodiments, administration of at least one agent that targets a product encoded by the first gene or a wild-type copy thereof occurs before administration of any of the cells, or progeny thereof, or any of the cell populations described herein.

[0031] In some embodiments, the method further comprises administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of at least one agent that targets a product encoded by the second gene or a wild-type copy thereof, wherein the agent comprises an antigen-binding fragment that binds to the product encoded by the second gene or a wild-type copy thereof.

[0032] In some embodiments, administration of at least one agent targeting a product encoded by a second gene or a wild-type copy thereof occurs simultaneously or in close temporal proximity with administration of any of the cells, or their progeny, or any of the cell populations described herein. In some embodiments, administration of at least one agent targeting a product encoded by a second gene or a wild-type copy thereof occurs after administration of any of the cells, or their progeny, or any of the cell populations described herein. In some embodiments, administration of at least one agent targeting a product encoded by a second gene or a wild-type copy thereof occurs before administration of any of the cells, or their progeny, or any of the cell populations described herein.

[0033] In some embodiments, administration of at least one agent that targets a product encoded by a second gene or a wild-type copy thereof occurs simultaneously or closely in time with administration of at least one agent that targets a product encoded by a first gene or a wild-type copy thereof.

[0034] In some embodiments, administration of at least one agent targeting a product encoded by a second gene or a wild-type copy thereof occurs after administration of at least one agent targeting a product encoded by a first gene or a wild-type copy thereof. In some embodiments, administration of at least one agent targeting a product encoded by a second gene or a wild-type copy thereof occurs before administration of at least one agent targeting a product encoded by a first gene or a wild-type copy thereof.

[0035] In some embodiments, the agent targeting the product encoded by the first gene or a wild-type copy thereof and / or the agent targeting the product encoded by the second gene or a wild-type copy thereof is a cytotoxic agent, hi some embodiments, the cytotoxic agent is an antibody-drug conjugate or an immune effector cell expressing a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR).

[0036] In some embodiments, the subject has a disease associated with cells expressing the modified gene or a wild-type copy thereof. In some embodiments, the subject has a cancer associated with cancer stem cells. In some embodiments, the subject has a hematopoietic malignancy. In some embodiments, the subject has an autoimmune disease.

[0037] The above summary is intended to describe in a non-limiting manner some of the embodiments, advantages, features, and uses of the technology disclosed herein. Other embodiments, advantages, features, and uses of the technology disclosed herein will become apparent from the detailed description, drawings, examples, and claims. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0038] [Figure 1] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary experimental design in which cells (e.g., CD34+ cells) are thawed and incubated for 40 hours, then electroporated with a first gRNA, called "EP1," and a CRISPR-Cas nuclease. After 30 hours, the cells are electroporated with a second gRNA, called EP2, and a CRISPR-Cas nuclease. The cells are then harvested to assess the presence of on-target editing and translocation products, for example, using both qualitative and quantitative translocation assays. [Figure 2A] Figures 2A and 2B show viability and editing efficiency measured in CD34+ HSCs based on the experimental design shown in Figure 1. Cells were electroporated simultaneously with gRNA and Cas9 nuclease, or sequentially with a first gRNA and Cas9 nuclease followed by a second gRNA and Cas9 nuclease, or mock-electroporated, as shown in Figure 1. Figure 2A shows viability analysis at the indicated time points after the first electroporation ("1st zap"). [Figure 2B]FIG. 2B shows the percentage of on-target editing efficiency of CD19 or CD33. "Si CD33+CD19" corresponds to cells electroporated simultaneously with gRNA targeting CD33 and gRNA targeting CD19 and Cas9 nuclease. "Se CD33>CD19" corresponds to cells electroporated sequentially with a first gRNA targeting CD33 and Cas9 nuclease, followed by a second gRNA targeting CD19 and Cas9 nuclease. "Se CD19>CD33" corresponds to cells electroporated sequentially with a first gRNA targeting CD19 and Cas9 nuclease, followed by a second gRNA targeting CD33 and Cas9 nuclease. Alternatively, cells were electroporated with gRNA targeting CD19 or CD33 and Cas9 nuclease and evaluated at 30 or 60 hours. The percent on-target editing efficiency for each population of cells is indicated above each column. In Figure 2B, for each editing scheme, the left column corresponds to CD19 editing (indicated with an asterisk) and the right column corresponds to CD33 editing. [Diagram 3] Figure 3 shows a schematic diagram of possible translocation products produced by DNA repair events between double-stranded breaks produced by gene editing at two genomic loci. On the left, the chromosomal region encoding CD19 and the chromosomal region encoding CD33 are shown. The position of the gRNA targeting each target is indicated by a triangle. The position of the primer pairs spanning the target region is indicated by an arrow and is labeled as 3 and 2 for CD19, and 5 and 8 for CD33. On the right, potential translocation products are shown, including acentric, dicentric, and balanced, and the primer pairs used to identify each of the products are shown. [Figure 4A] Figures 4A-4C show translocation analysis and editing efficiency measured in CD34+ HSCs based on the experimental design shown in Figure 1. Figure 4A shows the results of a qualitative translocation analysis using targets normalized to HPRT. [Figure 4B-4C]Figure 4B shows the percentage of translocation species normalized to the reference. For the translocation analysis, for each group of cells, the left column corresponds to the translocation products detected using primers 5 and 2 (dicentric translocation products), and the right column corresponds to the translocation products detected using primers 8 and 2 (balanced translocation products). Figure 4C shows the percentage of on-target editing efficiency of CD19 or CD33. "Si CD33+CD19" corresponds to cells electroporated simultaneously with gRNA targeting CD33 and gRNA targeting CD19 and Cas9 nuclease. "Se CD33>CD19" corresponds to cells electroporated sequentially with a first gRNA targeting CD33 and Cas9 nuclease, followed by a second gRNA targeting CD19 and Cas9 nuclease. "Se CD19>CD33" corresponds to cells sequentially electroporated with a first gRNA targeting CD19 and Cas9 nuclease, followed by a second gRNA targeting CD33 and Cas9 nuclease. [Figure 5A] Figures 5A and 5B show the allele frequencies of CD33 and CD19 gene editing. Figure 5A shows an alignment of alleles resulting from CD33 gene editing with the indicated gRNAs, with a high frequency of -1 indels and indicative of non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B shows an alignment of alleles resulting from CD19 gene editing with the indicated gRNAs, with frequent -6 and -9 indels and demonstrating microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ) repair. [Figure 6A]Figures 6A-6C show schematics of predicted scenarios in which the timeline of gene editing and the kinetics of the editing reaction may play a role in the production of translocation products. Figure 6A shows predicted scenarios in which a first gRNA and a second gRNA are delivered to a cell simultaneously (left) or sequentially (right). On the left, delivery of a first ribonucleoprotein complex (RNP1) containing a first gRNA and a CRISPR / Cas nuclease, and a second RNP complex (RNP2) containing a second gRNA and a CRISPR / Cas nuclease, generates two double-stranded breaks (DSBs) that are repaired with different kinetics, producing indels at the first target (target 1) and the second target (target 2), as well as potential transpairing between the two DSBs. On the right, delivery of a first ribonucleoprotein complex (RNP1) containing a first gRNA and a CRISPR / Cas nuclease creates a double-stranded break (DSB) that is repaired to generate an indel at a first target (target 1), followed by kinetic distance delivery of a second RNP complex (RNP2) containing a second gRNA and a CRISPR / Cas nuclease resulting in a double-stranded break (DSB) and repair at a second target (target 2). [Figure 6B] Figure 6B shows sequential editing using a first gRNA targeting CD33 and a second gRNA targeting CD19. The DSB generated with the CD33 gRNA was repaired by NHEJ and appears to be nearly complete by 30 hours post-electroporation, the time at which the CD19-targeting gRNA was delivered. [Figure 6C] Figure 6C shows sequential editing using a first gRNA targeting CD19 and a second gRNA targeting CD33. The DSB generated with the CD19 gRNA is repaired by MMEJ, which is likely not nearly complete by 30 hours after electroporation, the time the gRNA targeting CD33 is delivered, allowing potential microhomology transpairing between the two DSBs. The gRNA sequences shown below the schematic in Figure 6B and 6B show the expected cleavage and potential translocation scenarios based on microhomology pairing (e.g., GGT pairing). [Figure 7] 7A and 7B show an exemplary experimental design for evaluating the persistence of edits and long-term reconstitution of simultaneously or sequentially edited cells. FIG. 7A shows a schematic of an exemplary experimental design in which cells (e.g., CD34+ cells) are thawed and incubated for 40 hours, then electroporated with a first gRNA, called "EP1," and a CRISPR-Cas nuclease. Thirty hours later, the cells were electroporated with a second gRNA, called EP2, and a CRISPR-Cas nuclease. The cells were then administered to immunodeficient mice (e.g., NOD-scid ILR gamma null ("NSG™") mice) that had been treated with 200 centigray (cGy) of radiation. FIG. 7B shows the experimental groups of cells: Group 1 is a control group that received PBS ("PBS Group 1 corresponds to a control group without electroporation ("No EP"); Group 2 corresponds to a control group without electroporation ("No EP"); Group 3 corresponds to a control group with simultaneous electroporation of a control gRNA ("Si-gCtrl"); Group 4 corresponds to a control group with sequential electroporation of a control gRNA ("Se-gCtrl"); Group 5 corresponds to cells sequentially electroporated with a gRNA targeting CD33 followed by a control gRNA ("gCtrl"); Group 6 corresponds to cells sequentially electroporated with a gRNA targeting CD5 followed by a control gRNA ("gCtrl"); Group 7 corresponds to cells sequentially electroporated with a low concentration (15 μg) of Cas9 nuclease ("SiLoCas9 Group 8 corresponds to cells that were simultaneously electroporated with a gRNA targeting CD33 and a gRNA targeting CD5 using a high concentration (30 μg) of Cas9 nuclease ("SiHiCas9"); Group 9 corresponds to cells that were sequentially electroporated with a gRNA targeting CD33 followed by a gRNA targeting CD5; Group 10 corresponds to cells that were simultaneously electroporated with a gRNA targeting CD5 followed by a gRNA targeting CD33. [Figure 8A]Figures 8A and 8B show the viability and editing efficiency measured in CD34+ HSCs prior to administration to NGG™ mice based on the experimental design shown in Figure 12A. Figure 8A shows cell viability analysis at the indicated times (hours) after electroporation 1 (EP1). Experimental groups are shown on the x-axis. [Figure 8B] Figure 8B shows the percent editing efficiency of cells before administration to NGG™ mice. For each experimental group indicated on the x-axis, the left column corresponds to CD33 editing and the right column corresponds to CD5 editing. For each editing scheme, the left column corresponds to CD33 editing (indicated with an asterisk) and the right column corresponds to CD5. [Figure 9] Figure 9 shows the percentage of on-target translocation products (normalized to chromosome 19 (Ch19)) detected in cells prior to administration to NGG™ mice based on the experimental design shown in Figure 7A. For each experimental group shown on the x-axis, the stacked columns correspond, from top to bottom, to acentric, balanced B, balanced A, and dicentric translocations. The right panel shows a schematic of each of the four distinct translocation types. The position of the forward and reverse primers used to evaluate the translocation type is indicated by arrows. [Figure 10] Figure 10 shows the percentage of on-target translocation products (normalized to chromosome 19 (Ch19)) in input and output samples from mouse bone marrow based on the experimental design shown in Figure 12 A. For each column, the first number corresponds to the group in Figure 7B and the second number corresponds to the individual animal. [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows the percentage of human bone marrow chimerism 16 weeks after administration of edited CD34+ cells to NSG™ mice based on the experimental design shown in Figure 7 A. The results show that CD34+ cell compatibility was not affected by Cas9 multiple electroporation or CD5 editing. [Figure 12]

