Immunotherapies using hypoimmunogenic engineered cells
By selectively knocking out HLA-A and HLA-B while maintaining HLA-C/E/G expression using guide RNA and CRISPR-Cas complexes, the engineered cells address the challenges of immune rejection and ineffective cancer targeting, achieving reduced immunogenicity and enhanced cancer cell targeting efficacy.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- QIHAN EGENESIS HONG KONG LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-12-18
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-25
AI Technical Summary
Current cell therapy products, such as autologous CAR-T cells and allogeneic NK cells, face challenges including high cost, labor intensity, immune rejection, and ineffective cancer targeting due to immunogenicity and 'missing self' induced killing, making it difficult to engineer hypoimmunogenic allogeneic hematopoietic cells.
The use of rationally designed guide RNA sequences and CRISPR-Cas complexes to selectively knock out HLA-A and HLA-B while maintaining expression of HLA-C/E/G, reducing immunogenicity and avoiding T-cell and NK cell activation, thereby creating hypoimmunogenic engineered cells.
The engineered cells exhibit reduced immunogenicity, avoiding immune rejection and fratricide, with enhanced efficacy in targeting cancer cells and prolonged survival in allogeneic hosts without the need for immunosuppressive drugs.
Smart Images

Figure CN2025143665_25062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
IMMUNOTHERAPIES USING HYPOIMMUNOGENIC ENGINEERED CELLSCROSS REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present disclosure is based upon and claims priority to International Application No. PCT / CN2024 / 140165, filed on December 18, 2024, and International Application No. PCT / CN2025 / 114419, filed on Augest 13, 2025, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.FIELD
[0002] The invention relates generally to the field of immunotherapies, and more specifically to engineered cells, for example engineered induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and engineered hematopoietic cells, e.g., natural killer (NK) cells or T-cells, and uses thereof.BACKGROUND
[0003] At present, most cell therapy products are autologous CAR-T cells, i.e., T cells that are transformed to express a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) construct, so as to target the cells to an antigen on cancer cells, for example a CAR directed to CD19 or BCMA to target B-cell cancers such as lymphoma. The process of preparing autologous CAR-T cells from the patient’s primary T-cells, however, is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and costly. Allogeneic CAR-T-cells, like other allogeneic cells, present risks of rejection by the recipient immune system (host-vs-graft or HvG response) , as well as potential graft-vs-host disease (GvHD) caused by recognition of the patient’s healthy tissues by T-cell receptors present on the surface of the allogeneic CAR-T cells.
[0004] Natural killer (NK) cells are cytotoxic lymphocytes of the innate immune system whose natural function is to kill microbial-infected and / or cancerous cells. NK cell-mediated immunotherapy has been tried in patients with leukemia and other cancers. Initially, autologous NK cells were used, by isolating hematopoietic cells from the patient, expanding the NK cells, and reintroducing the NK cells back to the patient. NK cells comprising transgenes to enhance activity and / or reduce immunogenicity have been described, e.g., to provide enhanced IL-15 expression, or CD16 signaling using CD64 / CD16A fusion protein, or to express a hypo-immunity regulator polypeptide, e.g., comprising one or more members selected from the group consisting of PD-L2, TGF-beta, CD46, CD55, and CD59, or engineered to comprise a heterologous transcription factor (e.g., STAT) coupled with reduced activity of an endogenous cytokine receptor (e.g., endogenous IL receptor, such as IL-17R) , e.g., as described in WO2022095902A1, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Using autologous NK cells, rather than allogeneic NK cells, avoids the need for immunosuppressive therapies to prevent rejection of the engineered cells. But, perhaps due to their compatibility with the patient’s immune system, the autologous NK cells are also often ineffective against the cancers, e.g., due to inhibitory interactions between the autologous NK cells and self-MHC I molecules.
[0005] An allogeneic NK cell product that could be used “off-the-shelf” for patients has been a goal for many years; however, engineering allogeneic NK cells for reduced immunogenicity (hypoimmunity) has proven challenging. Strategies are needed to avoid activation of the host immune cells (e.g., host CD4+and CD8+T-cells and host NK cells) , as well as to avoid fratricide by the other NK cells in the donor population due to a “missing self” reaction. An additional challenge is that transformation and expansion of primary differentiated cells, such as NK cells or T-cells, is difficult, while a strategy involving transformation of stem cells, e.g., induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) or hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) , faces the challenge that genetic engineering to express or repress gene expression may interfere with the ability of the engineered cells to differentiate into NK or T-cells.
[0006] Currently, gene editing for hypoimmunity may involve knocking out MHC-I and MHC-II to escape targeting and killing of the allogeneic NK cells by host T-cells. The problem is that knocking out MHC-I may lead to “missing self” -induced killing by NK cells in the donor population, a phenomenon sometimes referred to as fratricide, and / or by host NK cells. To overcome this “missing self” -induced killing, NK inhibitory molecules such as human leukocyte antigen (HLA) -E / G may be introduced, e.g., overexpressed. Due to the heterogeneity ofNK cells, however, it is difficult to suppress all “missing self” -induced killing by expressing these NK cell suppressor molecules. So, while the allogeneic NK cells are protected from the host’s immune system by the absence of MHC-I and MHC-II, they will nevertheless rapidly dwindle due to ineffective suppression ofNK cells.
[0007] Better approaches to engineering hypoimmunogenic allogeneic hematopoietic cells are needed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0008] We have surprisingly discovered that by selectively knocking-out or disrupting selected Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) complexes, while maintaining expression of selected (or unselected) other HLA complexes, allogeneic cells may avoid both T-cell killing and NK cell killing. For example, by selectively knocking-out or disrupting HLA-A and HLA-B, while maintaining expression of HLA-C / E / G, engineered cells may substantially avoid stimulating the immune system. By removing HLA-A and / or HLA-B from expressing on the surface of the engineered cells, T-cells will not react with the otherwise foreign or non-compatible “other” HLA complexes. However, NK cell activation arising from a “missing self” signal is avoided by maintaining expression ofHLA-C, HLA-E, and / or HLA-G (HLA-C / E / G) .
[0009] Existing technology directed at inhibiting expression of HLA complexes has struggled to selectively target specific HLA complexes while not significantly impacting the expression of non-targeted HLA molecules. Selectively targeting specific HLA complexes has proven difficult due to the sequences encoding HLA complexes comprising both highly variable regions and highly conserved regions. In the context of selective knock-outs or disruption of one or more genes, highly variable regions provide poor therapeutic targets since they are not conserved across different genes and / or haplotypes. Alternatively, highly conserved regions provide poor therapeutic targets since they are largely shared among different HLA complexes, making selective targeting difficult. For example, HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C have very high genetic diversity but also share some common sequences. It has proven difficult to design a genome editing approach that will cover the diversity of HLA-A and HLA-B without an off-target effect on HLA-C, HLA-E, and HLA-G.
[0010] The present disclosure provides novel guide RNA (gRNA) sequences capable of selectively targeting HLA-A / B while substantially maintaining HLA-C / E / G expression, as well as novel CRISPR-Cas complexes, including base-editing complexes comprising such gRNAs. The gRNAs described herein are rationally designed through bioinformatic analysis to cover highly prevalent HLA-A and HLA-B alleles in diverse human or patient populations, ensuring applicability and compatibility of the knock-out strategy across broad allogeneic settings and providing broad haplotype coverage.
[0011] In certain embodiments, the disclosure utilizes CRISPR-Cas9 cytidine and adenosine base editors (CBEs and ABEs) to disrupt genes without introducing double-stranded breaks, e.g., by inactivating splice sites and / or introducing premature stop codons. For example, in some embodiments, the disclosure provides a deaminase-Cas fusion protein that can mutate the sequence targeted by the guide RNAs so as to knock out functional gene expression in the targeted region.
[0012] The present disclosure further provides hypoimmunogenic engineered cells, e.g., cells engineered using the gRNA sequences described herein, which do not express one or more selected HLA molecule (s) , such that stimulation of immune rejection (e.g., heterologous CD8+T-cells and / or NK cell activation) by the engineered cells is substantially reduced, e.g., wherein one or more genes encoding the selected HLA molecule (s) (e.g., selected from HLA-A, HLA-B, or a combination thereof) are knocked-out or disrupted in the cell or an ancestor thereof.
[0013] The present disclosure further provides a method of making said engineered cells comprising culturing a population of engineered cells, e.g., according to any of Cell 1, et seq., or using any of RNA 2, et seq., under conditions which knock-out or disrupt selected HLA molecule (s) ; e.g., wherein one or more genes knocked-out or disrupted encode HLA-A and / or HLA-B.
[0014] Further, more specific embodiments are set forth in the detailed description below, and in the Examples.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] Figure 1 depicts Flow Cytometry Analysis of HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C Knockout efficiency mediated by different sgRNAs.
[0016] Figure 2 depicts flow cytometry analysis of HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C knockout efficiency mediated by different sgRNAs.
[0017] Figure 3A depicts flow cytometry analysis of HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C knockout efficiency mediated by different sgRNAs: HLA-B-sg1, HLA-B-sg5 and HLA-B-sg7.
[0018] Figure 3B depicts flow cytometry analysis of HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C knockout efficiency mediated by different sgRNAs: HLA-B-sg43, HLA-B-sg44, HLA-B-sg45, and HLA-B-sg46.
[0019] Figure 3C depicts flow cytometry analysis of HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C knockout efficiency mediated by different sgRNAs: HLA-B-sg47, HLA-B-sg48, HLA-B-sg49, and HLA-B-sg50.
[0020] Figure 4 depicts flow cytometry analysis ofHLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-E and CIITA knockout efficiency mediated by combo1 RNP sgRNAs.
[0021] Figure 5 depicts flow cytometry analysis ofHLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-E and CIITA knockout efficiency and dual CAR knock in efficiency.
[0022] Figure 6 depicts HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-E and CIITA knockout efficiency by different sgRNAs.
[0023] Figure 7 depicts HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-E and CIITA knockout efficiency by different sgRNAs.
[0024] Figure 8 depicts the quantified total flux of the luminescence of the mice injected with Nalm6 cells expressing the firefly luciferase gene, which is indicative of tumor burden. The data are presented as the mean±standard deviation, where n=5.
[0025] Figure 9 depicts a survival diagram of the Nalm6 mice over time, where#indicates ap<0.05 when comparing the treatment group (s) against the control group.
[0026] Figure 10 depicts pharmacokinetic (PK) data of the Nalm6 mice over time, wherein*indicates a p<0.05 when comparing the high dose treatment group against the low dose group and the control group.
[0027] Figure 11 depicts the quantified total flux of the luminescence of the mice injected with MM.1S cells expressing the firefly luciferase gene, which is indicative of tumor burden. The data are presented as the mean±standard deviation, where n=5 and#indicates a p<0.05 when comparing the treatment group (s) against the control group.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] The following description of different embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the invention, its application, or uses.
[0029] I. Definitions
[0030] As used herein, the following terms have the meanings ascribed to them unless specified otherwise.
[0031] As used herein, the term “immune cell” generally refers to a differentiated hematopoietic cell. Non-limiting examples of an immune cell can include an NK cell, a T-cell, a monocyte, an innate lymphocyte, a tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte, a macrophage, a granulocyte, etc. The hematopoietic cell may be a primary cell, derived from or the progeny of a primary cell, a stem cell, e.g., hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) , embryonic stem cell (ESC) , an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) , or derived from or the progeny of said stem cell.
[0032] As used herein, the terms “Natural Killer cell” or “NK cell” generally refer to a subset of peripheral blood lymphocytes defined by the expression of CD56 or CD16 and the absence of the T-cell receptor, i.e., CD3. In some cases, NK cells that are phenotypically CD3-and CD56+, expressing at least one of NKG2C and CD57 (e.g., NKG2C, CD57, or both in same or different degrees) , and optionally, CD16, but lack expression of one or more of the following: PLZF, SYK, FceRγ, and EAT-2. In some cases, isolated subpopulations of CD56+NK cells can exhibit expression of CD16, NKG2C, CD57, NKG2D, NCR ligands, NKp30, NKp40, NKp46, activating and inhibitory KIRs, NKG2A, and / or DNAM-1.
[0033] As used herein, the terms “immune response” and immune cell “activation” generally refer to T-cell mediated, B-cell mediated, and / or NK-cell mediated immune responses from a host’s immune system to an object, e.g., a foreign object, e.g., an exogenous or allogeneic cell. An example of an immune response includes T-cell responses, e.g., cytokine production and cellular cytotoxicity, e.g., antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) . In some cases, an immune response can be indirectly affected by T-cell activation, e.g., antibody production (humoral responses) and activation of cytokine responsive cells, such as macrophages. As used herein, “activation” in the context of NK cells generally refers to the induction of a typical immune response, e.g., degranulation ofNK cells.
[0034] As used herein, gene, DNA, and / or RNA “expression” is understood to refer to progression along the canonical pathway beginning with DNA, which may be transcribed into RNA, which may be translated into polypeptides / protein. “Overexpression” generally refers to an increased expression level of a polynucleotide and / or polypeptide sequence relative to its expression level in a wild-type state.
[0035] As used herein, an “engineered” cell is understood to mean a cell wherein the genome of the cell has a heterologous nucleic acid sequence or an altered nucleic acid sequence because of the application of genetic engineering techniques to the cell or an ancestor of the cell, such that the genome and gene expression of the engineered cell differs from the genome and gene expression of a normal, nonengineered cell. Genetic engineering techniques include DNA cloning technologies; transfection, transformation, and other gene transfer technologies; homologous recombination; site-directed mutagenesis; gene fusion; gene disruption; gene activation; and gene editing. In particular, an engineered cell includes, for example, a cell wherein (a) the genome of the cell (or an ancestor of the cell) has been genetically engineered to include a transgene (sometimes referred to as a “knock-in” ) and / or a heterologous promoter for an endogenous gene, and / or (b) the genome of the cell (or an ancestor of the cell) has been genetically engineered to have significantly reduced or eliminated expression of the functional protein expressed by the naturally occurring gene (e.g., using Crispr-Cas9, prime editing, base editing, gene disruption, or other gene editing approach, sometimes referred to as a “knock-out” ) .
[0036] The term "differentiation" generally refers to a process by which an unspecialized ( "uncommitted" ) or less specialized cell acquires the features of a specialized cell such as, e.g., an immune cell. A differentiated or differentiation-induced cell is one that has taken on a more specialized ( "committed" ) position within the lineage of a cell. The term "committed" generally refers to a cell that has proceeded in the differentiation pathway to a point where, under normal circumstances, it will continue to differentiate into a specific cell type or subset of cell types, and cannot, under normal circumstances, differentiate into a different cell type or revert to a less differentiated cell type.
[0037] The term "pluripotent" generally refers to the ability of a cell to form all lineages of the body or soma (i.e., the embryo proper) . For example, embryonic stem cells are a type of pluripotent stem cells that can form cells from each of the three germs layers, the ectoderm, the mesoderm, and the endoderm. Pluripotency can be a continuum of developmental potencies ranging from the incompletely or partially pluripotent cell (e.g., an epiblast stem cell) , which is unable to give rise to a complete organism to the more primitive, more pluripotent cell, which is able to give rise to a complete organism (e.g., an embryonic stem cell) .
