Method for the destruction of tumor tissue by targeting fibroblast activation protein (FAP) - Patent Application 20070123333

Abstract

The present invention relates to compositions and methods comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to fibroblast activation protein (FAP) for use in treating diseases, disorders or conditions associated with expression of FAP on canine, murine or human tumor-associated cells. TIFF2022548778000031.tif136170

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority under 35 U.S.C. §119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 904,340, filed September 23, 2019, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety herein.

[0002] STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT This invention was made with Government support under Grant Nos. CA172921 and CA217805 awarded by the National Institutes of Health. The Government has certain rights in this invention. [Background technology]

[0003] 2. Background of the Invention Tumors are composed of heterogeneous cell populations, including transformed cells and numerous non-transformed cells. The occurrence of various cell types varies between tumors and at different stages of tumor progression, but these cell types include infiltrating inflammatory and immune cells, endothelial and mesenchymal-derived smooth muscle cells, pericytes, and tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs). TAFs are a heterogeneous population that are phenotypically distinct from normal fibroblasts. Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) has been shown to be a marker of reactive fibroblasts in tumors and fibrotic lesions as well as in granulation tissue.

[0004] FAP is a type II transmembrane cell surface protein belonging to the postproline dipeptidyl aminopeptidase family that shares the highest similarity with dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPPIV / CD26). FAP is selectively expressed by TAFs and pericytes in over 90% of human epithelial cancers investigated. FAP is also expressed during embryonic development, in wound healing tissues, in chronic inflammatory and fibrotic conditions such as liver cirrhosis and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, as well as in bone and soft tissue sarcomas and some melanomas. However, FAP expression is not detected in benign lesions or normal adult tissues, whereas DPPIV is more widely expressed in a wide variety of cell types. In vitro studies have shown that FAP has both dipeptidyl peptidase and endopeptidase activities, including collagenolytic activity capable of degrading gelatin and type I collagen, but its in vivo substrates remain unknown.

[0005] There is a need in the art for the development of therapeutics that treat cancer by directly targeting FAPs expressed by tumor-associated cells, and the present invention addresses this need. Summary of the Invention

[0006] As described herein, the present invention relates to compositions and methods comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a fibroblast activation protein (FAP) for use in treating a disease, disorder or condition associated with expression of a FAP on canine, murine or human tumor-associated cells.

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention provides a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) comprising an antigen binding domain capable of binding to fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain. The antigen binding domain is a heavy chain variable region comprising three heavy chain complementarity determining regions (HCDRs), where HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence YTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO:1) and HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence TIFF0007621344000001.tif5128, and wherein HCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence LDDSRFHWYFDV (SEQ ID NO:3); and a light chain variable region comprising three light chain complementarity determining regions (LCDRs), wherein LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO:4), LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence LTSNLA (SEQ ID NO:5), and LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO:6).

[0008] In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises (a) a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; and / or (b) a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9; and / or (c) a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; and / or and / or (d) an antigen-binding domain selected from the group consisting of a full length antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, a Fab, a single chain variable fragment (scFv), or a single domain antibody; and / or (e) a single chain variable fragment (scFv) comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:11 or 13.

[0009] In certain embodiments, the CAR is (a) capable of binding to a fibroblast activation protein (FAP); and / or (b) capable of binding to a human FAP; and / or (c) capable of binding to a canine FAP; and / or (d) capable of binding to a murine FAP; and / or (e) capable of binding to human, canine and murine FAP; and / or (f) further comprising a hinge domain, wherein the hinge domain comprises the hinge domain of CD8 alpha.

[0010] In certain embodiments, the transmembrane domain is selected from the group consisting of: (a) an artificial hydrophobic sequence and a transmembrane domain of a type I transmembrane protein, the alpha, beta or zeta chain of the T-cell receptor, CD28, CD3 epsilon, CD45, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD9, CD16, CD22, CD33, CD37, CD64, CD80, CD86, OX40 (CD134), 4-1BB (CD137), ICOS (CD278), and CD154, or a transmembrane domain derived from a killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR); and / or (b) comprises a transmembrane domain of CD8; and / or (c) comprises a transmembrane domain of CD8 alpha; and / or (d) comprises a transmembrane domain derived from a killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR).

[0011] In certain embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises (a) a costimulatory signaling domain and an intracellular signaling domain; and / or (b) one or more of a costimulatory domain of a protein selected from the group consisting of proteins in the TNFR superfamily, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40 (CD134), PD-1, CD7, LIGHT, CD83L, DAP10, DAP12, CD27, CD2, CD5, ICAM-1, LFA-1, Lck, TNFR-I, TNFR-II, Fas, CD30, CD40, ICOS (CD278), NKG2C, and B7-H3 (CD276), or variants thereof, or an intracellular domain from a killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR); and / or (c) a costimulatory domain of 4-1BB; and / or (d) a costimulatory domain of DAP1 and / or (e) comprising a costimulatory domain of CD28; and / or (f) comprising a costimulatory domain of 4-1BB and a costimulatory domain of CD28; and / or (g) comprising a costimulatory domain of DAP12 and a costimulatory domain of CD28; and / or (h) comprising an intracellular domain selected from the group consisting of the cytoplasmic signaling domains of human CD3 zeta chain (CD3ζ), FcγRIII, FcsRI, the cytoplasmic tail of an Fc receptor, a cytoplasmic receptor bearing an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM), TCR zeta, FcR gamma, CD3 gamma, CD3 delta, CD3 epsilon, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b, and CD66d, or variants thereof; and / or (i) the intracellular signaling domain comprises the intracellular domain of CD3ζ.

[0012] In another aspect, the present invention provides a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a fibroblast activation protein (FAP), comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:23 or 25.

[0013] In another aspect, the invention provides a nucleic acid comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding any of the CARs contemplated herein.

[0014] In another aspect, the present invention provides a nucleic acid comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a FAP, the CAR comprising an antigen-binding domain, a transmembrane domain and an intracellular domain, the antigen-binding domain being a heavy chain variable region comprising three heavy chain complementarity determining regions (HCDRs), wherein HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence YTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO:1) and HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence and a light chain variable region comprising three light chain complementarity determining regions (LCDRs), wherein LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO:4), LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence LTSNLA (SEQ ID NO:5), and LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO:6).

[0015] In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises (a) a heavy chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:8; and / or (b) a light chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:10; and / or (c) a heavy chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:8 and a light chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:10. and / or (d) a light chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:10; and / or (d) a single chain variable fragment (scFv) encoded by a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:12 or 14.

[0016] In certain embodiments, (a) the transmembrane domain comprises the transmembrane domain of CD8 alpha; and / or (b) the intracellular domain comprises a costimulatory signaling domain and an intracellular signaling domain; and / or (c) the intracellular domain comprises a costimulatory signaling domain comprising the costimulatory domain of 4-1BB; and / or (d) the intracellular domain comprises the costimulatory domain of DAP12; and / or (e) the intracellular domain comprises the costimulatory domain of CD28; and / or (f) the intracellular domain comprises the costimulatory domain of 4-1BB and the costimulatory domain of CD28; and / or (g) the intracellular domain comprises the costimulatory domain of DAP12 and the costimulatory domain of CD28; and / or (h) the intracellular signaling domain comprises the intracellular domain of CD3zeta.

[0017] In another aspect, the invention provides a nucleic acid comprising a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:22 or 24.

[0018] In another aspect, the present invention provides a vector comprising any of the nucleic acids envisaged herein.In certain embodiments, the vector is an expression vector, and / or the vector is selected from the group consisting of DNA vector, RNA vector, plasmid, lentivirus vector, adenovirus vector, adeno-associated virus vector, and retrovirus vector.

[0019] In another aspect, the present invention provides modified immune cells or precursors thereof comprising any of the CARs, any of the nucleic acids, or any of the vectors contemplated herein.

[0020] In another aspect, the present invention provides an engineered immune cell or a precursor thereof comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a fibroblast activation protein (FAP), wherein the CAR is a heavy chain variable region comprising three heavy chain complementarity determining regions (HCDRs), wherein HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence YTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO:1) and HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence and a light chain variable region comprising three light chain complementarity determining regions (LCDRs), wherein LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO:4), LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence LTSNLA (SEQ ID NO:5), and LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO:6).

[0021] In certain embodiments, the CAR comprises: (a) a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9; and / or (b) a single chain variable fragment (scFv) comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:11 or 13; and / or (c) a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:12 or 13; It comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to NO:23 or 25.

[0022] In certain embodiments, the CAR is capable of binding (a) to a FAP; and / or (b) to a human FAP; and / or (c) to a canine FAP; and / or (d) to a murine FAP; and / or (e) to a human, canine and murine FAP.

[0023] In certain embodiments, the modified cells are (a) modified T cells; and / or (b) modified NK cells; and / or (c) autologous cells; and / or (d) autologous cells obtained from a human subject; and / or (e) autologous cells obtained from a canine subject; and / or (f) allogeneic cells.

[0024] In another aspect, the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of any of the modified cells contemplated herein and a pharma- ceutically acceptable excipient.

[0025] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of treating a disease in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of any of the contemplated modified cells or pharmaceutical compositions.

[0026] In certain embodiments, (a) the disease is selected from the group consisting of an immunological disease, a hematological disease, an autoimmune disease, fibrosis, and cancer; and / or (b) the disease is cancer; and / or (c) the disease is myocardial fibrosis; and / or (d) the disease is cancer, and the cancer comprises FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells.

[0027] In certain embodiments, (a) the FAP-expressing cancer-associated cell is a cancer-associated fibroblast (CAF); and / or (b) the FAP-expressing cancer-associated cell is a FAP-expressing adipocyte; and / or (c) the FAP-expressing cancer-associated cell is a tumor-associated macrophage (TAM); and / or (d) the FAP-expressing cancer-associated cell is a tumor-associated neutrophil (TAN); and / or (e) the FAP-expressing cancer-associated cell is a myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC); and / or (f) the FAP-expressing cancer-associated cell is a cancer-initiating cell.

[0028] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified immune cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a FAP, wherein the CAR comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9; and the cancer comprises fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated cells.

[0029] In certain embodiments, the CAR binds to FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells and does not bind to cells that do not express FAP.

[0030] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, wherein the cancer is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated fibroblasts. The method comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to FAP, wherein the CAR comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9.

[0031] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, wherein the cancer is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated macrophages, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to FAP, wherein the CAR comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9.

[0032] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, wherein the cancer is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated neutrophils, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to FAP, wherein the CAR comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9.

[0033] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, wherein the cancer is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated fibroblasts, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to FAP, wherein the CAR comprises an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:23 or 25.

[0034] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, wherein the cancer is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated macrophages, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to FAP, wherein the CAR comprises an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:23 or 25.

[0035] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, wherein the cancer is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated neutrophils, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to FAP, wherein the CAR comprises an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:23 or 25.

[0036] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating a solid tumor in a subject in need thereof, wherein the tumor is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated fibroblasts. The method comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to FAP, wherein the CAR comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9.

[0037] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating a solid tumor in a subject in need thereof, wherein the tumor is associated with a fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated macrophage, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to the FAP, wherein the CAR comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9.

[0038] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of treating a solid tumor in a subject in need thereof, wherein the tumor is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated neutrophils, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of engineered T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to the FAP, wherein the CAR comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9.

[0039] In certain aspects, the method further comprises administering an immune checkpoint inhibitor, a tumor antigen vaccine, or a neoplastic cell targeted therapy.

[0040] In certain aspects, the subject is a human. In certain aspects, the subject is a non-human animal. [The present invention 1001] A chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) comprising an antigen binding domain capable of binding to fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain, The antigen-binding domain is A heavy chain variable region comprising three heavy chain complementarity determining regions (HCDRs), wherein HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence YTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO:1) and HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence TIFF0007621344000004.tif4128 and a heavy chain variable region comprising: a light chain variable region comprising three light chain complementarity determining regions (LCDRs), wherein LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO:4), LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence LTSNLA (SEQ ID NO:5), and LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO:6); Including, CAR. [The present invention 1002] The antigen-binding domain is (a) a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; and / or (b) a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9; and / or (c) a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7, and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9; and / or (d) an antigen-binding domain selected from the group consisting of a full-length antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, a Fab, a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) or a single-domain antibody; and / or (e) a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 11 or 13. The CAR of the present invention 1001, comprising: [The present invention 1003] (a) capable of binding to fibroblast activation protein (FAP); and / or (b) capable of binding to a human FAP; and / or (c) capable of binding to a canine FAP; and / or (d) capable of binding to a murine FAP; and / or (e) capable of binding to human, canine and murine FAPs; and / or (f) further comprising a hinge domain, wherein the hinge domain comprises the hinge domain of CD8 alpha; A CAR of any one of 1001 to 1002. [The present invention 1004] The transmembrane domain is (a) an artificial hydrophobic sequence and a transmembrane domain of a type I transmembrane protein, the alpha, beta or zeta chain of the T-cell receptor, CD28, CD3 epsilon, CD45, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD9, CD16, CD22, CD33, CD37, CD64, CD80, CD86, OX40 (CD134), 4-1BB (CD137), ICOS (CD278), and CD154, or a transmembrane domain derived from a killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR); and / or (b) contains the transmembrane domain of CD8; and / or (c) contains the transmembrane domain of CD8 alpha; and / or (d) comprising a transmembrane domain derived from a killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR); A CAR of any one of 1001 to 1003. [The present invention 1005] The intracellular domain is (a) comprises a costimulatory signaling domain and an intracellular signaling domain; and / or (b) comprises one or more of the costimulatory domains of a protein selected from the group consisting of proteins within the TNFR superfamily, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40 (CD134), PD-1, CD7, LIGHT, CD83L, DAP10, DAP12, CD27, CD2, CD5, ICAM-1, LFA-1, Lck, TNFR-I, TNFR-II, Fas, CD30, CD40, ICOS (CD278), NKG2C, and B7-H3 (CD276), or variants thereof, or an intracellular domain derived from a killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR); and / or (c) comprises the costimulatory domain of 4-1BB; and / or (d) comprises a costimulatory domain of DAP12; and / or (e) contains the costimulatory domain of CD28; and / or (f) comprises the costimulatory domain of 4-1BB and the costimulatory domain of CD28; and / or (g) comprises the costimulatory domain of DAP12 and the costimulatory domain of CD28; and / or (h) comprises an intracellular domain selected from the group consisting of the cytoplasmic signaling domains of human CD3 zeta chain (CD3ζ), FcγRIII, FcsRI, the cytoplasmic tail of an Fc receptor, a cytoplasmic receptor bearing an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM), TCR zeta, FcR gamma, CD3 gamma, CD3 delta, CD3 epsilon, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b, and CD66d, or variants thereof; and / or (i) the intracellular signaling domain comprises the intracellular domain of CD3ζ; A CAR of any one of 1001 to 1004. [The present invention 1006] A chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to fibroblast activation protein (FAP), comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 23 or 25. [The present invention 1007] A nucleic acid comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding any one of the CARs of the present invention 1001 to 1006. [The present invention 1008] A nucleic acid comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a FAP, the chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) comprising an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain and an intracellular domain, The antigen-binding domain is A heavy chain variable region comprising three heavy chain complementarity determining regions (HCDRs), wherein HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence YTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO:1) and HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence TIFF0007621344000005.tif4128 and a heavy chain variable region comprising: a light chain variable region comprising three light chain complementarity determining regions (LCDRs), wherein LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO:4), LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence LTSNLA (SEQ ID NO:5), and LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO:6); A nucleic acid comprising: [The present invention 1009] The antigen-binding domain is (a) comprises a heavy chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:8; and / or (b) comprises a light chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:10; and / or (c) a heavy chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:8, and a light chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:10; and / or (d) comprising a single chain variable fragment (scFv) encoded by a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 12 or 14; The nucleic acid of the present invention 1008. [The present invention 1010] (a) the transmembrane domain comprises the transmembrane domain of CD8 alpha; and / or (b) the intracellular domain comprises a costimulatory signaling domain and an intracellular signaling domain; and / or (c) the intracellular domain comprises a costimulatory signaling domain that includes the costimulatory domain of 4-1BB; and / or (d) the intracellular domain comprises a costimulatory domain of DAP12; and / or (e) the intracellular domain comprises a costimulatory domain of CD28; and / or (f) the intracellular domain comprises the costimulatory domain of 4-1BB and the costimulatory domain of CD28; and / or (g) the intracellular domain comprises a costimulatory domain of DAP12 and a costimulatory domain of CD28; and / or (h) the intracellular signaling domain comprises the intracellular domain of CD3ζ; A nucleic acid according to any one of 1008 to 1009 of the present invention. [The present invention 1011] A nucleic acid comprising a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:22 or 24. [The present invention 1012] A vector comprising any one of the nucleic acids of the present inventions 1008 to 1011. [The present invention 1013] The vector of the present invention, which is an expression vector and / or is selected from the group consisting of a DNA vector, an RNA vector, a plasmid, a lentiviral vector, an adenoviral vector, an adeno-associated viral vector, and a retroviral vector. [The present invention 1014] A modified immune cell or a precursor thereof comprising any one of the CARs of the present inventions 1001 to 1007, any one of the nucleic acids of the present inventions 1008 to 1011, or any one of the vectors of the present inventions 1012 to 1013. [The present invention 1015] 1. A modified immune cell or a precursor thereof comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a fibroblast activation protein (FAP), CAR, A heavy chain variable region comprising three heavy chain complementarity determining regions (HCDRs), wherein HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence YTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO:1) and HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence TIFF0007621344000006.tif4128 and a heavy chain variable region comprising: a light chain variable region comprising three light chain complementarity determining regions (LCDRs), wherein LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO:4), LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence LTSNLA (SEQ ID NO:5), and LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO:6); A modified immune cell or a precursor thereof, comprising: [The present invention 1016] CAR, (a) a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7, and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9; and / or (b) a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 11 or 13; and / or (c) an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 23 or 25 The modified immune cell of the present invention. [The present invention 1017] CAR, (a) is capable of binding to a FAP; and / or (b) capable of binding to a human FAP; and / or (c) capable of binding to a canine FAP; and / or (d) capable of binding to a mouse FAP; and / or (e) capable of binding to human, canine and mouse FAPs; The modified cell of any one of 1014 to 1016 of the present invention. [The present invention 1018] (a) is an engineered T cell; and / or (b) is an engineered NK cell; and / or (c) are autologous; and / or (d) are autologous cells obtained from a human subject; and / or (e) are autologous cells obtained from a canine subject; and / or (f) are allogeneic cells; The modified cell of any one of 1014 to 1017 of the present invention. [The present invention 1019] A pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of the modified cells of any one of the present inventions 1014 to 1018 and a pharma- ceutically acceptable excipient. [The present invention 1020] A method for treating a disease in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of any of the modified cells of the present inventions 1014 to 1018, or the pharmaceutical composition of the present invention 1019. [The present invention 1021] (a) the disease is selected from the group consisting of an immunological disease, a hematological disease, an autoimmune disease, a fibrotic disease, and a cancer; and / or (b) the disease is cancer; and / or (c) the disease is myocardial fibrosis; and / or (d) the disease is cancer, and the cancer comprises FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells; The method of the present invention 1020. [The present invention 1022] (a) the FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells are cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs); and / or (b) the FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells are FAP-expressing adipocytes; and / or (c) the FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells are tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs); and / or (d) the FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells are tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs); and / or (e) the FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells are myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs); and / or (f) the FAP-expressing cancer-related cells are cancer stem cells (cancer-initiating cells); The method of the present invention 1021. [The present invention 1023] 1. A method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified immune cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to FAP, CAR, a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9; Includes; the cancer comprises fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated cells; method. [The present invention 1024] The method of the present invention, wherein the CAR binds to FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells and does not bind to cells that do not express FAP. [The present invention 1025] 1. A method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to FAP, wherein the cancer is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated fibroblasts; CAR, a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9; A method comprising: [The present invention 1026] 1. A method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to FAP, wherein the cancer is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated macrophages; CAR, a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9; A method comprising: [The present invention 1027] 1. A method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to FAP, wherein the cancer is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated neutrophils; CAR, a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9; A method comprising: [The present invention 1028] 1. A method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to FAP, wherein the cancer is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated fibroblasts and the CAR comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:23 or 25. [The present invention 1029] 1. A method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to FAP, wherein the cancer is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated macrophages, and the CAR comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:23 or 25. [The present invention 1030] 1. A method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to FAP, wherein the cancer is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated neutrophils, and the CAR comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:23 or 25. [The present invention 1031] 1. A method of treating a solid tumor in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to FAP, wherein the tumor is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated fibroblasts; CAR, a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9; A method comprising: [The present invention 1032] 1. A method of treating a solid tumor in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to FAP, wherein the tumor is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated macrophages; CAR, a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9; A method comprising: [The present invention 1033] 1. A method of treating a solid tumor in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to FAP, wherein the tumor is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated neutrophils; CAR, a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9; A method comprising: [The present invention 1034] The method of any one of claims 1020 to 1033, further comprising the step of administering an immune checkpoint inhibitor, a tumor antigen vaccine, or a neoplastic cell targeted therapy. [The present invention 1035] The method of any one of claims 1020 to 1034, wherein the subject is a human. [The present invention 1036] The method of any one of claims 1020 to 1035, wherein the subject is a non-human animal. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0041] The following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the invention will be more fully understood when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which: For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there are shown in the drawings embodiments which are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities of the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0042] [Figure 1] Sequence alignment between the canine FAP gene sequence listed in NCBI (XM_005640252.2) and the PCR reaction product using two primers generated using the NCBI sequence. At the nucleotide level, the product possessed two conservative base pair substitutions at T127 and A603 (right). [Diagram 2] 1 is a flow cytometry plot demonstrating expression of recombinant canine FAP constructs following transduction into BALB / c 3T3 cells. [Diagram 3]1 is a flow cytometry plot demonstrating the generation of hybridoma cells producing clone 4G5 anti-FAP antibody. Canine FAP-transduced BALB / c 3T3 cells were used to immunize 14-week-old BALB / c mice. Spleen cells were then fused to sp2 / 0 cells and the resulting hybridomas were screened against PKH-labeled MC KOSA parental (FAP null) cells and canine FAP-transgene expressing MC KOSA.K9FAP cells. Primary staining was provided by the hybridoma-produced antibody. Secondary staining was performed using a goat anti-mouse IgG secondary antibody followed by readout via flow cytometry. [Figure 4A] 1 is a sequence map illustrating the sequence and features of the HG2L version of the 4G5 canine FAP CD8H BB CD3Z CAR construct (SEQ ID NO:22 & SEQ ID NO:23). [Figure 4B] 1 is a sequence map illustrating the sequence and features of the HG2L version of the 4G5 canine FAP CD8H BB CD3Z CAR construct (SEQ ID NO:22 & SEQ ID NO:23). [Figure 5A] 1 is a sequence map illustrating the sequence and features of the L2HG version of the 4G5 canine FAP CD8H BB CD3Z CAR construct (SEQ ID NO:24 & SEQ ID NO:25). [Figure 5B] 1 is a sequence map illustrating the sequence and features of the L2HG version of the 4G5 canine FAP CD8H BB CD3Z CAR construct (SEQ ID NO:24 & SEQ ID NO:25). [Figure 6A]Figures 6A-6D are a series of graphs showing the in vitro function of 4G5-based CAR T cells in co-culture cytotoxicity assays using cell lines expressing mouse and canine FAP proteins as targets. Murine 3T3 cells were stained with anti-mouse FAP 73.3 antibody to verify expression of FAP compared to negative control staining with anti-human FAP F19 and mouse IgG isotype control (Figure 6A). Assays measuring cytotoxicity and activation included target cell killing as measured by luminescence (Figure 6B) and IFNγ production as measured by ELISA (Figure 6C). Recognition of canine FAP was assessed by a similar co-culture study using MC KOSA cells as targets to measure IFNγ production (Figure 6D). [Figure 6B] See legend to Figure 6A. [Figure 6C] See legend to Figure 6A. [Figure 6D] See legend to Figure 6A. [Figure 7A] Figures 7A-7E are a series of graphs showing the in vitro function of FAP CAR T cells after co-culture with FAP-negative HT1080 target cells. The assays measured cytotoxicity of labeled target cells (Figure 7A) and IFNγ production by ELISA analysis of supernatants (Figure 7B) after 24 hours of co-culture. HT1080 cells were then transduced to express high levels of recombinant human FAP (Figure 7C). These cells were used as targets in subsequent in vitro co-culture assays with FAP CAR T cells. After 24 hours, target cell cytotoxicity was assessed by luminescence (Figure 7D) and IFNγ production by ELISA (Figure 7E). The T cell populations used in these studies included non-transduced control T cells (NTD) and high affinity F19 FAP CAR T cells as controls. "HL" and "LH" refer to the HG2L and 2LHG versions of the 4G5-based CAR, respectively. [Figure 7B] See legend to Figure 7A. [Figure 7C] See legend to Figure 7A. [Figure 7D] See legend to Figure 7A. [Figure 7E]See legend to Figure 7A. [Figure 8A] Figures 8A-8C are a series of graphs demonstrating the cytotoxic function of anti-FAP CAR T cells in an in vitro co-culture assay with WI-38 cells. WI-38 cells are a fibroblast cell line that express intermediate levels of FAP protein as demonstrated by flow cytometry (Figure 8A). Subsequent cytotoxicity assays were performed using luminescence measurement of target cell killing (Figure 8B) and IFNγ production as readout (Figure 8C). Error bars indicate standard deviation between replicate samples in each group. *p ≤ 0.05, F19, HL and LH CARs versus NTD control cells at an effector to target ratio of 2.5:1 (Figure 8B) and F19 vs. LH and LH vs. HL cells (Figure 8C). INS indicates that no significant cytokines were measured at all effector to target ratios in the HL and NTD groups. [Figure 8B] See legend to Figure 8A. [Figure 8C] See legend to Figure 8A. [Figure 9A] Figures 9A-9C are a series of graphs demonstrating the cytotoxic function of anti-FAP CAR-expressing T cells in an in vitro assay using FAP-low expressing HOS cells as targets. Flow cytometry of FAP expression confirmed the low surface expression of FAP protein by these cells (Figure 9A). These target cells were then used in an in vitro co-culture cytotoxic function assay with various anti-FAP CAR T cells or non-transduced control T cells (NTD). After 24 hours of co-culture, the cytotoxicity of the labeled target cells was assessed by luminescence (Figure 9B) and the production of IFNγ by the T cells was assessed by ELISA of the supernatants (Figure 9C). Error bars indicate the standard deviation between replicate samples in each experimental group at each effector-to-target ratio. *p ≤ 0.05, F19 CAR T cells against HL and LH 4G5-based CAR T cells at an effector-to-target ratio of 20:1. "NS" indicates no statistical difference between HL and LH CAR T cells at the same effector-to-target ratio. [Figure 9B] See legend to Figure 9A. [Figure 9C] See legend to Figure 9A. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a series of graphs showing the percentage of tumor tissue cells that are CD90+ FAP+ tumor-associated fibroblasts. A549 cells were implanted into NSG mice and grown for 14 days before excision, dissociation and staining. Cells were first gated on CD45 negative cells (left panel). Gating on CD90+ / FAP+ cells illustrates the percentage of tumor-associated fibroblasts (middle panel). Gating was determined relative to an isotype control (left panel). [Figure 11A] 11A-11B are graphs showing the growth of A549 tumors established in NSG mice and treated by adoptive transfer of 20 million activated non-transduced control T cells "NTD", 10 million CAR T cells expressing the 73.3 anti-FAP scFv "73.3", 10 million T cells expressing the HGL2 4G5 CAR "HL", 10 million T cells expressing the L2HG 4G5 CAR "LH", or PBS vehicle control "PBS". Tumor volumes were assessed at the indicated time points during the experiment (FIG. 11A). After 17 or 18 days, tumors were harvested and weighed (FIG. 11B). Error bars indicate standard deviation between animals in each experimental group. p<0.0423, HL and LH 4G5FAP CAR groups compared to the non-transduced control group (FIG. 11A). *p≦0.05 vs. HL-, LH- and 73.3-expressing CAR T cells versus non-transduced (NTD) control T cells (Figure 11B). [Figure 11B] See legend to Figure 11A. [Figure 12] 1 is a graph showing the in vitro cytotoxicity of NK cells expressing the HL-4G5 CAR. Cells of the NK-92 NK cell line were transduced to express the 4G5FAP CAR and then used in an in vitro killing assay by co-culture with labeled human cancer-associated fibroblasts. Non-transduced NK92 cells were used as control cells. Engineered and control NK92 cells were incubated with target fibroblasts at the indicated effector-to-target ratios. Error bars indicate the standard deviation between replicate wells for each experimental group at each time point. [Figure 13]Graph showing results of animal studies illustrating activity of NK cells expressing HL-4G5 CAR. Mice bearing established human SSC15 (head and neck cancer) tumors were injected with 20 million FAPCAR-NK92 cells on day 1 and boosted with 10 million cells on days 4, 8, 11, and 14. Mice were sacrificed on day 18 and tumors were weighed. Tumors from mice injected with FAPCAR-NK92 cells were significantly smaller than untreated tumors. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0043] Detailed Description The present invention provides compositions and methods for engineered immune cells or their precursors (e.g., engineered T cells) that contain a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to human fibroblast activation protein (FAP). The provided compositions and methods are useful for treating immunological diseases, hematological diseases, autoimmune diseases, fibrosis (e.g., myocardial fibrosis), and / or cancer.

