GPRC5d binding moieties and uses thereof
Chimeric antigen receptors with defined anti-GPRC5D VHH domains address the lack of effective GPRC5D-targeting immunotherapies by enhancing immune cell targeting and engagement, offering improved therapeutic options for diseases like multiple myeloma.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- PCT/CN2025/110299
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2024-07-25
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-01-29
AI Technical Summary
Current immunotherapies targeting GPRC5D have not been successful in treating various diseases, highlighting an unmet need for effective GPRC5D-targeting therapeutic options.
Development of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) comprising specific anti-GPRC5D VHH domains with defined CDR sequences, transmembrane and intracellular signaling domains, for targeting and engaging immune cells to treat diseases.
The CARs provide targeted immunotherapy by enhancing immune cell recognition and engagement of GPRC5D-expressing cells, potentially improving treatment outcomes for diseases with poor survival rates.
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Figure PCTCN2025110299-FTAPPB-I100003
Abstract
Description
GPRC5D BINDING MOIETIES AND USES THEREOFCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONThis application claims priority benefits of International Application No. PCT / CN2024 / 107582, filed on July 25, 2024, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.SEQUENCE STATEMENTThe content of the following submission on XML file is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety: a computer readable form (CRF) of the Sequence Listing (file name: IEC250217PCT-seql. xml, date recorded: July 21, 2025, size: 104, 181 bytes) .1. FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to the fields of chimeric antigen receptors and engineered immune cells that target GPRC5D, and methods of use thereof.2. BACKGROUND
[0002] G-protein-coupled receptor family C group 5 member D (GPRC5D) is a type-C 7-pass transmembrane receptor protein. It is an orphan receptor whose ligand and signaling mechanism are yet to be defined. The GPRC5D gene that is mapped on chromosome 12p13.3 comprises three exons and spans about 9.6 kb. The large first exon encodes the seven-transmembrane domain. High messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of GPRC5D was observed in patients with multiple myeloma, whereas only low expression was detected in normal tissues. In addition, mRNA expression of GPRC5D showed a significant correlation with poor overall survival rates. Through immunohistochemical analyses, Eric L. Smith and colleagues demonstrated that GPRC5D was expressed on malignant bone marrow plasma cells, whereas normal tissue expression was limited to the hair follicle. Although overexpression in poor-risk myeloma, low expression in normal tissues and cell surface expression suggest GPRC5D is an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy, current immunotherapies targeting GPRC5D have yet to become a successful therapy. Thus, GPRC5D-targeting therapeutic options represent unmet needs. New strategy and generation of GPRC5D-targeting immunotherapy for treating various diseases are needed.3. SUMMARY
[0003] In one aspect, provided herein is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) , comprising: (a) an extracellular antigen binding domain comprising a first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain and a second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain; (b) a transmembrane domain and (c) an intracellular signaling domain, wherein the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain are each independently selected from a VHH domain comprising: (i) a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1; (ii) a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2; (iii) a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3; (iv) a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4; (v) a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5; (vi) a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6; (vii) a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7; (viii) a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8; (ix) a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9; or (x) a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.
[0004] In some embodiments, the CDR1, CDR2 or CDR3 are determined according to the Kabat numbering scheme, the IMGT numbering scheme, the AbM numbering scheme, the Chothia numbering scheme, the Contact numbering scheme, or a combination thereof.
[0005] In some embodiments of the CAR provided herein, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain are each independently selected from a VHH domain comprising: (i) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13; (ii) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13; (iii) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; (iv) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; (v) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; (vi) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24; (vii) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24; (viii) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24; (ix) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30; (x) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 31; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 32; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30; (xi) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 31; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 33; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30; (xii) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36; or (xiii) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 37; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36.
[0006] In some embodiments of the CAR provided herein, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain each further comprise one or more FR regions as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, and / or SEQ ID NO: 10.
[0007] In some embodiments of the CAR provided herein, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain are each independently selected from a VHH domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, or SEQ ID NO: 10, or a VHH domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or more sequence identity with the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, or SEQ ID NO: 10.
[0008] In some embodiments of the CAR provided herein, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain are different VHH domains. In some embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain are the same VHH domain.
[0009] In some embodiments of the CAR provided herein, (i) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4; (ii) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6; (iii) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8; (iv) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10; (v) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6; (vi) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8; (vii) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10; (viii) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8; (ix) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10; or (x) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.
[0010] In some embodiments of the CAR provided herein, (i) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11 or 14; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12 or 15; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16 or 19; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17 or 21; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; (ii) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11 or 14; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12 or 15; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22 or 25; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23 or 27; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24; (iii) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11 or 14; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12 or 15; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28 or 31; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29 or 33; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30; (iv) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11 or 14; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12 or 15; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34 or 37; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35 or 38; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36; (v) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16 or 19; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17 or 21; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22 or 25; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23 or 27; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24; (vi) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16 or 19; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17 or 21; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28 or 31; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29 or 33; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30; (vii) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16 or 19; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17 or 21; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34 or 37; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35 or 38; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36; (viii) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22 or 25; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23 or 27; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28 or 31; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29 or 33; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30; (ix) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22 or 25; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23 or 27; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34 or 37; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35 or 38; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36; or (x) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28 or 31; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29 or 33; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34 or 37; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35 or 38; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36.
[0011] In some embodiments of the CAR provided herein, (i) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4; (ii) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6; (iii) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8; (iv) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10; (v) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6; (vi) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8; (vii) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10; (viii) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8; (ix) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10; or (x) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10.
[0012] In some embodiments of the CAR provided herein, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain is at the N-terminus of the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain. In some embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain is at the C-terminus of the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain.
[0013] In some embodiments of the CAR provided herein, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain are fused to each other via a peptide linker. In some specific embodiments, the peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81 or SEQ ID NO: 82.
[0014] In some embodiments of the CAR provided herein, the transmembrane domain is derived from a molecule selected from a group consisting of α, β or ζ chain of T cell receptor, CD3ε, CD3ζ, CD8α, CD4, CD5, CD28, CD137, CD80, CD86, CD152, CD154 and PD1. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain is derived from CD8α. In some specific embodiments, the transmembrane domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 41.
[0015] In some embodiments of the CAR provided herein, the intracellular signaling domain comprises a primary intracellular signaling domain of an immune effector cell. In some embodiments, the primary intracellular signaling domain is derived from a molecule selected from the group consisting of: CD3ζ, FcRγ, FcRβ, CD3γ, CD3δ, CD3ε, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b and CD66d. In some embodiments, the primary intracellular signaling domain is derived from CD3ζ and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 43.
[0016] In some embodiments of the CAR provided herein, the intracellular signaling domain further comprises a co-stimulatory signaling domain. In some embodiments, the co-stimulatory signaling domain is derived from a co-stimulatory molecule selected from the group consisting of CARD11, CD2, CD7, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD54 (ICAM) , CD83, CD134 (OX40) , CD137 (4-1BB) , CD150 (SLAMF1) , CD152 (CTLA4) , CD223 (LAGS) , CD270 (HVEM) , CD273 (PD-L2) , CD274 (PD-L1) , CD278 (ICOS) , DAP10, DAP12, LFA-1, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the co-stimulatory signaling domain is derived from CD137. In some specific embodiments, the co-stimulatory signaling domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42.
[0017] In some embodiments, the CAR provided herein further comprises a hinge domain located between the C-terminus of the extracellular antigen binding domain and the N-terminus of the transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the hinge domain is derived from CD8α. In some specific embodiments, the hinge domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 40.
[0018] In some embodiments, the CAR provided herein further comprises a signal peptide located at the N-terminus of the CAR. In some embodiments of the CAR provided herein, the signal peptide is derived from CD8α. In some embodiments, the signal peptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 39.
[0019] In one aspect, provided herein is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) , comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 49-56.
[0020] In some embodiments, the CAR provided herein further comprises a signal peptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 39 at the N-terminus. In some embodiments, the CAR provided herein comprises an amino acid sequence selected from a group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 62-69.
[0021] In one aspect, provided herein is a polypeptide comprising a first chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and a second CAR, wherein the first CAR is an anti-GPRC5D CAR provided herein, and wherein the second CAR comprises: (a) an extracellular antigen binding domain that binds to BCMA or CD19, (b) a transmembrane domain and (c) an intracellular signaling domain, wherein the first CAR and the second CAR are fused by a cleavable peptide linker.
[0022] In some embodiments of the polypeptide provided herein, the second CAR comprises an extracellular antigen binding domain comprising a first anti-BCMA VHH domain and a second anti-BCMA VHH domain. In some embodiments of the polypeptide provided herein, the first anti-BCMA VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 75; and the second anti-BCMA VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 76. In some embodiments of the polypeptide provided herein, the first anti-BCMA VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 75; and the second anti-BCMA VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 76. In some embodiments of the polypeptide provided herein, the first anti-BCMA VHH domain and the second anti-BCMA VHH domain are fused by a peptide linker. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81 or SEQ ID NO: 82.
[0023] In some embodiments of the polypeptide provided herein, the first anti-BCMA VHH domain is at the N-terminus of the second anti-BCMA VHH domain. In some embodiments, the first anti-BCMA VHH domain is at the C-terminus of the second anti-BCMA VHH domain.
[0024] In some embodiments of the polypeptide provided herein, (1) in the second CAR, the transmembrane domain is derived from a molecule selected from a group consisting of α, β or ζ chain of T cell receptor, CD3ε, CD3ζ, CD8α, CD4, CD5, CD28, CD137, CD80, CD86, CD152, CD154 and PD1, and wherein optionally the transmembrane domain is derived from CD8α and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 41; (2) in the second CAR, the intracellular signaling domain comprises a primary intracellular signaling domain of an immune effector cell, and wherein the primary intracellular signaling domain is derived from a molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3ζ, FcRγ, FcRβ, CD3γ, CD3δ, CD3ε, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b and CD66d, and wherein optionally the primary intracellular signaling domain is derived from CD3ζ and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 43; (3) in the second CAR, the intracellular signaling domain further comprises a co-stimulatory signaling domain derived from a co-stimulatory molecule selected from the group consisting of CARD11, CD2, CD7, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD54 (ICAM) , CD83, CD134 (OX40) , CD137 (4-1BB) , CD150 (SLAMF1) , CD152 (CTLA4) , CD223 (LAGS) , CD270 (HVEM) , CD273 (PD-L2) , CD274 (PD-L1) , CD278 (ICOS) , DAP10, DAP12, LFA-1, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, and combinations thereof, and wherein optionally the co-stimulatory signaling domain is derived from CD137 and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42; (4) the second CAR further comprises a hinge domain located between the C-terminus of the extracellular antigen binding domain and the N-terminus of the transmembrane domain, and wherein optionally the hinge domain is derived from CD8α and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 40; and / or (5) the second CAR further comprises a signal peptide located at the N-terminus of the CAR, and wherein optionally the signal peptide is derived from CD8α and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 39.
[0025] In some embodiments of the polypeptide provided herein, the second CAR comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 77 or SEQ ID NO: 78.
[0026] In some embodiments of the polypeptide provided herein, the second CAR comprises an extracellular antigen binding domain comprising a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) that binds to CD19. In some embodiments, the scFv comprises an HCDR1, an HCDR2 and an HCDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the HCDR1, HCDR2, and HCDR3, respectively, as set forth in a VH comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 70; and an LCDR1, an LCDR2 and an HCDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the LCDR1, LCDR2, and LCDR3, respectively, as set forth in a VL comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71. In some embodiments, the scFv comprises a VH comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 70 and a VL comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71. In some embodiments, the scFv comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 72.
[0027] In some embodiments of the polypeptide provided herein, (1) in the second CAR, the transmembrane domain is derived from a molecule selected from a group consisting of α, β or ζ chain of T cell receptor, CD3ε, CD3ζ, CD8α, CD4, CD5, CD28, CD137, CD80, CD86, CD152, CD154 and PD1, and wherein optionally the transmembrane domain is derived from CD8α and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 41; (2) in the second CAR, the intracellular signaling domain comprises a primary intracellular signaling domain of an immune effector cell, and wherein the primary intracellular signaling domain is derived from a molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3ζ, FcRγ, FcRβ, CD3γ, CD3δ, CD3ε, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b and CD66d, and wherein optionally the primary intracellular signaling domain is derived from CD3ζ and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 43; (3) in the second CAR, the intracellular signaling domain further comprises a co-stimulatory signaling domain derived from a co-stimulatory molecule selected from the group consisting of CARD11, CD2, CD7, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD54 (ICAM) , CD83, CD134 (OX40) , CD137 (4-1BB) , CD150 (SLAMF1) , CD152 (CTLA4) , CD223 (LAGS) , CD270 (HVEM) , CD273 (PD-L2) , CD274 (PD-L1) , CD278 (ICOS) , DAP10, DAP12, LFA-1, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, and combinations thereof, and wherein optionally the co-stimulatory signaling domain is derived from CD137 and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42; (4) the second CAR further comprises a hinge domain located between the C-terminus of the extracellular antigen binding domain and the N-terminus of the transmembrane domain, and wherein optionally the hinge domain is derived from CD8α and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 40; and / or (5) the second CAR further comprises a signal peptide located at the N-terminus of the CAR, and wherein optionally the signal peptide is derived from CD8α and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 39.
[0028] In some embodiments of the polypeptide provided herein, the second CAR comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73 or SEQ ID NO: 74.
[0029] In some embodiments of the polypeptide provided herein, the cleavable peptide linker is P2A. In some embodiments, the P2A comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 83.
[0030] In one aspect, provided herein is an isolated nucleic acid comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding the CAR provided herein or the polypeptide of provided herein.
[0031] In one aspect, provided herein is a vector comprising the isolated nucleic acid provided herein.
[0032] In one aspect, provided herein is an engineered immune cell, comprising the CAR provided herein, the polypeptide provided herein, the isolated nucleic acid provided herein, or the vector provided herein.
[0033] In one aspect, provided herein is an engineered immune cell produced by introducing the isolated nucleic acid provided herein or the vector provided herein into an immune cell.
[0034] In one aspect, provided herein is an engineered immune cell, comprising a first chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and a second CAR, wherein the first CAR is the anti-GPRC5D CAR provided herein, and wherein the second CAR comprises: (a) an extracellular antigen binding domain that binds to BCMA or CD19, (b) a transmembrane domain and (c) an intracellular signaling domain.
[0035] In some embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the second CAR comprises an extracellular antigen binding domain comprising a first anti-BCMA VHH domain and a second anti-BCMA VHH domain. In some embodiments, the first anti-BCMA VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 75; and the second anti-BCMA VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 76. In some embodiments, the first anti-BCMA VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 75; and the second anti-BCMA VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 76. In some embodiments, the first anti-BCMA VHH domain and the second anti-BCMA VHH domain are fused by a peptide linker. In some embodiemtns, the peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81 or SEQ ID NO: 82.
[0036] In some embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the first anti-BCMA VHH domain is at the N-terminus of the second anti-BCMA VHH domain. In some embodiments, the first anti-BCMA VHH domain is at the C-terminus of the second anti-BCMA VHH domain.
[0037] In some embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, (1) in the second CAR, the transmembrane domain is derived from a molecule selected from a group consisting of α, β or ζ chain of T cell receptor, CD3ε, CD3ζ, CD8α, CD4, CD5, CD28, CD137, CD80, CD86, CD152, CD154 and PD1, and wherein optionally the transmembrane domain is derived from CD8α and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 41; (2) in the second CAR, the intracellular signaling domain comprises a primary intracellular signaling domain of an immune effector cell, and wherein the primary intracellular signaling domain is derived from a molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3ζ, FcRγ, FcRβ, CD3γ, CD3δ, CD3ε, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b and CD66d, and wherein optionally the primary intracellular signaling domain is derived from CD3ζ and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 43; (3) in the second CAR, the intracellular signaling domain further comprises a co-stimulatory signaling domain derived from a co-stimulatory molecule selected from the group consisting of CARD11, CD2, CD7, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD54 (ICAM) , CD83, CD134 (OX40) , CD137 (4-1BB) , CD150 (SLAMF1) , CD152 (CTLA4) , CD223 (LAGS) , CD270 (HVEM) , CD273 (PD-L2) , CD274 (PD-L1) , CD278 (ICOS) , DAP10, DAP12, LFA-1, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, and combinations thereof, and wherein optionally the co-stimulatory signaling domain is derived from CD137 and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42; (4) the second CAR further comprises a hinge domain located between the C-terminus of the extracellular antigen binding domain and the N-terminus of the transmembrane domain, and wherein optionally the hinge domain is derived from CD8α and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 40; and / or (5) the second CAR further comprises a signal peptide located at the N-terminus of the CAR, and wherein optionally the signal peptide is derived from CD8α and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 39.
[0038] In some embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the second CAR comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 77 or SEQ ID NO: 78.
[0039] In some embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the second CAR comprises an extracellular antigen binding domain comprising a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) that binds to CD19. In some embodiments, the scFv comprises an HCDR1, an HCDR2 and an HCDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the HCDR1, HCDR2, and HCDR3, respectively, as set forth in a VH comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 70; and an LCDR1, an LCDR2 and an HCDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the LCDR1, LCDR2, and LCDR3, respectively, as set forth in a VL comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71. In some embodiments, the scFv comprises a VH comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 70 and a VL comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71. In some embodiments, the scFv comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 72.
[0040] In some embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, (1) in the second CAR, the transmembrane domain is derived from a molecule selected from a group consisting of α, β or ζ chain of T cell receptor, CD3ε, CD3ζ, CD8α, CD4, CD5, CD28, CD137, CD80, CD86, CD152, CD154 and PD1, and wherein optionally the transmembrane domain is derived from CD8α and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 41; (2) in the second CAR, the intracellular signaling domain comprises a primary intracellular signaling domain of an immune effector cell, and wherein the primary intracellular signaling domain is derived from a molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3ζ, FcRγ, FcRβ, CD3γ, CD3δ, CD3ε, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b and CD66d, and wherein optionally the primary intracellular signaling domain is derived from CD3ζ and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 43; (3) in the second CAR, the intracellular signaling domain further comprises a co-stimulatory signaling domain derived from a co-stimulatory molecule selected from the group consisting of CARD11, CD2, CD7, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD54 (ICAM) , CD83, CD134 (OX40) , CD137 (4-1BB) , CD150 (SLAMF1) , CD152 (CTLA4) , CD223 (LAGS) , CD270 (HVEM) , CD273 (PD-L2) , CD274 (PD-L1) , CD278 (ICOS) , DAP10, DAP12, LFA-1, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, and combinations thereof, and wherein optionally the co-stimulatory signaling domain is derived from CD137 and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42; (4) the second CAR further comprises a hinge domain located between the C-terminus of the extracellular antigen binding domain and the N-terminus of the transmembrane domain, and wherein optionally the hinge domain is derived from CD8α and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 40; and / or (5) the second CAR further comprises a signal peptide located at the N-terminus of the CAR, and wherein optionally the signal peptide is derived from CD8α and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 39.
[0041] In some embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the second CAR comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73 or SEQ ID NO: 74.
[0042] In some embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the immune effector cell is a T cell, NK cell, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) , hematopoietic stem cell, pluripotent stem cell, an embryonic stem cell, and a combination thereof.
[0043] In one aspect, provided herein is a pharmaceutical composition, comprising the CAR provided herein, the polypeptide provided herein, the isolated nucleic acid provided herein, the vector provided herein, or the engineered immune cell provided herein, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
[0044] In one aspect, provided herein is a method of treating a disease or disorder in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of the engineered immune cell provided herein, or the pharmaceutical composition provided herein. In some embodiments, the disease or disorder is autoimmune diseases or tumor, wherein optionally the tumor is a hematological malignancy, and wherein optionally the hematological malignancy is selected from leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, and wherein optionally the leukemia is acute myeloid leukemia, adult T-cell leukemia, T-cell large granula lymphocyte leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, and acute monocytic leukemia, and wherein opotionally the myeloma is multiple myeloma. In some embodiments, the tumor is multiple myeloma. 4. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0045] FIGs. 1A and 1B shows the in vitro cytotoxicity of tandem bivalent GPRC5D VHH CAR-T cells and monovalent GPRC5D VHH CAR-T cells against GPRC5D positive cell lines H929 (FIG. 1A) and MM. 1S (FIG. 1B) . All GPRC5D VHH CAR-T cells show cytotoxicity against GPRC5D-positive cells effectively. UnT refers to T cells un-transduced with CAR and serve as control.
[0046] FIGs. 2A-2D show the results of an in vitro long-term cytotoxicity assay of tandem bivalent GPRC5D VHH CAR-T cells and monovalent GPRC5D VHH CAR-T cells against GPRC5D low expression cell line (Hep3B2.1-7-5D) . The result shows that tandem bivalent GPRC5D VHH CAR-T cells can eliminate MM cells more quickly.
[0047] FIGs. 3A-3D show the GPRC5D CAR-T cell expansion and cytotoxicity after being treated with five stimulation rounds in the re-challenge assay. FIG. 3A shows the T cell expansion fold, FIG. 3B shows the CAR positive percentage of each CAR-T group after rechallenged, and FIGs. 3C and 3D show the rechallenge cytotoxicity of CAR-T cells on MM.1S and H929 tumor cells, respectively. After serial antigen stimulations, tandem GPRC5D VHH CAR-T cells showed superior expansion ability and cytotoxicity. R0, R1, R2, R3, R4 and R5 mean round 1, round2, round3, round 4 and round 5, respectively. BM-5E11 and BM-OBM serve as control.
[0048] FIG. 4 shows the anti-tumor effects of GPRC5D CAR-T cells in the NCG mouse xenograft model. NSG mice were inoculated subcutaneously with MM. 1S cells, and treated with CAR-T cells at 1 M dosage dosage (i. v. ) .
[0049] FIGs. 5A-5I show the in vivo dose escalation study in the NSG mouse xenograft model. NSG mice were inoculated subcutaneously with MM. 1S cells, and treated with GPRC5D CAR-T cells at 0.3M, 1 M, and 3M dosages (i. v. ) . The mouse volume of tumors (FIGs. 5A-5C) , body weight (FIGs. 5D-5F) and percentage of CD3+ T cells in total T in peripheral blood (FIGs. 5G-5I) were detected.
[0050] FIGs. 6A-6D show the in vitro cytotoxicity of dual GPRC5D-CD19 CAR-T cells on GPRC5D-CD19 double-negative K562 cell lines (FIG. 6A) , GPRC5D-CD19 single-positive K562 cell lines (FIGs. 6B and 6C) , and GPRC5D-CD19 double-positive K562 cell lines (FIG. 6D) , respecitvely.
[0051] FIGs. 7A-7D show the IFNγ release of dual GPRC5D-CD19 CAR-T cells co-cultured with target cells GPRC5D-CD19 double-negative K562 cell lines (FIG. 7A) , GPRC5D-CD19 single-positive K562 cell lines (FIGs. 7B and 7C) , and GPRC5D-CD19 double-positive K562 cell lines (FIG. 7D) , respecitvely.
[0052] FIGs. 8A-8D show the TNFα release of dual GPRC5D-CD19 CAR-T cells co-cultured with target cells GPRC5D-CD19 double-negative K562 cell lines (FIG. 8A) , GPRC5D-CD19 single-positive K562 cell lines (FIGs. 8B-8C) , and GPRC5D-CD19 double-positive K562 cell lines (FIG. 8D) , respecitvely.
[0053] FIGs. 9A-9C show the expansion ability of dual GPRC5D-CD19 CAR-T cells in the re-challenge assay after treatment with CD19-positive nalm6 cell lines, followed by treatment with GPRC5D-positive H929 cell lines. The CD3%of total lived cells (FIG. 9A) , total T amplification fold (FIG. 9B) and rechallenge cytotoxicity on H929 tumor cells (FIG. 9C) were detected. The results show that co-culturing with nalm6 cells in advance would improve the dual GPRC5D-CD19 CAR-T cell expansion and better long-term killing of MM cells.
[0054] FIGs. 10A-10C show the anti-tumor effects of dual GPRC5D-CD19 CAR-T cells in the NSG mouse xenograft model. MM. 1S xenograft model with GPRC5D and CD19 positive expression was established and then treated with either GPRC5D CAR-T or dual GPRC5D-CD19 CAR-T cells at 3M dosage (i. v. ) . The tumor volume of mice (FIG. 10A) , percentage of CD3+ T cells in total T in peripheral blood (FIG. 10B) , and body weight (FIG. 10C) were detected.
[0055] FIGs. 11A-11D show the in vitro cytotoxicity of dual GPRC5D-BCMA CAR-T cells on GPRC5DlowBCMAhigh RPMI8226-luc cells (FIG. 11A) , GPRC5DhighBCMAlow RPMI8226-luc cells (FIG. 11B) , GPRC5DhighBCMAhigh RPMI8226-luc cells (FIG. 11C) , and GPRC5DlowBCMAlow RPMI8226-luc cells (FIG. 11D) , respectively.
[0056] FIGs. 12A-12D show the IFNγ release of dual GPRC5D-BCMA CAR-T cells co-cultured with target cells.
[0057] FIGs. 13A-13D show the TNFα release of dual GPRC5D-BCMA CAR-T cells co-cultured with target cells.
[0058] FIGs. 14A-14C show the in vitro cytotoxicity and cytokine (IFN-γ and TNF-α) released by dual GPRC5D-BCMA CAR-T cells on MM heterogeneity cells.
[0059] FIGs. 15A and 15B show the expansion ability of dual GPRC5D-BCMA CAR-T cells in the re-challenge assay after treatment with GPRC5DlowBCMAlow RPMI8226-luc tumor cells. The CAR+ T amplification fold (FIG. 15A) and rechallenge cytotoxicity on GPRC5DlowBCMAlow RPMI8226-luc tumor cells (FIG. 15B) were detected.