[0038] The term "induced pluripotent stem cells" (iPSCs) generally refers to stem cells that are derived from differentiated cells (e.g., differentiated adult, neonatal, or fetal cells) that have been induced or changed (i.e., reprogrammed) into cells capable of differentiating into tissues of all three germ or dermal layers: mesoderm, endoderm, and ectoderm. The iPSCs produced do not refer to cells as they are found in nature. In some cases, iPSCs can be engineered to differentiate directly into committed cells (e.g., natural killer (NK) cells) . In some cases, iPSCs can be engineered to differentiate first into tissue-specific stem cells (e.g., hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) ) , which can be further induced to differentiate into committed cells (e.g., NK cells) .
[0039] The term "embryonic stem cell" (ESCs) generally refers to naturally occurring pluripotent stem cells of the inner cell mass of the embryonic blastocyst. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent and give rise during development to all derivatives of the three primary germ layers: ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm. In some cases, ESCs can be engineered to differentiate directly into committed cells (e.g., NK cells) . In some cases, ESCs can be engineered to differentiate first into tissue-specific stem cells (e.g., HSCs) , which can be further induced to differentiate into committed cells (e.g., NK cells) .
[0040] The term "isolated stem cells" generally refers to any type of stem cells disclosed herein (e.g., ESCs, HSCs, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) , etc. ) that are isolated from a multicellular organism. For example, HSCs can be isolated from a mammal's body, such as a human body. In another example, an embryonic stem cells can be isolated from an embryo.
[0041] The term "isolated" generally refers to a cell or a population of cells, which has been separated from its original environment. For example, a new environment of the isolated cells is substantially free of at least one component as found in the environment in which the "un-isolated" reference cells exist. An isolated cell can be a cell that is removed from some or all components as it is found in its natural environment, for example, isolated from a tissue or biopsy sample. The term also includes a cell that is removed from at least one, some or all components as the cell is found in non-naturally occurring environments, for example, isolated from a cell culture or cell suspension.
[0042] The term "hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, " "hematopoietic stem cells, " , "hematopoietic progenitor cells, " or "hematopoietic precursor cells, " as used interchangeably herein, generally refers to cells which are committed to a hematopoietic lineage but are capable of further hematopoietic differentiation (e.g., into NK cells) and include, multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (hematoblasts) , myeloid progenitors, megakaryocyte progenitors, erythrocyte progenitors, and lymphoid progenitors. Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSCs) are multipotent stem cells that give rise to all the blood cell types including myeloid (monocytes and macrophages, neutrophils, basophils, eosinophils, erythrocytes, megakaryocytes / platelets, dendritic cells) , and lymphoid lineages (T cells, B cells, NK cells) . In some cases, HSCs can be CD34+hematopoietic cells capable of giving rise to both mature myeloid and lymphoid cell types including T-cells, NK cells and B-cells.
[0043] The term "immune cell" generally refers to a differentiated hematopoietic cell. Non-limiting examples of an immune cell can include an NK cell, a T-cell, a monocyte, an innate lymphocyte, a tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte, a macrophage, a granulocyte, etc.
[0044] The term "NK cell" or "Natural Killer cell" generally refers to a subset of peripheral blood lymphocytes defined by the expression of CD56 or CD16 and the absence of the T cell receptor (CD3) . In some cases, NK cells that are phenotypically CD3-and CD56+, expressing at least one of NKG2C and CD57 (e.g., NKG2C, CD57, or both in same or different degrees) , and optionally, CD16, but lack expression of one or more of the following: PLZF, SYK, FceRγ, and EAT-2. In some cases, isolated subpopulations of CD56+NK cells can exhibit expression of CD16, NKG2C, CD57, NKG2D, NCR ligands, NKp30, NKp40, NKp46, activating and inhibitory KIRs, NKG2A and / or DNAM-1.
[0045] The term "gene" generally refers to a nucleic acid (e.g., DNA such as genomic DNA and cDNA) and its corresponding nucleotide sequence that is involved in encoding an RNA transcript. The term as used herein with reference to genomic DNA includes intervening, non-coding regions as well as regulatory regions and can include 5’a nd 3’ ends. In some uses, the term encompasses the transcribed sequences, including 5’a nd 3’ untranslated regions (5’ -UTR and 3’ -UTR) , exons and introns. In some genes, the transcribed region will contain "open reading frames" that encode polypeptides. In some uses of the term, a "gene" comprises only the coding sequences (e.g., an "open reading frame" or "coding region" ) necessary for encoding a polypeptide. In some cases, genes do not encode a polypeptide, for example, ribosomal RNA genes (rRNA) and transfer RNA (tRNA) genes. In some cases, the term "gene" includes not only the transcribed sequences, but in addition, also includes non-transcribed regions including upstream and downstream regulatory regions, enhancers, and promoters. A gene can refer to an "endogenous gene" or a native gene in its natural location in the genome of an organism. A gene can refer to an "exogenous gene" or a non-native gene. A non-native gene can refer to a gene not normally found in the host organism, but which is introduced into the host organism by gene transfer. A non-native gene can also refer to a gene not in its natural location in the genome of an organism. A non-native gene can also refer to a naturally occurring nucleic acid or polypeptide sequence that comprises mutations, insertions and / or deletions (e.g., non-native sequence) .
[0046] The term "expression" generally refers to one or more processes by which a polynucleotide is transcribed from a DNA template (such as into an mRNA or other RNA transcript) and / or the process by which a transcribed mRNA is subsequently translated into peptides, polypeptides, or proteins. Transcripts and encoded polypeptides can be collectively referred to as "gene product. " If the polynucleotide is derived from genomic DNA, expression can include splicing of the mRNA in a eukaryotic cell. "Up-regulated, " with reference to expression, generally refers to an increased expression level of a polynucleotide (e.g., RNA such as mRNA) and / or polypeptide sequence relative to its expression level in a wild-type state while "down-regulated" generally refers to a decreased expression level of a polynucleotide (e.g., RNA such as mRNA) and / or polypeptide sequence relative to its expression in a wild-type state. Expression of a transfected gene can occur transiently or stably in a cell. During "transient expression" the transfected gene is not transferred to the daughter cell during cell division. Since its expression is restricted to the transfected cell, expression of the gene is lost over time. In contrast, stable expression of a transfected gene can occur when the gene is co-transfected with another gene that confers a selection advantage to the transfected cell. Such a selection advantage may be a resistance towards a certain toxin that is presented to the cell.
[0047] The term "peptide, " "polypeptide, " or "protein, " as used interchangeably herein, generally refers to a polymer of at least two amino acid residues joined by peptide bond (s) . This term does not connote a specific length of polymer, nor is it intended to imply or distinguish whether the peptide is produced using recombinant techniques, chemical or enzymatic synthesis, or is naturally occurring. The terms apply to naturally occurring amino acid polymers as well as amino acid polymers comprising at least one modified amino acid. In some cases, the polymer can be interrupted by non-amino acids. The terms include amino acid chains of any length, including full length proteins, and proteins with or without secondary and / or tertiary structure (e.g., domains) . The terms also encompass an amino acid polymer that has been modified, for example, by disulfide bond formation, glycosylation, lipidation, acetylation, phosphorylation, oxidation, and any other manipulation such as conjugation with a labeling component. The terms"amino acid" and"amino acids, " as used herein, generally refer to natural and non-natural amino acids, including, but not limited to, modified amino acids and amino acid analogues. Modified amino acids can include natural amino acids and non-natural amino acids, which have been chemically modified to include a group or a chemical moiety not naturally present on the amino acid. Amino acid analogues can refer to amino acid derivatives. The term "amino acid" includes both D-amino acids and L-amino acids.
[0048] The term "derivative, " "variant, " or "fragment, " as used herein with reference to a polypeptide, generally refers to a polypeptide related to a wild type polypeptide, for example either by amino acid sequence, structure (e.g., secondary and / or tertiary) , activity (e.g., enzymatic activity) and / or function. Derivatives, variants, and fragments of a polypeptide can comprise one or more amino acid variations (e.g., mutations, insertions, and deletions) , truncations, modifications, or combinations thereof compared to a wild type polypeptide.
[0049] The term “exogenous gene” refers to a gene which has been introduced into the cell or an ancestor thereof by genetic engineering, e.g., comprising a coding sequence for a protein of interest operably linked to a heterologous promoter. The exogenous genes used herein may be transiently expressed by viral vectors, e.g., adeno-associated vectors, but in particular embodiments herein, they are stably incorporated into the genome of the engineered cells. The exogenous genes herein may be associated with a selectable or screenable marker, for example a fluorescent marker such as blue fluorescent protein (BFP) . In certain embodiments, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are stably transformed with the exogenous gene of interest, together with a selectable or screenable marker, and differentiated into hematopoietic cells, e.g., NK cells or T-cells, which also express the exogenous gene, and which may be introduced into a patient as an allogeneic cell therapy.
[0050] As used herein, “treating” or “treatment” encompasses prophylaxis, mitigation, amelioration of symptoms, and / or delaying the progression of a disease or condition.
[0051] The present disclosure provides a population of primary hematopoietic cells, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) , and / or hematopoietic cells derived from said iPSCs, pharmaceutical compositions comprising said cells, methods of making said cells, and methods of use of same wherein the cells are engineered, e.g., do not express one or more HLA molecule (s) , e.g., knocking-out or disrupting HLA-A and / or HLA-B, such as to be hypoimmunogenic, i.e., to reduce the cytotoxicity of allogeneic immune cells.
[0052] For example, the population of hematopoietic cells, pharmaceutical compositions, and methods disclosed are intended to reduce fratricide of immune cells engineered to detect, scavenge, and kill diseased cells within the body of a subject in need thereof, e.g., a human, e.g., a human diagnosed with cancer. The population of hematopoietic cells may be autologous or allogeneic (or allogenic) cells, e.g., relative to a subject in need thereof.
[0053] We have surprisingly discovered that by selectively knocking-out or disrupting selected Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) complexes, while maintaining expression of unselected HLA complexes, engineered cells may avoid both T-cell killing and NK cell killing, i.e., cytotoxic stimulation of said T-cell or NK cell resulting in the killing of engineered cells. For example, by selectively knocking-out or disrupting HLA-A and / or HLA-B, while maintaining expression of HLA-C / E / G, engineered cells may substantially avoid stimulating the immune system, i.e., be hypoimmunogenic. Indeed, by inhibiting HLA-A and / or HLA-B from expressing on the surface of the engineered cells, CD8+T-cells will not react with the otherwise foreign or non-compatible “other” HLA complexes. However, NK cell activation arising from a “missing self” signal is avoided by maintaining expression ofHLA-C, HLA-E, and / or HLA-G (HLA-C / E / G) .
[0054] The present disclosure provides a population of cells engineered so as to not express one or more HLA molecule (s) . In some embodiments, the population of engineered cells are induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) . In other embodiments, the population of engineered cells are hematopoietic cells, e.g., primary hematopoietic cells. In still other embodiments, the population of engineered cells are hematopoietic cells derived from said iPSCs.
[0055] The present disclosure provides a population of cells engineered so as to not express one or more HLA molecule (s) , e.g., wherein the one or more HLA molecule (s) are not expressed on the surface of said engineered cell. In some embodiments, the one or more HLA molecule (s) comprise HLA-A, HLA-B, or a combination thereof. In some embodiments, the one or more HLA molecule (s) comprise RNA, e.g., mRNA, encoding one or more HLA protein. In other embodiments, the one or more HLA molecule (s) comprise one or more HLA protein. In some embodiments, the expression of one or more HLA molecule (s) is inhibited by disrupting the transcription of DNA into RNA, e.g., wherein the DNA and / or RNA encode one or more HLA protein. In some embodiments, the expression of one or more HLA molecule (s) is inhibited by disrupting the translation of mRNA into protein, e.g., wherein the protein is one or more HLA molecule (s) .
[0056] In some embodiments, the one or more HLA molecule (s) are knocked-out or disrupted using a CRISPR / Cas system, prime editing system, base editing system, gene disruption system, ribonucleoprotein (RNP) system, or other gene editing approach. In some embodiments, the one or more HLA molecule (s) are knocked-out or disrupted using a CRISPR / Cas system, e.g., CRISPR / Cas9 and / or CRISPR / Cas12 gene editing system. In some embodiments, the one or more HLA molecule (s) are knocked-out or disrupted using a modified Cas enzyme, e.g., wherein the Cas enzyme is a nuclease or a nickase, e.g., a nickase, e.g., selected from enzymes (and associated protospacer adjacent motifs (PAMs) ) : SpRYCas9 (NRN>NYN, wherein R=A or G and Y=C or T) , SpCas9 (NGG) , xCas9 (NG, GAA, GAT) , Cas9-NG (NG) , Cas12a (TTTV) , and SpG(NGN) . In some embodiments, the Cas enzyme comprises one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 81-87. In some embodiments, the Cas enzyme comprises a sequence of at least 99%similarity, e.g., at least 95%, at least 90%, at least 85%, at least 80%, at least 75%, at least 70%similarity to SEQ ID NOs: 81-87.
[0057] In some embodiments, the one or more HLA molecule (s) are knocked-out or disrupted using a CRISPR / Cas system, wherein the Cas moiety is a fusion protein, comprising a first domain and a second domain, e.g., wherein the first domain comprises a Cas enzyme and the second domain comprises a deaminase enzyme. Without being bound by theory, we hypothesize that by using a CRISPR / Cas system wherein the Cas moiety is a fusion protein comprising a Cas enzyme and a deaminase enzyme, e.g., a Cas nickase fused to a nucleotide deaminase, the Cas enzyme domain may selectively target a selected gene or genes using one or more guide RNA (gRNA) , cleave one of the DNA strands bound thereto, and the deaminase enzyme domain may subsequently deaminate (i.e., catalyze the hydrolysis of adjacent amines, e.g., converting cytidine to uracil, e.g., converting cytidine to thymidine) the adjacent amines, effectively inhibiting transcription of the gene or genes bound thereto. Such a mechanism, or a mechanism substantially similar thereto, is summarized by Kluesner, et al. CRISPR-Cas9 cytidine and adenosine base editing of splice-cites mediates highly-efficient disruption of proteins in primary and immortalized cells. Nat. Commun. 12: 2437 (2021) , the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference to the fullest extent permitted by law. In some embodiments, the second domain of the fusion protein comprising a deaminase enzyme selected from rAPOBEC1, TadA-CD, CBE-T1.14, eTd-CBE, N-d12fCBE-8e, CBE6C, CBE6C (V106W) , hA3A, eA3A, YE1, CD00208, and miniSdd6. In some embodiments, the deaminase enzyme domain comprises one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 88-99. In some embodiments, the deaminase enzyme domain comprises a sequence of at least 99%similarity, e.g., at least 95%, at least 90%, at least 85%, at least 80%, at least 75%, at least 70%similarity to SEQ ID NOs: 88-99. As used herein, where a Cas enzyme is a fusion protein, e.g., comprising a Cas domain and a deaminase domain, the fusion protein may be identified by the name of the first domain and the second domain hyphenated together, e.g., SpRYCas9-CBE6C (which may be alternatively referred to as CBE6C-SpRYCas9) , e.g., SpCas9-hA3A (which may be alternatively referred to as hA3A-SpCas9) , e.g., SpG-CBE6C (V106W) (which may be alternatively referred to as CBE6C (V106W) -SpG) , e.g., SpG (R691A) -CBE6C (V106W) (which may be be alternatively referred to as CBE6C (V106W) -SpG (R691A) ) ; the hyphenated name of the fusion protein is non-limiting, such that one of skill in the art will recognize that the first and second domains may be linked such that second domain is linked to the N-terminus or C-terminus of the first domain, optionally directly linked or via a linker sequence. In some embodiments, the second domain is linked via its C-terminal to the N-terminal of the first domain, e.g., directly linked or linked via a linker sequence.