[0044] It is to be understood that the methods described in this disclosure are not limited to the particular methods and / or experimental conditions disclosed herein, as such methods and conditions may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to be limiting.

[0045] Moreover, the experiments described herein use conventional molecular cell biology and immunological techniques within the skill of those skilled in the art, unless otherwise indicated.Such techniques are well known to skilled workers and are fully described in the literature.See, for example, Ausubel, et al., ed., Current Protocols in Molecular Biology, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., NY, NY (1987-2008), including all supplements, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (Fourth Edition) by MR Green and J. Sambrook, and Harlow et al., Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Chapter 14, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor (2013, 2nd edition).

[0046] A. Definition Unless otherwise defined, scientific and technical terms used herein have the meanings commonly understood by those skilled in the art. In the event of any potential meaning uncertainty, the definitions provided herein take precedence over any dictionary or external definitions. Unless otherwise required by context, singular terms shall include pluralities and plural terms shall include the singular. Unless otherwise stated, the use of "or" means "and / or." The use of the term "including" and other forms such as "includes" and "included" are non-limiting.

[0047] In general, the nomenclature used in connection with cell and tissue culture, molecular biology, immunology, microbiology, genetics, and protein and nucleic acid chemistry and hybridization described herein is well known and widely used in the art.The methods and techniques provided herein are generally performed according to conventional methods well known in the art, as described in various general and more specific references cited and discussed throughout this specification, unless otherwise indicated.Enzymatic reactions and purification techniques are performed according to manufacturer's specifications as generally accomplished in the art or as described herein.The nomenclature used in connection with analytical chemistry, synthetic organic chemistry, and medicinal chemistry described herein, as well as the test procedures and techniques thereof, are well known and widely used in the art.Standard techniques are used for chemical synthesis, chemical analysis, pharmaceutical preparation, formulation, and delivery, and patient treatment.

[0048] In order that the present disclosure may be more readily understood, certain terms are defined below. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0049] The articles "a" and "an" are used herein to refer to one or to more than one (i.e., to at least one) of the grammatical object of the article. By way of example, "an element" means one element or more than one element.

[0050] As used herein, the term "about" or "approximately" when preceding a numerical value refers to a range of that value ± (+ or -) 10% of that value.

[0051] "Activation" as used herein refers to the state of T cells that are sufficiently stimulated to induce detectable cell proliferation. Activation can also be associated with induced cytokine production and detectable effector function. The term "activated T cells" refers, inter alia, to T cells undergoing cell division.

[0052] As used herein, "alleviating" a disease means reducing the severity of one or more symptoms of the disease.

[0053] The term "antibody" as used herein refers to an immunoglobulin molecule that specifically binds to an antigen. Antibodies can be intact immunoglobulins derived from natural or recombinant sources, or can be immunoreactive portions of intact immunoglobulins. Antibodies are typically tetramers of immunoglobulin molecules. Tetramers can be naturally occurring or reconstituted from single chain antibodies or antibody fragments. Antibodies also include dimers, which can be naturally occurring or constructed from single chain antibodies or antibody fragments. Antibodies in the present invention can exist in a wide variety of forms, including, for example, polyclonal antibodies, monoclonal antibodies, Fv, Fab and F(ab')2, as well as single chain antibodies (scFv), humanized antibodies and human antibodies (Harlow et al., 1999, In: Using Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, NY; Harlow et al., 1989, In: Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor, New York; Houston et al., 1988, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:5879-5883; Bird et al., 1988, Science 242:423-426).

[0054] The term "antibody fragment" refers to a portion of an intact antibody and refers to the antigen-determining variable region of an intact antibody. Examples of antibody fragments include, but are not limited to, Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, and Fv fragments, linear antibodies, scFv antibodies, single domain antibodies composed of either the VL domain or the VH domain that exhibit sufficient affinity for a target, such as camelid antibodies (Riechmann, 1999, Journal of Immunological Methods 231:25-38), and multispecific antibodies formed from antibody fragments. Antibody fragments also include human or humanized antibodies or portions of human or humanized antibodies.

[0055] "Antibody heavy chain," as used herein, refers to the larger of the two types of polypeptide chains present in all antibody molecules in their naturally occurring configurations.

[0056] "Antibody light chain," as used herein, refers to the smaller of the two polypeptide chains present in all antibody molecules in their naturally occurring configurations. Kappa light chain and lambda light chain refer to the two major antibody light chain isotypes.

[0057] The term "synthetic antibody," as used herein, means an antibody produced using recombinant DNA techniques, such as an antibody expressed by a bacteriophage as described herein, etc. The term should also be taken to mean an antibody produced by synthesis of a DNA molecule encoding the antibody, which DNA molecule expresses an antibody protein or an amino acid sequence that specifies the antibody, which DNA or amino acid sequence has been obtained using synthetic DNA or amino acid sequence techniques that are available and well known in the art.

[0058] The term "antigen" or "Ag" as used herein is defined as a molecule that elicits an immune response. This immune response may include either or both antibody production or activation of specific immunocompetent cells. Those skilled in the art will understand that virtually any macromolecule can serve as an antigen, including any protein or peptide. Furthermore, antigens can be derived from recombinant or genomic DNA. Those skilled in the art will understand that any DNA that includes a nucleotide sequence or partial nucleotide sequence that encodes a protein that elicits an immune response therefore encodes an "antigen" as that term is used herein. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that an antigen need not be encoded solely by the full-length nucleotide sequence of a gene. It is readily apparent that the present invention includes, but is not limited to, the use of partial nucleotide sequences of more than one gene, and that these nucleotide sequences are arranged in various combinations to elicit the desired immune response. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will understand that an antigen need not be encoded by a "gene" at all. It is readily apparent that an antigen can be generated, synthesized, or derived from a biological sample. Such biological samples can include, but are not limited to, tissue samples, tumor samples, cells, or biological fluids.

[0059] The term "anti-tumor effect" as used herein refers to a biological effect that can be manifested by a reduction in tumor volume, a reduction in the number of tumor cells, a reduction in the number of metastases, an increase in life expectancy, or an improvement in various physiological symptoms associated with a cancerous condition. An "anti-tumor effect" can also be manifested by the ability of the peptides, polynucleotides, cells and antibodies of the present invention to prevent the development of tumors themselves.

[0060] As used herein, the term "autologous" is meant to refer to any material derived from the same individual that is to be later reintroduced into that individual.

[0061] "Allogeneic" refers to a graft derived from a different animal of the same species.

[0062] The term "cancer" as used herein is defined as a disease characterized by rapid and uncontrollable proliferation of abnormal cells. Cancer cells can spread locally or to other parts of the body through the bloodstream and lymphatic system. Examples of various cancers include, but are not limited to, breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, skin cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, brain cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, lung cancer, etc. In a particular embodiment, the cancer is medullary thyroid cancer.

[0063] As used herein, the term "conservative sequence modification" is intended to refer to an amino acid modification that does not significantly affect or change the binding properties of the antibody containing the amino acid sequence. Such conservative modifications include amino acid substitutions, additions and deletions. Modifications can be introduced into the antibody of the present invention by standard techniques known in the art, such as site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis. Conservative amino acid substitutions are those in which an amino acid residue is replaced with an amino acid residue that has a similar side chain. Families of amino acid residues that have similar side chains have been defined in the art. These families include amino acids with basic side chains (e.g., lysine, arginine, histidine), acidic side chains (e.g., aspartic acid, glutamic acid), uncharged polar side chains (e.g., glycine, asparagine, glutamine, serine, threonine, tyrosine, cysteine, tryptophan), nonpolar side chains (e.g., alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, proline, phenylalanine, methionine), beta-branched side chains (e.g., threonine, valine, isoleucine) and aromatic side chains (e.g., tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, histidine). Thus, one or more amino acid residues in the CDR regions of an antibody of the invention can be replaced with other amino acid residues from the same side chain family, and the altered antibodies can be tested for their ability to bind to a FAP using the functional assays described herein.

[0064] "Costimulatory ligand," as that term is used herein, includes a molecule on an antigen-presenting cell (e.g., aAPC, dendritic cell, B cell, etc.) that specifically binds to a cognate costimulatory molecule on a T cell, thereby providing, in addition to the primary signal provided by, for example, binding of the TCR / CD3 complex to a peptide-loaded MHC molecule, also a signal that mediates T cell responses, including, but not limited to, proliferation, activation, differentiation, etc. Costimulatory ligands can include, but are not limited to, CD7, B7-1 (CD80), B7-2 (CD86), PD-L1, PD-L2, 4-1BBL, OX40L, inducible costimulatory ligand (ICOS-L), intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM), CD30L, CD40, CD70, CD83, HLA-G, MICA, MICB, HVEM, lymphotoxin beta receptor, 3 / TR6, ILT3, ILT4, HVEM, agonists or antibodies that bind to the Toll ligand receptor, and ligands that specifically bind to B7-H3. Costimulatory ligands also include antibodies that specifically bind to costimulatory molecules present on T cells, such as, but not limited to, ligands that specifically bind to CD27, CD28, 4-1BB, OX40, CD30, CD40, PD-1, ICOS, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), CD2, CD7, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, and CD83, among others.

[0065] "Costimulatory molecule" refers to the cognate binding partner on a T cell that specifically binds to a costimulatory ligand, thereby mediating a costimulatory response by the T cell, such as, but not limited to, proliferation. Costimulatory molecules include, but are not limited to, MHC class I molecules, BTLA, and Toll ligand receptors.

[0066] The term "downregulation," as used herein, refers to a decrease or elimination of gene expression of one or more genes.

[0067] The term "dysregulated," when used in reference to the level of expression or activity of a FAP, refers to a difference in the level of expression or activity of the FAP from that in an otherwise identical healthy animal, organism, tissue, cell, or component thereof. The term "dysregulated" also refers to an altered regulation of the level of expression and activity of the FAP compared to that in an otherwise identical healthy animal, organism, tissue, cell, or component thereof.

[0068] "Effective amount" or "therapeutically effective amount" are used interchangeably herein and refer to an amount of a compound, formulation, material or composition described herein that is effective to achieve a particular biological result or provide a therapeutic or prophylactic benefit. Such results may include, but are not limited to, an amount that, when administered to a mammal, causes a detectable level of immune suppression or tolerance compared to the immune response detected in the absence of the composition of the present invention. The immune response can be readily assessed by a myriad of art-recognized methods. Those skilled in the art will understand that the amount of the composition administered herein will vary and can be readily determined based on a number of factors, such as the disease or condition being treated, the age and health and physical condition of the mammal being treated, the severity of the disease, the particular compound being administered, and the like.

[0069] "Encoding" refers to the inherent property of a particular nucleotide sequence in a polynucleotide, such as a gene, cDNA, or mRNA, to serve as a template for the synthesis of other polymers and macromolecules in biological processes, either with a defined nucleotide (i.e., rRNA, tRNA, and mRNA) sequence or a defined amino acid sequence, and the biological properties resulting therefrom. Thus, a gene codes for a protein when the protein is produced in a cell or other biological system by transcription and translation of the mRNA corresponding to that gene. Both the coding strand, which is the nucleotide sequence identical to the mRNA sequence and usually shown in the sequence listing, and the non-coding strand, which is used as a template for transcription of the gene or cDNA, can be said to code for the protein or other product of that gene or cDNA. Unless otherwise specified, a "nucleotide sequence encoding an amino acid sequence" includes all nucleotide sequences that are degenerate versions of each other and code for the same amino acid sequence. A nucleotide sequence encoding a protein or RNA can include introns.

[0070] As used herein, "endogenous" refers to any material that originates or is produced within an organism, cell, tissue or system.

[0071] The term "epitope" as used herein is defined as a small chemical molecule on an antigen that can elicit an immune response and induce a B-cell response and / or a T-cell response. An antigen can have one or more epitopes. Most antigens have many epitopes; that is, they are multivalent. In general, an epitope is approximately the size of about 10 amino acids and / or sugars. Preferably, an epitope is about 4-18 amino acids, more preferably about 5-16 amino acids, even more preferably about 6-14 amino acids, more preferably about 7-12, and most preferably about 8-10 amino acids. In general, one skilled in the art will understand that the overall three-dimensional structure of the molecule, rather than the specific linear sequence, is the primary criterion for the specificity of an antigen, and thus, this distinguishes one epitope from another. Based on the present disclosure, a peptide used in the present invention can be an epitope.

[0072] As used herein, the term "exogenous" refers to any material that is introduced from or produced outside an organism, cell, tissue or system.

[0073] The term "expanded" as used herein refers to an increase in number, such as an increase in the number of T cells. In one embodiment, ex vivo expanded T cells are increased in number relative to the number originally present in the culture. In another embodiment, ex vivo expanded T cells are increased in number relative to other cell types in the culture. As used herein, the term "ex vivo" refers to cells removed from an organism (e.g., a human) and propagated outside the organism (e.g., in a culture dish, test tube, or bioreactor).

[0074] The term "expression" as used herein is defined as the transcription and / or translation of a particular nucleotide sequence driven by its promoter.

[0075] "Expression vector" refers to a vector that contains a recombinant polynucleotide that contains an expression control sequence operably linked to the nucleotide sequence to be expressed. An expression vector contains sufficient cis-acting elements for expression; other elements for expression can be supplied by the host cell or in an in vitro expression system. Expression vectors include all those known in the art, such as cosmids, plasmids (e.g., naked or contained in liposomes) and viruses (e.g., Sendai virus, lentivirus, retrovirus, adenovirus and adeno-associated virus) that incorporate a recombinant polynucleotide.

[0076] "Homologous" as used herein refers to the subunit sequence identity between two polymer molecules, for example, between two nucleic acid molecules, for example, between two DNA molecules or two RNA molecules, or between two polypeptide molecules. If a certain subunit position in both of the two molecules is occupied by the same monomer subunit; for example, if a certain position in each of the two DNA molecules is occupied by adenine, they are homologous at that position. The homology between two sequences is a direct function of the number of matching or homologous positions; for example, if half of the positions in the two sequences (e.g., 5 positions in a polymer that is 10 subunits long) are homologous, the two sequences are 50% homologous; if 90% of the positions (e.g., 9 out of 10) are matching or homologous, the two sequences are 90% homologous.

[0077] "Humanized" and "chimeric" forms of non-human (e.g., murine) antibodies are immunoglobulins, immunoglobulin chains or fragments thereof (such as Fv, Fab, Fab', F(ab')2 or other antigen-binding subsequences of antibodies) that contain minimal sequence derived from non-human immunoglobulin. In most cases, humanized and chimeric antibodies are human immunoglobulins (recipient antibody) in which residues from a complementarity determining region (CDR) of the recipient are replaced by residues from a CDR of a non-human species (donor antibody) such as mouse, rat or rabbit having the desired specificity, affinity, and capacity. In some cases, Fv framework region (FR) residues of the human immunoglobulin are replaced by corresponding non-human residues. Furthermore, humanized and chimeric antibodies can comprise residues that are found neither in the recipient antibody nor in the imported CDR or framework sequences. These modifications are made to further refine and optimize antibody performance. Generally, humanized and chimeric antibodies comprise substantially all of at least one, and typically two, variable domains, with all or substantially all of the CDR regions corresponding to those of a non-human immunoglobulin and all or substantially all of the FR regions being of a human immunoglobulin sequence. Humanized and chimeric antibodies also optimally comprise at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region (Fc), typically of a human immunoglobulin. The World Health Organization (WHO) International Nonproprietary Nomenclature (INN) Expert Group has defined the requirements for an antibody of non-human origin to be considered "humanized". According to the guidelines, comparison of candidate antibodies to human sequences should be done through the International Immunogenetics Information System® (IMGT®) DomainGapAlign tool (www.imgt.org). This tool queries the IMGT® database of antibody germline variable region genes and provides alignment scores only for the variable region exons of the germline sequence, thus excluding parts of the CDR3 and J regions from the analysis.For an antibody to be "humanized," in addition to being "closer to human than other species," the top "hits" should be human and have at least 85% identity to human sequences, otherwise the antibody will be designated as "chimeric." For further details, see Jones et al., Nature, 321: 522-525, 1986; Reichmann et al., Nature, 332: 323-329, 1988; Presta, Curr. Op. Struct. Biol., 2: 593-596, 1992.

[0078] "Fully human" refers to an immunoglobulin, such as an antibody, where the entire molecule is of human origin or consists of an amino acid sequence identical to that of a human form of the antibody.

[0079] As used herein, "instruction manual" includes publications, records, diagrams, or any other medium of expression that can be used to convey the usefulness of the compositions and methods of the present invention. The instruction manual of the kit of the present invention may be, for example, attached to the container containing the nucleic acid, peptide, and / or composition of the present invention, or may be shipped together with the container containing the nucleic acid, peptide, and / or composition. Alternatively, the instruction manual may be shipped separately from the container, with the intention that the instruction manual and the compound are used together by the recipient.

[0080] "Identity" as used herein refers to the identity of subunit sequences between two amino acid molecules, such as between two polymer molecules, particularly between two polypeptide molecules. If two amino acid sequences have the same residue at the same position; for example, if a position in each of the two polypeptide molecules is occupied by arginine, they are identical at that position. The identity or degree to which two amino acid sequences have the same residue at the same position in an alignment is often expressed as a percentage. The identity between two amino acid sequences is a direct function of the number of positions that are matched or identical; for example, if half of the positions in the two sequences (e.g., 5 positions in a 10 amino acid long polymer) are identical, the two sequences are 50% identical; if 90% of the positions (e.g., 9 out of 10) are matched or identical, the two amino acid sequences are 90% identical.

[0081] As used herein, the term "immune response" is defined as a cellular response to an antigen that occurs when lymphocytes identify the antigen molecule as foreign and induce the formation of antibodies and / or activate lymphocytes to eliminate the antigen.

[0082] The term "immunosuppression" is used herein to refer to the overall reduction of the immune response.

[0083] "Isolated" means altered or removed from the natural state. For example, a nucleic acid or peptide that is naturally present in a living animal is not "isolated," but the same nucleic acid or peptide that is partially or completely separated from the coexisting materials of its natural state is "isolated." An isolated nucleic acid or protein can exist in a substantially purified form, or can exist in a non-native environment, such as, for example, a host cell.

[0084] In the context of the present invention, the following abbreviations are used for commonly occurring nucleic acid bases: "A" refers to adenosine, "C" refers to cytosine, "G" refers to guanosine, "T" refers to thymidine, and "U" refers to uridine. Unless otherwise specified, "nucleotide sequence encoding an amino acid sequence" includes all nucleotide sequences that are degenerate versions of each other and encode the same amino acid sequence. The phrase nucleotide sequence encoding a protein or RNA can also include introns, insofar as the nucleotide sequence encoding a protein may include introns in some versions.

[0085] "Lentivirus" as used herein refers to a genus of the Retroviridae family.Lentiviruses are unique among retroviruses in that they can infect non-dividing cells; they can deliver a significant amount of genetic information into the DNA of host cells, making them one of the most efficient methods of gene delivery vectors.HIV, SIV and FIV are all examples of lentiviruses.Vectors derived from lentiviruses provide a means to achieve significant levels of gene transfer in vivo.

[0086] The term "modified" as used herein refers to an altered state or structure of a molecule or cell of the invention. Molecules can be modified in many ways, including chemically, structurally, and functionally. Cells can be modified by the introduction of nucleic acids.

[0087] The term "modulate" as used herein means to mediate a detectable increase or decrease in the level of response in a subject, compared to the level of response in the subject in the absence of treatment or compound, and / or compared to the level of response in an otherwise identical but untreated subject. This term encompasses perturbing and / or affecting a natural signal or response in a subject, preferably a human, thereby mediating a beneficial therapeutic response.

[0088] The term "oligonucleotide" typically refers to a short polynucleotide. When a nucleotide sequence is represented by a DNA sequence (i.e., A, T, C, G), it is understood that the RNA sequence (i.e., A, U, C, G) in which "T" is replaced by "U" is also included.

[0089] The term "operably linked" refers to a functional link between a regulatory sequence and a heterologous nucleic acid sequence that results in the expression of the latter. For example, a first nucleic acid sequence is functionally linked to a second nucleic acid sequence when the first nucleic acid sequence is placed in a functional relationship with the second nucleic acid sequence. For example, a promoter is functionally linked to a coding sequence if it affects the transcription or expression of the coding sequence. Generally, functionally linked DNA sequences are contiguous and, where necessary to connect two protein coding regions, are in the same reading frame.

[0090] "Oral" administration of the immunogenic composition includes, for example, subcutaneous (sc), intravenous (iv), intramuscular (im), or intrasternal injection, or infusion techniques.

[0091] The term "polynucleotide" as used herein is defined as a chain of nucleotides. Furthermore, nucleic acid is a polymer of nucleotides. Thus, nucleic acid and polynucleotide as used herein are interchangeable. Those skilled in the art have the general knowledge that nucleic acids are polynucleotides and they can be hydrolyzed into monomeric "nucleotides". Monomeric nucleotides can be hydrolyzed into nucleosides. As used herein, polynucleotide includes, but is not limited to, all nucleic acid sequences obtained by any means available in the art, including recombinant means, i.e., cloning nucleic acid sequences from recombinant libraries or cell genomes using conventional cloning techniques and PCR™, etc., as well as synthetic means.

[0092] As used herein, the terms "peptide", "polypeptide" and "protein" are used interchangeably and refer to compounds composed of amino acid residues covalently linked by peptide bonds. A protein or peptide must contain at least two amino acids, and there is no limit to the maximum number of amino acids that may make up a protein or peptide sequence. A polypeptide includes any peptide or protein that contains two or more amino acids joined together by peptide bonds. As used herein, the term refers to both short chains, also commonly referred to in the art as peptides, oligopeptides and oligomers, for example, and longer chains, also commonly referred to in the art as proteins, of which there are many types. "Polypeptides" include, inter alia, for example, biologically active fragments, substantially homologous polypeptides, oligopeptides, homodimers, heterodimers, variants of polypeptides, modified polypeptides, derivatives, analogs, fusion proteins. A polypeptide includes natural peptides, recombinant peptides, synthetic peptides, or combinations thereof.

[0093] The term "promoter" as used herein is defined as a DNA sequence recognized by the synthetic machinery of the cell or introduced synthetic machinery required to initiate specific transcription of a polynucleotide sequence.

[0094] As used herein, the term "promoter / regulatory sequence" refers to a nucleic acid sequence required for expression of a gene product operably linked to the promoter / regulatory sequence. In some cases, this sequence may be a core promoter sequence, but in other cases, this sequence may also include enhancer sequences and other regulatory elements required for expression of the gene product. The promoter / regulatory sequence may, for example, be one that expresses the gene product in a tissue-specific manner.

[0095] A "constitutive" promoter is a nucleotide sequence that, when operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding or specifying a gene product, causes the gene product to be produced in a cell under most or all physiological conditions of the cell.

[0096] An "inducible" promoter is a nucleotide sequence that, when operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding or specifying a gene product, causes the gene product to be produced in a cell substantially only when an inducer corresponding to the promoter is present in the cell.

[0097] A "tissue-specific" promoter is a nucleotide sequence that, when operably linked to a polynucleotide encoding or specified by a gene, causes a gene product to be produced in a cell substantially only if the cell is a cell of the tissue type corresponding to the promoter.

[0098] A "signal transduction pathway" refers to the biochemical relationship between a wide variety of signal transduction molecules that play a role in transmitting a signal from one part of a cell to another part of the cell. The phrase "cell surface receptor" includes molecules and complexes of molecules that can receive a signal and transmit the signal across the plasma membrane of a cell. An example of a "cell surface receptor" is human FAP.

[0099] "Single chain antibody" refers to an antibody formed by recombinant DNA technology in which immunoglobulin heavy and light chain fragments are linked together using a series of engineered amino acids so that the Fv region of the antibody is repeated as a single polypeptide.Various methods for producing single chain antibodies are known, including those described in U.S. Patent No. 4,694,778; Bird (1988) Science 242:423-442; Huston et al. (1988) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 85:5879-5883; Ward et al. (1989) Nature 334:54454; Skerra et al. (1988) Science 242:1038-1041.

[0100] The term "specifically binds" as used herein with respect to an antibody refers to an antibody that recognizes a specific antigen but does not substantially recognize or bind to other molecules in a sample. For example, an antibody that specifically binds to an antigen from one species may also bind to that antigen from one or more species. However, such cross-species reactivity does not, in and of itself, change the classification of the antibody as specific. In another example, an antibody that specifically binds to an antigen may also bind to different allelic forms of that antigen. However, such cross-reactivity does not, in and of itself, change the classification of the antibody as specific. In some cases, the terms "specific binding" or "specifically binds" can be used in relation to the interaction of an antibody, protein or peptide with a second chemical species to mean that the interaction is dependent on the presence of a particular structure (e.g., an antigenic determinant or epitope) on the chemical species; for example, an antibody recognizes and binds to a particular protein structure rather than the entire protein. If an antibody is specific for epitope "A", then the presence of a molecule containing epitope A (or free, unlabeled A) in a reaction containing labeled "A" and the antibody will reduce the amount of labeled A bound to the antibody.

[0101] The term "stimulation" refers to a primary response induced by the binding of a stimulatory molecule (e.g., the TCR / CD3 complex) to its cognate ligand, thereby mediating a signal transduction event, such as, but not limited to, signal transduction through the TCR / CD3 complex. Stimulation can mediate changes in the expression of certain molecules, such as downregulation of TGF-beta and / or rearrangement of cytoskeletal structures.

[0102] "Stimulatory molecule," as that term is used herein, means a molecule on a T cell that specifically binds to a cognate stimulatory ligand present on an antigen-presenting cell.

[0103] As used herein, a "stimulatory ligand" refers to a ligand that, when present on an antigen-presenting cell (e.g., aAPC, dendritic cell, B cell, etc.), can specifically bind to a cognate binding partner (referred to herein as a "stimulatory molecule") on a T cell, thereby mediating a primary response by the T cell, including, but not limited to, activation, initiation of an immune response, proliferation, etc. Stimulatory ligands are well known in the art and include peptide-loaded MHC class I molecules, anti-CD3 antibodies, superagonist anti-CD28 antibodies, and superagonist anti-CD2 antibodies, among others.

[0104] The term "subject" is intended to include organisms (e.g., mammals) in which an immune response can be elicited. As used herein, a "subject" or "patient" can be a human or non-human mammal. Non-human mammals include farm animals and pets, such as, for example, ovine, bovine, porcine, canine, feline and murine mammals. Preferably, the subject is a human.

[0105] "Target site" or "target sequence" refers to a nucleic acid sequence that defines a portion of a nucleic acid to which a binding molecule can specifically bind under conditions sufficient for binding to occur. In some embodiments, a target sequence refers to a genomic nucleic acid sequence that defines a portion of a nucleic acid to which a binding molecule can specifically bind under conditions sufficient for binding to occur.

[0106] As used herein, a "substantially purified" cell is a cell that is essentially free of other cell types. A substantially purified cell also refers to a cell that is separated from other cell types that it normally associates with in its naturally occurring state. In some cases, a substantially purified cell population refers to a homogenous cell population. In other cases, the term simply refers to a cell that is separated from the cells that it naturally associates with in its natural state. In some embodiments, the cells are cultured in vitro. In other embodiments, the cells are not cultured in vitro.

[0107] The term "therapeutic" as used herein means treatment and / or prophylaxis. The therapeutic effect is achieved by suppression, amelioration, or eradication of the disease state.

[0108] As used herein, the terms "transfected" or "transformed" or "transduced" refer to the process by which exogenous nucleic acid is transferred or introduced into a host cell. A "transfected" or "transformed" or "transduced" cell is one that has been transfected, transformed or transduced with exogenous nucleic acid. This cell includes the primary subject cell and its progeny.

[0109] The phrases "under transcriptional control" or "operably linked" as used herein mean that the promoter is in the correct location and orientation relative to the polynucleotide to control the initiation of transcription by RNA polymerase and expression of the polynucleotide.

[0110] "Treating" a disease, as that term is used herein, means reducing the frequency or severity of at least one sign or symptom of the disease or disorder from which a subject suffers.

[0111] A "vector" is a composition of material that contains an isolated nucleic acid and can be used to deliver the isolated nucleic acid to the inside of a cell. Numerous vectors are known in the art, including but not limited to linear polynucleotides, polynucleotides associated with ionic or amphiphilic compounds, plasmids and viruses. Thus, the term "vector" includes autonomously replicating plasmids or viruses. The term should also be construed to include non-plasmid and non-viral compounds that facilitate the transfer of nucleic acid into cells, such as polylysine compounds, liposomes, etc. Examples of viral vectors include but are not limited to Sendai virus vectors, adenovirus vectors, adeno-associated virus vectors, retrovirus vectors, lentivirus vectors, etc.

[0112] "Xenogeneic" refers to a graft derived from an animal of a different species.

[0113] Ranges: Throughout this disclosure, various aspects of the invention can be presented in a range format. It should be understood that the description in range format is merely for convenience and brevity and should not be construed as an inflexible limitation on the scope of the invention. Thus, the description of a range should be considered to have specifically disclosed all possible subranges and individual numerical values ​​within that range. For example, the description of a range such as 1-6 should be considered to have specifically disclosed subranges such as 1-3, 1-4, 1-5, 2-4, 2-6, 3-6, etc., as well as individual numbers within that range, for example, 1, 2, 2.7, 3, 4, 5, 5.3, and 6. This applies regardless of the breadth of the range.