[0060] FIGs. 16A-16D show the anti-tumor effects of dual GPRC5D-BCMA CAR-T cells in the NSG mouse xenograft model. MM heterogeneity tumor cells xenograft model was established and then treated with either GPRC5D CAR-T, BCMA CAR-T, or dual GPRC5D-CD19 CAR-T cells at 2M dosage (i.v. ) . The body weight (FIG. 16A) , percentage of CD3+ T cells in total T in peripheral blood (FIG. 16B) , tumor volume of mice (FIG. 16C) , and survival curve (FIG. 16D) were detected, respectively.5. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0061] The present disclosure is based in part on, novel bivalent VHH based chimeric antigen receptors that bind to GPRC5D, engineered immune cells comprising the same, engineered immune cells co-expressing the same and chimeric antigen receptors that bind to another target (e.g., BCMA or CD19) , and improved properties thereof. 5.1. Definitions
[0062] Techniques and procedures described or referenced herein include those that are generally well understood and / or commonly employed using conventional methodology by those skilled in the art, such as, for example, the widely utilized methodologies described in Sambrook et al., Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual (3d ed. 2001) ; Current Protocols in Molecular Biology (Ausubel et al. eds., 2003) ; Therapeutic Monoclonal Antibodies: From Bench to Clinic (An ed. 2009) ; Monoclonal Antibodies: Methods and Protocols (Albitar ed. 2010) ; and Antibody Engineering Vols 1 and 2 (Kontermann and Dübel eds., 2d ed. 2010) . Unless otherwise defined herein, technical and scientific terms used in the present description have the meanings that are commonly understood by those of ordinary skill in the art. For purposes of interpreting this specification, the following description of terms will apply and whenever appropriate, terms used in the singular will also include the plural and vice versa. In the event that any description of a term set forth conflicts with any document incorporated herein by reference, the description of the term set forth below shall control.
[0063] The term “antibody, ” “immunoglobulin, ” or “Ig” is used interchangeably herein, and is used in the broadest sense and specifically covers, for example, monoclonal antibodies (including agonist, antagonist, neutralizing antibodies, full length or intact monoclonal antibodies) , antibody compositions with polyepitopic or monoepitopic specificity, polyclonal or monovalent antibodies, multivalent antibodies, multispecific antibodies (e.g., bispecific antibodies so long as they exhibit the desired biological activity) , formed from at least two intact antibodies, single chain antibodies, and fragments thereof (e.g., domain antibodies) , as described below. An antibody can be human, humanized, chimeric and / or affinity matured, as well as an antibody from other species, for example, mouse, rabbit, llama, etc. The term “antibody” is intended to include a polypeptide product of B cells within the immunoglobulin class of polypeptides that is able to bind to a specific molecular antigen and is composed of two identical pairs of polypeptide chains, wherein each pair has one heavy chain (about 50-70 kDa) and one light chain (about 25 kDa) , each amino-terminal portion of each chain includes a variable region of about 100 to about 130 or more amino acids, and each carboxy-terminal portion of each chain includes a constant region. See, e.g., Antibody Engineering (Borrebaeck ed., 2d ed. 1995) ; and Kuby, Immunology (3d ed. 1997) . Antibodies also include, but are not limited to, synthetic antibodies, recombinantly produced antibodies, antibodies including from Camelidae species (e.g., llama or alpaca) or their humanized variants, intrabodies, anti-idiotypic (anti-Id) antibodies, and functional fragments (e.g., antigen binding fragments) of any of the above, which refers to a portion of an antibody heavy or light chain polypeptide that retains some or all of the binding activity of the antibody from which the fragment was derived. Non-limiting examples of functional fragments (e.g., antigen binding fragments) include single-chain Fvs (scFv) (e.g., including monospecific, bispecific, etc. ) , Fab fragments, F (ab’) fragments, F (ab) 2 fragments, F (ab’) 2 fragments, disulfide-linked Fvs (dsFv) , Fd fragments, Fv fragments, diabody, triabody, tetrabody, and minibody. In particular, antibodies provided herein include immunoglobulin molecules and immunologically active portions of immunoglobulin molecules, for example, antigen-binding domains or molecules that contain an antigen-binding site that binds to an antigen (e.g., one or more CDRs of an antibody) . Such antibody fragments can be found in, for example, Harlow and Lane, Antibodies: A Laboratory Manual (1989) ; Mol. Biology and Biotechnology: A Comprehensive Desk Reference (Myers ed., 1995) ; Huston et al., 1993, Cell Biophysics 22: 189-224; Plückthun and Skerra, 1989, Meth. Enzymol. 178: 497-515; and Day, Advanced Immunochemistry (2d ed. 1990) . The antibodies provided herein can be of any class (e.g., IgG, IgE, IgM, IgD, and IgA) or any subclass (e.g., IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgA1, and IgA2) of immunoglobulin molecule. Antibodies may be agonistic antibodies or antagonistic antibodies. Antibodies may be neither agonistic nor antagonistic.
[0064] An “antigen” is a structure to which an antibody can selectively bind. A target antigen may be a polypeptide, carbohydrate, nucleic acid, lipid, hapten, or other naturally occurring or synthetic compound. The target antigen may be a polypeptide. An antigen may be associated with a cell, for example, is present on or in a cell.
[0065] An “intact” antibody is one comprising an antigen-binding site as well as a CL and at least heavy chain constant regions, CH1, CH2 and CH3. The constant regions may include human constant regions or amino acid sequence variants thereof. An intact antibody may have one or more effector functions.
[0066] “Single-chain Fv” also abbreviated as “sFv” or “scFv” are antibody fragments that comprise the VH and VL antibody domains connected into a single polypeptide chain. Preferably, the sFv polypeptide further comprises a polypeptide linker between the VH and VL domains which enables the sFv to form the desired structure for antigen binding. For a review of the sFv, see Pluckthun in The Pharmacology of Monoclonal Antibodies, vol. 113, Rosenburg and Moore eds., Springer-Verlag, New York, pp. 269-315 (1994) .
[0067] The term “heavy chain-only antibody” or “HCAb” refers to a functional antibody, which comprises heavy chains, but lacks the light chains usually found in 4-chain antibodies. For example, camelid animals (such as camels, llamas, or alpacas) are known to produce HCAbs.
[0068] “Single domain antibody” or “sdAb” as used herein refers to a single monomeric variable antibody domain and which is capable of antigen binding (e.g., single domain antibodies that bind to GPRC5D) . Single domain antibodies include VHH domains as described herein. Examples of single domain antibodies include, but are not limited to, antibodies naturally devoid of light chains such as those from Camelidae species (e.g., llama) , single domain antibodies derived from conventional 4-chain antibodies, engineered antibodies and single domain scaffolds other than those derived from antibodies. Single domain antibodies (e.g., VHH domain antibodies) may be derived from any species including, but not limited to mouse, human, camel, llama, goat, rabbit, and bovine. For example, a single domain antibody can be derived from antibodies raised in Camelidae species, for example in camel, llama, dromedary, alpaca and guanaco, as described herein. Other species besides Camelidae may produce heavy chain antibodies naturally devoid of light chain; VHHs derived from such other species are within the scope of the disclosure. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody (e.g., VHH) provided herein has a structure of FR1-CDR1-FR2-CDR2-FR3-CDR3-FR4. Single domain antibodies may be genetically fused or chemically conjugated to another molecule (e.g., an agent) as described herein. Single domain antibodies may be part of a bigger binding molecule (e.g., a multispecific antibody or a chimeric antigen receptor) .
[0069] The terms “binds” or “binding” refer to an interaction between molecules including, for example, to form a complex. Interactions can be, for example, non-covalent interactions including hydrogen bonds, ionic bonds, hydrophobic interactions, and / or van der Waals interactions. A complex can also include the binding of two or more molecules held together by covalent or non-covalent bonds, interactions, or forces. The strength of the total non-covalent interactions between a single antigen-binding site on an antibody and a single epitope of a target molecule, such as an antigen, is the affinity of the antibody or functional fragment for that epitope. The ratio of dissociation rate (koff) to association rate (kon) of a binding molecule (e.g., an antibody) to a monovalent antigen (koff / kon) is the dissociation constant KD, which is inversely related to affinity. The lower the KD value, the higher the affinity of the antibody. The value of KD varies for different complexes of antibody and antigen and depends on both kon and koff. The dissociation constant KD for an antibody provided herein can be determined using any method provided herein or any other method well known to those skilled in the art. The affinity at one binding site does not always reflect the true strength of the interaction between an antibody and an antigen. When complex antigens containing multiple, repeating antigenic determinants, such as a polyvalent antigen, come in contact with antibodies containing multiple binding sites, the interaction of antibody with antigen at one site will increase the probability of a reaction at a second site. The strength of such multiple interactions between a multivalent antibody and antigen is called the avidity.
[0070] In connection with the binding molecules described herein terms such as “bind to, ” “that specifically bind to, ” and analogous terms are also used interchangeably herein and refer to binding molecules of antigen binding domains that specifically bind to an antigen, such as a polypeptide. A binding molecule or antigen binding domain that binds to or specifically binds to an antigen can be identified, for example, by immunoassays, or other techniques known to those of skill in the art. A binding molecule or antigen binding domain may bind to or specifically bind to an antigen when it binds to an antigen with higher affinity than to any cross-reactive antigen as determined using experimental techniques, such as radioimmunoassay (RIA) and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) . Typically, a specific or selective reaction will be at least twice background signal or noise and may be more than 10 times background. See, e.g., Fundamental Immunology 332-36 (Paul ed., 2d ed. 1989) for a discussion regarding binding specificity. The extent of binding of a binding molecule or antigen binding domain to a “non-target” protein may be less than about 10%of the binding of the binding molecule or antigen binding domain to its particular target antigen, for example, as determined by fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis or RIA. A binding molecule or antigen binding domain that binds to an antigen includes one that is capable of binding the antigen with sufficient affinity such that the binding molecule is useful, for example, as a therapeutic and / or diagnostic agent in targeting the antigen. A binding molecule or antigen binding domain that binds to an antigen may have a dissociation constant (KD) of less than or equal to 1μM, 800 nM, 600 nM, 550 nM, 500 nM, 300 nM, 250 nM, 100 nM, 50 nM, 10 nM, 5 nM, 4 nM, 3 nM, 2 nM, 1 nM, 0.9 nM, 0.8 nM, 0.7 nM, 0.6 nM, 0.5 nM, 0.4 nM, 0.3 nM, 0.2 nM, or 0.1 nM. In certain embodiments, a binding molecule or antigen binding domain binds to an epitope of an antigen that is conserved among the antigen from different species.
[0071] In certain embodiments, the binding molecules or antigen binding domains can comprise “chimeric” sequences in which a portion of the heavy and / or light chain is identical with or homologous to corresponding sequences in antibodies derived from a particular species or belonging to a particular antibody class or subclass, while the remainder of the chain (s) is identical with or homologous to corresponding sequences in antibodies derived from another species or belonging to another antibody class or subclass, as well as fragments of such antibodies, so long as they exhibit the desired biological activity (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567; and Morrison et al., 1984, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 81: 6851-55) . Chimeric sequences may include humanized sequences.
[0072] In certain embodiments, the binding molecules or antigen binding domains can comprise portions of “humanized” forms of nonhuman (e.g., camelid, murine, non-human primate) antibodies that include sequences from human immunoglobulins (e.g., recipient antibody) in which the native CDR residues are replaced by residues from the corresponding CDR of a nonhuman species (e.g., donor antibody) such as camelid, mouse, rat, rabbit, or nonhuman primate having the desired specificity, affinity, and capacity. In some instances, one or more FR region residues of the human immunoglobulin sequences are replaced by corresponding nonhuman residues. Furthermore, humanized antibodies can comprise residues that are not found in the recipient antibody or in the donor antibody. These modifications are made to further refine antibody performance. A humanized antibody heavy or light chain can comprise substantially all of at least one or more variable regions, in which all or substantially all of the CDRs correspond to those of a nonhuman immunoglobulin and all or substantially all of the FRs are those of a human immunoglobulin sequence. The humanized antibody can comprise at least a portion of an immunoglobulin constant region (Fc) , typically that of a human immunoglobulin. For further details, see, Jones et al., Nature 321: 522-25 (1986) ; Riechmann et al., Nature 332: 323-29 (1988) ; Presta, Curr. Op. Struct. Biol. 2: 593-96 (1992) ; Carter et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89: 4285-89 (1992) ; U.S. Pat. Nos: 6,800,738; 6,719,971; 6,639,055; 6,407,213; and 6,054,297.
[0073] In certain embodiments, the binding molecules or antigen binding domains can comprise portions of a “fully human antibody” or “human antibody, ” wherein the terms are used interchangeably herein and refer to an antibody that comprises a human variable region and, for example, a human constant region. The binding molecules may comprise an antibody sequence. In specific embodiments, the terms refer to an antibody that comprises a variable region and constant region of human origin. “Fully human” antibodies, in certain embodiments, can also encompass antibodies which bind polypeptides and are encoded by nucleic acid sequences which are naturally occurring somatic variants of human germline immunoglobulin nucleic acid sequence. The term “fully human antibody” includes antibodies having variable and constant regions corresponding to human germline immunoglobulin sequences as described by Kabat et al. (See Kabat et al. (1991) Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, Fifth Edition, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIH Publication No. 91-3242) . A “human antibody” is one that possesses an amino acid sequence which corresponds to that of an antibody produced by a human and / or has been made using any of the techniques for making human antibodies. This definition of a human antibody specifically excludes a humanized antibody comprising non-human antigen-binding residues. Human antibodies can be produced using various techniques known in the art, including phage-display libraries (Hoogenboom and Winter, J. Mol. Biol. 227: 381 (1991) ; Marks et al., J. Mol. Biol. 222: 581 (1991) ) and yeast display libraries (Chao et al., Nature Protocols 1: 755-68 (2006) ) . Also available for the preparation of human monoclonal antibodies are methods described in Cole et al., Monoclonal Antibodies and Cancer Therapy 77 (1985) ; Boerner et al., J. Immunol. 147 (1) : 86-95 (1991) ; and van Dijk and van de Winkel, Curr. Opin. Pharmacol. 5: 368-74 (2001) . Human antibodies can be prepared by administering the antigen to a transgenic animal that has been modified to produce such antibodies in response to antigenic challenge, but whose endogenous loci have been disabled, e.g., mice (see, e.g., Jakobovits, Curr. Opin. Biotechnol. 6 (5) : 561-66 (1995) ; Brüggemann and Taussing, Curr. Opin. Biotechnol. 8 (4) : 455-58 (1997) ; and U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,075,181 and 6,150,584 regarding XENOMOUSETM technology) . See also, for example, Li et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 103: 3557-62 (2006) regarding human antibodies generated via a human B-cell hybridoma technology.
[0074] In certain embodiments, the binding molecules or antigen binding domains can comprise portions of a “recombinant human antibody, ” wherein the phrase includes human antibodies that are prepared, expressed, created or isolated by recombinant means, such as antibodies expressed using a recombinant expression vector transfected into a host cell, antibodies isolated from a recombinant, combinatorial human antibody library, antibodies isolated from an animal (e.g., a mouse or cow) that is transgenic and / or transchromosomal for human immunoglobulin genes (see, e.g., Taylor, L. D. et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 20: 6287-6295 (1992) ) or antibodies prepared, expressed, created or isolated by any other means that involves splicing of human immunoglobulin gene sequences to other DNA sequences. Such recombinant human antibodies can have variable and constant regions derived from human germline immunoglobulin sequences (See Kabat, E. A. et al. (1991) Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, Fifth Edition, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, NIH Publication No. 91-3242) . However, such recombinant human antibodies may be subjected to in vitro mutagenesis (or, when an animal transgenic for human Ig sequences is used, in vivo somatic mutagenesis) and thus the amino acid sequences of the VH and VL regions of the recombinant antibodies are sequences that, while derived from and related to human germline VH and VL sequences, may not naturally exist within the human antibody germline repertoire in vivo.
[0075] In certain embodiments, the binding molecules or antigen binding domains can comprise a portion of a “monoclonal antibody, ” wherein the term as used herein refers to an antibody obtained from a population of substantially homogeneous antibodies, e.g., the individual antibodies comprising the population are identical except for possible naturally occurring mutations that may be present in minor amounts or well-known post-translational modifications such as amino acid iomerizatio or deamidation, methionine oxidation or asparagine or glutamine deamidation, each monoclonal antibody will typically recognize a single epitope on the antigen. In specific embodiments, a “monoclonal antibody, ” as used herein, is an antibody produced by a single hybridoma or other cell. The term “monoclonal” is not limited to any particular method for making the antibody. For example, the monoclonal antibodies useful in the present disclosure may be prepared by the hybridoma methodology first described by Kohler et al., Nature 256: 495 (1975) , or may be made using recombinant DNA methods in bacterial or eukaryotic animal or plant cells (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,816,567) . The “monoclonal antibodies” may also be isolated from phage antibody libraries using the techniques described in Clackson et al., Nature 352: 624-28 (1991) and Marks et al., J. Mol. Biol. 222: 581-97 (1991) , for example. Other methods for the preparation of clonal cell lines and of monoclonal antibodies expressed thereby are well known in the art. See, e.g., Short Protocols in Molecular Biology (Ausubel et al. eds., 5th ed. 2002) .
[0076] A typical 4-chain antibody unit is a heterotetrameric glycoprotein composed of two identical light (L) chains and two identical heavy (H) chains. In the case of IgGs, the 4-chain unit is generally about 150,000 daltons. Each L chain is linked to an H chain by one covalent disulfide bond, while the two H chains are linked to each other by one or more disulfide bonds depending on the H chain isotype. Each H and L chain also has regularly spaced intrachain disulfide bridges. Each H chain has at the N-terminus, a variable domain (VH) followed by three constant domains (CH) for each of the α and γ chains and four CH domains for μ and ε isotypes. Each L chain has at the N-terminus, a variable domain (VL) followed by a constant domain (CL) at its other end. The VL is aligned with the VH, and the CL is aligned with the first constant domain of the heavy chain (CH1) . Particular amino acid residues are believed to form an interface between the light chain and heavy chain variable domains. The pairing of a VH and VL together forms a single antigen-binding site. For the structure and properties of the different classes of antibodies, see, for example, Basic and Clinical Immunology 71 (Stites et al. eds., 8th ed. 1994) ; and Immunobiology (Janeway et al. eds., 5th ed. 2001) .
[0077] The term “Fab” or “Fab region” refers to an antibody region that binds to antigens. A conventional IgG usually comprises two Fab regions, each residing on one of the two arms of the Y-shaped IgG structure. Each Fab region is typically composed of one variable region and one constant region of each of the heavy and the light chain. More specifically, the variable region and the constant region of the heavy chain in a Fab region are VH and CH1 regions, and the variable region and the constant region of the light chain in a Fab region are VL and CL regions. The VH, CH1, VL, and CL in a Fab region can be arranged in various ways to confer an antigen binding capability according to the present disclosure. For example, VH and CH1 regions can be on one polypeptide, and VL and CL regions can be on a separate polypeptide, similarly to a Fab region of a conventional IgG. Alternatively, VH, CH1, VL and CL regions can all be on the same polypeptide and oriented in different orders as described in more detail the sections below.
[0078] The term “variable region, ” “variable domain, ” “V region, ” or “V domain” refers to a portion of the light or heavy chains of an antibody that is generally located at the amino-terminal of the light or heavy chain and has a length of about 120 to 130 amino acids in the heavy chain and about 100 to 110 amino acids in the light chain, and are used in the binding and specificity of each particular antibody for its particular antigen. The variable region of the heavy chain may be referred to as “VH” . The variable region of the light chain may be referred to as “VL” . The term “variable” refers to the fact that certain segments of the variable regions differ extensively in sequence among antibodies. The V region mediates antigen binding and defines specificity of a particular antibody for its particular antigen. However, the variability is not evenly distributed across the 110-amino acid span of the variable regions. Instead, the V regions consist of less variable (e.g., relatively invariant) stretches called framework regions (FRs) of about 15-30 amino acids separated by shorter regions of greater variability (e.g., extreme variability) called “hypervariable regions” that are each about 9-12 amino acids long. The variable regions of heavy and light chains each comprise four FRs, largely adopting a β sheet configuration, connected by three hypervariable regions, which form loops connecting, and in some cases form part of, the βsheet structure. The hypervariable regions in each chain are held together in close proximity by the FRs and, with the hypervariable regions from the other chain, contribute to the formation of the antigen-binding site of antibodies (see, e.g., Kabat et al., Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest (5th ed. 1991) ) . The constant regions are not involved directly in binding an antibody to an antigen, but exhibit various effector functions, such as participation of the antibody in antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) . The variable regions differ extensively in sequence between different antibodies. In specific embodiments, the variable region is a human variable region.
[0079] The term “variable region residue numbering according to Kabat” or “amino acid position numbering as in Kabat” , and variations thereof, refer to the numbering system used for heavy chain variable regions or light chain variable regions of the compilation of antibodies in Kabat et al., supra. Using this numbering system, the actual linear amino acid sequence may contain fewer or additional amino acids corresponding to a shortening of, or insertion into, an FR or CDR of the variable domain. For example, a heavy chain variable domain may include a single amino acid insert (residue 52a according to Kabat) after residue 52 and three inserted residues (e.g., residues 82a, 82b, and 82c, etc. according to Kabat) after residue 82. The Kabat numbering of residues may be determined for a given antibody by alignment at regions of homology of the sequence of the antibody with a “standard” Kabat numbered sequence. The Kabat numbering system is generally used when referring to a residue in the variable domain (approximately residues 1-107 of the light chain and residues 1-113 of the heavy chain) (e.g., Kabat et al., supra) . The “EU numbering system” or “EU index” is generally used when referring to a residue in an immunoglobulin heavy chain constant region (e.g., the EU index reported in Kabat et al., supra) . The “EU index as in Kabat” refers to the residue numbering of the human IgG 1 EU antibody. Other numbering systems have been described, for example, by AbM, Chothia, Contact, IMGT, and AHon.
[0080] The term “heavy chain” when used in reference to an antibody refers to a polypeptide chain of about 50-70 kDa, wherein the amino-terminal portion includes a variable region of about 120 to 130 or more amino acids, and a carboxy-terminal portion includes a constant region. The constant region can be one of five distinct types, (e.g., isotypes) referred to as alpha (α) , delta (δ) , epsilon (ε) , gamma (γ) , and mu (μ) , based on the amino acid sequence of the heavy chain constant region. The distinct heavy chains differ in size: α, δ, and γ contain approximately 450 amino acids, while μ and ε contain approximately 550 amino acids. When combined with a light chain, these distinct types of heavy chains give rise to five well known classes (e.g., isotypes) of antibodies, IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM, respectively, including four subclasses of IgG, namely IgG1, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4.
[0081] The term “light chain” when used in reference to an antibody refers to a polypeptide chain of about 25 kDa, wherein the amino-terminal portion includes a variable region of about 100 to about 110 or more amino acids, and a carboxy-terminal portion includes a constant region. The approximate length of a light chain is 211 to 217 amino acids. There are two distinct types, referred to as kappa (κ) or lambda (λ) based on the amino acid sequence of the constant domains.
[0082] As used herein, the terms “hypervariable region, ” “HVR, ” “Complementarity Determining Region, ” and “CDR” are used interchangeably. A “CDR” refers to one of three hypervariable regions (H1, H2 or H3) within the non-framework region of the immunoglobulin (Ig or antibody) VH β-sheet framework, or one of three hypervariable regions (L1, L2 or L3) within the non-framework region of the antibody VL β-sheet framework. CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 in VH domain are also referred to as HCDR1, HCDR2 and HCDR3, respectively. CDR1, CDR2 and CDR3 in VL domain are also referred to as LCDR1, LCDR2 and LCDR3, respectively. Accordingly, CDRs are variable region sequences interspersed within the framework region sequences.
[0083] CDR regions are well known to those skilled in the art and have been defined by well-known numbering systems. For example, the Kabat Complementarity Determining Regions (CDRs) are based on sequence variability and are the most commonly used (see, e.g., Kabat et al., supra; Nick Deschacht et al., J Immunol 2010; 184: 5696-5704) . Chothia refers instead to the location of the structural loops (see, e.g., Chothia and Lesk, J. Mol. Biol. 196: 901-17 (1987) ) . The end of the Chothia CDR-H1 loop when numbered using the Kabat numbering convention varies between H32 and H34 depending on the length of the loop (this is because the Kabat numbering scheme places the insertions at H35A and H35B; if neither 35A nor 35B is present, the loop ends at 32; if only 35A is present, the loop ends at 33; if both 35A and 35B are present, the loop ends at 34) . The AbM hypervariable regions represent a compromise between the Kabat CDRs and Chothia structural loops, and are used by Oxford Molecular’s AbM antibody modeling software (see, e.g., Antibody Engineering Vol. 2 (Kontermann and Dübel eds., 2d ed. 2010) ) . The “contact” hypervariable regions are based on an analysis of the available complex crystal structures. Another universal numbering system that has been developed and widely adopted is ImMunoGeneTics (IMGT) Information (Lafranc et al., Dev. Comp. Immunol. 27 (1) : 55-77 (2003) ) . IMGT is an integrated information system specializing in immunoglobulins (IG) , T-cell receptors (TCR) , and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) of human and other vertebrates. Herein, the CDRs are referred to in terms of both the amino acid sequence and the location within the light or heavy chain. As the “location” of the CDRs within the structure of the immunoglobulin variable domain is conserved between species and present in structures called loops, by using numbering systems that align variable domain sequences according to structural features, CDR and framework residues are readily identified. This information can be used in grafting and replacement of CDR residues from immunoglobulins of one species into an acceptor framework from, typically, a human antibody. An additional numbering system (AHon) has been developed by Honegger and Plückthun, J. Mol. Biol. 309: 657-70 (2001) . Correspondence between the numbering system, including, for example, the Kabat numbering and the IMGT unique numbering system, is well known to one skilled in the art (see, e.g., Kabat, supra; Chothia and Lesk, supra; Martin, supra; Lefranc et al., supra) . The residues from each of these hypervariable regions or CDRs are exemplified in Table 1 below. Table 1. Exemplary CDRs According to Various Numbering Systems
[0084] The boundaries of a given CDR may vary depending on the scheme used for identification. Thus, unless otherwise specified, the terms “CDR” and “complementary determining region” of a given antibody or region thereof, such as a variable region, as well as individual CDRs (e.g., CDR-H1, CDR-H2) of the antibody or region thereof, should be understood to encompass the complementary determining region as defined by any of the known schemes described herein above. In some instances, the scheme for identification of a particular CDR or CDRs is specified, such as the CDR as defined by the IMGT, Kabat, Chothia, AbM or Contact method. In other cases, the particular amino acid sequence of a CDR is given. It should be noted CDR regions may also be defined by a combination of various numbering systems, e.g., a combination of Kabat and Chothia numbering systems, a combination of Kabat and AbM numbering systems, or a combination of Kabat and IMGT numbering systems. Therefore, the term such as “aCDR1 as set forth in a specific VH or VHH” includes any CDR1 as defined by the exemplary CDR numbering systems described above, but is not limited thereby. Once a variable region (e.g., a VHH, VH or VL) is given, those skilled in the art would understand that CDRs within the region can be defined by different numbering systems or combinations thereof.