[0058] The present disclosure further describes systems and methods for immunotherapies. Immune cells described herein, e.g., NK cells and / or T-cells, can be engineered to exhibit enhanced half-life as compared to a control cell, e.g., a non-engineered immune cell. Immune cells can be engineered to exhibit enhanced proliferation as compared to a control cell. Immune cells can be engineered to effectively and specifically target diseased cells, e.g., cancer cells, that a control cell otherwise is insufficient or unable to target. The engineered immune cells disclosed herein can be engineered ex vivo, in vitro, and in some cases, in vivo. The engineered immune cells that are prepared ex vivo or in vitro can be administered to a subject in need thereof to treat a disease, e.g., myeloma, lymphoma, or solid tumors. The engineered immune cells can be autologous to the subject. Alternatively, the engineered immune cells can be allogeneic to the subject.
[0059] The engineered cells of the disclosure exhibit reduced immunogenicity and longer half-life following administration to an allogeneic host relative to cells which are isogenic to the engineered cells, such that administration may require reduced or no need for immunosuppressive drugs. For example, engineered NK cells or engineered T-cells as described herein, optionally derived from engineered iPSCs, can exhibit enhanced half-life following introduction into a patient (or following in vitro challenge with heterologous immune cells) as compared to control cells (e.g., isogenic non-engineered cells) because they are engineered to avoid stimulating the heterologous or host CD8+T-cells and NK cells, and also to avoid stimulating fraternal NK cells.
[0060] In addition to comprising modifications rendering the cells hypoimmunogenic, the engineered cells can include modifications such as CAR constructs to target diseased cells effectively and specifically (e.g., cancer cells) that a control cell otherwise is insufficient or unable to target. For example, the engineered cells can include exogenous genes expressing CAR constructs and / or hypo-inflammatory antigens or cytokines, e.g., selected from one or more of aCD19-CAR, aBCMA-CAR, CD16, and IL15 transgenes. For example, the engineered cells can be CAR-T cells or CAR-NK cells. The engineered cells disclosed herein can be engineered ex vivo, in vitro, and in some cases, in vivo. The engineered NK cells that are prepared ex vivo or in vitro can be administered to a subject in need thereof to treat a disease (e.g., myeloma or solid tumors) .
[0061] The disclosure thus provides hypoimmunogenic engineered cells (Cell 1) [including (i) engineered stem cells, e.g., induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) , and (ii) engineered hematopoietic cells, e.g., NK cells or T-cells (which engineered hematopoietic cells may be primary cells, the progeny of primary cells, or the progeny of the engineered stem cells) ] , which do not express one or more selected Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecule (s) , e.g., stimulative HLA molecule (s) , such that stimulation of host T-cells is substantially reduced [e.g., wherein one or more genes encoding the selected HLA molecule (s) (e.g., selected from HLA-A, HLA-B, or a combination thereof) are knocked-out or disrupted in the cell or an ancestor thereof] ; and which do express one or more protective HLA molecule (s) sufficient to provide a checkpoint, e.g., “self” marker, to avoid stimulating NK cells (e.g., HLA molecule (s) comprising HLA-C, HLA-E, and / or HLA-G) .
[0062] For example, the disclosure provides: 1.1. Cell 1, wherein the engineered cells are induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) . 1.2. Cell 1, wherein the engineered cells are derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) . 1.3. Cell 1, wherein the engineered cells are primary cells. 1.4. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein iPSCs which are so engineered can differentiate into hematopoietic cells, e.g., NK cells or T-cells. 1.5. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the engineered cells are human cells. 1.6. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the engineered cells are human cells suitable for allograft into a human patient in need thereof, e.g., a cancer patient. 1.7. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the engineered cells are hematopoietic cells. 1.8. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the engineered cells are hematopoietic stem cells. 1.9. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the engineered cells are natural killer (NK) cells. 1.10. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the engineered cells are T-cells. 1.11. Any foregoing engineered cells (e.g., wherein one or more genes encoding the selected HLA molecule (s) are knocked-out or disrupted) , wherein the cells are hematopoietic cells, e.g., NK cells or T-cells, and wherein stimulation of host T-cells and / or NK cells by the hematopoietic cells is substantially reduced; e.g., wherein the cells exhibit reduced stimulation of host T-cells (e.g., CD4+and / or CD8+T-cells) of at least 10%, preferably at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, more preferably at least 80%reduction relative to a control, e.g., in an in vitro assay as described in the Examples below. 1.12. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the cells do not stimulate significant “missing-self” -induced killing by host and / or fraternal NK cells. 1.13. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the cells do not stimulate significant rejection responses by host T-cells. 1.14. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the cells are hematopoietic cells which, when engrafted into a recipient, survive for at least 30 days, e.g., at least 60 days, e.g., at least 90 days, e.g., at least 120 days, e.g., at least 150 days, e.g., at least 180 days. 1.15. Any foregoing engineered cells (e.g., wherein one or more genes encoding the selected HLA molecule (s) are knocked-out or disrupted) , wherein the cells are hematopoietic cells, e.g., NK cells or T-cells, and wherein the selected HLA molecule (s) are knocked-out or disrupted within at least 10%of the hematopoietic cell population, preferably at least 20%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 75%, at least 80%, at least 82%, at least 85%, at least 87%, more preferably at least 90%, at least 92%, at least 94%, at least 95%, at least 96%, at least 97%, at least 98%, at least 99%of the hematopoietic cell population, e.g., in an in vitro assay as described in the Examples below. 1.16. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein one or more genes encoding HLA molecule (s) are knocked-out or disrupted, wherein the one or more genes encoding HLA molecule (s) comprises HLA-A. 1.17. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein one or more genes encoding HLA molecule (s) are knocked-out or disrupted, wherein the one or more genes encoding HLA molecule (s) comprises HLA-B. 1.18. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein one or more genes encoding HLA molecule (s) are knocked-out or disrupted, wherein the one or more genes encoding HLA molecule (s) comprises HLA-A and HLA-B. 1.19. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the knock-out or disruption of one or more genes encoding selected HLA molecule (s) does not knock-out or disrupt one or more genes encoding protective HLA molecules; e.g., wherein one or more genes encoding HLA-A and / or HLA-B are disrupted while one or more genes encoding HLA-C, HLA-E, or HLA-G are expressed to sufficiently avoid stimulating host NK cells. 1.20. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the knock-out or disruption of one or more genes encoding selected HLA molecule (s) does not knock-out or disrupt one or more genes encoding unselected HLA molecules; e.g., wherein the selected HLA molecule (s) (e.g., HLA-A and / or HLA-B) are knocked-out or disrupted by at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, while the protective HLA molecules are disrupted by no more than 35%, no more than 30%, no more than 25%, no more than 20%, no more than 15%, no more than 10%, no more than 8%, no more than 5%, no more than 2%, e.g., relative to non-engineered cells. 1.21. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the one or more genes encoding selected HLA molecule (s) that are knocked-out or disrupted are knocked-out or disrupted by means of a nuclease, e.g., transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) , zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) , or meganuclease. 1.22. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the one or more genes encoding selected HLA molecule (s) that are knocked-out or disrupted are knocked-out or disrupted by means of a Cas system targeted disruption, e.g., CRISPR / Cas system targeted disruption, of the gene or genes encoding selected HLA molecule (s) . 1.23. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the one or more genes encoding selected HLA molecule (s) are knocked-out or disrupted by means of a Cas targeting system, e.g., Cas9 and / or Cas12. 1.24. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the one or more genes encoding selected HLA molecule (s) are knocked-out or disrupted by means of a Cas targeting system, wherein the Cas enzyme is selected from one or more of SpRYCas9, SpCas9, xCas9, Cas9-NG, Cas12a, and SpG. 1.25. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme is SpRYCas9, SpCas9, or SpG. 1.26. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme is SpRYCas9. 1.27. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme is SpCas9. 1.28. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme is SpG. 1.29. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme is SpG, and wherein the SpG comprises one or more high-fidelity mutations, e.g., wherein the one or more high-fidelity mutations comprise K810A, K1003A, R1060A, K848A, N497A, R661A, Q695A, Q926A, N692A, M694A, Q695A, H698A, R691A, F539S, M763I, K890N, A262T, R324L, S409I, E480K, E543D, M694I, E1219V, M495V, Y515N, K526E, R661Q, N690C, T769I, G915M, N980K, D23A, T67L, Y128V, D1251G, Y1010D, Y1013D, Y1016D, V1018D, R1019D, Q1027D, K1031D, or a combination thereof, e.g., wherein the SpG is SpG (R691A) . 1.30. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the one or more genes encoding selected HLA molecule (s) are knocked-out or disrupted by means of a Cas targeting system, wherein the Cas enzyme comprises one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 81-87. 1.31. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme comprises a sequence of at least 99%similarity, e.g., at least 95%, at least 90%, at least 85%, at least 80%, at least 75%, at least 70%similarity to SEQ ID NOs: 81-87. 1.32. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme is a nuclease. 1.33. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme is a nickase. 1.34. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein, comprising a first domain and a second domain. 1.35. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein, comprising a first domain and a second domain, wherein the first domain comprises a Cas enzyme moiety and the second domain comprises a deaminase enzyme moiety. 1.36. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein, comprising a first domain and a second domain, wherein the first domain comprises a Cas enzyme moiety comprising SpRYCas9, SpCas9, SpG, or SpG (R691A) . 1.37. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein, comprising a first domain and a second domain, wherein the first domain comprises a Cas enzyme moiety and the second domain comprises a deaminase enzyme moiety comprising one or more of rAPOBEC1, TadA-CD, CBE-T1.14, eTd-CBE, N-d12fCBE-8e, CBE6C, CBE6C (V106W) , hA3A, eA3A, YE1, CD00208, and miniSdd6. 1.38. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein, comprising a first domain and a second domain, wherein the first domain comprises SpRYCas9 and the second domain comprises CBE6C, CBE6C (V106W) , or hA3A. 1.39. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein comprising SpRYCas9-CBE6C, SpRYCas9-CBE6C (V106W) , or SpCas9-hA3A. 1.40. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein, comprising a first domain and a second domain, wherein the first domain comprises SpCas9 and the second domain comprises CBE6C, CBE6C (V106W) , or hA3A. 1.41. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein comprising SpCas9-CBE6C, SpCas9-CBE6C (V106W) , or SpCas9-hA3A. 1.42. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein, comprising a first domain and a second domain, wherein the first domain comprises SpG and the second domain comprises CBE6C, CBE6C (V106W) , or hA3A. 1.43. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein comprising SpG-CBE6C, SpG-CBE6C (V106W) , or SpG-hA3A. 1.44. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein comprising SpG (R691A) -CBE6C, SpG (R691A) -CBE6C (V106W) , or SpG (R691A) -hA3A. 1.45. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein, comprising a first domain and a second domain, wherein the first domain comprises a Cas enzyme moiety and the second domain comprises a deaminase enzyme moiety, wherein the second domain is linked via its C-terminal to the N-terminal of the first domain, e.g., directly linked or linked via a linker sequence. 1.46. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein, comprising a first domain and a second domain, wherein the first and second domains are linked via a linker sequence, e.g., SGGSSGGSSGSETPGTSESAT-PESSGGSSGGS. 1.47. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein comprising SEQ ID NOs: 81 and 93. 1.48. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein comprising SEQ ID NOs: 82 and 95. 1.49. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein comprising SEQ ID NOs: 87 and 94 1.50. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 103. 1.51. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 104. 1.52. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 105. 1.53. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein, comprising a first domain and a second domain, wherein the first domain comprises a Cas enzyme moiety and the second domain comprises a deaminase enzyme moiety comprising one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 88-99. 1.54. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the deaminase enzyme moiety comprises a sequence of at least 99%similarity, e.g., at least 95%, at least 90%, at least 85%, at least 80%, at least 75%, at least 70%similarity to SEQ ID NOs: 88-99. 1.55. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas targeting system, e.g., Cas enzyme, is a protein delivered into the cells. 1.56. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas targeting system, e.g., Cas enzyme, is mRNA delivered into the cells. 1.57. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the CRISPR / Cas targeting system, e.g., Cas enzyme, is DNA delivered into the cells, e.g., wherein the DNA comprises a promoter, e.g., where the promoter is type II promoter. 1.58. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the one or more genes encoding one or more selected HLA molecule (s) are targeted using one or more guide ribonucleic acids (gRNAs) , e.g., two or more gRNAs. 1.59. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas targeting system is co-delivered into the engineered cells with one or more guide ribonucleic acids (gRNAs) . 1.60. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the one or more gRNAs co-delivered into the engineered cells comprise one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1-80. 1.61. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the one or more gRNAs co-delivered into the engineered cells comprise one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1-7, 9-12, 31, 35,37, 38, 42, 44, 47, 51-53, 55-58, 65, 70, 72-80, and 100-102. 1.62. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the one or more gRNAs co-delivered into the engineered cells comprise one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1-4, 9, 31, 35, 37,51, 52, 56, 57, 65, 70, 72-80. 1.63. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the one or more gRNAs co-delivered into the engineered cells comprise one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 9, 72, and 100-102. 1.64. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the one or more gRNAs co-delivered into the engineered cells comprise one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 35, and 100-102. 1.65. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the one or more gRNAs co-delivered into the engineered cells comprise one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 9, 73, and 100-102 1.66. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the one or more gRNAs comprises any of RNA 2, et seq. 1.67. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein two or more gRNAs comprising SEQ ID NOs: 9, 72, and / or 100-102, are co-delivered into the engineered cells along with mRNA encoding a fusion protein, preferably wherein the fusion protein is SpRYCas9-CBE6C, e.g., wherein the fusion protein comprises SEQ ID NO: 103, optionally wherein the Cas enzyme is a nickase. 