[0114] B. Chimeric Antigen Receptors The present invention provides therapeutic agents (e.g., chimeric antigen receptors) for use in the treatment of solid tumors. Successful treatment of solid tumors is hindered by various obstacles, including, for example, the tumor microenvironment. Tumors contain cancer cells and stromal compartments that contain cellular and non-cellular components. Tumor stroma has been shown to play an important role in the development of cancer, including progression and metastasis. The present invention provides CARs for targeting tumor stroma, where promising cellular targets in the stroma include cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). CAFs have been shown to enhance nearly all aspects of tumor growth and spread. CAFs provide a barrier to therapeutic agents (e.g., drugs and immune cells), provide growth signals to tumor cells, and are actively immunosuppressive.

[0115] The present invention provides a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that can bind to fibroblast activation protein (FAP). FAP is a type II transmembrane serine protease that is expressed in the stroma of more than 90% of common human epithelial cancers. In certain tumors, FAP is selectively expressed by cancer-associated fibroblasts. FAP expression has not been detected in benign tumors or normal adult quiescent tissues.

[0116] In certain embodiments, the subject CAR comprises an antigen-binding domain capable of binding to FAP, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain.Also provided are compositions and methods for modified immune cells or their precursors, such as modified T cells, that comprise CAR.Thus, in some embodiments, immune cells are genetically modified to express CAR.Also provided are nucleic acids encoding the CAR, vectors encoding the nucleic acids, and modified cells (e.g., modified T cells) that comprise the CAR, vectors, or nucleic acids.

[0117] In certain embodiments, the CAR can bind to human FAP. In certain embodiments, the CAR can bind to dog FAP. In certain embodiments, the CAR can bind to murine FAP. In certain embodiments, the CAR can bind to human, dog and murine FAP. In such embodiments, the antigen-binding domain can be referred to as cross-species reactive. Cross-species reactive antigen-binding domains are useful in translational research, where the human target antigen-binding domain also binds to the same antigen in different species (e.g., model organisms), allowing the same antigen-binding domain to be tested in disease models.

[0118] The subject CAR of the present invention comprises an antigen-binding domain capable of binding to FAP, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain.The subject CAR of the present invention can optionally comprise a hinge domain.Thus, the subject CAR of the present invention comprises an antigen-binding domain capable of binding to FAP, a hinge domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain.

[0119] The antigen binding domain can be operably linked to another domain of the CAR, such as a transmembrane domain or an intracellular domain (both described elsewhere herein) for expression in a cell. In one embodiment, a first nucleic acid sequence encoding the antigen binding domain is operably linked to a second nucleic acid encoding the transmembrane domain, and further operably linked to a third nucleic acid sequence encoding the intracellular domain.

[0120] The antigen binding domain described herein can be combined with any of the transmembrane domains described herein, any of the intracellular or cytoplasmic domains described herein, or any of the other domains described herein that can be included in the CAR of the present invention.The subject CAR of the present invention can also include the hinge domain described herein.The subject CAR of the present invention can also include the spacer domain described herein.In some embodiments, each of the antigen binding domain, the transmembrane domain, and the intracellular domain is separated by a linker.

[0121] Antigen-binding domain The antigen-binding domain of a CAR is the extracellular region of the CAR for binding to a specific target antigen, including proteins, carbohydrates, and glycolipids. The subject CAR of the present invention comprises an antigen-binding domain capable of binding to fibroblast activation protein (FAP).

[0122] The antigen-binding domain can include any domain that binds to an antigen, including, but not limited to, a monoclonal antibody, a polyclonal antibody, a synthetic antibody, a human antibody, a humanized antibody, a non-human antibody, and any fragment thereof. In some embodiments, the portion of the antigen-binding domain comprises a mammalian antibody or a fragment thereof. The choice of antigen-binding domain can depend on the type and number of antigens present on the surface of the target cell.

[0123] In some embodiments, the antigen-binding domain is selected from the group consisting of a full-length antibody, an antigen-binding fragment, a Fab, a single-chain variable fragment (scFv), or a single-domain antibody. In some embodiments, the FAP-binding domain of the present invention is selected from the group consisting of a FAP-specific antibody, a FAP-specific Fab, and a FAP-specific scFv. In one embodiment, the FAP-binding domain is a FAP-specific antibody. In one embodiment, the FAP-binding domain is a FAP-specific Fab. In one embodiment, the FAP-binding domain is a FAP-specific scFv.

[0124] The term "single chain variable fragment" or "scFv" as used herein refers to a fusion protein in which the heavy chain variable region (VH) and the light chain variable region (VL) of an immunoglobulin (e.g., mouse or human) are covalently linked to form a VH::VL heterodimer. The heavy chain (VH) and the light chain (VL) are either directly linked or linked by a peptide encoding a linker, which connects the N-terminus of the VH to the C-terminus of the VL or the C-terminus of the VH to the N-terminus of the VL. In some embodiments, the antigen binding domain (e.g., the FAP binding domain) comprises an scFv with a VH-linker-VL configuration from N-terminus to C-terminus. In some embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises an scFv with a VL-linker-VH configuration from N-terminus to C-terminus. Those skilled in the art will be able to select a suitable configuration for use in the present invention.

[0125] The linker is usually rich in glycine for flexibility, and also rich in serine or threonine for solubility. The linker can link the heavy and light chain variable regions of the extracellular antigen-binding domain. Non-limiting examples of linkers are disclosed in Shen et al., Anal. Chem. 80(6):1910-1917 (2008) and WO 2014 / 087010, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Glycine-serine (GS) linkers, such as (GS) n , (GSGGS) n (SEQ ID NO:31), (GGGS) n (SEQ ID NO:32), and (GGGGS) nA variety of linker sequences are known in the art, including, but not limited to, (SEQ ID NO:33), where n represents an integer of at least 1. Exemplary linker sequences can include amino acid sequences, including, but not limited to, GGSG (SEQ ID NO:34), GGSGG (SEQ ID NO:35), GSGSG (SEQ ID NO:36), GSGGG (SEQ ID NO:37), GGGSG (SEQ ID NO:38), GSSSG (SEQ ID NO:39), GGGGS (SEQ ID NO:40), GGGSGGGGSGGGGS (SEQ ID NO:15), and the like. One of skill in the art will be able to select a linker sequence suitable for use in the present invention. In one aspect, the antigen binding domain of the present invention comprises a heavy chain variable region (VH) and a light chain variable region (VL), wherein the VH and VL are linked by the nucleic acid sequence The amino acid sequence GGGGSGGGSGGGGS (SEQ ID NO:15) is separated by a linker sequence which can be coded for by TIFF0007621344000007.tif4162.

[0126] Despite the removal of the constant region and the introduction of the linker, the scFv protein retains the specificity of the original immunoglobulin. Single chain Fv polypeptide antibodies can be expressed from nucleic acids containing VH and VL coding sequences as described by Huston et al. (Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA, 85:5879-5883, 1988). See also U.S. Patent Nos. 5,091,513, 5,132,405 and 4,956,778; and U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 20050196754 and 20050196754. Antagonistic scFvs with inhibitory activity have been described (e.g., Zhao et al., Hyrbidoma (Larchmt) 2008 27(6):455-51; Peter et al., J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2012 August 12; Shieh et al., J Imunol 2009 183(4):2277-85; Giomarelli et al., Thromb Haemost 2007 97(6):955-63; Fife et al., J Clin Invst 2006 116(8):2252-61; Brocks et al., Immunotechnology 1997 3(3):173-84; Moosmayer et al., Ther Immunol 1995 136(8):2252-61). 2 (10:31-40). Agonistic scFvs with stimulatory activity have been described (see, e.g., Peter et al., J Bioi Chem 2003 25278(38):36740-7; Xie et al., Nat Biotech 1997 15(8):768-71; Ledbetter et al., Crit Rev Immunol 1997 17(5-6):427-55; Ho et al., BioChim Biophys Acta 2003 1638(3):257-66).

[0127] As used herein, "Fab" refers to the fragment of an antibody structure that binds an antigen but is monovalent and does not have the Fc portion; for example, digestion of an antibody with the enzyme papain results in two Fab fragments and one Fc fragment (e.g., heavy (H) chain constant region; the Fc region that does not bind antigen).

[0128] As used herein, "F(ab')2" refers to an antibody fragment produced by pepsin digestion of a whole IgG antibody, where the fragment has two antigen-binding (ab') (bivalent) regions, each (ab') region containing two separate amino acid chains linked by S-S bonds, a portion of a heavy chain for binding to antigen and a light (L) chain, with the remaining heavy chain portions linked together. The "F(ab')2" fragment can be split into two separate Fab' fragments.

[0129] In some embodiments, the antigen binding domain may be derived from the same species as the species in which the CAR will ultimately be used.For example, for use in humans, the antigen binding domain of the CAR may comprise a human antibody or a fragment thereof.In some embodiments, the antigen binding domain may be derived from a different species than the species in which the CAR will ultimately be used.For example, for use in humans, the antigen binding domain of the CAR may comprise a mouse antibody, a dog antibody, or a fragment thereof.

[0130] In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising three heavy chain complementarity determining regions (HCDRs). In certain embodiments, HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence YTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO:1) and / or HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence TIFF0007621344000008.tif5128, and / or HCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence LDDSRFHWYFDV (SEQ ID NO:3). The antigen binding domain also comprises a light chain variable region comprising three light chain complementarity determining regions (LCDRs). In certain embodiments, LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO:4), and / or LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence LTSNLA (SEQ ID NO:5), and / or LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO:6).

[0131] In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain is a heavy chain variable region comprising three heavy chain complementarity determining regions (HCDRs), wherein HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence GYTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO:27) and / or HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence TIFF0007621344000009.tif4128, and / or HCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence LDDSRFHWYFDV (SEQ ID NO:3). In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain also comprises a light chain variable region comprising three light chain complementarity determining regions (LCDRs), wherein LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO:4), and / or LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence LTSNLAS (SEQ ID NO:30), and / or LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO:6).

[0132] In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain is a heavy chain variable region comprising three heavy chain complementarity determining regions (HCDRs), wherein HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence YTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO:1), and / or HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence TIFF0007621344000010.tif4128, and / or HCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence TRLDDSRFHWYFDV (SEQ ID NO:29). In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain also comprises a light chain variable region comprising three light chain complementarity determining regions (LCDRs), wherein LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO:4), and / or LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence LTSNLA (SEQ ID NO:5), and / or LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO:6).

[0133] In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising any of the three heavy chain complementarity determining regions HCDR1, HCDR2 and HCDR3 as described herein. In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising any of the three light chain complementarity determining regions LCDR1, LCDR2 and LCDR3 as described herein. In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises any combination of HCDR1, HCDR2, HCDR3, LCDR1, LCDR2 and LCDR3 as described herein. One skilled in the art could easily determine the relevant complementarity determining regions based on the amino acid numbering, given the heavy and light chain variable region sequences provided herein.

[0134] In certain embodiments, the heavy chain variable region (VH) of the antigen binding domain comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7, and / or the light chain variable region (VH) comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9.

[0135] In certain embodiments, the antigen-binding domain is selected from the group consisting of a full-length antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, a Fab, a single-chain variable fragment (scFv), or a single-domain antibody. In certain embodiments, the antigen-binding domain is a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:11 or SEQ ID NO:13.

[0136] Acceptable variations of antigen-binding domain sequences will be known to those of skill in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the antigen-binding domain comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, 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% sequence identity to any of the amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 27, 28, 29, or 30.

[0137] In some embodiments, the CAR of the present disclosure may have affinity for one or more target antigens on one or more target cells. In some embodiments, the CAR may have affinity for one or more target antigens on a target cell. In such embodiments, the CAR is a bispecific CAR or a multispecific CAR. In some embodiments, the CAR comprises one or more target-specific binding domains that confer affinity for one or more target antigens. In some embodiments, the CAR comprises one or more target-specific binding domains that confer affinity for the same target antigen. For example, a CAR that comprises one or more target-specific binding domains that have affinity for the same target antigen can also bind to distinct epitopes of the target antigen. When multiple target-specific binding domains are present in a CAR, these binding domains may be arranged in tandem and separated by a linker peptide. For example, in a CAR that comprises two target-specific binding domains, the binding domains are covalently linked to each other on a single polypeptide chain via an oligopeptide or polypeptide linker, an Fc hinge region, or a membrane hinge region.

[0138] Transmembrane domain The CAR of the present invention may comprise a transmembrane domain that connects the antigen-binding domain of the CAR with the intracellular domain of the CAR. The transmembrane domain of the subject CAR is a region that can penetrate the plasma membrane of a cell (e.g., an immune cell or its precursor cell). In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain is for insertion into a cell membrane, e.g., a eukaryotic cell membrane. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain is sandwiched between the antigen-binding domain and the intracellular domain of the CAR.

[0139] In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain is naturally associated with one or more of the domains in the CAR. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain can be selected or modified by one or more amino acid substitutions to avoid binding of such domains with the transmembrane domains of the same or different surface membrane proteins, thereby minimizing interaction with other members of the receptor complex.

[0140] The transmembrane domain may be derived from either natural or synthetic sources.When the source is natural, the domain can be derived from any membrane-binding or transmembrane protein, for example, type I transmembrane protein.When the source is synthetic, the transmembrane domain can be any artificial sequence, for example, artificial hydrophobic sequence, that facilitates the insertion of CAR into cell membrane. Examples of transmembrane domains of particular use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, transmembrane domains derived from (i.e. comprising at least the transmembrane region of) the alpha, beta or zeta chain of the T-cell receptor, CD28, CD3 epsilon, CD45, CD4, CD5, CD7, CD8, CD9, CD16, CD22, CD33, CD37, CD64, CD80, CD86, CD134 (OX-40), CD137 (4-1BB), CD154 (CD40L), ICOS (CD278), Toll-like receptor 1 (TLR1), TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6, TLR7, TLR8 and TLR9, or transmembrane domains derived from killer cell immunoglobulin-like domains (KIR).

[0141] In certain embodiments, the transmembrane domain comprises a transmembrane domain of CD8. In certain embodiments, the transmembrane domain of CD8 is a transmembrane domain of CD8 alpha. In certain embodiments, the transmembrane domain comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:17. In certain embodiments, the transmembrane domain comprises a transmembrane domain derived from a killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR).

[0142] In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain may be synthetic, in which case it will comprise primarily hydrophobic residues such as leucine and valine. Preferably, a triplet of phenylalanine, tryptophan and valine will be found at each end of a synthetic transmembrane domain.

[0143] The transmembrane domains described herein can be combined with any of the antigen binding domains described herein, any of the intracellular domains described herein, or any of the other domains described herein that can be included in the subject CAR.

[0144] In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain further comprises a hinge region. The CAR of the subject invention may also comprise a hinge region. The hinge region of the CAR is a hydrophilic region located between the antigen binding domain and the transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, this domain facilitates proper protein folding for the CAR. The hinge region is an optional component of the CAR. The hinge region may comprise a domain selected from an antibody Fc fragment, an antibody hinge region, an antibody CH2 region, an antibody CH3 region, an artificial hinge sequence, or a combination thereof. Examples of hinge regions include, but are not limited to, the CD8a hinge, an artificial hinge composed of a polypeptide that may be as small as three glycines (Gly), and the CH1 and CH3 domains of IgG (such as human IgG4).

[0145] In some embodiments, the CAR of the present disclosure includes a hinge region that connects the antigen binding domain to the transmembrane domain, which then connects it to the intracellular domain. The hinge region is preferably capable of assisting the antigen binding domain in recognizing and binding to the target antigen on the target cell (see, e.g., Hudecek et al., Cancer Immunol. Res. (2015) 3(2): 125-135). In some embodiments, the hinge region is a flexible domain, which allows the antigen binding domain to have a structure that optimally recognizes the specific structure and density of the target antigen on a cell, such as a tumor cell (Hudecek et al., supra). The flexibility of the hinge region allows it to adopt many different conformations.

[0146] In some embodiments, the hinge region is an immunoglobulin heavy chain hinge region. In some embodiments, the hinge region is a receptor-derived hinge region polypeptide (e.g., a CD8-derived hinge region).

[0147] The hinge region can have a length of about 4 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, for example, about 4 aa to about 10 aa, about 10 aa to about 15 aa, about 15 aa to about 20 aa, about 20 aa to about 25 aa, about 25 aa to about 30 aa, about 30 aa to about 40 aa, or about 40 aa to about 50 aa. In some embodiments, the hinge region can have a length of more than 5 aa, more than 10 aa, more than 15 aa, more than 20 aa, more than 25 aa, more than 30 aa, more than 35 aa, more than 40 aa, more than 45 aa, more than 50 aa, more than 55 aa, or more.

[0148] A suitable hinge region can be readily selected and can be any of a number of suitable lengths, for example, 1 amino acid (e.g., Gly) to 20 amino acids, 2 amino acids to 15 amino acids, 3 amino acids to 12 amino acids, including 4 amino acids to 10 amino acids, 5 amino acids to 9 amino acids, 6 amino acids to 8 amino acids, or 7 amino acids to 8 amino acids, and can be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 7 amino acids. A suitable hinge region can have a length of 20 amino acids (e.g., 30, 40, 50, 60, or more amino acids).

[0149] For example, the hinge region may be a glycine polymer (G) n , glycine-serine polymers (e.g., (GS) n , (GSGGS) n (SEQ ID NO:31) and (GGGS) n (SEQ ID NO:32), where n is an integer of at least 1), glycine-alanine polymers, alanine-serine polymers, and other flexible linkers known in the art. Glycine and glycine-serine polymers can be used; both Gly and Ser are relatively unstructured and therefore can serve as neutral tethers between components. Glycine polymers can be used; glycine has significantly more access to the φ-ψ space than alanine and is much less restricted than residues with longer side chains (see, e.g., Scheraga, Rev. Computational. Chem. (1992) 2: 73-142). Exemplary hinge regions can include amino acid sequences including, but not limited to, GGSG (SEQ ID NO:34), GGSGG (SEQ ID NO:35), GSGSG (SEQ ID NO:36), GSGGG (SEQ ID NO:37), GGGSG (SEQ ID NO:38), GSSSG (SEQ ID NO:39), and the like.

[0150] In some embodiments, the hinge region is an immunoglobulin heavy chain hinge region. The amino acid sequences of immunoglobulin hinge regions are known in the art; see, for example, Tan et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1990) 87(1):162-166; and Huck et al., Nucleic Acids Res. (1986) 14(4): 1779-1789. As a non-limiting example, an immunoglobulin hinge region may have the following amino acid sequence: TIFF0007621344000011.tif34165, etc.

[0151] The hinge region can comprise the amino acid sequence of a human IgG1, IgG2, IgG3 or IgG4 hinge region. In one embodiment, the hinge region can comprise one or more amino acid substitutions and / or insertions and / or deletions compared to a wild-type (naturally occurring) hinge region. For example, His229 of the human IgG1 hinge can be replaced by Tyr, whereby the hinge region comprises the sequence EPKSCDKTYTCPPCP (SEQ ID NO:53); see, for example, Yan et al., J. Biol. Chem. (2012) 287: 5891-5897.

[0152] In certain embodiments, the hinge region can comprise an amino acid sequence derived from human CD8 or a variant thereof. In certain embodiments, the CAR is a CD8α hinge sequence. In certain embodiments, the hinge region can comprise the amino acid sequence Contains TIFF0007621344000012.tif4153.

[0153] Intracellular domain The CAR of the present invention also comprises an intracellular domain. In some embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises a costimulatory signaling domain and an intracellular signaling domain. The intracellular domain of the CAR is responsible for activating at least one effector function of the cell (e.g., immune cell) in which the CAR is expressed. The intracellular domain transmits effector function signals and directs the cell (e.g., immune cell) to carry out its specialized function, such as damaging and / or destroying target cells.

[0154] Examples of intracellular domains for use in the present invention include, but are not limited to, the cytoplasmic portion of a surface receptor, a costimulatory molecule, and any molecules that act in concert to initiate signaling in a T cell, as well as any derivatives or variants of these elements and any synthetic sequences having the same functional capabilities.

[0155] Examples of intracellular domains include, but are not limited to, the ζ chain of the T cell receptor complex or any of its homologs, such as the η chain, FcsRI γ and β chains, MB 1 (Iga) chain, B29 (Ig) chain, human CD3 zeta chain, CD3 polypeptides (Δ, δ and ε), syk family tyrosine kinases (Syk, ZAP 70, etc.), src family tyrosine kinases (Lck, Fyn, Lyn, etc.), and other molecules involved in T cell transduction such as CD2, CD5 and CD28. In one embodiment, the intracellular signaling domain can be human CD3 zeta chain, FcyRIII, FcsRI, the cytoplasmic tail of an Fc receptor, an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)-bearing cytoplasmic receptor, and combinations thereof.

[0156] In certain embodiments, the intracellular domain of the CAR comprises at least one signaling domain from any portion of one or more costimulatory molecules, e.g., CD2, CD3, CD8, CD27, CD28, ICOS (CD278), 4-1BB, PD-1, any derivative or variant thereof, any synthetic sequence thereof having the same functional capability, and any combination thereof. In certain embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises a costimulatory domain of a protein selected from the group consisting of a protein in the TNFR superfamily, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40 (CD134), PD-1, CD7, LIGHT, CD83L, DAP10, DAP12, CD27, CD2, CD5, ICAM-1, LFA-1, Lck, TNFR-I, TNFR-II, Fas, CD30, CD40, ICOS, NKG2C, and B7-H3 (CD276), or an intracellular domain derived from a killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR), or a variant thereof.

[0157] Furthermore, variant intracellular signaling domains suitable for use in the subject CAR are known in the art. The YMFM motif is an SH2 binding motif found in ICOS that recruits both p85 and p50 alpha subunits of PI3K, resulting in enhanced AKT signaling. See, for example, Simpson et al. (2010) Curr. Opin. Immunol., 22:326-332. In one embodiment, CD28 intracellular domain variants can be generated to include YMFM motifs. The YMNM motif is found in CD28 cytoplasmic domain and is a known binding site for phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3-K) and Grb2. See, Harada et al. (2003) J. Exp. Med., 197(2):257-262. In one embodiment, ICOS intracellular domain variants can be generated to include YMNM motifs.

[0158] In certain embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises a costimulatory domain of 4-1BB. In certain embodiments, the costimulatory domain of 4-1BB comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:18. In certain embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises a costimulatory domain of CD28. In certain embodiments, the costimulatory domain of CD28 comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:19. In certain embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises a costimulatory domain of DAP12. In certain embodiments, the costimulatory domain of DAP12 comprises the amino acid sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:20. In certain embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises a costimulatory domain of 4-1BB and a costimulatory domain of CD28. In certain embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises a costimulatory domain of DAP12 and a costimulatory domain of CD28.

[0159] Other examples of intracellular domains include TCR, CD3 zeta, CD3 gamma, CD3 delta, CD3 epsilon, CD86, common FcR gamma, FcR beta (Fc epsilon RIb), CD79a, CD79b, Fc gamma Rlla, DAP10, DAP12, T cell receptor (TCR), CD8, CD27, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX9, OX40, CD30, CD40, PD-1, ICOS, KIR family proteins, lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), CD2, CD7, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, ligand that specifically binds CD83, CDS, ICAM-1, GITR, BAFFR, HVEM (LIGHTR), SLAMF7, NKp80 (KLRF1), CD127, CD160, CD19, CD4, CD8 alpha, CD8 beta, IL2R beta, IL2R gamma, IL7R alpha, ITGA4, VLA1, CD49a, ITGA4, IA4, CD49D, ITGA6, VLA-6, CD49f, ITGAD, CD11d, ITGAE, CD103, ITGAL, CD11a, LFA-1, ITGAM, CDlib, ITGAX, CD11c, ITGBl, CD29, ITGB2, CD18, LFA-1, ITGB7, TNFR2, TRANCE / RANKL, DNAM1 (CD226), SLAMF4 (CD244, 2B4), CD84, CD96 (Tactile), CEACAM1, CRT These include fragments or domains derived from one or more molecules or receptors, including, but not limited to, AM, Ly9 (CD229), CD160 (BY55), PSGL1, CD100 (SEMA4D), CD69, SLAMF6 (NTB-A, Ly108), SLAM (SLAMF1, CD150, IPO-3), BLAME (SLAMF8), SELPLG (CD162), LTBR, ​​LAT, GADS, SLP-76, PAG / Cbp, NKp44, NKp30, NKp46, NKG2D, Toll-like receptor 1 (TLR1), TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, TLR5, TLR6, TLR7, TLR8, TLR9, other costimulatory molecules described herein, any derivative, variant, or fragment thereof, any synthetic sequence of a costimulatory molecule having the same functional capability, and any combination thereof.

[0160] Additional examples of intracellular domains include the intracellular signaling domains of several different other immune signaling receptors, including but not limited to, first, second and third generation T cell signaling proteins, including, but not limited to, CD3, B7 family costimulatory receptors and tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) superfamily receptors (see, e.g., Park and Brentjens, J. Clin. Oncol. (2015) 33(6): 651-653). Additionally, the intracellular signaling domain can include signaling domains used by NK cells and NKT cells (see, e.g., Hermanson and Kaufman, Front. Immunol. (2015) 6: 195), such as the signaling domains of NKp30(B7-H6) (see, e.g., Zhang et al., J. Immunol. (2012) 189(5): 2290-2299), and DAP12 (see, e.g., Topfer et al., J. Immunol. (2015) 194(7): 3201-3212), NKG2D, NKp44, NKp46, DAP10, and CD3z.

[0161] In certain embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises an intracellular signaling domain selected from the group consisting of the cytoplasmic signaling domain of human CD3 zeta chain (CD3ζ), FcγRIII, FcsRI, the cytoplasmic tail of an Fc receptor, a cytoplasmic receptor bearing an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM), TCR zeta, FcR gamma, CD3 gamma, CD3 delta, CD3 epsilon, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b, and CD66d, or variants thereof. In certain embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises the intracellular domain of CD3ζ or a variant thereof. In certain embodiments, the intracellular domain of CD3ζ comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:21.

[0162] Intracellular domains suitable for use in the subject CARs of the present invention include any desired signaling domain that provides a distinct and detectable signal (e.g., increased production of one or more cytokines by the cell; altered transcription of a target gene; altered activity of a protein; altered cellular behavior, e.g., cell death; cell proliferation; cell differentiation; cell survival; modulation of a cell signaling response, etc.) in response to activation of the CAR (i.e., activated by an antigen and a dimerization agent). In some embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises at least one (e.g., one, two, three, four, five, six, etc.) ITAM motif as described below. In some embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises a DAP10 / CD28-type signaling chain. In some embodiments, the intracellular domain is not covalently linked to the membrane-bound CAR, but is instead diffused in the cytoplasm.

[0163] The intracellular domain suitable for use in the subject CAR of the present invention comprises an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)-containing intracellular signaling polypeptide. In some embodiments, the ITAM motif is repeated twice within the intracellular domain, where the first and second instances of the ITAM motif are separated from each other by 6-8 amino acids. In one embodiment, the intracellular domain of the subject CAR comprises three ITAM motifs.

[0164] In some embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises a signaling domain of a human immunoglobulin receptor containing an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM), such as, but not limited to, Fc gamma RI, Fc gamma RIIA, Fc gamma RIIC, Fc gamma RIIIA, FcRL5 (see, e.g., Gillis et al., Front. Immunol. (2014) 5:254).

[0165] Suitable intracellular domains can be ITAM motif-containing portions derived from ITAM motif-containing polypeptides. For example, suitable intracellular domains can be ITAM motif-containing domains derived from any ITAM motif-containing protein. Thus, suitable intracellular domains do not need to contain the entire sequence of the entire protein from which they are derived. Examples of suitable ITAM motif-containing polypeptides include, but are not limited to, DAP12, FCER1G (Fc epsilon receptor I gamma chain), CD3D (CD3 delta), CD3E (CD3 epsilon), CD3G (CD3 gamma), CD3Z (CD3 zeta), and CD79A (antigen receptor complex-associated protein alpha chain).