[0085] Hypervariable regions may comprise “extended hypervariable regions” as follows: 24-36 or 24-34 (L1) , 46-56 or 50-56 (L2) , and 89-97 or 89-96 (L3) in the VL, and 26-35 or 26-35A (H1) , 50-65 or 49-65 (H2) , and 93-102, 94-102, or 95-102 (H3) in the VH.
[0086] The term “constant region” or “constant domain” refers to a carboxy terminal portion of the light and heavy chain which is not directly involved in binding of the antibody to antigen but exhibits various effector function, such as interaction with the Fc receptor. The term refers to the portion of an immunoglobulin molecule having a more conserved amino acid sequence relative to the other portion of the immunoglobulin, the variable region, which contains the antigen binding site. The constant region may contain the CH1, CH2, and CH3 regions of the heavy chain and the CL region of the light chain.
[0087] The term “framework” or “FR” refers to those variable region residues flanking the CDRs. FR residues are present, for example, in chimeric, humanized, human, domain antibodies, diabodies, linear antibodies, and bispecific antibodies. FR residues are those variable domain residues other than the hypervariable region residues or CDR residues.
[0088] The term “Fc region” herein is used to define a C-terminal region of an immunoglobulin heavy chain, including, for example, native sequence Fc regions, recombinant Fc regions, and variant Fc regions. Although the boundaries of the Fc region of an immunoglobulin heavy chain might vary, the human IgG heavy chain Fc region is often defined to stretch from an amino acid residue at position Cys226, or from Pro230, to the carboxyl-terminus thereof. The C-terminal lysine (residue 447 according to the EU numbering system) of the Fc region may be removed, for example, during production or purification of the antibody, or by recombinantly engineering the nucleic acid encoding a heavy chain of the antibody. Accordingly, a composition of intact antibodies may comprise antibody populations with all K447 residues removed, antibody populations with no K447 residues removed, and antibody populations having a mixture of antibodies with and without the K447 residue. A “functional Fc region” possesses an “effector function” of a native sequence Fc region. Exemplary “effector functions” include C1q binding; CDC; Fc receptor binding; ADCC; phagocytosis; downregulation of cell surface receptors (e.g., B cell receptor) , etc. Such effector functions generally require the Fc region to be combined with a binding region or binding domain (e.g., an antibody variable region or domain) and can be assessed using various assays known to those skilled in the art. A “variant Fc region” comprises an amino acid sequence which differs from that of a native sequence Fc region by virtue of at least one amino acid modification (e.g., substituting, addition, or deletion) . The variant Fc region may have at least one amino acid substitution compared to a native sequence Fc region or to the Fc region of a parent polypeptide, for example, from about one to about ten amino acid substitutions, or from about one to about five amino acid substitutions in a native sequence Fc region or in the Fc region of a parent polypeptide. The variant Fc region herein can possess at least about 80%homology with a native sequence Fc region and / or with an Fc region of a parent polypeptide, or at least about 90%homology therewith, for example, at least about 95%homology therewith.
[0089] As used herein, an “epitope” is a term in the art and refers to a localized region of an antigen to which a binding molecule (e.g., an antibody) can specifically bind. An epitope can be a linear epitope or a conformational, non-linear, or discontinuous epitope. In the case of a polypeptide antigen, for example, an epitope can be contiguous amino acids of the polypeptide (a “linear” epitope) or an epitope can comprise amino acids from two or more non-contiguous regions of the polypeptide (a “conformational, ” “non-linear” or “discontinuous” epitope) . It will be appreciated by one of skill in the art that, in general, a linear epitope may or may not be dependent on secondary, tertiary, or quaternary structure. For example, in some embodiments, a binding molecule binds to a group of amino acids regardless of whether they are folded in a natural three-dimensional protein structure. In other embodiments, a binding molecule requires amino acid residues making up the epitope to exhibit a particular conformation (e.g., bend, twist, turn or fold) in order to recognize and bind the epitope.
[0090] “Percent (%) amino acid sequence identity” and “homology” with respect to a peptide, polypeptide or antibody sequence are defined as the percentage of amino acid residues in a candidate sequence that are identical with the amino acid residues in the specific peptide or polypeptide sequence, after aligning the sequences and introducing gaps, if necessary, to achieve the maximum percent sequence identity, and not considering any conservative substitutions as part of the sequence identity. Alignment for purposes of determining percent amino acid sequence identity can be achieved in various ways that are within the skill in the art, for instance, using publicly available computer software such as BLAST, BLAST-2, CLUSTAL, ALIGN or MEGALIGNTM (DNASTAR) software. Those skilled in the art can determine appropriate parameters for measuring alignment, including any algorithms needed to achieve maximal alignment over the full length of the sequences being compared.
[0091] The term “specificity” refers to selective recognition of an antigen binding protein (such as a CAR or an antibody) for a particular epitope of an antigen. Natural antibodies, for example, are monospecific. The term "multispecific" as used herein denotes that an antigen binding protein (such as a CAR or an antibody) has two or more antigen-binding sites of which bindat least two antigen molecules, while the antigens can be same or different. "Bispecific" as used herein denotes that an antigen binding protein (such as a CAR or an antibody) has two different antigen-binding specificities. The term "monospecific" as used herein denotes an antigen binding protein (such as a CAR or an antibody) that has one binding site each of which bind the same antigen.
[0092] The term “valent” as used herein denotes the presence of a specified number of binding sites in an antigen binding protein (such as a CAR or an antibody) . A natural antibody for example or a full-length antibody has two binding sites and is bivalent. As such, the terms "trivalent" , "tetravalent" , "pentavalent" and "hexavalent" denote the presence of two binding site, three binding sites, four binding sites, five binding sites, and six binding sites, respectively, in an antigen binding protein (such as a CAR or an antibody) .
[0093] “Chimeric antigen receptor” or “CAR” as used herein refers to genetically engineered receptors, which can be used to graft one or more antigen specificity onto immune cells, such as T cells. Some CARs are also known as “artificial T-cell receptors, ” “chimeric T cell receptors, ” or “chimeric immune receptors. ” The CAR may comprise an extracellular antigen binding domain specific for one or more antigens (such as tumor antigens) , a transmembrane domain, and an intracellular signaling domain of a T cell and / or other receptors. “CAR-T cell” refers to a T cell that expresses a CAR.
[0094] The terms “polypeptide” and “peptide” and “protein” are used interchangeably herein and refer to polymers of amino acids of any length. The polymer may be linear or branched, it may comprise modified amino acids, and it may be interrupted by non-amino acids. The terms also encompass an amino acid polymer that has been modified naturally or by intervention; for example, disulfide bond formation, glycosylation, lipidation, acetylation, phosphorylation, or any other manipulation or modification. Also included within the definition are, for example, polypeptides containing one or more analogs of an amino acid, including but not limited to, unnatural amino acids, as well as other modifications known in the art. It is understood that, because the polypeptides of this disclosure may be based upon antibodies or other members of the immunoglobulin superfamily, a “polypeptide” can occur as a single chain or as two or more associated chains.
[0095] “Polynucleotide” or “nucleic acid, ” as used interchangeably herein, refers to polymers of nucleotides of any length and includes DNA and RNA. The nucleotides can be deoxyribonucleotides, ribonucleotides, modified nucleotides or bases, and / or their analogs, or any substrate that can be incorporated into a polymer by DNA or RNA polymerase or by a synthetic reaction. A polynucleotide may comprise modified nucleotides, such as methylated nucleotides and their analogs. “Oligonucleotide, ” as used herein, refers to short, generally single-stranded, synthetic polynucleotides that are generally, but not necessarily, fewer than about 200 nucleotides in length. The terms “oligonucleotide” and “polynucleotide” are not mutually exclusive. The description above for polynucleotides is equally and fully applicable to oligonucleotides. A cell that produces a binding molecule of the present disclosure may include a parent hybridoma cell, as well as bacterial and eukaryotic host cells into which nucleic acids encoding the antibodies have been introduced. Unless specified otherwise, the left-hand end of any single-stranded polynucleotide sequence disclosed herein is the 5’ end; the left-hand direction of double-stranded polynucleotide sequences is referred to as the 5’ direction. The direction of 5’ to 3’ addition of nascent RNA transcripts is referred to as the transcription direction; sequence regions on the DNA strand having the same sequence as the RNA transcript that are 5’ to the 5’ end of the RNA transcript are referred to as “upstream sequences” ; sequence regions on the DNA strand having the same sequence as the RNA transcript that are 3’ to the 3’ end of the RNA transcript are referred to as “downstream sequences. ”
[0096] An “isolated nucleic acid” is a nucleic acid, for example, an RNA, DNA, or a mixed nucleic acid, which is substantially separated from other genome DNA sequences as well as proteins or complexes such as ribosomes and polymerases, which naturally accompany a native sequence. An “isolated” nucleic acid molecule is one which is separated from other nucleic acid molecules which are present in the natural source of the nucleic acid molecule. Moreover, an “isolated” nucleic acid molecule, such as a cDNA molecule, can be substantially free of other cellular material, or culture medium when produced by recombinant techniques, or substantially free of chemical precursors or other chemicals when chemically synthesized. In a specific embodiment, one or more nucleic acid molecules encoding an antibody as described herein are isolated or purified. The term embraces nucleic acid sequences that have been removed from their naturally occurring environment, and includes recombinant or cloned DNA isolates and chemically synthesized analogues or analogues biologically synthesized by heterologous systems. A substantially pure molecule may include isolated forms of the molecule. Specifically, an “isolated” nucleic acid molecule encoding a CAR or an antibody described herein is a nucleic acid molecule that is identified and separated from at least one contaminant nucleic acid molecule with which it is ordinarily associated in the environment in which it was produced.
[0097] Unless otherwise specified, a “nucleotide sequence encoding an amino acid sequence” includes all nucleotide sequences that are degenerate versions of each other and that encode the same amino acid sequence. The phrase nucleotide sequence that encodes a protein or an RNA may also include introns to the extent that the nucleotide sequence encoding the protein may in some version contain an intron (s) .
[0098] The term “control sequences” refers to DNA sequences necessary for the expression of an operably linked coding sequence in a particular host organism. The control sequences that are suitable for prokaryotes, for example, include a promoter, optionally an operator sequence, and a ribosome binding site. Eukaryotic cells are known to utilize promoters, polyadenylation signals, and enhancers.
[0099] As used herein, the term “operatively linked, ” and similar phrases (e.g., genetically fused) , when used in reference to nucleic acids or amino acids, refer to the operational linkage of nucleic acid sequences or amino acid sequence, respectively, placed in functional relationships with each other. For example, an operatively linked promoter, enhancer elements, open reading frame, 5'a nd 3'UTR, and terminator sequences result in the accurate production of a nucleic acid molecule (e.g., RNA) . In some embodiments, operatively linked nucleic acid elements result in the transcription of an open reading frame and ultimately the production of a polypeptide (i.e., expression of the open reading frame) . As another example, an operatively linked peptide is one in which the functional domains are placed with appropriate distance from each other to impart the intended function of each domain.
[0100] The term “vector” refers to a substance that is used to carry or include a nucleic acid sequence, including for example, a nucleic acid sequence encoding a binding molecule (e.g., an antibody) as described herein, in order to introduce a nucleic acid sequence into a host cell. Vectors applicable for use include, for example, expression vectors, plasmids, phage vectors, viral vectors, episomes, and artificial chromosomes, which can include selection sequences or markers operable for stable integration into a host cell’s chromosome. Additionally, the vectors can include one or more selectable marker genes and appropriate expression control sequences. Selectable marker genes that can be included, for example, provide resistance to antibiotics or toxins, complement auxotrophic deficiencies, or supply critical nutrients not in the culture media. Expression control sequences can include constitutive and inducible promoters, transcription enhancers, transcription terminators, and the like, which are well known in the art. When two or more nucleic acid molecules are to be co-expressed (e.g., both an antibody heavy and light chain or an antibody VH and VL) , both nucleic acid molecules can be inserted, for example, into a single expression vector or in separate expression vectors. For single vector expression, the encoding nucleic acids can be operationally linked to one common expression control sequence or linked to different expression control sequences, such as one inducible promoter and one constitutive promoter. The introduction of nucleic acid molecules into a host cell can be confirmed using methods well known in the art. Such methods include, for example, nucleic acid analysis such as Northern blots or polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of mRNA, immunoblotting for expression of gene products, or other suitable analytical methods to test the expression of an introduced nucleic acid sequence or its corresponding gene product. It is understood by those skilled in the art that the nucleic acid molecules are expressed in a sufficient amount to produce a desired product and it is further understood that expression levels can be optimized to obtain sufficient expression using methods well known in the art.
[0101] The term “host” as used herein refers to an animal, such as a mammal (e.g., a human) .
[0102] The term “host cell” as used herein refers to a particular subject cell that may be transfected with a nucleic acid molecule and the progeny or potential progeny of such a cell. Progeny of such a cell may not be identical to the parent cell transfected with the nucleic acid molecule due to mutations or environmental influences that may occur in succeeding generations or integration of the nucleic acid molecule into the host cell genome.
[0103] As used herein, the term “autologous” is meant to refer to any material derived from the same individual to whom it is later to be re-introduced into the individual.
[0104] “Allogeneic” refers to a graft derived from a different individual of the same species.
[0105] The term “transfected” or “transformed” or “transduced” as used herein refers to a process by which exogenous nucleic acid is transferred or introduced into the host cell. A “transfected” or “transformed” or “transduced” cell is one which has been transfected, transformed or transduced with exogenous nucleic acid. The cell includes the primary subject cell and its progeny.
[0106] The term “pharmaceutically acceptable” as used herein means being approved by a regulatory agency of the Federal or a state government, or listed in United States Pharmacopeia, European Pharmacopeia, or other generally recognized Pharmacopeia for use in animals, and more particularly in humans.
[0107] “Excipient” means a pharmaceutically-acceptable material, composition, or vehicle, such as a liquid or solid filler, diluent, solvent, or encapsulating material. Excipients include, for example, encapsulating materials or additives such as absorption accelerators, antioxidants, binders, buffers, carriers, coating agents, coloring agents, diluents, disintegrating agents, emulsifiers, extenders, fillers, flavoring agents, humectants, lubricants, perfumes, preservatives, propellants, releasing agents, sterilizing agents, sweeteners, solubilizers, wetting agents and mixtures thereof. The term “excipient” can also refer to a diluent, adjuvant (e.g., Freunds’ adjuvant (complete or incomplete) or vehicle.
[0108] In some embodiments, excipients are pharmaceutically acceptable excipients. Examples of pharmaceutically acceptable excipients include buffers, such as phosphate, citrate, and other organic acids; antioxidants, including ascorbic acid; low molecular weight (e.g., fewer than about 10 amino acid residues) polypeptide; proteins, such as serum albumin, gelatin, or immunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone; amino acids, such as glycine, glutamine, asparagine, arginine, or lysine; monosaccharides, disaccharides, and other carbohydrates, including glucose, mannose, or dextrins; chelating agents, such as EDTA; sugar alcohols, such as mannitol or sorbitol; salt-forming counterions, such as sodium; and / or nonionic surfactants, such as TWEENTM, polyethylene glycol (PEG) , and PLURONICSTM. Other examples of pharmaceutically acceptable excipients are described in Remington and Gennaro, Remington’s Pharmaceutical Sciences (18th ed. 1990) .
[0109] In one embodiment, each component is “pharmaceutically acceptable” in the sense of being compatible with the other ingredients of a pharmaceutical formulation, and suitable for use in contact with the tissue or organ of humans and animals without excessive toxicity, irritation, allergic response, immunogenicity, or other problems or complications, commensurate with a reasonable benefit / risk ratio. See, e.g., Lippincott Williams &Wilkins: Philadelphia, PA, 2005; Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients, 6th ed.; Rowe et al., Eds.; The Pharmaceutical Press and the American Pharmaceutical Association: 2009; Handbook of Pharmaceutical Additives, 3rd ed.; Ash and Ash Eds.; Gower Publishing Company: 2007; Pharmaceutical Preformulation and Formulation, 2nd ed.; Gibson Ed.; CRC Press LLC: Boca Raton, FL, 2009. In some embodiments, pharmaceutically acceptable excipients are nontoxic to the cell or mammal being exposed thereto at the dosages and concentrations employed. In some embodiments, a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient is an aqueous pH buffered solution.
[0110] In some embodiments, excipients are sterile liquids, such as water and oils, including those of petroleum, animal, vegetable, or synthetic origin, such as peanut oil, soybean oil, mineral oil, sesame oil, and the like. Water is an exemplary excipient when a composition (e.g., a pharmaceutical composition) is administered intravenously. Saline solutions and aqueous dextrose and glycerol solutions can also be employed as liquid excipients, particularly for injectable solutions. An excipient can also include starch, glucose, lactose, sucrose, gelatin, malt, rice, flour, chalk, silica gel, sodium stearate, glycerol monostearate, talc, sodium chloride, dried skim milk, glycerol, propylene, glycol, water, ethanol, and the like. The composition, if desired, can also contain minor amounts of wetting or emulsifying agents, or pH buffering agents. Compositions can take the form of solutions, suspensions, emulsion, tablets, pills, capsules, powders, sustained-release formulations, and the like. Oral compositions, including formulations, can include standard excipients such as pharmaceutical grades of mannitol, lactose, starch, magnesium stearate, sodium saccharine, cellulose, magnesium carbonate, etc.
[0111] Compositions, including pharmaceutical compounds, may contain a binding molecule (e.g., an antibody) , for example, in isolated or purified form, together with a suitable amount of excipients.
[0112] The term “effective amount” or “therapeutically effective amount” as used herein refers to the amount of an antibody or a therapeutic molecule comprising an agent and the antibody or pharmaceutical composition provided herein which is sufficient to result in the desired outcome.
[0113] The terms “subject” and “patient” may be used interchangeably. As used herein, in certain embodiments, a subject is a mammal, such as a non-primate or a primate (e.g., human) . In specific embodiments, the subject is a human. In one embodiment, the subject is a mammal, e.g., a human, diagnosed with a disease or disorder. In another embodiment, the subject is a mammal, e.g., a human, at risk of developing a disease or disorder.
[0114] “Administer” or “administration” refers to the act of injecting or otherwise physically delivering a substance as it exists outside the body into a patient, such as by mucosal, intradermal, intravenous, intramuscular delivery, and / or any other method of physical delivery described herein or known in the art.
[0115] As used herein, the terms “treat, ” “treatment” and “treating” refer to the reduction or amelioration of the progression, severity, and / or duration of a disease or condition resulting from the administration of one or more therapies. Treating may be determined by assessing whether there has been a decrease, alleviation and / or mitigation of one or more symptoms associated with the underlying disorder such that an improvement is observed with the patient, despite that the patient may still be afflicted with the underlying disorder. The term “treating” includes both managing and ameliorating the disease. The terms “manage, ” “managing, ” and “management” refer to the beneficial effects that a subject derives from a therapy which does not necessarily result in a cure of the disease.
[0116] The terms “prevent, ” “preventing, ” and “prevention” refer to reducing the likelihood of the onset (or recurrence) of a disease, disorder, condition, or associated symptom (s) (e.g., diabetes or a cancer) .
[0117] As used herein, “delaying” the development of cancer means to defer, hinder, slow, retard, stabilize, and / or postpone development of the disease. This delay can be of varying lengths of time, depending on the history of the disease and / or individual being treated. As is evident to one skilled in the art, a sufficient or significant delay can, in effect, encompass prevention, in that the individual does not develop the disease. A method that "delays" development of cancer is a method that reduces probability of disease development in a given time frame and / or reduces the extent of the disease in a given time frame, when compared to not using the method. Such comparisons are typically based on clinical studies, using a statistically significant number of individuals. Cancer development can be detectable using standard methods, including, but not limited to, computerized axial tomography (CAT Scan) , Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) , abdominal ultrasound, clotting tests, arteriography, or biopsy. Development may also refer to cancer progression that may be initially undetectable and includes occurrence, recurrence, and onset.
[0118] “GPRC5D associated disease or disorder” as used herein refers to a disease or disorder that comprises a cell or tissue in which GPRC5D is expressed or abnormally expressed (e.g., overexpressed) . In some embodiments, GPRC5D associated disease or disorder comprises a cell on which GPRC5D is abnormally expressed. In other embodiments, GPRC5D associated disease or disorder comprises a cell in or on which GPRC5D is deficient in at least one of its activities. In some embodiments, the GPRC5D associated disease or disorder is cancer, such as multiple myeloma.
[0119] The terms “about” and “approximately” mean within 20%, within 15%, within 10%, within 9%, within 8%, within 7%, within 6%, within 5%, within 4%, within 3%, within 2%, within 1%, or less of a given value or range.
[0120] As used in the present disclosure and claims, the singular forms “a” , “an” and “the” include plural forms unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0121] It is understood that wherever embodiments are described herein with the term “comprising” otherwise analogous embodiments described in terms of “consisting of” and / or “consisting essentially of” are also provided. It is also understood that wherever embodiments are described herein with the phrase “consisting essentially of” otherwise analogous embodiments described in terms of “consisting of” are also provided.
[0122] The term “between” as used in a phrase as such “between A and B” or “between A-B”refers to a range including both A and B.
[0123] The term “and / or” as used in a phrase such as “A and / or B” herein is intended to include both A and B; A or B; A (alone) ; and B (alone) . Likewise, the term “and / or” as used in a phrase such as “A, B, and / or C” is intended to encompass each of the following embodiments: A, B, and C; A, B, or C; A or C; A or B; B or C; A and C; A and B; B and C; A (alone) ; B (alone) ; and C (alone) .
[0124] “In vivo cell therapy” involves the direct genetic modification of existing cells within a patient's body, such as immune cells (e.g., T cells, NK cells) or stem cells, to achieve a therapeutic outcome. This process delivers genetic material, such as genes for chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) or gene-editing tools, directly to these target cells in situ. The modifications can introduce new genetic sequences, knock out or knock down specific genes, or precisely edit existing genes. This approach contrasts with ex vivo methods by performing all cellular modifications directly within the physiological environment of the patient, thereby eliminating the need for cell extraction, modification, and reintroduction. 5.2. Chimeric Antigen Receptors
[0125] In one aspect, provided herein is a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) comprising an extracellular antigen binding domain comprising at least two binding moieties, and the first binding moiety compsies a first single domain antibody (e.g., VHH domain) that binds to GPRC5D and the second binding moiety comprises a second single domain antibody (e.g., VHH domain) that binds to GPRC5D, and the first and the second VHH domains are each independently selected from the VHH domains described herein. Other components of the present bivalent CARs are described in more detail below. Exemplary CARs comprising the present VHH domains (i.e., VHH-based CARs) are illustrated in more detailed in this Section and Section 6 below. 5.2.1. Extracellular Antigen Binding Domain
[0126] The extracellular antigen binding domain of the CARs described herein comprises two or more (such as any one of 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or more) single domain antibodies. The single domain antibodies can be fused to each other directly via peptide bonds, or via peptide linkers. The sdAbs may be of the same or different origins, and of the same or different sizes.
[0127] In some embodiments, each of the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibodies provided in the present bivalent CAR binds to GPRC5D (e.g., human GPRC5D) with a dissociation constant (KD) of ≤ 1μM, ≤ 100 nM, ≤ 10 nM, ≤ 1 nM, ≤ 0.1 nM, ≤ 0.01 nM, or ≤ 0.001 nM (e.g. 10-8 M or less, e.g. from 10-8 M to 10-13 M, e.g., from 10-9 M to 10-13 M) . A variety of methods of measuring binding affinity are known in the art, any of which can be used for purposes of the present disclosure, including by RIA, for example, performed with the Fab version of an antibody of interest and its antigen (Chen et al., 1999, J. Mol Biol 293: 865-81) ; by biolayer interferometry (BLI) or surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assays by using, for example, an system, or by using, for example, a or a An “on-rate” or “rate of association” or “association rate” or “kon” may also be determined with the same biolayer interferometry (BLI) or surface plasmon resonance (SPR) techniques described above using, for example, the the or the system.