[0033] Figures 12A-12C show the percentage of specific blood cell types (as a percentage of hCD45+ cells) 16 weeks after administration of edited CD34+ cells to NSG™ mice based on the experimental design shown in Figure 7A. Figure 12A shows the percentage of CD19+ cells (B cells) for the indicated cell groups. Figure 12B shows the percentage of CD3+ cells (T cells) for the indicated cell groups. Figure 12C shows the percentage of CD33+ cells (myeloid cells) for the indicated cell groups. The results show that while B and T cell lineages are unaffected by multiple gene editing of CD33 and CD5 (sequentially or simultaneously), the percentage of myeloid cells (hCD33+) is low due to the loss of CD33 by targeting CD33 gene editing. [Figure 13] Figures 13A-13C show the percentage of specific T cell types in the thymus of mice 16 weeks after administration of edited CD34+ cells to NSG™ mice based on the experimental design shown in Figure 12A. Figure 13A shows the percentage of CD3+ cells (as a percentage of hCD45+ cells). Figure 13A shows the percentage of CD4+ cells (as a percentage of CD3+ cells). Figure 13A shows the percentage of CD8+ cells (as a percentage of CD3+ cells). [Figure 14]FIG. 14 shows viability analysis of CD34+ HSCs at the indicated time points after the first electroporation ("first zap"). "Si Cas9+Cpf1" corresponds to cells electroporated simultaneously with the first and second gRNAs, and Cas9 and Cpf1 nucleases. "Se Cas9>Cpf1" corresponds to cells electroporated sequentially with a first gRNA targeting CD33 and Cas9 nuclease, followed by a second gRNA targeting CD19 and Cpf1 nuclease. "Se Cpf1>Cas9" corresponds to cells electroporated sequentially with a first gRNA targeting CD19 and Cpf1 nuclease, followed by a second gRNA targeting CD33 and Cas9 nuclease. Alternatively, cells were electroporated with gRNAs targeting CD33 and Cas9 nuclease, or CD19 and Cpf1 nuclease, and control cells were either not electroporated (No EP) or mock electroporated (Mock EP). [Figure 15A] Figures 15A and 15B show editing efficiencies measured in CD34+ HSCs at the indicated times (hours) after electroporation 1 (EP1). Experimental groups are indicated on the x-axis. For each experimental group indicated on the x-axis, the left column corresponds to editing of CD33 (indicated with an asterisk) and the right column corresponds to editing of CD19. [Figure 15B] Figures 15A and 15B show editing efficiencies measured in CD34+ HSCs at the indicated times (hours) after electroporation 1 (EP1). Experimental groups are indicated on the x-axis. For each experimental group indicated on the x-axis, the left column corresponds to editing of CD33 (indicated with an asterisk) and the right column corresponds to editing of CD19. [Figure 16] Figure 16 shows the results of the translocation analysis relative to the target normalized to HPRT. The electroporation conditions of the cell populations are shown on the x-axis along with the primer pairs used to evaluate the translocation products. [Figure 17]FIG. 17 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary experimental design of multiplex editing (lower panel) compared to single target edited cells (i.e., non-multiplex, upper panel). For multiplex editing, cells (e.g., CD34+ cells) were thawed and cultured in serum-free growth medium (SFEM) supplemented with cytokines for 24 hours, then electroporated with a first gRNA targeting CD33, called "EP1", and CRISPR-Cas nuclease. Cells were incubated for 30 hours, then electroporated with a second gRNA targeting CLL-1, called "EP2", and CRISPR-Cas nuclease. After 63 hours, cells were collected, sorted using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS), and subjected to sequencing. [Figure 18A] Figures 18A-18C show the results of CD33 editing frequency in various cell types derived from donors. Figure 18A shows the percentage of on-target CD33 editing efficiency in the indicated cell types from each donor. [Figure 18B] Figures 18B and 18C show CD33 indel analysis expressed as a percentage of editing frequency in cells derived from donors SD01000510 and B01001335, respectively. [Figure 18C]Figures 18B and 18C show CD33 indel analysis expressed as a percentage of editing frequency in cells derived from donors SD01000510 and B01001335, respectively. "Seq CD33:CLL1" corresponds to cells electroporated sequentially with a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex containing a first gRNA targeting CD33 and CRISPR Cas9 nuclease, followed by an RNP complex containing a second gRNA targeting CLL-1 and CRISPR Cas9 nuclease. "LT-HSC" corresponds to long-term hematopoietic stem cells. "CMP" corresponds to common myeloid progenitor stem cells. "MPP" corresponds to multipotent progenitor cells. "MLP" corresponds to multily lymphoid progenitor cells. "CD49f" corresponds to hematopoietic stem cells purified using CD49f antibody. For each donor or indel position, the columns correspond to Seq CD33:CLL1, LT-HSC, CMP, MPP, MLP, and CD49f. [Figure 19A] Figures 19A-19C show the frequency of CLL-1 editing in various cell types derived from donors. Figure 19A shows the percentage of on-target CLL-1 editing efficiency in the indicated cell types from each donor. [Figure 19B] Figures 19B and 19C show CLL-1 indel analysis expressed as percent editing frequency in cells from donors SD01000510 and B01001335, respectively. [Figure 19C]Figures 19B and 19C show CLL-1 indel analysis expressed as percent editing frequency in cells from donors SD01000510 and B01001335, respectively. "Seq CD33:CLL-1" corresponds to cells electroporated sequentially with a first gRNA targeting CD33 and CRISPR Cas9 nuclease, followed by a second gRNA targeting CLL-1 and CRISPR-Cas nuclease. "LT-HSC" corresponds to long-term hematopoietic stem cells. "CMP" corresponds to common myeloid progenitor cells. "MPP" corresponds to multipotent progenitor cells. "MLP" corresponds to multily lymphoid progenitor cells. "CD49f" corresponds to hematopoietic stem cells purified using CD49f antibody. For each donor or indel position, the columns correspond to Seq CD33:CLL-1, LT-HSC, CMP, MPP, MLP, and CD49f. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 shows the viability of the indicated cell types derived from donors after multiple editing. "LT-HSC" corresponds to long-term hematopoietic stem cells. "ST-HSC" corresponds to short-term hematopoietic stem cells. "CMP" corresponds to common myeloid progenitor cells. "CD49f" corresponds to hematopoietic stem cells purified using CD49f antibody. "MLP" corresponds to multi-lymphoid progenitor cells. "MPP" corresponds to multipotent progenitor cells. [Figure 21A] Figures 21A-21D show CD33 editing and expression analysis in HL60 cells after multiple editing. Figure 21A shows the percentage of CD33 editing frequency determined by TIDE analysis at the indicated time points. [Figure 21B] Figure 21B shows CD33 transcript expression by RT-qPCR in cells electroporated with gRNA targeting CD33 (g811) or control gRNA (gCtrl) at the indicated time points (days in culture) after electroporation. CD33 transcript expression is expressed as a percentage of expression at day 0. [Figure 21C] FIG. 21C shows CD33 surface expression assessed by flow cytometry analysis over the indicated time points. [Figure 21D] Figure 21D shows a schematic diagram of the location of CD33 transcripts and representative primers used for RT-qPCR analysis. "TIDE" refers to tracking of indels by degradation. "RT-qPCR" refers to real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. TC1 refers to time course 1 and TC2 refers to time course 2. [Figure 22A] Figures 22A-22D show CLL-1 editing and expression analysis in HL60 cells after multiple editing. Figure 22A shows the percentage of CLL-1 editing frequency determined by TIDE analysis at the indicated time points. [Figure 22B] FIG. 22B shows expression of CLL-1 transcripts by RT-qPCR in cells electroporated with a gRNA targeting CLL-1 (g6) or a control gRNA (gCtrl) at the indicated time points after electroporation. [Figure 22C] FIG. 22C shows CLL-1 surface expression assessed by flow cytometric analysis at the indicated time points. [Figure 22D] FIG. 22D shows a schematic diagram of the locations of CLL-1 transcripts and representative primers used for RT-qPCR analysis. [Diagram 23] Figure 23 shows a schematic diagram of an exemplary experimental design for sequential multiplex editing. Cells (e.g., CD34+ cells) were thawed for 40 hours and then sequentially electroporated with ribonucleoprotein complexes (RNPs) containing gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease, designated "EP1" on day 2 (D2) and "EP2" on day 3 (D3). 26 hours after EP2, cells were subjected to myeloid differentiation culture conditions for 14 days, including cell counting / splitting on days 8 (D8), 11 (D11), and 18 (D18), prior to phenotypic and functional characterization (e.g., flow cytometry, phagocytosis, and cytokine release assays). [Figure 24A] Figures 24A and 24B show proliferation rate analysis during cell differentiation at the indicated time points: Figure 24A shows proliferation rate as viable cell count during granulocytic differentiation. [Figure 24B]Figure 24B shows the proliferation rate as viable cell count during monocytic differentiation. "Mock>Mock" refers to cells that underwent sequential mock electroporation. "SeqCD33>CLL-1" corresponds to cells that were sequentially electroporated with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33, followed by a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1. "SeqCLL-1>CD33" corresponds to cells that were sequentially electroporated with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1, followed by a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33. [Figure 25A] Figures 25A and 25B show the effect of sequential multiple editing on granulocytic differentiation in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). Figure 25A shows the percentage of CD15+ cells at the indicated time points. [Figure 25B] Figure 25B shows the percentage of CD11b+ cells at the indicated time points. "Mock>Mock" refers to cells that underwent sequential mock electroporation. "SeqCD33>CLL-1" corresponds to cells that were electroporated with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33, followed by a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1. "SeqCLL-1>CD33" corresponds to cells that were electroporated with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1, followed by a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33, followed by a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33. [Figure 26A] Figures 26A and 26B show the effect of sequential multiple editing on monocytic differentiation in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). Figure 26A shows the percentage of CD14+ cells at the indicated time points. [Figure 26B]Figure 26B shows the percentage of CD11b+ cells at the indicated time points. "Mock>Mock" refers to cells that underwent sequential mock electroporation. "SeqCD33>CLL-1" corresponds to cells that were electroporated with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33, followed by a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1. "SeqCLL-1>CD33" corresponds to cells that were electroporated with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1, followed by a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33, followed by a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33. [Figure 27A] Figures 27A and 27B show that CLL-1 editing frequency was maintained throughout myeloid differentiation at the indicated time points. Figure 27A shows the percentage of CLL-1 editing frequency throughout granulocytic differentiation. [Figure 27B] Figure 27B shows the percentage of editing frequency of CLL-1 throughout monocyte differentiation. "Mock>Mock" refers to cells that underwent sequential mock electroporation. "SeqCD33>CLL-1" corresponds to cells that were electroporated with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33, followed by a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1. "SeqCLL-1>CD33" corresponds to cells that were electroporated with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1, followed by a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33, followed by a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33. [Figure 28A] Figures 28A and 28B show that CD33 editing frequency was maintained throughout myeloid differentiation at the indicated time points. Figure 28A shows the percentage of CD33 editing frequency throughout granulocytic differentiation. [Figure 28B]Figure 28B shows the percentage of CD33 editing frequency throughout monocyte differentiation. "SeqCD33>CLL-1" corresponds to cells that underwent EP with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33, followed by EP with a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1. "SeqCLL1>CD33" corresponds to cells that underwent EP with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1, followed by EP with a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33. [Figure 29A] Figures 29A-29D show the effect of multiple editing on CLL-1 protein expression as assessed by flow cytometry analysis. Figures 29A and 29C show CLL-1 expression in granulocytes at the indicated time points. Figures 29B and 29D show CLL-1 expression in monocytes at the indicated time points. [Figure 29B] Figures 29A-29D show the effect of multiple editing on CLL-1 protein expression as assessed by flow cytometry analysis. Figures 29A and 29C show CLL-1 expression in granulocytes at the indicated time points. Figures 29B and 29D show CLL-1 expression in monocytes at the indicated time points. [Figure 29C] Figures 29A-29D show the effect of multiple editing on CLL-1 protein expression as assessed by flow cytometry analysis. Figures 29A and 29C show CLL-1 expression in granulocytes at the indicated time points. Figures 29B and 29D show CLL-1 expression in monocytes at the indicated time points. [Figure 29D]Figures 29A-29D show the effect of multiple editing on CLL-1 protein expression, as assessed by flow cytometry analysis. Figures 29A and 29C show CLL-1 expression in granulocytes at the indicated time points. Figures 29B and 29D show CLL-1 expression in monocytes at the indicated time points. Electroporation with gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease occurred on days 2 and 3, as indicated by the arrows. "Mock > Mock" refers to cells that underwent sequential mock electroporation. "SeqCD33 > CLL-1" corresponds to cells that were electroporated with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33, followed by a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1. "SeqCLL1>CD33" corresponds to cells sequentially electroporated with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1, followed by a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33. [Figure 30A] Figures 30A-30D show the effect of multiple editing on CD33 protein expression as assessed by flow cytometry analysis. Figures 30A and 30C show CD33 expression in granulocytes at the indicated time points. Figures 30B and 30D show CD33 expression in monocytes at the indicated time points. [Figure 30B] Figures 30A-30D show the effect of multiple editing on CD33 protein expression as assessed by flow cytometry analysis. Figures 30A and 30C show CD33 expression in granulocytes at the indicated time points. Figures 30B and 30D show CD33 expression in monocytes at the indicated time points. [Figure 30C] Figures 30A-30D show the effect of multiple editing on CD33 protein expression as assessed by flow cytometry analysis. Figures 30A and 30C show CD33 expression in granulocytes at the indicated time points. Figures 30B and 30D show CD33 expression in monocytes at the indicated time points. [Figure 30D]Figures 30A-30D show the effect of multiplex editing on CD33 protein expression, as assessed by flow cytometry analysis. Figures 30A and 30C show CD33 expression in granulocytes at the indicated time points. Figures 30B and 30D show CD33 expression in monocytes at the indicated time points. Electroporation with gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease occurred on days 2 and 3, as indicated by arrows. "Mock > Mock" refers to cells that underwent successive mock electroporations. "SeqCD33 > CLL1" corresponds to cells electroporated with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33, followed by a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1. "SeqCLL1>CD33" corresponds to cells sequentially electroporated with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1, followed by a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33. [Figure 31A] Figures 31A and 31B show flow cytometry analysis of CLL-1 and CD33 expression in differentiated bone marrow cells 18 days after multiplex editing. Figure 31A shows CLL-1 and CD33 expression analysis in granulocytes. [Figure 31B]Figure 31B shows CLL-1 and CD33 expression analysis in monocytes. The segments of each individual bar in the graph correspond, from top to bottom, to CLL-1+CD33+, CLL-1+CD33-, CLL-1-CD33+, and CLL-1-CD33-. The ellipses above the two rightmost bars indicate the percentage of cells that were deficient in CLL-1 and CD33 expression. "SeqCD33:CLL-1" corresponds to cells electroporated with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33, followed by a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1. "SeqCLL-1:CD33" corresponds to cells sequentially electroporated with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1, followed by a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33. [Figure 32A] Figures 32A and 32B show the phagocytic capacity of differentiated bone marrow cells after multiple editing. Phagocytic capacity was analyzed as the percentage of pHrodo+ E. coli cells or pHrodo+ E. coli and pHrodo+ cells subjected to Cytochalasin D ("CytoD"). Figure 32A shows phagocytosis as the percentage of pHrodo+ cells in granulocytes. [Figure 32B] Figure 32B shows phagocytosis as a percentage of pHrodo+ cells in monocytes. "Mock>Mock" refers to cells that underwent sequential mock electroporation. "SeqCD33>CLL-1" corresponds to cells that were electroporated with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33, followed by a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1. "SeqCLL-1>CD33" corresponds to cells that were electroporated with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1, followed by a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33, followed by a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33. [Diagram 33]Figure 33 shows a schematic of an exemplary experimental design for assessing lineage differentiation. Freshly electroporated cells were mixed in methylcellulose-based differentiation medium (MethoCult™) and then plated. After 14 days of incubation, cells were imaged and scored. "BFU-E" refers to burst forming unit erythroid. "CFU-G / M / GM" refers to colony forming unit-granulocyte / macrophage. "CFU-GEMM" refers to colony forming unit of multipotent myeloid progenitors that generate granulocytes, erythrocytes, macrophages, and megakaryocytes. [Figure 34A] Figures 34A and 34B show colony forming unit (CFU) analysis of multiedited cells. Figure 34A shows the number of colonies formed when cells were plated at a dilution of 200 cells / well. [Figure 34B] FIG. 34B shows the number of colonies formed when cells were plated at a dilution of 300 cells / well. "Mock>Mock" refers to cells that underwent sequential mock electroporation. "SeqCD33>CLL-1" corresponds to cells that were electroporated with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33, followed by a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1. "SeqCLL-1>CD33" corresponds to cells that were electroporated with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1, followed by a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33. "GEMM" refers to multipotent bone marrow progenitor cells that generate granulocytes, erythrocytes, macrophages, and megakaryocytes. "G / M / GM" refers to granulocyte macrophage. "BFU-E" refers to burst-forming unit-erythroid. For each editing condition, the bar segments correspond, from top to bottom, to GEMM, G / M / GM, and BFU-E. [Figure 35A] Figures 35A and 35B show colony distribution analysis of CFUs formed by multi-edited cells. Figure 35A shows the distribution of CFUs formed by cells plated at a dilution of 200 cells / well. [Figure 35B] FIG. 35B shows the distribution of CFUs formed by cells seeded at a dilution of 300 cells / well. "SeqCD33>CLL-1" corresponds to cells that underwent EP with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33 followed by EP with a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1. "SeqCLL-1>CD33" corresponds to cells that underwent EP with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1 followed by EP with a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33. "Mock>Mock" refers to cells that underwent sequential mock electroporation. "CFU" refers to colony forming units. "GE MM" refers to granulocytes, erythrocytes, macrophages, megakaryocytes. "G / M / GM" refers to granulocytes, macrophages. "BFU-E" refers to burst-forming unit-erythroid. [Figure 36A] Figures 36A and 36B show an exemplary experimental design for evaluating long-term engraftment of multiply edited hematopoietic cells. Figure 36A shows, in the left panel, a schematic of an exemplary multiply edited and engrafted approach, in which cells (e.g., CD34+ cells) are edited in vitro and engrafted into NSG™ mice. Eight weeks after transplantation, blood samples were taken and evaluated by flow cytometric cell sorting (FACS). Sixteen weeks after transplantation, blood samples and bone marrow were taken and evaluated by FACS, sequencing (gDNA), and viability. [Figure 36B]Figure 36B shows an example of a list of experimental conditions. "eHSC" refers to embryonic stem cells. "N" refers to the number of mice in the indicated treatment group. "SeqCD33>CLL-1" corresponds to cells that underwent EP with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33, followed by EP with a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1. "SeqCLL-1>CD33" corresponds to cells that underwent EP with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1, followed by EP with a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33. "SiHi CD33+CLL-1" refers to cells electroporated simultaneously with gRNA targeting CD33 and gRNA targeting CLL-1 and high concentration of CRISPR-Cas nuclease (30 μg Cas nuclease per gRNA used, total 60 μg Cas nuclease). "Se Mock > Mock" refers to cells that underwent sequential mock electroporation. "No EP" refers to cells that were not electroporated. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a table showing cell counts and viability of cells before cryopreservation (pre-freeze) and after thawing (post-thaw). [Figure 38]Figure 38 shows analysis of bone marrow (BM) chimerism 16 weeks after engraftment of multiply edited cells. "No EP" refers to cells that were not electroporated. "SeqCD33>CLL-1" corresponds to cells that were sequentially electroporated with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33, followed by a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1. "SeqCLL-1>CD33" corresponds to cells that were sequentially electroporated with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1, followed by a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33. "SiHi CD33+CLL-1" refers to cells co-electroporated with gRNA targeting CD33 and gRNA targeting CLL-1 using a high concentration of Cas9 nuclease. [Figure 39A] Figures 39A-39H show flow cytometry analysis of myeloid and lymphoid lineage cells harvested from mouse models after engraftment. Figure 39A shows T lymphocytes (CD3+ / hCD45+). [Figure 39B] FIG. 39B shows monocytes (CD14+ / hCD45+). [Figure 39C] FIG. 39C shows neutrophils (CD15+ / hCD45+). [Figure 39D] FIG. 39D shows mast / basophil cells (CD203+ / hCD45+). [Figure 39E] FIG. 39E shows B lymphocytes (CD19+ / hCD45+). [Figure 39F] FIG. 39F shows hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs, CD34+ / hCD45+). [Figure 39G] FIG. 39G shows classical dendritic cells (cDC, cDC / hCD45+). [Fig. 39H]Figure 39H shows plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pCD, pDC / hCD45+). "Sc CD33>CLL-1" corresponds to cells electroporated sequentially with a first gRNA targeting CD33 and CRISPR-Cas nuclease, followed by a second gRNA targeting CLL-1 and CRISPR-Cas nuclease. "Sc CLL-1>CD33" corresponds to cells electroporated sequentially with a first gRNA targeting CLL-1 and CRISPR-Cas nuclease, followed by a second gRNA targeting CD33 and CRISPR-Cas nuclease. "SiHi CD33+CLL-1" refers to cells electroporated simultaneously with a gRNA targeting CD33 and a gRNA targeting CLL-1 using a high concentration of Cas9 nuclease. [Figure 40A] Figures 40A-40F show CD33 and CLL-1 protein expression levels in flow cytometry analysis of myeloid and lymphoid lineage cells from cells harvested from mice after engraftment. Figure 40A shows expression in total human CD45+ cells. [Figure 40B] FIG. 40B shows expression on monocytes (CD14+ cells). [Figure 40C] FIG. 40C shows neutrophils (CD15+ cells). [Figure 40D] FIG. 40D shows mast / basophil cells (CD203+ cells). [Figure 40E] FIG. 40E shows classical dendritic cells (cDCs). [Diagram 40F]Figure 40F shows plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs). "No EP" refers to cells that were not electroporated. "Sc CD33>CLL-1" corresponds to cells that were sequentially electroporated with a first gRNA targeting CD33 and CRISPR-Cas nuclease, followed by a second gRNA targeting CLL-1 and CRISPR-Cas nuclease. "Sc CLL-1>CD33" corresponds to cells that were sequentially electroporated with a first gRNA targeting CLL-1 and CRISPR-Cas nuclease, followed by a second gRNA targeting CD33 and CRISPR-Cas nuclease. "SiHi CD33+CLL-1" refers to cells that were simultaneously electroporated with a gRNA targeting CD33 and a gRNA targeting CLL-1 using a high concentration of Cas9 nuclease. For each editing condition, bar segments correspond, from top to bottom, to CD33-CLL-1-, CD33-CLL-1+, CD33+, CLL-1-, and CD33+CLL-1+. [Figure 41A] Figures 41A and 41B show CD33 and CLL-1 protein expression levels in CD14+ cells harvested from mice 16 weeks post-engraftment, as assessed by flow cytometry. Figure 41A shows no electroporation control cells, where 91.5% of the cells were CD33+ and CLL-1+. [Figure 41B] Figure 41B shows cells sequentially electroporated with a first gRNA targeting CD33 and CRISPR-Cas nuclease followed by a second gRNA targeting CLL-1 and CRISPR-Cas nuclease (SeqCD33>CLL-1), where 98.3% of the cells were CD33- and CLL-1-negative. [Diagram 42]Figure 42 shows on-target editing assessed by next-generation sequencing (NGS) and editing efficiency at 56 hours after electroporation in CD33 using CD33-targeting gRNA (CD33g811; left column) and CLL-1 using CLL-1-targeting gRNA (CLL-1g6, right column). "SiHi" refers to cells electroporated simultaneously with CD33-targeting gRNA, CLL-1-targeting gRNA, and high concentration of CRISPR-Cas nuclease (30 μg Cas nuclease per gRNA used, total of 60 μg Cas nuclease). On-target editing was assessed by targeted amplicon sequencing (rhAmpSeq™). "CD33g811>CLL-1" corresponds to cells that were sequentially electroporated with a first gRNA (g811) targeting CD33 and CRISPR-Cas nuclease, followed by a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1. "CLL-1>CD33g811" corresponds to cells that were sequentially electroporated with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1, followed by a second gRNA (g811) targeting CD33 and CRISPR-Cas nuclease. [Figure 43A] Figures 43A and 43B show editing at the indicated time points after electroporation (EP) as assessed by inference of CRISPR editing (ICE) analysis. Figure 43A shows editing efficiency using CD33-targeted gRNA, CD33g811, and CLL-1-targeted gRNA, CLL-1g6, at 30, 50, and 56 hours. [Figure 43B]Figure 43B shows the editing efficiency at 56 hours reflected in Figure 43A. "SiHi CD33+CLL-1" refers to cells electroporated simultaneously with gRNA targeting CD33, gRNA targeting CLL-1, and high concentration of Cas9 nuclease. "Se CD33>CLL-1" refers to cells electroporated sequentially with a first gRNA targeting CD33 and CRISPR-Cas nuclease, followed by a second gRNA targeting CLL-1 and CRISPR-Cas nuclease. "Se CLL-1>CD33" refers to cells electroporated sequentially with a first gRNA targeting CLL-1 and CRISPR-Cas nuclease, followed by a second gRNA targeting CD33 and CRISPR-Cas nuclease. [Diagram 44] FIG. 44 shows a schematic of an exemplary translocation event. [Diagram 45] FIG. 45 shows an analysis of translocation events in multiply edited hematopoietic cells 56 hours after electroporation with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease, referred to as "EP1." For each editing condition, columns correspond from left to right to dicentric, balanced 1, balanced 2, and acentric translocations. "SeMock>Mock" refers to mock electroporated cells. "SiHiCD33+CLL-1" refers to cells electroporated simultaneously with a gRNA targeting CD33, a gRNA targeting CLL-1, and a high concentration of Cas9 nuclease. "Se CD33>CLL-1" refers to cells electroporated sequentially with a first gRNA targeting CD33 and CRISPR-Cas nuclease, followed by a second gRNA targeting CLL-1 and CRISPR-Cas nuclease. "Se CLL-1>CD33" refers to cells that were sequentially electroporated with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1, followed by a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33. [Diagram 46] Figure 46 shows the editing efficiency of bone marrow (BM) cells at 16 weeks post-engraftment as assessed by rhAMP-Seq™. For each editing condition, the left data point corresponds to the editing efficiency in CD33 using CD33-targeting gRNA g811 (CD33g811), and the right data point corresponds to the editing efficiency in CLL-1 using CLL-1-targeting gRNA g6 (CLL-1g6). The square data points indicate the input sample. "CD33>CLL-1" refers to cells that were sequentially electroporated with a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CD33, followed by a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease targeting CLL-1. "CLL-1>CD33" refers to cells that were sequentially electroporated with a first gRNA targeting CLL-1 and CRISPR-Cas nuclease, followed by a second gRNA targeting CD33 and CRISPR-Cas nuclease. "CD33+CLL-1" refers to cells that were simultaneously electroporated with a gRNA targeting CD33, a gRNA targeting CLL-1, and a high concentration of Cas9 nuclease. [Figure 47] FIG. 47 shows analysis of off-target editing events following electroporation of cells with CRISPR-Cas nucleases determined using gRNA targeting CLL-1 (CLL1-g6) and CasOFFinder. [Figure 48] Figure 48 shows an analysis of on-target editing frequency across three hematopoietic cell donors HC1, HC2, and HC3 using CLL-1 targeting gRNA, g6. Editing frequency was determined using both ICE (left column) and hybrid capture (right column). "ICE" refers to inference of CRISPR editing analysis. [Figure 49] FIG. 49 shows predicted off-target editing events in the CLL-1 gene as a result of electroporation with CLL-1-targeting gRNA (g6) and CRISPR-Cas nuclease. [Figure 50] Figure 50 shows an exemplary insertion-deletion (indel) spectrum after editing using CLL-1-targeting gRNA g6. [Figure 51] Figure 51 shows survival of target hematopoietic cells after incubation with immune cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) targeting CD33 or CLL-1. Target hematopoietic cells are wild type (WT), deficient in CD33 (CD33Del), deficient in CLL-1 (CLL-1Del), or deficient in both CD33 and CLL-1 (CD33DelCLL-1Del). [Figure 52A] Figures 52A-52D show cytokine production of differentiated bone marrow cells following multiple editing of CD33 and CLL-1 ("MPX") compared to control unedited cells ("CTR"). Figure 52A shows IL-6 production. [Figure 52B] FIG. 52B shows IL-8 production. [Figure 52C] FIG. 52C shows TNFα production. [Fig. 52D] Figure 52D shows the production of MIP-1β. Cytokine production was assessed at basal levels and 24 hours after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or resiquimod (R848). N=3. Data are presented as mean + / - standard deviation. [Figure 53] Figure 53 shows total translocation events as a percentage of translocations in input cells (CD34+'"Input CD34+ cells") and output xenograft bone marrow cells ("Output BM") from NSG mice 16 weeks post-transplant with MPX-edited or CTR-edited hHSPCs. "CTR" refers to control cells and "MPX" refers to multiply edited cells. N=12 mice per group. [Figure 54A] Figures 54A-54D show expression of CD33 and CLL-1 in blasts and leukemic stem cells (LSCs) from AML patients. Figure 54A shows the percentage of CD33-positive and CLL-1-positive cells (antigen positive %) by flow cytometry in AML blasts (N=33). [Figure 54B]FIG. 54B shows the percentage of CD33-positive and CLL-1 positive cells (% antigen positive) by flow cytometry in AML LSCs (N=27). [Fig. 54C] FIG. 54C shows the antigen density of CD33 and CLL-1 on the cell surface of AML blasts, quantified by flow cytometry (N=31). [Fig. 54D] FIG. 54D shows the antigen density of CD33 and CLL-1 on the cell surface of AML LSCs, quantified by flow cytometry (N=25). DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] Although the use of the CRISPR / Cas system to effect genetic modifications presents a versatile and adaptable platform, there are several potential risks associated with the use of CRISPR / Cas in therapeutic applications, such as off-target effects, the risk of translocation events, and potential malignancies. When introducing genetic modifications, for example using the CRISPR / Cas system, DNA breaks (e.g., double-strand breaks (DSBs)) are introduced into the genome of a cell, resulting in non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) repair of the break and insertion or deletion (indel) proximal to the target sequence. This process can result in frameshifting and inactivation of genes, but can also result in chromosomal translocations when two chromosomes or fragments of chromosomes are improperly joined. Chromosomal translocations are associated with genomic instability and various types of cancer, for example through the expression of new fusion proteins, the expression or misregulation of cancer genes, etc. See, for example, Brunet et al. Adv. Exp. Med. Biol. (2018) 1044: 15-25; Ghezraoui H, et al. (2014) Mol Cell 55(6): 829-842; Bothmer et al. CRISPR Journal (2020) 3(3). Multiplex gene editing, in which multiple genetic modifications are introduced into a cell, may increase the potential risk of translocation events, especially when multiple DNA breaks (e.g., DSBs) are present simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. To minimize or reduce potential adverse effects, mechanisms for regulating the introduction of genetic modifications, e.g., mechanisms for reducing the risk of translocation events, are desirable.

[0040] Aspects of the present disclosure provide gene editing methods that are effective in generating multiple genetic modifications in cells and reducing the risk of translocation events (e.g., the production of translocation products). In some aspects, the methods described herein involve contacting a cell or a cell population (a plurality of cells) with a first guide RNA (gRNA) and an RNA-guided nuclease to produce a first genetic modification, and then contacting the cell or a cell population (a plurality of cells) with a second gRNA and an RNA-guided nuclease to produce a second genetic modification in the cell, the contacting steps being performed consecutively at time intervals. Also provided herein are methods that include administering to a subject the cells produced by the methods described herein, and any of the genetically engineered cells or progeny thereof produced by the methods described herein.

[0041] As understood by those skilled in the art, the generation of double-strand breaks (DSBs) in the genome of cells will recruit DNA repair mechanisms to promote DNA repair at break sites.Generally, DNA repair can proceed through any of several repair pathways, which are the main pathway, homology-directed repair (HDR, also called "homologous recombination"), non-homologous end joining ("NHEJ", also called classical non-homologous end joining ("c-NHEJ")), and microhomology-mediated end joining ("MMEJ", also called alternative end joining ("alt-EJ").

[0042] HDR involves the presence of a homologous template that is used to correct the break and is typically thought to result in precise (error-free) repair. The NHEJ mechanism is an efficient but error-prone repair mechanism that produces insertions and deletions (indels) and does not involve a homologous template. NHEJ involves direct ligation of the ends of the double-stranded break, with the Ku protein recruiting additional NHEJ proteins to the site involving the DNA ligase IV complex. The MMEJ repair mechanism involves microhomology within the ends of the double-stranded break (typically 1-25 nucleotides). MMEJ proceeds through a series of steps in which regions of microhomology are annealed and a heterologous "flap" of nucleotides is removed, followed by gap-filling synthesis and ligation. This mechanism is error-prone and is associated with deletion of nucleotides adjacent to the DSB. See, e.g., Zaboikin et al. PLos One (2017) 12(1): e0169931; Wang et al. Cell & Bioscience (2017) 7: 6; Deriano et al. Ann. Rev. Genet. (2013) 47: 433-455.