[0166] In one embodiment, the intracellular domain is derived from DAP12 (also known as TYROBP; TYRO protein tyrosine kinase binding protein; KARAP; PLOSL; DNAX activating protein 12; KAR associated protein; TYRO protein tyrosine kinase binding protein; killer activating receptor associated protein; killer activating receptor associated protein, etc.). In one embodiment, the intracellular domain is derived from FCER1G (also known as FCRG; Fc epsilon receptor I gamma chain; Fc receptor gamma chain; fc-epsilon RI-gamma; fcR gamma; fceRl gamma; high affinity immunoglobulin epsilon receptor subunit gamma; immunoglobulin E receptor, high affinity gamma chain, etc.). In one aspect, the intracellular domain is derived from the T cell surface glycoprotein CD3 delta chain (also known as CD3D; CD3-DELTA; T3D; CD3 antigen, delta subunit; CD3 delta; CD3d antigen, delta polypeptide (TiT3 complex); OKT3, delta chain; T cell receptor T3 delta chain; T cell surface glycoprotein CD3 delta chain, etc.). In one aspect, the intracellular domain is derived from the T cell surface glycoprotein CD3 epsilon chain (also known as CD3e, T cell surface antigen T3 / Leu-4 epsilon chain, T cell surface glycoprotein CD3 epsilon chain, AI504783, CD3, CD3 epsilon, T3e, etc.). In one aspect, the intracellular domain is derived from the T cell surface glycoprotein CD3 gamma chain (also known as CD3G, T cell receptor T3 gamma chain, CD3-GAMMA, T3G, gamma polypeptide (TiT3 complex), etc.). In one aspect, the intracellular domain is derived from the T cell surface glycoprotein CD3 zeta chain (also known as CD3Z, T cell receptor T3 zeta chain, CD247, CD3-ZETA, CD3H, CD3Q, T3Z, TCRZ, etc.). In one aspect, the intracellular domain is derived from CD79A (also known as B cell antigen receptor complex associated protein alpha chain; CD79a antigen (immunoglobulin-associated alpha); MB-1 membrane glycoprotein; ig-alpha; membrane-bound immunoglobulin-associated protein; surface IgM-associated protein, etc.).In one embodiment, the intracellular domain suitable for use in the FN3 CAR of the present disclosure comprises a DAP10 / CD28 type signaling chain. In one embodiment, the intracellular domain suitable for use in the FN3 CAR of the present disclosure comprises a ZAP70 polypeptide. In some embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises the cytoplasmic signaling domain of TCR zeta, FcR gamma, FcR beta, CD3 gamma, CD3 delta, CD3 epsilon, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b, or CD66d. In one embodiment, the intracellular domain in the CAR comprises the cytoplasmic signaling domain of human CD3 zeta.

[0167] Typically, the entire intracellular domain can be used, but in many cases it is not necessary to use the entire chain. To the extent that a truncated portion of the intracellular domain is used, such a truncated portion can be used in place of the intact chain so long as it transmits an effector function signal. The intracellular domain includes any truncated portion of the intracellular domain sufficient to transmit an effector function signal.

[0168] The intracellular domains described herein can be combined with any of the antigen binding domains described herein, any of the transmembrane domains described herein, or any of the other domains described herein that can be included in a CAR.

[0169] Acceptable variations of individual CAR domain sequences (hinge domain, transmembrane domain, and intracellular domain) will be known to those of skill in the art. For example, in some embodiments, the CAR domain comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 80%, at least 81%, at least 82%, at least 83%, at least 84%, at least 85%, at least 86%, at least 87%, at least 88%, at least 89%, 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% sequence identity to any of the amino acid sequences set forth in SEQ ID NOs:15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, or 21.

[0170] In one aspect, the present invention provides a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) comprising an antigen binding domain capable of binding to fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain. The antigen binding domain is a heavy chain variable region comprising three heavy chain complementarity determining regions (HCDRs), where HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence YTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO:1) and HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence a heavy chain variable region comprising the amino acid sequence TIFF0007621344000013.tif5128 and HCDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence LDDSRFHWYFDV (SEQ ID NO:3); and / or a light chain variable region comprising three light chain complementarity determining regions (LCDRs), wherein LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO:4), LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence LTSNLA (SEQ ID NO:5), and LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO:6).

[0171] Also provided is a CAR capable of binding to a FAP, comprising an antigen-binding domain, a transmembrane domain and an intracellular domain, wherein the antigen-binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; and / or a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9.

[0172] Also provided is a CAR capable of binding to a FAP, comprising an antigen-binding domain comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:11 or 13.

[0173] Further provided is a CAR capable of binding to a FAP, comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:23 or 25.

[0174] Table 1. Nucleic acid and amino acid sequences TIFF0007621344000014.tif52168TIFF0007621344000015.tif225168TIFF0007621344000016.tif226168 TIFF0007621344000017.tif229168TIFF0007621344000018.tif229168TIFF0007621344000019.tif42168

[0175] C. Nucleic Acids and Expression Vectors The present disclosure provides a nucleic acid encoding a CAR. The nucleic acid of the present disclosure can include a polynucleotide sequence encoding any one of the CARs disclosed herein.

[0176] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a FAP, comprising an antigen-binding domain, a transmembrane domain and an intracellular domain. The antigen-binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising three heavy chain complementarity determining regions (HCDRs) and a light chain variable region comprising three light chain complementarity determining regions (LCDRs).

[0177] In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising three heavy chain complementarity determining regions (HCDRs). In certain embodiments, HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence YTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO:1) and / or HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence TIFF0007621344000020.tif5128, and / or HCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence LDDSRFHWYFDV (SEQ ID NO:3). The antigen binding domain also comprises a light chain variable region comprising three light chain complementarity determining regions (LCDRs). In certain embodiments, LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO:4), and / or LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence LTSNLA (SEQ ID NO:5), and / or LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO:6).

[0178] In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising three heavy chain complementarity determining regions (HCDRs). In certain embodiments, HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence GYTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO:27) and / or HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence TIFF0007621344000021.tif5128, and / or HCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence LDDSRFHWYFDV (SEQ ID NO:3). The antigen binding domain also comprises a light chain variable region comprising three light chain complementarity determining regions (LCDRs). In certain embodiments, LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO:4), and / or LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence LTSNLAS (SEQ ID NO:30), and / or LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO:6).

[0179] In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising three heavy chain complementarity determining regions (HCDRs). In certain embodiments, HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence YTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO:1) and / or HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence TIFF0007621344000022.tif5128, and / or HCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence TRLDDSRFHWYFDV (SEQ ID NO:29). The antigen binding domain also comprises a light chain variable region comprising three light chain complementarity determining regions (LCDRs). In certain embodiments, LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO:4), and / or LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence LTSNLA (SEQ ID NO:5), and / or LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO:6).

[0180] In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising any of the three heavy chain complementarity determining regions HCDR1, HCDR2 and HCDR3 as described herein. In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising any of the three light chain complementarity determining regions LCDR1, LCDR2 and LCDR3 as described herein. In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises any combination of HCDR1, HCDR2, HCDR3, LCDR1, LCDR2 and LCDR3 as described herein. One skilled in the art could easily determine the relevant complementarity determining regions based on the amino acid numbering, given the heavy and light chain variable region sequences provided herein.

[0181] In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:8 and / or a light chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:10.

[0182] In certain embodiments, the antigen-binding domain comprises a single chain variable fragment (scFv) encoded by a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:12 or 14.

[0183] Also provided is a nucleic acid comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding a CAR capable of binding to a FAP, comprising an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain, wherein the antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:8; and a light chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:10.

[0184] Additionally, nucleic acids comprising a polynucleotide sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:22 or 24 are provided.

[0185] In some aspects, the nucleic acids of the disclosure provide for the production of a CAR as described herein, e.g., in a mammalian cell. In some aspects, the nucleic acids of the disclosure provide for the amplification of the nucleic acid encoding the CAR.

[0186] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid of the present disclosure comprises a first polynucleotide sequence and a second polynucleotide sequence.In certain embodiments, the first polynucleotide sequence comprises a polynucleotide sequence encoding the FAP-targeted CAR of the present disclosure.In some embodiments, the FAP-targeted CAR of the present disclosure can be used in combination with other therapeutic substances, such as, but not limited to, immunotherapy, such as cancer immunotherapy and checkpoint blockade, switch costimulatory receptor, or other CAR-T therapy.Thus, in such embodiments, the second polynucleotide sequence can comprise a polynucleotide sequence encoding an anti-cancer antibody, a checkpoint blockade molecule, a switch costimulatory receptor, or a second chimeric antigen receptor.

[0187] The first polynucleotide sequence and the second polynucleotide sequence may be separated by a linker. A linker for use in the present disclosure allows multiple proteins to be encoded by the same nucleic acid sequence (e.g., polycistronic or bicistronic sequences), which can be translated as a polyprotein that dissociates into separate protein components. In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid comprises, in a 5' to 3' direction, a first polynucleotide sequence, a linker, and a second polynucleotide sequence. In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid comprises, in a 5' to 3' direction, a second polynucleotide sequence, a linker, and a first polynucleotide sequence.

[0188] In some embodiments, the linker comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding an internal ribosome entry site (IRES). As used herein, "internal ribosome entry site" or "IRES" refers to an element that promotes direct internal ribosome entry into the initiation codon, such as ATG, of a protein coding region, thereby resulting in cap-independent translation of the gene. A variety of internal ribosome entry sites are known to those skilled in the art, including, but not limited to, IRES available from viral or cellular mRNA sources, such as immunoglobulin heavy chain binding protein (BiP); vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); fibroblast growth factor 2; insulin-like growth factor; translation initiation factor eIF4G; yeast transcription factors TFIID and HAP4; and IRES available from, for example, cardiovirus, rhinovirus, aphthovirus, HCV, Friend murine leukemia virus (FrMLV), and Moloney murine leukemia virus (MoMLV). Those skilled in the art will be able to select a suitable IRES for use in the present invention.

[0189] In some embodiments, the linker comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a self-cleaving peptide. As used herein, a "self-cleaving peptide" or "2A peptide" refers to an oligopeptide that allows encoding of multiple proteins as a polyprotein that dissociates into component proteins upon translation. The use of the term "self-cleaving" is not intended to imply a proteolytic cleavage reaction. A variety of self-cleaving or 2A peptides are known to those of skill in the art, including but not limited to those found in members of the Picornaviridae virus family, such as foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV), equine rhinitis A virus (ERAV0, Zosea asignavirus (TaV), and porcine teschovirus-1 (PTV-1); and cardioviruses such as tylovirus and encephalomyocarditis virus. The 2A peptides derived from FMDV, ERAV, PTV-1, and TaV are referred to herein as "F2A", "E2A", "P2A", and "T2A", respectively. One of skill in the art will be able to select a suitable self-cleaving peptide for use in the present invention.

[0190] In some embodiments, the linker further comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a furin cleavage site. Furin is a ubiquitously expressed protease that resides in the trans-Golgi and processes protein precursors prior to their secretion. Furin cleaves at the COOH-terminus of its consensus recognition sequence. A variety of furin consensus recognition sequences (or "furin cleavage sites") are known to those skilled in the art, including, but not limited to, Arg-X-Lys-Arg (SEQ ID NO:117) or Arg-X-Arg-Arg (SEQ ID NO:118), X2-Arg-X1-X3-Arg (SEQ ID NO:119) and Arg-X1-X1-Arg (SEQ ID NO:120), such as Arg-Gln-Lys-Arg (SEQ ID NO:121), where X1 is any naturally occurring amino acid, X2 is Lys or Arg, and X3 is Lys or Arg. Those skilled in the art will be able to select a suitable furin cleavage site for use in the present invention.

[0191] In some embodiments, the linker comprises a nucleic acid sequence that codes for a combination of a furin cleavage site and a 2A peptide. Examples include, but are not limited to, a linker comprising a nucleic acid sequence that codes for furin and F2A, a linker comprising a nucleic acid sequence that codes for furin and E2A, a linker comprising a nucleic acid sequence that codes for furin and P2A, and a linker comprising a nucleic acid sequence that codes for furin and T2A. Those skilled in the art will be able to select a suitable combination for use in the present invention. In such embodiments, the linker may further comprise a spacer sequence between furin and the 2A peptide. A variety of spacer sequences are known in the art, including, but not limited to, glycine serine (GS) spacers such as (GS)n, (GSGGS)n (SEQ ID NO:148) and (GGGS)n (SEQ ID NO:149) (wherein n represents an integer of at least 1). Exemplary spacer sequences can include amino acid sequences including, but not limited to, GGSG (SEQ ID NO:34), GGSGG (SEQ ID NO:35), GSGSG (SEQ ID NO:36), GSGGG (SEQ ID NO:37), GGGSG (SEQ ID NO:38), GSSSG (SEQ ID NO:39), etc. One of skill in the art will be able to select suitable spacer sequences for use in the present invention.

[0192] In some aspects, the nucleic acids of the disclosure may be operably linked to transcriptional control elements, such as promoters, enhancers, etc. Suitable promoter and enhancer elements are known to those of skill in the art.

[0193] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid encoding the external CAR is operably linked to a promoter. In some embodiments, the promoter is a phosphoglycerate kinase-1 (PGK) promoter.

[0194] Suitable promoters for expression in bacterial cells include, but are not limited to, lacI, lacZ, T3, T7, gpt, lambda P and trc. Suitable promoters for expression in eukaryotic cells include, but are not limited to, light and / or heavy chain immunoglobulin gene promoter and enhancer elements; cytomegalovirus immediate early promoter; herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase promoter; early and late SV40 promoter; promoters present in long terminal repeats from retroviruses; mouse metallothionein-I promoter; and various tissue-specific promoters known in the art. Suitable reversible promoters, including reversible inducible promoters, are known in the art. Such reversible promoters can be isolated and derived from many organisms, e.g., eukaryotes and prokaryotes. Modification of reversible promoters from a first organism for use in a second organism (e.g., a first prokaryote and a second eukaryote, a first eukaryote and a second prokaryote, etc.) is well known in the art.Such reversible promoters, and systems based on such reversible promoters but also including additional regulatory proteins, include, but are not limited to, alcohol-regulated promoters (e.g., alcohol dehydrogenase I (alcA) gene promoter, alcohol transactivator protein (A1cR) responsive promoter, etc.), tetracycline-regulated promoters, (e.g., promoter systems including TetActivator, TetON, TetOFF, etc.), steroid-regulated promoters (e.g., rat glucocorticoid receptor promoter system, human estrogen receptor promoter system, retinoid promoter system, thyroid promoter system, ecdysone promoter system, mifepristone promoter system, etc.), metal-regulated promoters (e.g., metallothionein promoter system, etc.), pathogenesis-associated regulated promoters (e.g., salicylic acid-regulated promoters, ethylene-regulated promoters, benzothiadiazole-regulated promoters, etc.), temperature-regulated promoters (e.g., heat shock-inducible promoters (e.g., HSP-70, HSP-90, soybean heat shock promoter, etc.), light-regulated promoters, synthetic inducible promoters, etc.

[0195] In some embodiments, the promoter is a CD8 cell-specific promoter, a CD4 cell-specific promoter, a neutrophil-specific promoter, or a NK cell-specific promoter.For example, the CD4 gene promoter can be used; see, for example, Salmon et al. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1993) 90:7739; and Marodon et al. (2003) Blood 101:3416.As another example, the CD8 gene promoter can be used.NK cell-specific expression can be achieved by using the NcrI (p46) promoter; see, for example, Eckelhart et al. Blood (2011) 117:1565.

[0196] Suitable promoters for expression in yeast cells are constitutive promoters such as the ADH1 promoter, the PGK1 promoter, the ENO promoter, the PYK1 promoter, etc.; or regulatable promoters such as the GAL1 promoter, the GAL10 promoter, the ADH2 promoter, the PHOS promoter, the CUP1 promoter, the GALT promoter, the MET25 promoter, the MET3 promoter, the CYC1 promoter, the HIS3 promoter, the ADH1 promoter, the PGK promoter, the GAPDH promoter, the ADC1 promoter, the TRP1 promoter, the URA3 promoter, the LEU2 promoter, the ENO promoter, the TP1 promoter, and the AOX1 (e.g., for use in Pichia). Selection of the appropriate vector and promoter is well within the level of one of ordinary skill in the art. Promoters suitable for use in prokaryotic host cells include, but are not limited to, the bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase promoter; the trp promoter; the lac operon promoter; hybrid promoters, e.g., the lac / tac hybrid promoter, the tac / trc hybrid promoter, the trp / lac promoter, the T7 / lac promoter; the trc promoter; the tac promoter, and the like; the araBAD promoter; in vivo regulated promoters such as the ssaG promoter or related promoters (see, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20040131637), the pagC promoter (Pulkkinen and Miller, J. Bacteriol. (1991) 173(1): 86-93; Alpuche-Aranda et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1992) 89(21): 10079-83), the nirB promoter (Harborne et al. Mol. Micro. (1992) 6:2805-2813), and the like (see, for example, Dunstan et al., Infect. Immun. (1999) 67:5133-5141; McKelvie et al., Vaccine (2004) 22:3243-3255; and Chatfield et al., Biotechnol.(1992) 10:888-892); sigma70 promoters, e.g., the consensus sigma70 promoter (see, e.g., GenBank Accession Nos. AX798980, AX798961, and AX798183); stationary phase promoters, e.g., the dps promoter, the spv promoter, and the like; promoters from pathogenicity island SPI-2 (see, e.g., WO96 / 17951); actA promoters (see, e.g., Shetron-Rama et al., Infect. Immun. (2002) 70:1087-1096); rpsM promoters (see, e.g., Valdivia and Falkow Mol. Microbiol. (1996). 22:367); tet promoters (see, e.g., Hillen, W. and Wissmann, A. (1989) In Saenger, W. and Heinemann, U. (eds), Topics in Molecular and Structural Biology, Protein--Nucleic Acid Interaction. Macmillan, London, UK, Vol. 10, pp. 143-162); SP6 promoter (see, e.g., Melton et al., Nucl. Acids Res.(1984) 12:7035). Strong promoters suitable for use in prokaryotes, such as Escherichia coli, include, but are not limited to, Trc, Tac, T5, T7, and Plambda. Non-limiting examples of operators for use in bacterial host cells include the lactose promoter operator (the LacI repressor protein changes conformation when contacted with lactose, thereby preventing the Lad repressor protein from binding to the operator), the tryptophan promoter operator (when complexed with tryptophan, the TrpR repressor protein has a conformation that binds the operator; in the absence of tryptophan, the TrpR repressor protein has a conformation that does not bind to the operator), and the tac promoter operator (see, e.g., deBoer et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1983) 80:21-25).

[0197] Other examples of suitable promoters include the immediate early cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter sequence. This promoter sequence is a strong constitutive promoter sequence capable of driving high levels of expression of any polynucleotide sequence operably linked to it. Other constitutive promoter sequences may also be used, including but not limited to the simian virus 40 (SV40) early promoter, mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) long terminal repeat (LTR) promoter, MoMuLV promoter, avian leukemia virus promoter, Epstein-Barr virus immediate early promoter, Rous sarcoma virus promoter, EF-1 alpha promoter, and human gene promoters such as but not limited to actin promoter, myosin promoter, hemoglobin promoter, and creatine kinase promoter. Furthermore, the present invention should not be limited to the use of constitutive promoters. Inducible promoters are also contemplated as part of the present invention. The use of an inducible promoter provides a molecular switch capable of turning on expression of the polynucleotide sequence to which it is operably linked when such expression is desired, or turning off expression when expression is not desired. Examples of inducible promoters include, but are not limited to, metallothionine promoters, glucocorticoid promoters, progesterone promoters, and tetracycline promoters.

[0198] In some embodiments, the locus or construct or transgene containing a suitable promoter is irreversibly switched via induction of an inducible system. Suitable systems for induction of irreversible switches are well known in the art, for example, induction of irreversible switches may utilize Cre-lox mediated recombination (see, for example, Fuhrmann-Benzakein, et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (2000) 28:e99, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference). Any suitable combination of recombinases, endonucleases, ligases, recombination sites, etc., known in the art may be used to generate irreversibly switchable promoters. Methods, mechanisms, and requirements for performing site-specific recombination described elsewhere herein are used to generate irreversibly switched promoters and are well known in the art. See, e.g., Grindley et al. Annual Review of Biochemistry (2006) 567-605; and Tropp, Molecular Biology (2012) (Jones & Bartlett Publishers, Sudbury, Mass.), the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0199] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid of the present disclosure further comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a CAR-inducing expression cassette. In one embodiment, the CAR-inducing expression cassette is for the production of a transgenic polypeptide product that is released upon CAR signaling. See, for example, Chmielewski and Abken, Expert Opin. Biol. Ther. (2015) 15(8): 1145-1154; and Abken, Immunotherapy (2015) 7(5): 535-544. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid of the present disclosure further comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding a cytokine that is operably linked to a T cell activation response promoter. In some embodiments, the cytokine that is operably linked to a T cell activation response promoter is present on a separate nucleic acid sequence. In one embodiment, the cytokine is IL-12.

[0200] The nucleic acids of the present disclosure may be present in an expression vector and / or a cloning vector. Expression vectors may include a selection marker, an origin of replication, and other features that provide for replication and / or maintenance of the vector. Suitable expression vectors include, for example, plasmids, viral vectors, and the like. Numerous suitable vectors and promoters are known to those of skill in the art; many are commercially available for generating recombinant constructs of interest. The following vectors are provided by way of example, but should not be construed as limiting in any way: Bacteria: pBs, phagescript, PsiX174, pBluescript SK, pBs KS, pNH8a, pNH16a, pNH18a, pNH46a (Stratagene, La Jolla, Calif., USA); pTrc99A, pKK223-3, pKK233-3, pDR540, and pRIT5 (Pharmacia, Uppsala, Sweden). Prokaryotic: pWLneo, pSV2cat, pOG44, PXR1, pSG (Stratagene) pSVK3, pBPV, pMSG and pSVL (Pharmacia).

[0201] Expression vectors generally have convenient restriction sites located near the promoter sequence to provide for the insertion of nucleic acid sequences encoding heterologous proteins. A selectable marker operative in the expression host may be present. Suitable expression vectors include viral vectors (e.g., vaccinia virus; poliovirus; adenovirus (e.g., Li et al., Invest. Opthalmol. Vis. Sci. (1994) 35: 2543-2549; Borras et al., Gene Ther. (1999) 6: 515-524; Li and Davidson, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1995) 92: 7700-7704; Sakamoto et al., H. Gene Ther. (1999) 5: 1088-1097; WO 94 / 12649, WO 93 / 03769, WO 93 / 19191, WO 94 / 28938, WO 95 / 11984, and WO 95 / 00655); adeno-associated viruses (see, e.g., Ali et al., Hum. Gene Ther. (1998) 9: 81-86, Flannery et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1997) 94: 6916-6921; Bennett et al., Invest. Opthalmol. Vis. Sci. (1997) 38: 2857-2863; Jomary et al., Gene Ther. (1997) 4:683 690, Rolling et al., Hum. Gene Ther. (1999) 10: 641-648; Ali et al., Hum. Mol. Genet. (1996) 5: 591-594; Srivastava in WO 93 / 09239, Samulski et al., J. Vir. (1989) 63: 3822-3828; Mendelson et al., Virol. (1988) 166: 154-165; and Flotte et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci.USA (1993) 90: 10613-10617); SV40; herpes simplex virus; viral vectors based on human immunodeficiency virus (see, e.g., Miyoshi et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA (1997) 94: 10319-23; Takahashi et al., J. Virol. (1999) 73: 7812-7816); retroviral vectors (e.g., vectors derived from murine leukemia virus, spleen necrosis virus, and retroviruses such as Rous sarcoma virus, Harvey sarcoma virus, avian leukosis virus, human immunodeficiency virus, myeloproliferative sarcoma virus, and mammary tumor virus).

[0202] Additional expression vectors suitable for use include, but are not limited to, lentivirus vectors, gamma retrovirus vectors, foamy virus vectors, adeno-associated virus vectors, adenovirus vectors, poxvirus vectors, herpes virus vectors, engineered hybrid virus vectors, transposon-mediated vectors, etc. Viral vector techniques are well known in the art and are described, for example, in Sambrook et al., 2012, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, volumes 1-4, Cold Spring Harbor Press, NY) and other virology and molecular biology manuals. Viruses useful as vectors include, but are not limited to, retroviruses, adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, herpes viruses, and lentiviruses.

[0203] Generally, suitable vectors contain an origin of replication functional in at least one organism, a promoter sequence, convenient restriction endonuclease sites, and one or more selectable markers (e.g., WO 01 / 96584; WO 01 / 29058; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,326,193).

[0204] In some embodiments, an expression vector (e.g., lentiviral vector) may be used to introduce a CAR into immune cells or their precursor cells (e.g., T cells). Thus, an expression vector (e.g., lentiviral vector) of the present invention may comprise a nucleic acid encoding a CAR. In some embodiments, an expression vector (e.g., lentiviral vector) will comprise additional elements that aid in the functional expression of the CAR encoded therein. In some embodiments, an expression vector comprising a nucleic acid encoding a CAR further comprises a mammalian promoter. In one embodiment, the vector further comprises an elongation factor-1-alpha promoter (EF-1α promoter). Use of the EF-1α promoter may increase the efficiency in the expression of downstream transgenes (e.g., nucleic acid sequences encoding a CAR). Physiological promoters (e.g., EF-1α promoters) may be less likely to induce integration-mediated genotoxicity and may negate the ability of retroviral vectors to transform stem cells. Other physiological promoters suitable for use in vectors (e.g., lentiviral vectors) are known to those skilled in the art and may be incorporated into the vectors of the present invention. In some embodiments, the vector (e.g., lentiviral vector) further comprises non-essential cis-acting sequences that may improve titer and gene expression. A non-limiting example of a non-essential cis-acting sequence is the central polypurine tract and central termination sequence (cPPT / CTS), which is important for efficient reverse transcription and nuclear transport. Other non-essential cis-acting sequences are known to those skilled in the art and may be incorporated into the vector (e.g., lentiviral vector) of the present invention. In some embodiments, the vector further comprises a post-transcriptional regulatory element. The post-transcriptional regulatory element may improve the translation of RNA, improve the expression of the transgene, and stabilize the RNA transcript. One example of a post-transcriptional regulatory element is the Woodchuck Hepatitis Virus Post-transcriptional Regulatory Element (WPRE). Thus, in some embodiments, the vector for the present invention further comprises a WPRE sequence. A variety of post-transcriptional regulator elements are known to those skilled in the art and may be incorporated into the vector (e.g., lentiviral vector) of the present invention.The vector of the present invention may further comprise additional elements such as a rev response element (RRE) for transport of RNA, a packaging sequence, and 5' and 3' long terminal repeats (LTRs). The term "long terminal repeats" or "LTRs" refers to a domain of base pairs located at the end of retroviral DNA, including the U3, R and U5 regions. LTRs generally provide functions necessary for retroviral gene expression (e.g., promotion, initiation and polyadenylation of gene transcripts) and viral replication. In one embodiment, the vector of the present invention (e.g., lentiviral vector) comprises a 3' U3 deleted LTR. Thus, the vector of the present invention (e.g., lentiviral vector) may comprise any combination of elements described herein to increase the efficiency of functional expression of the transgene. For example, the vector of the present invention (e.g., lentiviral vector) may comprise a WPRE sequence, a cPPT sequence, an RRE sequence, a 5'LTR, a 3' U3 deleted LTR' in addition to the nucleic acid encoding CAR.

[0205] The vector of the present invention can be a self-inactivating vector. The term "self-inactivating vector" as used herein refers to a vector in which the 3' LTR enhancer promoter region (U3 region) is modified (e.g., by deletion or substitution). A self-inactivating vector can prevent viral transcription beyond the first round of viral replication. As a result, a self-inactivating vector can infect and then be integrated into the host genome (e.g., mammalian genome) only once, but cannot be further passaged. Therefore, a self-inactivating vector can greatly reduce the risk of generating replication-competent virus.

[0206] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid of the present invention can be RNA, for example, in vitro synthesized RNA. Methods for in vitro synthesis of RNA are known to those skilled in the art; any known method can be used to synthesize RNA comprising a sequence encoding a CAR of the present disclosure. Methods for introducing RNA into a host cell are known in the art. See, for example, Zhao et al. Cancer Res. (2010) 15: 9053. Introducing RNA comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a CAR of the present disclosure into a host cell can be performed in vitro or ex vivo or in vivo. For example, host cells (e.g., NK cells, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, etc.) can be electroporated with RNA comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a CAR of the present disclosure in vitro or ex vivo.

[0207] To evaluate the expression of a polypeptide or a portion thereof, the expression vector to be introduced into cells may also contain one or both of a selection marker gene or a reporter gene to facilitate the identification and selection of expressing cells from the cell population to be transfected or infected by the viral vector.In some embodiments, the selection marker may be carried on a separate piece of DNA and used in a co-transfection procedure.Both the selection marker and the reporter gene may be adjacent to the appropriate regulatory sequence to allow expression in the host cell.Useful selection markers include, but are not limited to, antibiotic resistance genes.

[0208] Reporter genes are used to identify potentially transfected cells and to evaluate the functionality of regulatory sequences. In general, reporter genes are genes that are not present in or expressed by recipient organisms or tissues, and code for polypeptides whose expression is manifested by some easily detectable properties, such as enzymatic activity. The expression of reporter genes is evaluated at a suitable time after DNA is introduced into recipient cells. Suitable reporter genes may include, but are not limited to, luciferase, beta-galactosidase, chloramphenicol acetyltransferase, genes that code for secreted alkaline phosphatase, or green fluorescent protein genes (e.g., Ui-Tei et al., 2000 FEBS Letters 479: 79-82).

[0209] D. Engineered Immune Cells The present invention provides modified immune cells or precursors thereof (e.g., T cells) that comprise a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a FAP (e.g., a human, canine and / or mouse FAP). The present invention also includes modified immune cells or precursors thereof that comprise any of the CARs disclosed herein, any of the nucleic acids disclosed herein, or any of the vectors disclosed herein.

[0210] One aspect of the invention provides an engineered immune cell, or a progenitor thereof, comprising a CAR capable of binding to a FAP, wherein the CAR comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising three heavy chain complementarity determining regions (HCDRs) and a light chain variable region comprising three light chain complementarity determining regions (LCDRs).