1.68. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein two or more gRNAs comprising SEQ ID NOs: 9, 72, and / or 100-102, are co-delivered into the engineered cells along with mRNA encoding a fusion protein, preferably wherein the fusion protein is SpRYCas9-CBE6C (V106W) , optionally wherein the Cas enzyme is a nickase. 1.69. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein two or more gRNAs comprising SEQ ID NOs: 9, 72, and / or 100-102, are co-delivered into the engineered cells along with mRNA encoding a fusion protein, preferably wherein the fusion protein is SpCas9-hA3A, e.g., wherein the fusion protein comprises SEQ ID NO: 104, optionally wherein the Cas enzyme is a nickase. 1.70. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein two or more gRNAs comprising SEQ ID NOs: 9, 72, and / or 100-102, are co-delivered into the engineered cells along with mRNA encoding a fusion protein, preferably wherein the fusion protein is SpG (R691A) -CBE6C (V106W) , e.g., wherein the fusion protein comprises SEQ ID NO: 105, optionally wherein the Cas enzyme is a nickase. 1.71. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein two or more gRNAs comprising SEQ ID NOs: 9, 73, and / or 100-102, are co-delivered into the engineered cells along with mRNA encoding a fusion protein, preferably wherein the fusion protein is SpRYCas9-CBE6C, e.g., wherein the fusion protein comprises SEQ ID NO: 103, optionally wherein the Cas enzyme is a nickase. 1.72. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein two or more gRNAs comprising SEQ ID NOs: 9, and / or 73, and / or 100-102, are co-delivered into the engineered cells along with mRNA encoding a fusion protein, preferably wherein the fusion protein is SpRYCas9-CBE6C (V106W) , optionally wherein the Cas enzyme is a nickase. 1.73. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein two or more gRNAs comprising SEQ ID NOs: 9, 73, and / or 100-102, are co-delivered into the engineered cells along with mRNA encoding a fusion protein, preferably wherein the fusion protein is SpG (R691A) -CBE6C (V106W) , e.g., wherein the fusion protein comprises SEQ ID NO: 105, optionally wherein the Cas enzyme is a nickase. 1.74. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the cells lack MHC-I and / or MHC-II, e.g., wherein beta-2-microglobulin (B2M) is knocked-out or disrupted. 1.75. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the cells comprise a knocked-out or disrupted T-cell receptor (TCR) gene or protein. 1.76. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein MHC class II transactivator (CIITA) and / or T-cell receptorαconstant (TRAC) are knocked-out or disrupted. 1.77. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein comprising SpRYCas9-CBE6C, SpRYCas9-CBE6C (V106W) , SpG (R691A) -CBE6C (V106W) or SpCas9-hA3A and the one or more gRNAs co-delivered into the engineered cells comprise one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 9, 72 or 73, and 100-102. 1.78. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein mRNA encoding the Cas enzyme, which is a fusion protein, is co-delivered into the engineered cells. 1.79. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein mRNA encoding the Cas enzyme, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein comprising SpRYCas9-CBE6C, SpRYCas9-CBE6C (V106W) , SpG (R691A) -CBE6C (V106W) or SpCas9-hA3A, is co-delivered into the engineered cells with one or more gRNAs comprising one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 9, 72 or 73, and 100-102. 1.80. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the cells further comprise one or more transgenes, e.g., transgenes expressing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) constructs and / or hypo-inflammatory antigens or cytokines, e.g., transgenes selected from one or more of CD19-CAR, CD16, and IL15 transgenes. 1.81. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the cells further comprise one or more transgenes, e.g., transgenes expressing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) constructs, e.g., dual CAR, loop CAR, tandem CAR, e.g., said CAR constructs comprise one or more of aCD19-CAR, aBCMA-CAR, alpha folate receptor, 5T4, Ab integrin, B7-H3, B7-H6, CAIX, CD20, CD22, CD23, CD30, CD33, CD38, CD44, CD44v6, CD44v7 / 8, CD52, CD70, CD79A, CD79B, CD80, CD123, CD138, CD171, CEA, CSPG4, EGFR, ErbB2 (HER2) , EGFRvIII, EGP2, EGP40, EpCAM, FAP, fetal AchR, FLT3, Fra, GD2, GD3, Glypican-3 (GPC3) , HLA-A1+MAGE1, HLA-A2+MAGE1, HLA-A3+MAGE1, HLA-A1+NY-ESO-1, HLA-A2+NY-ESO-1, HLA-A3+NY-ESO-1, HLADR, IL-11Ralpha, IL-13 Ralpha2, Lambda, Lewis-Y, Kappa, mesothelin, Mucd, Muc16, NCAM, NKG2D ligands, NY-ESO-1, PRAME, PSCA, PSMA, ROR1, SSX, Survivin, TAG72, TEMs, VEGFR2, BAFF-R, Claudin18.2, CD86, FcRL5, GPRC5, and TACI, MAGE-A4, MAGE-A8 / A4, and / or HBsAg, e.g., wherein said CAR constructs comprise aCD19-CAR and / or aBCMA-CAR. 1.82. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the cells further comprise expression, e.g., a knock-in or transfection, of one or more of IL10-IL10Ra fusion, IL9-IL9R fusion, IL15-IL15Ra fusion, IL7-IL7Ra fusion, and / or IL13-IL13Ra fusion protein. 1.83. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the cells comprise modified expression of a gene or protein, e.g., overexpression and / or knock-in, of one or more of BATF, FOXO1, Tbet, IL10, IL9, IL15, IL7, IL13, CX3CL1, mbIL10, mbIL9, mbIL7, mbIL13, CDH1, CDH1-CD28, CD155, FASL, and / or mbCX3CL1. 1.84. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the cells comprise modified expression of a gene or protein, e.g., a knock-out or disruption, of one or more of Reganse1, PTPN2, CD5, CBLB, RASA2, HPK1, Bcl11b, TLE4, IKZF2, TOX, TOX1, PIAS1, PIAS3, SOCS1, SOCS2, SOCS3, TRAC, CIITA, CD155, ICAM1, CD58, CD86, ULBP, TMEM30 A,and / or FAS. 1.85. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the cells are CAR-NK cells or CAR-T cells. 1.86. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the cells express HLA-C / E / G, e.g., wherein the HLA-C, HLA-E, and / or HLA-G are expressed without disruption. 1.87. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein an exogenous gene is stably incorporated into the genome of the engineered cell. 1.88. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein an exogeneous gene is incorporated into the genome of the engineered cell by being operably linked to a heterologous promoter, wherein the heterologous promoter is a constitutive promoter, e.g., selected from the CAG promoter, the adenovirus major late promoter, the human cytomegalovirus immediate early promoter (hCMV-IE) , the SV40 and Rous Sarcoma virus promoters, the murine 3-phosphoglycerate kinase promoter, the translation elongation factor 1α (EF-1α) promoter, and the human ubiquitin C promoter; e.g., the CAG promoter. 1.89. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the cells or their progeny, when engrafted into a recipient, remain in circulation for at least 15 days, e.g., at least 30 days, e.g., at least 60 days, e.g., at least 90 days, e.g., at least 120 days, e.g., at least 150 days, e.g., at least 180 days. 1.90. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein recognition by and / or activation of allogeneic immune cells, e.g., endogenous NK cells or T-cells, is reduced by at least 20%, e.g., at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, relative to isogenic cells not so engineered. 1.91. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the cells or their progeny display enhanced resistance against immune rejection, e.g., innate immune rejection, by at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 100%, at least 150%, at least 200%, at least 300%, at least 400%, at least 500%. 1.92. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the enhanced resistance against immune rejection, e.g., innate immune rejection, can be ascertained in vitro in a medium comprising at least 5%, at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%human complement. 1.93. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the cells or their progeny do not exhibit significant levels of fratricide, e.g., due to “missing self” -induced cytotoxicity. 1.94. Any foregoing engineered cells which express normal levels of MHC-I. 1.95. Any foregoing engineered cells, which are somatic cell, iPSCs, ESCs, NK cells, T-cells, B-cells, macrophages, monocytes, cardiomyocytes, cardiomyoblasts, osteoblasts, islet cells, neural cells, neural progenitor cells, endothelial cells, epithelial cells, or mesenchymal cells; for example, iPSCs, and NK cells, T-cells, B-cells, macrophages, monocytes, cardiomyocytes, cardiomyoblasts, osteoblasts, islet cells, neural cells, neural progenitor cells, endothelial cells, epithelial cells, or mesenchymal cells derived from said iPSCs or stem cell; for example NK cells derived from said iPSCs. 1.96. Any foregoing engineered cells, comprising any one or more of the nucleic acids of RNA 2, et seq. 1.97. Any foregoing engineered cells, for use in treating a disease or condition in a patient in need thereof. 1.98. The foregoing engineered cells, wherein the patient is a human. 1.99. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the gene or genes knocked-out or disrupted do not inhibit expression of protective HLA molecule (s) , e.g., HLA-C, e.g., relative to a non-engineered cell. 1.100. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the gene or genes knocked-out or disrupted do not inhibit expression of HLA-C, e.g., relative to a non-engineered cell, wherein the HLA-C comprises one or more haplotypes shared by at least 50%of the patient population, e.g., at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%of the patient population. 1.101. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the gene or genes knocked-out or disrupted do not inhibit expression of HLA-C, e.g., relative to a non-engineered cell, wherein the HLA-C comprises one or more haplotypes shared by at least 50%of the patient population, e.g., at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%of the patient population, wherein the patient population comprises the patient population of China. 1.102. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the gene or genes knocked-out or disrupted do not inhibit expression of HLA-C, e.g., relative to a non-engineered cell, wherein the HLA-C comprises one or more haplotypes shared by at least 50%of the patient population, e.g., at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%of the patient population, wherein the patient population comprises the patient population of the United States. 1.103. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the gene or genes knocked-out or disrupted do not inhibit expression of HLA-C, e.g., relative to a non-engineered cell, wherein the HLA-C comprises one or more haplotypes shared by at least 70%of the patient population of the United States and shared by at least 90%of the population of China. 1.104. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the cells are engineered to express a CAR construct and to reduce or eliminate expression of other antigen receptors. 1.105. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the cells are engineered to reduce or eliminate expression of class II major histocompatibility complex transactivator (CIITA) gene. 1.106. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the cells are engineered to express one or more CAR constructs, e.g., one or more CAR constructs targeted to one or more B-cell antigens, e.g., one or more CAR constructs targeted to CD19, to BCMA, and / or to both CD19 and BCMA. 1.107. Any foregoing engineered cells, wherein the cells are CAR-T cells expressing one or more CAR constructs targeted to CD19, to BCMA, and / or to both CD19 and BCMA. 1.108. Any foregoing engineered cells in a pharmaceutical composition comprising the engineered cells in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, suitable for administration by injection, e.g., via intravenous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal, intrathecal, or intraosseous injection. 1.109. Any foregoing engineered cells for use in treating cancer, e.g., comprising administering a composition comprising any foregoing cells to a patient in need thereof. 1.110. Any foregoing engineered cells for use in treating cancer requiring reduced levels of lymphodepletion or immunosuppression relative to use of allogeneic cells which are not selected from one or more of the foregoing engineered cells. 1.111. Any foregoing engineered cells for use in treating cancer with multiple on-demand administrations. 1.112. Any foregoing engineered cells for use in treating blood cancer or a solid tumor, e.g., myeloma or lymphoma, e.g., comprising administering a composition comprising iPSCs, differentiated immune cells (e.g., NK cells, T-cells, B-cells, NKT-cells, macrophages, or monocytes) , or differentiated immune cells derived from said iPSCs. 1.113. Any foregoing engineered cells for use in treating cancer, e.g., blood cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, skin cancer, liver cancer, brain cancer, thyroid cancer, renal cell cancer, breast cancer, lymphoid malignances, malignant tumors, benign tumors, plasma cell disorders, myeloproliferative neoplasms, or myelodysplastic syndromes, e.g., a T-cell cancer, e.g., a B-cell cancer, e.g., carcinoma, blastoma, sarcoma, melanoma, lymphoma, leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, multiple myeloma, Burkitt lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or chronic myelogenous leukemia. 1.114. Any foregoing engineered cells for use in treating an autoimmune disease, e.g., rheumatoid arthritis (RA) , systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) , systemic lupus erythematosus-associated immune thrombocytopenia (SLE-ITP) , primary immune thrombocytopenia (primary ITP) , connective tissue disease-associated immune thrombocytopenia (CTD-ITP) , Lupus nephritis (LN) , antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) -associated vasculitis, ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis (AAGN) , multiple sclerosis (MS) , myositis, systemic sclerosis (SSC) , myasthenia gravis (MG) , idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) , autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) , neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) , Sjogren’s Syndrome (SS) , primary membranous nephropathy (pMN) , IgA nephropathy (IgAN) , psoriasis (PsO) , inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) , ulcerative colitis (UC) , Crohn’s disease (CD) , spondyloarthritis (SpA) , pemphigus, pemphigoid, inflammatory autoimmune encephalitis (AE) , chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) , or autoimmune diseases mediated by abnormal activation of B-cells, e.g., comprising administering a composition comprising iPSCs, differentiated immune cells (e.g., NK cells, T-cells, B-cells, NKT-cells, macrophages, or monocytes) , or differentiated immune cells derived from said iPSCs. 1.115. Any foregoing engineered cells for use in treating an inflammatory disease, e.g., contact dermatitis, eczema, acute rhinitis, bronchitis, gastritis, sepsis, encephalitis, meningitis, pericarditis, myocarditis, or tendinitis. 1.116. Any foregoing engineered cells for use in treating diabetes, e.g., comprising administering a composition comprising iPSCs, islet cells, or islet cells derived from said iPSCs. 1.117. Any foregoing engineered cells for use in regenerative medicine treatments, e.g., cardiomyocyte transplantation for heart injury or failure, ischemia, islet cell transplantation for diabetes, neural progenitor cell transplantation for stroke or central nervous system disorders / injury, e.g., myasthenia gravis, multiple sclerosis, or neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, e.g., comprising administering a composition comprising iPSCs, NK cells, T-cells, B-cells, macrophages, monocytes, cardiomyocytes, islet cells, neural cells, neural progenitor cells, endothelial cells, mesenchymal cells, or are said cells derived from said iPSCs. 1.118. Any foregoing engineered cells for use in the manufacture of a medicament for use in treating cancer, e.g., comprising administering a composition comprising any foregoing cell to a patient in need thereof. 1.119. Any foregoing engineered cells which are the progeny of engineered stem cells, e.g., progeny of engineered iPSCs, progeny of stem cells from umbilical cord blood, progeny of hematopoietic stem cells, or progeny of mesenchymal stem cells. 1.120. The progeny of any foregoing engineered cells. 1.121. A pharmaceutical composition comprising engineered cells according to any of the foregoing engineered cells in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier suitable for injection, e.g., suitable for intravenous infusion, e.g., for use in treating a disease or condition in a human patient, e.g., for use in treating cancer, e.g., for use in any of Methods 1, et seq. 1.122. Any foregoing engineered cells for use in any ofMethods 1, et seq.