[0043] The term "mutation" as used herein refers to a genetic change (e.g., an insertion, deletion, inversion, or substitution) in a nucleic acid compared to a reference sequence, e.g., a corresponding sequence in a cell that does not have such a mutation, or a corresponding wild-type nucleic acid sequence. In some embodiments, the cells produced using the methods described herein contain two or more (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) mutations compared to a reference sequence, e.g., a corresponding sequence in a cell that does not have such a mutation, or a corresponding wild-type nucleic acid sequence. In some embodiments, the mutation to a gene (e.g., a target gene) results in loss of expression of a protein encoded by the target gene in a cell carrying the mutation. In some embodiments, the mutation in a gene (e.g., a target gene) results in expression of a variant form of a protein encoded by the target gene.

[0044] Some aspects of the present disclosure provide compositions and methods for generating engineered cells as described herein, e.g., engineered cells that contain one or more modifications in their genome, such as modifications that result in the expression or regulation of a protein and / or loss of expression of a variant form of a protein. Such compositions and methods provided herein include, but are not limited to, suitable strategies and approaches for engineering cells, e.g., by using RNA-guided nucleases, such as CRISPR / Cas nucleases, and suitable guide RNAs that can bind to such RNA-guided nucleases and target them to suitable target sites in the genome of the cell to result in genomic modifications.

[0045] In some embodiments, the genetically engineered cells described herein are generated via genome editing techniques, which include any technique that can introduce targeted changes, also referred to as "edits," into the genome of a cell. In some embodiments, the genetically engineered cells contain multiple edits in the genome of the cell.

[0046] CRISPR / Cas system Some aspects of the present disclosure provide compositions and methods for generating genetically engineered cells as described herein.One exemplary suitable genome editing technology is "cell editing", which includes using RNA-guided nuclease, e.g., CRISPR / Cas nuclease, to introduce targeted single-stranded or double-stranded DNA breaks into the genome of cells, which triggers cell repair mechanisms such as, for example, non-homologous end joining (NHEJ), microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ, sometimes referred to as "alternative NHEJ" or "alt-NHEJ"), or homology-directed repair (HDR), which typically results in modified nucleic acid sequences at or immediately proximal to the site of nuclease break (e.g., via nucleotide or nucleotide sequence insertion, deletion, inversion, or substitution). See Yeh et al. Nat. Cell. Biol. (2019) 21:1468-1478, e.g., Hsu et al. Cell (2014) 157:1262-1278, Jasin et al. DNA Repair (2016) 44:6-16, Sfeir et al. Trends Biochem. Sci. (2015) 40:701-714.

[0047] Another exemplary suitable genome editing technique is "base editing," which includes the use of nuclease-damaged or partially nuclease-damaged CRISPR / Cas proteins fused to a deaminase that targets and deaminates specific nucleobases, e.g., cytosine or adenosine nucleobases of C or A nucleotides, resulting in a change of C nucleotide to a T nucleotide, or an A nucleotide to a G nucleotide, via cellular mismatch repair mechanisms. See, e.g., Komor et al. Nature (2016) 533:420-424; Rees et al. Nat. Rev. Genet. (2018) 19(12):770-788; Anzalone et al. Nat. Biotechnol. (2020) 38:824-844.

[0048] Yet another exemplary suitable genome editing technique includes "primed editing," which involves the introduction of new genetic information, e.g., modified nucleotide sequences, into specifically targeted genomic sites using catalytically impaired or partially catalytically impaired RNA-guided nucleases, e.g., CRISPR / Cas nucleases fused to engineered reverse transcriptase (RT) domains. The Cas / RT fusion is targeted to a target site in the genome by a guide RNA, which also contains a nucleic acid sequence encoding the desired edit and can function as a primer for RT. See, e.g., Anzalone et al. Nature (2019) 576(7785):149-157.

[0049] The use of genome editing techniques typically features the use of suitable RNA-guided nucleases, which in some embodiments may be catalytically impaired or partially catalytically impaired, for example, for base editing or prime editing. Examples of suitable RNA-guided nucleases include CRISPR / Cas nucleases. In some embodiments, the RNA-guided nucleases (e.g., CRISPR / Cas nucleases) used in the methods described herein can generate double-stranded breaks in DNA. In some embodiments, the RNA-guided nucleases (e.g., CRISPR / Cas nucleases) used in the methods described herein have reduced nuclease activity. For example, in some embodiments, the RNA-guided nucleases suitable for use in the methods of genetically engineering cells provided herein are Cas9 nucleases, such as spCas9 or saCas9 nucleases.

[0050] For another example, in some embodiments, an RNA-guided nuclease suitable for use in the methods of genetically engineering a cell provided herein is a Cas12 nuclease, e.g., a Cas12a nuclease (also referred to as a "Cpf1 nuclease"). As used herein, Cpf1 nuclease refers to a polypeptide that i) is derived from a type II class 2 CRISPR / Cas nuclease that cleaves distal to a PAM site, and ii) is capable of binding to a target nucleic acid sequence (target sequence) in combination with a suitable gRNA. Exemplary suitable Cas12 nucleases include, but are not limited to, AsCas12a, FnCas12a, LbCas12a, PaCas12a, other Cas12a orthologs, and Cas12a derivatives such as the MAD7™ system (MAD7™, Inscripta, Inc.) or Alt-R Cas12a (Cpf1) Ultra nuclease (Alt-R® Cas12a Ultra, Integrated DNA Technologies, Inc.). See, e.g., Gill et al. LIPSCOMB 2017. In United States: Inscripta Inc., Price et al. See, e.g., et al. Biotechnol. Bioeng. (2020) 117(60):1805-1816, PCT Publication Nos. WO2016 / 166340, WO2017 / 155407, WO2018 / 083128, WO2016 / 205711, WO2017 / 035388, WO2017 / 184768, WO2019 / 118516, WO2017 / 184768, WO2018 / 098383, WO2020 / 146297, and WO2020 / 172502.

[0051] The methods described herein involve targeting a first RNA-guided nuclease, e.g., a CRISPR / Cas nuclease, e.g., a Cas9 nuclease or a Cas12a nuclease (e.g., Cpf1), to a suitable target site in the genome of the cell under conditions suitable for the RNA-guided nuclease to bind to the target site and cleave the genomic DNA of the cell, followed by targeting a second RNA-guided nuclease, e.g., a CRISPR / Cas nuclease, e.g., a Cas9 nuclease or a Cas12a nuclease (e.g., Cpf1), to a second suitable target site in the genome of the cell under conditions suitable for the second RNA-guided nuclease to bind to the target site and cleave the genomic DNA of the cell. In some embodiments, the first and second RNA-guided nucleases are of the same type of nuclease, e.g., CRISPR / Cas nucleases, e.g., both the first and second RNA-guided nucleases are Cas9 nucleases or Cpf1 nucleases. In some embodiments, the first and second RNA-guided nucleases are of different types of nucleases, e.g., CRISPR / Cas nucleases, e.g., the first RNA-guided nuclease is Cas9 nuclease and the second RNA-guided nuclease is Cpf1 nuclease. In some embodiments, the first RNA-guided nuclease and the second RNA-guided nuclease are of different types of nucleases, such as CRISPR / Cas nucleases, for example, the first RNA-guided nuclease is a Cpf1 nuclease and the second RNA-guided nuclease is a Cas9 nuclease. A suitable RNA-guided nuclease can be targeted to a specific target site in a genome by a suitable guide RNA (gRNA). Suitable gRNAs for targeting CRISPR / Cas nucleases according to aspects of the present disclosure are provided herein, and exemplary suitable gRNAs (i.e., gRNAs) are described in more detail elsewhere herein.

[0052] In some embodiments, any of the gRNAs described herein may be complexed with a suitable CRISPR / Cas nuclease. Exemplary suitable nucleases include, for example, Cas12a (Cpf1) nuclease and Cas9 nuclease.

[0053] Various Cas9 nucleases are suitable for use with the gRNA provided herein to effect genome editing according to aspects of the present disclosure, for example, to create genome modifications in the CD30 gene. Typically, CRISPR / Cas nuclease and gRNA are provided in a form and under conditions suitable for the formation of a nuclease / gRNA complex (e.g., a CRISPR system), which may be referred to as a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex, to target a target site on the genome of a cell. In some embodiments, a CRISPR / Cas nuclease that exhibits the desired PAM specificity is used to target the nuclease / gRNA complex to the desired target site sequence within the locus.

[0054] In some embodiments, the nuclease / gRNA complex is formed, e.g., in vitro, and the target cell is contacted with the nuclease / gRNA complex, e.g., via electroporation of the Cas / gRNA complex into the cell. In some embodiments, the cell is contacted separately with a CRISPR / Cas protein and a gRNA, and the nuclease / gRNA complex is formed within the cell. In some embodiments, the cell is contacted with a nucleic acid, e.g., DNA or RNA, encoding the CRISPR / Cas protein, and / or a nucleic acid encoding the gRNA, or both.

[0055] In some embodiments, a Cas nuclease belonging to the class 2 type V of Cas nuclease is used. Class 2 type V Cas nucleases can be further classified as type VA, type VB, type VC, and type VU. See, e.g., Stella et al. Nature Structural & Molecular Biology (2017). In some embodiments, the Cas nuclease is a type VB Cas endonuclease, e.g., C2c1. See, e.g., Shmakov et al. Mol Cell (2015) 60:385-397. In some embodiments, the Cas nuclease used in the genome editing methods provided herein is a type VA Cas endonuclease, e.g., Cpf1 (Cas12a) nuclease. See, e.g., Strohkendl et al. Mol. Cell (2018) 71:1-9.

[0056] In some embodiments, the genetically engineered cells provided herein are generated using a suitable genome editing technique, wherein the genome editing technique is characterized by the use of Cas12a (Cpf1) nuclease.

[0057] In some embodiments, the genetically engineered cells provided herein are generated using a suitable genome editing technique, characterized by the use of a Cas9 nuclease. In some embodiments, the Cas9 molecule is from or derived from Streptococcus pyogenes (SpCas9), Staphylococcus aureus (SaCas9), or Streptococcus thermophilus (stCas9). Additional suitable Cas9 molecules include those from Neisseria meningitidis (NmCas9), Acidovorax avenae, Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, Actinobacillus succinogenes, Actinobacillus suis, Actinomyces spp., cycliphilus denitrificans, Aminomonas paucivorans, Bacillus cereus, Bacillus smithii, Bacillus thuringiensis, Bacteroides spp., Blastopirella marina, marina, Bradyrhizobium species, Brevibacillus laterosporus, Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter jejuni (CjCas9), Campylobacter lari, Candidatus Puniceispirillum, Clostridium cellulolyticum, Clostridium perfringens, Corynebacterium accolens, Corynebacterium diphtheriae, Corynebacterium matruchotii, Dinoroseobacter shibae, Eubacterium dolichum, Gammaproteobacteriaproteobacterium, Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus, Haemophilus parainfluenzae, Haemophilus sputorum, Helicobacter canadensis, Helicobacter cinaedi, Helicobacter mustelae, Ilyobacter polytropus, Kingella kingae, Lactobacillus crispatus, Listeria ivanovii, Listeria monocytogenes, Listeriaceae bacterium, Methylosinus spp., Methylosinus trichosporium, Mobiluncus mulieris, Neisseria bacilliformis, Neisseria cinerea, Neisseria flavescens, Neisseria lactamica, Neisseria meningitidis, Neisseria spp., Neisseria wadsworthii, Nitrosomonas spp., Parvibaculum lavamentivorans, Pasteurella multocida, Phascolarctobacterium succinate succinatutens, Ralstonia syzygii, Rhodopseudomonas palustris, Rhodovulum sp., Simonsiella muerelliimuelleri, Sphingomonas sp., Sporolactobacillus vineae, Staphylococcus lugdunensis, Streptococcus sp., Subdoligranulum sp., Tistrella mobilis, Treponema sp., or Verminephrobacter eiseniae. In some embodiments, catalytically impaired or partially impaired variants of such Cas9 nucleases may be used. Additional suitable Cas9 nucleases and nuclease variants will be apparent to those of skill in the art based on this disclosure. The disclosure is not limited in this respect.

[0058] In some embodiments, the Cas nuclease is a naturally occurring Cas molecule. In some embodiments, the Cas nuclease is an engineered, altered, or modified Cas molecule that differs, e.g., by at least one amino acid residue, from a reference sequence, e.g., the most similar naturally occurring Cas9 molecule, or a sequence in Table 50 of PCT Publication WO2015 / 157070, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

[0059] In some embodiments, a Cas nuclease belonging to the class 2 type V of Cas nuclease is used. Class 2 type V Cas nucleases can be further classified as type VA, type VB, type VC, and type VU. See, e.g., Stella et al. Nature Structural & Molecular Biology (2017). In some embodiments, the Cas nuclease is a type VB Cas endonuclease, e.g., C2c1. See, e.g., Shmakov et al. Mol Cell (2015) 60:385-397. In some embodiments, the Cas nuclease used in the genome editing methods provided herein is a type VA Cas endonuclease, e.g., Cpf1 (Cas12a) nuclease. See, e.g., Strohkendl et al. Mol. Cell (2018) 71:1-9. In some embodiments, the Cas nuclease used in the genome editing methods provided herein is a Cpf1 nuclease from Provetella spp., Francisella spp., Acidaminococcus sp. (AsCpf1), Lachnospiraceae bacterium (LpCpf1), or Eubacterium rectale. In some embodiments, the Cas nuclease is MAD7™ (Inscripta).

[0060] Both naturally occurring and modified variants of CRISPR / Cas nucleases are suitable for use according to aspects of the present disclosure, for example, dCas or nickase variants, Cas variants with altered PAM specificity, and Cas variants with improved nuclease activity are encompassed by some embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0061] Some features of some exemplary, non-limiting suitable Cas nucleases are described in more detail herein, without wishing to be bound by any particular theory.

[0062] Naturally occurring Cas9 nucleases typically comprise two lobes: a recognition (REC) lobe and a nuclease (NUC) lobe, each of which further comprises domains as described, for example, in PCT Publication No. WO2015 / 157070, e.g., at Figures 9A-9B therein, which application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0063] The REC lobe comprises an arginine-rich bridge helix (BH), a REC1 domain, and a REC2 domain. The REC lobe is believed to be a Cas9-specific functional domain. The BH domain is a long alpha-helical and arginine-rich region, comprising amino acids 60-93 of the sequence of S. pyogenes Cas9. The REC1 domain is involved in the recognition of repeat:anti-repeat duplexes, for example, of gRNAs or tracrRNAs. The REC1 domain comprises two REC1 motifs at amino acids 94-179 and 308-717 of the sequence of S. pyogenes Cas9. These two REC1 domains are separated in the linear primary structure by the REC2 domain, but assemble in the tertiary structure to form the REC1 domain. The REC2 domain or parts thereof may also play a role in the recognition of repeat:anti-repeat duplexes. The REC2 domain comprises amino acids 180-307 of the sequence of S. pyogenes Cas9.

[0064] The NUC lobe contains a RuvC domain (also referred to herein as a RuvC-like domain), an HNH domain (also referred to herein as a HNH-like domain), and a PAM-interacting (PI) domain. The RuvC domain shares structural similarity with retroviral integrase superfamily members and cleaves single strands, e.g., non-complementary strands, of target nucleic acid molecules. The RuvC domain is assembled from three split RuvC motifs (RuvCI, RuvCII, and RuvCIII, often referred to in the art as the RuvCI domain, or commonly as the N-terminal RuvC domain, RuvCII domain, and RuvCIII domain) at amino acids 1-59, 718-769, and 909-1098 of the sequence of S. pyogenes Cas9, respectively. Similar to the REC1 domain, the three RuvC motifs are linearly separated by other domains in the primary structure, but in the tertiary structure, the three RuvC motifs assemble to form the RuvC domain. The HNH domain shares structural similarity with HNH endonucleases and cleaves a single strand, e.g., the complementary strand, of a target nucleic acid molecule. The HNH domain is present between the RuvC II-III motifs and includes amino acids 775-908 of the sequence of S. pyogenes Cas9. The PI domain interacts with the PAM of the target nucleic acid molecule and includes amino acids 1099-1368 of the sequence of S. pyogenes Cas9.

[0065] Crystal structures have been determined for the naturally occurring bacterial Cas9 nuclease (see, e.g., Jinek et al., Science (2014) 343(6176):1247997) and for Streptococcus pyogenes Cas9 with a guide RNA (e.g., a synthetic fusion of crRNA and tracrRNA) (Nishimasu et al., Cell (2014) 156:935-949, and Anders et al., Nature (2014) doi:10.1038 / naturel3579).

[0066] In some embodiments, the Cas9 molecules described herein exhibit nuclease activity that results in the introduction of a double-stranded DNA break at or directly proximal to the target site. In some embodiments, the Cas9 molecule is modified to inactivate one of the catalytic residues of the endonuclease. In some embodiments, the Cas9 molecule is a nickase and generates a single-stranded break. See, e.g., Dabrowska et al. Frontiers in Neuroscience (2018) 12 (75). It has been shown that one or more mutations in the RuvC and HNH catalytic domains of the enzyme can improve Cas9 efficiency. See, e.g., Sarai et al. Currently Pharma. Biotechnol. (2017) 18 (13). In some embodiments, the Cas9 molecule is fused to a second domain, e.g., a domain that modifies DNA or chromatin, e.g., a deaminase or demethylase domain. In some such embodiments, the Cas9 molecule is modified to eliminate its endonuclease activity.

[0067] In some embodiments, the Cas nucleases or Cas / gRNA complexes described herein are administered together with a template for homology directed repair (HDR). In some embodiments, the Cas nucleases or Cas / gRNA complexes described herein are administered without an HDR template.

[0068] In some embodiments, modified Cas9 nucleases are used that enhance the specificity of the enzyme (e.g., reduce off-target effects and maintain robust on-target cleavage). In some embodiments, the Cas9 molecule is an enhanced specificity Cas9 variant (e.g., eSPCas9). See, e.g., Slaymaker et al. Science (2016) 351(6268):84-88. In some embodiments, the Cas9 molecule is a high fidelity Cas9 variant (e.g., SpCas9-HF1). See, e.g., Kleinstiver et al. Nature (2016) 529:490-495.

[0069] A variety of Cas nucleases are known in the art and can be obtained from a variety of sources and / or engineered / modified to modulate one or more activities or specificities of the enzyme. The PAM sequence preferences and specificities of suitable Cas nucleases, such as suitable Cas9 nucleases, such as spCas9 and saCas9, are known in the art. In some embodiments, the Cas nuclease is engineered / modified to recognize one or more PAM sequences. In some embodiments, the Cas nuclease is engineered / modified to recognize one or more PAM sequences that are different from the PAM sequence that the Cas nuclease recognizes without engineering / modification. In some embodiments, the Cas nuclease is engineered / modified to reduce the off-target activity of the enzyme.

[0070] In some embodiments, Cas nucleases are used that are further modified to alter the specificity of the endonuclease activity (e.g., to reduce off-target cleavage, decrease endonuclease activity or duration in cells, increase homology-guided recombination, reduce non-homologous end joining). See, e.g., Komor et al. Cell (2017) 168:20-36. In some embodiments, Cas nucleases are used that are modified to alter the PAM recognition or preference of the endonuclease. For example, SpCas9 recognizes the PAM sequence NGG, while some variants of SpCas9 that contain one or more modifications (e.g., VQR SpCas9, EQR SpCas9, VRER SpCas9) can recognize variant PAM sequences, e.g., NGA, NGAG, and / or NGCG. For another example, SaCas9 recognizes the PAM sequence NNGRRT, while some variants of SaCas9 (e.g., KKH SaCas9) containing one or more modifications can recognize the PAM sequence NNNRRT. In another example, FnCas9 recognizes the PAM sequence NNG, while a variant of FnCas9 containing one or more modifications (e.g., RHA FnCas9) can recognize the PAM sequence YG. In another example, Cas12a nuclease containing substitution mutations S542R and K607R recognizes the PAM sequence TYCV. In another example, Cpf1 endonuclease containing substitution mutations S542R, K607R, and N552R recognizes the PAM sequence TATV. See, e.g., Gao et al. Nat. Biotechnol. (2017) 35(8):789-792.

[0071] In some embodiments, base editing is used to create genomic modifications in cells. Base editors typically include a catalytically inactive or partially inactive Cas nuclease fused to a functional domain, e.g., a deaminase domain. See, e.g., Eid et al. Biochem. J. (2018) 475(11): 1955-1964; Rees et al. Nature Reviews Genetics (2018) 19: 770-788. In some embodiments, a catalytically inactive Cas nuclease is referred to as "inactive Cas" or "dCas". In some embodiments, the endonuclease includes an adenine base edit (ABE), e.g., a dCas fused to an ABE evolved from the RNA adenine deaminase TadA. In some embodiments, the endonuclease comprises a dCas fused to a cytidine deaminase enzyme (e.g., APOBEC deaminase, pmCDA1, activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID)). In some embodiments, the catalytically inactive Cas molecule has reduced activity, e.g., a nickase.

[0072] Examples of suitable base editors include, but are not limited to, BE1, BE2, BE3, HF-BE3, BE4, BE4max, BE4-Gam, YE1-BE3, EE-BE3, YE2-BE3, YEE-CE3, VQR-BE3, VRER-BE3, SaBE3, SaBE4, SaBE4-Gam, Sa(KKH)-BE3, Target-AID, Target-AID-NG, xBE3, eA3A-BE3, BE-PLUS, TAM, CRISPR-X, ABE7.9, ABE7.10, ABE7.10*, xABE, ABESa, VQR-ABE, VRER-ABE, Sa(KKH)-ABE, and CRISPR-SKIP. Additional examples of base edits can be found, for example, in U.S. Publication No. 2018 / 0312825A1, U.S. Publication No. 2018 / 0312828A1, and PCT Publication No. WO2018 / 165629A1, which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0073] Some aspects of the present disclosure provide guide RNAs suitable for targeting, for example, an RNA-guided nuclease as provided herein to a target site in the genome of a cell. In some embodiments, the gRNA causes a modification (e.g., an insertion, a mutation, a deletion) in the genome of the cell. Such a modification may result in loss of expression and / or regulation of a protein encoded by a gene, or expression of a variant form of the gene encoded by the gene targeted by the gRNA.

[0074] The terms "gRNA" and "guide RNA" are used interchangeably throughout and refer to a nucleic acid that facilitates specific targeting or homing of a gRNA / Cas9 molecule complex to a target nucleic acid. A gRNA can be unimolecular (having a single RNA molecule), sometimes referred to herein as sgRNA, or modular (comprising more than one, usually two separate RNA molecules). A gRNA can bind to a target sequence in the genome of a host cell. The gRNA (e.g., its targeting domain) can be partially or fully complementary to the target sequence. A gRNA can also include a "scaffold sequence" (e.g., a tracrRNA sequence) that recruits a Cas9 molecule to a target sequence bound to the gRNA sequence (e.g., by the targeting domain of the gRNA sequence). The scaffold sequence can include at least one stem-loop structure and recruit an endonuclease. Exemplary scaffold sequences can be found, for example, in Jinek, et al. Science (2012) 337(6096):816-821, Ran, et al. Nature Protocols (2013) 8:2281-2308, PCT Publication No. WO2014 / 093694, and PCT Publication No. WO2013 / 176772.