[0211] In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising three heavy chain complementarity determining regions (HCDRs). In certain embodiments, HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence YTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO:1) and / or HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence TIFF0007621344000023.tif5128, and / or HCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence LDDSRFHWYFDV (SEQ ID NO:3). The antigen binding domain also comprises a light chain variable region comprising three light chain complementarity determining regions (LCDRs). In certain embodiments, LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO:4), and / or LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence LTSNLA (SEQ ID NO:5), and / or LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO:6).

[0212] In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising three heavy chain complementarity determining regions (HCDRs). In certain embodiments, HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence GYTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO:27) and / or HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence TIFF0007621344000024.tif5128, and / or HCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence LDDSRFHWYFDV (SEQ ID NO:3). The antigen binding domain also comprises a light chain variable region comprising three light chain complementarity determining regions (LCDRs). In certain embodiments, LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO:4), and / or LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence LTSNLAS (SEQ ID NO:30), and / or LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO:6).

[0213] In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising three heavy chain complementarity determining regions (HCDRs). In certain embodiments, HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence YTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO:1) and / or HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence TIFF0007621344000025.tif5128, and / or HCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence TRLDDSRFHWYFDV (SEQ ID NO:29). The antigen binding domain also comprises a light chain variable region comprising three light chain complementarity determining regions (LCDRs). In certain embodiments, LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO:4), and / or LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence LTSNLA (SEQ ID NO:5), and / or LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO:6).

[0214] In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising any of the three heavy chain complementarity determining regions HCDR1, HCDR2 and HCDR3 as described herein. In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising any of the three light chain complementarity determining regions LCDR1, LCDR2 and LCDR3 as described herein. In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises any combination of HCDR1, HCDR2, HCDR3, LCDR1, LCDR2 and LCDR3 as described herein. One skilled in the art could easily determine the relevant complementarity determining regions based on the amino acid numbering, given the heavy and light chain variable region sequences provided herein.

[0215] Another aspect of the invention provides an engineered immune cell, or a precursor thereof, comprising a CAR capable of binding to a FAP, wherein the CAR comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7 and / or a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9.

[0216] Also provided is an engineered immune cell, or a precursor thereof, comprising a CAR capable of binding to a FAP, wherein the CAR comprises a single chain variable fragment (scFv) comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:11 or 13.

[0217] Further provided is a modified immune cell or progenitor thereof comprising a CAR capable of binding to a FAP, wherein the CAR comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:23 or 25.

[0218] In certain embodiments, the modified cells are modified T cells. In certain embodiments, the modified cells are modified NK cells. In certain embodiments, the modified cells are autologous cells. In certain embodiments, the modified cells are autologous cells obtained from a human subject. In certain embodiments, the modified cells are autologous cells obtained from a canine subject. In certain embodiments, the modified cells are allogeneic cells.

[0219] E. Sources of Immune Cells In some embodiments, the source of immune cells (e.g., T cells) for ex vivo manipulation is obtained from a subject. The source of target cells for ex vivo manipulation can also include, for example, autologous or heterologous donor blood, umbilical cord blood, or bone marrow. For example, the source of immune cells can be derived from the subject to be treated by the modified immune cells of the present invention, and can be, for example, the subject's blood, the subject's umbilical cord blood, or the subject's bone marrow. Non-limiting examples of subjects include humans, dogs, cats, mice, rats, and their transgenic species. Preferably, the subject is a human.

[0220] Immune cells can be obtained from several sources, including blood, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, bone marrow, lymph node tissue, spleen tissue, umbilical cord, lymph, or lymphoid organs. Immune cells are cells of the immune system, such as cells of innate or adaptive immunity, such as lymphocytes, typically myeloid or lymphoid cells, including T cells and / or NK cells. Other exemplary cells include stem cells, such as multipotent and multipotent stem cells, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). In some aspects, the cells are human cells. With respect to the subject to be treated, the cells can be allogeneic and / or autologous. The cells are typically primary cells, such as primary cells that are directly isolated from the subject and / or isolated and frozen from the subject.

[0221] In certain embodiments, the immune cell is a T cell, e.g., a CD8+ T cell (e.g., a CD8+ naive T cell, a central memory T cell, or an effector memory T cell), a CD4+ T cell, a natural killer T cell (NKT cell), a regulatory T cell (Treg), a stem cell memory T cell, a lymphoid progenitor cell, a hematopoietic stem cell, a natural killer cell (NK cell), or a dendritic cell. In some embodiments, the cell is a monocyte or a granulocyte, e.g., a myeloid cell, a macrophage, a neutrophil, a dendritic cell, a mast cell, an eosinophil, and / or a basophil. In one embodiment, the target cell is an induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell or a cell derived from an iPS cell, e.g., an iPS cell that has been generated from a subject and engineered to alter (e.g., induce mutations in) or manipulate expression of one or more target genes, e.g., differentiated into a T cell, e.g., a CD8+ T cell (e.g., a CD8+ naive T cell, a central memory T cell, or an effector memory T cell), a CD4+ T cell, a stem cell memory T cell, a lymphoid progenitor cell, or a hematopoietic stem cell.

[0222] In some embodiments, the cells include one or more subsets of T cells or other cell types, such as the entire T cell population, CD4+ cells, CD8+ cells, and subpopulations thereof, such as those defined by function, activation state, maturation, differentiation potential, expansion, recirculation, localization, and / or persistence capacity, antigen specificity, antigen receptor type, presence in a particular organ or compartment, marker or cytokine secretion profile, and / or degree of differentiation. Among the subtypes and subpopulations of T cells and / or CD4+ and / or CD8+ T cells are naive T (TN) cells, effector T cells (TEFF), memory T cells and their subtypes, such as stem cell memory T (TSCM), central memory T (TCM), effector memory T (TEM), or terminally differentiated effector memory T cells, tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), immature T cells, mature T cells, helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells, mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells, innate and adaptive regulatory T (Treg) cells, helper T cells, such as TH1 cells, TH2 cells, TH3 cells, TH17 cells, TH9 cells, TH22 cells, follicular helper T cells, alpha / beta T cells, and delta / gamma T cells. In certain embodiments, any number of T cell lines available in the art may be used.

[0223] In some embodiments, the method includes steps of isolating immune cells from a subject, preparing, treating, culturing, and / or manipulating them. In some embodiments, the preparation of the engineered cells includes one or more culturing and / or preparation steps. The cells for manipulation as described may be isolated from a sample, such as a biological sample, for example a sample obtained or derived from a subject. In some embodiments, the subject from which the cells are isolated is a subject with a disease or condition, or a subject in need of or to whom cell therapy will be administered. The subject is, in some embodiments, a human in need of a particular therapeutic intervention, such as adoptive cell therapy, for which the cells are isolated, treated, and / or manipulated. Thus, the cells are, in some embodiments, primary cells, for example, primary human cells. Samples include tissues, fluids, and other samples taken directly from a subject, as well as samples resulting from one or more processing steps, such as separation, centrifugation, genetic manipulation (e.g., transduction with a viral vector), washing, and / or incubation. The biological sample can be a sample obtained directly from a biological source or a processed sample. Biological samples include, but are not limited to, body fluids such as blood, plasma, serum, cerebrospinal fluid, synovial fluid, urine and sweat, tissues, and organ samples, including processed samples derived therefrom.

[0224] In some aspects, the sample from which the cells are derived or isolated is a blood or blood-derived sample, or is or is derived from an apheresis or leukapheresis product.Exemplary samples include whole blood, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), white blood cells, bone marrow, thymus, tissue biopsy, tumor, leukemia, lymphoma, lymph node, gut-associated lymphoid tissue, mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue, spleen, other lymphoid tissue, liver, lung, stomach, intestine, colon, kidney, pancreas, breast, bone, prostate, cervix, testis, ovary, tonsil, or other organ, and / or cells derived therefrom.Samples include samples from autologous and allogeneic sources in the context of cell therapy, e.g., adoptive cell therapy.

[0225] In some embodiments, the cells are derived from a cell line, e.g., a T cell line. In some embodiments, the cells are obtained from a heterologous source, e.g., mouse, rat, non-human primate, and pig. In some embodiments, the isolation of the cells includes one or more preparation steps and / or cell separation steps that are not based on affinity. In some examples, the cells are washed, centrifuged, and / or incubated in the presence of one or more reagents, e.g., to remove undesired components, enrich for desired components, and lyse or remove cells that are sensitive to a particular reagent. In some examples, the cells are separated based on one or more properties, such as density, adhesive properties, size, sensitivity and / or resistance to a particular component. In some embodiments, the cell line is a NK cell line (such as NK92 or NK92-MI cell line).

[0226] In some examples, cells from the subject's circulating blood are obtained, for example, by apheresis or leukapheresis. The sample contains lymphocytes, including T cells, monocytes, granulocytes, B cells, other nucleated white blood cells, red blood cells, and / or platelets, and in some aspects cells other than red blood cells and platelets. In some embodiments, blood cells collected from a subject are washed, for example to remove the plasma fraction and place the cells in a buffer or medium suitable for the subsequent processing step. In some embodiments, the cells are washed with phosphate buffered saline (PBS). In some aspects, the washing step is accomplished by tangential flow filtration (TFF) according to the manufacturer's instructions. In some embodiments, the cells are resuspended in various biocompatible buffers after washing. In certain embodiments, components of the blood cell sample are removed and the cells are resuspended directly in the medium. In some embodiments, the method includes a density-based cell separation method, such as preparation of white blood cells from peripheral blood by lysing red blood cells and centrifuging through a Percoll or Ficoll gradient.

[0227] In one embodiment, the immune cells are cells obtained from the circulating blood of an individual obtained by apheresis or leukapheresis. The apheresis product typically contains lymphocytes, including T cells, monocytes, granulocytes, B cells, other nucleated white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. The cells collected by apheresis may be washed to remove the plasma fraction and place the cells in a suitable buffer or medium, such as phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), or the washing solution may be calcium-free and magnesium-free, or may be free of many, if not all, divalent cations, for subsequent processing steps. After washing, the cells may be resuspended in a variety of biocompatible buffers, such as Ca-free, Mg-free PBS, etc. Alternatively, the undesirable components of the apheresis sample may be removed and the cells resuspended directly in culture medium.

[0228] In some embodiments, the isolation method comprises the separation of different cell types based on the expression or presence in cells of one or more specific molecules, such as surface markers, e.g., surface proteins, intracellular markers, or nucleic acids.In some embodiments, any known method may be used for such marker-based separation.In some embodiments, the separation is affinity or immunoaffinity-based separation.For example, in some aspects, the separation comprises the separation of cells and cell populations based on the cellular expression or expression level of one or more markers, typically cell surface markers, for example, by incubation with an antibody or binding partner that specifically binds to such marker, generally followed by a washing step, and separation of the cells that bind to the antibody or binding partner from the cells that do not bind to the antibody or binding partner.

[0229] Such separation steps can be based on positive selection, where cells bound to the reagent are retained for further use, and / or negative selection, where cells that are not bound to the antibody or binding partner are retained. In some instances, both fractions are retained for further use. In some aspects, negative selection can be particularly useful when antibodies that specifically identify cell types in a heterogeneous population are not available, such that separation is best performed based on markers expressed by cells other than the desired population. Separation does not need to result in 100% enrichment or removal of a particular cell population or cells expressing a particular marker. For example, positive selection or enrichment of a particular type of cell, such as cells expressing a marker, refers to increasing the number or percentage of such cells, but does not need to result in the complete absence of cells that do not express the marker. Similarly, negative selection, removal, or depletion of a particular type of cell, such as cells expressing a marker, refers to decreasing the number or percentage of such cells, but does not need to result in the complete removal of all such cells.

[0230] In some examples, multiple rounds of separation steps are performed, with the positively or negatively selected fraction from one step being subjected to another separation step, such as a subsequent positive or negative selection. In some examples, cells expressing multiple markers simultaneously can be depleted in a single separation step, such as by incubating cells with multiple antibodies or binding partners, each specific to the marker targeted for negative selection. Similarly, multiple cell types can be positively selected simultaneously by incubating cells with multiple antibodies or binding partners expressed on various cell types.

[0231] In some embodiments, one or more of the T cell populations are positive for (marker+) or express high levels of one or more particular markers, e.g., surface markers. high ) cells, or cells that are negative for one or more markers (marker -) or expresses it at a relatively low level (marker low ) cells are enriched or depleted. For example, in some aspects, a particular subpopulation of T cells, e.g., cells positive for or expressing high levels of one or more surface markers, e.g., CD28+, CD62L+, CCR7+, CD27+, CD127+, CD4+, CD8+, CD45RA+, and / or CD45RO+ T cells, are isolated by positive or negative selection techniques. In some cases, such markers are markers that are absent or expressed at relatively low levels on certain populations of T cells (e.g., non-memory cells) but present or expressed at relatively high levels on certain other populations of T cells (e.g., memory cells). In one embodiment, the cells (CD8+ cells, or T cells, such as CD3+ cells) are enriched for cells that are positive for or express high surface levels of CD45RO, CCR7, CD28, CD27, CD44, CD127, and / or CD62L (i.e., positively selected for), and / or are depleted for cells that are positive for or express high surface levels of CD45RA (e.g., negatively selected for). In some embodiments, the cells are enriched for or depleted for cells that are positive for or express high surface levels of CD122, CD95, CD25, CD27, and / or IL7-Ra (CD127). In some examples, the CD8+ T cells are enriched for cells that are positive for CD45RO (or negative for CD45RA) and positive for CD62L. For example, CD3+,CD28+ T cells can be positively selected using CD3 / CD28 conjugated magnetic beads (e.g., DYNABEADS® M-450 CD3 / CD28 T Cell Expander).

[0232] In some embodiments, T cells are separated from the PBMC sample by negative selection of markers expressed on non-T cells such as B cells, monocytes, or other white blood cells, e.g., CD14. In some aspects, a CD4+ or CD8+ selection step is used to separate CD4+ helper T cells and CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. Such CD4+ and CD8+ populations can be further sorted into subpopulations by positive or negative selection for markers expressed or expressed to a relatively high degree on one or more naive, memory, and / or effector T cell subpopulations. In some embodiments, CD8+ cells are further enriched or depleted for naive, central memory, effector memory, and / or central memory stem cells, e.g., by positive or negative selection based on surface antigens associated with each subpopulation. In some embodiments, enrichment for central memory T (TCM) cells is performed to increase efficacy, e.g., to improve long-term survival, expansion, and / or engraftment following administration, which in some aspects is particularly robust in such subpopulations. In some embodiments, combining TCM-enriched CD8+ T cells and CD4+ T cells further enhances efficacy.

[0233] In some embodiments, memory T cells are present in both CD62L+ and CD62L- subsets of CD8+ peripheral blood lymphocytes. PBMCs can be enriched or depleted for CD62L-CD8+ and / or CD62L+CD8+ fractions using anti-CD8 and anti-CD62L antibodies, etc. In some embodiments, CD4+ T cell population and CD8+ T cell subpopulation, such as a subpopulation enriched for central memory (TCM) cells. In some embodiments, enrichment for central memory T (TCM) cells is based on positive or high surface expression of CD45RO, CD62L, CCR7, CD28, CD3, and / or CD127; in some aspects, it is based on negative selection for cells expressing or highly expressing CD45RA and / or granzyme B. In some aspects, the isolation of a CD8+ population enriched for TCM cells is performed by depletion of cells expressing CD4, CD14, CD45RA, and positive selection or enrichment for cells expressing CD62L. In one aspect, the enrichment of central memory T (TCM) cells is performed starting from a negative fraction of cells selected based on CD4 expression, which is subjected to negative selection based on CD14 and CD45RA expression, and positive selection based on CD62L. Such selections are performed simultaneously in some aspects, and sequentially in either order in other aspects. In some aspects, the same selection step based on CD4 expression used to prepare a CD8+ cell population or subpopulation is also used to generate a CD4+ cell population or subpopulation, whereby both the positive and negative fractions from CD4-based separation are retained and used in subsequent steps of the method, optionally following one or more additional positive or negative selection steps.

[0234] CD4+ T helper cells are sorted into naive, central memory, and effector cells by identifying cell populations with cell surface antigens. CD4+ lymphocytes can be obtained by standard methods. In some embodiments, naive CD4+ T lymphocytes are CD45RO-, CD45RA+, CD62L+, CD4+ T cells. In some embodiments, central memory CD4+ cells are CD62L+ and CD45RO+. In some embodiments, effector CD4+ cells are CD62L- and CD45RO. In one example, to enrich for CD4+ cells by negative selection, the monoclonal antibody cocktail typically includes antibodies against CD14, CD20, CD11b, CD16, HLA-DR, and CD8. In some embodiments, the antibodies or binding partners are bound to a solid support or matrix, such as magnetic or paramagnetic beads, to allow for the separation of cells for positive and / or negative selection.

[0235] In some embodiments, the cells are incubated and / or cultured prior to or in conjunction with genetic engineering. The incubation step can include culture, cultivation, stimulation, activation, and / or propagation. In some embodiments, the composition or cells are incubated in the presence of stimulatory conditions or stimuli. Such conditions include conditions designed to induce proliferation, expansion, activation, and / or survival of cells in a population, to mimic antigen exposure, and / or to prime cells for genetic engineering, such as introduction of a recombinant antigen receptor. Conditions can include one or more of a particular medium, temperature, oxygen content, carbon dioxide content, time, agents, such as nutrients, amino acids, antibiotics, ions, and / or stimulatory factors, such as cytokines, chemokines, antigens, binding partners, fusion proteins, recombinant soluble receptors, and any other agents designed to activate cells. In some embodiments, the stimulatory conditions or stimuli include one or more agents, such as ligands, capable of activating the intracellular signaling domain of the TCR complex. In some aspects, the agent initiates or initiates the TCR / CD3 intracellular signaling cascade in T cells. Such an agent can include, for example, an antibody bound to a solid support such as a bead, for example, an antibody specific for a TCR component and / or a costimulatory receptor, for example, anti-CD3, anti-CD28, and / or one or more cytokines. Optionally, the expansion method can further include adding anti-CD3 and / or anti-CD28 antibodies to the culture medium (e.g., at a concentration of at least about 0.5 ng / ml). In some embodiments, the stimulator includes IL-2 and / or IL-15, for example, an IL-2 concentration of at least about 10 units / mL.

[0236] In another embodiment, T cells are isolated from peripheral blood by lysing red blood cells and depleting monocytes, for example, by centrifugation through a PERCOLL™ gradient. Alternatively, T cells can be isolated from umbilical cord. In any event, specific subpopulations of T cells can be further isolated by positive or negative selection techniques.

[0237] The cord blood mononuclear cells so isolated can be depleted of cells expressing certain antigens, including but not limited to CD34, CD8, CD14, CD19, and CD56. Depletion of these cells can be accomplished using isolated antibodies, biological samples containing antibodies, such as ascites fluid, antibodies bound to a physical support, or antibodies bound to cells.

[0238] Enrichment of a T cell population by negative selection can be accomplished using a combination of antibodies against surface markers unique to the negatively selected cells. A preferred method is cell sorting and / or selection via negative magnetic immunoadherence or flow cytometry using a cocktail of monoclonal antibodies against cell surface markers present on the negatively selected cells. For example, negative selection can be used to enrich for CD4 + To enrich for cells, the monoclonal antibody cocktail typically includes antibodies against CD14, CD20, CD11b, CD16, HLA-DR, and CD8.

[0239] To isolate the desired population of cells by positive or negative selection, cell concentration and surface (e.g., particles such as beads) can be varied. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to significantly reduce the volume in which beads and cells are mixed together (i.e., increase the concentration of cells) to ensure maximum contact between cells and beads. For example, in one embodiment, a cell concentration of 2 billion cells / ml is used. In one embodiment, a cell concentration of 1 billion cells / ml is used. In a further embodiment, more than 100 million cells / ml is used. In a further embodiment, a cell concentration of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 million cells / ml is used. In yet another embodiment, a cell concentration of 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100 million cells / ml is used. In further embodiments, cell concentrations of 125 or 150 million / ml can be used. Using higher concentrations can result in increased cell yield, cell activation, and cell expansion.

[0240] T cells can also be frozen after a washing step that does not require a monocyte removal step. Without wishing to be bound by theory, the freezing and subsequent thawing steps provide a more uniform product by removing granulocytes and to some extent monocytes in the cell population. After a washing step that removes plasma and platelets, the cells may be suspended in a freezing solution. Although numerous freezing solutions and parameters are known in the art and would be useful in this context, in a non-limiting example, one method involves using PBS containing 20% ​​DMSO and 8% human serum albumin, or other suitable cell freezing medium. The cells are then frozen to -80°C at a rate of 1°C / min and stored in the vapor phase of a liquid nitrogen storage tank. Other methods of controlled freezing and immediate uncontrolled freezing at -20°C or in liquid nitrogen may also be used.

[0241] In one embodiment, the T cells are comprised in a population of cells such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells, umbilical cord blood cells, purified populations of T cells, and T cell lines. In another embodiment, the peripheral blood mononuclear cells comprise the T cell population. In yet another embodiment, the purified T cells comprise the T cell population.

[0242] In certain embodiments, regulatory T cells (Tregs) can be isolated from a sample. The sample can include, but is not limited to, umbilical cord blood or peripheral blood. In certain embodiments, Tregs are isolated by flow cytometry sorting. The sample can be enriched for Tregs before isolation by any means known in the art. The isolated Tregs can be cryopreserved and / or expanded before use. Methods for isolating Tregs are described in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,754,482, 8,722,400, and 9,555,105, and U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 639,927, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0243] F. Treatment Method The modified immune cells (e.g., T cells or NK cells) described herein can be included in a composition for immunotherapy. The composition can include a pharmaceutical composition and can further include a pharma- ceutically acceptable carrier. A therapeutically effective amount of the pharmaceutical composition comprising modified T cells or NK cells can be administered to a subject in need thereof.

[0244] In one aspect, the present invention includes a method for treating a disease or condition in a subject in need thereof. The method comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells of the present invention. In another aspect, the present invention includes a method for treating a disease or condition in a subject, the method comprises administering to the subject a pharmaceutical composition comprising an effective amount of modified T cells of the present invention. In another aspect, the present invention includes a method for adoptive cell transfer therapy, the method comprises administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of modified T cells of the present invention. Diseases that can be treated include, but are not limited to, immunological diseases, hematological diseases, autoimmune diseases, fibrosis, and cancer.

[0245] Methods for administration of immune cells for adoptive cell therapy are known and may be used with the provided methods and compositions.For example, adoptive T cell therapy is described in, for example, Gruenberg et al., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2003 / 0170238; Rosenberg, U.S. Patent No. 4,690,915; Rosenberg (2011) Nat Rev Clin Oncol. 8(10):577-85).See, for example, Themeli et al. (2013) Nat Biotechnol. 31(10): 928-933; Tsukahara et al. (2013) Biochem Biophys Res Commun 438(1): 84-9; Davila et al. (2013) PLoS ONE 8(4): e61338. In some embodiments, cell therapy, e.g., adoptive T cell therapy, is carried out by autologous transfer, where cells are isolated and / or otherwise prepared from the subject who will receive cell therapy or a sample derived from such a subject.Thus, in some aspects, cells are derived from a subject, e.g., a patient, in need of treatment, and the cells are administered to the same subject after isolation and processing.

[0246] In some embodiments, cell therapy, such as adoptive T cell therapy, is carried out by allogeneic transfer, in which cells are isolated and / or otherwise prepared from a subject other than the subject that will or will eventually receive cell therapy, such as the first subject.In such embodiments, the cells are then administered to a different subject of the same species, such as the second subject.In some embodiments, the first and second subjects are genetically identical.In some embodiments, the first and second subjects are genetically similar.In some embodiments, the second subject expresses the same HLA class or supertype as the first subject.

[0247] In some embodiments, the subject has been treated with a disease or condition, e.g., a tumor-targeting therapeutic agent, prior to administration of the cell or cell-containing composition. In some aspects, the subject is refractory or non-responsive to other therapeutic agents. In some embodiments, the subject has persistent or recurrent disease after treatment with another therapeutic intervention, e.g., chemotherapy, radiation, and / or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), e.g., allogeneic HSCT. In some embodiments, administration effectively treats the subject even though the subject has become resistant to another therapy.

[0248] In some embodiments, the subject is responsive to another therapeutic agent, and treatment with the therapeutic agent reduces the disease burden. In some aspects, the subject is initially responsive to the therapeutic agent, but exhibits recurrence of the disease or condition over time. In some embodiments, the subject has not relapsed. In some such embodiments, the subject is determined to be at risk of relapse, e.g., at high risk of relapse, and thus the cells are administered prophylactically, e.g., to reduce the likelihood of relapse or prevent relapse. In some aspects, the subject has not received prior treatment with another therapeutic agent.

[0249] In some embodiments, the subject has persistent or recurrent disease after treatment with another therapeutic intervention, including, for example, chemotherapy, radiation, and / or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), e.g., allogeneic HSCT. In some embodiments, administration effectively treats the subject despite the subject having become refractory to another therapy.

[0250] The modified immune cells of the present invention can be administered to animals (e.g., dogs), preferably mammals, and even more preferably humans, to treat cancer. In certain embodiments, the cancer comprises FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells. In certain embodiments, the FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells are cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). In certain embodiments, the FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells are FAP-expressing adipocytes. In certain embodiments, the FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells are tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). In certain embodiments, the FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells are tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs). In certain embodiments, the FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells are myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). In certain embodiments, the FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells are cancer stem cells.

[0251] Furthermore, the modified immune cells of the present invention can be administered to animals, preferably mammals, and even more preferably humans, to treat cancer. In addition, the cells of the present invention can be used for the treatment of any condition related to cancer, particularly cell-mediated immune response against tumor cells, when it is desirable to treat or alleviate the disease. The types of cancer to be treated by the modified cells or pharmaceutical compositions of the present invention include carcinomas, blastomas, and sarcomas, as well as certain leukemias or lymphoid tumors, benign tumors and malignant tumors, and malignant diseases, such as sarcomas, carcinomas, and melanomas. Other exemplary cancers include, but are not limited to, breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, skin cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, brain cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, lung cancer, thyroid cancer, and the like. The cancer can be a non-solid tumor (such as a blood tumor) or a solid tumor. Adult tumors / cancers and pediatric tumors / cancers are also included. In one embodiment, the cancer is a solid tumor or a hematological tumor. In one embodiment, the cancer is a type of carcinoma. In one aspect, the cancer is a sarcoma. In one aspect, the cancer is a leukemia. In one aspect, the cancer is a solid tumor.

[0252] Successful treatment of solid tumors is hindered by various obstacles, including, for example, the tumor microenvironment. Tumors contain cancer cells and stromal compartments that contain cellular and non-cellular components. Tumor stroma has been shown to play an important role in the development of cancer, including progression and metastasis. The CAR of the present disclosure can be used in methods for treating disease or pathology by targeting tumor stroma, where promising cellular targets in stroma include cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). CAFs have been shown to enhance nearly all aspects of tumor growth and spread. CAFs provide a barrier to therapeutic agents (e.g., drugs and immune cells), provide growth signals to tumor cells, and are actively immunosuppressive.

[0253] The present invention provides a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) that can bind to fibroblast activation protein (FAP). FAP is a type II transmembrane serine protease that is expressed in the stroma of more than 90% of common human epithelial cancers. In certain tumors, FAP is selectively expressed by cancer-associated fibroblasts. FAP expression has not been detected in benign tumors or normal adult quiescent tissues.

[0254] In some embodiments, the methods of the disclosure use the engineered immune cells of the disclosure in combination with other therapeutic agents, for example, immunotherapies such as, but not limited to, cancer immunotherapy and checkpoint blockade, switched co-stimulatory receptors, or other CAR-T therapies.

[0255] A solid tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue that does not usually contain cysts or liquid areas. Solid tumors can be benign or malignant. Different types of solid tumors are named for the type of cells that form them (such as sarcoma, carcinoma, and lymphoma). Examples of solid tumors, such as sarcoma and carcinoma, include fibrosarcoma, myxosarcoma, liposarcoma, chondrosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and other sarcomas, synovium, mesothelioma, Ewing's sarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, colon cancer, lymphatic tumors, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, sweat gland carcinoma, medullary thyroid carcinoma, papillary thyroid carcinoma, pheochromocytoma, sebaceous gland carcinoma, papillary carcinoma, papillary adenocarcinoma, medullary carcinoma, bronchogenic carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, and sebaceous gland carcinoma. In some embodiments, the cancer is a tumor, including, but not limited to, tumors of the brain, including tumors of the brain stem, tumors of the brain, tumors of the brain that are cancerous ...

[0256] Carcinomas amenable to treatment by the methods disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, esophageal carcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma (a form of skin cancer), squamous cell carcinoma (various tissues), bladder carcinoma including transitional cell carcinoma (malignant neoplasm of the bladder), bronchogenic carcinoma, colon carcinoma, colorectal carcinoma, gastric carcinoma, lung carcinoma including small cell lung carcinoma and non-small cell lung carcinoma, adrenal cortical carcinoma, thyroid carcinoma, pancreatic carcinoma, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, adenocarcinoma, sweat gland carcinoma, sebaceous gland carcinoma, papillary carcinoma, papillary adenocarcinoma, cystadenocarcinoma, medullary carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, ductal carcinoma in situ or bile duct carcinoma, choriocarcinoma, seminoma, embryonal carcinoma, Wilms' tumor, cervical carcinoma, uterine carcinoma, testicular carcinoma, osteogenic carcinoma, epithelial carcinoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

[0257] Sarcomas that may be treated by the methods disclosed herein include, but are not limited to, fibrosarcoma, myxosarcoma, liposarcoma, chondrosarcoma, chordoma, osteogenic sarcoma, osteosarcoma, angiosarcoma, endothelial sarcoma, lymphangiosarcoma, lymphangioendothelial sarcoma, synovium, mesothelioma, Ewing's sarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and other soft tissue sarcomas.