[0128] In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibodies provided herein are anti-GPRC5D VHH domains. Exemplary anti-GPRC5D VHH domains provided herein include AS300399, AS300399H7, AS302399, AS302399H4, AS302553, AS302553H5, AS302558, AS302558H5, AS308506, and AS308506H4, as described in Section 6 below and shown in Table 2. Table 2: Examplary anti-GPRC5D VHH Domains
[0129] Thus, in some embodiments, the single domain antibody in the present bivalent CARs provided herein comprises one or more CDR sequences of any one of AS300399, AS300399H7, AS302399, AS302399H4, AS302553, AS302553H5, AS302558, AS302558H5, AS308506, and / or AS308506H4. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody provided herein that binds to GPRC5D comprises the following structure: FR1-CDR1-FR2-CDR2-FR3-CDR3-FR4, wherein the CDR sequences are selected from those in AS300399, AS300399H7, AS302399, AS302399H4, AS302553, AS302553H5, AS302558, AS302558H5, AS308506, and / or AS308506H4.
[0130] In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody in the present bivalent CARs provided herein comprises one, two, or all three CDRs of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody provided herein comprises one, two, or all three CDRs of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody provided herein comprises one, two, or all three CDRs of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody provided herein comprises one, two, or all three CDRs of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody provided herein comprises one, two, or all three CDRs of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody provided herein comprises one, two, or all three CDRs of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody provided herein comprises one, two, or all three CDRs of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody provided herein comprises one, two, or all three CDRs of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody provided herein comprises one, two, or all three CDRs of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody provided herein comprises one, two, or all three CDRs of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is camelid. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprises an acceptor human framework, e.g., a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework.
[0131] In some embodiments, the single domain antibody in the present bivalent CARs provided herein comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having amino acid sequences of the CDR1, the CDR2, and the CDR3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1. CDR sequences can be determined according to well-known numbering systems, for example, a numbering system according to Table 1. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to IMGT numbering scheme. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Kabat numbering scheme. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to AbM numbering scheme. In other embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Chothia numbering scheme. In other embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Contact numbering scheme. The CDRs may be determined according to a combination of any numbering scheme described above. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is camelid. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprises an acceptor human framework, e.g., a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework.
[0132] In some embodiments, the single domain antibody in the present bivalent CARs provided herein comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having amino acid sequences of the CDR1, the CDR2, and the CDR3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2. CDR sequences can be determined according to well-known numbering systems, for example, a numbering system according to Table 1. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to IMGT numbering scheme. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Kabat numbering scheme. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to AbM numbering scheme. In other embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Chothia numbering scheme. In other embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Contact numbering scheme. The CDRs may be determined according to a combination of any numbering scheme described above. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is camelid. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprises an acceptor human framework, e.g., a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework.
[0133] In some embodiments, the single domain antibody in the present bivalent CARs provided herein comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having amino acid sequences of the CDR1, the CDR2, and the CDR3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3. CDR sequences can be determined according to well-known numbering systems, for example, a numbering system according to Table 1. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to IMGT numbering scheme. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Kabat numbering scheme. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to AbM numbering scheme. In other embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Chothia numbering scheme. In other embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Contact numbering scheme. The CDRs may be determined according to a combination of any numbering scheme described above. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is camelid. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprises an acceptor human framework, e.g., a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework.
[0134] In some embodiments, the single domain antibody in the present bivalent CARs provided herein comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having amino acid sequences of the CDR1, the CDR2, and the CDR3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4. CDR sequences can be determined according to well-known numbering systems, for example, a numbering system according to Table 1. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to IMGT numbering scheme. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Kabat numbering scheme. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to AbM numbering scheme. In other embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Chothia numbering scheme. In other embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Contact numbering scheme. The CDRs may be determined according to a combination of any numbering scheme described above. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is camelid. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprises an acceptor human framework, e.g., a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework.
[0135] In some embodiments, the single domain antibody in the present bivalent CARs provided herein comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having amino acid sequences of the CDR1, the CDR2, and the CDR3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5. CDR sequences can be determined according to well-known numbering systems, for example, a numbering system according to Table 1. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to IMGT numbering scheme. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Kabat numbering scheme. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to AbM numbering scheme. In other embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Chothia numbering scheme. In other embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Contact numbering scheme. The CDRs may be determined according to a combination of any numbering scheme described above. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is camelid. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprises an acceptor human framework, e.g., a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework.
[0136] In some embodiments, the single domain antibody in the present bivalent CARs provided herein comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having amino acid sequences of the CDR1, the CDR2, and the CDR3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6. CDR sequences can be determined according to well-known numbering systems, for example, a numbering system according to Table 1. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to IMGT numbering scheme. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Kabat numbering scheme. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to AbM numbering scheme. In other embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Chothia numbering scheme. In other embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Contact numbering scheme. The CDRs may be determined according to a combination of any numbering scheme described above. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is camelid. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprises an acceptor human framework, e.g., a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework.
[0137] In some embodiments, the single domain antibody in the present bivalent CARs provided herein comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having amino acid sequences of the CDR1, the CDR2, and the CDR3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7. CDR sequences can be determined according to well-known numbering systems, for example, a numbering system according to Table 1. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to IMGT numbering scheme. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Kabat numbering scheme. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to AbM numbering scheme. In other embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Chothia numbering scheme. In other embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Contact numbering scheme. The CDRs may be determined according to a combination of any numbering scheme described above. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is camelid. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprises an acceptor human framework, e.g., a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework.
[0138] In some embodiments, the single domain antibody in the present bivalent CARs provided herein comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having amino acid sequences of the CDR1, the CDR2, and the CDR3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8. CDR sequences can be determined according to well-known numbering systems, for example, a numbering system according to Table 1. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to IMGT numbering scheme. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Kabat numbering scheme. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to AbM numbering scheme. In other embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Chothia numbering scheme. In other embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Contact numbering scheme. The CDRs may be determined according to a combination of any numbering scheme described above. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is camelid. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprises an acceptor human framework, e.g., a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework.
[0139] In some embodiments, the single domain antibody in the present bivalent CARs provided herein comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having amino acid sequences of the CDR1, the CDR2, and the CDR3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9. CDR sequences can be determined according to well-known numbering systems, for example, a numbering system according to Table 1. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to IMGT numbering scheme. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Kabat numbering scheme. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to AbM numbering scheme. In other embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Chothia numbering scheme. In other embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Contact numbering scheme. The CDRs may be determined according to a combination of any numbering scheme described above. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is camelid. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprises an acceptor human framework, e.g., a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework.
[0140] In some embodiments, the single domain antibody in the present bivalent CARs provided herein comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having amino acid sequences of the CDR1, the CDR2, and the CDR3 as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10. CDR sequences can be determined according to well-known numbering systems, for example, a numbering system according to Table 1. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to IMGT numbering scheme. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Kabat numbering scheme. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to AbM numbering scheme. In other embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Chothia numbering scheme. In other embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Contact numbering scheme. The CDRs may be determined according to a combination of any numbering scheme described above. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is camelid. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprises an acceptor human framework, e.g., a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework.
[0141] In some embodiments, the single domain antibody in the bivalent CARs provided herein that binds to GPRC5D comprising the following structure: FR1-CDR1-FR2-CDR2-FR3-CDR3-FR4, wherein (i) the CDR1 comprises an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 34, or SEQ ID NO: 37; (ii) the CDR2 comprises an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, or SEQ ID NO: 38; and / or (iii) the CDR3 comprises an amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 30, or SEQ ID NO: 36. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody provided herein comprises the following structure: FR1-CDR1-FR2-CDR2-FR3-CDR3-FR4, wherein (i) the CDR1 comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 11, SEQ ID NO: 14, SEQ ID NO: 16, SEQ ID NO: 19, SEQ ID NO: 22, SEQ ID NO: 25, SEQ ID NO: 28, SEQ ID NO: 31, SEQ ID NO: 34, or SEQ ID NO: 37; (ii) the CDR2 comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 12, SEQ ID NO: 15, SEQ ID NO: 17, SEQ ID NO: 20, SEQ ID NO: 21, SEQ ID NO: 23, SEQ ID NO: 26, SEQ ID NO: 27, SEQ ID NO: 29, SEQ ID NO: 32, SEQ ID NO: 33, SEQ ID NO: 35, or SEQ ID NO: 38; and / or (iii) the CDR3 comprises an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 13, SEQ ID NO: 18, SEQ ID NO: 24, SEQ ID NO: 30, or SEQ ID NO: 36. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is camelid. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprises an acceptor human framework, e.g., a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework.
[0142] In some embodiments, the CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11; the CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12; and the CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is camelid. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprises an acceptor human framework, e.g., a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework.
[0143] In some embodiments, the CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14; the CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15; and the CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is camelid. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprises an acceptor human framework, e.g., a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework.
[0144] In some embodiments, the CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16; the CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17; and the CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is camelid. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprises an acceptor human framework, e.g., a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework.
[0145] In some embodiments, the CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:19; the CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20; and the CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is camelid. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprises an acceptor human framework, e.g., a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework.
[0146] In some embodiments, the CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19; the CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21; and the CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is camelid. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprises an acceptor human framework, e.g., a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework.
[0147] In some embodiments, the CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22; the CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23; and the CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is camelid. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprises an acceptor human framework, e.g., a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework.
[0148] In some embodiments, the CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25; the CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26; and the CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is camelid. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprises an acceptor human framework, e.g., a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework.
[0149] In some embodiments, the CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25; the CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27; and the CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is camelid. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprises an acceptor human framework, e.g., a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework.
[0150] In some embodiments, the CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28; the CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29; and the CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is camelid. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprises an acceptor human framework, e.g., a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework.
[0151] In some embodiments, the CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 31; the CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 32; and the CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is camelid. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprises an acceptor human framework, e.g., a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework.
[0152] In some embodiments, the CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 31; the CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 33; and the CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is camelid. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprises an acceptor human framework, e.g., a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework.
[0153] In some embodiments, the CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34; the CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35; and the CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is camelid. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprises an acceptor human framework, e.g., a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework.
[0154] In some embodiments, the CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 37; the CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38; and the CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is camelid. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody is humanized. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprises an acceptor human framework, e.g., a human immunoglobulin framework or a human consensus framework.
[0155] In some embodiments, the single domain antibody in the bivalent CARs provided herein further comprises one or more framework regions of AS300399, AS300399H7, AS302399, AS302399H4, AS302553, AS302553H5, AS302558, AS302558H5, AS308506 and / or AS308506H4. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody provided herein comprises one or more framework (s) derived from a VHH domain comprising the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, or SEQ ID NO: 10.
[0156] In some embodiments, the single domain antibody in the bivalent CARs provided herein is a humanized single domain antibody. In some embodiments, humanized single domain antibodies can be generated using the method exemplified in the methods described in the section below.
[0157] Framework regions described herein are determined based upon the boundaries of the CDR numbering system. In other words, if the CDRs are determined by, e.g., Kabat, AbM, IMGT, or Chothia, then the framework regions are the amino acid residues surrounding the CDRs in the variable region in the format, from the N-terminus to C-terminus: FR1-CDR1-FR2-CDR2-FR3-CDR3-FR4. For example, FR1 is defined as the amino acid residues N-terminal to the CDR1 amino acid residues as defined by, e.g., the Kabat numbering system, the AbM numbering system, the IMGT numbering system, or the Chothia numbering system, FR2 is defined as the amino acid residues between CDR1 and CDR2 amino acid residues as defined by, e.g., the Kabat numbering system, the AbM numbering system, the IMGT numbering system, or the Chothia numbering system, FR3 is defined as the amino acid residues between CDR2 and CDR3 amino acid residues as defined by, e.g., the Kabat numbering system, the AbM numbering system, the IMGT numbering system, or the Chothia numbering system, and FR4 is defined as the amino acid residues C-terminal to the CDR3 amino acid residues as defined by, e.g., the Kabat numbering system, the AbM numbering system, the IMGT numbering system, or the Chothia numbering system.
[0158] In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody in the bivalent CARs provided herein comprises a VHH domain having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody provided herein comprises a VHH domain having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody provided herein comprises a VHH domain having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody provided herein comprises a VHH domain having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody provided herein comprises a VHH domain having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody provided herein comprises a VHH domain having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody provided herein comprises a VHH domain having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody provided herein comprises a VHH domain having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody provided herein comprises a VHH domain having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9. In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody provided herein comprises a VHH domain having the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10.
[0159] In certain embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody in the bivalent CARs provided herein comprises amino acid sequences with certain percent identity relative to any one of antibodies AS300399, AS300399H7, AS302399, AS302399H4, AS302553, AS302553H5, AS302558, AS302558H5, AS308506, and AS308506H4.
[0160] The determination of percent identity between two sequences (e.g., amino acid sequences or nucleic acid sequences) can be accomplished using a mathematical algorithm. A non-limiting example of a mathematical algorithm utilized for the comparison of two sequences is the algorithm of Karlin and Altschul, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 87: 2264 2268 (1990) , modified as in Karlin and Altschul, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 90: 5873 5877 (1993) . Such an algorithm is incorporated into the NBLAST and XBLAST programs of Altschul et al., J. Mol. Biol. 215: 403 (1990) . BLAST nucleotide searches can be performed with the NBLAST nucleotide program parameters set, e.g., for score=100, word length=12 to obtain nucleotide sequences homologous to a nucleic acid molecule described herein. BLAST protein searches can be performed with the XBLAST program parameters set, e.g., to score 50, word length=3 to obtain amino acid sequences homologous to a protein molecule described herein. To obtain gapped alignments for comparison purposes, Gapped BLAST can be utilized as described in Altschul et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 25: 3389 3402 (1997) . Alternatively, PSI BLAST can be used to perform an iterated search which detects distant relationships between molecules (Id. ) . When utilizing BLAST, Gapped BLAST, and PSI Blast programs, the default parameters of the respective programs (e.g., of XBLAST and NBLAST) can be used (see, e.g., National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) on the worldwide web, ncbi. nlm. nih. gov) . Another non-limiting example of a mathematical algorithm utilized for the comparison of sequences is the algorithm of Myers and Miller, CABIOS 4: 11-17 (1998) . Such an algorithm is incorporated in the ALIGN program (version 2.0) which is part of the GCG sequence alignment software package. When utilizing the ALIGN program for comparing amino acid sequences, a PAM120 weight residue table, a gap length penalty of 12, and a gap penalty of 4 can be used. The percent identity between two sequences can be determined using techniques similar to those described above, with or without allowing gaps. In calculating percent identity, typically only exact matches are counted.
[0161] In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody in the bivalent CARs provided herein comprises a VHH domain having at least about any one of 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 1-10. In some embodiments, a VHH sequence having at least about any one of 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%identity contains substitutions (e.g., conservative substitutions) , insertions, or deletions relative to the reference sequence, but the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprising that sequence retains the ability to bind to GPRC5D. In some embodiments, a total of 1 to 10 amino acids have been substituted, inserted and / or deleted in an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 1-10. In some embodiments, substitutions, insertions, or deletions occur in regions outside the CDRs (i.e., in the FRs) . Optionally, the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprises an amino acid sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs: 1-10, including post-translational modifications of that sequence.
[0162] In certain embodiments, the single domain antibody in the bivalent CARs described herein comprises a VHH domain having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, 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 the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, wherein the single domain antibody binds to GPRC5D. In certain embodiments, the single domain antibody described herein comprises a VHH domain having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, 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 the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, wherein the single domain antibody binds to GPRC5D. In certain embodiments, the single domain antibody described herein comprises a VHH domain having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, 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 the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3, wherein the single domain antibody binds to GPRC5D. In certain embodiments, the single domain antibody described herein comprises a VHH domain having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, 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 the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4, wherein the single domain antibody binds to GPRC5D. In certain embodiments, the single domain antibody described herein comprises a VHH domain having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, 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 the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5, wherein the single domain antibody binds to GPRC5D. In certain embodiments, the single domain antibody described herein comprises a VHH domain having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, 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 the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6, wherein the single domain antibody binds to GPRC5D. In certain embodiments, the single domain antibody described herein comprises a VHH domain having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, 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 the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7, wherein the single domain antibody binds to GPRC5D. In certain embodiments, the single domain antibody described herein comprises a VHH domain having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, 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 the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8, wherein the single domain antibody binds to GPRC5D. In certain embodiments, the single domain antibody described herein comprises a VHH domain having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, 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 the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9, wherein the single domain antibody binds to GPRC5D. In certain embodiments, the single domain antibody described herein comprises a VHH domain having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, 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 the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10, wherein the single domain antibody binds to GPRC5D.
[0163] In some embodiments, functional epitopes can be mapped, e.g., by combinatorial alanine scanning, to identify amino acids in the GPRC5D protein that are necessary for interaction with anti-GPRC5D single domain antibodies provided herein. In some embodiments, conformational and crystal structure of anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody bound to GPRC5D may be employed to identify the epitopes. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody in the bivalent CARs provided herein binds to the same epitope as any of the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibodies provided herein. For example, in some embodiments, the single domain antibody provided herein binds to the same epitope as an anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody provided herein binds to the same epitope as an anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody provided herein binds to the same epitope as an anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody provided herein binds to the same epitope as an anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody provided herein binds to the same epitope as an anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody provided herein binds to the same epitope as an anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody provided herein binds to the same epitope as an anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody provided herein binds to the same epitope as an anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody provided herein binds to the same epitope as an anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody provided herein binds to the same epitope as an anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10.
[0164] In some embodiments, the single domain antibody in the bivalent CARs provided herein binds to GPRC5D competitively with any one of the anti-GPRC5D single domain antibodies described herein. In some embodiments, competitive binding may be determined using an ELISA assay. For example, in some embodiments, the single domain antibody provided herein specifically binds to GPRC5D competitively with an anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody provided herein specifically binds to GPRC5D competitively with an anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody provided herein binds to GPRC5D competitively with an anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody provided herein specifically binds to GPRC5D competitively with an anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4. In some embodiments the single domain antibody provided herein specifically binds to GPRC5D competitively with an anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody provided herein specifically binds to GPRC5D competitively with an anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody provided herein specifically binds to GPRC5D competitively with an anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody provided herein specifically binds to GPRC5D competitively with an anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody provided herein specifically binds to GPRC5D competitively with an anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 9. In some embodiments, the single domain antibody provided herein specifically binds to GPRC5D competitively with an anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10.
[0165] In some embodiments, the anti-GPRC5D antibody (such as anti-GPRC5D single domain antibody) or antigen binding protein according to any of the above embodiments may incorporate any of the features, singly or in combination, as described in Sections 5.2.1.2 to 5.2.1.4 below.
[0166] Examplary (but non-limiting) extracellular domains of a bivalent CAR provided herein comprising a first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain described above and a second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain described above are provided below.
[0167] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2.
[0168] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4.
[0169] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6.
[0170] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8.
[0171] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.
[0172] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4.
[0173] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6.
[0174] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8.
[0175] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.
[0176] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6.
[0177] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8.
[0178] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.
[0179] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8.
[0180] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.
[0181] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.
[0182] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13.
[0183] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13.
[0184] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18.
[0185] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18.
[0186] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24.
[0187] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24.
[0188] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30.
[0189] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 31; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 33; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30.
[0190] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36.
[0191] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 37; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36.
[0192] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18.
[0193] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18.
[0194] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24.
[0195] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24.
[0196] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30.
[0197] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 31; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 33; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30.
[0198] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36.
[0199] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 37; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36.
[0200] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24.
[0201] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24.
[0202] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30.
[0203] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 31; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 33; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30.
[0204] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36.
[0205] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 37; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36.
[0206] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 31.
[0207] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 31; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 33; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 31; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 33; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30.
[0208] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36.
[0209] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 31; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 33; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 37; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36.
[0210] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36.
[0211] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 37; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 37; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36.
[0212] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2.
[0213] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4.
[0214] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6.
[0215] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8.
[0216] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10.
[0217] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4.
[0218] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6.
[0219] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8.
[0220] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10;
[0221] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6.
[0222] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8.
[0223] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10.
[0224] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8.
[0225] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10.
[0226] In some specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10.
[0227] In some embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain are different VHH domains. In some embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain are the sameVHH domain. In some embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain is at the N-terminus of the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain. In some embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain is at the C-terminus of the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain.
[0228] In some embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain are fused to each other via a peptide linker. Examplary peptide linkers are described below.Peptide Linkers
[0229] In case multiple antibodies (e.g., multiple antibody fragments) are present in the present CARs, the various antibodies may be fused to each other via peptide linkers. In some embodiments, the antibodies are directly fused to each other without any peptide linkers. The peptide linkers connecting different antibodies may be the same or different. Different domains of the CARs may also be fused to each other via peptide linkers.
[0230] Each peptide linker in a CAR may have the same or different length and / or sequence depending on the structural and / or functional features of the antibodies and / or the various domains. Each peptide linker may be selected and optimized independently. The length, the degree of flexibility and / or other properties of the peptide linker (s) used in the CARs may have some influence on properties, including but not limited to the affinity, specificity or avidity for one or more particular antigens or epitopes. For example, longer peptide linkers may be selected to ensure that two adjacent domains do not sterically interfere with one another. In some embodiments, a short peptide linker may be disposed between the transmembrane domain and the intracellular signaling domain of a CAR. In some embodiment, a peptide linker comprises flexible residues (such as glycine and serine) so that the adjacent domains are free to move relative to each other. For example, a glycine-serine doublet can be a suitable peptide linker.
[0231] The peptide linker can be of any suitable length. In some embodiments, the peptide linker is at least about any of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 50, 75, 100 or more amino acids long. In some embodiments, the peptide linker is no more than about any of 100, 75, 50, 40, 35, 30, 25, 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5 or fewer amino acids long. In some embodiments, the length of the peptide linker is any of about 1 amino acid to about 10 amino acids, about 1 amino acids to about 20 amino acids, about 1 amino acid to about 30 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 15 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 25 amino acids, about 5 amino acids to about 30 amino acids, about 10 amino acids to about 30 amino acids long, about 30 amino acids to about 50 amino acids, about 50 amino acids to about 100 amino acids, or about 1 amino acid to about 100 amino acids.
[0232] The peptide linker may have a naturally occurring sequence, or a non-naturally occurring sequence. For example, a sequence derived from the hinge region of heavy chain only antibodies may be used as the linker. See, for example, WO1996 / 34103. In some embodiments, the peptide linker is a flexible linker. Exemplary flexible linkers include but not limited to glycine polymers (G) n, glycine-serine polymers, glycine-alanine polymers, alanine-serine polymers, and other flexible linkers known in the art. Other linkers known in the art, for example, as described in WO2016014789, WO2015158671, WO2016102965, US20150299317, WO2018067992, US7741465, Colcher et al., J. Nat. Cancer Inst. 82: 1191-1197 (1990) , and Bird et al., Science 242: 423-426 (1988) may also be included in the CARs provided herein, the disclosure of each of which is incorporated herein by reference.
[0233] In some specific embodiments, the peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81. In some specific embodiments, the peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 82. 5.2.1.2 Humanized Single Domain Antibodies
[0234] The single domain antibodies described herein include humanized single domain antibodies. General strategies to humanize single domain antibodies from Camelidae species have been described (see, e.g., Vincke et al., J. Biol. Chem., 284 (5) : 3273-3284 (2009) ) and may be useful for producing humanized VHH domains as disclosed herein. The design of humanized single domain antibodies from Camelidae species may include the hallmark residues in the VHH, such as residues 11, 37, 44, 45 and 47 (residue numbering according to Kabat) (Muyldermans, Reviews Mol Biotech 74: 277-302 (2001) .
[0235] Humanized antibodies, such as the humanized single domain antibodies disclosed herein can also be produced using a variety of techniques known in the art, including but not limited to, CDR-grafting (European Patent No. EP 239, 400; International publication No. WO 91 / 09967; and U.S. Patent Nos. 5,225,539, 5,530,101, and 5,585,089) , veneering or resurfacing (European Patent Nos. EP 592, 106 and EP 519, 596; Padlan, Molecular Immunology 28 (4 / 5) : 489-498 (1991) ; Studnicka et al., Protein Engineering 7 (6) : 805-814 (1994) ; and Roguska et al., PNAS 91: 969-973 (1994) ) , chain shuffling (U.S. Patent No. 5,565,332) , and techniques disclosed in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 6,407,213, U.S. Pat. No. 5,766,886, WO 9317105, Tan et al., J. Immunol. 169: 1119 25 (2002) , Caldas et al., Protein Eng. 13 (5) : 353-60 (2000) , Morea et al., Methods 20 (3) : 267 79 (2000) , Baca et al., J. Biol. Chem. 272 (16) : 10678-84 (1997) , Roguska et al., Protein Eng. 9 (10) : 895 904 (1996) , Couto et al., Cancer Res. 55 (23 Supp) : 5973s-5977s (1995) , Couto et al., Cancer Res. 55 (8) : 1717-22 (1995) , Sandhu JS, Gene 150 (2) : 409-10 (1994) , and Pedersen et al., J. Mol. Biol. 235 (3) : 959-73 (1994) . See also U.S. Patent Pub. No. US 2005 / 0042664 A1 (Feb. 24, 2005) , each of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
[0236] In some embodiments, single domain antibodies provided herein can be humanized single domain antibodies that bind to GPRC5D, including human GPRC5D. For example, humanized single chain antibodies of the present disclosure may comprise one or more CDRs set forth in any one of SEQ ID NOs: 1-10. Various methods for humanizing non-human antibodies are known in the art. For example, a humanized antibody can have one or more amino acid residues introduced into it from a source that is non-human. These non-human amino acid residues are often referred to as “import” residues, which are typically taken from an “import” variable domain. Humanization may be performed, for example, following the method of Jones et al., Nature 321: 522-25 (1986) ; Riechmann et al., Nature 332: 323-27 (1988) ; and Verhoeyen et al., Science 239: 1534-36 (1988) ) , by substituting hypervariable region sequences for the corresponding sequences of a human antibody. In a specific embodiment, humanization of the single domain antibody provided herein is performed as described in Section 6 below.