[0075] Some exemplary suitable Cas9 gRNA scaffold sequences are provided herein, and additional suitable gRNA scaffold sequences will be apparent to one of skill in the art based on this disclosure. Such additional suitable scaffold sequences include, but are not limited to, those described in Jinek, et al. Science (2012) 337(6096):816-821, Ran, et al. Nature Protocols (2013) 8:2281-2308, PCT Publication No. WO2014 / 093694, and PCT Publication No. WO2013 / 176772.

[0076] For example, the binding domain of a naturally occurring spCas9 gRNA typically comprises two RNA molecules, a crRNA (partially) and a tracrRNA. Variants of spCas9 gRNA that comprise only a single RNA molecule that contains both the crRNA and tracrRNA sequences are covalently linked to each other, e.g., via a tetraloop or via a click chemistry type covalent bond, and are commonly referred to as "single guide RNA" or "sgRNA". A gRNA suitable for targeting a target site may comprise multiple domains. In some embodiments, e.g., in some embodiments where Cas9 nuclease is used, a single molecule sgRNA may comprise, from 5' to 3', a targeting domain corresponding to a target site sequence in the target locus; a first complementarity domain, Binding domains, a second complementarity domain (complementary to the first complementarity domain), The proximal domain, and Optionally, a tail domain.

[0077] Since naturally occurring Cas12a guide RNAs comprise a single RNA molecule, suitable gRNAs for use with other Cas nucleases, such as Cas12a nucleases, typically comprise only a single RNA molecule. Thus, suitable gRNAs, sometimes referred to herein as sgRNAs, can be unimolecular (having a single RNA molecule) or modular (comprising more than one, typically two separate RNA molecules).

[0078] Some exemplary suitable Cas12a gRNA scaffold sequences are provided herein, and additional suitable gRNA scaffold sequences will be apparent to one of skill in the art based on this disclosure. In some embodiments, e.g., in some embodiments in which Cas12a nuclease is used, the gRNA is sequenced from 5' to 3': Proximal domain, a first complementarity domain, A binding domain, and a CRISPR RNA (crRNA) sequence of a CRISPR / Cas nuclease comprising a second complementary domain (complementary to the first complementary domain); and It contains a targeting domain that corresponds to the target site sequence.

[0079] Each of these domains is now described in more detail.

[0080] The gRNAs provided herein typically comprise a targeting domain that binds to a target site in the genome of a cell. The target site is typically a double-stranded DNA sequence that comprises a PAM sequence and a target sequence on the same strand as the PAM sequence and directly adjacent to it. The targeting domain of the gRNA typically comprises an RNA sequence that is similar to the sequence of the targeting domain, sometimes with one or more mismatches, but typically corresponds to the target sequence in that it comprises RNA instead of a DNA sequence. Thus, the targeting domain of the gRNA base pairs with the sequence of the double-stranded target site that is complementary (with full or partial complementarity) to the sequence of the target sequence, and thus the strand that is complementary to the strand that comprises the PAM sequence. It will be understood that the targeting domain of the gRNA typically does not comprise a PAM sequence. It will be further understood that the location of the PAM can be 5' or 3' of the target site sequence, depending on the nuclease employed. For example, the PAM is typically 3' of the target sequence for Cas9 nuclease and 5' of the target sequence for Cas12a nuclease. For illustrations of the location of the PAM and the mechanism of the gRNA binding to the target site, see, e.g., Figure 1 in Vanegas et al., Fungal Biol Biotechnol. (2019) 6:6, which is incorporated herein by reference. For additional illustrations and explanations of the mechanism of the gRNA targeting the RNA-guided nuclease to the target site, see Fu Y et al., Nat Biotechnol (2014) (doi:10.1038 / nbt.2808), and Sternberg SH et al., Nature (2014) (doi:10.1038 / naturel3011), both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0081] The targeting domain may comprise a nucleotide sequence that corresponds to the sequence of the target sequence, i.e., the DNA sequence immediately adjacent to the PAM sequence (e.g., 5' of the PAM sequence for Cas9 nuclease, or 3' of the PAM sequence for Cas12a nuclease). The targeting domain sequence typically comprises 17-30 nucleotides and may correspond perfectly to the target sequence (i.e., without any mismatched nucleotides) or may contain one or more, but typically no more than four, mismatches. Because the targeting domain is part of an RNA molecule, the DNA targeting domain will comprise deoxyribonucleotides, while the gRNA typically comprises ribonucleotides.

[0082] An exemplary illustration of a Cas9 target site comprising a 22 nucleotide targeting domain and a NGG PAM sequence, as well as a gRNA comprising a targeting domain that corresponds perfectly to the targeting domain (and thus base pairs with perfect complementarity to the DNA strand complementary to the strand containing the targeting domain and PAM) is provided below. [ka]

[0083] The structure of a typical Cas12a gRNA can be found, for example, in Figure 1 of Zetsche et al. Cell (2015) 163(3):759-771, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. Provided below is an exemplary illustration of a Cas12a target site that includes a 22 nucleotide targeting domain and a TTN PAM sequence, as well as a gRNA that includes a targeting domain that corresponds perfectly to the targeting domain (and thus base pairs with perfect complementarity to the DNA strand that is complementary to the strand that includes the targeting domain and PAM). [ka] In some embodiments, the Cas12a PAM sequence is 5'-TTTV-3'. In some embodiments, the Cas12a PAM sequence is 5'-TTV-3'.

[0084] Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that at least in some embodiments, the length of the targeting domain and its complementarity with the target sequence contribute to the specificity of the interaction of the gRNA / Cas9 molecular complex with the target nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the targeting domain of the gRNA provided herein is 5-50 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the targeting domain is 15-25 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the targeting domain is 18-22 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the targeting domain is 19-21 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the targeting domain is 15 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the targeting domain is 16 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the targeting domain is 17 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the targeting domain is 18 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the targeting domain is 19 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the targeting domain is 20 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the targeting domain is 21 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the targeting domain is 22 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the targeting domain is 23 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the targeting domain is 24 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the targeting domain is 25 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the targeting domain fully corresponds to a targeting domain sequence provided herein or a portion thereof without mismatches. In some embodiments, the targeting domain of a gRNA provided herein comprises one mismatch to a targeting domain sequence provided herein. In some embodiments, the targeting domain comprises two mismatches to a targeting domain sequence. In some embodiments, the targeting domain comprises three mismatches to a targeting domain sequence.

[0085] In some embodiments, the targeting domain comprises a core domain and a secondary targeting domain, e.g., as described in PCT Publication No. WO2015 / 157070, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. In some embodiments, the core domain comprises about 8 to about 13 nucleotides from the 3' end of the targeting domain (e.g., the 3'-most 8 to 13 nucleotides of the targeting domain). In some embodiments, the secondary domain is positioned 5' to the core domain. In some embodiments, the core domain corresponds entirely to the targeting domain sequence or a portion thereof. In other embodiments, the core domain may comprise one or more nucleotides that are mismatched to the corresponding nucleotides of the targeting domain sequence.

[0086] In some embodiments, for example, a Cas9 gRNA is provided, in some embodiments, the gRNA comprises a first complementarity domain and a second complementarity domain, the first complementarity domain being complementary to the second complementarity domain and having sufficient complementarity to the second complementarity domain to form a double-stranded region under at least some embodiments, at least some physiological conditions. In some embodiments, the first complementarity domain is 5-30 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the first complementarity domain comprises three subdomains in the 5' to 3' direction: a 5' subdomain, a central subdomain, and a 3' subdomain. In some embodiments, the 5' subdomain is 4-9 nucleotides in length, e.g., 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the central subdomain is 1, 2, or 3, e.g., 1 nucleotide in length. In some embodiments, the 3' subdomain is 3-25 nucleotides in length, e.g., 4-22, 4-18, or 4-10, or 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25 nucleotides in length. The first complementarity domain can share homology with or be derived from a naturally occurring first complementarity domain. In one embodiment, it has at least 50% homology with a first complementarity domain of Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, or Streptococcus thermophilus.

[0087] The sequences and arrangements of the above-mentioned domains are described in more detail in PCT Publication No. WO2015 / 157070, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety, including pages 88-112 therein.

[0088] The binding domain may serve to link the first complementary domain of the unimolecular gRNA to the second complementary domain. The binding domain may link the first and second complementary domains covalently or non-covalently. In some embodiments, the linkage is a covalent bond. In some embodiments, the binding domain is or includes a covalent bond interposed between the first complementary domain and the second complementary domain. In some embodiments, the binding domain includes one or more, e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 nucleotides. In some embodiments, the binding domain includes at least one non-nucleotide bond, e.g., as disclosed in PCT Publication No. WO2018 / 126176, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0089] In some embodiments, the second complementarity domain is at least partially complementary to the first complementarity domain, and in one embodiment has sufficient complementarity to the second complementarity domain to form a double-stranded region under at least some physiological conditions. In some embodiments, the second complementarity domain can include a sequence that lacks complementarity with the first complementarity domain, e.g., a sequence that creates a loop from the double-stranded region. In some embodiments, the second complementarity domain is 5-27 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the second complementarity domain is longer than the first complementarity region. In one embodiment, the complementarity domain is 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the second complementarity domain comprises three subdomains, in the 5' to 3' direction: a 5' subdomain, a central subdomain, and a 3' subdomain. In some embodiments, the 5' subdomain is 3 to 25 nucleotides in length, e.g., 4 to 22, 4 to 18, or 4 to 10, or 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, or 25 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the central subdomain is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 nucleotides in length, e.g., 3 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the 3' subdomain is 4 to 9 nucleotides in length, e.g., 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the 5' and 3' subdomains of a first complementarity domain are complementary, eg, fully complementary, to the 3' and 5' subdomains of a second complementarity domain, respectively.

[0090] In some embodiments, the proximal domain is 5-20 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the proximal domain may share homology with or be derived from a naturally occurring proximal domain. In one embodiment, it has at least 50% homology with a proximal domain from Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, or Streptococcus thermophilus.

[0091] A wide range of tail domains are suitable for use in gRNAs. In some embodiments, the tail domain is 0 (absent), 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the tail domain nucleotides are derived from or share homology with sequences from the 5' end of a naturally occurring tail domain. In some embodiments, the tail domains include sequences that are complementary to each other and form a double-stranded region under at least some physiological conditions. In some embodiments, the tail domain is absent or is 1-50 nucleotides in length. In some embodiments, the tail domain can share homology with or be derived from a naturally occurring proximal tail domain. In some embodiments, the tail domain has at least 50% homology / identity with a tail domain from Streptococcus pyogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, or Streptococcus thermophilus. In some embodiments, the tail domain includes nucleotides at the 3' end that are associated with methods of in vitro or in vivo transcription.

[0092] In some embodiments, the gRNA provided herein comprises: For example, in the 5' to 3' direction, a targeting domain (corresponding to a target domain within the target locus), and a first strand comprising a first complementarity domain; For example, in the 5' to 3' direction, Optionally, a 5' extension domain, a second complementarity domain, The proximal domain, and and optionally a second strand comprising a tail domain. [Table 1]

[0093] In Table 1, "SpCas9" refers to the Cas9 nuclease from Streptococcus pyogenes.

[0094] In some embodiments, any of the gRNAs provided herein comprises one or more nucleotides that are chemically modified. Chemical modifications of gRNAs have been previously described, and suitable chemical modifications include any modifications that are beneficial for gRNA function and do not measurably increase any undesirable properties of a given gRNA, such as off-target effects. Suitable chemical modifications include, for example, those that render the gRNA less susceptible to endonuclease or exonuclease catalytic activity, including, but not limited to, phosphorothioate backbone modifications, 2'-O-Me modifications (e.g., at either or both of the 3' and 5' ends), 2'F modifications, replacement of the ribose sugar with the bicyclic nucleotide-cEt, 3'thioPACE (MSP) modifications, or any combination thereof. Additional suitable gRNA modifications will be apparent to those of skill in the art based on this disclosure, including, but not limited to, those described in, for example, Rahdar et al. PNAS (2015) 112(51) E7110-E7117, and Hendel et al., Nat Biotechnol. (2015); 33(9): 985-989, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0095] For example, the gRNAs provided herein may comprise one or more 2'-O modified nucleotides, e.g., 2'-O-methyl nucleotides. In some embodiments, the gRNA comprises a 2'-O modified nucleotide, e.g., a 2'-O-methyl nucleotide, at the 5' end of the gRNA. In some embodiments, the gRNA comprises a 2'-O modified nucleotide, e.g., a 2'-O-methyl nucleotide, at the 3' end of the gRNA. In some embodiments, the gRNA comprises a 2'-O modified nucleotide, e.g., a 2'-O-methyl nucleotide, at both the 5' and 3' ends of the gRNA. In some embodiments, the gRNA is 2'-O modified, e.g., at the nucleotide at the 5' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA, and the third nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA. In some embodiments, the gRNA is 2'-O modified, e.g., the nucleotide at the 3' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, and the third nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA are 2'-O-methyl modified. In some embodiments, the gRNA is 2'-O modified, e.g., the nucleotide at the 5' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA, the third nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA, the nucleotide at the 3' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, and the third nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA are 2'-O-methyl modified. In some embodiments, the gRNA is 2'-O modified, e.g., the second nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, the third nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, and the fourth nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA are 2'-O-methyl modified. In some embodiments, the nucleotide at the 3' end of the gRNA is not chemically modified. In some embodiments, the nucleotide at the 3' end of the gRNA does not have a chemically modified sugar.In some embodiments, the gRNA is 2'-O modified, e.g., 2'-O-methyl modified at the nucleotide at the 5' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA, the third nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, the third nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, and the fourth nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA. In some embodiments, the 2'-O-methyl nucleotide comprises a phosphate linkage to the adjacent nucleotide. In some embodiments, the 2'-O-methyl nucleotide comprises a phosphorothioate linkage to the adjacent nucleotide. In some embodiments, the 2'-O-methyl nucleotide comprises a thioPACE linkage to the adjacent nucleotide.

[0096] In some embodiments, the gRNAs provided herein may comprise one or more 2'-O modified and 3' phosphorus modified nucleotides, e.g., 2'-O-methyl 3' phosphorothioate nucleotides. In some embodiments, the gRNA comprises a 2'-O modified and 3' phosphorus modified nucleotide at the 5' end of the gRNA, e.g., 2'-O-methyl 3' phosphorothioate nucleotides. In some embodiments, the gRNA comprises a 2'-O modified and 3' phosphorus modified nucleotide at the 3' end of the gRNA, e.g., 2'-O-methyl 3' phosphorothioate nucleotides. In some embodiments, the gRNA comprises a 2'-O modified and 3' phosphorus modified nucleotide at the 5' and 3' ends of the gRNA, e.g., 2'-O-methyl 3' phosphorothioate nucleotides. In some embodiments, the gRNA comprises a backbone in which one or more non-bridging oxygen atoms are replaced with a sulfur atom. In some embodiments, the gRNA is 2'-O modified and 3' phosphorus modified, e.g., 2'-O-methyl 3' phosphorothioate modified at the nucleotide at the 5' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA, and the third nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA. In some embodiments, the gRNA is 2'-O modified and 3' phosphorus modified, e.g., 2'-O-methyl 3' phosphorothioate modified at the nucleotide at the 3' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, and the third nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA. In some embodiments, the gRNA is 2'-O modified and 3' phosphorus modified, e.g., 2'-O-methyl 3' phosphorothioate modified at the nucleotide at the 5' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA, the third nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA, the nucleotide at the 3' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, and the third nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA. In some embodiments, the gRNA is 2'-O modified and 3' phosphorus modified, e.g., 2'-O-methyl 3' phosphorothioate modified at the second nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, the third nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, and the fourth nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA.In some embodiments, the nucleotide at the 3' end of the gRNA is not chemically modified. In some embodiments, the nucleotide at the 3' end of the gRNA does not have a chemically modified sugar. In some embodiments, the gRNA is 2'-O modified and 3' phosphorus modified, e.g., 2'-O-methyl 3' phosphorothioate modified at the nucleotide at the 5' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA, the third nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, the third nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, and the fourth nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA.

[0097] In some embodiments, the gRNAs provided herein may comprise one or more 2'-O and 3'-phosphorus modifications, such as 2'-O-methyl 3'thio PACE nucleotides. In some embodiments, the gRNA comprises a 2'-O and 3' phosphorus modification, such as 2'-O-methyl 3'thio PACE nucleotides, at the 5' end of the gRNA. In some embodiments, the gRNA comprises a 2'-O and 3' phosphorus modification, such as 2'-O-methyl 3'thio PACE nucleotides, at the 3' end of the gRNA. In some embodiments, the gRNA comprises a 2'-O and 3' phosphorus modification, such as 2'-O-methyl 3'thio PACE nucleotides, at the 5' and 3' ends of the gRNA. In some embodiments, the gRNA comprises a backbone in which one or more non-bridging oxygen atoms are replaced with a sulfur atom and one or more non-bridging oxygen atoms are replaced with an acetate group. In some embodiments, the gRNA is 2'-O modified and 3' phosphorus modified, e.g., 2'-O-methyl 3'thio PACE modified at the nucleotide at the 5' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA, and the third nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA. In some embodiments, the gRNA is 2'-O modified and 3' phosphorus modified, e.g., 2'-O-methyl 3'thio PACE modified at the nucleotide at the 3' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, and the third nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA. In some embodiments, the gRNA is 2'-O modified and 3' phosphorus modified, e.g., 2'-O-methyl 3'thio PACE modified at the nucleotide at the 5' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA, the third nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA, the nucleotide at the 3' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, and the third nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA. In some embodiments, the gRNA is 2'-O modified and 3' phosphorus modified, e.g., 2'-O-methyl 3' thio PACE modified at the second nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, the third nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, and the fourth nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA.In some embodiments, the nucleotide at the 3' end of the gRNA is not chemically modified. In some embodiments, the nucleotide at the 3' end of the gRNA does not have a chemically modified sugar. In some embodiments, the gRNA is 2'-O modified and 3' phosphorus modified, e.g., 2'-O-methyl 3' thio PACE modified at the nucleotide at the 5' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA, the third nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, the third nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, and the fourth nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA.

[0098] In some embodiments, the gRNA provided herein comprises a chemically modified backbone. In some embodiments, the gRNA comprises a phosphorothioate bond. In some embodiments, one or more non-bridging oxygen atoms are replaced with a sulfur atom. In some embodiments, the nucleotide at the 5' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA, and the third nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA each comprise a phosphorothioate bond. In some embodiments, the nucleotide at the 3' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, and the third nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA each comprise a phosphorothioate bond. In some embodiments, the nucleotide at the 5' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA, the third nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA, the nucleotide at the 3' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, and the third nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA each comprise a phosphorothioate bond. In some embodiments, the second nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, the third nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, and the fourth nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA each comprise a phosphorothioate bond. In some embodiments, the nucleotide at the 5' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA, the third nucleotide from the 5' end, the second nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, the third nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, and the fourth nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA each comprise a phosphorothioate bond.

[0099] In some embodiments, the gRNA provided herein comprises a thioPACE bond. In some embodiments, the gRNA comprises a backbone in which one or more non-bridging oxygen atoms are replaced with a sulfur atom and one or more non-bridging oxygen atoms are replaced with an acetate group. In some embodiments, the nucleotide at the 5' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA, and the third nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA each comprise a thioPACE bond. In some embodiments, the nucleotide at the 3' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, and the third nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA each comprise a thioPACE bond. In some embodiments, the nucleotide at the 5' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA, the third nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA, the nucleotide at the 3' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, and the third nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA each comprise a thioPACE bond. In some embodiments, the second nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, the third nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, and the fourth nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA each comprise a ThioPACE bond. In some embodiments, the nucleotide at the 5' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA, the third nucleotide from the 5' end, the second nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, the third nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, and the fourth nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA each comprise a ThioPACE bond.

[0100] In some embodiments, the gRNAs described herein comprise one or more 2'-O-methyl-3'-phosphorothioate nucleotides, e.g., at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 2'-O-methyl-3'-phosphorothioate nucleotides. In some embodiments, the gRNAs described herein comprise modified nucleotides (e.g., 2'-O-methyl-3'-phosphorothioate nucleotides) at one or more of the three terminal positions and the 5' end, and / or at one or more of the three terminal positions and the 3' end. In some embodiments, the nucleotide at the 5' end of the gRNA, the second nucleotide from the 5' end of the gRNA, the third nucleotide from the 5' end, the second nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, the third nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA, and the fourth nucleotide from the 3' end of the gRNA each comprise a 2'-O-methyl-3'-phosphorothioate nucleotide. In some embodiments, the gRNA may include one or more modified nucleotides, e.g., as described in PCT Publication Nos. WO2017 / 214460, WO2016 / 089433, and WO2016 / 164356, which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0101] The gRNA provided herein can be delivered to cells in any suitable manner. For example, various suitable methods have been described for the delivery of CRISPR / Cas systems, including RNPs that include gRNAs bound to RNA-guided nucleases, and exemplary suitable methods include, but are not limited to, electroporation of RNPs into cells, electroporation of mRNAs and gRNAs encoding CRISPR / Cas nucleases into cells, various protein or nucleic acid transfection methods, and delivery of coding RNA or DNA via viral vectors, such as, for example, retroviral (e.g., lentiviral) vectors. Any suitable delivery method is encompassed by the present disclosure, which is not limited in this respect.

[0102] In some embodiments, the gRNAs described herein can guide a CRISPR / Cas nuclease to a target site sequence and induce cleavage of one or both strands of DNA at the target site sequence.