[0258] In certain exemplary embodiments, the modified immune cells of the present invention are used to treat myeloma or conditions related to myeloma. Examples of myeloma or conditions related thereto include, but are not limited to, light chain myeloma, non-secretory myeloma, monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), plasmacytoma (e.g., isolated, multiple, extramedullary plasmacytoma), amyloidosis, and multiple myeloma. In one embodiment, the method of the present disclosure is used to treat multiple myeloma. In one embodiment, the method of the present disclosure is used to treat refractory myeloma. In one embodiment, the method of the present disclosure is used to treat relapsed myeloma.

[0259] In certain exemplary aspects, the modified immune cells of the present invention are used to treat melanoma or conditions related to melanoma. Examples of melanoma or conditions related thereto include, but are not limited to, superficial spreading melanoma, nodular melanoma, lentigo maligna melanoma, acral lentigo melanoma, amelanotic melanoma, or cutaneous melanoma (e.g., cutaneous, ocular, vulvar, vaginal, rectal melanoma). In one aspect, the method of the present disclosure is used to treat cutaneous melanoma. In one aspect, the method of the present disclosure is used to treat refractory melanoma. In one aspect, the method of the present disclosure is used to treat recurrent melanoma.

[0260] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the modified immune cells of the present invention are used to treat sarcomas or conditions associated with sarcomas. Examples of sarcomas or conditions associated with sarcomas include, but are not limited to, angiosarcoma, chondrosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, fibrosarcoma, gastrointestinal stromal tumor, leiomyosarcoma, liposarcoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, osteosarcoma, pleomorphic sarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and synovial sarcoma. In one embodiment, the method of the present disclosure is used to treat synovial sarcomas. In one embodiment, the method of the present disclosure is used to treat liposarcoma, such as myxoid / round cell liposarcoma, differentiated / dedifferentiated liposarcoma, and pleomorphic liposarcoma. In one embodiment, the method of the present disclosure is used to treat myxoid / round cell liposarcoma. In one embodiment, the method of the present disclosure is used to treat refractory sarcomas. In one embodiment, the method of the present disclosure is used to treat recurrent sarcomas.

[0261] In certain embodiments, the methods disclosed herein are used to treat immunological diseases. Immunological diseases that can be treated include, but are not limited to, scleroderma and arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis).

[0262] In certain embodiments, the methods disclosed herein are used to treat hematological disorders, including but not limited to multiple myeloma or myelofibrosis.

[0263] In certain embodiments, the methods disclosed herein are used to treat any type of fibrosis, including but not limited to pulmonary fibrosis, liver fibrosis, skin fibrosis (keloid and scleroderma), intestinal fibrosis and kidney fibrosis.In certain embodiments, the methods disclosed herein are used to treat myocardial fibrosis. Additional diseases or disorders that may be treated include, but are not limited to, hypertensive heart disease, diastolic dysfunction, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction, myocardial infarction, ischemic cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, arrhythmias including atrial fibrillation, arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy (including idiopathic and familial), hypertensive heart disease, genetic including muscular dystrophies, infectious cardiomyopathies (e.g., Chagas disease, rheumatic fever), transplant cardiomyopathy, radiation-induced myocardial fibrosis, autoimmune (sarcoid cardiomyopathy, lupus), toxin- or drug-related, amyloidosis, diabetic cardiomyopathy, and other types of myocardial fibrosis including, but not limited to, reactive interstitial fibrosis, replacement fibrosis, infiltrative interstitial fibrosis, and endomyocardial fibrosis.

[0264] The cells of the invention to be administered can be autologous to the subject undergoing treatment.

[0265] Administration of the cells of the present invention may be performed in any convenient manner known to those skilled in the art. The cells of the present invention may be administered to a subject by aerosol inhalation, injection, ingestion, transfusion, implantation or transplantation. The compositions described herein may be administered to a patient intraarterially, subcutaneously, intradermally, intratumorally, intranodally, intramedullary, intramuscularly, by intravenous (iv) injection, or intraperitoneally. In other examples, the cells of the present invention are directly injected into a site of inflammation in a subject, a site of local disease in a subject, a lymph node, an organ, a tumor, etc.

[0266] In some embodiments, the cells are administered at a desired dosage, which in some aspects includes a desired dose or number of cells or cell types and / or a desired ratio of cell types. Thus, the dosage of cells is based in some embodiments on the total number of cells (or number per kg body weight) and the desired ratio of individual populations or subtypes, such as the ratio of CD4+ to CD8+. In some embodiments, the dosage of cells is based on the desired total number of cells (or number per kg body weight) in an individual population or of an individual cell type. In some embodiments, the dosage is based on a combination of such features, such as the desired total number of cells, the desired ratio, and the desired total number of cells in an individual population.

[0267] In some embodiments, CD8 + T cells and CD4 + A population or subtype of cells, such as T cells, is administered at or within an acceptable variance of a desired dose of total cells, e.g., a desired dose of T cells. In some aspects, the desired dose is a desired number of cells, or a desired number of cells per unit body weight of the subject to whom the cells are administered, e.g., cells / kg. In some aspects, the desired dose is at or exceeds a minimum number of cells or a minimum number of cells per unit body weight. In some aspects, among the total cells administered at a desired dose, individual populations or subtypes are administered at or above a desired output ratio (CD4 + vs. CD8 + (e.g., a ratio of 0.1 to 0.5), e.g., within a certain allowed variation or error of such ratio.

[0268] In some embodiments, the cells are administered at or within a tolerable difference of the desired dose of one or more of the individual populations or subtypes of cells, e.g., the desired dose of CD4+ cells and / or the desired dose of CD8+ cells. In some aspects, the desired dose is the desired number of cells of a subtype or population, or the desired number of such cells per unit body weight of the subject to whom the cells are administered, e.g., cells / kg. In some aspects, the desired dose is or exceeds the minimum number of cells of a population or subtype, or the minimum number of cells of a population or subtype per unit body weight. Thus, in some embodiments, the dosage is based on a desired fixed dose and a desired ratio of total cells, and / or based on one or more, e.g., each, of the individual subtypes or subpopulations. Thus, in some embodiments, the dosage is based on a desired fixed dose or minimum dose of T cells and CD4 + Cells vs. CD8 + Based on the desired ratio of cells and / or CD4 + Cells and / or CD8 + Based on a desired fixed or minimum dose of cells.

[0269] In certain embodiments, a distinct population of cells, or subtypes of cells, is administered to a subject in the range of about 1 million to about 100 billion cells, e.g., 1 million to about 50 billion cells (e.g., about 5 million cells, about 25 million cells, about 500 million cells, about 1 billion cells, about 5 billion cells, about 20 billion cells, about 30 billion cells, about 40 billion cells, or a range defined by any two of the foregoing values), e.g., about 10 million to about 100 billion cells (e.g., about 20 million cells, about 30 million cells, about 40 million cells, about 60 million cells, about 70 million cells, or a range defined by any two of the foregoing values). , about 80 million cells, about 90 million cells, about 10 billion cells, about 25 billion cells, about 50 billion cells, about 75 billion cells, about 90 billion cells, or a range defined by any two of the foregoing values), and optionally about 100 million cells to about 50 billion cells (e.g., about 120 million cells, about 250 million cells, about 350 million cells, about 450 million cells, about 650 million cells, about 800 million cells, about 900 million cells, about 3 billion cells, about 30 billion cells, about 45 billion cells), or any value between these ranges.

[0270] In some embodiments, the dose of total cells and / or the dose of individual subpopulations of cells is greater than or equal to 1×10 cells. 5 1 x 10 pieces or approx. 5 pieces / kg ~ approx. 1×10 11 cells / kg, 10 cells 4 ~10 pieces 11 Pieces or about 10 11 pieces / kilogram (kg) body weight, e.g., 10 cells 5 ~10 6 In the range of 1 x 10 cells / kg body weight, for example, 5 1 x 10 pieces or approx. 5 cells / kg, cells 1.5×10 5 cells / kg, cells 2×10 5 cells / kg, or 1 x 10 cells 6 For example, in some embodiments, the cells are 10 T cells / kg body weight. 4 Pieces or about 10 4 ~10 pieces 9 Pieces or about 109 cells / kilogram (kg) body weight, e.g., 10 T cells 5 ~10 pieces 6 / kg body weight or within a certain margin of error, e.g., 1 x 10 T cells 5 pcs or approx. 1×10 5 cells / kg, T cells 1.5×10 5 cells / kg, T cells 2×10 5 cells / kg, or 1 x 10 T cells 6 In other exemplary embodiments, the dosage range of modified cells suitable for use in the methods of the present disclosure is about 1×10 cells / kg body weight. 5 cells / kg~cells approx. 1×10 6 cells / kg, approximately 1×10 cells 6 cells / kg~cells approx. 1×10 7 cells / kg, approximately 1×10 cells 7 cells / kg~cells approx. 1×10 8 cells / kg, approximately 1×10 cells 8 cells / kg~cells approx. 1×10 9 cells / kg, approximately 1×10 cells 9 cells / kg~cells approx. 1×10 10 cells / kg, approximately 1×10 cells 10 cells / kg~cells approx. 1×10 11 In an exemplary embodiment, a dosage suitable for use in the methods of the present disclosure is about 1×10 cells / kg. 8 In an exemplary embodiment, a dosage suitable for use in the methods of the present disclosure is about 1×10 cells / kg. 7 In other embodiments, a suitable dosage is about 1×10 total cells / kg. 7 Total cells: approx. 5 x 10 7 In some embodiments, a suitable dosage is about 1×10 total cells. 8 Total cells: approx. 5 x 10 8 In some embodiments, a suitable dosage is about 1.4 x 10 total cells. 7 Total cells: approx. 1.1 x 10 9 In an exemplary embodiment, a suitable dosage for use in the methods of the present disclosure is about 7×10 total cells. 9 There are 10 pieces.

[0271] In some embodiments, the cells are 4 or about 10 4 ~10 9 or about 10 9 CD4 count / kilogram (kg) of body weight + and / or CD8 + Cells, e.g., 10 5 ~10 6 CD4 count / kg body weight + and / or CD8 + in cells, or within a certain margin of error, e.g., 1 x 10 5 Or about 1 x 10 5 CD4 cells / kg + and / or CD8 + cells, 1.5 x 10 5 CD4 cells / kg + and / or CD8 + cells, 2 x 10 5 CD4 cells / kg + and / or CD8 + cells, or 1 x 10 6 CD4 count / kg body weight + and / or CD8 + In some embodiments, the cells are administered at a concentration of about 1×10 6 pieces, approximately 2.5×10 6 pieces, about 5×10 6 pieces, approximately 7.5×10 6 Pieces, or about 9 x 10 6 More than 1×10 6 pieces, approximately 2.5×10 6 pieces, about 5×10 6 pieces, approximately 7.5×10 6 Pieces, or about 9 x 10 6 CD4 + cells, and / or at least about 1 x 10 6 pieces, approximately 2.5×10 6 pieces, approximately 5×10 6 pieces, approximately 7.5×10 6 Pieces, or about 9 x 10 6 CD8 + cells, and / or at least about 1 x 10 6 pieces, approximately 2.5×106 pieces, approximately 5×10 6 pieces, approximately 7.5×10 6 Pieces, or about 9 x 10 6 In some embodiments, the cells are administered at about 10 T cells or within a certain margin of error. 8 ~10 pieces 12 Pieces or about 10 10 ~10 pieces 11 T cells, approximately 10 8 ~10 pieces 12 Pieces or about 10 10 ~10 pieces 11 CD4 + cells, and / or about 10 8 ~10 pieces 12 Pieces or about 10 10 ~10 pieces 11 CD8 + The dose is administered at or within a certain range of error in cells.

[0272] In some embodiments, the cells are administered at a desired output ratio or within a tolerated range of multiple cell populations or subtypes, such as CD4+ and CD8+ cells or subtypes. In some aspects, the desired ratio can be a specific ratio or can be a range of ratios, e.g., in some embodiments, the desired ratio (e.g., CD4 + Cells vs. CD8 +The ratio of cells is 5:1 or about 5:1 to 5:1 or about 5:1 (or greater than about 1:5 and less than about 5:1), or 1:3 or about 1:3 to 3:1 or about 3:1 (or greater than about 1:3 and less than about 3:1), for example, 2:1 or about 2:1 to 1:5 or about 1:5 (or greater than about 1:5 and less than about 2:1, for example, 5:1, 4.5:1, 4:1, 3.5:1, 3:1, 2.5:1, 2:1, 1.9:1, 1.8:1, 1.7:1, 1.6:1, 1.5:1, 1.4:1, 1.3:1, 1.2:1, 1.1:1, 1:1, 1:1.1, 1:1.2, 1:1.3, 1:1.4, 1:1.5, 1:1.6, 1:1.7, 1:1.8, 1:1.9, 1:2, 1:2.5, 1:3, 1:3.5, 1:4, 1:4.5 , or 1:5, or about 5:1, about 4.5:1, about 4:1, about 3.5:1, about 3:1, about 2.5:1, about 2:1, about 1.9:1, about 1.8:1, about 1.7:1, about 1.6:1, about 1.5:1, about 1.4:1, about 1.3:1, about 1.2:1, about 1.1:1, about 1:1, about 1:1.1, about 1:1.2, about 1:1.3, about 1:1.4, about 1:1.5, about 1:1.6, about 1:1.7, about 1:1.8, about 1:1.9, about 1:2, about 1:2.5, about 1:3, about 1:3.5, about 1:4, about 1:4.5, or about 1:5. In some aspects, tolerated differences are within about 1%, about 2%, about 3%, about 4%, about 5%, about 10%, about 15%, about 20%, about 25%, about 30%, about 35%, about 40%, about 45%, about 50% of the desired ratio, including any value between these ranges.

[0273] In some embodiments, the dose of modified cells is administered to the subject in need thereof in a single dose or multiple doses.In some embodiments, the dose of modified cells is administered in multiple doses, for example, once a week or every 7 days, once every 2 weeks or every 14 days, once every 3 weeks or every 21 days, once every 4 weeks or every 28 days.In exemplary embodiments, a single dose of modified cells is administered to the subject in need thereof.In exemplary embodiments, a single dose of modified cells is administered to the subject in need thereof by rapid intravenous infusion.

[0274] The dosage appropriate for preventing or treating a disease may depend on the type of disease being treated, the type of cells or recombinant receptor, the severity and course of the disease, whether the cells are administered for prophylactic or therapeutic purposes, prior therapy, the subject's clinical history and response to the cells, and the judgment of the attending physician. The compositions and cells are, in some embodiments, administered to a subject at one time or over a series of treatments, as appropriate.

[0275] In some embodiments, the cells are administered as part of a combination treatment, e.g., simultaneously with another therapeutic intervention, e.g., an antibody or engineered cell or receptor, or an agent, e.g., a cytotoxic agent or a therapeutic agent or an anti-cancer vaccine, or sequentially in any order. The cells are co-administered in some embodiments simultaneously or sequentially in any order with one or more additional therapeutic agents or in association with another therapeutic intervention. In some situations, the cells are co-administered with another therapy close enough in time that the cell population enhances the effect of the one or more additional therapeutic agents, or vice versa. In some embodiments, the cells are administered before the one or more additional therapeutic agents. In some embodiments, the cells are administered after the one or more additional therapeutic agents. In some embodiments, the one or more additional agents include a cytokine, such as IL-2, for example, to enhance persistence. In some embodiments, the method includes administration of a chemotherapeutic agent.

[0276] In certain embodiments, the modified cells of the present invention (e.g., modified cells comprising CAR) may be administered to a subject in combination with an immune checkpoint inhibitor. Examples of immune checkpoints include, but are not limited to, CTLA-4, PD-1, and TIM-3. Antibodies may be used to inhibit immune checkpoints (e.g., anti-PD1 antibodies, anti-CTLA-4 antibodies, or anti-TIM-3 antibodies). For example, the modified cells may be administered in combination with, for example, an antibody or antibody fragment that targets PD-1 (programmed death 1 protein). Examples of anti-PD-1 antibodies include, but are not limited to, pembrolizumab (KEYTRUDA®, formerly lambrolizumab, also known as MK-3475), and nivolumab (BMS-936558, MDX-1106, ONO-4538, OPDIVA®) or antigen-binding fragments thereof. In certain embodiments, the modified cells may be administered in combination with an anti-PD-L1 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof. Examples of anti-PD-L1 antibodies include, but are not limited to, BMS-936559, MPDL3280A (TECENTRIQ®, atezolizumab), and MEDI4736 (durvalumab, Imfinzi). In certain embodiments, the modified cells may be administered in combination with an anti-CTLA-4 antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof. Examples of anti-CTLA-4 antibodies include, but are not limited to, ipilimumab (trade name Yervoy). Other types of immune checkpoint modulators may also be used, including, but not limited to, small molecules, siRNA, miRNA, and CRISPR systems. The immune checkpoint modulator may be administered before, after, or simultaneously with the modified cells comprising the CAR. In certain embodiments, a combination treatment including an immune checkpoint modulator may increase the therapeutic efficacy of a therapy including the modified cells of the present invention.

[0277] Following administration of the cells, the biological activity of the engineered cell population is measured in some embodiments, for example, by any of several known methods. Parameters for evaluation include specific binding of engineered or natural T cells or other immune cells to antigens in vivo, for example, by imaging, or ex vivo, for example, by ELISA or flow cytometry. In certain embodiments, the ability of the engineered cells to destroy target cells can be measured using any suitable method known in the art, such as, for example, cytotoxicity assays described in Kochenderfer et al., J. Immunotherapy, 32(7): 689-702 (2009), and Herman et al. J. Immunological Methods, 285(1): 25-40 (2004). In certain embodiments, the biological activity of the cells is measured by assaying the expression and / or secretion of one or more cytokines, for example, CD107a, IFNy, IL-2, and TNF. In some aspects, biological activity is measured by assessing a clinical outcome, such as reduction in tumor burden or tumor mass.

[0278] In certain embodiments, the subject is provided with a secondary treatment, including but not limited to chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and medications.

[0279] In some embodiments, conditioning therapy can be administered to the subject prior to CAR T cell therapy. In some embodiments, conditioning therapy comprises administering an effective amount of cyclophosphamide to the subject. In some embodiments, conditioning therapy comprises administering an effective amount of fludarabine to the subject. In a preferred embodiment, conditioning therapy comprises administering an effective amount of a combination of cyclophosphamide and fludarabine to the subject. Administering conditioning therapy prior to CAR T cell therapy may increase the efficacy of CAR T cell therapy. Methods of conditioning patients for T cell therapy are described in U.S. Patent No. 9,855,298, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0280] In some embodiments, the specific dosing regimens of the present disclosure include a lymphodepletion step prior to administration of the modified T cells. In an exemplary embodiment, the lymphodepletion step includes administration of cyclophosphamide and / or fludarabine.

[0281] In some embodiments, the lymphodepletion step comprises administering about 200 mg / m 2 / day~about 2000mg / m 2 / day (e.g., 200 mg / m 2 / day, 300mg / m 2 / day, or 500 mg / m 2 / day). In an exemplary embodiment, the dose of cyclophosphamide is about 300 mg / m 2 In some embodiments, the lymphodepletion step is about 20 mg / m 2 / day~about 900mg / m 2 / day (e.g., 20 mg / m 2 / day, 25mg / m 2 / day, 30mg / m 2 / day, or 60 mg / m 2 / day). In an exemplary embodiment, the dose of fludarabine is about 30 mg / m 2 / day.

[0282] In one embodiment, the lymphodepletion step is about 200 mg / m 2 / day~about 2000mg / m 2 / day (e.g., 200 mg / m 2 / day, 300mg / m 2 / day, or 500 mg / m 2 / day), and cyclophosphamide at a dose of approximately 20 mg / m 2 / day~about 900mg / m 2 / day (e.g., 20 mg / m 2 / day, 25mg / m 2 / day, 30mg / m 2 / day, or 60 mg / m 2 / day). In an exemplary embodiment, the lymphodepletion step comprises administration of fludarabine at a dose of about 300 mg / m 2 / day dose of cyclophosphamide, and approximately 30 mg / m 2 The treatment involves administration of fludarabine at a dose of 100 mg / day.

[0283] In an exemplary embodiment, the dosing of cyclophosphamide is 300 mg / m 2 / day for 3 days, and the fludarabine dosage was 30 mg / m 2 / day for 3 days.

[0284] Dosing of lymphodepleting chemotherapy may be scheduled for days -6 to -4 (allowing for a -1 day time window, i.e., dosing on days -7 to -5) relative to infusion of T cells (e.g., CAR-T, TCR-T, modified T cells, etc.) on day 0.

[0285] In an exemplary embodiment, for subjects with cancer, the subject is administered 300 mg / m 200 mg / ml by intravenous infusion 3 days prior to administration of the engineered T cells. 2 In an exemplary embodiment, for subjects with cancer, the subject receives lymphodepleting chemotherapy including cyclophosphamide at 300 mg / m2 via intravenous infusion for 3 days prior to administration of the modified T cells. 2 will undergo lymphodepleting chemotherapy, including cyclophosphamide.

[0286] In an exemplary embodiment, for a subject with cancer, the subject receives about 20 mg / m 2 / day~about 900mg / m 2 / day (e.g., 20 mg / m 2 / day, 25mg / m 2 / day, 30mg / m 2 / day, or 60 mg / m 2 / day). In an exemplary embodiment, for a subject with cancer, the subject receives lymphodepleting chemotherapy including fludarabine at a dose of 30 mg / m 2 Patients will receive lymphodepleting chemotherapy containing a dose of fludarabine for three days.

[0287] In an exemplary embodiment, for a subject with cancer, the subject receives about 200 mg / m 2 / day~about 2000mg / m 2 / day (e.g., 200 mg / m2 / day, 300mg / m 2 / day, or 500 mg / m 2 / day), and cyclophosphamide at a dose of approximately 20 mg / m 2 / day~about 900mg / m 2 / day (e.g., 20 mg / m 2 / day, 25mg / m 2 / day, 30mg / m 2 / day, or 60 mg / m 2 / day). In an exemplary embodiment, for a subject with cancer, the subject receives lymphodepleting chemotherapy including fludarabine at a dose of about 300 mg / m 2 / day dose of cyclophosphamide, and 30 mg / m 2 Patients will receive lymphodepleting chemotherapy containing a dose of fludarabine for three days.

[0288] The cells of the present invention can be administered at dosages and routes and times to be determined in appropriate preclinical and clinical experiments and tests. The cell composition may be administered multiple times at dosages within these ranges. The administration of the cells of the present invention may be combined with other methods useful for treating the desired disease or condition, as determined by those skilled in the art.

[0289] It is known in the art that one of the adverse effects following infusion of CAR T cells is the onset of immune activation known as cytokine release syndrome (CRS). CRS is immune activation leading to an increase in inflammatory cytokines. CRS is a known on-target toxicity, and the occurrence of CRS is thought to be associated with efficacy. Clinical and laboratory measures range from mild CRS (systemic symptoms and / or grade 2 organ toxicity) to severe CRS (sCRS; grade ≧3 organ toxicity, active clinical intervention, and / or potentially life-threatening). Clinical features include high fever, malaise, fatigue, myalgia, nausea, anorexia, tachycardia / hypotension, capillary leak, cardiac dysfunction, renal dysfunction, liver failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Dramatic increases in cytokines, including interferon-gamma, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, IL-10, and IL-6, have been shown following infusion of CAR T cells. One CRS signature is an elevation of cytokines, including IL-6 (severe elevation), IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha (moderate), and IL-2 (mild). Elevations in clinically available inflammatory markers, including ferritin and C-reactive protein (CRP), have also been observed to correlate with CRS syndrome. The presence of CRS generally correlates with an expansion of adoptively transferred cells and progressive immune activation. It has been demonstrated that the severity of CRS is determined by the disease burden at the time of infusion, as patients with high tumor burden experience greater sCRS.

[0290] Therefore, the present invention provides a CRS management strategy suitable for alleviating the physiological symptoms of uncontrolled inflammation after the diagnosis of CRS without compromising the anti-tumor efficacy of engineered cells (e.g., CAR T cells).CRS management strategies are known in the art.For example, systemic corticosteroids may be administered to rapidly reverse the symptoms of sCRS (e.g., grade 3 CRS) without compromising the initial anti-tumor response.

[0291] In some embodiments, anti-IL-6R antibody may be administered.An example of anti-IL-6R antibody is the monoclonal antibody tocilizumab, also known as atlizumab, approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (commercially available as Actemra or RoActemra).Tocilizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody against interleukin-6 receptor (IL-6R).Administration of tocilizumab has demonstrated almost immediate regression of CRS.

[0292] CRS is generally managed based on the severity of the syndrome observed, and interventions are individualized accordingly. Decisions for management of CRS can be based on clinical signs and symptoms, not just laboratory values, and response to interventions.

[0293] Mild to moderate cases are generally treated with symptom management using fluid therapy, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antihistamines as needed for adequate relief of symptoms. More severe cases include patients with any degree of hemodynamic instability; in any hemodynamic instability, administration of tocilizumab is recommended. First-line management of CRS may be tocilizumab IV over 60 minutes at a labelled dose of 8 mg / kg (not to exceed 800 mg / dose) in some embodiments; tocilizumab may be repeated Q8 hours. If the response to the first dose of tocilizumab is suboptimal, additional doses of tocilizumab may be considered. Tocilizumab may be administered alone or in combination with corticosteroid therapy. Patients with persistent or progressive CRS symptoms with inadequate clinical improvement or poor response to tocilizumab within 12-18 hours may be treated with high-dose corticosteroid therapy, typically hydrocortisone 100 mg IV or methylprednisolone 1-2 mg / kg. In patients with more severe hemodynamic instability or more severe respiratory symptoms, patients may be administered high-dose corticosteroid therapy early in the course of CRS. Guidance for CRS management may be based on published criteria (Lee et al. (2019) Biol Blood Marrow Transplant, doi.org / 10.1016 / j.bbmt.2018.12.758; Neelapu et al. (2018) Nat Rev Clin Oncology, 15:47; Teachey et al. (2016) Cancer Discov, 6(6):664-679).

[0294] Concurrent with the clinical signs of CRS, features consistent with macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) or hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) have been observed in patients treated with CAR-T therapy (Henter, 2007). MAS appears to be a response to immune activation resulting from CRS and should therefore be considered a manifestation of CRS. MAS is similar to HLH, also a response to immune stimulation. The clinical syndrome of MAS is characterized by high-grade non-releasing fever, cytopenias affecting at least two of the three lineages, and hepatosplenomegaly. It is associated with high serum ferritin, soluble interleukin-2 receptor, and triglycerides, as well as reduced circulating natural killer (NK) activity.

[0295] The modified immune cells comprising the CAR of the present invention can be used in the method of treatment as described herein.In one aspect, the present invention comprises a method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject any one of the modified immune cells or progenitor cells disclosed herein.Yet another aspect of the present invention comprises a method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject any one of the modified immune cells or progenitor cells produced by any one of the methods disclosed herein.

[0296] One aspect of the present invention provides a method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified immune cells comprising a CAR capable of binding to a FAP, wherein the CAR comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9, and the cancer comprises fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated cells.

[0297] In certain embodiments, CAR binds to FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells and does not bind to cells that do not express FAP.In certain embodiments, CAR binds to FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells, including high levels of FAP expression.In certain embodiments, CAR does not bind to cells that do not express FAP.In certain embodiments, CAR does not bind to cells that express basal levels of FAP, including low levels of FAP expression.

[0298] Another aspect of the invention provides a method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, wherein the cancer is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated fibroblasts, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of engineered T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to the FAP. The CAR comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9.

[0299] Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, wherein the cancer is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated macrophages, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to FAP, wherein the CAR comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9.

[0300] Yet another aspect of the present invention provides a method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, wherein the cancer is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated neutrophils, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to FAP, wherein the CAR comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7 and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9.

[0301] Also provided is a method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, wherein the cancer is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated fibroblasts, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a FAP, wherein the CAR comprises an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:23 or 25.

[0302] Also provided is a method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, wherein the cancer is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated macrophages, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a FAP, wherein the CAR comprises an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:23 or 25.

[0303] Also provided is a method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, wherein the cancer is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated neutrophils, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a FAP, wherein the CAR comprises an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:23 or 25.

[0304] Also provided is a method of treating a solid tumor in a subject in need thereof, the tumor being associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated fibroblasts. The method comprises administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to FAP, the CAR comprising a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9.

[0305] Also provided is a method of treating a solid tumor in a subject in need thereof, wherein the tumor is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated macrophages, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to FAP, wherein the CAR comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9.

[0306] Also provided is a method of treating a solid tumor in a subject in need thereof, the tumor being associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated neutrophils, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to FAP, the CAR comprising a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9.