[0237] In some cases, the humanized antibodies are constructed by CDR grafting, in which the amino acid sequences of the CDRs of the parent non-human antibody are grafted onto a human antibody framework. For example, Padlan et al. determined that only about one third of the residues in the CDRs actually contact the antigen, and termed these the “specificity determining residues, ” or SDRs (Padlan et al., FASEB J. 9: 133-39 (1995) ) . In the technique of SDR grafting, only the SDR residues are grafted onto the human antibody framework (see, e.g., Kashmiri et al., Methods 36: 25-34 (2005) ) .
[0238] The choice of human variable domains to be used in making the humanized antibodies can be important to reduce antigenicity. For example, according to the so-called “best-fit” method, the sequence of the variable domain of a non-human antibody is screened against the entire library of known human variable-domain sequences. The human sequence that is closest to that of the non-human antibody may be selected as the human framework for the humanized antibody (Sims et al., J. Immunol. 151: 2296-308 (1993) ; and Chothia et al., J. Mol. Biol. 196: 901-17 (1987) ) . Another method uses a particular framework derived from the consensus sequence of all human antibodies of a particular subgroup of light or heavy chains. The same framework may be used for several different humanized antibodies (Carter et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 89: 4285-89 (1992) ; and Presta et al., J. Immunol. 151: 2623-32 (1993) ) . In some cases, the framework is derived from the consensus sequences of the most abundant human subclasses, VL6 subgroup I (VL6I) and VH subgroup III (VHIII) . In another method, human germline genes are used as the source of the framework regions.
[0239] In an alternative paradigm based on comparison of CDRs, called superhumanization, FR homology is irrelevant. The method consists of comparison of the non-human sequence with the functional human germline gene repertoire. Those genes encoding the same or closely related canonical structures to the murine sequences are then selected. Next, within the genes sharing the canonical structures with the non-human antibody, those with highest homology within the CDRs are chosen as FR donors. Finally, the non-human CDRs are grafted onto these FRs (see, e.g., Tan et al., J. Immunol. 169: 1119-25 (2002) ) .
[0240] It is further generally desirable that antibodies be humanized with retention of their affinity for the antigen and other favorable biological properties. To achieve this goal, according to one method, humanized antibodies are prepared by a process of analysis of the parental sequences and various conceptual humanized products using three-dimensional models of the parental and humanized sequences. Three-dimensional immunoglobulin models are commonly available and are familiar to those skilled in the art. Computer programs are available which illustrate and display probable three-dimensional conformational structures of selected candidate immunoglobulin sequences. These include, for example, WAM (Whitelegg and Rees, Protein Eng. 13: 819-24 (2002) ) , Modeller (Sali and Blundell, J. Mol. Biol. 234: 779-815 (1993) ) , and Swiss PDB Viewer (Guex and Peitsch, Electrophoresis 18: 2714-23 (1997) ) . Inspection of these displays permits analysis of the likely role of the residues in the functioning of the candidate immunoglobulin sequence, e.g., the analysis of residues that influence the ability of the candidate immunoglobulin to bind its antigen. In this way, FR residues can be selected and combined from the recipient and import sequences so that the desired antibody characteristic, such as increased affinity for the target antigen (s) , is achieved. In general, the hypervariable region residues are directly and most substantially involved in influencing antigen binding.
[0241] Another method for antibody humanization is based on a metric of antibody humanness termed Human String Content (HSC) . This method compares the mouse sequence with the repertoire of human germline genes, and the differences are scored as HSC. The target sequence is then humanized by maximizing its HSC rather than using a global identity measure to generate multiple diverse humanized variants (Lazar et al., Mol. Immunol. 44: 1986-98 (2007) ) .
[0242] In addition to the methods described above, empirical methods may be used to generate and select humanized antibodies. These methods include those that are based upon the generation of large libraries of humanized variants and selection of the best clones using enrichment technologies or high throughput screening techniques. Antibody variants may be isolated from phage, ribosome, and yeast display libraries as well as by bacterial colony screening (see, e.g., Hoogenboom, Nat. Biotechnol. 23: 1105-16 (2005) ; Dufner et al., Trends Biotechnol. 24: 523-29 (2006) ; Feldhaus et al., Nat. Biotechnol. 21: 163-70 (2003) ; and Schlapschy et al., Protein Eng. Des. Sel. 17: 847-60 (2004) ) .
[0243] In the FR library approach, a collection of residue variants are introduced at specific positions in the FR followed by screening of the library to select the FR that best supports the grafted CDR. The residues to be substituted may include some or all of the “Vernier” residues identified as potentially contributing to CDR structure (see, e.g., Foote and Winter, J. Mol. Biol. 224: 487-99 (1992) ) , or from the more limited set of target residues identified by Baca et al. J. Biol. Chem. 272: 10678-84 (1997) .
[0244] In FR shuffling, whole FRs are combined with the non-human CDRs instead of creating combinatorial libraries of selected residue variants (see, e.g., Dall’A cqua et al., Methods 36: 43-60 (2005) ) . A one-step FR shuffling process may be used. Such a process has been shown to be efficient, as the resulting antibodies exhibited improved biochemical and physicochemical properties including enhanced expression, increased affinity, and thermal stability (see, e.g., Damschroder et al., Mol. Immunol. 44: 3049-60 (2007) ) .
[0245] The “humaneering” method is based on experimental identification of essential minimum specificity determinants (MSDs) and is based on sequential replacement of non-human fragments into libraries of human FRs and assessment of binding. This methodology typically results in epitope retention and identification of antibodies from multiple subclasses with distinct human V-segment CDRs.
[0246] The “human engineering” method involves altering a non-human antibody or antibody fragment by making specific changes to the amino acid sequence of the antibody so as to produce a modified antibody with reduced immunogenicity in a human that nonetheless retains the desirable binding properties of the original non-human antibodies. Generally, the technique involves classifying amino acid residues of a non-human antibody as “low risk, ” “moderate risk, ” or “high risk” residues. The classification is performed using a global risk / reward calculation that evaluates the predicted benefits of making particular substitution (e.g., for immunogenicity in humans) against the risk that the substitution will affect the resulting antibody’s folding. The particular human amino acid residue to be substituted at a given position (e.g., low or moderate risk) of a non-human antibody sequence can be selected by aligning an amino acid sequence from the non-human antibody’s variable regions with the corresponding region of a specific or consensus human antibody sequence. The amino acid residues at low or moderate risk positions in the non-human sequence can be substituted for the corresponding residues in the human antibody sequence according to the alignment. Techniques for making human engineered proteins are described in greater detail in Studnicka et al., Protein Engineering 7: 805-14 (1994) ; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,766,886; 5,770,196; 5,821,123; and 5,869,619; and PCT Publication WO 93 / 11794.
[0247] A composite human antibody can be generated using, for example, Composite Human AntibodyTM technology (Antitope Ltd., Cambridge, United Kingdom) . To generate composite human antibodies, variable region sequences are designed from fragments of multiple human antibody variable region sequences in a manner that avoids T cell epitopes, thereby minimizing the immunogenicity of the resulting antibody.
[0248] A deimmunized antibody is an antibody in which T-cell epitopes have been removed. Methods for making deimmunized antibodies have been described. See, e.g., Jones et al., Methods Mol Biol. 525: 405-23 (2009) , xiv, and De Groot et al., Cell. Immunol. 244: 148-153 (2006) ) . Deimmunized antibodies comprise T-cell epitope-depleted variable regions and human constant regions. Briefly, variable regions of an antibody are cloned and T-cell epitopes are subsequently identified by testing overlapping peptides derived from the variable regions of the antibody in a T cell proliferation assay. T cell epitopes are identified via in silico methods to identify peptide binding to human MHC class II. Mutations are introduced in the variable regions to abrogate binding to human MHC class II. Mutated variable regions are then utilized to generate the deimmunized antibody. Examplary humanized VHH domains in the present bivalent CARs are provided in Table 2, comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 8, or SEQ ID NO: 10. 5.2.1.3 Single Domain Antibody Variants
[0249] In some embodiments, amino acid sequence modification (s) of the single domain antibodies that bind to GPRC5D described herein are contemplated. For example, it may be desirable to optimize the binding affinity and / or other biological properties of the antibody, including but not limited to specificity, thermostability, expression level, effector functions, glycosylation, reduced immunogenicity, or solubility. Thus, in addition to the single domain antibodies that bind to GPRC5D described herein, it is contemplated that variants of the single domain antibodies that bind to GPRC5D described herein can be prepared. For example, single domain antibody variants can be prepared by introducing appropriate nucleotide changes into the encoding DNA, and / or by synthesis of the desired antibody or polypeptide. Those skilled in the art who appreciate that amino acid changes may alter post-translational processes of the single domain antibody.Substitutions, Deletions, or Insertions
[0250] Variations may be a substitution, deletion, or insertion of one or more codons encoding the single domain antibody or polypeptide that results in a change in the amino acid sequence as compared with the original antibody or polypeptide. Sites of interest for substitutional mutagenesis include the CDRs and FRs.
[0251] Amino acid substitutions can be the result of replacing one amino acid with another amino acid having similar structural and / or chemical properties, such as the replacement of a leucine with a serine, e.g., conservative amino acid replacements. Standard techniques known to those of skill in the art can be used to introduce mutations in the nucleotide sequence encoding a molecule provided herein, including, for example, site-directed mutagenesis and PCR-mediated mutagenesis which results in amino acid substitutions. Insertions or deletions may optionally be in the range of about 1 to 5 amino acids. In certain embodiments, the substitution, deletion, or insertion includes fewer than 25 amino acid substitutions, fewer than 20 amino acid substitutions, fewer than 15 amino acid substitutions, fewer than 10 amino acid substitutions, fewer than 5 amino acid substitutions, fewer than 4 amino acid substitutions, fewer than 3 amino acid substitutions, or fewer than 2 amino acid substitutions relative to the original molecule. In a specific embodiment, the substitution is a conservative amino acid substitution made at one or more predicted non-essential amino acid residues. The variation allowed may be determined by systematically making insertions, deletions, or substitutions of amino acids in the sequence and testing the resulting variants for activity exhibited by the parental antibodies.
[0252] Amino acid sequence insertions include amino-and / or carboxyl-terminal fusions ranging in length from one residue to polypeptides containing multiple residues, as well as intrasequence insertions of single or multiple amino acid residues. Examples of terminal insertions include an antibody with an N-terminal methionyl residue.
[0253] Single domain antibodies generated by conservative amino acid substitutions are included in the present disclosure. In a conservative amino acid substitution, an amino acid residue is replaced with an amino acid residue having a side chain with a similar charge. As described above, families of amino acid residues having side chains with similar charges 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) , nonpolar side chains (e.g., alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, proline, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan) , beta-branched side chains (e.g., threonine, valine, isoleucine) and aromatic side chains (e.g., tyrosine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, histidine) . Alternatively, mutations can be introduced randomly along all or part of the coding sequence, such as by saturation mutagenesis, and the resultant mutants can be screened for biological activity to identify mutants that retain activity. Following mutagenesis, the encoded protein can be expressed and the activity of the protein can be determined. Conservative (e.g., within an amino acid group with similar properties and / or side chains) substitutions may be made, so as to maintain or not significantly change the properties. Exemplary substitutions are shown in Table 3 below. Table 3. Amino Acid Substitutions
[0254] Amino acids may be grouped according to similarities in the properties of their side chains (see, e.g., Lehninger, Biochemistry 73-75 (2d ed. 1975) ) : (1) non-polar: Ala (A) , Val (V) , Leu (L) , Ile (I) , Pro (P) , Phe (F) , Trp (W) , Met (M) ; (2) uncharged polar: Gly (G) , Ser (S) , Thr (T) , Cys (C) , Tyr (Y) , Asn (N) , Gln (Q) ; (3) acidic: Asp (D) , Glu (E) ; and (4) basic: Lys (K) , Arg (R) , His (H) . Alternatively, naturally occurring residues may be divided into groups based on common side-chain properties: (1) hydrophobic: Norleucine, Met, Ala, Val, Leu, Ile; (2) neutral hydrophilic: Cys, Ser, Thr, Asn, Gln; (3) acidic: Asp, Glu; (4) basic: His, Lys, Arg; (5) residues that influence chain orientation: Gly, Pro; and (6) aromatic: Trp, Tyr, Phe. For example, any cysteine residue not involved in maintaining the proper conformation of the single domain antibody also may be substituted, for example, with another amino acid, such as alanine or serine, to improve the oxidative stability of the molecule and to prevent aberrant crosslinking. Non-conservative substitutions will entail exchanging a member of one of these classes for another class.
[0255] One type of substitutional variant involves substituting one or more hypervariable region residues of a parent antibody (e.g., a humanized or human antibody) . Generally, the resulting variant (s) selected for further study will have modifications (e.g., improvements) in certain biological properties (e.g., increased affinity, reduced immunogenicity) relative to the parent antibody and / or will have substantially retained certain biological properties of the parent antibody. An exemplary substitutional variant is an affinity matured antibody, which may be conveniently generated, e.g., using phage display-based affinity maturation techniques such as those described herein. Briefly, one or more CDR residues are mutated and the variant antibodies displayed on phage and screened for a particular biological activity (e.g. binding affinity) .
[0256] Alterations (e.g., substitutions) may be made in CDRs, e.g., to improve antibody affinity. Such alterations may be made in CDR “hotspots, ” i.e., residues encoded by codons that undergo mutation at high frequency during the somatic maturation process (see, e.g., Chowdhury, Methods Mol. Biol. 207: 179-196 (2008) ) , and / or SDRs (a-CDRs) , with the resulting variant antibody or fragment thereof being tested for binding affinity. Affinity maturation by constructing and reselecting from secondary libraries has been described, e.g., in Hoogenboom et al. in Methods in Molecular Biology 178: 1-37 (O’ Brien et al., ed., Human Press, Totowa, NJ, (2001) . ) In some embodiments of affinity maturation, diversity is introduced into the variable genes chosen for maturation by any of a variety of methods (e.g., error-prone PCR, chain shuffling, or oligonucleotide-directed mutagenesis) . A secondary library is then created. The library is then screened to identify any antibody variants with the desired affinity. Another method to introduce diversity involves CDR-directed approaches, in which several CDR residues (e.g., 4-6 residues at a time) are randomized. CDR residues involved in antigen binding may be specifically identified, e.g., using alanine scanning mutagenesis or modeling. More detailed description regarding affinity maturation is provided in the section below.
[0257] In some embodiments, substitutions, insertions, or deletions may occur within one or more CDRs so long as such alterations do not substantially reduce the ability of the antibody to bind antigen. For example, conservative alterations (e.g., conservative substitutions as provided herein) that do not substantially reduce binding affinity may be made in CDRs. In some embodiments of the variant VHH sequences provided herein, each CDR either is unaltered, or contains no more than one, two or three amino acid substitutions.
[0258] A useful method for identification of residues or regions of an antibody that may be targeted for mutagenesis is called “alanine scanning mutagenesis” as described by Cunningham and Wells, Science, 244: 1081-1085 (1989) . In this method, a residue or group of target residues (e.g., charged residues such as Arg, Asp, His, Lys, and Glu) are identified and replaced by a neutral or negatively charged amino acid (e.g., alanine or polyalanine) to determine whether the interaction of the antibody with antigen is affected. Further substitutions may be introduced at the amino acid locations demonstrating functional sensitivity to the initial substitutions. Alternatively, or additionally, a crystal structure of an antigen-antibody complex to identify contact points between the antibody and antigen. Such contact residues and neighboring residues may be targeted or eliminated as candidates for substitution. Variants may be screened to determine whether they contain the desired properties.
[0259] Amino acid sequence insertions include amino-and / or carboxyl-terminal fusions ranging in length from one residue to polypeptides containing a hundred or more residues, as well as intrasequence insertions of single or multiple amino acid residues. Examples of terminal insertions include an antibody with an N-terminal methionyl residue. Other insertional variants of the antibody molecule include the fusion to the N-or C-terminus of the antibody to an enzyme (e.g., for ADEPT) or a polypeptide which increases the serum half-life of the antibody.
[0260] The variations can be made using methods known in the art such as oligonucleotide-mediated (site-directed) mutagenesis, alanine scanning, and PCR mutagenesis. Site-directed mutagenesis (see, e.g., Carter, Biochem J. 237: 1-7 (1986) ; and Zoller et al., Nucl. Acids Res. 10:6487-500 (1982) ) , cassette mutagenesis (see, e.g., Wells et al., Gene 34: 315-23 (1985) ) , or other known techniques can be performed on the cloned DNA to produce the single domain antibody variant DNA. 5.2.1.4 In vitro Affinity Maturation
[0261] Antibody variants having an improved property such as affinity, stability, or expression level as compared to a parent antibody may be prepared by in vitro affinity maturation. Like the natural prototype, in vitro affinity maturation is based on the principles of mutation and selection. Libraries of antibodies are displayed on the surface of an organism (e.g., phage, bacteria, yeast, or mammalian cell) or in association (e.g., covalently or non-covalently) with their encoding mRNA or DNA. Affinity selection of the displayed antibodies allows isolation of organisms or complexes carrying the genetic information encoding the antibodies. Two or three rounds of mutation and selection using display methods such as phage display usually results in antibody fragments with affinities in the low nanomolar range. Affinity matured antibodies can have nanomolar or even picomolar affinities for the target antigen.
[0262] Phage display is a widespread method for display and selection of antibodies. The antibodies are displayed on the surface of Fd or M13 bacteriophages as fusions to the bacteriophage coat protein. Selection involves exposure to antigen to allow phage-displayed antibodies to bind their targets, a process referred to as “panning. ” Phage bound to antigen are recovered and used to infect bacteria to produce phage for further rounds of selection. For review, see, for example, Hoogenboom, Methods. Mol. Biol. 178: 1-37 (2002) ; and Bradbury and Marks, J. Immunol. Methods 290: 29-49 (2004) .
[0263] In a yeast display system (see, e.g., Boder et al., Nat. Biotech. 15: 553–57 (1997) ; and Chao et al., Nat. Protocols 1: 755-68 (2006) ) , the antibody may be fused to the adhesion subunit of the yeast agglutinin protein Aga2p, which attaches to the yeast cell wall through disulfide bonds to Aga1p. Display of a protein via Aga2p projects the protein away from the cell surface, minimizing potential interactions with other molecules on the yeast cell wall. Magnetic separation and flow cytometry are used to screen the library to select for antibodies with improved affinity or stability. Binding to a soluble antigen of interest is determined by labeling of yeast with biotinylated antigen and a secondary reagent such as streptavidin conjugated to a fluorophore. Variations in surface expression of the antibody can be measured through immunofluorescence labeling of either the hemagglutinin or c-Myc epitope tag flanking the single chain antibody (e.g., scFv) . Expression has been shown to correlate with the stability of the displayed protein, and thus antibodies can be selected for improved stability as well as affinity (see, e.g., Shusta et al., J. Mol. Biol. 292: 949-56 (1999) ) . An additional advantage of yeast display is that displayed proteins are folded in the endoplasmic reticulum of the eukaryotic yeast cells, taking advantage of endoplasmic reticulum chaperones and quality-control machinery. Once maturation is complete, antibody affinity can be conveniently “titrated” while displayed on the surface of the yeast, eliminating the need for expression and purification of each clone. A theoretical limitation of yeast surface display is the potentially smaller functional library size than that of other display methods; however, a recent approach uses the yeast cells’ mating system to create combinatorial diversity estimated to be 1014 in size (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Publication 2003 / 0186374; and Blaise et al., Gene 342: 211–18 (2004) ) .
[0264] In ribosome display, antibody-ribosome-mRNA (ARM) complexes are generated for selection in a cell-free system. The DNA library coding for a particular library of antibodies is genetically fused to a spacer sequence lacking a stop codon. This spacer sequence, when translated, is still attached to the peptidyl tRNA and occupies the ribosomal tunnel, and thus allows the protein of interest to protrude out of the ribosome and fold. The resulting complex of mRNA, ribosome, and protein can bind to surface-bound ligand, allowing simultaneous isolation of the antibody and its encoding mRNA through affinity capture with the ligand. The ribosome-bound mRNA is then reverse transcribed back into cDNA, which can then undergo mutagenesis and be used in the next round of selection (see, e.g., Fukuda et al., Nucleic Acids Res. 34: e127 (2006) ) . In mRNA display, a covalent bond between antibody and mRNA is established using puromycin as an adaptor molecule (Wilson et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 98: 3750-55 (2001) ) .
[0265] As these methods are performed entirely in vitro, they provide two main advantages over other selection technologies. First, the diversity of the library is not limited by the transformation efficiency of bacterial cells, but only by the number of ribosomes and different mRNA molecules present in the test tube. Second, random mutations can be introduced easily after each selection round, for example, by non-proofreading polymerases, as no library must be transformed after any diversification step. Mammalian display systems may be used.
[0266] Diversity may also be introduced into the CDRs of the antibody libraries in a targeted manner or via random introduction. The former approach includes sequentially targeting all the CDRs of an antibody via a high or low level of mutagenesis or targeting isolated hot spots of somatic hypermutations (see, e.g., Ho et al., J. Biol. Chem. 280: 607-17 (2005) ) or residues suspected of affecting affinity on experimental basis or structural reasons. Diversity may also be introduced by replacement of regions that are naturally diverse via DNA shuffling or similar techniques (see, e.g., Lu et al., J. Biol. Chem. 278: 43496-507 (2003) ; U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,565,332 and 6,989,250) . Alternative techniques target hypervariable loops extending into framework-region residues (see, e.g., Bond et al., J. Mol. Biol. 348: 699-709 (2005) ) employ loop deletions and insertions in CDRs or use hybridization-based diversification (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Publication No. 2004 / 0005709) . Additional methods of generating diversity in CDRs are disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 7,985,840. Further methods that can be used to generate antibody libraries and / or antibody affinity maturation are disclosed, e.g., in U.S. Patent Nos. 8,685,897 and 8, 603, 930, and U.S. Publ. Nos. 2014 / 0170705, 2014 / 0094392, 2012 / 0028301, 2011 / 0183855, and 2009 / 0075378, each of which are incorporated herein by reference.
[0267] Screening of the libraries can be accomplished by various techniques known in the art. For example, single domain antibodies can be immobilized onto solid supports, columns, pins, or cellulose / poly (vinylidene fluoride) membranes / other filters, expressed on host cells affixed to adsorption plates or used in cell sorting, or conjugated to biotin for capture with streptavidin-coated beads or used in any other method for panning display libraries.
[0268] For review of in vitro affinity maturation methods, see, e.g., Hoogenboom, Nature Biotechnology 23: 1105-16 (2005) ; Quiroz and Sinclair, Revista Ingeneria Biomedia 4: 39-51 (2010) ; and references therein. 5.2.2. Transmembrane Domain
[0269] The CARs of the present disclosure comprise a transmembrane domain that can be directly or indirectly fused to the extracellular antigen binding domain. The transmembrane domain may be derived either from a natural or from a synthetic source. As used herein, a “transmembrane domain” refers to any protein structure that is thermodynamically stable in a cell membrane, preferably an eukaryotic cell membrane. Transmembrane domains compatible for use in the CARs described herein may be obtained from a naturally occurring protein. Alternatively, it can be a synthetic, non-naturally occurring protein segment, e.g., a hydrophobic protein segment that is thermodynamically stable in a cell membrane.
[0270] Transmembrane domains are classified based on the three-dimensional structure of the transmembrane domain. For example, transmembrane domains may form an alpha helix, a complex of more than one alpha helix, a beta-barrel, or any other stable structure capable of spanning the phospholipid bilayer of a cell. Furthermore, transmembrane domains may also or alternatively be classified based on the transmembrane domain topology, including the number of passes that the transmembrane domain makes across the membrane and the orientation of the protein. For example, single-pass membrane proteins cross the cell membrane once, and multi-pass membrane proteins cross the cell membrane at least twice (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or more times) . Membrane proteins may be defined as Type I, Type II or Type III depending upon the topology of their termini and membrane-passing segment (s) relative to the inside and outside of the cell. Type I membrane proteins have a single membrane-spanning region and are oriented such that the N-terminus of the protein is present on the extracellular side of the lipid bilayer of the cell and the C-terminus of the protein is present on the cytoplasmic side. Type II membrane proteins also have a single membrane-spanning region but are oriented such that the C-terminus of the protein is present on the extracellular side of the lipid bilayer of the cell and the N-terminus of the protein is present on the cytoplasmic side. Type III membrane proteins have multiple membrane-spanning segments and may be further sub-classified based on the number of transmembrane segments and the location of N-and C-termini.
[0271] In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the CAR described herein is derived from a Type I single-pass membrane protein. In some embodiments, transmembrane domains from multi-pass membrane proteins may also be compatible for use in the CARs described herein. Multi-pass membrane proteins may comprise a complex (at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or more) alpha helices or a beta sheet structure. In some embodiments, the N-terminus and the C-terminus of a multi-pass membrane protein are present on opposing sides of the lipid bilayer, e.g., the N-terminus of the protein is present on the cytoplasmic side of the lipid bilayer and the C-terminus of the protein is present on the extracellular side.