[0063] The disclosure further provides nucleic acids sequences (RNA 2) , e.g., guide ribonucleic acids (gRNAs) , capable of targeting, e.g., selective binding, to a complementary nucleic acid sequence, e.g., wherein the complementary nucleic acid sequence is a gene encoding one or more HLA molecule (s) , e.g., HLA-A and / or HLA-B.
[0064] For example, the disclosure provides: 2.1. RNA 2, wherein the gRNA selectively targets HLA-A. 2.2. RNA 2, wherein the gRNA selectively targets HLA-B. 2.3. RNA 2, wherein the gRNA selectively targets HLA-A and HLA-B. 2.4. Any foregoing RNA, comprising any one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1-80. 2.5. Any foregoing RNA, wherein two or more gRNAs are co-delivered into an engineered cell, e.g., any of Cell 1, et seq. 2.6. Any foregoing RNA, wherein two or more gRNAs are co-delivered into an engineered cell, e.g., any of Cell 1, et seq., wherein a first gRNA targets a gene encoding HLA-A and a second gRNA targets a gene encoding HLA-B. 2.7. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the first gRNA comprises one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1-30 and wherein the second gRNA comprises one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 31-80. 2.8. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the gRNA comprises a sequence of at least 99%similarity, e.g., at least 95%, at least 90%, at least 85%, at least 80%, at least 75%, at least 70%similarity to SEQ ID NOs: 1-80. 2.9. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the gRNA comprises one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1-7, 9-12, 31, 35, 37, 38, 42, 44, 47, 51-53, 55-58, 65, 70, 72-80, and 100-102. 2.10. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the gRNA comprises one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1-4, 9, 31, 35, 37, 51, 52, 56, 57, 65, 70, 72-80. 2.11. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the gRNA comprises one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 9, 72 or 73, and 100-102. 2.12. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the gRNA comprises one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 2, 35, and 100-102. 2.13. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the gRNA is co-delivered with a CRISPR / Cas targeting system, e.g., CRISPR / Cas9 and / or CRISPR / Cas12. 2.14. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the gRNA, and optionally CRISPR / Cas targeting system, is delivered by means of transfection and / or electroporation. 2.15. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the gRNA is co-delivered with a Cas enzyme. 2.16. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the gRNA is co-delivered with a Cas enzyme protein. 2.17. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the gRNA is co-delivered with mRNA encoding a Cas enzyme protein. 2.18. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the gRNA is co-delivered with mRNA encoding a Cas enzyme protein, wherein the gRNA without modifications. 2.19. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the gRNA is co-delivered with mRNA encoding a Cas enzyme protein, wherein the gRNA comprises a modification at one or more of the three terminal residues at the 5’a nd / or 3’ end, e.g., wherein the modification comprises a 2’ -O-methyl and / or phosphorothioate moiety. 2.20. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the gRNA is co-delivered with mRNA encoding a Cas enzyme protein, wherein the gRNA comprises a modification at one or more of the three terminal residues at the 5’a nd / or 3’ end, e.g., wherein the modification consists of a 2’ -O-methyl and / or phosphorothioate moiety. 2.21. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the gRNA is co-delivered with DNA encoding a Cas enzyme protein, e.g., wherein the DNA comprises a U6 promoter. 2.22. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the Cas enzyme is selected from SpRYCas9, SpCas9, xCas9, Cas9-NG, Cas12a, and SpG. 2.23. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the Cas enzyme is SpRYCas9, SpCas9, or SpG. 2.24. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the Cas enzyme is SpRYCas9. 2.25. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the Cas enzyme is SpCas9. 2.26. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the Cas enzyme is SpG, optionally wherein the SpG comprises one or more high-fidelity mutations, e.g., wherein the one or more high-fidelity mutations comprise K810A, K1003A, R1060A, K848A, N497A, R661A, Q695A, Q926A, N692A, M694A, Q695A, H698A, R691A, F539S, M763I, K890N, A262T, R324L, S409I, E480K, E543D, M694I, E1219V, M495V, Y515N, K526E, R661Q, N690C, T769I, G915M, N980K, D23A, T67L, Y128V, D1251G, Y1010D, Y1013D, Y1016D, V1018D, R1019D, Q1027D, K1031D, or a combination thereof, e.g., wherein the SpG is SpG (R691A) . 2.27. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the Cas enzyme comprises one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 81-87. 2.28. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the Cas enzyme comprises a sequence of at least 99%similarity, e.g., at least 95%, at least 90%, at least 85%, at least 80%, at least 75%, at least 70%similarity to SEQ ID NOs: 81-87. 2.29. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein, comprising a first domain and a second domain. 2.30. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein, comprising a first domain and a second domain, wherein the first domain comprises a Cas enzyme moiety and the second domain comprises a deaminase enzyme moiety. 2.31. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein, comprising a first domain and a second domain, wherein the first domain comprises a Cas enzyme moiety comprising SpRYCas9. 2.32. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein, comprising a first domain and a second domain, wherein the first domain comprises a Cas enzyme moiety and the second domain comprises a deaminase enzyme moiety comprising one or more of rAPOBEC1, TadA-CD, CBE-T1.14, eTd-CBE, N-d12fCBE-8e, CBE6C, CBE6C (V106W) , hA3A, eA3A, YE1, CD00208, and miniSdd6. 2.33. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein, comprising a first domain and a second domain, wherein the first domain comprises SpRYCas9 and the second domain comprises CBE6C. 2.34. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein, comprising a first domain and a second domain, wherein the first domain comprises SpRYCas9 and the second domain comprises CBE6C (V106W) . 2.35. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein, comprising a first domain and a second domain, wherein the first domain comprises SpCas9 and the second domain comprises hA3A. 2.36. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein comprising SpRYCas9-CBE6C, e.g., wherein the fusion protein comprises SEQ ID NO: 103. 2.37. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein comprising SpRYCas9-CBE6C (V106W) . 2.38. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein comprising SpCas9-hA3A, e.g., wherein the fusion protein comprises SEQ ID NO: 104. 2.39. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein comprising SpG-CBE6C, optionally comprising one or more mutations, e.g., wherein the fusion protein comprises SpG (R691A) -CBE6C (V106W) , e.g., wherein the fusion protein comprises SEQ ID NO: 105. 2.40. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein, comprising a first domain and a second domain, wherein the first domain comprises a Cas enzyme moiety and the second domain comprises a deaminase enzyme moiety comprising one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 88-99. 2.41. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the deaminase enzyme moiety comprises a sequence of at least 99%similarity, e.g., at least 95%, at least 90%, at least 85%, at least 80%, at least 75%, at least 70%similarity to SEQ ID NOs: 88-99. 2.42. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the gRNA selectively binds to HLA-A and / or HLA-B,e.g., a gene or genes encoding HLA-A and / or HLA-b, but does not substantially bind to HLA-C, HLA-E, or HLA-G. 2.43. Any foregoing RNA, wherein one or more genes encoding HLA-A and / or HLA-B are disrupted while one or more genes encoding HLA-C, HLA-E, or HLA-G are not substantially disrupted. 2.44. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the selected one or more genes encoding HLA-Aand / or HLA-B are knocked-out or disrupted by at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 85%, at least 90%, at least 95%, while the unselected genes, e.g., encoding HLA-C, HLA-E, or HLA-G, are disrupted by no more than 35%, no more than 30%, no more than 25%, no more than 20%, no more than 15%, no more than 10%, no more than 8%, no more than 5%, no more than 2%, e.g., relative to non-engineered cells. 2.45. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the engineered cell is an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) . 2.46. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the engineered cell is derived from an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) . 2.47. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the engineered cell is a primary cell. 2.48. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the engineered cell is a hematopoietic cell. 2.49. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the engineered cell is a hematopoietic stem cell. 2.50. Any foregoing RNA, wherein the engineered cell is a natural killer (NK) cell. 2.51. Any foregoing RNA wherein the engineered cell is a T-cell. 2.52. Any foregoing RNA for use in any of Cell 1, et seq.
[0065] The disclosure further provides deaminase-Cas fusion proteins for coadministration to a cell population to be engineered together with one or more guide RNAs selected from any of the RNA2, et seq., e.g., wherein the deaminase-Cas fusion protein can mutate the sequence targeted by the guide RNAs so as to knock out functional gene expression in the targeted region, e.g., without introducing double-stranded breaks, e.g., by inactivating splice sites and / or introducing premature stop codons. Without being bound by theory, it is theorized that the omission of double-stranded DNA breaks significantly reduces the risk of chromosomal translocations, genomic instability, and off-target effects, thereby improving the overall safety and precision of the gene editing process. In certain embodiments, the disclosure provides a deaminase-Cas fusion protein comprising a deaminase sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs 88-99 and a Cas sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs 81-87, for example a CBE6C (e.g., comprising SEQ ID NO: 93;optionally comprising a V106W mutation or substitution, e.g., comprising SEQ ID NO: 94) fused to a spRyCas9 (e.g. comprising SEQ ID NO: 81) , for example a fusion protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 103; e.g. wherein the deaminase-Cas fusion protein is co-administered to the cell population with one or more guide RNAs selected from SEQ ID NOs 1-80, e.g., wherein a fusion protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 103 is co-administered to the cell population with gRNA-HLA-A-sg9 (SEQ ID NO: 9) and gRNA-HLA-B-sg42 (SEQ ID NO: 72) , e.g., wherein a fusion protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 103 is co-administered to the cell population with gRNA-HLA-A-sg2 (SEQ ID NO: 2) and gRNA-HLA-B-sg5 (SEQ ID NO: 35) . In certain embodiments, the disclosure provides a deaminase-Cas fusion protein comprising a deaminase sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs 88-99 and a Cas sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs 81-87, for example a hA3A (e.g., comprising SEQ ID NO: 95) fused to a SpCas9 (e.g. comprising SEQ ID NO: 82) , for example a fusion protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 104; e.g. wherein the deaminase-Cas fusion protein is co-administered to the cell population with one or more guide RNAs selected from SEQ ID NOs 1-80. As a further example, in certain embodiment, a CBE6C (optionally comprising a V106W mutation, e.g., comprising SEQ ID NO: 94) is fused to a SpG (optionally comprising a R691A mutation, e.g., comprising SEQ ID NO: 87) , such as a fusion protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 105, is co-administered to the cell population with one or more guide RNAs selected from SEQ ID NOs 1-80.
[0066] The disclosure further provides a pharmaceutical composition comprising hypo-immunogenic engineered cells according to any of Cell 1, et seq., or the RNA of any of RNA 2, et seq., in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier suitable for injection, e.g., suitable for intravenous infusion. For example, the pharmaceutically acceptable carrier suitable for intravenous infusion may be an isotonic saline solution, e.g., 0.9%w / v saline solution, lactated Ringer’s solution, or an isotonic solution formulated for cell culture or therapy, e.g., an isotonic solution comprising physiologically acceptable levels of sodium chloride, dextrose, electrolytes, albumin, and optionally a cryopreservative [e.g. comprising 31.25% (v / v) of Plasma-Lyte A, 31.25% (v / v) of 5%Dextrose / 0.45%sodium chloride, 10%Dextran 40 (LMD) / 5%Dextrose, 20%(v / v) of25%Human Serum Albumin (HSA) , and 7.5% (v / v) dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) ] . In certain embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is frozen during storage and thawed upon administration to the patient. The engineered cells according to any of Cell 1, et seq., include, for example, engineered cells wherein the cells are allogeneic with respect to the patient and wherein the cells or their progeny, when engrafted into a recipient, remain in circulation for at least 15 days, e.g., for at least 30 days, e.g., for at least 60 days, e.g., for at least 90 days, e.g., for at least 120 days, e.g., for at least 150 days, e.g., for at least 180 days; e.g., wherein the population comprises NK cells or T-cells wherein expression of one or more HLA molecule (s) is knocked-out or disrupted.
[0067] In a further embodiment, the disclosure provides iPSCs and hematopoietic cells derived therefrom wherein one or more genes are transfected into said cells, such that recognition by and activation of allogeneic immune cells is reduced, e.g., such that stimulation of heterologous CD8+T-cells by the engineered cells or their progeny is substantially reduced, e.g., according to any of Cell 1, et seq.
[0068] In a further embodiment, the disclosure provides a method of treating disease, e.g., cancer (Method 1) , comprising administering engineered cells according to any of Cell 1, et seq., or a pharmaceutical composition comprising engineered cells according to any of Cell 1, et seq., to a patient in need thereof. For example, the disclosure provides: M1. Method 1 wherein the cells are allogeneic with respect to the patient. M2. Any foregoing method wherein the patient’s endogenous NK cells or T-cells are not significantly stimulated by the administration. M3. Any foregoing method wherein the cells or their progeny, when engrafted into a recipient, remain in circulation for at least 15 days, e.g., for at least 30 days, e.g., for at least 60 days, e.g., for at least 90 days, e.g., for at least 120 days, e.g., for at least 150 days, e.g., for at least 180 days. M4. Any foregoing method wherein the population comprises NK cells and / or T-cells with reduced expression of selected HLA molecule (s) , e.g., HLA-A and / or HLA-B, and typical (i.e., non-reduced) expression of non-selected HLA molecule (s) , e.g., HLA-C, HLA-E, and / or HLA-G. M5. Any foregoing method wherein the population comprises NK cells and / or T-cells derived from engineered iPSCs. M6. Any foregoing method wherein the population comprises engineered primary T-cells, for example CAR-T cells. M7. Any foregoing method wherein the disease is cancer, autoimmune disease, heart injury or failure, diabetes, ischemia or central nervous system disorders / injury, inflammatory disease, neurodegenerative disease, or infectious disease, e.g., myeloma, lymphoma, blood tumor, solid tumors, or stroke; e.g., wherein the disease is an autoimmune disease, e.g., selected from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) , systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) , systemic lupus erythematosus-associated immune thrombocytopenia (SLE-ITP) , primary immune thrombocytopenia (primary ITP) , connective tissue disease-associated immune thrombocytopenia (CTD-ITP) , Lupus nephritis (LN) , autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) , multiple sclerosis (MS) , myositis, systemic sclerosis (SSC) , myasthenia gravis (MG) , idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) , ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) , ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis (AAGN) , neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) , Sjogren’s Syndrome (SS) , primary membranous nephropathy (pMN) , IgA nephropathy (IgAN) , psoriasis (PsO) , inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) , ulcerative colitis (UC) , Crohn’s disease (CD) , spondyloarthritis (SpA) , pemphigus, pemphigoid, inflammatory autoimmune encephalitis (AE) , chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) , and autoimmune diseases mediated by abnormal activation ofB-cells; or wherein the disease is a cancer, e.g., a blood cell cancer, e.g., selected from carcinoma, blastoma, sarcoma, lymphoma, leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, multiple myeloma, melanoma, breast cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, skin cancer, pancreatic cancer, colorectal cancer, renal cancer, liver cancer, brain cancer, lung cancer, thyroid cancer, lymphoid malignances, malignant tumors, benign tumors, plasma cell disorders, myeloproliferative neoplasms, and myelodysplastic syndromes, e.g., a T-cell cancer, e.g., a B-cell cancer, e.g., selected from non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and Hodgkin's lymphoma; or wherein the disease is an inflammatory disease, e.g., selected from contact dermatitis, eczema, acute rhinitis, bronchitis, gastritis, sepsis, encephalitis, meningitis, pericarditis, myocarditis, and tendinitis. M8. Any foregoing method wherein the administration is by intravenous and / or intraosseous injection and / or tissue / organ transplantation. M9. Any foregoing method wherein the method uses reduced levels of lymphodepletion or immunosuppression relative to administration of allogeneic cells which are not the engineered cells according to any ofCell 1, et seq. M10. Any foregoing method wherein the method allows for multiple on-demand administrations. M11. Any foregoing method wherein the engineered cells comprise a CAR construct, wherein the CAR construct targets one or more B-cell antigens, thereby depleting B-cells in the patient which comprise a B-cell cancer, or depleting B-cells in the patient which mediate an autoimmune disease. M12. Any foregoing method wherein the engineered cells comprise allogeneic CAR-T cells which target an antigen on a B-cell cancer, e.g. which target CD19 and / or BCMA, e.g., which target CD19 and BCMA. M13. Any foregoing method wherein the patient suffers from a disease selected from autoimmune diseases and B-cell cancers (e.g. selected from lymphoma, leukemia, multiple myeloma) . M14. Any foregoing method wherein the engineered cells are allogeneic with respect to the patient and are HLA-C matched. M15. Any foregoing method wherein the patent undergoes lympho-depletion prior to administration of the engineered cells.