[0307] In certain embodiments, the method further comprises administering an immune checkpoint inhibitor, a tumor antigen vaccine, or a neoplastic cell targeted therapy. A tumor antigen vaccine is made from oncogenic viral proteins, cancer cells, parts of cancer cells, or pure tumor antigens. Examples of tumor antigen vaccines include, but are not limited to, vaccines made against human papillomavirus antigens (i.e., HPVE6 or HPVE7), Epstein-Barr virus proteins, carcinoembryonic antigens (e.g., MAGE, NY-ESO, etc.), overexpressed tumor proteins (such as mesothelin or Wilms tumor 1 antigen), or individual tumor neoantigens. Other neoplastic cell targeted therapies include, but are not limited to, cytotoxic chemotherapy, monoclonal antibody therapy (alone or as immunotoxins), bispecific antibodies, tyrosine kinase inhibitors, PARP inhibitors, proteasome inhibitors, immunomodulators (such as lenolinamide), anti-apoptotic agents, and the like. This also includes adoptive T cell transfer using tumor-targeted CAR T cells, NK cells, or engineered T lymphocytes.

[0308] In certain aspects, the subject is a human. In certain aspects, the subject is a non-human animal.

[0309] The methods of the present invention can be used to temporarily remove FAP-positive stromal cells, leading to a transient depletion of tumor-associated matrix, inhibiting tumor growth as a monotherapy and / or having additive or synergistic antitumor activity in combination with tumor cell-directed therapy and immunotherapy (such as vaccines). For example, combination therapy can include the use of modified immune cells of the present disclosure in combination with other conventional therapies, such as checkpoint blockade and recently developed immunotherapies such as tumor antigen vaccination, as well as neoplastic cell-targeted therapies.

[0310] G. Expansion of immune cells The cells, whether before or after modification of the cells to express a CAR, can be modified with any of the methods described in, for example, U.S. Patent Nos. 6,352,694; 6,534,055; 6,905,680; 6,692,964; 5,858,358; 6,887,466; 6,905,681; 7,144,575; 7,067,31 The T cells of the present invention can be activated and expanded in number using the methods described in US Patent Publication Nos. 8, 7,172,869, 7,232,566, 7,175,843, 5,883,223, 6,905,874, 6,797,514, 6,867,041, and US Patent Publication No. 20060121005. For example, the T cells of the present invention can be expanded by contacting with a surface that is associated with an agent that stimulates CD3 / TCR complex-associated signals and a ligand that stimulates costimulatory molecules on the T cell surface. In particular, the T cell population can be stimulated by contacting with a surface-immobilized anti-CD3 antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof or anti-CD2 antibody, or by contacting with a protein kinase C activator (e.g., bryostatin) together with a calcium ionophore. For the costimulation of accessory molecules on the surface of T cells, a ligand that binds to accessory molecules is used. For example, T cells can be contacted with anti-CD3 antibody and anti-CD28 antibody under suitable conditions to stimulate the proliferation of T cells. Examples of anti-CD28 antibodies include 9.3, B-T3, XR-CD28 (Diaclone, Besancon, France), which can be used in the present invention, as well as other methods and reagents known in the art (see, for example, ten Berge et al., Transplant Proc. (1998) 30(8): 3975-3977; Haanen et al., J. Exp. Med. (1999) 190(9): 1319-1328; and Garland et al., J. Immunol. Methods (1999) 227(1-2): 53-63).

[0311] T cells can be expanded by the methods disclosed herein by about 10-fold, 20-fold, 30-fold, 40-fold, 50-fold, 60-fold, 70-fold, 80-fold, 90-fold, 100-fold, 200-fold, 300-fold, 400-fold, 500-fold, 600-fold, 700-fold, 800-fold, 900-fold, 1000-fold, 2000-fold, 3000-fold, 4000-fold, 5000-fold, 6000-fold, 7000-fold, 8000-fold, 9000-fold, 10,000-fold, 100,000-fold, 1,000,000-fold, 10,000,000-fold, or more, as well as any whole integer or partial integer therebetween. In one embodiment, T cells are expanded by about 20-fold to about 50-fold.

[0312] Following culturing, the T cells can be incubated in the cell medium in the culture device for a period of time or until the cells reach confluence or high cell density, for optimal passaging before the cells are transferred to another culture device. The culture device can be any culture device typically used for in vitro culturing of cells. Preferably, the confluence level before the cells are transferred to another culture device is 70% or more. More preferably, the confluence level is 90% or more. The period of time can be any time suitable for in vitro culturing of cells. The T cell medium can be replaced at any time during the culture of the T cells. Preferably, the T cell medium is replaced about every 2-3 days. The T cells are then harvested from the culture device, and the T cells can then be used immediately or cryopreserved and stored for later use. In one embodiment, the invention includes cryopreserving the expanded T cells. Prior to introducing the nucleic acid into the T cells, the cryopreserved T cells are thawed.

[0313] In another embodiment, the method includes isolating T cells and expanding the T cells. In another embodiment, the invention further includes cryopreserving the T cells prior to expansion. In yet another embodiment, the cryopreserved T cells are thawed for electroporation with RNA encoding the chimeric membrane protein.

[0314] Another procedure for ex vivo expansion of cells is described in U.S. Patent No. 5,199,942 (incorporated herein by reference). Expansion, such as that described in U.S. Patent No. 5,199,942, can be alternative or additional to other expansion methods described herein. Briefly, ex vivo culture and expansion of T cells includes the addition of cell growth factors, such as those described in U.S. Patent No. 5,199,942, or other factors, such as flt3-L, IL-1, IL-3, and c-kit ligand. In one embodiment, expanding T cells includes culturing T cells with a factor selected from the group consisting of flt3-L, IL-1, IL-3, and c-kit ligand.

[0315] The culturing step described herein (following contact with an agent described herein or electroporation) can be very short, e.g., less than 24 hours, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, or 23 hours. The culturing step further described herein (contact with an agent described herein) can be longer, e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 days, or more.

[0316] Various terms are used to describe cultured cells. Cell culture generally refers to cells obtained from a living organism and grown under controlled conditions. Primary cell culture is a culture of cells, tissues or organs obtained directly from an organism before the first subculture. Cells are expanded in culture when placed in a growth medium under conditions that facilitate cell growth and / or division, resulting in a larger cell population. When cells are expanded in culture, the growth rate of the cells is typically measured by the time it takes for the number of cells to double, otherwise known as the doubling time.

[0317] Each round of subculture is called a passage. When cells are passaged, they are said to be passaged. A particular population of cells, or cell line, is sometimes referred to or characterized by the number of times it has been passaged. For example, a cultured cell population that has been passaged 10 times may be referred to as a P10 culture. A primary culture, i.e., the first culture after isolating cells from tissue, is referred to as P0. After the first passage, the cells are described as a secondary culture (P1 or passage 1). After the second passage, the cells become a tertiary culture (P2 or passage 2), and so on. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that there may be many population doublings during a passage period. Thus, the number of population doublings of a culture is greater than the number of passages. The expansion growth of cells during the passage period (i.e., the number of population doublings) depends on a number of factors, including but not limited to the seeding density, the substrate, the medium, and the time between passages.

[0318] In one embodiment, cells may be cultured for a few hours (about 3 hours) to about 14 days or any integer value of time therebetween. Conditions suitable for T cell culture include an appropriate medium (e.g., Minimum Essential Medium or RPMI Medium 1640, or X-vivo 15, (Lonza)) that may contain factors necessary for proliferation and viability, including serum (e.g., fetal bovine serum or human serum), interleukin-2 (IL-2), insulin, IFN-gamma, IL-4, IL-7, GM-CSF, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, TGF-beta, and TNF-α, or any other additives for cell growth known to those of skill in the art. Other additives for cell growth include, but are not limited to, detergents, plasmanate, and reducing agents such as N-acetyl-cysteine ​​and 2-mercaptoethanol. Media can include RPMI 1640, AIM-V, DMEM, MEM, α-MEM, F-12, X-Vivo 15, and X-Vivo 20, Optimizer, either serum-free or supplemented with an appropriate amount of serum (or plasma) or a defined set of hormones, and / or cytokines in sufficient amounts for T cell growth and expansion, with addition of amino acids, sodium pyruvate, and vitamins. Antibiotics, such as penicillin and streptomycin, are included only in experimental cultures, not in cultures of cells that will be infused into subjects. Target cells are maintained under conditions necessary to support growth, such as at an appropriate temperature (e.g., 37° C.) and atmosphere (e.g., air+5% CO2).

[0319] The medium used to culture T cells may contain an agent that can costimulate T cells. For example, an agent that can stimulate CD3 is an antibody against CD3, and an agent that can use CD28 is an antibody against CD28. Cells isolated by the methods disclosed herein can be expanded about 10x, 20x, 30x, 40x, 50x, 60x, 70x, 80x, 90x, 100x, 200x, 300x, 400x, 500x, 600x, 700x, 800x, 900x, 1000x, 2000x, 3000x, 4000x, 5000x, 6000x, 7000x, 8000x, 9000x, 10,000x, 100,000x, 1,000,000x, 10,000,000x, or more. In one embodiment, T cells are expanded in the range of about 20x to about 50x or more. In one embodiment, human regulatory T cells are expanded via anti-CD3 antibody-coated KT64.86 artificial antigen presenting cells (aAPCs). Methods for expanding and activating T cells can be found in U.S. Patent Nos. 7,754,482, 8,722,400, and 9,555,105, the contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

[0320] In one embodiment, the method of expanding T cells can further include isolating the expanded T cells for further application. In another embodiment, the method of expanding can further include subsequent electroporation of the expanded T cells followed by culturing. Subsequent electroporation can include introducing a nucleic acid encoding an agent into the expanded T cell population, for example, transducing, transfecting, or electroporating the expanded T cells with a nucleic acid, where the agent further stimulates the T cells. The agent can stimulate the T cells, such as by stimulating further expansion, effector function, or another T cell function.

[0321] H. Methods for Producing Genetically Modified Immune Cells The present disclosure provides methods for producing or generating the modified immune cells of the invention or their precursors (e.g., T cells or NK cells) for tumor immunotherapy, e.g., adoptive immunotherapy.

[0322] In some embodiments, CAR is introduced into cells by expression vector. The expression vector comprising the nucleic acid sequence encoding the CAR of the present invention is provided herein. Suitable expression vectors include lentivirus vectors, gamma retrovirus vectors, foamy virus vectors, adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, adenovirus vectors, engineered hybrid viruses, transposon-mediated vectors such as Sleeping Beauty, Piggybak, and naked DNA, including but not limited to integrase such as Phi31. Some other suitable expression vectors include herpes simplex virus (HSV) and retrovirus expression vectors.

[0323] In certain embodiments, the nucleic acid encoding the CAR is introduced into the cell via viral transduction. In certain embodiments, the viral transduction comprises contacting the immune cell or progenitor cell with a viral vector comprising the nucleic acid encoding the CAR. In certain embodiments, the viral vector is an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector. In certain embodiments, the AAV vector comprises a woodchuck hepatitis virus post-transcriptional regulatory element (WPRE). In certain embodiments, the AAV vector comprises a polyadenylation (polyA) sequence. In certain embodiments, the polyA sequence is the polyA sequence of bovine growth hormone (BGH).

[0324] Adenoviral expression vectors are based on adenoviruses, which have low integration into genomic DNA but high transfection efficiency in host cells. Adenoviral expression vectors contain sufficient adenoviral sequences to (a) assist in packaging the expression vector and (b) ultimately express the CAR in the host cell. In some embodiments, the adenoviral genome is a 36 kb linear double-stranded DNA into which a foreign DNA sequence (e.g., a nucleic acid encoding a CAR) may be inserted to replace a large piece of adenoviral DNA to produce the expression vector of the present invention (see, e.g., Danthinne and Imperiale, Gene Therapy (2000) 7(20): 1707-1714).

[0325] Another expression vector is based on adeno-associated virus (AAV), which utilizes the adenovirus conjugation system. This AAV expression vector has a high integration frequency into the host genome. AAV expression vector can infect non-dividing cells, which makes it useful for delivering genes into mammalian cells, for example, in tissue culture or in vivo. AAV vector has a wide host range for infectivity. Details regarding the generation and use of AAV vector are described in U.S. Patent No. 5,139,941 and U.S. Patent No. 4,797,368.

[0326] Retroviral expression vectors can be integrated into host genomes, deliver large amounts of foreign genetic material, infect a wide range of species and cell types, and be packaged into special cell lines.Retroviral vectors are constructed by inserting nucleic acid (e.g., the nucleic acid encoding CAR) into the viral genome at a specific location to produce replication-defective viruses.Retroviral vectors can infect a wide variety of cell types, but the integration and stable expression of CAR requires the division of host cells.

[0327] Lentiviral vectors are derived from lentiviruses, which are complex retroviruses that contain other genes with regulatory or structural functions in addition to the usual retroviral genes gag, pol, and env (see, e.g., U.S. Patent Nos. 6,013,516 and 5,994,136). Some examples of lentiviruses include human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV-1, HIV-2) and simian immunodeficiency viruses (SIV). Lentiviral vectors have been generated by multiple attenuation of HIV pathogenic genes, for example, genes env, vif, vpr, vpu, and nef are deleted, making the vector biologically safe. Lentiviral vectors are capable of infecting non-dividing cells and can be used for both in vivo and ex vivo gene transfer and expression of, for example, CAR-encoding nucleic acids (see, e.g., U.S. Patent No. 5,994,136).

[0328] The expression vector containing the nucleic acid of the present disclosure can be introduced into the host cell by any means known to those skilled in the art. The expression vector can optionally contain a viral sequence for transfection. Alternatively, the expression vector can be introduced by fusion, electroporation, particle bombardment, transfection, lipofection, or other. The host cell may be grown and expanded in culture before the introduction of the expression vector, followed by treatment suitable for the introduction and integration of the vector. The host cell may then be expanded and screened by a marker present in the vector. Various markers that may be used are known in the art and may include hprt, neomycin resistance, thymidine kinase, hygromycin resistance, and the like. As used herein, the terms "cell", "cell line", and "cell culture" may be used interchangeably. In some embodiments, the host cell is an immune cell or a precursor thereof, such as a T cell, a NK cell, or a NKT cell.

[0329] The present invention also provides engineered cells that contain and stably express the CAR of the present disclosure.In some embodiments, the engineered cells are engineered T lymphocytes (T cells), naive T cells (TN), memory T cells (e.g., central memory T cells (TCM), effector memory cells (TEM)), natural killer cells (NK cells), and macrophages that can produce therapeutically relevant progeny.In certain embodiments, the engineered cells are autologous cells.In certain embodiments, the modified cells are resistant to T cell exhaustion.

[0330] Modified cells (e.g., containing CAR) can be produced by stably transfecting a host cell with an expression vector containing the nucleic acid of the present disclosure. Additional methods for generating modified cells of the present disclosure include, but are not limited to, chemical conversion methods (e.g., using calcium phosphate, dendrimers, liposomes, and / or cationic polymers), non-chemical conversion methods (e.g., electroporation, photoconversion, gene electrophoretic transfer, and / or hydrodynamic delivery), and / or particle-based methods (e.g., using impalefection, gene gun, and / or magnetofection). Transfected cells expressing the CAR of the present disclosure can be expanded ex vivo.

[0331] Physical methods for introducing expression vectors into host cells include calcium phosphate precipitation, lipofection, particle bombardment, microinjection, electroporation, and others. Methods for producing cells containing vectors and / or exogenous nucleic acids are well known in the art. See, for example, Sambrook et al. (2001), Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York. Chemical methods for introducing expression vectors into host cells include colloidal dispersion systems such as macromolecular complexes, nanocapsules, microspheres, beads, and lipid-based systems including oil-in-water emulsions, micelles, mixed micelles, and liposomes.

[0332] Lipids suitable for use can be obtained from commercial sources. For example, dimyristyl phosphatidylcholine ("DMPC") can be obtained from Sigma (St. Louis, MO); dicetyl phosphate ("DCP") can be obtained from K & K Laboratories (Plainview, NY); cholesterol ("Choi") can be obtained from Calbiochem-Behring; dimyristyl phosphatidylglycerol ("DMPG") and other lipids may be obtained from Avanti Polar Lipids, Inc. (Birmingham, AL). Chloroform or chloroform / methanol stock solutions of lipids can be stored at about -20°C. Chloroform evaporates more readily than methanol, so it can be used as the sole solvent. "Liposome" is a generic term that encompasses a variety of unilamellar and multilamellar lipid vehicles formed by the formation of enclosed lipid bilayers or aggregates. Liposomes can be characterized as having a vesicular structure with a phospholipid bilayer and an internal aqueous medium. Multilamellar liposomes have multiple lipid layers separated by aqueous medium. They form spontaneously when phospholipids are suspended in excess aqueous solution. The lipid components undergo self-rearrangement before forming a closed structure, encapsulating water and dissolved solutes between the lipid bilayers (Ghosh et al., 1991 Glycobiology 5: 505-10). Compositions that have structures in solution that differ from normal vesicular structures are also included. For example, lipids may assume a micellar structure or simply exist as heterogeneous aggregates of lipid molecules. Lipofectamine-nucleic acid complexes are also contemplated.

[0333] Regardless of the method used to introduce exogenous nucleic acid into host cells or otherwise expose cells to the inhibitor of the present invention, various assays may be performed to confirm the presence of nucleic acid in host cells.Such assays include, for example, molecular biology assays well known to those skilled in the art, such as Southern blotting and Northern blotting, RT-PCR and PCR; biochemical assays, such as immunological means (ELISA and Western blot) or assays described herein, for example, to detect the presence or absence of a specific peptide to identify agents that fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0334] In one embodiment, the nucleic acid introduced into the host cell is RNA. In another embodiment, the RNA is mRNA. For example, in certain embodiments, the nucleic acid encoding the CAR is mRNA, and the mRNA is introduced (transduced) into the host cell. In another embodiment, the RNA is mRNA, including in vitro transcribed RNA or synthetic RNA. RNA can be produced by in vitro transcription using a template generated by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). DNA of interest from any source can be directly converted into a template by PCR for in vitro mRNA synthesis using appropriate primers and RNA polymerase. The source of DNA can be, for example, genomic DNA, plasmid DNA, phage DNA, cDNA, synthetic DNA sequence, or any other suitable DNA source.

[0335] PCR may be used to generate a template for in vitro transcription of mRNA, which is then introduced into a cell. Methods for carrying out PCR are well known in the art. Primers for use in PCR are designed to have a region that is substantially complementary to a region of DNA that is to be used as a template for PCR. As used herein, "substantially complementary" refers to a nucleotide sequence that is complementary to most or all of the bases in the primer sequence. A substantially complementary sequence can anneal or hybridize with the intended DNA target under the annealing conditions used for PCR. Primers can be designed to be substantially complementary to any portion of the DNA template. For example, primers can be designed to amplify gene portions that are normally transcribed in cells (open reading frames), including 5' UTR and 3' UTR. Primers can also be designed to amplify gene portions that code for a particular domain of interest. In one embodiment, primers are designed to amplify the coding region of human cDNA, including all or part of 5' UTR and 3' UTR. Primers useful for PCR are generated by synthetic methods well known in the art. A "forward primer" is a primer that contains a nucleotide region that is substantially complementary to the nucleotides on a DNA template that is upstream of the DNA sequence to be amplified. "Upstream" is used herein to refer to a position that is 5' to the DNA sequence to be amplified, relative to the coding strand. A "reverse primer" is a primer that contains a nucleotide region that is substantially complementary to a double-stranded DNA template that is downstream of the DNA sequence to be amplified. "Downstream" is used herein to refer to a position that is 3' to the DNA sequence to be amplified, relative to the coding strand.

[0336] Chemical structures capable of promoting RNA stability and / or translation efficiency may also be used. The RNA preferably has a 5' UTR and a 3' UTR. In one embodiment, the 5' UTR is 0-3000 nucleotides long. The length of the 5' UTR and 3' UTR sequences to be added to the coding region can be altered by different methods, including but not limited to designing primers for PCR that anneal with different regions of the UTR. Using this approach, one skilled in the art can modify the length of the 5' UTR and 3' UTR required to achieve optimal translation efficiency following transfection of the transcribed RNA.

[0337] 5'UTR and 3'UTR can be the naturally occurring endogenous 5'UTR and 3'UTR of the gene of interest. Alternatively, UTR sequence that is not endogenous to the gene of interest can be added by incorporating UTR sequence in forward primer and reverse primer, or by any other modification of template. The use of UTR sequence that is not endogenous to the gene of interest can be useful for modifying RNA stability and / or translation efficiency. For example, it is known that AU-rich elements in 3'UTR sequence can reduce mRNA stability. Therefore, 3'UTR can be selected or designed based on the properties of UTR that are well known in the art to increase the stability of transcribed RNA.

[0338] In one embodiment, the 5' UTR can contain the Kozak sequence of the endogenous gene. Alternatively, if a 5' UTR that is not endogenous to the gene of interest is added by PCR as described above, the consensus Kozak sequence can be redesigned by adding a 5' UTR sequence. Although the Kozak sequence can increase the translation efficiency of some RNA transcripts, it appears that not all RNAs are necessary to allow efficient translation. The need for Kozak sequences for many mRNAs is known in the art. In another embodiment, the 5' UTR can be derived from an RNA virus whose RNA genome is stable in cells. In another embodiment, various nucleotide analogs can be used in the 3' UTR or 5' UTR to prevent exonuclease degradation of mRNA.

[0339] To allow RNA synthesis from a DNA template without the need for gene cloning, a transcription promoter should be attached to the DNA template upstream of the sequence to be transcribed. If a sequence that functions as a promoter for RNA polymerase is added to the 5' end of the forward primer, the RNA polymerase promoter will be incorporated upstream of the open reading frame to be transcribed in the PCR product. In one embodiment, the promoter is the T7 polymerase promoter described elsewhere herein. Other useful promoters include, but are not limited to, T3 and SP6 RNA polymerase promoters. The consensus nucleotide sequences for T7, T3 and SP6 promoters are known in the art.

[0340] In one embodiment, mRNA has both a 5'-end cap, which determines ribosome binding, translation initiation and mRNA stability in cells, and a 3' poly(A) tail.For circular DNA templates, such as plasmid DNA, RNA polymerase produces long concatemeric products that are not suitable for expression in eukaryotic cells.Transscription of plasmid DNA that is linearized at the end of 3' UTR results in mRNA of normal size that is not effective for eukaryotic transfection, even if it is polyadenylated after transcription.

[0341] On a linear DNA template, phage T7 RNA polymerase can extend the 3' end of a transcript beyond the final base of the template (Schenborn and Mierendorf, Nuc Acids Res., 13:6223-36 (1985); Nacheva and Berzal-Herranz, Eur. J. Biochem., 270:1485-65 (2003)).

[0342] PolyA / T segments of transcribed DNA templates can be produced during PCR by using a reverse primer containing a polyT tail (size can be 50-5000T), such as a 100T tail, or after PCR by any other method, including but not limited to DNA ligation or in vitro recombination. Poly(A) tails also provide stability to RNAs and reduce their degradation. Generally, the length of the poly(A) tail positively correlates with the stability of the transcribed RNA. In one embodiment, the poly(A) tail is 100-5000 adenosines.

[0343] The poly(A) tail of the RNA can be further extended after in vitro transcription using a poly(A) polymerase, such as E. coli poly(A) polymerase (E-PAP). In one embodiment, increasing the length of the poly(A) tail from 100 nucleotides to 300-400 nucleotides results in an approximately two-fold increase in the translation efficiency of the RNA. Additionally, attachment of different chemical groups to the 3' end can increase the stability of the mRNA. Such attachments can contain modified / artificial nucleotides, aptamers and other compounds. For example, ATP analogs can be incorporated into the poly(A) tail using poly(A) polymerase. The ATP analogs can further increase the stability of the RNA.

[0344] The 5' cap also provides stability to the RNA molecule. In a preferred embodiment, the RNA produced by the methods disclosed herein comprises a 5' cap. The 5' cap is provided using techniques known in the art and described herein (Cougot, et al., Trends in Biochem. Sci., 29:436-444 (2001); Stepinski, et al., RNA, 7:1468-95 (2001); Elango, et al., Biochim. Biophys. Res. Commun., 330:958-966 (2005)).

[0345] In some embodiments, RNA, such as in vitro transcribed RNA, is electroporated into cells. Any solute suitable for electroporation of cells can be included, which can contain factors that promote cell permeability and viability, such as sugars, peptides, lipids, proteins, antioxidants, and detergents.

[0346] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid encoding the CAR of the present disclosure will be RNA, for example, in vitro synthesized RNA. Methods for in vitro synthesis of RNA are known in the art; any known method can be used to synthesize RNA comprising a sequence encoding a CAR. Methods for introducing RNA into a host cell are known in the art. See, for example, Zhao et al. Cancer Res. (2010) 15: 9053. Introducing RNA comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a CAR into a host cell can be performed in vitro, ex vivo, or in vivo. For example, host cells (e.g., NK cells, cytotoxic T lymphocytes, etc.) can be electroporated in vitro or ex vivo with RNA comprising a nucleotide sequence encoding a CAR.

[0347] The methods of the disclosure include assessment of the ability of genetically modified T cells to kill target cancer cells and can be applied to the modulation of T cell activity in basic research and therapy in the areas of cancer, stem cells, acute and chronic infections, and autoimmune diseases.

[0348] The method also provides the ability to control expression levels over a wide range, for example by varying the amount of promoter or input RNA, allowing expression levels to be individually regulated. Furthermore, PCR-based techniques for mRNA production greatly facilitate the design of mRNAs with different structures and combinations of these domains.

[0349] One advantage of the RNA transfection method of the present invention is that RNA transfection is essentially transient and vector-free.RNA transgenes can be delivered to lymphocytes and expressed therein after a short period of in vitro cell activation as minimally expressible cassettes without the need for any additional viral sequences.Under these conditions, the integration of transgenes into the host cell genome is unlikely to occur.Due to the efficiency of RNA transfection and its ability to uniformly modify the entire lymphocyte population, cloning of cells is not required.

[0350] Genetic modification of T cells with in vitro transcribed RNA (IVT-RNA) utilizes two different strategies, both of which have been successively tested in various animal models. Cells are transfected with in vitro transcribed RNA by lipofection or electroporation. To achieve long-term expression of the transferred IVT-RNA, it is desirable to stabilize the IVT-RNA using various modifications.

[0351] Several IVT vectors are known from the literature, which are utilized in a standardized manner as templates for in vitro transcription and which have been genetically modified to produce stabilized RNA transcripts. Currently, protocols used in the art are based on plasmid vectors with the following structure: a 5' RNA polymerase promoter allowing RNA transcription, followed by the gene of interest, its 3' and / or 5' flanking untranslated regions (UTRs), and a 3' polyadenylation cassette containing 50-70 A nucleotides. Prior to in vitro transcription, the circular plasmid is linearized downstream of the polyadenylation cassette by a type II restriction enzyme (the recognition sequence corresponds to the cleavage site). The polyadenylation cassette thus corresponds to the subsequent poly(A) sequence in the transcript. As a result of this procedure, some nucleotides remain as part of the enzyme cleavage site after linearization, extending or masking the poly(A) sequence at the 3' end. It is unclear whether this non-physiological overhang affects the amount of protein produced in cells from such a construct.

[0352] In another aspect, the RNA construct is delivered into cells by electroporation.See, for example, the methodology of nucleic acid construct formulation and electroporation into mammalian cells as taught in US 2004 / 0014645, US 2005 / 0052630A1, US 2005 / 0070841A1, US 2004 / 0059285A1, US 2004 / 0092907A1.Various parameters, including electric field strength, required for electroporation of any known cell type are generally known from many patents and applications in the art, as well as from related research literature.See, for example, US Patent No. 6,678,556, US Patent No. 7,171,264, and US Patent No. 7,173,116. Devices for therapeutic applications of electroporation, such as MedPulser™ DNA Electroporation Therapy System (Inovio / Genetronics, San Diego, Calif.), are commercially available and described in patents such as U.S. Pat. No. 6,567,694; U.S. Pat. No. 6,516,223, U.S. Pat. No. 5,993,434, U.S. Pat. No. 6,181,964, U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,701, and U.S. Pat. No. 6,233,482; electroporation can also be used for in vitro transfection of cells, for example, as described in US20070128708A1. Electroporation can also be utilized to deliver nucleic acid into cells in vitro. Thus, electroporation-mediated administration of nucleic acid, including expression constructs, into cells using any of the many available devices and electroporation systems known to those skilled in the art represents an exciting new means to deliver RNA of interest to target cells.

[0353] I. Pharmaceutical Compositions and Formulations Also provided are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a therapeutically effective amount of the modified cells disclosed herein. The compositions are, among others, pharmaceutical compositions and formulations for administration, such as for adoptive cell therapy. Also provided are therapeutic methods for administering the cells and compositions to a subject, e.g., a patient.

[0354] Also provided are compositions that contain cells for administration, including pharmaceutical compositions and formulations, such as unit dose form compositions that contain the number of cells for administration at a given dose or fraction thereof.Pharmaceutical compositions and formulations generally contain one or more optional pharmaceutically acceptable carriers or excipients.In some embodiments, the composition contains at least one additional therapeutic agent.