[0272] In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the CAR comprises a transmembrane domain chosen from the transmembrane domain of an alpha, beta or zeta chain of a T-cell receptor, CD28, CD3 epsilon, CD3 zeta, CD45, CD4, CD5, CD8, CD9, CD16, CD22, CD33, CD37, CD64, CD80, CD86, CD134, CD152, CD154, KIRDS2, OX40, CD2, CD27, LFA-1 (CDl la, CD18) , ICOS (CD278) , 4-1BB (CD137) , GITR, CD40, BAFFR, HVEM (LIGHTR) , SLAMF7, NKp80 (KLRFl) , CD160, Claudin-6, IL-2R beta, IL-2R gamma, IL-7R a, ITGA1, VLA1, CD49a, ITGA4, IA4, CD49D, ITGA6, VLA-6, CD49f, ITGAD, CDl ld, ITGAE, CD103, ITGAL, CDl la, LFA-1, ITGAM, CDl lb, ITGAX, CDl lc, ITGB1, CD29, ITGB2, CD18, LFA-1, ITGB7, TNFR2, DNAM1 (CD226) , SLAMF4 (CD244, 2B4) , CD84, CD96 (Tactile) , CEACAM1, CRT AM, Ly9 (CD229) , CD160 (BY55) , PSGL1, CDIOO (SEMA4D) , SLAMF6 (NTB-A, Lyl08) , SLAM (SLAMF1, CD150, IPO-3) , BLAME (SLAMF8) , SELPLG (CD162) , LTBR, PAG / Cbp, PD1, NKp44, NKp30, NKp46, NKG2D, and / or NKG2C. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain is derived from a molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3ε, CD3ζ, CD8α, CD4, CD5, CD28, CD137, CD80, CD86, CD152, CD154, and PD1.
[0273] In some specific embodiments, the transmembrane domain is derived from CD8α. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain is a transmembrane domain of CD8αcomprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 41.
[0274] Transmembrane domains for use in the CARs described herein can also comprise at least a portion of a synthetic, non-naturally occurring protein segment. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain is a synthetic, non-naturally occurring alpha helix or beta sheet. In some embodiments, the protein segment is at least approximately 20 amino acids, e.g., at least 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, or more amino acids. Examples of synthetic transmembrane domains are known in the art, for example in U.S. Patent No. 7,052,906 and PCT Publication No. WO 2000 / 032776, the relevant disclosures of which are incorporated by reference herein.
[0275] The transmembrane domain provided herein may comprise a transmembrane region and a cytoplasmic region located at the C-terminal side of the transmembrane domain. The cytoplasmic region of the transmembrane domain may comprise three or more amino acids and, in some embodiments, helps to orient the transmembrane domain in the lipid bilayer. In some embodiments, one or more cysteine residues are present in the transmembrane region of the transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, one or more cysteine residues are present in the cytoplasmic region of the transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the cytoplasmic region of the transmembrane domain comprises positively charged amino acids. In some embodiments, the cytoplasmic region of the transmembrane domain comprises the amino acids arginine, serine, and lysine.
[0276] In some embodiments, the transmembrane region of the transmembrane domain comprises hydrophobic amino acid residues. In some embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the CAR provided herein comprises an artificial hydrophobic sequence. For example, a triplet of phenylalanine, tryptophan and valine may be present at the C terminus of the transmembrane domain. In some embodiments, the transmembrane region comprises mostly hydrophobic amino acid residues, such as alanine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, phenylalanine, tryptophan, or valine. In some embodiments, the transmembrane region is hydrophobic. In some embodiments, the transmembrane region comprises a poly-leucine-alanine sequence. The hydropathy, or hydrophobic or hydrophilic characteristics of a protein or protein segment, can be assessed by any method known in the art, for example the Kyte and Doolittle hydropathy analysis. 5.2.3. Intracellular Signaling Domain
[0277] The CARs of the present disclosure comprise an intracellular signaling domain. The intracellular signaling domain is responsible for activation of at least one of the normal effector functions of the immune effector cell expressing the CARs. The term “effector function” refers to a specialized function of a cell. Effector function of a T cell, for example, may be cytolytic activity or helper activity including the secretion of cytokines. Thus the term “cytoplasmic signaling domain” refers to the portion of a protein which transduces the effector function signal and directs the cell to perform a specialized function. While usually the entire cytoplasmic signaling domain can be employed, in many cases it is not necessary to use the entire chain. To the extent that a truncated portion of the cytoplasmic signaling domain is used, such truncated portion may be used in place of the intact chain as long as it transduces the effector function signal. The term cytoplasmic signaling domain is thus meant to include any truncated portion of the cytoplasmic signaling domain sufficient to transduce the effector function signal.
[0278] In some embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain comprises a primary intracellular signaling domain of an immune effector cell. In some embodiments, the CAR comprises an intracellular signaling domain consisting essentially of a primary intracellular signaling domain of an immune effector cell. “Primary intracellular signaling domain” refers to cytoplasmic signaling sequence that acts in a stimulatory manner to induce immune effector functions. In some embodiments, the primary intracellular signaling domain contains a signaling motif known as immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif, or ITAM. An “ITAM, ” as used herein, is a conserved protein motif that is generally present in the tail portion of signaling molecules expressed in many immune cells. The motif may comprise two repeats of the amino acid sequence YxxL / I separated by 6-8 amino acids, wherein each x is independently any amino acid, producing the conserved motif YxxL / Ix (6-8) YxxL / I. ITAMs within signaling molecules are important for signal transduction within the cell, which is mediated at least in part by phosphorylation of tyrosine residues in the ITAM following activation of the signaling molecule. ITAMs may also function as docking sites for other proteins involved in signaling pathways. Exemplary ITAM-containing primary cytoplasmic signaling sequences include those derived from CD3ζ, FcR gamma (FCER1G) , FcR beta (Fc Epsilon Rib) , CD3 gamma, CD3 delta, CD3 epsilon, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b, and CD66d.
[0279] In some embodiments, the primary intracellular signaling domain is derived from CD3ζ. In some embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain consists of the cytoplasmic signaling domain of CD3ζ. In some embodiments, the primary intracellular signaling domain is a cytoplasmic signaling domain of wild-type CD3ζ. In some embodiments, the primary intracellular signaling domain of CD3ζ comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 43. 5.2.4. Co-stimulatory Signaling Domain
[0280] Many immune effector cells require co-stimulation, in addition to stimulation of an antigen-specific signal, to promote cell proliferation, differentiation and survival, as well as to activate effector functions of the cell. In some embodiments, the CAR comprises at least one co-stimulatory signaling domain. The term “co-stimulatory signaling domain, ” as used herein, refers to at least a portion of a protein that mediates signal transduction within a cell to induce an immune response such as an effector function. The co-stimulatory signaling domain of the chimeric receptor described herein can be a cytoplasmic signaling domain from a co-stimulatory protein, which transduces a signal and modulates responses mediated by immune cells, such as T cells, NK cells, macrophages, neutrophils, or eosinophils. “Co-stimulatory signaling domain” can be the cytoplasmic portion of a co-stimulatory molecule. The term "co-stimulatory molecule" refers to a cognate binding partner on an immune cell (such as T cell) that specifically binds with a co-stimulatory ligand, thereby mediating a co-stimulatory response by the immune cell, such as, but not limited to, proliferation and survival.
[0281] In some embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain comprises a single co-stimulatory signaling domain. In some embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain comprises two or more (such as about any of 2, 3, 4, or more) co-stimulatory signaling domains. In some embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain comprises two or more of the same co-stimulatory signaling domains. In some embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain comprises two or more co-stimulatory signaling domains from different co-stimulatory proteins, such as any two or more co-stimulatory proteins described herein. In some embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain comprises a primary intracellular signaling domain (such as cytoplasmic signaling domain of CD3ζ) and one or more co-stimulatory signaling domains. In some embodiments, the one or more co-stimulatory signaling domains and the primary intracellular signaling domain (such as cytoplasmic signaling domain of CD3ζ) are fused to each other via optional peptide linkers. The primary intracellular signaling domain, and the one or more co-stimulatory signaling domains may be arranged in any suitable order. In some embodiments, the one or more co-stimulatory signaling domains are located between the transmembrane domain and the primary intracellular signaling domain (such as cytoplasmic signaling domain of CD3ζ) . Multiple co-stimulatory signaling domains may provide additive or synergistic stimulatory effects.
[0282] Activation of a co-stimulatory signaling domain in a host cell (e.g., an immune cell) may induce the cell to increase or decrease the production and secretion of cytokines, phagocytic properties, proliferation, differentiation, survival, and / or cytotoxicity. The co-stimulatory signaling domain of any co-stimulatory molecule may be compatible for use in the CARs described herein. The type (s) of co-stimulatory signaling domain is selected based on factors such as the type of the immune effector cells in which the effector molecules would be expressed (e.g., T cells, NK cells, macrophages, neutrophils, or eosinophils) and the desired immune effector function (e.g., ADCC effect) . Examples of co-stimulatory signaling domains for use in the CARs can be the cytoplasmic signaling domain of co-stimulatory proteins, including, without limitation, members of the B7 / CD28 family (e.g., B7-1 / CD80, B7-2 / CD86, B7-H1 / PD-L1, B7-H2, B7-H3, B7-H4, B7-H6, B7-H7, BTLA / CD272, CD28, CTLA-4, Gi24 / VISTA / B7-H5, ICOS / CD278, PD-1, PD-L2 / B7-DC, and PDCD6) ; members of the TNF superfamily (e.g., 4-1BB / TNFSF9 / CD137, 4-1BB Ligand / TNFSF9, BAFF / BLyS / TNFSF13B, BAFF R / TNFRSF13C, CD27 / TNFRSF7, CD27 Ligand / TNFSF7, CD30 / TNFRSF8, CD30 Ligand / TNFSF8, CD40 / TNFRSF5, CD40 / TNFSF5, CD40 Ligand / TNFSF5, DR3 / TNFRSF25, GITR / TNFRSF18, GITR Ligand / TNFSF18, HVEM / TNFRSF14, LIGHT / TNFSF14, Lymphotoxin-alpha / TNF-beta, OX40 / TNFRSF4, OX40 Ligand / TNFSF4, RELT / TNFRSF19L, TACI / TNFRSF13B, TL1A / TNFSF15, TNF-alpha, and TNF RII / TNFRSF1B) ; members of the SLAM family (e.g., 2B4 / CD244 / SLAMF4, BLAME / SLAMF8, CD2, CD2F-10 / SLAMF9, CD48 / SLAMF2, CD58 / LFA-3, CD84 / SLAMF5, CD229 / SLAMF3, CRACC / SLAMF7, NTB-A / SLAMF6, and SLAM / CD150) ; and any other co-stimulatory molecules, such as CD2, CD7, CD53, CD82 / Kai-1, CD90 / Thy1, CD96, CD160, CD200, CD300a / LMIR1, HLA Class I, HLA-DR, Ikaros, Integrin alpha 4 / CD49d, Integrin alpha 4 beta 1, Integrin alpha 4 beta 7 / LPAM-1, LAG-3, TCL1A, TCL1B, CRTAM, DAP12, Dectin-1 / CLEC7A, DPPIV / CD26, EphB6, TIM-1 / KIM-1 / HAVCR, TIM-4, TSLP, TSLP R, lymphocyte function associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) , and NKG2C.
[0283] In some embodiments, the one or more co-stimulatory signaling domains are selected from the group consisting of CARD11, CD2, CD7, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD54 (ICAM) , CD83, CD134 (OX40) , CD137 (4-1BB) , CD150 (SLAMF1) , CD152 (CTLA4) , CD223 (LAGS) , CD270 (HVEM) , CD273 (PD-L2) , CD274 (PD-L1) , CD278 (ICOS) , DAP10, DAP12, LFA-1, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, and combinations thereof.
[0284] In some embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain in the CAR of the present disclosure comprises a co-stimulatory signaling domain derived from CD137 (i.e., 4-1BB) . In some embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain comprises a cytoplasmic signaling domain of CD3ζ and a co-stimulatory signaling domain of CD137. In some embodiments, the intracellular signaling domain comprises a co-stimulatory signaling domain of CD137 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42.
[0285] Also within the scope of the present disclosure are variants of any of the co-stimulatory signaling domains described herein, such that the co-stimulatory signaling domain is capable of modulating the immune response of the immune cell. In some embodiments, the co-stimulatory signaling domains comprises up to 10 amino acid residue variations (e.g., 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 8) as compared to a wild-type counterpart. Such co-stimulatory signaling domains comprising one or more amino acid variations may be referred to as variants. Mutation of amino acid residues of the co-stimulatory signaling domain may result in an increase in signaling transduction and enhanced stimulation of immune responses relative to co-stimulatory signaling domains that do not comprise the mutation. Mutation of amino acid residues of the co-stimulatory signaling domain may result in a decrease in signaling transduction and reduced stimulation of immune responses relative to co-stimulatory signaling domains that do not comprise the mutation. 5.2.5. Hinge Region
[0286] The CARs of the present disclosure may comprise a hinge domain that is located between the extracellular antigen binding domain and the transmembrane domain. A hinge domain is an amino acid segment that is generally found between two domains of a protein and may allow for flexibility of the protein and movement of one or both of the domains relative to one another. Any amino acid sequence that provides such flexibility and movement of the extracellular antigen binding domain relative to the transmembrane domain of the effector molecule can be used.
[0287] The hinge domain may contain about 10-100 amino acids, e.g., about any one of 15-75 amino acids, 20-50 amino acids, or 30-60 amino acids. In some embodiments, the hinge domain may be at least about any one of 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, or 75 amino acids in length.
[0288] In some embodiments, the hinge domain is a hinge domain of a naturally occurring protein. Hinge domains of any protein known in the art to comprise a hinge domain are compatible for use in the chimeric receptors described herein. In some embodiments, the hinge domain is at least a portion of a hinge domain of a naturally occurring protein and confers flexibility to the chimeric receptor. In some embodiments, the hinge domain is derived from CD8α. In some embodiments, the hinge domain is a portion of the hinge domain of CD8α, e.g., a fragment containing at least 15 (e.g., 20, 25, 30, 35, or 40) consecutive amino acids of the hinge domain of CD8α. In some embodiments, the hinge domain of CD8α comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 40.
[0289] Non-naturally occurring peptides may also be used as hinge domains for the chimeric receptors described herein. In some embodiments, the hinge domain between the C-terminus of the extracellular ligand-binding domain and the N-terminus of the transmembrane domain is a peptide linker, such as a (GxS) n linker, wherein x and n, independently can be an integer between 3 and 12, including 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, or more. 5.2.6. Signal Peptide
[0290] The CARs of the present disclosure may comprise a signal peptide (also known as a signal sequence) at the N-terminus of the polypeptide. In general, signal peptides are peptide sequences that target a polypeptide to the desired site in a cell. In some embodiments, the signal peptide targets the effector molecule to the secretory pathway of the cell and will allow for integration and anchoring of the effector molecule into the lipid bilayer. Signal peptides including signal sequences of naturally occurring proteins or synthetic, non-naturally occurring signal sequences, which are compatible for use in the CARs described herein will be evident to one of skill in the art. In some embodiments, the signal peptide is derived from a molecule selected from the group consisting of CD8α, GM-CSF receptor α, and IgG1 heavy chain. In some embodiments, the signal peptide is derived from CD8α. In some embodiments, the signal peptide of CD8α comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 39. 5.2.7. Exemplary Bivalent CARs That Bind to GPRC5D
[0291] Exemplary bivalent CARs comprising a first VHH domain and a second VHH domain that bind GPRC5D are generated as shown in Section 6 below. In certain embodiments, the CAR provided herein comprises amino acid sequences with certain percent identity relative to any one of the CARs exemplified in the Section 6 below.
[0292] In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 49. In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 49.
[0293] In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 50. In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 50.
[0294] In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 51. In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 51.
[0295] In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52. In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52.
[0296] In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53. In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53.
[0297] In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 54. In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 54.
[0298] In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 55. In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 55.
[0299] In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 56. In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 56.
[0300] In some embodiments, the bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR further comprises a signal peptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 39 at the N-terminus.
[0301] In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 62. In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 62. In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63. In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 63. In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 64. In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 64. In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 65. In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 65. In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 66. In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 66. In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 67. In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 67. In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 68. In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 68. In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 69. In some embodiments, provided herein is a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 69.
[0302] In some embodiments, provided herein is an isolated nucleic acid encoding any of the bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CARs provided herein. More detailed description regarding nucleic acid sequences and vectors are provided below. 5.3. Engineered Immune Cells
[0303] In yet another aspect, provided herein are host cells (such as immune effector cells) comprising any one of the CARs described herein. 5.3.1. Engineered immune cell 5.3.1.1 Engineered immune cell comprsing a bivalent CAR that binds to GPRC5D
[0304] In some embodiments, provided herein is an engineered immune cell (such as T cell) comprising (or expressing) a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR as described in Section 5.2 above.
[0305] In some embodiments, provided herein is an engineered immune cell (such as T cell) comprising a bivalent GPRC5D-VHH CAR comprising: (a) an extracellular antigen binding domain comprising two binding moieties, and the first binding moiety compsies a first single domain antibody (e.g., VHH) that binds to GPRC5D and the second binding moiety comprises a second single domain antibody (e.g., VHH) that binds to GPRC5D; (b) a transmembrane domain; and (c) an intracellular signaling domain, wherein the first and the second VHH are each independently selected from the VHH domains described in Section 5.2 above, including, e.g., those comprising one or more CDRs in Table 2. For example, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain can be each independently selected from a VHH domain comprising: (i) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13; (ii) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13; (iii) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; (iv) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; (v) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; (vi) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24; (vii) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24; (viii) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24; (ix) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30; (x) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 31; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 32; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30; (xi) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 31; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 33; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30; (xii) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36; or (xiii) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 37; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36.
[0306] In more specific embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain of a bivalent CAR in the present immune effector cells are each independently selected from a VHH domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, or SEQ ID NO: 10, or selected from a VHH domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or more sequence identity with the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, or SEQ ID NO: 10.
[0307] More specific emboidments of the present engineered immune cells comprise (or express) a bivalent CAR, in which (1) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; (2) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4; (3) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6; (4) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8; (5) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10; (6) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4; (7) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6; (8) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8; (9) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10; (10) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6; (11) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8; (12) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10; (13) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8; (14) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10; (15) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10. In some embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain is at the N-terminus of the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain. In some embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain is at the C-terminus of the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain. In some embodiments, the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain are fused by a peptide linker. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 82.
[0308] In some embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the transmembrane domain is selected the group consisting of α, β or ζ chain of T cell receptor, CD3ε, CD3ζ, CD8α, CD4, CD5, CD28, CD137, CD80, CD86, CD152, CD154 and PD1. In some specific embodiments, the transmembrane domain is derived from CD8α. In some embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the intracellular signaling domain comprises a primary intracellular signaling domain of an immune cell (such as T cell) . In some embodiments, the primary intracellular signaling domain is derived from a molecule selected from the group consisting of: CD3ζ, FcRγ, FcRβ, CD3γ, CD3δ, CD3ε, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b and CD66d. In some specific embodiments, the primary intracellular signaling domain is derived from CD3ζ. In some embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the intracellular signaling domain comprises a co-stimulatory signaling domain. In some embodiments, the co-stimulatory signaling domain is derived from a co-stimulatory molecule selected from the group consisting of CARD11, CD2, CD7, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD54 (ICAM) , CD83, CD134 (OX40) , CD137 (4-1BB) , CD150 (SLAMF1) , CD152 (CTLA4) , CD223 (LAGS) , CD270 (HVEM) , CD273 (PD-L2) , CD274 (PD-L1) , CD278 (ICOS) , DAP10, DAP12, LFA-1, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, and combinations thereof. In some specific embodiments, the co-stimulatory signaling domain is derived from CD137. In some embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the CAR further comprises a hinge domain (such as a CD8α hinge domain) located between the C-terminus of the extracellular antigen binding domain and the N-terminus of the transmembrane domain. In some embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the CAR further comprises a signal peptide (such as a CD8α signal peptide) located at the N-terminus of the polypeptide. In some embodiments, the polypeptide comprises from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: a CD8α signal peptide, the extracellular antigen binding domain, a CD8α hinge domain, a CD8α transmembrane domain, a co-stimulatory signaling domain derived from CD137, and a primary intracellular signaling domain derived from CD3ζ.
[0309] In other specific embodiments, the engineered immune cell (such as T cell) provided herein expresses a CAR on the cell surface, wherein the CAR comprises a polypeptide comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 49-56, or an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identify to an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 49-56.
[0310] In some embodiments, the engineered immune cell is a T cell, an NK cell, a peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) , a hematopoietic stem cell, a pluripotent stem cell, or an embryonic stem cell. The T cells may be αβ T cells, or γδ T cells. In some embodiments, the engineered immune cell is autologous. In some embodiments, the engineered immune cell is allogenic. 5.3.1.2 Engineered immune cell comprising dual CARs that bind to GPRC5D and BCMA
[0311] Also provided are engineered immune cells comprising (or expressing) two or more different CARs. The CARs may target different antigens, thereby providing synergistic or additive effects. The two or more CARs may be encoded on the same vector or different vectors.
[0312] In some embodiments, provided herein is an engineered immune cell (such as T cell) comprising (or expressing) a first CAR that binds to GPRC5D as provided herein and a second CAR that binds to BCMA, wherein the first CAR is a CAR that binds to GPRC5D as described in sections 5.2 above. In some embodiments, provided herein is an engineered immune cell (such as T cell) comprising (or expressing) a CAR (afirst CAR) that binds to GPRC5D as described in 5.3.1.1 above, wherein the engineered immune cell further comprises or expresses a second CAR that binds to BCMA.
[0313] In some embodiments of the engineered immune cell as provided herein, the second CAR comprises an extracellular antigen binding domain comprising a first anti-BCMA VHH domain and a second anti-BCMA VHH domain. The first and / or the second anti-BCMA VHH domain may be selected from the anti-BCMA VHH domains as provided by the patent application WO2018028647A1, WO2021121228A1, or WO2019242632A1, etc.
[0314] In some embodiments of the engineered immune cell as provided herein, the first anti-BCMA VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 75; and wherein the second anti-BCMA VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 76. CDR sequences can be determined according to well-known numbering systems, for example, a numbering system according to Table 1. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to IMGT numbering scheme. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Kabat numbering scheme. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to AbM numbering scheme. In other embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Chothia numbering scheme. In other embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Contact numbering scheme.
[0315] In certain embodiments, the first anti-BCMA VHH domain has at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, 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 the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 75. In certain embodiments, the second anti-BCMA VHH domain has at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, 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 the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 76. In some embodiments, the first anti-BCMA VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 75; and the second anti-BCMA VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 76.
[0316] In some embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the first anti-BCMA VHH domain is at the N-terminus of the second anti-BCMA VHH domain, or wherein the first anti-BCMA VHH domain is at the C-terminus of the second anti-BCMA VHH domain. In some embodiments, the first anti-BCMA VHH domain and the second anti-BCMA VHH domain are fused by a peptide linker. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 82.
[0317] In some embodiments, the second CAR that binds to BCMA further comprises a transmembrane domain, an intracellular signaling domain, a hinge region, and / or a signal peptide as described in Sections 5.2.2 to 5.2.6 above. For example, in some embodiments of the engineered immune effector cell provided herein, the transmembrane domain of the second CAR is selected the group consisting of α, β or ζ chain of T cell receptor, CD3ε, CD3ζ, CD8α, CD4, CD5, CD28, CD137, CD80, CD86, CD152, CD154 and PD1. In some specific embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the second CAR is derived from CD8α. In some embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the intracellular signaling domain of the second CAR comprises a primary intracellular signaling domain of an immune effector cell (such as T cell) . In some embodiments, the primary intracellular signaling domain of the second CAR is derived from a molecule selected from the group consisting of: CD3ζ, FcRγ, FcRβ, CD3γ, CD3δ, CD3ε, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b and CD66d. In some specific embodiments, the primary intracellular signaling domain of the second CAR is derived from CD3ζ. In some embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the intracellular signaling domain of the second CAR comprises a co-stimulatory signaling domain. In some embodiments, the co-stimulatory signaling domain of the second CAR is derived from a co-stimulatory molecule selected from the group consisting of CARD11, CD2, CD7, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD54 (ICAM) , CD83, CD134 (OX40) , CD137 (4-1BB) , CD150 (SLAMF1) , CD152 (CTLA4) , CD223 (LAGS) , CD270 (HVEM) , CD273 (PD-L2) , CD274 (PD-L1) , CD278 (ICOS) , DAP10, DAP12, LFA-1,LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, and combinations thereof. In some specific embodiments, the co-stimulatory signaling domain of the second CAR is derived from CD137. In some embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the second CAR further comprises a hinge domain (such as a CD8α hinge domain) located between the C-terminus of the extracellular antigen binding domain and the N-terminus of the transmembrane domain. In some embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the second CAR further comprises a signal peptide (such as a CD8α signal peptide) located at the N-terminus of the polypeptide. In some embodiments, the polypeptide comprises from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: a CD8α signal peptide, the extracellular antigen binding domain, a CD8αhinge domain, a CD8α transmembrane domain, a co-stimulatory signaling domain derived from CD137, and a primary intracellular signaling domain derived from CD3ζ.
[0318] In other specific embodiments, the engineered immune cell (such as T cell) provided herein expresses a second CAR on the cell surface, wherein the second CAR comprises a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 77, or an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identify to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 77.
[0319] In some specific embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 49 and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 77. In some embodiments, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 49 and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 77.
[0320] In some specific embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 50 and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 77. In some embodiments, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 50, and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 77.
[0321] In some specific embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 51 and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 77. In some embodiments, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 51, and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 77.
[0322] In some specific embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52 and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 77. In some embodiments, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52, and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 77.
[0323] In some specific embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53 and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 77. In some embodiments, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53, and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 77.
[0324] In some specific embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 54 and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 77. In some embodiments, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 54, and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 77.
[0325] In some specific embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 55 and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 77. In some embodiments, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 55, and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 77.
[0326] In some specific embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 56 and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 77. In some embodiments, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 56, and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 77.