[0069] In a further embodiment, the disclosure provides a method of making engineered hematopoietic cells which do not express one or more selected HLA molecule (s) , such that stimulation of immune rejection (e.g., heterologous CD8+T-cells and / or NK cell activation) by the engineered cells is substantially reduced, e.g., wherein one or more genes encoding the selected HLA molecule (s) (e.g., selected from HLA-A, HLA-B, or a combination thereof) are knocked-out or disrupted in the cell or an ancestor thereof, said method comprising culturing a population of cells (for example iPSCs or hematopoietic cells) , under conditions which knock-out or disrupt the selected HLA molecule (s) ; e.g., wherein the one or more genes knocked-out or disrupted encode HLA-A and / or HLA-B. For example, the method of making engineered hematopoietic cells may comprise delivery of a Cas enzyme (for example a Cas enzyme which is a nickase or an endonuclease or a deaminase-Cas fusion protein, for example a Cas enzyme comprising a sequence selected from SpRYCas9, SpCas9, xCas9, Cas9-NG, and Cas12, e.g., selected from SEQ ID NOs 81-87; or a deaminase-Cas fusion protein comprising a deaminase sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs 88-99 and a Cas sequence selected from SEQ ID NOs 81-87, for example a CBE6C (e.g., comprising SEQ ID NO: 93; optionally comprising a V106W substitution or mutation, e.g., comprising SEQ ID NO: 94) fused to a SpRYCas9 (e.g. comprising SEQ ID NO: 81) , for example a fusion protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 103) , or mRNA or DNA encoding the same, together with a one or more gRNAs (e.g., selected from one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1-80) which target and selectively bind to one or more genes encoding HLA-A and / or HLA-B, and recovering a population of cells according to any of Cell 1, et seq. The method of making may further comprise co-delivery of the one or more gRNAs with a CRISPR / Cas targeting system, e.g., wherein the Cas enzyme comprises SpRYCas9, SpCas9, xCas9, Cas9-NG, Cas12a, or SpG, e.g., comprising one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 81-87. In some embodiments, the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein, wherein the fusion protein comprises a first domain and a second domain. In some embodiments, the first domain comprises a Cas enzyme moiety, e.g., comprising SpRYCas9, SpCas9, xCas9, Cas9-NG, Cas12a, or SpG, e.g., comprising one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 81-87. In some embodiments, the second domain comprises a deaminase enzyme moiety, e.g., comprising rAPOBEC1, TadA-CD, CBE-T1.14, eTd-CBE, N-d12fCBE-8e, CBE6C, CBE6C (V106W) , hA3A, eA3A, YE1, CD00208, or miniSdd6, e.g., comprising one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 88-99. In some embodiments, the one or more gRNAs are co-delivered with the fusion protein. In some embodiments, the one or more gRNAs are co-delivered with mRNA encoding the fusion protein. In some embodiments, two or more gRNAs, e.g., comprising SEQ ID NOs: 9, 72, and / or 100-102, are co-delivered with mRNA encoding the fusion protein comprising SpRYCas9-CBE6C. For example, in an embodiment, the disclosure provides a method of making engineered hematopoietic cells according to Cell 1, et seq., comprising delivering a fusion protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 103 (or nucleic acid, e.g., mRNA encoding the fusion protein) to population of hematopoietic cells, together with gRNA-HLA-A-sg9 (SEQ ID NO: 9) and gRNA-HLA-B-sg42 (SEQ ID NO: 72) . In some embodiments, the one or more gRNAs are co-delivered with mRNA encoding the fusion protein. In some embodiments, two or more gRNAs, e.g., SEQ ID NOs: 2, 35, and / or 100-102, are co-delivered with mRNA encoding the fusion protein comprising SpRYCas9-CBE6C. For example, in an embodiment, the disclosure provides a method of making engineered hematopoietic cells according to Cell 1, et seq., comprising delivering a fusion protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 103 (or nucleic acid, e.g., mRNA, encoding the fusion protein) to a population of hematopoietic cells, together with gRNA-HLA-A-sg2 (SEQ ID NO: 2) and gRNA-HLA-B-sg5 (SEQ ID NO: 35) . For example, in a further embodiment, the disclosure provides a method of making engineered hematopoietic cells according to Cell 1, et seq., comprising delivering a fusion protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 105 (or nucleic acid, e.g., mRNA, encoding the fusion protein) to a population of hematopoietic cells, together with gRNA-HLA-A-sg9 (SEQ ID NO: 9) and gRNA-HLA-B-sg43 (SEQ ID NO: 73) . EXAMPLES Example 1: Single HLA Knock-out in T-Cells
[0070] Primary human T-cells are isolated from a healthy donor’s peripheral blood by Ficoll-PaquePREMIUM (GE Healthcare) using density gradient centrifugation. After isolation, the primary human T-cells are cultured at 37℃ and in 5%CO2 for 24 hours, after which the T-cells are stimulated with DynaBeads CD3 / CD28 (ThermoFisher, item no. 40203D) and further cultured at 37℃ and in 5%CO2 for 3 days. Then, 15 pmol Cas9 protein (Invitrogen A36497) and 60 pmol gRNA are electro-transfected into the activated T-cells using the CM138 electro-transfection program using a Lonza 4D electroporator (Lonza) . Immediately after electro-transfection, the T-cells are placed into a pre-warmed medium and cultured in the presence of IL-2 (100 IU / mL) at 37℃ and in 5%CO2. After 4 days, the T-cells are incubated with AF647 rat anti-human HLA-B (BD Pharmingen, item no. 3292120) , FITC mouse anti-human HLA-A (BD Pharmingen, item no. 568029) , and PE anti-human HLA-C (BD, item no. 566372) antibodies before analysis using flow cytometry to evaluate HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C knockout efficiency. T-cells not transfected with mRNA or gRNA are used as control (WT) . Results of the knock-out efficiency analysis are shown in Figure1 and Table 1. Table 1. Knock-out Efficiency of HLA-A / B / C by gRNAs+Cas9 Example 2: Single HLA Knock-out in T-Cells
[0071] Primary human T-cells are isolated from a healthy donor’s peripheral blood by Ficoll-PaquePREMIUM (GE Healthcare) using density gradient centrifugation. After isolation, the primary human T-cells are cultured at 37℃ and in 5%CO2 for 24 hours, after which the T-cells are stimulated with DynaBeads CD3 / CD28 (ThermoFisher, item no. 40203D) and further cultured at 37℃ and in 5%CO2 for 3 days. Then, 4μg spCas9-CBE mRNA and 50 pmol gRNA are electro-transfected into the activated T-cells using the CM138 electro-transfection program using a Lonza 4D electroporator (Lonza) . The spCas9-CBE mRNA encodes a fusion protein comprising both a spCas9 enzyme domain and a CBE deaminase domain (i.e., hA3A deaminase domain, SEQ ID NO: 96) . Immediately after electro-transfection, the T-cells are placed into a pre-warmed medium and cultured in the presence of IL-2 (100 IU / mL) at 37℃ and in 5%CO2. After 4 days, the T-cells are incubated with AF647 rat anti-human HLA-B (BD Pharmingen, item no. 3292120) , FITC mouse anti-human HLA-A (BD Pharmingen, item no. 568029) , and PE anti-human HLA-C (BD, item no. 566372) antibodies before analysis using flow cytometry to evaluate HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C knockout efficiency. T-cells not transfected with mRNA or gRNA are used as control (WT) . Results of the knock-out efficiency analysis are shown in Figure 2 and Table 2. Table 2. Knock-out Efficiency of HLA-A / B / C by gRNAs+SpCas9-hA3A Fusion Protein Example 3: Single HLA Knock-out in T-Cells
[0072] Primary human T-cells are isolated from a healthy donor’s peripheral blood by Ficoll-PaquePREMIUM (GE Healthcare) using density gradient centrifugation. After isolation, the primary human T-cells are cultured at 37℃ and in 5%CO2 for 24 hours, after which the T-cells are stimulated with DynaBeads CD3 / CD28 (ThermoFisher, item no. 40203D) and further cultured at 37℃ and in 5%CO2 for 3 days. Then, 4μg SpRYCas9-CBE mRNA and 50 pmol gRNA are electro-transfected into the activated T-cells using the CM138 electro-transfection program using a Lonza 4D electroporator (Lonza) . The SpRYCas9-CBE mRNA encodes a fusion protein comprising both a SpRYCas9 enzyme domain and a CBE deaminase domain (i.e., CBE6C deaminase domain, SEQ ID NO: 93) . Immediately after electro-transfection, the T-cells are placed into a pre-warmed medium and cultured in the presence of IL-2 (100 IU / mL) at 37℃and in 5%CO2. After 4 days, the T-cells are incubated with AF647 rat anti-human HLA-B (BD Pharmingen, item no. 3292120) , FITC mouse anti-human HLA-A (BD Pharmingen, item no. 568029) , and PE anti-human HLA-C (BD, item no. 566372) antibodies before analysis using flow cytometry to evaluate HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C knockout efficiency. T-cells not transfected with mRNA or gRNA are used as control (WT) . Results of the knock-out efficiency analysis are shown in Figures 3A-3C and Table 3. Table 3. Knock-out Efficiency of HLA-A / B / C by gRNAs+SpRYCas9-CBE6C Fusion Protein Example 4: Combination Knock-out (HLA-A, HLA-B, TRAC, CIITA) in T-Cells
[0073] Primary human T-cells are isolated from a healthy donor’s peripheral blood by Ficoll-PaquePREMIUM (GE Healthcare) using density gradient centrifugation. After isolation, the primary human T-cells are cultured at 37℃ and in 5%CO2 for 24 hours, after which the T-cells are stimulated with DynaBeads CD3 / CD28 (ThermoFisher, item no. 40203D) and further cultured at 37℃ and in 5%CO2 for 2 days. Then, 45μM Cas9 protein and 60 pmol gRNA, per target knock-out, are electro-transfected into the activated T-cells using the CM138 electro-transfection program using a Lonza 4D electroporator (Lonza) . Immediately after electro-transfection, the T-cells are placed into a pre-warmed medium and cultured in the presence of IL-2 (100 IU / mL) at 37℃ and in 5%CO2. After 6 days, the T-cells are incubated with FITC mouse anti-human HLA-A (BD Pharmingen, item no. 568029) , BV605 rat anti-human HLA-B (BD Pharmingen, item no. 752616) , PE anti-human HLA-C (BD, item no. 566372) , PE anti-human HLA-E (Biolegend, item no. 342604) , PE mouse anti-human CD3 (BD Pharmingen, item no. 552127) , and PE anti-human HLA-DR (Biolegend, item no. 307606) antibodies before analysis using flow cytometry to evaluate HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-E, TRAC, and CIITA knockout efficiency, respectively. T-cells not transfected with Cas9 protein or any gRNA are used as control (WT) . Results of the knock-out efficiency analysis are shown in Figure 4, Table 4 and Table 5.
[0074] The knock-out combination editing efficiency analysis is done in comparison with the WT control, which demonstrates a HLA-A, HLA-B, TRAC, CIITA combination knock-out efficiency greater than 80%, while simultaneously showing HLA-C and HLA-E off-target knock-out efficiency of less than 20%. It is surprisingly observed that a single gRNA, e.g., HLA-B-sg23 and / or HLA-B-sg25, can effectively disrupt both HLA-A and HLA-B expression. Table 4. Combination 1 Knock-out Efficiency of HLA-A, HLA-B, TRAC, and CIITA by gRNAs +Cas9 Protein Table 5. Combination 2 Knock-out Efficiency of HLA-A, HLA-B, TRAC, and CIITA by gRNAs +Cas9 Protein Example 5: Combination Knock-out (HLA-A, HLA-B, TRAC, CIITA) and Knock-In (aCD19-CAR, aBMCA-CAR) in T-Cells using SpRYCas9-CBE
[0075] Primary human T-cells are isolated from a healthy donor’s peripheral blood by Ficoll-PaquePREMIUM (GE Healthcare) using density gradient centrifugation. After isolation, the primary human T-cells are cultured at 37℃ and in 5%CO2 for 24 hours, after which the T-cells are stimulated with DynaBeads CD3 / CD28 (ThermoFisher, item no. 40203D) and further cultured at 37℃ and in 5%CO2 for 1 day. On Day 1, the dual CAR (aCD19CAR-2A-aBCMA-CAR) lentivirus is transducted into activated T-cells, and the cells are subsequently cultured in the presence of IL-2 (100 IU / mL) at 37℃ and in 5%CO2 for 1 day. On Day 2, 4μg SpRYCas9-CBE6C mRNA and 50 pmol gRNA, per target knockout, are electro-transfected into the activated T-cells using the CM138 electro-transfection program using a Lonza 4D electroporator (Lonza) . Immediately after electro-transfection, the T-cells are placed into a pre-warmed medium and cultured in the presence of IL-2 (100 IU / mL) at 37℃ and in 5%CO2. On Day 7, the T-cells are partitioned into subpopulations, wherein each subpopulation is incubated with one of the following antibody panels: ●Panel#1: ○BV421 mouse anti-human CD3 (SP34-2) (BD Pharmingen, item no. 562877) ; ○FITC mouse anti-human HLA-A (BD Pharmingen, item no. 568029) ; ○AF647 rat anti-human HLA-B (BD Pharmingen, item no. 3292120) ; ●Panel#2: ○PE anti-human HLA-C Antibody (BD, item no. 566372) ; ●Panel#3: ○FITC-Labeled Human CD19 (20-291) Protein, Fc Tag DMF Filed (ACRO, item no. CD9-HF251) ; ○PE-Labeled Human BCMA / TNFRSF17 Protein, His Tag (Site-specific conjugation) (ACRO, item no. BCA-HP2H2) ; ●Panel#4: PE anti-human HLA-E (Biolegend, item no. 342604) .