[0355] The term "pharmaceutical formulation" refers to a preparation in a form that allows the biological activity of the active ingredient contained therein to be effective, and that does not contain additional ingredients that are unacceptably toxic to the subject to which the formulation will be administered. "Pharmaceutically acceptable carrier" refers to an ingredient in a pharmaceutical formulation, other than the active ingredient, that is non-toxic to the subject. Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include, but are not limited to, buffers, excipients, stabilizers, or preservatives. In some aspects, the choice of carrier is determined, in part, by the particular cell and / or by the method of administration. Thus, there is a wide variety of suitable formulations. For example, the pharmaceutical composition can contain a preservative. Suitable preservatives can include, for example, methylparaben, propylparaben, sodium benzoate, and benzalkonium chloride. In some aspects, a mixture of two or more preservatives is used. The preservative or mixtures thereof are typically present in an amount of about 0.0001% to about 2% by weight of the total composition. Carriers are described, for example, in Remington's Pharmaceutical Sciences 16th edition, Osol, A. Ed. (1980).Pharmaceutically acceptable carriers are generally nontoxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed and include buffers such as phosphate, citrate, and other organic acids; antioxidants including ascorbic acid and methionine; preservatives (such as octadecyldimethylbenzylammonium chloride; hexamethonium chloride; benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride; phenol, butyl alcohol or benzyl alcohol; alkyl parabens such as methylparaben or propylparaben; catechol; resorcinol; cyclohexanol; 3-pentanol; and m-cresol); low molecular weight (less than about 10 residues) polypeptides; hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone; amino acids such as glycine, glutamine, asparagine, histidine, arginine, or lysine; monosaccharides, disaccharides and other carbohydrates including glucose, mannose, or dextrins; chelating agents such as EDTA; sugars such as sucrose, mannitol, trehalose, or sorbitol; salt-forming counterions such as sodium; metal complexes (e.g., Zn-protein complexes); and / or non-ionic surfactants such as polyethylene glycol (PEG).

[0356] In some aspects, a buffering agent is included in the composition. Suitable buffering agents include, for example, citric acid, sodium citrate, phosphoric acid, potassium phosphate, and various other acids and salts. In some aspects, a mixture of two or more buffering agents is used. The buffering agent or mixture is typically present in an amount of about 0.001% to about 4% by weight of the total composition. Methods for preparing administrable pharmaceutical compositions are known. Exemplary methods are described in more detail, for example, in Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 21st ed. (May 1, 2005).

[0357] The formulation may comprise an aqueous solution. The formulation or composition may also contain more than one active ingredient useful for the particular indication, disease, or condition treated by the cells, preferably with complementary activities to the cells, each of which does not adversely affect the other. Such active ingredients are suitably present in combination in an amount effective for the intended purpose. Thus, in some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition further comprises other pharma- ceutical active agents or drugs, such as chemotherapeutic agents, such as asparaginase, busulfan, carboplatin, cisplatin, daunorubicin, doxorubicin, fluorouracil, gemcitabine, hydroxyurea, methotrexate, paclitaxel, rituximab, vinblastine, and / or vincristine. The pharmaceutical composition, in some embodiments, contains the cells in an amount effective to treat or prevent the disease or condition, such as a therapeutically or prophylactically effective amount. The therapeutic or prophylactic effectiveness is, in some embodiments, monitored by periodically evaluating the subject being treated. The desired dosage can be delivered by administration of a single bolus of cells, by administration of multiple boluses of cells, or by administration of continuous infusions of cells.

[0358] Formulations include those for oral, intravenous, intraperitoneal, subcutaneous, intrapulmonary, transdermal, intramuscular, intranasal, buccal, sublingual, or suppository administration. In some embodiments, the cell population is administered parenterally. The term "parenteral" as used herein includes intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, rectal, vaginal, and intraperitoneal administration. In some embodiments, the cells are administered to the subject using peripheral systemic delivery by intravenous, intraperitoneal, or subcutaneous injection. The composition is provided in some embodiments as a sterile liquid preparation, such as an isotonic aqueous solution, suspension, emulsion, dispersion, or viscous composition, which in some aspects may be buffered to a selected pH. Liquid preparations are usually easier to prepare than gels, other viscous compositions, and solid compositions. Additionally, liquid compositions are somewhat more convenient to administer, especially for administration by injection. On the other hand, viscous compositions can be formulated within a suitable viscosity range to provide a longer contact period with a particular tissue. The liquid or viscous compositions can include a carrier, which can be a solvent or dispersion medium containing, for example, water, saline, phosphate buffered saline, polyol (e.g., glycerol, propylene glycol, liquid polyethylene glycol), and suitable mixtures thereof.

[0359] Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by incorporating the cells in a solvent, for example, in a solvent mixed with a suitable carrier, diluent or excipient, such as sterile water, physiological saline, glucose, dextrose, etc. The composition can contain auxiliary substances, such as wetting agents, dispersing or emulsifying agents (e.g., methylcellulose), pH buffering agents, gelling or viscosity enhancing additives, preservatives, flavoring agents and / or coloring agents, depending on the desired route of administration and preparation. In some aspects, standard textbooks may be consulted for preparing appropriate preparations.

[0360] Various additives can be added to enhance the stability and sterility of the composition, including antibacterial preservatives, antioxidants, chelating agents, and buffers.Prevention of microbial action can be ensured by various antibacterial and antifungal agents, such as paraben, chlorobutanol, phenol, and sorbic acid.Prolonged absorption of injectable pharmaceutical dosage forms can be achieved by using agents that delay absorption, such as aluminum monostearate and gelatin.

[0361] Formulations to be used for in vivo administration are generally sterile. Sterility may be readily accomplished, for example, by filtration through sterile filtration membranes.

[0362] The contents of the articles, patents and patent applications, and all other documents and electronically available information mentioned or cited in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each individual publication was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. Applicants reserve the right to physically incorporate into this application any and all materials and information from any such articles, patents, patent applications, or other physical and electronic documents.

[0363] J. Aspects of the Disclosure In a particular aspect, the present invention provides a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) comprising an antigen binding domain capable of binding to fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain, wherein the antigen binding domain is a heavy chain variable region comprising three heavy chain complementarity determining regions (HCDRs), wherein HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence YTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO:1) and HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence and a light chain variable region comprising three light chain complementarity determining regions (LCDRs), wherein LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO:4), LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence LTSNLA (SEQ ID NO:5), and LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO:6).

[0364] In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7. In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9. In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9.

[0365] In certain embodiments, the antigen-binding domain is selected from the group consisting of a full-length antibody or an antigen-binding fragment thereof, a Fab, a single-chain variable fragment (scFv), or a single domain antibody.

[0366] In certain embodiments, the antigen-binding domain is a single chain variable fragment (scFv) comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:11 or 13.

[0367] In certain embodiments, the CAR can bind to fibroblast activation protein (FAP). In certain embodiments, the CAR can bind to human FAP. In certain embodiments, the CAR can bind to dog FAP. In certain embodiments, the CAR can bind to murine FAP. In certain embodiments, the CAR can bind to human, dog and murine FAP.

[0368] In certain embodiments, the CAR further comprises a hinge domain. In certain embodiments, the hinge domain comprises the hinge domain of CD8 alpha.

[0369] In certain embodiments, the transmembrane domain is selected from the group consisting of an artificial hydrophobic sequence and a transmembrane domain of type I transmembrane proteins, the alpha, beta or zeta chain of the T-cell receptor, CD28, CD3 epsilon, CD45, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD9, CD16, CD22, CD33, CD37, CD64, CD80, CD86, OX40 (CD134), 4-1BB (CD137), ICOS (CD278), and CD154, or a transmembrane domain derived from a killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR). In certain embodiments, the transmembrane domain comprises a transmembrane domain of CD8. In certain embodiments, the transmembrane domain comprises a transmembrane domain of CD8 alpha. In certain embodiments, the transmembrane domain comprises a transmembrane domain derived from a killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR).

[0370] In certain embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises a costimulatory signaling domain and an intracellular signaling domain. In certain embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises one or more of the costimulatory domains of proteins selected from the group consisting of proteins in the TNFR superfamily, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40 (CD134), PD-1, CD7, LIGHT, CD83L, DAP10, DAP12, CD27, CD2, CD5, ICAM-1, LFA-1, Lck, TNFR-I, TNFR-II, Fas, CD30, CD40, ICOS (CD278), NKG2C, and B7-H3 (CD276), or variants thereof, or intracellular domains derived from killer immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIR). In certain embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises the costimulatory domain of 4-1BB. In certain embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises the costimulatory domain of DAP12. In certain embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises the costimulatory domain of CD28. In certain embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises the costimulatory domain of 4-1BB and the costimulatory domain of CD28. In certain embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises the costimulatory domain of DAP12 and the costimulatory domain of CD28.

[0371] In certain embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain comprises an intracellular domain selected from the group consisting of the cytoplasmic signaling domain of human CD3 zeta chain (CD3ζ), FcγRIII, FcsRI, the cytoplasmic tail of an Fc receptor, a cytoplasmic receptor bearing an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM), TCR zeta, FcR gamma, CD3 gamma, CD3 delta, CD3 epsilon, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b, and CD66d, or variants thereof. In certain embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain comprises the intracellular domain of CD3ζ.

[0372] In another aspect, the present invention provides a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a FAP, comprising an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain and an intracellular domain, wherein the antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9.

[0373] In certain embodiments, the antigen-binding domain comprises a single chain variable fragment (scFv). In certain embodiments, the scFv comprises, from N-terminus to C-terminus, a heavy chain variable region, a linker, and a light chain variable region. In certain embodiments, the scFv comprises, from N-terminus to C-terminus, a light chain variable region, a linker, and a heavy chain variable region. In certain embodiments, the linker comprises SEQ ID NO:15.

[0374] In another aspect, the present invention provides a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a FAP, comprising an antigen-binding domain comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:11 or 13.

[0375] In another aspect, the present invention provides a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a fibroblast activation protein (FAP), comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:23 or 25.

[0376] In another aspect, the invention provides a nucleic acid comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding any of the CARs contemplated herein.

[0377] In another aspect, the present invention provides a nucleic acid comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a FAP, the CAR comprising an antigen-binding domain, a transmembrane domain and an intracellular domain, the antigen-binding domain being a heavy chain variable region comprising three heavy chain complementarity determining regions (HCDRs), wherein HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence YTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO:1) and HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence and a light chain variable region comprising three light chain complementarity determining regions (LCDRs), wherein LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO:4), LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence LTSNLA (SEQ ID NO:5), and LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO:6).

[0378] In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:8. In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises a light chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:10. In certain embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:8; and a light chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:10.

[0379] In certain embodiments, the antigen-binding domain comprises a single chain variable fragment (scFv) encoded by a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:12 or 14.

[0380] In certain embodiments, the transmembrane domain comprises the transmembrane domain of CD8 alpha.

[0381] In certain embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises a costimulatory signaling domain and an intracellular signaling domain. In certain embodiments, the costimulatory signaling domain comprises a costimulatory domain of 4-1BB. In certain embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises a costimulatory domain of DAP12. In certain embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises a costimulatory domain of CD28. In certain embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises a costimulatory domain of 4-1BB and a costimulatory domain of CD28. In certain embodiments, the intracellular domain comprises a costimulatory domain of DAP12 and a costimulatory domain of CD28. In certain embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain comprises an intracellular domain of CD3zeta.

[0382] In another aspect, the present invention provides a nucleic acid comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a fibroblast activation protein (FAP), comprising an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain and an intracellular domain, wherein the antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:8; and a light chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:10.

[0383] In another aspect, the invention provides a nucleic acid comprising a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:22 or 24.

[0384] In another aspect, the present invention provides a vector comprising any of the nucleic acids envisaged herein.In certain embodiments, the vector is an expression vector.In certain embodiments, the vector is selected from the group consisting of DNA vector, RNA vector, plasmid, lentivirus vector, adenovirus vector, adeno-associated virus vector and retrovirus vector.

[0385] In another aspect, the present invention provides an engineered immune cell or a precursor thereof comprising any of the CARs contemplated herein, any of the nucleic acids contemplated herein, or any of the vectors contemplated herein.

[0386] In another aspect, the present invention provides an engineered immune cell or a precursor thereof comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a fibroblast activation protein (FAP), wherein the CAR is a heavy chain variable region comprising three heavy chain complementarity determining regions (HCDRs), wherein HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence YTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO:1) and HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence and a light chain variable region comprising three light chain complementarity determining regions (LCDRs), wherein LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO:4), LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence LTSNLA (SEQ ID NO:5), and LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO:6).

[0387] In another aspect, the present invention provides an engineered immune cell, or a precursor thereof, comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a fibroblast activation protein (FAP), wherein the CAR comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9.

[0388] In another aspect, the present invention provides an engineered immune cell, or a precursor thereof, comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a fibroblast activation protein (FAP), wherein the CAR comprises a single chain variable fragment (scFv) comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:11 or 13.

[0389] In another aspect, the present invention provides a modified immune cell, or a precursor thereof, comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a fibroblast activation protein (FAP), wherein the CAR comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:23 or 25.

[0390] In certain embodiments, the CAR can bind to FAP. In certain embodiments, the CAR can bind to human FAP. In certain embodiments, the CAR can bind to dog FAP. In certain embodiments, the CAR can bind to mouse FAP. In certain embodiments, the CAR can bind to human, dog and mouse FAP.

[0391] In certain embodiments, the modified cells are modified T cells. In certain embodiments, the modified cells are modified NK cells. In certain embodiments, the modified cells are autologous cells. In certain embodiments, the modified cells are autologous cells obtained from a human subject. In certain embodiments, the modified cells are autologous cells obtained from a canine subject. In certain embodiments, the modified cells are allogeneic cells.

[0392] In another aspect, the invention provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of any of the modified cells contemplated herein and a pharma- ceutically acceptable excipient.

[0393] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of treating a disease in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of any of the modified cells or pharmaceutical compositions contemplated herein.

[0394] In certain aspects, the disease is selected from the group consisting of immunological diseases, hematological diseases, autoimmune diseases, fibrosis, and cancer. In certain aspects, the disease is cancer. In certain aspects, the disease is myocardial fibrosis.

[0395] In certain embodiments, the cancer comprises FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells. In certain embodiments, the FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells are cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). In certain embodiments, the FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells are FAP-expressing adipocytes. In certain embodiments, the FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells are tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). In certain embodiments, the FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells are tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs). In certain embodiments, the FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells are myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). In certain embodiments, the FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells are cancer stem cells.

[0396] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified immune cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a FAP, wherein the CAR comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9; and the cancer comprises fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated cells. In certain embodiments, the CAR binds to FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells and not to cells that do not express FAP.

[0397] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, wherein the cancer is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated fibroblasts, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of engineered T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to the FAP, wherein the CAR comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9.

[0398] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, wherein the cancer is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated macrophages, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to the FAP, wherein the CAR comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9.

[0399] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, wherein the cancer is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated neutrophils, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of engineered T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to the FAP, wherein the CAR comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9.

[0400] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, wherein the cancer is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated fibroblasts, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of engineered T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to the FAP, wherein the CAR comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:23 or 25.

[0401] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, wherein the cancer is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated macrophages, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to the FAP, wherein the CAR comprises an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:23 or 25.

[0402] In another aspect, the invention provides a method of treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, wherein the cancer is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated neutrophils, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of modified T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to the FAP, wherein the CAR comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:23 or 25.

[0403] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of treating a solid tumor in a subject in need thereof, wherein the tumor is associated with fibroblast activation protein (FAP)-expressing cancer-associated fibroblasts, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of engineered T cells comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to the FAP, wherein the CAR comprises a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% i...

Claims

1. A chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) comprising an antigen-binding domain capable of binding to fibroblast activation protein (FAP), a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular domain, The antigen-binding domain is a heavy chain variable region comprising three heavy chain complementarity determining regions (HCDRs), wherein HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence YTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO: 1), HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence EINPANGDHNFSEKFEIK (SEQ ID NO: 2), and HCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence LDDSRFHWYFDV (SEQ ID NO: 3); a light chain variable region comprising three light chain complementarity determining regions (LCDRs), wherein LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO: 4), LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence LTSNLA (SEQ ID NO: 5), and LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO: 6); Including, CAR.

2. The antigen-binding domain is (a) a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; and / or (b) a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9; and / or (c) a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7, and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9; and / or (d) an antigen-binding domain selected from the group consisting of a full-length antibody or antigen-binding fragment thereof, a Fab, a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) or a single-domain antibody; and / or (e) a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 11 or 13. The CAR of claim 1, comprising:

3. (a) capable of binding to fibroblast activation protein (FAP); and / or (b) capable of binding to a human FAP; and / or (c) capable of binding to a canine FAP; and / or (d) capable of binding to a murine FAP; and / or (e) capable of binding to human, canine and murine FAPs; and / or (f) further comprising a hinge domain, wherein the hinge domain comprises the hinge domain of CD8 alpha; A CAR according to any one of claims 1 to 2.

4. The transmembrane domain is (a) an artificial hydrophobic sequence and a transmembrane domain of a type I transmembrane protein, the alpha, beta or zeta chain of the T-cell receptor, CD28, CD3 epsilon, CD45, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD9, CD16, CD22, CD33, CD37, CD64, CD80, CD86, OX40 (CD134), 4-1BB (CD137), ICOS (CD278), and CD154, or a transmembrane domain derived from a killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR); and / or (b) comprises the transmembrane domain of CD8; and / or (c) comprises the transmembrane domain of CD8 alpha; and / or (d) comprising a transmembrane domain derived from a killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR); A CAR according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. The intracellular domain is (a) comprises a costimulatory signaling domain and an intracellular signaling domain; and / or (b) comprises one or more of the costimulatory domains of a protein selected from the group consisting of proteins within the TNFR superfamily, CD28, 4-1BB (CD137), OX40 (CD134), PD-1, CD7, LIGHT, CD83L, DAP10, DAP12, CD27, CD2, CD5, ICAM-1, LFA-1, Lck, TNFR-I, TNFR-II, Fas, CD30, CD40, ICOS (CD278), NKG2C, and B7-H3 (CD276), or variants thereof, or an intracellular domain derived from a killer immunoglobulin-like receptor (KIR); and / or (c) comprises the costimulatory domain of 4-1BB; and / or (d) comprises a costimulatory domain of DAP12; and / or (e) comprises a costimulatory domain of CD28; and / or (f) comprises the costimulatory domain of 4-1BB and the costimulatory domain of CD28; and / or (g) comprises the costimulatory domain of DAP12 and the costimulatory domain of CD28; and / or (h) comprises an intracellular domain selected from the group consisting of the cytoplasmic signaling domains of human CD3 zeta chain (CD3ζ), FcγRIII, FcsRI, the cytoplasmic tail of an Fc receptor, a cytoplasmic receptor bearing an immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM), TCR zeta, FcR gamma, CD3 gamma, CD3 delta, CD3 epsilon, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b, and CD66d, or variants thereof; and / or (i) the intracellular signaling domain comprises the intracellular domain of CD3ζ; A CAR according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. The CAR of claim 1, comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 23 or 25.

7. A nucleic acid comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding the CAR of any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. A nucleic acid comprising a polynucleotide sequence encoding a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a FAP, the CAR comprising an antigen binding domain, a transmembrane domain and an intracellular domain, The antigen-binding domain is a heavy chain variable region comprising three heavy chain complementarity determining regions (HCDRs), wherein HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence YTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO: 1), HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence EINPANGDHNFSEKFEIK (SEQ ID NO: 2), and HCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence LDDSRFHWYFDV (SEQ ID NO: 3); a light chain variable region comprising three light chain complementarity determining regions (LCDRs), wherein LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO: 4), LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence LTSNLA (SEQ ID NO: 5), and LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO: 6); A nucleic acid comprising:

9. The antigen-binding domain is (a) comprises a heavy chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:8; and / or (b) comprises a light chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 10; and / or (c) a heavy chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:8, and a light chain variable region encoded by a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:10; and / or (d) comprising a single chain variable fragment (scFv) encoded by a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 12 or 14; The nucleic acid of claim 8.

10. (a) the transmembrane domain comprises the transmembrane domain of CD8 alpha; and / or (b) the intracellular domain comprises a costimulatory signaling domain and an intracellular signaling domain; and / or (c) the intracellular domain comprises a costimulatory signaling domain that comprises the costimulatory domain of 4-1BB; and / or (d) the intracellular domain comprises a costimulatory domain of DAP12; and / or (e) the intracellular domain comprises a costimulatory domain of CD28; and / or (f) the intracellular domain comprises the costimulatory domain of 4-1BB and the costimulatory domain of CD28; and / or (g) the intracellular domain comprises a costimulatory domain of DAP12 and a costimulatory domain of CD28; and / or (h) the intracellular signaling domain comprises the intracellular domain of CD3ζ; A nucleic acid according to any one of claims 8 to 9.

11. 9. The nucleic acid of claim 8, comprising a polynucleotide sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 22 or 24.

12. A vector comprising the nucleic acid according to any one of claims 8 to 11.

13. 13. The vector of claim 12, which is an expression vector and / or is selected from the group consisting of a DNA vector, an RNA vector, a plasmid, a lentiviral vector, an adenoviral vector, an adeno-associated viral vector, and a retroviral vector.

14. A modified immune cell or a precursor thereof comprising the CAR of any one of claims 1 to 7, the nucleic acid of any one of claims 8 to 11, or the vector of any one of claims 12 to 13.

15. 1. A modified immune cell or a precursor thereof comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a fibroblast activation protein (FAP), CAR, a heavy chain variable region comprising three heavy chain complementarity determining regions (HCDRs), wherein HCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence YTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO: 1), HCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence EINPANGDHNFSEKFEIK (SEQ ID NO: 2), and HCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence LDDSRFHWYFDV (SEQ ID NO: 3); a light chain variable region comprising three light chain complementarity determining regions (LCDRs), wherein LCDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO: 4), LCDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence LTSNLA (SEQ ID NO: 5), and LCDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO: 6); A modified immune cell or a precursor thereof, comprising:

16. CAR, (a) a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7, and a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9; and / or (b) a single chain variable fragment (scFv) comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 11 or 13; and / or (c) an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 23 or 25.

16. The modified immune cell of claim 15, comprising:

17. CAR, (a) capable of binding to a FAP; and / or (b) capable of binding to a human FAP; and / or (c) capable of binding to a canine FAP; and / or (d) capable of binding to a mouse FAP; and / or (e) capable of binding to human, canine and mouse FAPs; The modified cell of any one of claims 14 to 16.

18. (a) is an engineered T cell; and / or (b) is an engineered NK cell; and / or (c) are autologous; and / or (d) are autologous cells obtained from a human subject; and / or (e) are autologous cells obtained from a canine subject; and / or (f) are allogeneic cells; The modified cell of any one of claims 14 to 17.

19. A pharmaceutical composition comprising a therapeutically effective amount of the modified cells of any one of claims 14 to 18 and a pharma- ceutically acceptable excipient.

20. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the modified cell of any one of claims 14 to 18, or the pharmaceutical composition of claim 19, for treating a disease in a subject in need thereof.

21. (a) the disease is selected from the group consisting of an immunological disease, a hematological disease, an autoimmune disease, a fibrotic disease, and a cancer; and / or (b) the disease is cancer; and / or (c) the disease is myocardial fibrosis; and / or (d) the disease is cancer, and the cancer comprises FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells; 21. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 20.

22. (a) the FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells are cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs); and / or (b) the FAP-expressing cancer-associated cell is a FAP-expressing adipocyte; and / or (c) the FAP-expressing cancer-associated cell is a tumor-associated macrophage (TAM); and / or (d) the FAP-expressing cancer-associated cell is a tumor-associated neutrophil (TAN); and / or (e) the FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells are myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs); and / or (f) the FAP-expressing cancer-related cells are cancer stem cells; 22. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 21.

23. A pharmaceutical composition for treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, the pharmaceutical composition comprising an engineered immune cell comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a fibroblast activation protein (FAP), the CAR comprising: a heavy chain variable region comprising an HCDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence YTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO: 1), an HCDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence EINPANGDHNFSEKFEIK (SEQ ID NO: 2), and an HCDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence LDDSRFHWYFDV (SEQ ID NO: 3); a light chain variable region comprising an LCDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO: 4), an LCDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence LTSNLA (SEQ ID NO: 5), and an LCDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO: 6); Including, the cancer comprises FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells; Pharmaceutical compositions.

24. The CAR, a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9; 24. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 23, comprising:

25. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 23 or 24, wherein the CAR binds to FAP-expressing cancer-associated cells and does not bind to cells that do not express FAP.

26. 1. A pharmaceutical composition for treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, the pharmaceutical composition comprising an engineered T cell comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a fibroblast activation protein (FAP), the CAR comprising: a heavy chain variable region comprising an HCDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence YTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO: 1), an HCDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence EINPANGDHNFSEKFEIK (SEQ ID NO: 2), and an HCDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence LDDSRFHWYFDV (SEQ ID NO: 3); a light chain variable region comprising an LCDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO: 4), an LCDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence LTSNLA (SEQ ID NO: 5), and an LCDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO: 6); Including, The cancer is associated with FAP-expressing cancer-associated fibroblasts, Pharmaceutical compositions.

27. The CAR, a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9; 27. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 26, comprising:

28. 1. A pharmaceutical composition for treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, the pharmaceutical composition comprising an engineered T cell comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a fibroblast activation protein (FAP), the CAR comprising: a heavy chain variable region comprising an HCDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence YTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO: 1), an HCDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence EINPANGDHNFSEKFEIK (SEQ ID NO: 2), and an HCDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence LDDSRFHWYFDV (SEQ ID NO: 3); a light chain variable region comprising an LCDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO: 4), an LCDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence LTSNLA (SEQ ID NO: 5), and an LCDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO: 6); Including, The cancer is associated with FAP-expressing cancer-associated macrophages, Pharmaceutical compositions.

29. The CAR, a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9; 30. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 28, comprising:

30. 1. A pharmaceutical composition for treating cancer in a subject in need thereof, the pharmaceutical composition comprising an engineered T cell comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a fibroblast activation protein (FAP), the CAR comprising: a heavy chain variable region comprising an HCDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence YTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO: 1), an HCDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence EINPANGDHNFSEKFEIK (SEQ ID NO: 2), and an HCDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence LDDSRFHWYFDV (SEQ ID NO: 3); a light chain variable region comprising an LCDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO: 4), an LCDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence LTSNLA (SEQ ID NO: 5), and an LCDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO: 6); Including, The cancer is associated with FAP-expressing cancer-associated neutrophils, Pharmaceutical compositions.

31. The CAR, a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9; 31. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 30, comprising:

32. 1. A pharmaceutical composition for treating a solid tumor in a subject in need thereof, the pharmaceutical composition comprising an engineered T cell comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a fibroblast activation protein (FAP), the CAR comprising: a heavy chain variable region comprising an HCDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence YTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO: 1), an HCDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence EINPANGDHNFSEKFEIK (SEQ ID NO: 2), and an HCDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence LDDSRFHWYFDV (SEQ ID NO: 3); a light chain variable region comprising an LCDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO: 4), an LCDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence LTSNLA (SEQ ID NO: 5), and an LCDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO: 6); Including, The tumor is associated with FAP-expressing cancer-associated fibroblasts, Pharmaceutical compositions.

33. The CAR, a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9; 33. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 32, comprising:

34. 1. A pharmaceutical composition for treating a solid tumor in a subject in need thereof, the pharmaceutical composition comprising an engineered T cell comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a fibroblast activation protein (FAP), the CAR comprising: a heavy chain variable region comprising an HCDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence YTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO: 1), an HCDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence EINPANGDHNFSEKFEIK (SEQ ID NO: 2), and an HCDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence LDDSRFHWYFDV (SEQ ID NO: 3); a light chain variable region comprising an LCDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO: 4), an LCDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence LTSNLA (SEQ ID NO: 5), and an LCDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO: 6); Including, The tumor is associated with FAP-expressing cancer-associated macrophages, Pharmaceutical compositions.

35. The CAR, a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9; 35. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 34, comprising:

36. 1. A pharmaceutical composition for treating a solid tumor in a subject in need thereof, the pharmaceutical composition comprising an engineered T cell comprising a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) capable of binding to a fibroblast activation protein (FAP), the CAR comprising: a heavy chain variable region comprising an HCDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence YTITSYSLH (SEQ ID NO: 1), an HCDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence EINPANGDHNFSEKFEIK (SEQ ID NO: 2), and an HCDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence LDDSRFHWYFDV (SEQ ID NO: 3); a light chain variable region comprising an LCDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence TASSSVSYMY (SEQ ID NO: 4), an LCDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence LTSNLA (SEQ ID NO: 5), and an LCDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence QQWSGYPPIT (SEQ ID NO: 6); Including, The tumor is associated with FAP-expressing cancer-associated neutrophils, Pharmaceutical compositions.

37. The CAR, a heavy chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:7; a light chain variable region comprising an amino acid sequence at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO:9; 37. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 36, comprising:

38. The pharmaceutical composition of any one of claims 20 to 37, for use in combination with an immune checkpoint inhibitor, a tumor antigen vaccine, or a neoplastic cell targeted therapy.

39. The pharmaceutical composition of any one of claims 20 to 38, wherein the subject is a human.

40. The pharmaceutical composition of any one of claims 20 to 38, wherein the subject is a non-human animal.

41. The pharmaceutical composition of claim 26, 28, 30, or 32, wherein the CAR comprises an amino acid sequence that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99% or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 23 or 25.

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