[0327] In some embodiments, the engineered immune cell is a T cell, an NK cell, a peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) , a hematopoietic stem cell, a pluripotent stem cell, or an embryonic stem cell. The T cells may be αβ T cells, or γδ T cells. In some embodiments, the engineered immune cell is autologous. In some embodiments, the engineered immune cell is allogenic. 5.3.1.3 Engineered immune cell comprising dual CARs that bind to GPRC5D and CD19
[0328] In some embodiments, provided herein is an engineered immune cell (such as T cell) comprising (or expressing) a first CAR that binds to GPRC5D as provided herein and a second CAR that binds to CD19, wherein the first CAR is a CAR that binds to GPRC5D as described in sections 5.2 above. In some embodiments, provided herein is an engineered immune cell (such as T cell) comprising (or expressing) a CAR (afirst CAR) that binds to GPRC5D as described in 5.3.1.1 above, wherein the engineered immune cell further comprises or expresses a second CAR that binds to CD19.
[0329] In some embodiments of the engineered immune cell as provided herein, the second CAR comprises an extracellular antigen binding domain comprising a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) that binds to CD19.
[0330] In some embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the scFv of the second CAR comprises an HCDR1, an HCDR2 and an HCDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the HCDR1, HCDR2, and HCDR3, respectively, as set forth in a VH comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 70; and an LCDR1, an LCDR2 and an HCDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the LCDR1, LCDR2, and LCDR3, respectively, as set forth in a VL comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71. CDR sequences can be determined according to well-known numbering systems, for example, a numbering system according to Table 1. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to IMGT numbering scheme. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Kabat numbering scheme. In some embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to AbM numbering scheme. In other embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Chothia numbering scheme. In other embodiments, the CDRs are determined according to Contact numbering scheme.
[0331] In certain embodiments, the scFv comprises a VH having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, 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 the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 70. In certain embodiments, the scFv comprises a VL having at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 85%, 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 the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71. In some embodiments, the scFv comprises a VH comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 70 and a VL comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71. In some embodiments, the scFv comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 72.
[0332] In some embodiments, the second CAR that binds to CD19 further comprises a transmembrane domain, an intracellular signaling domain, a hinge region, and / or a signal peptide as described in Sections 5.2.2 to 5.2.6 above. For example, in some embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the transmembrane domain of the second CAR is selected the group consisting of α, β or ζ chain of T cell receptor, CD3ε, CD3ζ, CD8α, CD4, CD5, CD28, CD137, CD80, CD86, CD152, CD154 and PD1. In some specific embodiments, the transmembrane domain of the second CAR is derived from CD8α. In some embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the intracellular signaling domain of the second CAR comprises a primary intracellular signaling domain of an immune effector cell (such as T cell) . In some embodiments, the primary intracellular signaling domain of the second CAR is derived from a molecule selected from the group consisting of: CD3ζ, FcRγ, FcRβ, CD3γ, CD3δ, CD3ε, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b and CD66d. In some specific embodiments, the primary intracellular signaling domain of the second CAR is derived from CD3ζ. In some embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the intracellular signaling domain of the second CAR comprises a co-stimulatory signaling domain. In some embodiments, the co-stimulatory signaling domain of the second CAR is derived from a co-stimulatory molecule selected from the group consisting of CARD11, CD2, CD7, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD54 (ICAM) , CD83, CD134 (OX40) , CD137 (4-1BB) , CD150 (SLAMF1) , CD152 (CTLA4) , CD223 (LAGS) , CD270 (HVEM) , CD273 (PD-L2) , CD274 (PD-L1) , CD278 (ICOS) , DAP10, DAP12, LFA-1, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, and combinations thereof. In some specific embodiments, the co-stimulatory signaling domain of the second CAR is derived from CD137. In some embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the second CAR further comprises a hinge domain (such as a CD8αhinge domain) located between the C-terminus of the extracellular antigen binding domain and the N-terminus of the transmembrane domain. In some embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the second CAR further comprises a signal peptide (such as a CD8α signal peptide) located at the N-terminus of the polypeptide. In some embodiments, the polypeptide comprises from the N-terminus to the C-terminus: a CD8α signal peptide, the extracellular antigen binding domain, a CD8α hinge domain, a CD8α transmembrane domain, a co-stimulatory signaling domain derived from CD137, and a primary intracellular signaling domain derived from CD3ζ.
[0333] In other specific embodiments, the engineered immune cell (such as T cell) provided herein expresses a second CAR on the cell surface, wherein the second CAR comprises a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73, or an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identify to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73.
[0334] In some specific embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 49 and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73. In some embodiments, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 49 and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73.
[0335] In some specific embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 50 and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73. In some embodiments, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 50, and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73.
[0336] In some specific embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 51 and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73. In some embodiments, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 51, and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73.
[0337] In some specific embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52 and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73. In some embodiments, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 52, and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73.
[0338] In some specific embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53 and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73. In some embodiments, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 53, and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73.
[0339] In some specific embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 54 and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73. In some embodiments, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 54, and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73.
[0340] In some specific embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 55 and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73. In some embodiments, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 55, and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73.
[0341] In some specific embodiments of the engineered immune cell provided herein, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 56 and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73. In some embodiments, the first CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 56, and the second CAR expressed on the cell surface comprises a polypeptide having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%sequence identity to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73.
[0342] In some embodiments, the immune cell is a T cell, an NK cell, a peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) , a hematopoietic stem cell, a pluripotent stem cell, or an embryonic stem cell. The T cells may be αβ T cells, or γδ T cells. In some embodiments, the engineered immune cell is autologous. In some embodiments, the engineered immune cell is allogenic.
[0343] The engineered immune cell may further express one or more therapeutic proteins and / or immunomodulators, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors. 5.3.2. Vectors
[0344] The present disclosure provides vectors for cloning and expressing any one of the CARs described herein. In some embodiments, the vector is suitable for replication and integration in eukaryotic cells, such as mammalian cells. In some embodiments, the vector is a viral vector. Examples of viral vectors include, but are not limited to, adenoviral vectors, adeno-associated virus vectors, lentiviral vector, retroviral vectors, vaccinia vector, herpes simplex viral vector, and derivatives thereof. Viral vector technology is well known in the art and is described, for example, in Sambrook et al. (2001, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York) , and in other virology and molecular biology manuals.
[0345] A number of viral based systems have been developed for gene transfer into mammalian cells. For example, retroviruses provide a convenient platform for gene delivery systems. The heterologous nucleic acid can be inserted into a vector and packaged in retroviral particles using techniques known in the art. The recombinant virus can then be isolated and delivered to the engineered mammalian cell in vitro or ex vivo. A number of retroviral systems are known in the art. In some embodiments, adenovirus vectors are used. A number of adenovirus vectors are known in the art. In some embodiments, lentivirus vectors are used. In some embodiments, self-inactivating lentiviral vectors are used. For example, self-inactivating lentiviral vectors carrying the immunomodulator (such as immune checkpoint inhibitor) coding sequence and / or self-inactivating lentiviral vectors carrying chimeric antigen receptors can be packaged with protocols known in the art. The resulting lentiviral vectors can be used to transduce a mammalian cell (such as primary human T cells) using methods known in the art. Vectors derived from retroviruses such as lentivirus are suitable tools to achieve long-term gene transfer, because they allow long-term, stable integration of a transgene and its propagation in progeny cells. Lentiviral vectors also have low immunogenicity, and can transduce non-proliferating cells.
[0346] In some embodiments, the vector comprises any one of the nucleic acids encoding a CAR described herein. The nucleic acid can be cloned into the vector using any known molecular cloning methods in the art, including, for example, using restriction endonuclease sites and one or more selectable markers. In some embodiments, the nucleic acid is operably linked to a promoter. Varieties of promoters have been explored for gene expression in mammalian cells, and any of the promoters known in the art may be used in the present disclosure. Promoters may be roughly categorized as constitutive promoters or regulated promoters, such as inducible promoters.
[0347] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid encoding the CAR is operably linked to a constitutive promoter. Constitutive promoters allow heterologous genes (also referred to as transgenes) to be expressed constitutively in the host cells. Exemplary constitutive promoters contemplated herein include, but are not limited to, Cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoters, human elongation factors-1 alpha (hEF1α) , ubiquitin C promoter (UbiC) , phosphoglycerokinase promoter (PGK) , simian virus 40 early promoter (SV40) , and chicken β-Actin promoter coupled with CMV early enhancer (CAGG) . The efficiencies of such constitutive promoters on driving transgene expression have been widely compared in a huge number of studies. For example, Michael C. Milone et al compared the efficiencies of CMV, hEF1α, UbiC and PGK to drive chimeric antigen receptor expression in primary human T cells, and concluded that hEF1α promoter not only induced the highest level of transgene expression, but was also optimally maintained in the CD4 and CD8 human T cells (Molecular Therapy, 17 (8) : 1453-1464 (2009) ) . In some embodiments, the nucleic acid encoding the CAR is operably linked to a hEF1α promoter.
[0348] In some embodiments, the nucleic acid encoding the CAR is operably linked to an inducible promoter. Inducible promoters belong to the category of regulated promoters. The inducible promoter can be induced by one or more conditions, such as a physical condition, microenvironment of the engineered immune cell, or the physiological state of the engineered immune cell, an inducer (i.e., an inducing agent) , or a combination thereof.
[0349] In some embodiments, the inducing condition does not induce the expression of endogenous genes in the engineered mammalian cell, and / or in the subject that receives the pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments, the inducing condition is selected from the group consisting of: inducer, irradiation (such as ionizing radiation, light) , temperature (such as heat) , redox state, tumor environment, and the activation state of the engineered mammalian cell.
[0350] In some embodiments, the vector also contains a selectable marker gene or a reporter gene to select cells expressing the CAR from the population of host cells transfected through lentiviral vectors. Both selectable markers and reporter genes may be flanked by appropriate regulatory sequences to enable expression in the host cells. For example, the vector may contain transcription and translation terminators, initiation sequences, and promoters useful for regulation of the expression of the nucleic acid sequences.
[0351] In some embodiments, the vector provided herein comprises a nucleic acid sequence encoding multiple CARs. In some embodiments, the vector comprises two nucleic acid sequences, wherein the first nucleic acid sequence encodes the first CAR (e.g. a CAR that binds to GPRC5D as described herein) , and the second nucleic acid sequence encodes the second CAR (e.g. a CAR that binds to BCMA or CD19 as described herein) . In some embodiments, the first nucleic acid sequence is operably linked to the second nucleic acid sequence via a third nucleic acid sequence encoding a self-cleaving peptide. In some embodiments, the self-cleaving peptide is selected from the group consisting of T2A, P2A and F2A. In some embodiments, the P2A comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 83. In some embodiments, the vector comprises a nuceic acid sequence encoding a polypeptide of Section 5.4. In some embodiments, the vector comprises a polynucleotide of Section 5.5. 5.3.3. Immune effector cells
[0352] “Immune effector cells” are immune cells that can perform immune effector functions. In some embodiments, the immune effector cells express at least FcγRIII and perform ADCC effector function. Examples of immune effector cells which mediate ADCC include peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) , natural killer (NK) cells, monocytes, cytotoxic T cells, neutrophils, and eosinophils. The term “Immune effector cells” or “Immune cells” may be used interchangeably herein.
[0353] In some embodiments, the immune effector cells are T cells. The T cells may be αβT cells, or γδ T cells. In some embodiments, the T cells are CD4+ / CD8-, CD4- / CD8+, CD4+ / CD8+, CD4- / CD8-, or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the T cells produce IL-2, TFN, and / or TNF upon expressing the CAR and binding to the target cells, such as tumor cells. In some embodiments, the CD8+ T cells lyse antigen-specific target cells upon expressing the CAR and binding to the target cells.
[0354] In some embodiments, the immune effector cells are NK cells. In other embodiments, the immune effector cells can be established cell lines, for example, NK-92 cells.
[0355] In some embodiments, the immune effector cells are differentiated from a stem cell, such as a hematopoietic stem cell, a pluripotent stem cell, an iPS, or an embryonic stem cell.
[0356] The engineered immune effector cells are prepared by introducing the CARs into the immune effector cells, such as T cells. In some embodiments, the CARs are introduced to the immune effector cells by transfecting any one of the isolated nucleic acids encoding the CARs or any one of the vectors described above.
[0357] In some embodiments, multiple CARs are introduced to the immune effector cells by transfecting more than one nucleic acid encoding the CARs. In some specific embodiments, dual CARs are introduced to the immune effector cells by transfecting two nucleic acids, wherein the first nucleic acid encoding the first CAR (e.g. any CAR that binds to GPRC5D as described herein) , and the second nucleic acid encoding the second CAR (e.g. any CAR that binds to BCMA or CD19 as described herein) .
[0358] In some embodiments, multiple CARs are introduced to the immune effector cells by transfecting a nucleic acid encoding the CARs. In some specific embodiments, dual CARs are introduced to the immune effector cells by transfecting a nucleic acid comprising a first nucleic acid sequence encoding a first CAR (e.g. any CAR that binds to GPRC5D as described herein) and a second nucleic acid sequence encoding a second CAR (e.g. any CAR that binds to BCMA or CD19 as described herein) , wherein the first nucleic acid is operably linked to the second nucleic acid via a third nucleic acid sequence encoding a self-cleaving peptide. In some embodiments, the self-cleaving peptide is selected from the group consisting of T2A, P2A and F2A. In some embodiments, the P2A comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 83.
[0359] In some embodiments, the CAR is introduced to the immune effector cells by inserting proteins into the cell membrane while passing cells through a microfluidic system, such as CELL (see, e.g., U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20140287509) .
[0360] Methods of introducing vectors or isolated nucleic acids into a mammalian cell are known in the art. The vectors described can be transferred into an immune effector cell by physical, chemical, or biological methods.
[0361] Physical methods for introducing the vector into an immune effector cell include calcium phosphate precipitation, lipofection, particle bombardment, microinjection, electroporation, and the like. Methods for producing cells comprising vectors and / or exogenous nucleic acids are well-known in the art. See, e.g., Sambrook et al. (2001) Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, New York. In some embodiments, the vector is introduced into the cell by electroporation.
[0362] Biological methods for introducing the vector into an immune effector cell include the use of DNA and RNA vectors. Viral vectors have become the most widely used method for inserting genes into mammalian, e.g., human cells.
[0363] Chemical means for introducing the vector into an immune effector cell include colloidal dispersion systems, such as macromolecule complexes, nanocapsules, microspheres, beads, and lipid-based systems including oil-in-water emulsions, micelles, mixed micelles, and liposomes. An exemplary colloidal system for use as a delivery vehicle in vitro is a liposome (e.g., an artificial membrane vesicle) .
[0364] In some embodiments, RNA molecules encoding any of the CARs described herein may be prepared by a conventional method (e.g., in vitro transcription) and then introduced into the immune effector cells via known methods such as mRNA electroporation. See, e.g., Rabinovich et al., Human Gene Therapy 17: 1027-1035 (2006) .
[0365] In some embodiments, the transduced or transfected immune effector cell is propagated ex vivo after introduction of the vector or isolated nucleic acid. In some embodiments, the transduced or transfected immune effector cell is cultured to propagate for at least about any of 1 day, 2 days, 3 days, 4 days, 5 days, 6 days, 7 days, 10 days, 12 days, or 14 days. In some embodiments, the transduced or transfected immune effector cell is further evaluated or screened to select the engineered mammalian cell.
[0366] Reporter genes may be used for identifying potentially transfected cells and for evaluating the functionality of regulatory sequences. In general, a reporter gene is a gene that is not present in or expressed by the recipient organism or tissue and that encodes a polypeptide whose expression is manifested by some easily detectable property, e.g., enzymatic activity. Expression of the reporter gene is assayed at a suitable time after the DNA has been introduced into the recipient cells. Suitable reporter genes may include genes encoding luciferase, beta-galactosidase, chloramphenicol acetyl transferase, secreted alkaline phosphatase, or the green fluorescent protein gene (e.g., Ui-Tei et al. FEBS Letters 479: 79-82 (2000) ) . Suitable expression systems are well known and may be prepared using known techniques or obtained commercially.
[0367] Other methods to confirm the presence of the nucleic acid encoding the CARs in the engineered immune effector cell, include, for example, molecular biological assays well known to those of skill in the art, such as Southern and Northern blotting, RT-PCR and PCR; biochemical assays, such as detecting the presence or absence of a particular peptide, e.g., by immunological methods (such as ELISAs and Western blots) . 5.3.4. Sources of T Cells
[0368] In some embodiments, prior to expansion and genetic modification of the T cells, a source of T cells is obtained from a subject. T cells can be obtained from a number of sources, including peripheral blood mononuclear cells, bone marrow, lymph node tissue, cord blood, thymus tissue, tissue from a site of infection, ascites, pleural effusion, spleen tissue, and tumors. In some embodiments, any number of T cell lines available in the art, may be used. In some embodiments, T cells can be obtained from a unit of blood collected from a subject using any number of techniques known to the skilled artisan, such as FicollTM separation. In some embodiments, cells from the circulating blood of an individual are obtained by apheresis. The apheresis product typically contains lymphocytes, including T cells, monocytes, granulocytes, B cells, other nucleated white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. In some embodiments, the cells collected by apheresis may be washed to remove the plasma fraction and to place the cells in an appropriate buffer or media for subsequent processing steps. In some embodiments, the cells are washed with phosphate buffered saline (PBS) . In some embodiments, the wash solution lacks calcium and may lack magnesium or may lack many if not all divalent cations. Initial activation steps in the absence of calcium may lead to magnified activation. As those of ordinary skill in the art would readily appreciate a washing step may be accomplished by methods known to those in the art, such as by using a semi-automated “flow-through” centrifuge (for example, the Cobe 2991 cell processor, the Baxter CytoMate, or the Haemonetics Cell Saver 5) according to the manufacturer's instructions. After washing, the cells may be resuspended in a variety of biocompatible buffers, such as, for example, Ca2+-free, Mg2+-free PBS, PlasmaLyte A, or other saline solution with or without buffer. Alternatively, the undesirable components of the apheresis sample may be removed and the cells directly resuspended in culture media.
[0369] In some embodiments, T cells are isolated from peripheral blood lymphocytes by lysing the red blood cells and depleting the monocytes, for example, by centrifugation through a PERCOLLTM gradient or by counterflow centrifugal elutriation. A specific subpopulation of T cells, such as CD3+, CD28+, CD4+, CD8+, CD45RA+, and CD45RO+T cells, can be further isolated by positive or negative selection techniques. For example, in some embodiments, T cells are isolated by incubation with anti-CD3 / anti-CD28 (i.e., 3×28) -conjugated beads, such as M-450 CD3 / CD28 T, for a time period sufficient for positive selection of the desired T cells. In some embodiments, the time period is about 30 minutes. In a further embodiment, the time period ranges from 30 minutes to 36 hours or longer and all integer values there between. In a further embodiment, the time period is at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, or 6 hours. In some embodiments, the time period is 10 to 24 hours. In some embodiments, the incubation time period is 24 hours. For isolation of T cells from patients with leukemia, use of longer incubation times, such as 24 hours, can increase cell yield. Longer incubation times may be used to isolate T cells in any situation where there are few T cells as compared to other cell types, such in isolating tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) from tumor tissue or from immune-compromised individuals. Further, use of longer incubation times can increase the efficiency of capture of CD8+ T cells. Thus, in some embodiments, by simply shortening or lengthening the time T cells are allowed to bind to the CD3 / CD28 beads and / or by increasing or decreasing the ratio of beads to T cells, subpopulations of T cells can be preferentially selected for or against at culture initiation or at other time points during the process. Additionally, by increasing or decreasing the ratio of anti-CD3 and / or anti-CD28 antibodies on the beads or other surface, subpopulations of T cells can be preferentially selected for or against at culture initiation or at other desired time points. The skilled artisan would recognize that multiple rounds of selection can also be used. In some embodiments, it may be desirable to perform the selection procedure and use the “unselected” cells in the activation and expansion process. “Unselected” cells can also be subjected to further rounds of selection.
[0370] Enrichment of a T cell population by negative selection can be accomplished with a combination of antibodies directed to surface markers unique to the negatively selected cells. One method is cell sorting and / or selection via negative magnetic immunoadherence or flow cytometry that uses a cocktail of monoclonal antibodies directed to cell surface markers present on the cells negatively selected. For example, to enrich for CD4+ cells by negative selection, a monoclonal antibody cocktail typically includes antibodies to CD14, CD20, CD11b, CD16, HLA-DR, and CD8. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to enrich for or positively select for regulatory T cells which typically express CD4+, CD25+, CD62Lhi, GITR+, and FoxP3+. Alternatively, in certain embodiments, T regulatory cells are depleted by anti-C25 conjugated beads or other similar method of selection.
[0371] For isolation of a desired population of cells by positive or negative selection, the concentration of cells and surface (e.g., particles such as beads) can be varied. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to significantly decrease the volume in which beads and cells are mixed together (i.e., increase the concentration of cells) , to ensure maximum contact of cells and beads. For example, in one embodiment, a concentration of 2 billion cells / ml is used. In one embodiment, a concentration of 1 billion cells / ml is used. In a further embodiment, greater than 100 million cells / ml is used. In a further embodiment, a concentration of cells of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 million cells / ml is used. In yet another embodiment, a concentration of cells from 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100 million cells / ml is used. In further embodiments, concentrations of 125 or 150 million cells / ml can be used. Using high concentrations may result in increased cell yield, cell activation, and cell expansion. Further, use of high cell concentrations may allow more efficient capture of cells that may weakly express target antigens of interest, such as CD28-negative T cells, or from samples where there are many tumor cells present (i.e., leukemic blood, tumor tissue, etc. ) . Such populations of cells may have therapeutic value and would be desirable to obtain. In some embodiments, using high concentration of cells allows more efficient selection of CD8+ T cells that normally have weaker CD28 expression.
[0372] In some embodiments, it may be desirable to use lower concentrations of cells. By significantly diluting the mixture of T cells and surface (e.g., particles such as beads) , interactions between the particles and cells is minimized. This selects for cells that express high amounts of desired antigens to be bound to the particles. For example, CD4+ T cells express higher levels of CD28 and are more efficiently captured than CD8+ T cells in dilute concentrations. In some embodiments, the concentration of cells used is 5×106 / mL. In some embodiments, the concentration used can be from about 1×105 / mL to 1×106 / mL, and any integer value in between.
[0373] In some embodiments, the cells may be incubated on a rotator for varying lengths of time at varying speeds at either 2-10℃, or at room temperature.
[0374] T cells for stimulation can also be frozen after a washing step. Without being bound by theory, the freeze and subsequent thaw step may provide a more uniform product by removing granulocytes and to some extent monocytes in the cell population. After the washing step that removes plasma and platelets, the cells may be suspended in a freezing solution. While many freezing solutions and parameters are known in the art and will be useful in this context, one method involves using PBS containing 20%DMSO and 8%human serum albumin, or culture media containing 10%dextran 40 and 5%dextrose, 20%human serum albumin and 7.5%DMSO, or 31.25%plasmalyte-A, 31.25%dextrose 5%, 0.45%NaCl, 10%dextran 40 and 5%dextrose, 20%human serum albumin, and 7.5%DMSO or other suitable cell freezing media containing for example, Hespan and PlasmaLyte A. The cells then are frozen to -80℃ at a rate of 1° per minute and stored in the vapor phase of a liquid nitrogen storage tank. Other methods of controlled freezing may be used as well as uncontrolled freezing immediately at -20℃ or in liquid nitrogen.
[0375] In some embodiments, cryopreserved cells are thawed and washed as described herein and allowed to rest for one hour at room temperature prior to activation.
[0376] Also contemplated in the present disclosure is the collection of blood samples or apheresis product from a subject at a time period prior to when the expanded cells as described herein might be needed. As such, the source of the cells to be expanded can be collected at any time point necessary, and desired cells, such as T cells, isolated and frozen for later use in T cell therapy for any number of diseases or conditions that would benefit from T cell therapy, such as those described herein. In one embodiment, a blood sample or an apheresis is taken from a generally healthy subject. In certain embodiments, a blood sample or an apheresis is taken from a generally healthy subject who is at risk of developing a disease, but who has not yet developed a disease, and the cells of interest are isolated and frozen for later use. In certain embodiments, the T cells may be expanded, frozen, and used at a later time. In certain embodiments, samples are collected from a patient shortly after diagnosis of a particular disease as described herein but prior to any treatments. In a further embodiment, the cells are isolated from a blood sample or an apheresis from a subject prior to any number of relevant treatment modalities, including but not limited to treatment with agents such as natalizumab, efalizumab, antiviral agents, chemotherapy, radiation, immunosuppressive agents, such as cyclosporin, azathioprine, methotrexate, mycophenolate, and FK506, antibodies, or other immunoablative agents such as CAMPATH, anti-CD3 antibodies, cytoxan, fludarabine, cyclosporin, FK506, rapamycin, mycophenolic acid, steroids, FR901228, and irradiation. These drugs inhibit either the calcium dependent phosphatase calcineurin (cyclosporine and FK506) or inhibit the p70S6 kinase that is important for growth factor induced signaling (rapamycin) (Liu et al., Cell 66: 807-815 (1991) ; Henderson et al., Immun 73: 316-321 (1991) ; Bierer et al., Curr. Opin. Immun. 5: 763-773 (1993) ) . In a further embodiment, the cells are isolated for a patient and frozen for later use in conjunction with (e.g., before, simultaneously or following) bone marrow or stem cell transplantation, T cell ablative therapy using either chemotherapy agents such as, fludarabine, external-beam radiation therapy (XRT) , cyclophosphamide, or antibodies such as OKT3 or CAMPATH.