[0076] The above antibodies are used in analysis using flow cytometry to evaluate HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-E, TRAC, and CIITA knock-out efficiency and knock-in efficiency of aCD19-CAR and aBCMA-CAR. T-cells not transfected with mRNA or gRNA are used as control (WT) . Results of the knock-out efficiency analysis are shown in Figure 5, Table 6 and Table 7.
[0077] The knock-out combination editing efficiency analysis is done in comparison with the WT control, which demonstrates a HLA-A, HLA-B, TRAC, CIITA combination knock-out efficiency greater than 90%, while simultaneously showing HLA-C off-target knock-out efficiency of about or less than 30%, HLA-E off-target knock-out efficiency of less than 10%, and dual CAR (aCD19CAR-2A-aBCMA-CAR) knock-in efficiency of greater than 50%. Table 6. Combination 1 Knock-out Efficiency of HLA-A, HLA-B, TRAC, and CIITA by gRNAs +SpRYCas9-CBE6C Fusion Protein mRNA Table 7. Combination 2 Knock-out Efficiency of HLA-A, HLA-B, TRAC, and CIITA by gRNAs +SpRYCas9-CBE6C Fusion Protein mRNA Example 6: Protective Effect of Hypoimmunogenic Engineered Cells against Allogenic PBNK Killing
[0078] To evaluate the protective effects of knocking-out HLA-A and HLA-B while maintaining HLA-C against allogenic NK killing, primary human T-cells are individually edited with gRNA Combination 1 (HLA-A / HLA-B / TRAC / CIITA; “HLA-A / B KO” ) or Combination 2 (TRAC / CIITA / B2M; “B2M KO” ) . It will be recognized by those of skill in the art that B2M is essential for MHC-I molecular presentation on the cell membrane. Thus, B2M KO T-cells failing to present MHC-I on the cell membrane will be killed by peripheral blood NK (PBNK) cells due to “missing-self” signaling, thus providing a positive control. Meanwhile, T-cells without any gene editing ( “WT” ) will provide a negative control. The cells are evaluated using flow cytometry, substantially similar to the examples supra, and the results of knock-out efficiency are shown in Figure 6 and Table 8. Table 8. Knock-out Efficiency of HLA-A / HLA-B / HLA-C / HLA-E / TRAC / CIITA by Combination 1 and Combination 2 gRNAs
[0079] In another assay to evaluate efficacy of avoiding PBNK killing by engineered cells, T-cells are engineered as described supra in Example 6 to provide a HLA-A / B KO population and a B2M KO population. These engineered cells are incubated with PBNK cells in a ratio of 1: 3 for 4 hours. Surviving T-cells are identified by CD56-status and are subsequently analyzed. The specific killing percentages of HLA-A / B KO T-cells are comparable with WT cells but significantly lower than B2M KO T-cells. The resistance to PBNK killing by the HLA-A / B KO T-cells indicate that the HLA-C and HLA-E expression is maintained. The results of the PBNK killing assay is summarized in Table 9. Table 9. PBNK Killing assay Example 7: In Vivo Efficacy of Engineered T-cells
[0080] Engineered T-cells are prepared substantially similarly to those supra, e.g., as described in Example 5. The engineered cells comprise a combination knock-out of HLA-A, HLA-B, TRAC, and CIITA, and a combination knock-in of the dual CAR (aCD19CAR-2A-aBCMA-CAR) construct (e.g., comprising SEQ ID NOs: 106) . The engineered cells are prepared using the SpRYCas9-CBE mRNA platform as described supra. The cells so engineered are administered in a Nalm6 mouse model and a MM. 1S mouse model to evaluate the in vivo efficacy of the engineered cells, e.g., in reducing and / or inhibiting progression of tumor burden in a mouse xenograft model. The two mouse xenograft models are evaluated in parallel, wherein three mice of each model are injected with either Nalm6 or MM. 1S cells expressing the firefly luciferase gene and imaged on days 7, 14, 21, and 28. In the Nalm6 model, the control mice exhibit rapid growth of cancer cells, with the study terminating early after 21 days due to excessive tumor burden. In contrast, Nalm6 mice treated with the engineered cells show no detectable tumors at any of the tested time points, demonstrating the significant in vivo efficacy of the engineered cells to inhibit tumor growth. Similar results are observed in the MM. 1S mouse model, wherein the control mice exhibit notable growth of cancer cells, with each time point indicating an increase in tumor burden relative to the previous time point. However, when the MM. 1S mice are treated with the engineered cells, the tumor burden is undetectable in three of four mice for days 7, 14, and 21. On day 28, two of four MM. 1S mice treated with the engineered cells remain undetectable; the other two mice exhibit tumors that are detectable yet demonstrate a significantly reduced tumor burden in comparison with the control mice. Table 10: CAR Amino acid sequence Example 8: Combination Knock-out (HLA-A, HLA-B, TRAC, CIITA) and Knock-In (aCD19-CAR, aBMCA-CAR) in T-Cells using SpG (R691A) -CBE6C (V106W)
[0081] Primary human T-cells are isolated from a healthy donor’s peripheral blood by Ficoll-PaquePREMIUM (GE Healthcare) using density gradient centrifugation. After isolation, the primary human T-cells are cultured at 37℃ and in 5%CO2 for 24 hours, after which the T-cells are stimulated with DynaBeads CD3 / CD28 (ThermoFisher, item no. 40203D) and further cultured at 37℃ and in 5%CO2 for 1 day. On Day 1, the dual CAR (aCD19CAR-2A-aBCMA-CAR) (e.g., comprising SEQ ID NOs: 106) lentivirus is transducted into activated T-cells, and the cells are subsequently cultured in the presence of IL-2 (100 IU / mL) at 37℃ and in 5%CO2 for 1 day. On Day 2, 2μg SpG (R691A) -CBE6C (V106W) mRNA (e.g., comprising SEQ ID NOs: 87 and 94) and 50 pmol gRNA, per target knockout, are electro-transfected into the activated T-cells using the CM138 electro-transfection program using a Lonza 4D electroporator (Lonza) . Immediately after electro-transfection, the T-cells are placed into a pre-warmed medium and cultured in the presence of IL-2 (100 IU / mL) at 37℃ and in 5%CO2. On Day 7, the T-cells are partitioned into subpopulations, wherein each subpopulation is incubated with one of the following antibody panels: ●Panel#1: ○BV421 mouse anti-human CD3 (SP34-2) (BD Pharmingen, item no. 562877) ; ○FITC mouse anti-human HLA-A (BD Pharmingen, item no. 568029) ; ○AF647 rat anti-human HLA-B (BD Pharmingen, item no. 3292120) ; ●Panel#2: ○PE anti-human HLA-C Antibody (BD, item no. 566372) ; ●Panel#3: ○FITC-Labeled Human CD19 (20-291) Protein, Fc Tag DMF Filed (ACRO, item no. CD9-HF251) ; ○PE-Labeled Human BCMA / TNFRSF17 Protein, His Tag (Site-specific conjugation) (ACRO, item no. BCA-HP2H2) ; ●Panel#4: PE anti-human HLA-E (Biolegend, item no. 342604) .
[0082] The above antibodies are used in analysis using flow cytometry to evaluate HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, HLA-E, TRAC, and CIITA knock-out efficiency and knock-in efficiency of aCD19-CAR and aBCMA-CAR. T-cells not transfected with mRNA or gRNA are used as control (WT) . Results of the knock-out efficiency analysis are shown in Figure 7 and Table 11.
[0083] The knock-out combination editing efficiency analysis is done in comparison with the WT control, which demonstrates a HLA-A, HLA-B, TRAC, CIITA combination knock-out efficiency greater than 70%, while simultaneously showing HLA-C off-target knock-out efficiency of about or less than 30%, HLA-E off-target knock-out efficiency of less than 10%, and dual CAR (aCD19CAR-2A-aBCMA-CAR) knock-in efficiency of greater than 50%. Table 11. Combination Knock-out Efficiency of HLA-A, HLA-B, TRAC, and CIITA by gRNAs +SpG (R691A) -CBE6C (V106W) Fusion Protein mRNA Example 9: In Vivo Efficacy of Engineered Cells in Nalm6 Xenograft Mice Model
[0084] To further evaluate the in vivo efficacy of the engineered cells, as evaluated in Example 7 supra, engineered cells comprising the combination HLA-A, HLA-B, TRAC, and CIITA knock-out and dual knock-in of aCD19-CAR and aBCMA-CAR are injected intravenously into the treatment groups of 8-week-old female NOG mice, with five replicates in each experimental group. In this study, three groups of five mice each are injected with 5 x 105 Nalm6 cells expressing the firefly luciferase gene on day-1. On day 0, the mice of each group are further injected with a single dose of either (i) a control solution not comprising engineered cells, (ii) afirst experimental solution comprising 1 x 106 engineered cells ( “low dose group” ) , or (iii) asecond experimental solution comprising 5 x 106 engineered cells ( “high dose group” ) . The mice are subsequently imaged using an In Vivo Imaging System (IVIS) to monitor changes in tumor burden over time. As depicted in Figure 8, the control group exhibits rapid increases in tumor burden, such that evaluation of the control group is terminated early due to excessive tumor burden by day 14. In contrast, the low dose group exhibits no detectable tumor burden on day 7 but a steady increase in tumor burden from day 14 to days 21, 28, and 35. Four of the five mice in the low dose group survive to day 35. Importantly, the entire high dose group exhibits no detectable tumor burden on days 7 and 14, four of five mice maintain the absence of a detectable tumor burden through day 35, and all five mice survival through the full 35 days (see Figure 9) . These results demonstrate that the engineered cells provide potent tumor growth suppression and prolonged survival of tumor-bearing mice, with the high dose group demonstrating particularly strong anti-tumor activity with near-complete tumor eradication observed in four out of five mice by day 35.
[0085] Moreover, pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis of peripheral blood is accomplished by quantifying the copies of the engineered genes per nanogram of DNA, which indicates that the high dose treatment of engineered cells provides a statistically significant prevalence of engineered cells / genes, particularly on days 7 and 11 after injection of said engineered cells. Results are summarized in Figure 10. In this analysis, the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) is observed to be 31.25 copies per 20 ng DNA per reaction, which is equivalent to 1.56 copies / ng DNA. Example 10: In Vivo Efficacy of Engineered Cells in MM. 1S Xenograft Mice Model
[0086] To further evaluate the in vivo efficacy of the engineered cells, as evaluated in Example 7 supra, engineered cells comprising the combination HLA-A, HLA-B, TRAC, and CIITA knock-out and dual knock-in of aCD19-CAR and aBCMA-CAR are injected intravenously into the treatment groups of 8-week-old female NOG mice, with five replicates in each experimental group. In this study, three groups of five mice each are injected with 2 x 106 MM. 1S cells expressing the firefly luciferase gene on day-14. On day 0, the mice of each group are further injected with a single dose of either (i) a control solution not comprising engineered cells, (ii) afirst experimental solution comprising 1 x 106 engineered cells ( “low dose group” ) , or (iii) asecond experimental solution comprising 5 x 106 engineered cells ( “high dose group” ) . The mice are subsequently imaged using an In Vivo Imaging System (IVIS) to monitor changes in tumor burden over time. As depicted in Figure 11, the control group exhibits an early prevalence of tumor burden in all five of the control mice and a steady increase in tumor burden over the course of the study. In contrast, both the low dose group and the high dose group demonstrate significant tumor growth suppression, wherein mice in either treatment group exhibit detectable tumor burden on days 7 and 14, and a minority of each group exhibits detectable tumor burden on day 21. Despite tumor burden increasing between days 21 and 35, the treatment groups maintain a statistically significant suppression of tumor growth relative to the control group mice. Example 11: gRNA Sequences
[0087] Guide RNAs (gRNAs) are designed by selecting suitable PAM (protospacer adjacent motifs) sites on the exon sequence of HLA-A or HLA-B, as noted below in Table 12 and Table 13, respectively. Table 12. gRNA Sequences for HLA-A Targeted Knock-Out Table 13. gRNA Sequences for HLA-B Targeted Knock-Out Example 12: Cas9 Sequences
[0088] Engineering cells, as described herein, may be accomplished through the use of a CRISPR / Cas9 system, or a substantially similar knock-out system. Exemplary Cas enzymes, and their corresponding amino acid sequences, are enumerated in Table 14. Table 14. Cas Enzyme Sequences Example 13: Fusion Protein Deaminase Domains
[0089] Engineering cells, as described herein, may be accomplished through the use of a CRISPR / Cas9 system, or a substantially similar knock-out system. In some embodiments, the Cas enzyme used is a fusion protein, wherein the fusion protein comprises a deaminase domain. Exemplary deaminase domain sequences useful in making the engineered cells, as described herein, are displayed in Table 15. Table 15. Sequences ofDeaminase Domains in Cas Fusion Protein References cited: (1) Gaudelli, N., et al. Programmable base editing of A·T to G·C in genomic DNA without DNA cleavage. Nature 551, 464–471 (2017) ; (2) Neugebauer, M. E., et al. Evolution of an adenine base editor into a small, efficient cytosine base editor with low off-target activity. Nat. Biotechnol. 41, 673–685 (2023) ; (3) Lam, D. K., et al. Improved cytosine base editors generated from TadA variants. Nat. Biotechnol. 41, 686–697 (2023) ; (4) Chen, L. et al. Re-engineering the adenine deaminase TadA-8e for efficient and specific CRISPR-based cytosine base editing. Nat. Biotechnol. 41, 663–672 (2023) ; (5) Zhang, S. et al. TadA reprogramming to generate potent miniature base editors with high precision. Nat. Commun. 14, 413(2023) ; (6) Zhang, E., et al. Phage-assisted evolution of highly active cytosine base editors with enhanced selectivity and minimal sequence context preference. Nat. Commun. 15, 1697 (2024) ; (7) Gehrke, J., et al. An APOBEC3A-Cas9 base editor with minimized bystander and off-target activities. Nat. Biotechnol. 36, 977–982 (2018) ; (8) Yang, L., et al. Engineering APOBEC3A deaminase for highly accurate and efficient base editing. Nat. Chem. Biol. 20, 1176–1187 (2024) ; (9) Zuo, E., et al. A rationally engineered cytosine base editor retains high on-target activity while reducing both DNA and RNA off-target effects. Nat. Methods 17, 600–604 (2020) ; (10) Xu, K., et al. Structure-guided discovery of highly efficient cytidine deaminases with sequence-context independence. Nat. Biomed. Eng. (2024) ; (11) Huang, J., et al. Discovery of deaminase functions by structure-based protein clustering. Cell 186, 3182–3195. e3114 (2023) . Table 16. Sequence of exemplary Cas Fusion Protein Example 14: Clinical Trial Protocol
[0090] In an exemplary clinical trial, patients are identified by diagnosis of an autoimmune disease or a cancer, e.g., B-cell-associated cancer, and subsequently enrolled into the trial. Blood sample (s) are drawn from the patients, wherein said blood sample (s) are analyzed for HLA-C haplotype matching. Where the patient’s HLA-C haplotype matches the HLA-C haplotype of an allogeneic cell, engineered as described supra, the patient is identified as a subject for effective therapeutic intervention. Next, C2 matching is conducted similarly to the HLA-C haplotype matching. Where the patient’s HLA-C haplotype or C2 matching does not directly match that of an allogeneic engineered cell, the allogenic engineered cell with the most closely matching HLA-C haplotype or C2 matching is chosen. After the patient undergoes lymphodepletion using conventional methods, the engineered cells (e.g., primary T-cells engineered as described supra) are subsequently infused, or engrafted, into the patient. Positive clinical outcomes may include, but are not limited to,reduction in autoimmune disease or cancer biomarkers and / or symptoms.