[0103] Genetically engineered cells and related compositions Aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods for producing genetic modifications (e.g., mutations) in the genome of a cell in a sequential manner. In some embodiments, the methods described herein produce genetically engineered cells with more than one genetic modification (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) resulting from sequential editing at a first target site, followed by editing at a second target site, and so on. In some embodiments, the method includes contacting a cell or cell population with (i) a first gRNA comprising a targeting domain that binds to the first target sequence, and (ii) an RNA-guided nuclease that binds to the first gRNA to form a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex that binds to the first target sequence. In some embodiments, binding of the RNP complex to the first target sequence generates a double-stranded break in DNA at or proximal to the first target sequence. In some embodiments, the method comprises contacting a cell or cell population with (i) a second gRNA comprising a targeting domain that binds to a second target sequence, and (ii) an RNA-guided nuclease that binds to the second gRNA to form a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex that binds to the second target sequence, wherein the contacting of the cell or cell population with the first gRNA and the RNA-guided nuclease and the contacting of the cell or cell population with the second gRNA and the RNA-guided nuclease are performed consecutively at time intervals. In some embodiments, the binding of the RNP complex to the second target sequence causes a double-stranded break in DNA at or near the second target sequence. In some embodiments, the first targeting domain and the second targeting domain are different, e.g., do not have the same nucleotide sequence and do not bind to the same target sequence.

[0104] As described herein and as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the generation of a double-stranded break (DSB) in the DNA of a cell, for example, by contacting the cell with a gRNA and an RNA-guided nuclease that targets a targeting sequence in the genome of the cell, can be repaired by the cell using any applicable DNA repair mechanism. Generally, the DSB can be repaired, for example, by ("NHEJ", also known as classical non-homologous end joining ("c-NHEJ"), microhomology-mediated end joining ("MMEJ", also known as alternative end joining ("alt-EJ")), or homology-directed recombination ("HDR") pathways.

[0105] In some embodiments, the method of the present disclosure involves introducing a modification into a first target sequence, the modification making a double-stranded break that is recognized / degraded by the cellular DNA repair machinery, and then introducing a modification into a second target sequence, the modification making a double-stranded break that is recognized / degraded by the cellular DNA repair machinery. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the kinetics associated with different cellular DNA repair mechanisms determine the rate at which genomic DNA breaks are repaired, i.e., how long the breaks persist (e.g., after contacting the cell with gRNA and RNA-guided nuclease). See, e.g., Chang et al. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol. (2017) 18(8): 495-506, and Kochan et al. Nucleic Acids Res. (2017) Dec 15; 45(22): 12625-12637. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that NHEJ repairs double-stranded breaks more rapidly than other repair pathways. Furthermore, the DNA repair pathway used to recognize and repair the double strand break will affect the resulting modification (e.g., insertion, deletion, translocation) and the size of the modification (e.g., number of nucleotides inserted, deleted). To minimize the time that the cells of the methods disclosed herein contain multiple breaks in their genomic DNA and thus reduce / minimize the risk of translocation events, the first target sequence to be modified can be selected such that the DSB is preferentially recognized / repaired by the DNA repair machinery before the modification in the second target sequence. In some embodiments, the first gRNA contacted with the cell or cell population can be selected such that the DSB generated with the gRNA and RNA-guided nuclease is preferentially recognized / repaired by the DNA repair machinery before contacting the cell or cell population with the second gRNA.

[0106] In some embodiments, the order of genetic modifications is selected based on the predicted rate of DNA repair of DSBs. For example, in some embodiments, DSBs predicted to be degraded / repaired at a faster rate are selected as the first genetic modification before DSBs predicted to be degraded / repaired at a slower rate. In some embodiments, contacting a cell or cell population with a first gRNA and an RNA-guided nuclease results in a fast-resolving double-strand break. In some embodiments, contacting a cell or cell population with a second gRNA and an RNA-guided nuclease results in a fast-resolving double-strand break. In some embodiments, contacting a cell or cell population with a second gRNA and an RNA-guided nuclease results in a slow-resolving double-strand break. Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that the nature of the double-strand break (e.g., the presence or absence of a 3' and / or 5' overhang, the length of the overhang, the presence of a blunt end) affects the rate at which the double-strand break is recognized and / or resolved (e.g., to generate an insertion or deletion) by cellular DNA repair processes.

[0107] As used herein, a fast-resolving double-stranded break is a double-stranded break that is detectable in less than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, or 48 hours after contacting a cell or population of cells with a break generating agent (e.g., a gRNA and an RNA-guided nuclease). In some embodiments, the fast-resolving double-stranded breaks are detectable in a cell or cell population in less than 14, 12, 10, 8, 6, 4, 2, or 1 hour after contacting the cell or cell population with a cleavage generating agent (e.g., gRNA and RNA-guided nuclease). In some embodiments, the fast-resolving double-stranded breaks are detectable in a cell or cell population in less than 120, 110, 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, 5, or 1 minute after contacting the cell or cell population with a cleavage generating agent (e.g., gRNA and RNA-guided nuclease).

[0108] As used herein, a slow-resolving double-stranded break is a double-stranded break that is detectable at least 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, or 72 hours after contacting a cell or cell population with a break generating agent (e.g., a gRNA and an RNA-guided nuclease). In some embodiments, the slow-resolving double-stranded breaks are detectable in the cell or cell population at least 24, 28, 32, 36, or 40 hours after contacting the cell or cell population with the break-generating agent (e.g., gRNA and RNA-guided nuclease). Without wishing to be bound by theory, by selecting the first target sequence and / or the first gRNA such that the modification to the first target sequence contains a fast-resolving double-stranded break, in conjunction with the modification to the second target sequence, the overlap time that the cell contains two double-stranded breaks in the genome is minimized or eliminated, thereby reducing the level of translocation products or eliminating the risk of translocation products.

[0109] In some embodiments, the first target sequence to be modified may be selected such that the DSB is preferentially recognized / repaired by the NHEJ repair machinery. In some embodiments, the first gRNA that contacts the cell or cell population may be selected such that the DSB generated using the gRNA and the RNA-guided nuclease is preferentially recognized / repaired by the NHEJ repair machinery.

[0110] In some embodiments, the second target sequence to be modified may be selected such that the DSB is preferentially recognized / repaired by NHEJ or non-NHEJ repair mechanisms (e.g., homologous recombination or MMEJ). In some embodiments, the second target sequence to be modified may be selected such that the DSB is preferentially recognized / repaired by MMEJ repair mechanisms. In some embodiments, the second gRNA contacted with the cell or cell population may be selected such that the DSB generated using the gRNA and RNA-guided nuclease is preferentially recognized / repaired by NHEJ or non-NHEJ repair mechanisms (e.g., homologous recombination or MMEJ). In some embodiments, the second gRNA contacted with the cell or cell population may be selected such that the DSB generated using the gRNA and RNA-guided nuclease is preferentially recognized / repaired by MMEJ repair mechanisms.

[0111] In some embodiments, contacting the cell or cell population with the first gRNA and RNA-guided nuclease and contacting the cell or cell population with the second gRNA and RNA-guided nuclease are separated by a time interval. The time interval can be selected based on factors, for example, that ensure that the break in the DNA associated with the modification to the first target domain is substantially (e.g., completely) repaired (e.g., generating an insertion or deletion) before forming a different break in the DNA associated with the modification to the second target domain. In some embodiments, the time interval is sufficient to ensure that at least 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45%, 50%, 55%, 60%, 65%, 70%, 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, or 100% of the DSB is repaired before contacting the cell or cell population with the second gRNA and RNA-guided nuclease.

[0112] In some embodiments, the time interval between the first double-stranded break generating step (e.g., contacting the cell with a first gRNA and an RNA-guided nuclease) and the second double-stranded break generating step (e.g., contacting the cell with a second gRNA and an RNA-guided nuclease) is at least 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 6, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100 hours (and optionally up to 100, 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, or 20 hours).In some embodiments, the time interval between the first double-stranded break generating step (e.g., between contacting the cell with a first gRNA and an RNA-guided nuclease) and the second double-stranded break generating step (e.g., between contacting the cell with a second gRNA and an RNA-guided nuclease) is between 10-100, 12-100, 15-100, 18-100, 20-100, 24-100, 28-100, 30-100, 36-100, 42-100, 48-100, 50-50, 60-60, 70-70, 80-80, 90-90, 100-110, 120-120, 130-140, 140-150, 150-160, 170-180, 180-190, 200-2100, 220-230, 240-250, 260-270, 280-290, 290-300, 300-3100, 320-330, 340-350, 360-370, 380-390, 390-400, 420-4100, 440-450, 460-470, 480-480, 480-510, 480-490, 490-520, 530-540, 550-560, 570-580, 590-600, 600-6100, 610-620, 620-630, 6 ~100, 54~100, 60~100, 70~100, 80~100, 90~100, 10~80, 12~80, 15~80, 18~80, 20~80, 24~80, 28~80, 30~80, 36~80, 42~80, 48~80, 54~80, 60~80, 70~80, 10~60, 12~60, 15~60, 18~60, 20~60, 24~60, 28~60, 30~60, 36~60, 42~60, 48~60, 54~60, 10~5 4, 12~54, 15~54, 18~54, 20~54, 24~54, 28~54, 30~54, 36~54, 42~54, 48~54, 10~48, 12~48, 15~48, 18~48, 20~48, 24~48, 28~48, 30~48, 36~48, 42~48, 10~42, 12~42, 15~42, 18~42, 20~42, 24~42, 28~42, 30~42, 36~42, 10~36, 12~36, 15~36, 18~36 , 20-36, 24-36, 28-36, 30-36, 10-30, 12-30, 15-30, 18-30, 20-30, 24-30, 28-30, 10-28, 12-28, 15-28, 18-28, 20-28, 24-28, 10-24, 12-24, 15-24, 18-24, 20-24, 10-20, 12-20, 15-20, 18-20, 10-18, 12-18, 15-18, 10-15, 12-15, or 10-12 hours. In some embodiments, the time interval between the first double-stranded break generating step (e.g., contacting the cell with a first gRNA and an RNA-guided nuclease) and the second double-stranded break generating step (e.g., contacting the cell with a second gRNA and an RNA-guided nuclease) is about 30 hours.

[0113] As described herein, the present disclosure is based in part on the discovery that the order and / or timing of successive genetic modifications can contribute to the level of undesired translocation products produced in a cell or cell population.Without wishing to be bound by theory, it is believed that while it is desirable to produce genetically engineered cells that contain multiple genomic DNA modifications, the presence of multiple breaks (e.g., double-strand breaks) in the genomic DNA of the cell at substantially the same time should be reduced or avoided to reduce the possibility that the DNA repair mechanism of the cell will repair the breaks in a manner that produces translocation products.

[0114] The term "translocation product" is used herein to refer to a nucleic acid that includes at least two portions of genomic DNA that do not naturally occur in close proximity to each other. For example, a portion of a first chromosome and a portion of a second chromosome may be joined, resulting in a fusion of the first chromosome and the second chromosome (e.g., a chromosomal rearrangement). Alternatively, a first portion of a chromosome and a second portion of the same chromosome may be joined in an orientation that does not occur in nature, such as an inversion. See, for example, Modern Genetic Analysis. "Chromosomal Rearrangements" Griffiths AJF, Gelbart WM, Miller JH, et al. New York: WH Freeman; 1999. In some embodiments, the translocation product is formed by a cellular DNA repair mechanism that repairs multiple breaks in genomic DNA. Figure 3 shows some exemplary translocation products, including acentric, dicentric, and balanced products. In some embodiments, the translocation product includes most or all of one naturally occurring chromosome or two naturally occurring chromosomes. In some embodiments, the translocation product comprises less than 50, 40, 30, 20, or 10% of a naturally occurring chromosome. In some embodiments, the translocation product comprises a single centromere. In some embodiments, the translocation product comprises more than one centromere, for example, two centromeres (i.e., the translocation product is dicentric). In some embodiments, the translocation product does not comprise a centromere (i.e., the translocation product is acentric). In some embodiments, the translocation product is balanced, meaning that no genetic information is removed or duplicated. Examples of balanced translocation products include reciprocal translocations and inversions. In a reciprocal translocation, two acentric fragments of two chromosomes are exchanged (see FIG. 3, schematic of "balanced"). In an inverted translocation, more than two fragments of a chromosome are generated, and the fragments are arranged in an inverted orientation. In some embodiments, the translocation product is an imbalance, such as a deletion (loss of genetic information) and a duplication (duplication of genetic information).

[0115] The term "translocation product cell" is used herein to refer to a cell that contains one or more translocation products. The presence of a translocation product and the type of translocation product (e.g., acentric, dicentric, and balanced) can be assessed by methods known in the art, such as DNA sequencing, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the product.

[0116] The disclosed method may employ one or more measures to reduce or eliminate the formation of translocation products and translocation product cells containing the translocation products. For example, the methods described herein involve introducing a modification into a first target domain in a first step, and introducing a modification into a second target domain in a second step, the two steps being separated by a time interval (e.g., selected to reduce or eliminate the occurrence of overlapping double-stranded breaks). As a further example, the methods described herein may involve introducing a modification into a first target domain, the modification comprising making a double-stranded break that is recognized / degraded by NHEJ, and then introducing a modification into a second target domain, the modification comprising making a double-stranded break that is recognized / degraded by any cellular DNA repair mechanism (e.g., NHEJ or non-NHEJ pathway, e.g., homologous recombination or MMEJ). As a further example, the methods of the disclosure may introduce a modification into a first target domain, where the modification comprises performing a fast-resolving double-stranded break, and then introduce a modification into a second target domain, where the modification comprises performing a fast or slow-resolving double-stranded break (e.g., a slow-resolving double-stranded break).

[0117] In some embodiments, the methods of the disclosure include introducing a modification into a first target domain that includes a sequence encoding a first lineage-specific cell surface antigen, and then introducing a modification into a second target domain that includes a sequence encoding a lineage-specific cell surface antigen. In some embodiments, the first lineage-specific cell surface antigen is CD33. In some embodiments, the second lineage-specific cell surface antigen is CD19, CLL-1, or CD5.

[0118] In some embodiments, the methods described herein produce a subpopulation of translocation product cells. In some embodiments, each translocation product cell comprises at least one translocation product. In some embodiments, the translocation product comprises a nucleic acid (e.g., a part of a genome) that comprises a first target domain or a part thereof and a second target domain or a part thereof. The translocation product can be formed by cellular DNA repair of a double-strand break at or near the first target domain and a double-strand break at or near the second target domain in a manner that connects the first target domain or a part thereof to the second target domain or a part thereof. For example, see FIG. 3.

[0119] In some embodiments, the methods described herein produce at least 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100% fewer translocation product cells compared to the number (or percentage) of translocation product cells produced using a method that introduces a modification to a second target sequence (e.g., contacting a cell with a second gRNA) before introducing a modification to a first target sequence (e.g., contacting a cell with a first gRNA). In some embodiments, the methods disclosed herein provide a method for introducing a modification into a second target sequence (e.g., contacting a cell with a second gRNA) prior to introducing a modification into a first target sequence (e.g., contacting a cell with a first gRNA) that is greater than or equal to 1-10%, 1-20%, 1-30%, 1-40%, 1-50%, 1-60%, 1-70%, 1-80%, 1-90%, 1-100%, 10-20%, 10-30%, 10-40%, 10-50%, 10-60%, 10-70%, 10-80%, 10-90%, 10-100%, 20-30%, 20-40%, 20-50%, 20-60%, 20-70%, 20-80%, 20-90%, 2 ... 0%, 20~40%, 20~50%, 20~60%, 20~70%, 20~80%, 20~90%, 20~100%, 30~40%, 30~50%, 30~60%, 30~70%, 30~80%, 30~90%, 30~100%, 40~50%, 40~60%, 40~70%, 40~80%, 40~90 %, 40-100%, 50-60%, 50-70%, 50-80%, 50-90%, 50-100%, 60-70%, 60-80%, 60-90%, 70-100%, 70-80%, 70-90%, 70-100%, 80-90%, 80-100%, or 90-100% fewer translocation product cells.

[0120] In some embodiments, the methods described herein produce at least 1, 3, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, or 100% fewer translocation product cells compared to the number (or percentage) of translocation product cells produced using a method that involves introducing modifications into a first target sequence and a second target sequence at substantially the same time (e.g., simultaneously), e.g., contacting cells with a first gRNA and a second gRNA at substantially the same time. In some embodiments, the methods disclosed herein provide a method for introducing modifications into a first target sequence and a second target sequence at substantially the same time (e.g., simultaneously), e.g., contacting cells with a first gRNA and a second gRNA at substantially the same time, such that the number (or percentage) of translocation product cells produced is 1-10%, 1-20%, 1-30%, 1-40%, 1-50%, 1-60%, 1-70%, 1-80%, 1-90%, 1-100%, 10-20%, 10-30%, 10-40%, 10-50%, 10-60%, 10-70%, 10-80%, 10-90%, 10-100%, 20-30%, 20-40%, 20-50%, 20-60%, 20-70%, 20-80%, 20-90%, 2 ...100%, 20-20%, 20-30%, 20-40%, 20-50%, 20-60%, 20-70%, 20-80%, 20-90%, 20-100%, 20-20%. ~30%, 20~40%, 20~50%, 20~60%, 20~70%, 20~80%, 20~90%, 20~100%, 30~40%, 30~50%, 30~60%, 30~70%, 30~80%, 30~90%, 30~100%, 40~50%, 40~60%, 40~70%, 40~80%, 40~9 producing 0%, 40-100%, 50-60%, 50-70%, 50-80%, 50-90%, 50-100%, 60-70%, 60-80%, 60-90%, 70-100%, 70-80%, 70-90%, 70-100%, 80-90%, 80-100%, or 90-100% fewer translocation product cells.

[0121] Genetically engineered cells and compositions comprising or related to such cells In some aspects, the present disclosure provides a method for effectively generating multiple (e.g., at least 2, 3, 4, 5, or more) genetic modifications (e.g., mutations) in the genome of a cell in a manner that reduces the risk of a translocation event (translocation product) or a translocation event. In some aspects, the present disclosure is directed to cells and cell populations, including a genetically engineered cell or a plurality of genetically engineered cells, the genetically engineered cell comprising a first genomic modification and a second genomic modification, the first target domain being different from the second target domain, and the first genomic modification being made before the second genomic modification. In some embodiments, the first genomic modification comprises an insertion or deletion within or immediately proximal to the first target domain in the genome of the genetically engineered cell. In some embodiments, the first genomic modification is an insertion or deletion generated by NHEJ (e.g., NHEJ repair of a double-strand break). In some embodiments, the second genomic modification comprises an insertion or deletion within or immediately proximal to a third target domain in the genome of the genetically engineered cell. In some embodiments, the second genomic modification is an insertion or deletion generated by an NHEJ or non-NHEJ repair process (e.g., microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ) or homologous recombination) (e.g., NHEJ or non-NHEJ repair of a double-stranded break).

[0122] In some embodiments, the first genomic modification consists of an insertion or deletion within or immediately adjacent to a first target domain in the genome of the engineered cell, the insertion or deletion being generated by a fast-resolving double-strand break (e.g., repair of a fast-resolving double-strand break). In some embodiments, the second genomic modification consists of an insertion or deletion within or immediately adjacent to a second target domain in the genome of the engineered cell, the insertion or deletion being generated by a fast-resolving double-strand break or a slow-resolving double-strand break (e.g., repair of a fast-resolving double-strand break or a slow-resolving double-strand break).

[0123] In some embodiments, the cells produced using the methods described herein contain fewer translocation products than similar cells of other methods in which the first genome modification is performed after the second genome modification. In some embodiments, the cell populations produced using the methods described herein contain fewer translocation product cells than similar cell populations of other methods in which the first genome modification is performed after the second genome modification.

[0124] In some embodiments, cells produced using the methods described herein contain fewer translocation products than similar cells of other methods in which the first and second genomic modifications are performed at substantially the same time (e.g., simultaneously). In some embodiments, cells produced using the methods described herein contain fewer translocation products than similar cells of other methods in which the cells are contacted with a first gRNA comprising a first targeting domain at substantially the same time (e.g., simultaneously) as the cells are contacted with a second gRNA comprising a second targeting domain.

[0125] In some embodiments, the cell population produced using the methods described herein comprises fewer translocation product cells than a similar cell population of other methods in which the first genomic modification and the second genomic modification are performed at substantially the same time (e.g., simultaneously). In some embodiments, the cell population produced using the methods described herein comprises fewer translocation product cells than a similar cell population of other methods in which the cell population is contacted with a first gRNA comprising a first targeting domain at substantially the same time (e.g., simultaneously) as the cell population is contacted with a second gRNA comprising a second targeting domain. In some embodiments, less than 90, 80, 70, 60, 50, 40, 30, 20, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0.5, 0.25, or 0.1% (e.g., 0%) of the cells of the cell population are translocation product cells.

[0126] Thus, provided herein are genetically engineered cells, populations thereof, and cells derived therefrom, produced using the methods described herein (e.g., using the oligonucleotides described herein), as well as pharmaceutical compositions comprising the cells, e.g., one or more pharma- ceutically acceptable carriers and / or excipients.

[0127] The methods described herein may be applied to any cell or cell type that can be genetically engineered using the CRISPR / Cas system described herein. In some embodiments, the cell is a eukaryotic cell. In some embodiments, the cell is a mammalian cell, a yeast cell, a fungal cell, or a plant cell. In some embodiments, the cell is a human cell or a mouse cell. In some embodiments, the cell may be obtained from a subject, such as a human subject. In some embodiments, the cell may be obtained from a human subject, such as a human subject having a disease or disorder, such as a hematopoietic malignancy. In some embodiments, the cell is obtained from a healthy donor. Methods for obtaining mammalian cells, such as hematopoietic stem cells, are described, for example, in PCT / US2016 / 057339, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. In some embodiments, the mammalian subject is a non-human primate, a rodent (e.g., a mouse or rat), a cow, a pig, a horse, or a livestock animal.

[0128] In some embodiments, the HSCs are obtained from a subject to whom the immune cells expressing the chimeric receptor are subsequently administered. Cells administered to the same subject from whom the cells were obtained are referred to as autologous cells, while cells obtained from a subject other than the subject to whom the cells are administered are referred to as allogeneic cells.

[0129] In some embodiments, the cells provided herein are stem cells. In some embodiments, the stem cells are embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, umbilical cord blood stem cells, or amniotic fluid stem cells. In some embodiments, the stem cells are hematopoietic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells, neural stem cells, epithelial stem cells, or skin stem cells. In some embodiments, the cells provided herein are progenitor cells that are derived from stem cells and can differentiate into multiple cell types.

[0130] In some embodiments, the cells provided herein are hematopoietic cells, such as hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) or hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs). In some embodiments, the cells provided herein are hematopoietic stem cells or hematopoietic progenitor cells. Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) can typically give rise to both myeloid and lymphoid progenitor cells, which further give rise to myeloid cells (e.g., monocytes, macrophages, neutrophils, basophils, dendritic cells, erythrocytes, platelets, etc.) and lymphoid cells (e.g., T cells, B cells, NK cells), respectively. HSCs are characterized by the expression of cell surface marker CD34 (e.g., CD34+), which can be used to identify and / or isolate HSCs, and the absence of cell surface markers associated with lineage commitment. In some embodiments, the HSCs are peripheral blood HSCs.