[0377] In some embodiments, T cells are obtained from a patient directly following treatment. In this regard, it has been observed that following certain cancer treatments, in particular treatments with drugs that damage the immune system, shortly after treatment during the period when patients would normally be recovering from the treatment, the quality of T cells obtained may be optimal or improved for their ability to expand ex vivo. Likewise, following ex vivo manipulation using the methods described herein, these cells may be in a preferred state for enhanced engraftment and in vivo expansion. Thus, it is contemplated within the context of the present disclosure to collect blood cells, including T cells, dendritic cells, or other cells of the hematopoietic lineage, during this recovery phase. Further, in certain embodiments, mobilization (for example, mobilization with GM-CSF) and conditioning regimens can be used to create a condition in a subject wherein repopulation, recirculation, regeneration, and / or expansion of particular cell types is favored, especially during a defined window of time following therapy. Illustrative cell types include T cells, B cells, dendritic cells, and other cells of the immune system. 5.3.5. Activation and Expansion of T cells
[0378] In some embodiments, prior to or after genetic modification of the T cells with the CARs described herein, the T cells can be activated and expanded generally using methods as described, for example, in U.S. Pat. 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; 7,067,318; 7,172,869; 7,232,566; 7,175,843; 5,883,223; 6,905,874; 6,797,514; 6,867,041; and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 20060121005.
[0379] Generally, T cells can be expanded by contact with a surface having attached thereto an agent that stimulates a CD3 / TCR complex associated signal and a ligand that stimulates a co-stimulatory molecule on the surface of the T cells. In particular, T cell populations may be stimulated as described herein, such as by contact with an anti-CD3 antibody, or antigen binding fragment thereof, or an anti-CD2 antibody immobilized on a surface, or by contact with a protein kinase C activator (e.g., bryostatin) in conjunction with a calcium ionophore. For co-stimulation of an accessory molecule on the surface of the T cells, a ligand that binds the accessory molecule is used. For example, a population of T cells can be contacted with an anti-CD3 antibody and an anti-CD28 antibody, under conditions appropriate for stimulating proliferation of the T cells. To stimulate proliferation of either CD4+ T cells or CD8+ T cells, an anti-CD3 antibody and an anti-CD28 antibody. Examples of an anti-CD3 antibody include UCHT1, OKT3, HIT3a (BioLegend, San Diego, US) can be used as can other methods commonly known in the art (Graves J, et al., J. Immunol. 146: 2102 (1991) ; Li B, et al., Immunology 116: 487 (2005) ; Rivollier A, et al., Blood 104: 4029 (2004) ) . Examples of an anti-CD28 antibody include 9.3, B-T3, XR-CD28 (Diaclone, Besancon, France) can be used as can other methods commonly known in the art (Berg et al., Transplant Proc. 30 (8) : 3975-3977 (1998) ; Haanen et al., J. Exp. Med. 190 (9) : 13191328 (1999) ; Garland et al., J. Immunol Meth. 227 (1-2) : 53-63 (1999) ) .
[0380] In some embodiments, the primary stimulatory signal and the co-stimulatory signal for the T cell may be provided by different protocols. For example, the agents providing each signal may be in solution or coupled to a surface. When coupled to a surface, the agents may be coupled to the same surface (i.e., in “cis” formation) or to separate surfaces (i.e., in “trans” formation) . Alternatively, one agent may be coupled to a surface and the other agent in solution. In one embodiment, the agent providing the co-stimulatory signal is bound to a cell surface and the agent providing the primary activation signal is in solution or coupled to a surface. In certain embodiments, both agents can be in solution. In another embodiment, the agents may be in soluble form, and then cross-linked to a surface, such as a cell expressing Fc receptors or an antibody or other binding agent which will bind to the agents. In this regard, see for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 20040101519 and 20060034810 for artificial antigen presenting cells (aAPCs) that are contemplated for use in activating and expanding T cells in certain embodiments in the present disclosure.
[0381] In some embodiments, the T cells, are combined with agent-coated beads, the beads and the cells are subsequently separated, and then the cells are cultured. In an alternative embodiment, prior to culture, the agent-coated beads and cells are not separated but are cultured together. In a further embodiment, the beads and cells are first concentrated by application of a force, such as a magnetic force, resulting in increased ligation of cell surface markers, thereby inducing cell stimulation.
[0382] By way of example, cell surface proteins may be ligated by allowing paramagnetic beads to which anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 are attached (3×28 beads) to contact the T cells. In one embodiment, the cells (for example, 104 to 4×108 T cells) and beads (for example, anti-CD3 / CD28 MACSiBead particlesa at a recommended titer of 1: 100) are combined in a buffer, preferably PBS (without divalent cations such as, calcium and magnesium) . Those of ordinary skill in the art can readily appreciate any cell concentration may be used. For example, the target cell may be very rare in the sample and comprise only 0.01%of the sample or the entire sample (i.e., 100%) may comprise the target cell of interest. Accordingly, any cell number is within the context of the present disclosure. In certain embodiments, it may be desirable to significantly decrease the volume in which particles and cells are mixed together (i.e., increase the concentration of cells) , to ensure maximum contact of cells and particles. For example, in one embodiment, a concentration of about 2 billion cells / mL is used. In another embodiment, greater than 100 million cells / mL is used. In a further embodiment, a concentration of cells of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 million cells / mL is used. In yet another embodiment, a concentration of cells from 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 100 million cells / mL is used. In further embodiments, concentrations of 125 or 150 million cells / mL can be used. Using high concentrations may result in increased cell yield, cell activation, and cell expansion. Further, use of high cell concentrations may allow more efficient capture of cells that may weakly express target antigens of interest, such as CD28-negative T cells. Such populations of cells may have therapeutic value and would be desirable to obtain in certain embodiments. For example, using high concentration of cells allows more efficient selection of CD8+ T cells that normally have weaker CD28 expression.
[0383] In some embodiments, the mixture may be cultured for several hours (about 3 hours) to about 14 days or any hourly integer value in between. In another embodiment, the mixture may be cultured for 21 days. In one embodiment, the beads and the T cells are cultured together for about eight days. In another embodiment, the beads and T cells are cultured together for 2-3 days. Several cycles of stimulation may also be desired such that culture time of T cells can be 60 days or more. Conditions appropriate for T cell culture include an appropriate media (e.g., Minimal Essential Media or RPMI Media 1640 or, X-vivo 15, (Lonza) ) that may contain factors necessary for proliferation and viability, including serum (e.g., fetal bovine or human serum) , interleukin-2 (IL-2) , insulin, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-7, GM-CSF, IL-10, IL-12, IL-15, TGFβ, and TNF-α or any other additives for the growth of cells known to the skilled artisan. Other additives for the growth of cells include, but are not limited to, surfactant, 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, with added amino acids, sodium pyruvate, and vitamins, either serum-free or supplemented with an appropriate amount of serum (or plasma) or a defined set of hormones, and / or an amount of cytokine (s) sufficient for the growth and expansion of T cells. Antibiotics, e.g., penicillin and streptomycin, are included only in experimental cultures, not in cultures of cells that are to be infused into a subject. The target cells are maintained under conditions necessary to support growth, for example, an appropriate temperature (e.g., 37 oC) and atmosphere (e.g., air plus 5%CO2) . T cells that have been exposed to varied stimulation times may exhibit different characteristics. For example, typical blood or apheresed peripheral blood mononuclear cell products have a helper T cell populat...
Claims
1.A chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) , comprising:(a) an extracellular antigen binding domain comprising a first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain and a second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain;(b) a transmembrane domain and(c) an intracellular signaling domain.wherein the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain are each independently selected from a VHH domain comprising:(i) a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1;(ii) a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2;(iii) a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 3;(iv) a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4;(v) a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 5;(vi) a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6;(vii) a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 7;(viii) a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8;(ix) a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 9; or(x) a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.2.The CAR of claim 1, wherein the CDR1, CDR2 or CDR3 are determined according to the Kabat numbering scheme, the IMGT numbering scheme, the AbM numbering scheme, the Chothia numbering scheme, the Contact numbering scheme, or a combination thereof.3.The CAR of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain are each independently selected from a VHH domain comprising:(i) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13;(ii) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13;(iii) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18;(iv) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18;(v) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18;(vi) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24;(vii) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 26; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24;(viii) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 25; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 27; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24;(ix) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30;(x) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 31; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 32; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30;(xi) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 31; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 33; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30;(xii) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36; or(xiii) a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 37; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 38; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36.4.The CAR of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain each further comprise one or more FR regions as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, and / or SEQ ID NO: 10.5.The CAR of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain are each independently selected from a VHH domain comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, or SEQ ID NO: 10, or a VHH domain comprising an amino acid sequence having at least 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or more sequence identity with the sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1, SEQ ID NO: 2, SEQ ID NO: 3, SEQ ID NO: 4, SEQ ID NO: 5, SEQ ID NO: 6, SEQ ID NO: 7, SEQ ID NO: 8, SEQ ID NO: 9, or SEQ ID NO: 10.6.The CAR of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain are different VHH domains or the same VHH domain.7.The CAR of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein:(i) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4;(ii) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6;(iii) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8;(iv) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10;(v) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6;(vi) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8;(vii) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 4; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10;(viii) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8;(ix) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 6; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10; or(x) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 8; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 10.8.The CAR of any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein:(i) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11 or 14; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12 or 15; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16 or 19; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17 or 21; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18;(ii) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11 or 14; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12 or 15; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22 or 25; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23 or 27; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24;(iii) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11 or 14; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12 or 15; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28 or 31; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29 or 33; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30;(iv) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11 or 14; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12 or 15; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34 or 37; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35 or 38; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36;(v) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16 or 19; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17 or 21; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22 or 25; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23 or 27; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24;(vi) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16 or 19; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17 or 21; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28 or 31; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29 or 33; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30;(vii) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16 or 19; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17 or 21; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34 or 37; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35 or 38; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36;(viii) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22 or 25; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23 or 27; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28 or 31; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29 or 33; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30;(ix) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22 or 25; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23 or 27; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34 or 37; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35 or 38; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36; or (x) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 28 or 31; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 29 or 33; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 30; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises a CDR1 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 34 or 37; a CDR2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 35 or 38; and a CDR3 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 36.9.The CAR of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein:(i) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4;(ii) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6;(iii) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8;(iv) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10;(v) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6;(vi) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8;(vii) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10;(viii) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8;(ix) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10; or(x) the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 8; and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10.10.The CAR of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain is at the N-terminus of the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain.11.The CAR of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain is at the C-terminus of the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain.12.The CAR of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the first anti-GPRC5D VHH domain and the second anti-GPRC5D VHH domain are fused to each other via a peptide linker, and wherein optionally the peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81 or SEQ ID NO: 82.13.The CAR of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the transmembrane domain is derived from a molecule selected from a group consisting of α, β or ζ chain of T cell receptor, CD3ε, CD3ζ, CD8α, CD4, CD5, CD28, CD137, CD80, CD86, CD152, CD154 and PD1.14.The CAR of claim 13, wherein the transmembrane domain is derived from CD8α, and wherein optionally the transmembrane domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 41.15.The CAR of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the intracellular signaling domain comprises a primary intracellular signaling domain of an immune effector cell.16.The CAR of claim 15, wherein the primary intracellular signaling domain is derived from a molecule selected from the group consisting of: CD3ζ, FcRγ, FcRβ, CD3γ, CD3δ, CD3ε, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b and CD66d, and wherein optionally the primary intracellular signaling domain is derived from CD3ζ and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 43.17.The CAR of claim 25 or claim 26, wherein the intracellular signaling domain further comprises a co-stimulatory signaling domain.18.The CAR of claim 17, wherein the co-stimulatory signaling domain is derived from a co-stimulatory molecule selected from the group consisting of CARD11, CD2, CD7, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD54 (ICAM) , CD83, CD134 (OX40) , CD137 (4-1BB) , CD150 (SLAMF1) , CD152 (CTLA4) , CD223 (LAGS) , CD270 (HVEM) , CD273 (PD-L2) , CD274 (PD-L1) , CD278 (ICOS) , DAP10, DAP12, LFA-1, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, and combinations thereof.19.The CAR of claim 18, wherein the co-stimulatory signaling domain is derived from CD137, and wherein optionally the co-stimulatory signaling domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42.20.The CAR of any one of claims 1 to 19, further comprising a hinge domain located between the C-terminus of the extracellular antigen binding domain and the N-terminus of the transmembrane domain.21.The CAR of claim 20, wherein the hinge domain is derived from CD8α, wherein optionally the hinge domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 40.22.The CAR of any one of claims 1 to 21, further comprising a signal peptide located at the N-terminus of the CAR.23.The CAR of claim 22, wherein the signal peptide is derived from CD8α, and wherein optionally the signal peptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 39.24.A chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) , comprising an amino acid sequence selected from the group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 49-56.25.The CAR of claim 24, further comprises a signal peptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 39 at the N-terminus, and wherein the CAR comprises an amino acid sequence selected from a group consisting of SEQ ID NOs: 62-69.26.A polypeptide comprising a first chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and a second CAR, wherein the first CAR is the CAR of any one of claims 1 to 25, and wherein the second CAR comprises:(a) an extracellular antigen binding domain that binds to BCMA or CD19,(b) a transmembrane domain and(c) an intracellular signaling domain.wherein the first CAR and the second CAR are fused by a cleavable peptide linker.27.The polypeptide of claim 26, wherein the second CAR comprises an extracellular antigen binding domain comprising a first anti-BCMA VHH domain and a second anti-BCMA VHH domain.28.The polypeptide of claim 27, wherein the first anti-BCMA VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 75; and wherein the second anti-BCMA VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 76.29.The polypeptide of claim 28, wherein the first anti-BCMA VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 75; and wherein the second anti-BCMA VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 76.30.The polypeptide of any one of claims 27 to 29, wherein the first anti-BCMA VHH domain and the second anti-BCMA VHH domain are fused by a peptide linker, and wherein optionally the peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81 or SEQ ID NO: 82.31.The polypeptide of any one of claims 27 to 30, wherein the first anti-BCMA VHH domain is at the N-terminus of the second anti-BCMA VHH domain, or wherein the first anti-BCMA VHH domain is at the C-terminus of the second anti-BCMA VHH domain.32.The polypeptide of any one of claims 27 to 31,(1) wherein in the second CAR the transmembrane domain is derived from a molecule selected from a group consisting of α, β or ζ chain of T cell receptor, CD3ε, CD3ζ, CD8α, CD4, CD5, CD28, CD137, CD80, CD86, CD152, CD154 and PD1, and wherein optionally the transmembrane domain is derived from CD8α and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 41;(2) wherein in the second CAR the intracellular signaling domain comprises a primary intracellular signaling domain of an immune effector cell, and wherein the primary intracellular signaling domain is derived from a molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3ζ, FcRγ, FcRβ, CD3γ, CD3δ, CD3ε, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b and CD66d, and wherein optionally the primary intracellular signaling domain is derived from CD3ζ and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 43;(3) wherein in the second CAR the intracellular signaling domain further comprises a co-stimulatory signaling domain derived from a co-stimulatory molecule selected from the group consisting of CARD11, CD2, CD7, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD54 (ICAM) , CD83, CD134 (OX40) , CD137 (4-1BB) , CD150 (SLAMF1) , CD152 (CTLA4) , CD223 (LAGS) , CD270 (HVEM) , CD273 (PD-L2) , CD274 (PD-L1) , CD278 (ICOS) , DAP10, DAP12, LFA-1, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, and combinations thereof, and wherein optionally the co-stimulatory signaling domain is derived from CD137 and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42;(4) wherein the second CAR further comprises a hinge domain located between the C-terminus of the extracellular antigen binding domain and the N-terminus of the transmembrane domain, and wherein optionally the hinge domain is derived from CD8α and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 40; and / or(5) wherein the second CAR further comprises a signal peptide located at the N-terminus of the CAR, and wherein optionally the signal peptide is derived from CD8α and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 39.33.The polypeptide of any one of claims 27 to 32, wherein the second CAR comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 77 or SEQ ID NO: 78.34.The polypeptide of claim 26, wherein the second CAR comprises an extracellular antigen binding domain comprising a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) that binds to CD19.35.The polypeptide of claim 34, wherein the scFv comprises an HCDR1, an HCDR2 and an HCDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the HCDR1, HCDR2, and HCDR3, respectively, as set forth in a VH comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 70; and an LCDR1, an LCDR2 and an HCDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the LCDR1, LCDR2, and LCDR3, respectively, as set forth in a VL comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71.36.The polypeptide of claim 34 or claim 35, wherein the scFv comprises a VH comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 70 and a VL comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71.37.The polypeptide of any one of claims 34 to 36, wherein the scFv comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 72.38.The polypeptide of any one of claims 34 to 37,(1) wherein in the second CAR the transmembrane domain is derived from a molecule selected from a group consisting of α, β or ζ chain of T cell receptor, CD3ε, CD3ζ, CD8α, CD4, CD5, CD28, CD137, CD80, CD86, CD152, CD154 and PD1, and wherein optionally the transmembrane domain is derived from CD8α and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 41;(2) wherein in the second CAR the intracellular signaling domain comprises a primary intracellular signaling domain of an immune effector cell, and wherein the primary intracellular signaling domain is derived from a molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3ζ, FcRγ, FcRβ, CD3γ, CD3δ, CD3ε, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b and CD66d, and wherein optionally the primary intracellular signaling domain is derived from CD3ζ and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 43;(3) wherein in the second CAR the intracellular signaling domain further comprises a co-stimulatory signaling domain derived from a co-stimulatory molecule selected from the group consisting of CARD11, CD2, CD7, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD54 (ICAM) , CD83, CD134 (OX40) , CD137 (4-1BB) , CD150 (SLAMF1) , CD152 (CTLA4) , CD223 (LAGS) , CD270 (HVEM) , CD273 (PD-L2) , CD274 (PD-L1) , CD278 (ICOS) , DAP10, DAP12, LFA-1, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, and combinations thereof, and wherein optionally the co-stimulatory signaling domain is derived from CD137 and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42;(4) wherein the second CAR further comprises a hinge domain located between the C-terminus of the extracellular antigen binding domain and the N-terminus of the transmembrane domain, and wherein optionally the hinge domain is derived from CD8α and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 40; and / or(5) wherein the second CAR further comprises a signal peptide located at the N-terminus of the CAR, and wherein optionally the signal peptide is derived from CD8α and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 39.39.The polypeptide of any one of claims 34 to 38, wherein the second CAR comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73 or SEQ ID NO: 74.40.The polypeptide of any one of claims 26 to 39, wherein the cleavable peptide linker is P2A, and wherein optionally the P2A comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 83.41.An isolated nucleic acid comprising a nucleic acid sequence encoding the CAR of any one of claims 1 to 25 or the polypeptide of any one of claims 26 to 40.42.A vector comprising the isolated nucleic acid of claim 41.43.An engineered immune cell, comprising the CAR of any one of claims 1 to 25, the polypeptide of any one of claims 26 to 40, the isolated nucleic acid of claim 41, or the vector of claim 42.44.An engineered immune cell produced by introducing the isolated nucleic acid of claim 41 or the vector of claim 42 into an immune cell.45.An engineered immune cell, comprising a first chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) and a second CAR, wherein the first CAR is the CAR of any one of claims 1 to 25, and wherein the second CAR comprises:(a) an extracellular antigen binding domain that binds to BCMA or CD19,(b) a transmembrane domain and(c) an intracellular signaling domain.46.The engineered immune cell of claim 45, wherein the second CAR comprises an extracellular antigen binding domain comprising a first anti-BCMA VHH domain and a second anti-BCMA VHH domain.47.The engineered immune cell of claim 46, wherein the first anti-BCMA VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 75; and wherein the second anti-BCMA VHH domain comprises a CDR1, a CDR2, and a CDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the CDR1, CDR2, and CDR3, respectively, as set forth in SEQ ID NO: 76.48.The engineered immune cell of claim 47, wherein the first anti-BCMA VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 75; and wherein the second anti-BCMA VHH domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 76.49.The engineered immune cell of claims 46 to 48, wherein the first anti-BCMA VHH domain and the second anti-BCMA VHH domain are fused by a peptide linker, and wherein optionally the peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 81 or SEQ ID NO: 82.50.The engineered immune cell of any one of claims 46 to 49, wherein the first anti-BCMA VHH domain is at the N-terminus of the second anti-BCMA VHH domain, or wherein the first anti-BCMA VHH domain is at the C-terminus of the second anti-BCMA VHH domain.51.The engineered immune cell of any one of claims 46 to 50,(1) wherein in the second CAR the transmembrane domain is derived from a molecule selected from a group consisting of α, β or ζ chain of T cell receptor, CD3ε, CD3ζ, CD8α, CD4, CD5, CD28, CD137, CD80, CD86, CD152, CD154 and PD1, and wherein optionally the transmembrane domain is derived from CD8α and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 41;(2) wherein in the second CAR the intracellular signaling domain comprises a primary intracellular signaling domain of an immune effector cell, and wherein the primary intracellular signaling domain is derived from a molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3ζ, FcRγ, FcRβ, CD3γ, CD3δ, CD3ε, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b and CD66d, and wherein optionally the primary intracellular signaling domain is derived from CD3ζ and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 43;(3) wherein in the second CAR the intracellular signaling domain further comprises a co-stimulatory signaling domain derived from a co-stimulatory molecule selected from the group consisting of CARD11, CD2, CD7, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD54 (ICAM) , CD83, CD134 (OX40) , CD137 (4-1BB) , CD150 (SLAMF1) , CD152 (CTLA4) , CD223 (LAGS) , CD270 (HVEM) , CD273 (PD-L2) , CD274 (PD-L1) , CD278 (ICOS) , DAP10, DAP12, LFA-1, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, and combinations thereof, and wherein optionally the co-stimulatory signaling domain is derived from CD137 and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42;(4) wherein the second CAR further comprises a hinge domain located between the C-terminus of the extracellular antigen binding domain and the N-terminus of the transmembrane domain, and wherein optionally the hinge domain is derived from CD8α and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 40; and / or(5) wherein the second CAR further comprises a signal peptide located at the N-terminus of the CAR, and wherein optionally the signal peptide is derived from CD8α and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 39.52.The engineered immune cell of any one of claims 46 to 51, wherein the second CAR comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 77 or SEQ ID NO: 78.53.The engineered immune cell of claim 45, wherein the second CAR comprises an extracellular antigen binding domain comprising a single-chain variable fragment (scFv) that binds to CD19.54.The engineered immune cell of claim 53, wherein the scFv comprises an HCDR1, an HCDR2 and an HCDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the HCDR1, HCDR2, and HCDR3, respectively, as set forth in a VH comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 70; and an LCDR1, an LCDR2 and an HCDR3 having the amino acid sequences of the LCDR1, LCDR2, and LCDR3, respectively, as set forth in a VL comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71.55.The engineered immune cell of claim 53 or claim 54, wherein the scFv comprises a VH comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 70 and a VL comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 71.56.The engineered immune cell of any one of claims 53 to 55, wherein the scFv comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 72.57.The engineered immune cell of any one of claims 53 to 56,(1) wherein in the second CAR the transmembrane domain is derived from a molecule selected from a group consisting of α, β or ζ chain of T cell receptor, CD3ε, CD3ζ, CD8α, CD4, CD5, CD28, CD137, CD80, CD86, CD152, CD154 and PD1, and wherein optionally the transmembrane domain is derived from CD8α and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 41;(2) wherein in the second CAR the intracellular signaling domain comprises a primary intracellular signaling domain of an immune effector cell, and wherein the primary intracellular signaling domain is derived from a molecule selected from the group consisting of CD3ζ, FcRγ, FcRβ, CD3γ, CD3δ, CD3ε, CD5, CD22, CD79a, CD79b and CD66d, and wherein optionally the primary intracellular signaling domain is derived from CD3ζ and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 43;(3) wherein in the second CAR the intracellular signaling domain further comprises a co-stimulatory signaling domain derived from a co-stimulatory molecule selected from the group consisting of CARD11, CD2, CD7, CD27, CD28, CD30, CD54 (ICAM) , CD83, CD134 (OX40) , CD137 (4-1BB) , CD150 (SLAMF1) , CD152 (CTLA4) , CD223 (LAGS) , CD270 (HVEM) , CD273 (PD-L2) , CD274 (PD-L1) , CD278 (ICOS) , DAP10, DAP12, LFA-1, LIGHT, NKG2C, B7-H3, and combinations thereof, and wherein optionally the co-stimulatory signaling domain is derived from CD137 and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 42;(4) wherein the second CAR further comprises a hinge domain located between the C-terminus of the extracellular antigen binding domain and the N-terminus of the transmembrane domain, and wherein optionally the hinge domain is derived from CD8α and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 40; and / or(5) wherein the second CAR further comprises a signal peptide located at the N-terminus of the CAR, and wherein optionally the signal peptide is derived from CD8α and comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 39.58.The engineered immune cell of any one of claims 53 to 57, wherein the second CAR comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 73 or SEQ ID NO: 74.59.The engineered immune cell of any one of claims 43 to 58, wherein the immune cell is a T cell, NK cell, peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) , hematopoietic stem cell, pluripotent stem cell, an embryonic stem cell, and a combination thereof.60.A pharmaceutical composition, comprising the CAR of any one of claims 1 to 25, the polypeptide of any one of claims 26 to 40, the isolated nucleic acid of claim 41, the vector of claim 42, or the engineered immune cell of any one of claims 43 to 59, and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.61.A method of treating a disease or disorder in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of the engineered immune cell of any one of claims 43 to 59, or the pharmaceutical composition of claim 60.62.The method of claim 61, wherein the disease or disorder is autoimmune diseases or tumor,wherein optionally the tumor is a hematological malignancy, and wherein optionally the hematological malignancy is selected from leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, and wherein optionally the leukemia is acute myeloid leukemia, adult T-cell leukemia, T-cell large granula lymphocyte leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, and acute monocytic leukemia, and wherein opotionally the myeloma is multiple myeloma.63.The method of claim 62, wherein the tumor is multiple myeloma.
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