Claims
1.Hypoimmunogenic engineered cells which do not express one or more selected Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) molecule (s) , such that stimulation of heterologous CD8+T-cells by the engineered cells is substantially reduced.2.The engineered cells of claim 1, wherein the one or more selected HLA molecule (s) comprise HLA-A, HLA-B, or a combination thereof.3.The engineered cells of claim 1, wherein the one or more selected HLA molecule (s) comprise HLA-A and HLA-B.4.The engineered cells of claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein expression the one or more selected HLA molecule (s) are knocked-out or disrupted, but expression of unselected HLA molecule (s) is not disrupted; optionally, wherein the non-selected HLA molecule (s) comprise HLA-C, HLA-E, and / or HLA-G.5.The engineered cells of claim 4, wherein the cells exhibit reduced stimulation of heterologous T-cells of at least 50%relative to a control.6.The engineered cells of claim 5, wherein the selected HLA molecule (s) are knocked-out or disrupted by at least 50%, while the unselected HLA molecule (s) are disrupted by no more than 30%, e.g., relative to non-engineered cells.7.The engineered cells of claim4, wherein one or more genes encoding the selected HLA molecule (s) are knocked-out or disrupted by means of transcription activator-like effector nuclease (TALEN) , zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) , or meganuclease.8.The engineered cells of claim 4, wherein one or more genes encoding the selected HLA molecule (s) are knocked-out or disrupted by means of a CRISPR / Cas system targeted disruption, e.g., optionally, wherein the Cas enzyme is a nickase.9.The engineered cells of claim 8, wherein the Cas enzyme comprises one or more of SpRYCas9, SpCas9, xCas9, Cas9-NG, Cas12a, and SpG, e.g., SpRYCas9, SpCas9, SpG or Cas9-NG, wherein the SpG comprises one or more high-fidelity mutations, e.g., wherein the one or more high-fidelity mutations comprise K810A, K1003A, R1060A, K848A, N497A, R661A, Q695A, Q926A, N692A, M694A, Q695A, H698A, R691A, F539S, M763I, K890N, A262T, R324L, S409I, E480K, E543D, M694I, E1219V, M495V, Y515N, K526E, R661Q, N690C, T769I, G915M, N980K, D23A, T67L, Y128V, D1251G, Y1010D, Y1013D, Y1016D, V1018D, R1019D, Q1027D, K1031D, or a combination thereof, e.g., wherein the SpG is SpG (R691A)10.The engineered cells of claim 9, wherein the Cas enzyme comprises one or more sequence of at least 95%, at least 90%, at least 85%, at least 80%, at least 75%, at least 70%similarity to SEQ ID NOs: 81-87.11.The engineered cells of claim 9 and 10, wherein the Cas enzyme comprises one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 81-87, e.g., SEQ ID NO: 81, 82, or 84.12.The engineered cells of claim 9, wherein the Cas enzyme is DNA form, mRNA form, or protein form, e.g., Cas enzyme is mRNA delivered into cells.13.The engineered cells of claim 8, wherein the Cas enzyme is a fusion protein, wherein the fusion protein comprises a first domain and a second domain, wherein the first domain comprises a Cas enzyme moiety and the second domain comprises a deaminase enzyme moiety, wherein deaminase enzyme is used for convert bases, e.g., converting cytidine to thymidine.14.The engineered cells of claim 13, wherein the deaminase enzyme moiety comprises one or more of rAPOBEC1, TadA-CD, CBE-T1.14, eTd-CBE, N-d12fCBE-8e, CBE6C, CBE6C (V106W) , hA3A, eA3A, YE1, CD00208, and miniSdd6, e.g., CBE6C, CBE6C (V106W) , hA3A, or CD00208.15.The engineered cells of claim 14, wherein the deaminase enzyme moiety comprises one or more sequence of at least 95%, at least 90%, at least 85%, at least 80%, at least 75%, at least 70%similarity to SEQ ID NOs: 88-99.16.The engineered cells of claim 14, wherein the deaminase enzyme moiety comprises one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 88-99, e.g., SEQ ID NO: 93, 95, and 98.17.The engineered cells of any of the preceding claims, wherein one or more genes encoding the selected HLA molecule (s) are knocked-out or disrupted by means of a targeting gRNA.18.The engineered cells of claim 17, where the gRNA comprises one or more sequence of at least 95%, at least 90%, at least 85%, at least 80%, at least 75%, at least 70%similarity to SEQ ID NOs: 1-8019.The engineered cells of claim 17, wherein the gRNA comprises one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1-80; e.g., wherein the gRNA comprises two or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 1-80, e.g., SEQ ID NOs: 1-4, 9, 31, 35, 37, 51, 52, 56, 57, 65, 70, 72-80.20.The engineered cells of claim 17, 18 or 14, wherein the gRNA further comprises one or more sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 100-102.21.The engineered cells of any of the preceding claims, wherein the gRNA without modifications or with modifications, wherein the gRNA comprises a modification at one or more of the three terminal residues at the 5’ and / or 3’ end, e.g., wherein the modification consists of a 2’-O-methyl and / or phosphorothioate moiety22.The engineered cells of any of the preceding claims, wherein the engineered cells are immune cells, cardiomyocyte, islet cell, neural cells, hematopoietic cells, e.g., primary cells or stem cells derived from a natural killer cells (NK cells) or a T lymphocyte (T cells) , an induced pluripotent stem cell-derived T lymphocyte (iPSC-T cell) , an induced pluripotent stem cell-derived natural killer cell (iPSC-NK cell) , tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL cells) , T cell receptor engineered T cells (TCR-T) , a primary cells, a hematopoietic stem cell, an iPSC-derived macrophage, an ESC-derived macrophage, an islet cell, an embryonic stem cell (ESC) , a nerve cell, a neural progenitor cell (NPC) , a cardiomyocyte, a cardiomyoblast, a neuron, an osteoblast, an endothelial cell, a mesenchymal cell, and an epithelial cell..23.The engineered cells of any of the preceding claims, wherein the engineered cells further comprise one or more exogeneous genes expressing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) constructs and / or hypoinflammatory antigens or cytokines; for example wherein transgenes expressing chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) constructs, e.g., dual CAR, loop CAR, tandem CAR, e.g., said CAR constructs comprise one or more of aCD19-CAR, aBCMA-CAR, alpha folate receptor, 5T4, Ab integrin, B7-H3, B7-H6, CAIX, CD20, CD22, CD23, CD30, CD33, CD38, CD44, CD44v6, CD44v7 / 8, CD52, CD70, CD79A, CD79B, CD80, CD123, CD138, CD171, CEA, CSPG4, EGFR, ErbB2 (HER2) , EGFRvIII, EGP2, EGP40, EpCAM, FAP, fetal AchR, FLT3, Fra, GD2, GD3, Glypican-3 (GPC3) , HLA-A1+MAGE1, HLA-A2+MAGE1, HLA-A3+MAGE1, HLA-A1+NY-ESO-1, HLA-A2+NY-ESO-1, HLA-A3+NY-ESO-1, HLADR, IL-11Ralpha, IL-13 Ralpha2, Lambda, Lewis-Y, Kappa, mesothelin, Mucd, Muc16, NCAM, NKG2D ligands, NY-ESO-1, PRAME, PSCA, PSMA, ROR1, SSX, Survivin, TAG72, TEMs, VEGFR2, BAFF-R, Claudin18.2, CD86, FcRL5, GPRC5, and TACI, MAGE-A4, MAGE-A8 / A4, and / or HBsAg; optionally wherein the engineered cells express a CD19-CAR and / or a BCMA-CAR; for example wherein the engineered cells are CD19-CAR-T cells, BCMA-CAR-T cells, or CD19 / BCMA-CAR-T cells.24.The engineered cells or of any of preceding claims, wherein the engineered cell or population thereof further comprises one or more genomic modifications selected from:(a) the reduction, inactivation, or knock-out of at least one endogenous gene selected from the group consisting of:T-cell receptorαconstant (TRAC) , class II major histocompatibility complex transactivator (CIITA) , cluster of differentiation 155 (CD155) , intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM1) , cluster of differentiation 58 (CD58) , cluster of differentiation 86 (CD86) , UL16 binding protein (ULBP) , transmembrane protein 30A (TMEM30A) , fas cell surface death receptor (FAS) , suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) , suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2) , suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) , Reganse1, protein tyrosine phosphatase non-receptor type 2 (PTPN2) , cluster of differentiation 5 (CD5) , casitas B-lineage lymphoma B (CBLB) , RAS P21 protein activator 2 (RASA2) , hematopoietic progenitor kinase 1 (HPK1) , transducin-like enhancer of split 4 (TLE4) , IKAROS family zinc finger 2 (IKZF2) , thymocyte selection-associated high mobility group box (TOX) , TOX1, protein inhibitor of activated STAT 1 (PIAS1) , protein inhibitor of activated STAT 3 (PIAS3) , S; and / or(b) the introduction of at least one exogenous gene selected from the group consisting of:C-type lectin domain family 2 member D (Clec2d) , nectin-1, cadherin 1 (CDH1) , CDH1-CD28, cluster of differentiation 155 (CD155) , transmembrane protein 30A (TMEM30A) , fas ligand (FASL) , basic leucine zipper transcription factor ATF-like (BATF) , forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) , T-box transcription factor (Tbet) , interleukin 10 (IL10) , interleukin 9 (IL9) , interleukin 15 (IL15) , interleukin 7 (IL7) , interleukin 13 (IL13) , chemokine (C-X3-C Motif) ligand 1 (CX3CL1) , membrane-bound interleukin 10 (mbIL10) , membrane-bound interleukin 9 (mbIL9) , membrane-bound interleukin 7 (mbIL7) , membrane-bound interleukin 13 (mbIL13) , membrane-bound chemokine (C-X3-C Motif) ligand 1 (mbCX3CL1) , interleukin 9-interleukin 9 receptor fusion (IL9-IL9R fusion) , interleukin 7-interleukin 7 receptor alpha fusion (IL7-IL7Ra fusion) , interleukin 13-interleukin 13 receptor alpha fusion (IL13-IL13Ra fusion) ;optionally, wherein the engineered cells further comprise a knock-out or disruption of MHC class II transactivator (CIITA) and / or T-cell receptorαconstant (TRAC) expression.25.The engineered cells of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cells or their progeny, when engrafted into a recipient, remain in circulation for at least 15 days.26.The engineered cells of any of the preceding claims, wherein the cells or their progeny, when engrafted into a recipient, display reduced activation of allogeneic immune cells by at least 20%relative to isogenic cells without the one or more HLA molecule (s) knocked-out or disrupted.27.The engineered cells of any of the preceding claims wherein the cells or their progeny, when engrafted into a recipient, display enhanced resistance against immune rejection by at least 5%relative to isogenic cells without the one or more HLA molecule (s) knocked-out or disrupted.28.A pharmaceutical composition comprising the engineered cells of any of the preceding claims, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier or diluent.29.A method for treating disease, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof an effective amount of the engineered cells of any of claims 1-27, or the pharmaceutical composition of claim 28, wherein the disease is cancer, autoimmune disease, heart injury or failure, diabetes, ischemia or central nervous system disorders / injury, inflammatory disease, neurodegenerative disease, or infectious disease, e.g., myeloma, lymphoma, blood tumor, solid tumors, or stroke.30.The method of claim 29 wherein the disease is an autoimmune disease, e.g., selected from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) , systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) , systemic lupus erythematosus-associated immune thrombocytopenia (SLE-ITP) , primary immune thrombocytopenia (primary ITP) , connective tissue disease-associated immune thrombocytopenia (CTD-ITP) , Lupus nephritis (LN) , autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) , multiple sclerosis (MS) , myositis, systemic sclerosis (SSC) , myasthenia gravis (MG) , idiopathic inflammatory myopathy (IIM) , ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) , ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis (AAGN) , neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) , Sjogren’s Syndrome (SS) , primary membranous nephropathy (pMN) , IgA nephropathy (IgAN) , psoriasis (PsO) , inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) , ulcerative colitis (UC) , Crohn’s disease (CD) , spondyloarthritis (SpA) , pemphigus, pemphigoid, inflammatory autoimmune encephalitis (AE) and chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) .31.The method of claim 29 wherein the disease is a cancer, e.g., selected from l blood cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, skin cancer, liver cancer, brain cancer, thyroid cancer, renal cell cancer, or breast cancer, lymphoid malignances, malignant tumors, benign tumors, plasma cell disorders, myeloproliferative neoplasms, or myelodysplastic syndromes, e.g., acute a T-cell cancer, e.g., aB-cell cancer, e.g., carcinoma, blastoma, sarcoma, melanoma, lymphoma, leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, multiple myeloma, Burkitt lymphoma, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, or chronic myelogenous leukemia..32.The method of claim 29 wherein the disease is an inflammatory disease, e.g., selected from contact dermatitis, eczema, acute rhinitis, bronchitis, gastritis, sepsis, encephalitis, meningitis, pericarditis, myocarditis, and tendinitis.33.The method of any of claims 23-32, wherein the administration is by intravenous and / or intraosseous injection and / or tissue / organ transplantation.34.The method of any of claims 23-33, wherein the method uses reduced levels of lymphodepletion or immunosuppression relative to administration of allogeneic cells which are not the engineered cells of any of claims 1-27.35.The method of any of claims 23-34, wherein the method allows for single or multiple on-demand administrations.36.A method of making the hematopoietic cells according to claim 22, comprising culturing the cells to be engineered under conditions which induce the knock-out or disruption of the selected HLA molecule (s) , e.g., co-delivery of the Cas enzyme of claims 8-16 with one or more gRNA of claims 17-21.37.A guide ribonucleic acid (gRNA) for use in selectively targeting one or more genes encoding one or more HLA molecule (s) , e.g., HLA-A and / or HLA-B, wherein the gRNA sequence comprises one or more of SEQ ID NOs: 1-80.