[0131] In some embodiments, the cells provided herein are immune effector cells. In some embodiments, the immune effector cells are lymphocytes. In some embodiments, the immune effector cells are T lymphocytes. In some embodiments, the T lymphocytes are alpha / beta T lymphocytes. In some embodiments, the T lymphocytes are gamma / delta T lymphocytes. In some embodiments, the immune effector cells are natural killer T (NKT cells). In some embodiments, the immune effector cells are natural killer (NK) cells.

[0132] One of skill in the art will recognize, however, that the provision of such examples is for purposes of illustrating certain embodiments, and that additional suitable cells and cell types will be apparent to those of skill in the art based on the present disclosure, which is not limited in this respect.

[0133] In some embodiments, the genetically engineered cells provided herein comprise more than one genomic modification, for example, more than one genomic modification that results in the reduction or loss of expression of a protein, for example, a protein encoded or regulated by a target site sequence, or a variant form of a protein. It will be understood that the gene editing methods provided herein may result in genomic modifications in one or both alleles of a target locus. In some embodiments, genetically engineered cells that comprise genomic modifications in both alleles of a given locus are preferred.

[0134] In some embodiments, a genetic modification that affects both alleles of a target locus is referred to herein as a "biallelic" modification. In some embodiments, the gene editing approach of the present invention results in a biallelic deletion of the target locus. Examples of target loci that can undergo an editing procedure that results in a biallelic deletion include CD33 and CLL-1, and in some embodiments, the biallelic deletion is characterized by a genetic analysis that reflects the percentage of cells in a given population that contain a biallelic deletion of CD33 and / or CLL-1. In some embodiments, the genetic analysis used to detect or characterize the biallelic deletion includes an indel analysis using TIDE analysis of NGS data. In some embodiments, the methods and compositions of the present invention result in a biallelic deletion of CD33 and / or CLL-1 in more than 80% of cells in a population electroporated with RNPs directed against CD33 and / or CLL-1 as the target locus. In some embodiments, greater than 80% of the cells in the population comprise a biallelic deletion of CD33 and / or CLL-1, meaning the desired editing outcome is present in 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% of the cells in the population.

[0135] In some embodiments, the genetically engineered cells provided herein contain two or more genomic modifications. For example, a population of genetically engineered cells can contain multiple different mutations, for example, two or more mutations at the same or different loci in the cells.

[0136] As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the compositions and methods described herein can be used to modify any genetic locus in a cell, including, for example, protein-coding sequences, non-protein-coding sequences, chromosomal sequences, and extrachromosomal sequences.Thus, the targeting domain of a gRNA can be designed to target any genetic locus (i.e., target site sequence), such as the target site sequence adjacent to the PAM sequence of the corresponding CRISPR / Cas nuclease.

[0137] In some embodiments, the targeting domain of a gRNA (e.g., a first gRNA, a second gRNA) targets a cell surface protein, such as a type 0, type 1, or type 2 cell surface protein. See, e.g., PCT Publication No. WO2017 / 066760. In some embodiments, the targeting domain targets BCMA, CD19, CD20, CD30, ROR1, B7H6, B7H3, CD23, CD33, CD38, C-type lectin-like molecule-1 (CLL-1, also referred to herein as CLL1), CS1, IL-5, L1-CAM, PSCA, PSMA, CD138, CD133, CD70, CD5, CD6, CD7, CD13, NKG2D, NKG2D ligand, CLEC12A, CD11, CD123, CD56, CD34, CD14, CD66b, CD41, CD61, CD62, CD235a, CD146, CD326, LMP2, CD22, CD52, CD10, CD3 / TCR, CD79 / BCR, and / or CD26.

[0138] In some embodiments, the targeting domain of the gRNA (e.g., first gRNA, second gRNA) is a targeting domain that targets a neoplastic or malignant disease or disorder, such as, but not limited to, CD20, CD22 (non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, B-cell lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)), CD52 (B-cell CLL), CD33 (acute myeloid leukemia (AML)), CD10 (gp100) (common (pre-B) acute lymphocytic leukemia and malignant melanoma), C They target cell surface proteins associated with certain types of cancer, such as D3 / T cell receptor (TCR) (T cell lymphomas and leukemias), CD79 / B cell receptor (BCR) (B cell lymphomas and leukemias), CD26 (epithelial and lymphoid malignancies), human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR, HLA-DP, and HLA-DQ (lymphoid malignancies), RCAS1 (gynecologic, biliary, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas), and prostate-specific membrane antigen.

[0139] Additional non-limiting examples of cell surface proteins include CD1a, CD1b, CD1c, CD1d, CD1e, CD2, CD3, CD3d, CD3e, CD3g, CD4, CD5, CD6, CD7, CD8a, CD8b, CD9, CD10, CD11a, CD11b, CD11c, CD11d, CDw12, CD13, CD14, CD15, CD16, CD16b, CD17, CD18, CD19, CD20, CD21, CD22, CD23, CD24, CD25, CD26, CD27, CD28, CD29, CD30, CD31, CD32a, CD32b , CD32c, CD34, CD35, CD36, CD37, CD38, CD39, CD40, CD41, CD42a, CD42b, CD42c, CD42d, CD43, CD44, CD45, CD45RA, CD45RB, CD45RC, CD45RO, CD46, CD47, C D48, CD49a, CD49b, CD49c, CD49d, CD49e, CD49f, CD50, CD51, CD52, CD53, CD54, CD55, CD56, CD57, CD58, CD59, CD60a, CD61, CD62E, CD62L, CD62P, CD63, C D64a, CD65, CD65s, CD66a, CD66b, CD66c, CD66F, CD68, CD69, CD70, CD71, CD72, CD73, CD74, CD75, CD75S, CD77, CD79a, CD79b, CD80, CD81, CD82, CD83, CD 84, CD85A, CD85C, CD85D, CD85E, CD85F, CD85G, CD85H, CD85I, CD85J, CD85K, CD86, CD87, CD88, CD89, CD90, CD91, CD92, CD93, CD94, CD95, CD96, CD97, CD 98, CD99, CD99R, CD100, CD101, CD102, CD103, CD104, CD105, CD106, CD107a, CD107b, CD108, CD109, CD110, CD111, CD112, CD113, CD114, CD115, CD116, C D117, CD118, CD119, CD120a, CD120b, CD121a, CD121b, CD121a, CD121b, CD122, CD123, CD124, CD125, CD126, CD127, CD129, CD130, CD131, CD132, CD133,<h2 style=";text-align:left;direction:ltr">CD134、CD135、CD136、CD137、CD138、CD139、CD140a、CD140b、CD141、CD142、 CD143、CD14、CDw145、CD146、CD147、CD148、CD150、CD152、CD152、CD153、CD1 54, CD155, CD156a, CD156b, CD156c, CD157, CD158b1, CD158b2, CD158d, CD158e1 / e2, CD158f, CD158g, CD158h, CD158i, CD158j, CD158k, CD159a, CD159c 、CD160、CD161、CD163、CD164、CD165、CD166、CD167a、CD168、CD169、CD170、 CD171、CD172a、CD172b、CD172g、CD173、CD174、CD175、CD175s、CD176、CD177 、CD178、CD179a、CD179b、CD180、CD181、CD182、CD183、CD184、CD185、CD186 、CD191、CD192、CD193、CD194、CD195、CD196、CD197、CDw198、CDw199、CD200、 CD201、CD202b、CD203c、CD204、CD205、CD206、CD207、CD208、CD209、CD210a 、CDw210b、CD212、CD213a1、CD213a2、CD215、CD217、CD218a、CD218b、CD220、 CD221、CD222、CD223、CD224、CD225、CD226、CD227、CD228、CD229、CD230、CD 231、CD232、CD233、CD234、CD235a、CD235b、CD236、CD236R、CD238、CD239、CD 240, CD241, CD242, CD243, CD244, CD245, CD246, CD247, CD248, CD249, CD252, CD253, CD254, CD256, CD257, CD258, CD261, CD262, CD263, CD264, CD265, C D266, CD267, CD268, CD269, CD270, CD272, CD272, CD273, CD274, CD275, CD276, CD277, CD278, CD279, CD280, CD281, CD282, CD283, CD284, CD286, CD288CD289, CD290, CD292, CDw293, CD294, CD295, CD296, CD297, CD298, CD299, CD300a, CD300c, CD300e, CD301, CD302, CD303, CD3 04, CD305, CD306, CD307a, CD307b, CD307c, CD307d, CD307e, CD309, CD312, CD314, CD315, CD316, CD317, CD318, CD319, CD320 , CD321, CD322, CD324, CD325, CD326, CD327, CD328, CD329, CD331, CD332, CD333, CD334, CD335, CD336, CD337, CD338, CD339, CD340, CD344, CD349, CD350, CD351, CD352, CD353, CD354, CD355, CD357, CD358, CD359, CD360, CD361, CD362, or CD363.

[0140] Compositions and methods (e.g., exemplary gRNAs) for gene editing and / or inhibition of genes encoding cell surface proteins (e.g., lineage-specific antigens) are known to those of skill in the art and include, but are not limited to, those taught in PCT published publications WO2017 / 066760, WO2020 / 047164A1, WO2020 / 150478A1, WO2020 / 237217A1, WO2021 / 041971A1, and WO2021 / 041977A1, which are incorporated by reference in their entireties. Additional compositions and methods for gene editing and / or gene inhibition (e.g., exemplary gRNAs) are known to those of skill in the art and include, but are not limited to, those taught in PCT publications WO2017 / 186718A1 and WO2018 / 083071A1, and Mandal et al. Cell Stem Cell. (2014) 15(5):643-52, which are incorporated by reference in their entireties.

[0141] In some embodiments, the first gRNA comprises a targeting domain that binds to a target sequence in CD33. In some embodiments, the first target sequence is within or associated with the gene encoding CD33. In some embodiments, the second gRNA targets a second lineage-specific cell surface antigen, e.g., a lineage-specific cell surface antigen selected from BCMA, CD19, CD20, CD30, ROR1, B7H6, B7H3, CD23, CD33, CD38, C-type lectin-like molecule-1 (CLL-1), CS1, IL-5, L1-CAM, PSCA, PSMA, CD138, CD133, CD70, CD5, CD6, CD7, CD13, NKG2D, NKG2D ligand, CLEC12A, CD11, CD123, CD56, CD34, CD14, CD66b, CD41, CD61, CD62, CD235a, CD146, CD326, LMP2, CD22, CD52, CD10, CD3 / TCR, CD79 / BCR, and / or CD26. In some embodiments, the first gRNA binds to a target sequence in CD33, and the second gRNA binds to a target sequence in CD19. In some embodiments, the first gRNA binds to a target sequence in CD33, and the second gRNA binds to a target sequence in CD5. In some embodiments, the first gRNA binds to a target sequence in CD33, and the second gRNA binds to a target sequence in CLL-1. In some embodiments, the first gRNA binds to a target sequence in CLL-1, and the second gRNA binds to a target sequence in CD33.

[0142] In some embodiments, the first gRNA comprises a targeting domain that binds to a target sequence in CD5. In some embodiments, the first target sequence is within or associated with the gene encoding CD5. In some embodiments, the second gRNA targets a second lineage-specific cell surface antigen, e.g., a lineage-specific cell surface antigen selected from BCMA, CD19, CD20, CD30, ROR1, B7H6, B7H3, CD23, CD33, CD38, C-type lectin-like molecule-1 (CLL-1), CS1, IL-5, L1-CAM, PSCA, PSMA, CD138, CD133, CD70, CD5, CD6, CD7, CD13, NKG2D, NKG2D ligand, CLEC12A, CD11, CD123, CD56, CD34, CD14, CD66b, CD41, CD61, CD62, CD235a, CD146, CD326, LMP2, CD22, CD52, CD10, CD3 / TCR, CD79 / BCR, and / or CD26. In some embodiments, the first gRNA binds to a target sequence in CD5 and the second gRNA binds to a target sequence in CD33.

[0143] The disclosed method may include contacting a cell with n different gRNAs, where n is an integer equal to or greater than 2, and where each of the n different gRNAs comprises a targeting domain complementary to a target sequence. In some embodiments, n is at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 (and optionally no more than 30, 25, 20, 15, or 10). In some embodiments, each of the n different gRNAs comprises a targeting domain complementary to a different target sequence, and each is separated by a time interval (e.g., a time interval sufficient to allow the previous DNA cut to be degraded / repaired or substantially degraded / repaired, thereby minimizing the risk of a translocation event).

[0144] In some embodiments, the mutations produced by the methods provided herein, e.g., mutations in a target gene, result in a loss of function of a gene product encoded by the target gene. In some embodiments, the loss of function is a reduction in the level of expression of the gene product, e.g., a reduction to a lower level of expression, or abolishment of expression of the gene product altogether. In some embodiments, the mutations result in expression of a variant of the gene product, such as a non-functional variant, or a variant with a different function compared to the wild-type counterpart. For example, in the case of a mutation that creates a premature stop codon in the coding sequence, a truncated gene product, or a mutation that creates a nonsense or missense mutation, the gene product is characterized by an altered amino acid sequence that renders the gene product non-functional. In some embodiments, the function of the gene product is to bind or recognize a binding partner. In some embodiments, the reduction in expression of the first protein, the second protein, or both is 50% or less, 40% or less, 30% or less, 20% or less, 10% or less, 5% or less, 2% or less, or 1% or less of the level in a wild-type or unengineered counterpart cell.

[0145] In some embodiments, expression of a protein encoded by a first gene comprising a first target sequence, a protein encoded by a second gene comprising a second target sequence, or both, on a genetically engineered cell (e.g., a genetically engineered hematopoietic cell) is compared to expression of the corresponding protein, or both, on a naturally occurring hematopoietic cell (e.g., a wild-type counterpart).

[0146] In some embodiments, expression of a first protein, a second protein, or both in a genetically engineered cell (e.g., a genetically engineered hematopoietic cell) is compared to expression of the first protein, the second protein, or both in a naturally occurring cell (e.g., a wild-type corresponding hematopoietic cell). In some embodiments, the genetic engineering results in a decrease in expression levels of the protein, the second protein, or both by at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, compared to expression of the first protein, the second protein, or both in a naturally occurring cell (e.g., a wild-type corresponding hematopoietic cell). For example, in some embodiments, the genetically engineered cell (e.g., the genetically engineered hematopoietic cell) expresses less than 20%, less than 19%, less than 18%, less than 17%, less than 16%, less than 15%, less than 14%, less than 13%, less than 12%, less than 11%, less than 10%, less than 9%, less than 8%, less than 7%, less than 6%, less than 5%, less than 4%, less than 3%, less than 2%, or less than 1% of the first protein, the second protein, or both, compared to a naturally occurring cell (e.g., a wild-type corresponding hematopoietic cell).

[0147] In some embodiments, expression of the first lineage-specific cell surface antigen, the second lineage-specific cell surface antigen, or both on the genetically engineered cells (e.g., genetically engineered hematopoietic cells) is compared to expression of the first lineage-specific cell surface antigen, the second lineage-specific cell surface antigen, or both on naturally occurring cells (e.g., wild-type corresponding hematopoietic cells). In some embodiments, the genetic engineering results in a decrease in the expression level of the first lineage-specific cell surface antigen, the second lineage-specific cell surface antigen, or both, by at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 91%, at least 92%, at least 93%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, or at least 99%, compared to expression of the first lineage-specific cell surface antigen, the second lineage-specific cell surface antigen, or both on naturally occurring cells (e.g., wild-type corresponding hematopoietic cells). For example, in some embodiments, the genetically engineered cell (e.g., the genetically engineered hematopoietic cell) expresses less than 20%, less than 19%, less than 18%, less than 17%, less than 16%, less than 15%, less than 14%, less than 13%, less than 12%, less than 11%, less than 10%, less than 9%, less than 8%, less than 7%, less than 6%, less than 5%, less than 4%, less than 3%, less than 2%, or less than 1% of a first lineage-specific cell surface antigen, a second lineage-specific cell surface antigen, or both, compared to a naturally occurring cell (e.g., a wild-type corresponding hematopoietic cell).

[0148] Method of administration to a subject in need thereof Some aspects of the present disclosure provide methods that include administering to a subject in need thereof a composition described herein, for example, a cell, a population of cells or progeny thereof genetically engineered via a method described herein, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the same. The cell, the population of cells, or the progeny thereof may comprise one or more modifications (e.g., genetic modifications) compared to a wild-type cell. In some embodiments, the cell, the population of cells, or the progeny thereof comprises a modification to a first gene compared to a wild-type cell of the same type. In some embodiments, the cell, the population of cells, or the progeny thereof comprises a modification to a second gene compared to a wild-type cell of the same type. The modified gene may correspond to any locus that can be targeted by the methods described herein, for example, a gene encoding a cell surface protein described herein.

[0149] In some embodiments, the method further involves administering to the subject a therapeutically effective amount of at least one agent that targets a product encoded by a wild-type copy of the modified gene. Without wishing to be bound by theory, administering an agent that targets a product encoded by a wild-type copy of the modified gene in combination with a cell, cell population, or progeny thereof that contains the modified gene can target cells in the subject (e.g., diseased cells, e.g., cancer cells) with the agent while not targeting, or targeting to a lesser extent, the cell, cell population, or progeny thereof. For example, such methods can be used in combination to selectively ablate or kill a targeted cell population in the subject while simultaneously replenishing the subject with new cells that are not vulnerable to the agent. As a further example, such methods can administer the agent as part of a cell, cell population, or progeny thereof (e.g., CAR-T therapy), thus avoiding or reducing cell fratricide. In some embodiments, administration of at least one agent that targets a product encoded by a wild-type copy of the modified gene occurs simultaneously or in close temporal proximity with administration of the cell, population, or progeny thereof, or pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments, administration of at least one agent targeting a product encoded by a wild-type copy of the modified gene occurs after administration of the cell, population, or progeny thereof, or pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments, administration of at least one agent targeting a product encoded by a wild-type copy of the modified gene occurs before administration of the cell, population, or progeny thereof, or pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments, when the cell, cell population, or progeny thereof comprises a modification to a first gene and a second gene compared to a wild-type cell of the same type, the method may comprise administering one or more (e.g., two agents) targeting the products of the first gene and the second gene (e.g., the wild-type copies of the first gene and the second gene).

[0150] The subject in need of administration, in some embodiments, is a subject undergoing or about to undergo immunotherapy targeting the product of the first gene and / or the second gene. The subject in need of administration, in some embodiments, is a subject having or diagnosed with a malignancy, such as cancer (e.g., cancer associated with the presence of cancer stem cells, hematopoietic malignancies, cancer characterized by expression of the product of the first and / or second gene). In some embodiments, a subject having such a malignancy may be a candidate for administration of an agent, such as an immunotherapeutic agent, that targets the product of the first gene and / or the second gene, but the risk of adverse on-target, off-disease effects may outweigh the expected or observed benefit to the subject. In some such embodiments, administration of the genetically engineered cells described herein results in amelioration of adverse on-target, off-disease effects, as the genetically engineered cells provided herein are not efficiently targeted by the agent.

[0151] In some embodiments, the malignancy is a hematological malignancy or blood cancer, hi some embodiments, the malignancy is a lymphoid malignancy or a myeloid malignancy.

[0152] In some embodiments, the malignancy is an autoimmune disease or disorder. Examples of autoimmune disorders include, but are not limited to, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, leukemia, graft-versus-host disease, lupus, and psoriasis.

[0153] In some embodiments, the malignancy is graft-versus-host disease.

[0154] Also within the scope of the present disclosure are malignancies that are considered relapsed and / or refractory, such as relapsed or refractory hematological malignancies. The subject in need of administration, in some embodiments, is or will be receiving immune effector cell therapy, e.g., CAR-T cell therapy, that targets the product of the first gene and / or the second gene, where the immune effector cells express a CAR that targets the product, and where at least a subset of the immune effector cells also express the product on their cell surface. As used herein, "fratricide" refers to self-killing. For example, cells of a population of cells kill or induce the killing of cells of the same population. In some embodiments, cells of the immune effector cell therapy kill or induce the killing of other cells of the immune effector cell therapy.

[0155] In such embodiments, fratricide ablates a portion or entire population of immune effector cells before a desired clinical outcome can be achieved, e.g., ablation of malignant cells expressing the product in a subject. In some such embodiments, engineered immune effector cells may be used to avoid such fratricide and the associated negative impact on treatment outcome, e.g., immune effector cells that do not express the product or do not express a variant of the product recognized by a CAR, as provided herein, as immune effector cells forming the basis of immune effector cell therapy. In such embodiments, engineered immune effector cells may be further modified to also express an agent (e.g., a CAR that targets the product), as provided herein, e.g., immune effector cells that do not express the product or do not express a variant of the product recognized by a CAR. In some embodiments, the immune effector cells may be lymphocytes, e.g., T lymphocytes, e.g., alpha / beta T lymphocytes, gamma / delta T lymphocytes, or natural killer T cells, etc. In some embodiments, the immune effector cells may be natural killer (NK) cells.

[0156] In some embodiments, an effective number of engineered cells described herein that include modifications in their genome are administered to a subject in need thereof, e.g., a subject that is undergoing or will be undergoing a therapy that targets the product of the first gene and / or the second gene, where the therapy is associated with, or is at risk of being associated with, adverse on-target, off-disease effects, e.g., in the form of cytotoxicity directed toward healthy cells in the subject that express the product. In some embodiments, an effective number of such engineered cells may be administered to a subject in combination with an agent that targets the product encoded by the first gene or the second gene.

[0157] It is understood that when genetically modified cells and an agent (e.g., an immunotherapeutic agent) that targets a product encoded by a first gene or a second gene are administered in combination, the cells and the agent can be administered at the same time or at different times, e.g., close in time.

[0158] For example, in some embodiments, administration in combination includes administration during the same course of treatment, e.g., during the course of treating a subject with an agent that targets the product (e.g., immunotherapy), where the subject may be administered an effective number of engineered cells simultaneously, concurrently, or sequentially, e.g., before, during, after treatment with the agent, and / or with respect to each other, and in any order with respect to the cells, cell populations, or progeny thereof. Additionally, the cells and agents may be mixed, or may be mixed in separate volumes or dosage forms.

[0159] In some embodiments, the agent targeting the product encoded by the first gene or its wild-type copy is an immunotherapeutic agent. In some embodiments, the agent targeting the product encoded by the first gene or its wild-type copy comprises an antigen-binding fragment that binds to the product encoded by the first gene or its wild-type copy. In some embodiments, the agent targeting the product encoded by the first gene or its wild-type copy comprises an antigen-binding fragment that binds to the product encoded by the second gene or its wild-type copy.

[0160] In some embodiments, the agent is an immune cell expressing a chimeric antigen receptor comprising an antigen binding fragment (e.g., a single chain antibody) capable of binding to a product produced by a first gene or a wild-type copy thereof. In some embodiments, the agent is an immune cell expressing a chimeric antigen receptor comprising an antigen binding fragment (e.g., a single chain antibody) capable of binding to a product produced by a second gene or a wild-type copy thereof. The immune cell can be, for example, a T cell (e.g., a CD4+ or CD8+ T cell) or a NK cell.

[0161] A chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) can comprise a recombinant polypeptide comprising at least an extracellular antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic signaling domain comprising a functional signaling domain, e.g., derived from a stimulatory molecule. In some embodiments, the cytoplasmic signaling domain further comprises one or more functional signaling domains derived from at least one co-stimulatory molecule, e.g., 4-1BB (i.e., CD137), CD27, and / or CD28, or fragments of those molecules. The extracellular antigen binding domain of the CAR can comprise an antibody fragment that binds to a product encoded by a first gene or a wild-type copy thereof, a product encoded by a second gene or a wild-type copy thereof, or both. The antibody fragment can comprise one or more CDRs, a variable region (or a portion thereof), a constant region (or a portion thereof), or a combination of any of the foregoing.

[0162] Chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) typically comprise an antigen binding domain, including, for example, an antibody fragment, fused to a CAR framework, which may include a hinge region (e.g., from CD8 or CD28), a transmembrane domain (e.g., from CD8 or CD28), one or more costimulatory domains (e.g., CD28 or 4-1BB), and a signaling domain (e.g., CD3 zeta). Exemplary sequences of CAR domains and components are provided, for example, in PCT Publication No. WO2019 / 178382 and in Table 2, below. [Table 2]

[0163] In some embodiments, the number of genetically engineered cells provided herein, e.g., HSCs, HPCs, or immune effector cells (e.g., CAR-expressing cells), administered to a subject in need thereof is greater than or equal to 10 6 ~10 11 However, amounts below or above this exemplary range are also within the scope of the present disclosure. For example, in some embodiments, the number of genetically engineered cells provided herein, e.g., HSCs, HPCs, or immune effector cells (e.g., CAR-expressing cells) administered to a subject in need thereof is about 10 6 , about 10 7 , about 10 8 , about 10 9 , about 10 10 , or about 10 11 In some embodiments, the number of genetically engineered cells provided herein, e.g., HSCs, HPCs, or immune effector cells (e.g., CAR-expressing cells), administered to a subject in need thereof is 10 6 ~10 9 Within the range of 10 6 ~10 8 Within the range of 10 7 ~10 9 Within the range of 10 7 ~10 10 Within the range of 10 8 ~10 10 Within the range of 10 9 ~10 11 is within the range.

[0164] In some embodiments, the agent targeting the product encoded by the first gene or its wild-type copy is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). The ADC can be a molecule comprising an antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof 5 conjugated with a toxin or drug molecule. Binding of the antibody or its fragment to the corresponding antigen allows delivery of the toxin or drug molecule to a cell (e.g., a target cell) that displays the antigen on its cell surface, thereby resulting in the death of the target cell.

[0165] Toxins or drugs suitable for use in antibody-drug conjugates are known in the art and will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art (see, e.g., Peters et al. Biosci. Rep. (2015) 35(4):e00225, Beck et al. Nature Reviews Drug Discovery (2017) 16:315-337, Marin-Acevedo et al. J. Hematol. Oncol. (2018) 11:8, Elgundi et al. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews (2017) 122:2-19).

[0166] In some embodiments, the antibody-drug conjugate may further comprise a linker (e.g., a peptide linker such as a cleavable linker) attaching the antibody and the drug molecule.

[0167] Examples of suitable toxins or drugs for antibody-drug conjugates include, but are not limited to, brentuximab vedotin, glembatumumab vedotin / CDX-011, depatuxizumab mafodotin / ABT-414, PSMA ADC, polatuzumab vedotin / RG7596 / DCDS4501A, denintuzumab mafodotin / SGN-CD19A, AGS-16C3F, CDX-014, RG7841 / DLYE5953A, RG7882 / DMUC406A, RG7986 / DCDS0780A, SGN-LIV1A, enfortomab vedotin / ASG-22ME, AG-15ME, AGS67E, terisotuzumab vedotin / ABBV-399, ABBV-221, ABBV-085, GSK-2857916, tisotuzumab vedotin / HuMax-TF-ADC, HuMax-Axl-ADC, pinatuzumab vedotin / RG7593 / DCDT2980S, rifastuzumab vedotin / RG7599 / DNIB0600A, indusatumab vedotin / MLN-0264 / TAK-264, bundletuzumab vedotin / RG7450 / DSTP3086S, sofituzumab vedotin / RG7458 / DMUC5754A, RG7600 / DMOT4039A, RG7336 / DEDN6526A, ME1547, PF-06263507 / ADC 5T4, trastuzumab emtansine / T-DM1, mirvetuximab soravtansine / IMGN853, cortuximab emtansine / SAR3419, naratuximab emtansine / IMGN529, indatuximab emtansine / BT-062, anetumab emtansine / BAY 94-9343, SAR408701, SAR428926, AMG224, PCA062, HKT288, LY3076226, SAR566658, lorvotuzumab mertansine / IMGN901, cantuzumab mertansine / SB-408075, cantuzumab mertansine / IMGN242, laprituximab emtansine / IMGN289, IMGN388, bivatuzumab mertansine, AVE9633, BIIB015, MLN2704, AMG 172, AMG 595, LOP628, vadastuximab butarilin / SGN-CD33A, SGN-CD70A, SGN-CD19B, SGN-CD123A, SGN-CD352A, rovalpituzumab tesirin / SC16LD6.5, SC-002, SC-003, ADCT-301 / HuMax-TAC-PBD, ADCT-402, MEDI3726 / ADC-401, IMGN779, IMGN632, gemtuzumab ozogamicin, inotuzumab ozogamicin / CMC-544, PF-06647263, CMD-193, CMB-401, trastuzumab duocarmazine / SYD985, BMS-936561 / MDX-1203, sacituzumab gonococcal Toxins and drugs included in vitecan / IMMU-132, labetuzumab govitecan / IMMU-130, DS-8201a, U3-1402, milatuzumab doxorubicin / IMMU-110 / hLL1-DOX, BMS-986148, RC48-ADC / hertuzumab-vc-MMAE, PF-06647020, PF-06650808, PF-06664178 / RN927C, rupartumab amadotin / BAY1129980, aprtumab ixadotin / BAY1187982, ARX788, AGS62P1, XMT-1522, AbGn-107, MEDI4276, DSTA4637S / RG7861. Anti-CD30 antibody drug conjugates are known in the art, see, e.g., Bradley et al. Am. J. Health Syst. Pharm. (2013) 70(7):589-97; Shen et al. mAbs (2019) 11(6):1149-1161.

[0168] In some embodiments, binding of an antibody-drug conjugate to an epitope of a cell surface protein (e.g., a cell surface lineage-specific cell surface protein) induces internalization of the antibody-drug conjugate, and the drug (or toxin) can be released intracellularly. In some embodiments, binding of an antibody-drug conjugate to an epitope of a cell surface lineage-specific protein induces internalization of the toxin or drug, thereby enabling the toxin or drug to kill a cell expressing the lineage-specific protein (target cell). In some embodiments, binding of an antibody-drug conjugate to an epitope of a cell surface lineage-specific protein induces internalization of the toxin or drug, thereby enabling the toxin or drug to modulate the activity of a cell expressing the lineage-specific protein (target cell). The type of toxin or drug used in the antibody-drug conjugates described herein is not limited to any particular type.

[0169] Aspects of the present disclosure also provide kits, e.g., kits including reagents for producing genetically engineered cells. In some embodiments, the kit includes a first gRNA and an RNA-guided nuclease that binds to the first gRNA. In some embodiments, the first gRNA and the RNA-guided nuclease form a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex under conditions suitable for binding to a first target domain in the genome of a cell or a plurality of cells. In some embodiments, the kit includes a second gRNA and an RNA-guided nuclease that binds to the second gRNA. In some embodiments, the RNA-guided nuclease that binds to the first gRNA is the same as the RNA-guided nuclease that binds to the second gRNA. In some embodiments, the RNA-guided nuclease that binds to the first gRNA is different (e.g., provided in separate form and / or in addition to) the RNA-guided nuclease that binds to the second gRNA. In some embodiments, the second gRNA and the RNA-guided nuclease form a ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex under conditions suitable for binding to a second target domain in the genome of the cell or cells.

[0170] In some embodiments, the kit includes instructions on how to contact a cell or a plurality of cells with a first gRNA and an RNA-guided nuclease and a second gRNA and an RNA-guided nuclease, the instructions specifying that the cell or a plurality of cells is contacted with the first gRNA and an RNA-guided nuclease before contacting the cell or a plurality of cells with the second gRNA and an RNA-guided nuclease (e.g., such that modifications to the first target domain are introduced before modifications to the second target domain). In some embodiments, the instructions provide a method to produce a plurality of cells that includes fewer translocation product cells, as measured, for example, by a translocation assay, than an otherwise similar method of contacting a cell or a plurality of cells with a second gRNA before contacting the plurality of cells with the first gRNA. In some embodiments, the kit includes a cell or a plurality of cells. In some embodiments, the kit does not include a cell or a plurality of cells (e.g., the cell or a plurality of cells listed in the instructions is obtained by other means).

[0171] Some of the embodiments, advantages, features, and uses of the technology disclosed herein will be more fully understood from the following examples, which are intended to illustrate some of the benefits of the disclosure and to describe specific embodiments, but are not intended to exemplify the entire scope of the disclosure and therefore do not limit the scope of the disclosure. EXAMPLES

[0172] Example 1: Multiple editing of CD33 and CD19 in CD34+ hematopoietic cells This example shows that the order of treatment of cCD34+ HSCs with multiple genome editing RNPs (a first RNP comprising a first lineage-specific cell surface antigen, a gRNA targeting CD33, and Cas9, and a second RNP comprising a second lineage-specific cell surface antigen, a gRNA targeting CD19, and Cas9) contributes to the amount of translocation product produced in the process of producing doubly genetically modified CD34+ HSCs. In particular, this example shows that treatment with an RNP targeting CD33 followed by treatment with an RNP targeting CD19 produces fewer translocation products than either treatment at substantially the same time or in the reverse order. The example shows that the order or simultaneity of the treatments did not affect cell viability or editing efficiency of either target.

[0173] method Frozen CD34+ HSCs derived from mobilized peripheral blood (mPB) were purchased from Hemacare or Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and thawed according to the manufacturer's instructions. To edit HSCs, HSCs were thawed and cultured for approximately 40 hours before electroporation with the first and second RNPs, as shown in Figure 1. The targeting domain sequences of CD33- and CD19-targeting gRNAs are shown in Table 1.

[0174] For electroporation of HSCs, 1.5 x 10 5The cells were pelleted, resuspended in 20 μL of Lonza P3 solution, and mixed with 10 μL of Cas9 RNP. CD34+ HSCs were electroporated using Lonza Nucleofector 2 (program DU-100) and Human P3 Cell Nucleofection Kit (VPA-1002, Lonza). Cells were subjected to a first electroporation with the first RNP and incubated for 30 hours before a second electroporation with the second RNP. Cells were harvested 24 hours and 30 hours after the second electroporation and assessed for viability, on-target editing, and the presence of translocation products. Editing rates were determined by % indels, as assessed by TIDE analysis. Editing efficiency was determined by flow cytometry analysis. At various time points after ex vivo editing, the percentage of viable, edited, live and control cells was quantified using flow cytometry and 7AAD viability dye.

[0175] result Figure 2A shows the viability of CD34+ HSCs at the indicated time points after the first electroporation of cells. Cells were electroporated at the same time with RNPs targeting CD33 and CD19 (Si CD33+CD19), cells were treated sequentially with RNPs targeting CD33 first and then CD19 second (Se CD33>CD19), cells were treated sequentially with RNPs targeting CD19 first and then CD33 second (Se CD19>CD33), or mock electroporated. No significant differences in viability were observed based on the order or synchronicity of electroporation.

[0176] Figure 2B shows the editing efficiency of CD33 and CD19 in each cell group. The results show that there is no significant difference in editing efficiency based on the order of treatment.

[0177] As discussed herein, for example, gene editing involving the generation of double-stranded breaks can result in the production of translocation products. See Figure 3. Translocation products produced by DNA repair events between double-stranded breaks produced by CD33-targeting RNPs and CD19-targeting RNPs can be predicted to fall into specific categories (see Figure 3). Primer pairs were selected to detect specific translocation products using PCR analysis, and the approximate location of each is shown in Figure 3. The products of these PCR reactions were analyzed qualitatively via gel electrophoresis and quantitatively using ddPCR assays.

[0178] FIG. 4A shows the results of qualitative translocation analysis of translocation products (dicentric and balanced translocation products, using primer pairs 5 and 2 or 8 and 2, respectively, in this experiment). Significantly fewer translocation products were detected when cells were electroporated with CD33-targeting RNP followed by CD19-targeting RNP, compared to when cells were treated in the reverse order or at substantially the same time. FIG. 4B shows the results of quantitative translocation analysis of translocation products by ddPCR (% translocation events), which, consistent with the qualitative analysis (FIG. 4A), showed that significantly fewer translocation products were detected when cells were electroporated with CD33-targeting RNP followed by CD19-targeting RNP, compared to when cells were treated in the reverse order or at substantially the same time. The analysis also showed that editing efficiency was not affected by the order or synchronicity of treatment. See FIG. 4C.

[0179] The products resulting from editing by CD33-targeting RNP and CD19-targeting RNP are shown in Figures 5A and 5B, respectively, showing the positions of insertions or deletions (indels) detected after treatment with RNP. The indel data show that targeting CD33 with g60 gRNA produces a large number of -1 position indels, suggesting that the double-stranded breaks associated with those indels were recognized and repaired by non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). In contrast, the indel data show that targeting CD19 with g18 gRNA produces a large number of -6 and -9 position indels, suggesting that the double-stranded breaks associated with those indels were recognized and repaired by microhomology-mediated end joining (MMEJ). Without wishing to be bound by theory, double-stranded breaks recognized primarily by NHEJ may be repaired faster than double-stranded breaks recognized primarily by non-NHEJ mechanisms (e.g., MMEJ). It is hypothesized that by first inducing a double-stranded break that is primarily recognized by NHEJ, followed by a double-stranded break that is primarily recognized by a non-NHEJ mechanism (e.g., MMEJ), the first double-stranded break can be substantially repaired (e.g., forming an indel) before the second double-stranded break occurs, thereby reducing the amount or preventing the formation of a translocation product from the two double-stranded breaks (see Figures 6A-6C).

[0180] Example 2: Multiple editing of CD33 and CD5 in CD34+ hematopoietic cells This example shows that the order of treatment of CD34+ HSCs with multiple genome editing RNPs (a first RNP comprising a first lineage-specific cell surface antigen, a gRNA targeting CD33, and Cas9, and a second RNP comprising a second lineage-specific cell surface antigen, a gRNA targeting CD5, and Cas9) is important to the level of translocation products produced in the process of generating doubly genetically modified CD34+ HSCs. In particular, this example shows that treatment with an RNP targeting CD5 followed by an RNP targeting CD33 is particularly favorable in terms of observed translocation frequency. The example shows that the order or simultaneity of treatment did not affect cell viability or editing efficiency of either target. Furthermore, this example shows that an immunodeficient mouse model of multiply edited cells (NOD.Cg-Prkdc scid Il2rg tm1Wjl 1 shows successful engraftment and differentiation into NOD scid gamma or NSG mice.

[0181] method Frozen CD34+ HSCs derived from mobilized peripheral blood (mPB) were purchased from Hemacare or Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and thawed according to the manufacturer's instructions. As shown in Figure 7A, HSCs were thawed and cultured for approximately 40 hours before electroporation with the first and second RNPs. The targeting domain sequences of CD33 and CD5 targeting gRNAs are shown in Table 1. The targeting domain sequence of the control gRNA (gCtrl) for use with Cas9 nuclease (SpyCas9) is provided below. g Control (SpyCas9) GCCGACGCGAAATCTTAGCGNRG (SEQ ID NO: 9)

[0182] To electroporate HSCs, cells were pelleted, resuspended in Lonza P3 solution, and mixed with Cas9 RNP. CD34+ HSCs were electroporated using Lonza Nucleofector 2 (program DU-100) and Human P3 Cell Nucleofection Kit (VPA-1002, Lonza). Cells were subjected to a first electroporation with the first RNP and incubated for 30 hours before a second electroporation with the second RNP. Cells were harvested 18 hours after the second electroporation and assessed for viability, on-target editing, and the presence of translocation products. Editing rates were determined by % indels, as assessed by TIDE analysis. Editing efficiency was determined by flow cytometry analysis. At various time points after ex vivo editing, the percentage of viable, edited, live and control cells was quantified using flow cytometry and 7AAD viability dye. The cell groups and respective treatments are shown in FIG. 7B, and the experimental parameters are shown in Table 3.

[0183] After electroporation of the second RNP, the cells were injected into 3-week-old NSG mice that had been treated with 200 centigray (cGy) of radiation. Recipient NSG mice were whole-body gamma irradiated prior to injection with modified HSCs. 1 × 10 per injection 5 CD34+ cells were injected into the lateral tail vein of each mouse. Sixteen weeks after HSC injection (16), human chimerism in the bone marrow of recipient mice was assessed by flow cytometry. [Table 3]

[0184] result Figure 8A shows the viability of CD34+ HSCs at the indicated time points after the first electroporation of the cells. All groups had a viability of over 70% upon injection of the genetically modified cells into the mice. No significant differences in viability were observed based on the order or synchronicity of electroporation.

[0185] Figure 8B shows the editing efficiency of CD33 and CD5 in each cell group. The results show that there was a slight increase in on-target editing efficiency in cells electroporated with two RNPs simultaneously compared to sequential editing.

[0186] Primer pairs were selected to detect specific translocation products using PCR analysis, as described above in Example 1, and the approximate location of each is shown in the schematic diagram on the right of Figure 9. The products of these PCR reactions were analyzed qualitatively via gel electrophoresis and quantitatively using a ddPCR assay.

[0187] Figure 9 shows the percentage of on-target translocation products, indicating the relative amount of each type of translocation product observed. Fewer translocation products were detected in input cells (edited cells injected into NSG mice) when cells were treated sequentially with the two RNPs, compared to electroporating the two RNPs at essentially the same time. Figure 10 shows the percentage of on-target translocation products (normalized to chromosome 19), indicating the relative amount of each type of translocation product observed. The "input" sample refers to cells that are electroporated and injected into mice. The other indicated groups correspond to cells collected from animals in various groups and then analyzed. For example, input from group 9 (SeCD3>CD5) was found to have a lower frequency of translocations (input "9") compared to input from group 10 (SeCD5>CD33). However, cells collected after transplantation (group 9 SeCD33>CD5) appeared to show some animals (e.g., 9-1, 9-3, and 9-6) with persistent translocations, while cells collected from animals in group 10 (SeCD5>CD33) did not appear to maintain any translocations. Without wishing to be bound by any particular theory, these results may suggest that any translocations that had occurred (as measured in the input) may have been selected for in the animals. In general, fewer translocation products were detected in the input samples (cells injected into NSG mice) when cells were treated sequentially with two RNPs compared to when the two RNPs were electroporated at essentially the same time. There was a slight decrease in the amount of translocation products detected in cells electroporated sequentially with CD5-targeted RNP followed by CD33-targeted RNP compared to cells electroporated sequentially with CD33-targeted RNP followed by CD5-targeted RNP.

[0188] Sixteen weeks after injection of edited CD34+ cells into NSG mice, cells were analyzed for human chimerism as an indicator of engraftment of edited cells. Results show that CD34+ cell compatibility was not affected by Cas9 multiple electroporation or CD33 and CD5 editing. See Figure 11.

[0189] The cells were further evaluated to determine whether the multiple editing affected the cells' ability to differentiate into different cell lineages. Figures 12A-12C show that while B and T cell lineages were unaffected by the multiple gene editing (sequential editing vs. no simultaneous editing), the percentage of myeloid cells (hCD33+) was lower due to the removal of CD33 by gene editing. Finally, subsets of T cell progenitors were also evaluated. Figures 13A-13C show the detection of T cell progenitors in this experiment, despite the mouse strain having a poorly developed thymus. The CD5-edited group, as expected, showed lower levels of CD5 protein expression and had detectable levels of CD4+ and CD8+ cells.

[0190] Example 3: Multiplex editing of CD33 and CD19 in CD34+ hematopoietic cells using Cas9 and Cpf1 nuclease This example shows that the order of treatment of cCD34+ HSCs with multiple genome editing RNPs (a first RNP comprising a first lineage-specific cell surface antigen, a gRNA targeting CD33, and Cas9, and a second RNP comprising a second lineage-specific cell surface antigen, a gRNA targeting CD19, and Cpf1) contributes to the amount of translocation product produced in the process of producing CD34+ HSCs edited using Cas9 and Cpf1. In particular, this example shows that treatment with sequential editing (using Cas9 and Cpf1) produces fewer translocation products than editing at substantially the same time. The example shows that the order or simultaneity of treatment did not affect cell viability or editing efficiency of either target.

[0191] method Frozen CD34+ HSCs derived from mobilized peripheral blood (mPB) were purchased from Hemacare or Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and thawed according to the manufacturer's instructions. To edit HSCs, HSCs were thawed and cultured for approximately 40 hours before electroporation with the first and second RNPs, as shown in Figure 1. The targeting domain sequences of CD33- and CD19-targeting gRNAs are shown in Table 1.

[0192] For electroporation of HSCs, 1.5 x 10 5 The cells were pelleted, resuspended in 20 μL of Lonza P3 solution, and mixed with 10 μL of Cas9 RNP. CD34+ HSCs were electroporated using Lonza Nucleofector 2 (program DU-100) and Human P3 Cell Nucleofection Kit (VPA-1002, Lonza). Cells were subjected to a first electroporation with the first RNP and incubated for 30 hours before a second electroporation with the second RNP. Cells were harvested 24 hours and 30 hours after the second electroporation and assessed for viability, on-target editing, and the presence of translocation products. Editing rates were determined by % indels, as assessed by TIDE analysis. Editing efficiency was determined by flow cytometry analysis. At various time points after ex vivo editing, the percentage of viable, edited, live and control cells was quantified using flow cytometry and 7AAD viability dye.

[0193] result Figure 14 shows the viability of CD34+ HSCs at the indicated time points after the first electroporation of cells. Cell groups were electroporated at the same time with RNPs targeting CD33 and Cas9 nuclease and RNPs targeting CD19 and Cpf1 (Si Cas9+Cpf1), cells were treated sequentially with RNPs targeting CD33 and Cas9 first and then RNPs targeting CD19 and Cpf1 second (Se Cas9>Cpf1), cells were treated sequentially with RNPs targeting CD19 and Cpf1 first and then RNPs targeting CD33 and Cas9 second (Se Cpf1>Cas9, single RNPs (either Cas9 CD33 or Cpf1 CD19), were not electroporated, or were mock electroporated. No significant differences in viability were observed based on the order or synchronicity of electroporation.

[0194] Figures 15A and 15B show the editing efficiency of CD33 and CD19 in each cell group. The results show that there is no significant difference in editing efficiency based on the order of treatment.

[0195] As discussed herein, for example, gene editing involving the generation of double-stranded breaks can result in the production of translocation products. See Figure 3. The translocation products produced by DNA repair events between the double-stranded breaks produced by CD33-targeting RNPs and CD19-targeting RNPs can be predicted to fall into specific categories (see Figure 3). As shown in the right panel of Figure 16, primer pairs were selected and PCR analysis was used to detect specific translocation products. The products of these PCR reactions were analyzed qualitatively via gel electrophoresis and quantitatively using ddPCR assay.

[0196] Figure 16 shows quantification (by ImageJ software) of PCR products from PCR reactions using each of the primer pairs shown. For each type of translocation product evaluated, fewer translocation products were detected when cells were electroporated sequentially with RNPs compared to simultaneous electroporation. The majority of translocation products produced in cells electroporated first with RNPs targeting CD19 and Cpf1, followed by RNPs targeting CD33 and Cas9, was slightly reduced compared to the reverse order.

[0197] Example 4: Treatment of Hematological Disorders Provided below are examples of treatment regimens using the methods, cells, and agents described herein for acute myeloid leukemia. 1) Identify patients with AML who are candidates for hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT); 2) Identifying HCT donors with matching HLA haplotypes using standard methods and techniques; 3) Extract bone marrow from the donor; 4) Donor bone marrow cells are genetically engineered ex vivo. Briefly, targeted modifications (deletions, replacements) of lineage-specific cell surface antigens are sequentially introduced using gRNA and CRISPR / Cas nucleases (e.g., Cas9, Cpf1 replacement) as described herein. Cells can be assessed for characteristics to determine their ability to differentiate and to engraft in patients and mediate graft-versus-tumor (GVT) effects.

[0198] Optional steps 5-7: In some embodiments, steps 5-7 provided below may be performed (one or more times) in the exemplary treatment methods described herein: 5) conditioning AML patients using standard techniques such as infusion of chemotherapy agents (e.g., etoposide, cyclophosphamide) and / or radiation; 6) administering engineered donor bone marrow to AML patients to allow for successful engraftment; 7) Follow-up with cytotoxic agents, such as immune cells expressing chimeric receptors (e.g., CAR T cells) or antibody-drug conjugates, where the epitope to which the cytotoxic agent binds is the same as the modified epitope and is no longer present in the donor engineered bone marrow graft. Thus, targeted therapy must specifically target lineage-specific cell surface antigens without simultaneously removing the bone marrow graft in which the epitope is not present.

[0199] Optional steps 8-10: In some embodiments, steps 8-10 may be performed (one or more times) in the exemplary treatment methods described herein: 8) Administration of cytotoxic agents such as immune cells expressing chimeric receptors (e.g., CAR T cells) or antibody-drug conjugates that target epitopes of lineage-specific cell surface antigens. This targeted therapy is expected to eliminate both cancer cells and non-cancerous cells in the patient. 9) conditioning AML patients using standard techniques such as chemotherapy infusions; 10) Administering engineered donor bone marrow to AML patients to allow for successful engraftment.

[0200] Steps 8-10 result in the elimination of the patient's cancer and normal cells that express the target protein, while replenishing the normal cell population with donor cells that are resistant to the targeted therapy.

[0201] Example 5: Multiple editing of CLL-1 and CD33 in human hematopoietic stem cells CLL-1 and CD33 are highly expressed in AML patient-derived blast / leukemic stem cells (LSCs). See Figures 54A-54D. However, targeting these antigens can lead to cytopenias due to their shared expression on normal hematopoietic cells. This example demonstrates multiplex editing of human HSCs to generate cells with reduced or eliminated expression of CD33 and CLL-1.

[0202] method For multiple editing, human HSCs (e.g., CD34+ cells) were thawed and cultured in SFEM supplemented with cytokines for 24 hours. The cells were then electroporated with a ribonucleoprotein complex (called "EP1") containing a first gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease. The cells were incubated for 30 hours before the second electroporation step with a second ribonucleoprotein complex (called "EP2") containing a second gRNA and CRISPR-Cas nuclease. After 63 hours of culture, the cells were collected, sorted using flow cytometry, and subjected to sequencing analysis. See Figure 17.

[0203] For myeloid differentiation studies, human HSCs (e.g., CD34+ cells) were thawed and cultured for 40 hours. Flow cytometry analysis was used to confirm the expression of CLL-1 and CD33 on days 0, 1, and 2. The cells were then cultured at 0.5x10 6 cells / mL~1x10 6 The cells were incubated for 30 hours between EP1 and EP2. After 26 hours of EP2, the cells were diluted to 5 × 10 4 The cells were prepared at a concentration of 1×10 cells / mL and incubated in supplemented medium for 4 days to promote myeloid differentiation. The cells were cultured in myeloid differentiation medium (Myeloid Supplement I or Myeloid Supplement II from STEMCELL Technologies) for 14 days, during which time, on days 8, 11, and 14, the cells were counted, split, and diluted to 1×10 5 Cells were seeded at a concentration of 10 ...

[0204] To assess lineage differentiation, electroporated cells were mixed with MethoCult™ and seeded in duplicate in SmartDish™ at densities of 200 and 300 cells / well across a total of three plates. Cells were incubated for 14 days before imaging and scoring colony forming units (CFU). See Figure 33.

[0205] result The multiply edited cells were sorted into subpopulations to assess the editing frequency in various cell types: LT-HSC, CMP, MPP, MLP, and CD49f. Figures 18A-18C and Figures 19A-19C show the CD33 and CLL-1 editing frequencies, respectively, in human HSCs derived from two independent bone marrow donors. Both CD33 and CLL-1 editing frequencies were found to be comparable between cell subpopulations and to the editing frequencies observed in the bulk edited cell population.

[0206] FIG. 20 shows viability analysis of multiply edited bone marrow cells, demonstrating that multiply edited human HSCs exhibited similar viability levels as control cells.

[0207] After multiple editing, cells were analyzed for expression kinetics and protein stability of CD33 and CLL-1. Figure 21A and Figure 22A show that highly efficient gene editing of CD33 and CLL-1 editing frequency was maintained for at least 5 days after multiple editing. This also resulted in a rapid decrease in CD33 and CLL-1 mRNA levels after electroporation, as shown in Figures 21B and 22B, respectively, only 1 day after editing, compared to control cells. In addition to reduced transcript levels, edited cells showed a significant reduction in CD33 and CLL-1 surface protein expression within 2 days after electroporation, compared to cells edited with control gRNA. Figure 21C and Figure 22C. Importantly, the reduction in transcript and protein levels was maintained over time.

[0208] The multiply-edited cells were characterized for their ability to differentiate into functional myeloid cells upon in vitro differentiation. Figures 24A and 24B show that the multiply-edited cells exhibited comparable proliferation rates during differentiation into granulocytes and monocytes compared to mock-edited control cells and did not affect granulocyte (Figures 25A and 25B) or monocyte (Figures 26A and 26B) differentiation, and Figures 27A-28B show that the high levels of CLL-1 and CD33 editing achieved were maintained throughout myeloid differentiation.

[0209] Figures 29A-30D show that detectable surface CLL-1 and CD33 protein levels were lost after multi-editing and remained significantly reduced throughout the course of myeloid cell differentiation. Figures 31A and 31B show that the majority of the granulocyte and monocyte populations comprise cells lacking both CLL-1 and CD33. Figures 32A and 32B show that granulocytes and monocytes differentiated from multi-edited human HSCs retain phagocytic activity, demonstrating E. coli phagocytosis levels comparable to mock-edited cells. Figures 52A-52D show that differentiated cells derived from CD33 and CLL-1 multi-edited hHSCPs maintained comparable functionality to control cells, as assessed by cytokine production following stimulation with LPS or R848.

[0210] Figures 34A-35B show that the multiedited cells were able to form colony units containing erythroid cells, granulocytes, macrophages, and megakaryocytes.

[0211] Multi-edited cells were also evaluated for survival against CD33 and CLL-1 targeted therapies, such as cells expressing chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) targeting CD33 or CLL-1. Figure 51 shows that CD33 or CLL-1 targeted CARs induced cytotoxicity of cells expressing wild-type antigens (e.g., CD33, CLL-1), while cells lacking CD33 or CLL-1 were resistant to cognate CAR-expressing cells. Multi-edited cells lacking CD33 and CLL-1 showed increased survival against both CD33-targeted CARs and CLL-1-targeted CARs. These results indicate that multi-editing of CD33 and CLL-1 rendered cells resistant to CD33 and CLL-1 targeted therapies.

[0212] Example 6: In vivo engraftment of multi-edited cells into a mouse model This example shows that multiply-edited human HSCs can be engrafted long-term in a mouse model. In particular, this example shows that the engrafted multiply-edited cells stably repopulate the blood and bone marrow tissues of the engrafted mice. This example also shows that engraftment of the multiply-edited cells did not significantly affect myeloid and lymphoid differentiation.

[0213] method As shown in Figure 36A, cells were thawed and sequentially electroporated as described above. 26 hours after electroporation 2 (EP2), cells were harvested and injected into NSG™ mice sublethally irradiated at a dose of 175 cGY. Blood samples were obtained for interim analysis at 8 weeks post-engraftment, and blood and bone marrow samples were obtained for analysis at 16 weeks post-engraftment. Figure 36B shows the treatment groups for the engraftment study.

[0214] result Figure 37 shows cell counts before cryopreservation or after thawing as well as cell viability analysis. Figure 38 shows analysis of bone marrow chimerism in engrafted mice, showing similar levels of bone marrow chimerism in the multi-edited group compared to the non-electroporated (no EP) control group. Figures 39A-39H show that multi-editing did not significantly affect myeloid and lymphoid lineages compared to the non-electroporated control group. We also observed that multi-editing was highly effective in cells expressing high levels of CD33 and CLL-1 (e.g., monocytes, mast cells, basophils, cDCs, and pDCs). See Figures 40A-40F. The reduction in both CD33 and CLL-1 expression also persisted at least 16 weeks post-engraftment. Figures 41A and 41B.

[0215] The multi-edited cells were further characterized by sequencing analysis after engraftment to assess the persistence of editing in vivo and any translocation events. As shown in Figure 42, on-target editing analysis using rhAmpSeq showed that high levels of editing were achieved across all treatment groups at 56 hours after EP1. Further analysis at additional time points (e.g., 30 hours, 50 hours, 56 hours after EP1) used ICE analysis. Figures 43A and 43B. ICE analysis confirmed the high level of editing efficiency, and rhAMP-Seq analysis of the multi-edited cells also revealed high levels of editing efficiency of human HSCs harvested from the engrafted mouse model at 16 weeks after engraftment. See Figure 46.

[0216] Chromosomal translocation events may occur as a result of multiple editing. See Figure 44. However, a very low frequency of translocation events was detected in the input samples after sequential electroporation, as shown in Figures 45 and 53. In addition, analysis of cells taken from mice 16 weeks after engraftment showed comparable levels of editing efficiency and low levels of off-target editing events in the "output" bone marrow samples compared to the sequentially edited "input" samples. See Figures 46 and 48-51. Taken together, these data indicate that high levels of double-deleted engrafted human HSCs persist after engraftment in a manner that does not significantly affect lymphoid and myeloid cell reconstitution.

[0217] References All publications, patents, patent applications, publications, and database entries (e.g., sequence database entries) mentioned herein, for example in the Background, Summary, Detailed Description, Examples, and / or References sections, are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, just as if each individual publication, patent, patent application, publication, and database entry was specifically and individually incorporated herein by reference. In case of conflict, the present application, including any definitions herein, will control.

[0218] Equivalents and Scope Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the embodiments described herein. The scope of the present disclosure is not intended to be limited to the above description, but rather is as set forth in the appended claims.

[0219] Articles such as "a," "an," and "the" may mean one or more, unless indicated to the contrary or clear from the context. A claim or specification containing "or" between two or more members of a group is deemed to be satisfied when one, more than one, or all of the members of the group are present, unless indicated to the contrary or clear from the context. The disclosure of a group containing "or" between two or more group members provides embodiments in which exactly one member of the group is present, embodiments in which more than one member of the group is present, and embodiments in which all of the members of the group are present. For the sake of brevity, these embodiments are not individually detailed herein, but it will be understood that each of these embodiments may be provided and specifically claimed or denied herein.

[0220] It should be understood that the present invention encompasses all variations, combinations, and permutations in which one or more limitations, elements, clauses, or descriptive terms from one or more of the claims or from one or more relevant parts of the specification are introduced into another claim. For example, a claim that depends on another claim can be modified to include one or more of the limitations found in any other claim that depends on the same base claim. Furthermore, if a claim recites a composition, it should be understood to include any method of making or using the composition by any of the methods of making or using disclosed herein or by any method known in the art, if any, unless otherwise indicated or unless a contradiction or inconsistency would be apparent to a person skilled in the art.

[0221] When elements are presented as a list, for example in Markush group format, it should be understood that all possible subgroups of the elements are also disclosed, and that any element or subgroup of elements can be deleted from the group. It should also be noted that the term "comprising" is intended to be open-ended, allowing for the inclusion of additional elements or steps. In general, when an embodiment, product, or method is referred to as comprising a particular element, feature, or step, it should be understood that an embodiment, product, or method consisting of or consisting essentially of such element, feature, or step is also provided. For the sake of brevity, these embodiments are not individually detailed herein, but it will be understood that each of these embodiments can be provided and specifically claimed or denied herein.

[0222] When ranges are given, the endpoints are included. Furthermore, unless otherwise indicated or clear from the context and / or understanding of one of ordinary skill in the art, it should be understood that values ​​expressed as ranges may assume any particular value within the stated range, in some embodiments, to 1 / 10 of the unit of the lower limit of the range, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For the sake of brevity, each range value is not specifically detailed herein, but it will be understood that each of these values ​​is provided herein and may be specifically claimed or disclaimed. Also, unless otherwise indicated or clear from the context and / or understanding of one of ordinary skill in the art, values ​​expressed as ranges may assume any subrange within the given range, with the endpoints of the subrange being expressed to the same degree of precision as 1 / 10 of the unit of the lower limit of the range.

[0223] Furthermore, it should be understood that any particular embodiment of the present invention may be explicitly excluded from any one or more of the claims. When a range is given, any value within that range may be explicitly excluded from any one or more of the claims. Any embodiment, element, feature, application, or aspect of the compositions and / or methods described herein may be excluded from any one or more of the claims. For the sake of brevity, all of the embodiments in which one or more elements, features, purposes, or aspects are excluded are not explicitly described herein.

Claims

1. 1. An ex vivo method comprising: a) contacting a plurality of cells with (i) a first gRNA comprising a first targeting domain that binds to a first target sequence, and (ii) an RNA-guided nuclease that binds to the first gRNA, thereby forming a first ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex under conditions suitable for the first gRNA to form and / or maintain a first RNP complex with the RNA-guided nuclease of (ii), and for the first RNP complex to bind to the first target sequence; b) contacting the plurality of cells with (iii) a second gRNA comprising a second targeting domain that binds to a second target sequence, and (iv) an RNA-guided nuclease that binds to the second gRNA, forming and / or maintaining a second RNP complex with the RNA-guided nuclease of (iv), and allowing the second RNP complex to bind to the second target sequence; thereby producing a population of genetically engineered cells comprising a genetic modification of the first target sequence and a genetic modification of the second target sequence; steps (a) and (b) are carried out consecutively and closely in time, separated by a time interval; the first targeting domain is not identical to the second targeting domain; The method.

2. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the genetic modification of the first target sequence consists of an insertion or deletion at or immediately proximal to a site cleaved by an RNA-guided nuclease when bound by a first gRNA, and / or the genetic modification of the second target sequence consists of an insertion or deletion at or immediately proximal to a site cleaved by an RNA-guided nuclease when bound by a second gRNA.

3. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the method produces a population of translocation product cells, and each cell of the subpopulation comprises a translocation product that includes a portion of the genome that includes the first target sequence, a portion of the genome that includes the second target sequence, or both.

4. Binding of the first RNP complex comprising (i) and (ii) to the first target sequence results in a gene modification generated by a non-homologous end joining (NHEJ) event; Binding of a first RNP complex comprising (i) and (ii) to a first target sequence generates a fast-resolving double-strand break; Binding of the second RNP complex comprising (iii) and (iv) to the second target sequence results in a genetic modification generated by a microhomology-mediated end-joining (MMEJ) event; and / or Binding of the second RNP complex comprising (iii) and (iv) to the second target sequence generates a slow-resolving double-strand break; 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the first target sequence is present in a first gene, a transcriptional control element operably linked thereto, or a portion of the gene and the transcriptional control element, and / or the second target sequence is present in a second gene, a transcriptional control element operably linked thereto, or a portion of the gene and the transcriptional control element.

6. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the genomic modification of the first target sequence results in a reduction or elimination of expression of a product encoded by the first gene or a variant of the product expressed by wild-type cells of the same cell type that do not carry the genomic modification in the first target sequence, and / or the genomic modification of the second target sequence results in a reduction or elimination of expression of a product encoded by the second gene or a variant of the product expressed by wild-type cells of the same cell type that do not carry the genomic modification in the second target sequence.

7. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the first gene encodes a first lineage-specific cell surface antigen and / or the second gene encodes a second lineage-specific cell surface antigen.

8. 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the first lineage-specific cell surface antigen and / or the second lineage-specific cell surface antigen is selected from the group consisting of CD33, CD19, CD123, CLL-1, CD30, CD5, CD6, CD7, CD38, and BCMA.

9. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the time interval between step (a) and step (b) is at least 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, or 36 hours.

10. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the RNA-guided nuclease (ii) and / or the RNA-guided nuclease (iv) is a CRISPR / Cas nuclease.

11. (ii) The RNA-guided nuclease is a Cas9 nuclease, and (iv) the RNA-guided nuclease is a Cpf1 nuclease; (ii) The RNA-guided nuclease is a Cpf1 nuclease, and (iv) the RNA-guided nuclease is a Cas9 nuclease; The RNA-guided nuclease of (ii) and the RNA-guided nuclease of (iv) are Cpf1 nucleases; or (ii) the RNA-guided nuclease and (iv) the RNA-guided nuclease are Cas9 nucleases; 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2.

12. the contacting in (a) comprises introducing (i) and (ii) into the cell in the form of a preformed ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex; and / or the contacting in (b) comprises introducing (iii) and (iv) into the cell in the form of a preformed ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex; and / or the contacting in (a) comprises introducing (i) and / or (ii) into the cell in the form of a nucleic acid encoding the gRNA of (i) and / or the RNA-guided nuclease of (ii); and / or The contacting of (b) comprises introducing (iii) and / or (iv) into the cell in the form of a nucleic acid encoding the gRNA of (i) and / or the RNA-guided nuclease of (ii); 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2.

13. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2, wherein the cell is a hematopoietic cell, a hematopoietic stem cell, a hematopoietic progenitor cell, an immune effector cell, a lymphocyte, a T lymphocyte, a NK cell, or a stem cell.

14. 1. An ex vivo method comprising: a) contacting a cell with (i) a first gRNA comprising a first targeting domain that binds to a first target sequence, and (ii) an RNA-guided nuclease that binds to the first gRNA, thereby forming a first ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex under conditions suitable for the first gRNA of (i) to form and / or maintain a first RNP complex with the RNA-guided nuclease of (ii), and for the RNP complex to bind to a first target sequence in the genome of the cell; b) contacting the cell with (iii) a second gRNA comprising a second targeting domain that binds to a second target sequence, and (iv) an RNA-guided nuclease that binds to the second gRNA, whereby the second gRNA of (iii) forms and / or maintains a second ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex with the RNA-guided nuclease of (iv), forming a second RNP complex under conditions suitable for the second RNP complex to bind to a second target sequence in the genome of the cell; steps (a) and (b) are performed consecutively and closely in time, separated by a time interval; the first targeting domain is different from the second targeting domain; The method.

15. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the genetic modification of the first target sequence consists of an insertion or deletion at or immediately proximal to a site cleaved by an RNA-guided nuclease when bound by a first gRNA, and / or the genetic modification of the second target sequence consists of an insertion or deletion immediately proximal to a site cleaved by an RNA-guided nuclease when bound by a second gRNA.

16. 16. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein the method produces a subpopulation of translocation product cells, and each cell of the subpopulation comprises a translocation product that includes a portion of the genome that includes the first target sequence, a portion of the genome that includes the second target sequence, or both.

17. the first target sequence is present in a first gene, a transcriptional control element operably linked thereto, or a portion of the gene and the transcriptional control element; and / or the second target sequence is present in a second gene, a transcriptional control element operably linked thereto, or a portion of the gene and the transcriptional control element; 16. The method of claim 14 or 15.

18. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the first gene encodes a first lineage-specific cell surface antigen and / or the second gene encodes a second lineage-specific cell surface antigen.

19. 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the first lineage-specific cell surface antigen and / or the second lineage-specific cell surface antigen is selected from the group consisting of CD33, CD19, CD123, CLL-1, CD30, CD5, CD6, CD7, CD38, and BCMA.

20. 16. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein the time interval between step (a) and step (b) is at least 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32, 34, or 36 hours.

21. 16. The method of claim 14 or 15, wherein the cell is a hematopoietic cell, a hematopoietic stem cell, a hematopoietic progenitor cell, an immune effector cell, a lymphocyte, a T lymphocyte, a NK cell, or a stem cell.

22. 16. A genetically engineered cell produced by the method of any one of claims 1, 2, 14 and 15, or a progeny thereof.

23. 16. A cell population comprising a plurality of cells obtained or obtainable by the method of any one of claims 1, 2, 14 and 15.

24. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the cell of claim 22 or a progeny thereof.

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