Classifications

• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C07K—PEPTIDES
  • C07K14/00—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof
  • C07K14/435—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from animals; from humans
  • C07K14/705—Receptors; Cell surface antigens; Cell surface determinants
  • C07K14/70503—Immunoglobulin superfamily
  • C07K14/7051—T-cell receptor (TcR)-CD3 complex
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K40/00—Cellular immunotherapy
  • A61K40/10—Cellular immunotherapy characterised by the cell type used
  • A61K40/11—T-cells, e.g. tumour infiltrating lymphocytes [TIL] or regulatory T [Treg] cells; Lymphokine-activated killer [LAK] cells
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K40/00—Cellular immunotherapy
  • A61K40/30—Cellular immunotherapy characterised by the recombinant expression of specific molecules in the cells of the immune system
  • A61K40/32—T-cell receptors [TCR]
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K40/00—Cellular immunotherapy
  • A61K40/40—Cellular immunotherapy characterised by antigens that are targeted or presented by cells of the immune system
  • A61K40/46—Viral antigens
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P35/00—Antineoplastic agents
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C07K—PEPTIDES
  • C07K14/00—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof
  • C07K14/005—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from viruses
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C07K—PEPTIDES
  • C07K14/00—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof
  • C07K14/435—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from animals; from humans
  • C07K14/705—Receptors; Cell surface antigens; Cell surface determinants
  • C07K14/70596—Molecules with a "CD"-designation not provided for elsewhere
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
  • C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
  • C12N15/00—Mutation or genetic engineering; DNA or RNA concerning genetic engineering, vectors, e.g. plasmids, or their isolation, preparation or purification; Use of hosts therefor
  • C12N15/09—Recombinant DNA-technology
  • C12N15/63—Introduction of foreign genetic material using vectors; Vectors; Use of hosts therefor; Regulation of expression
  • C12N15/79—Vectors or expression systems specially adapted for eukaryotic hosts
  • C12N15/85—Vectors or expression systems specially adapted for eukaryotic hosts for animal cells
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
  • C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
  • C12N5/00—Undifferentiated human, animal or plant cells, e.g. cell lines; Tissues; Cultivation or maintenance thereof; Culture media therefor
  • C12N5/06—Animal cells or tissues; Human cells or tissues
  • C12N5/0602—Vertebrate cells
  • C12N5/0634—Cells from the blood or the immune system
  • C12N5/0636—T lymphocytes
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K2121/00—Preparations for use in therapy
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K2239/00—Indexing codes associated with cellular immunotherapy of group A61K40/00
  • A61K2239/46—Indexing codes associated with cellular immunotherapy of group A61K40/00 characterised by the cancer treated
  • A61K2239/56—Kidney
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K2300/00—Mixtures or combinations of active ingredients, wherein at least one active ingredient is fully defined in groups A61K31/00 - A61K41/00
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
  • C07K—PEPTIDES
  • C07K14/00—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof
  • C07K14/435—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from animals; from humans
  • C07K14/46—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from animals; from humans from vertebrates
  • C07K14/47—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from animals; from humans from vertebrates from mammals
  • C07K14/4701—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from animals; from humans from vertebrates from mammals not used
  • C07K14/4748—Tumour specific antigens; Tumour rejection antigen precursors [TRAP], e.g. MAGE
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
  • C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
  • C12N2501/00—Active agents used in cell culture processes, e.g. differentation
  • C12N2501/20—Cytokines; Chemokines
  • C12N2501/23—Interleukins [IL]
  • C12N2501/2302—Interleukin-2 (IL-2)
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
  • C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
  • C12N2501/00—Active agents used in cell culture processes, e.g. differentation
  • C12N2501/20—Cytokines; Chemokines
  • C12N2501/23—Interleukins [IL]
  • C12N2501/2315—Interleukin-15 (IL-15)
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
  • C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
  • C12N2501/00—Active agents used in cell culture processes, e.g. differentation
  • C12N2501/50—Cell markers; Cell surface determinants
  • C12N2501/51—B7 molecules, e.g. CD80, CD86, CD28 (ligand), CD152 (ligand)
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
  • C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
  • C12N2501/00—Active agents used in cell culture processes, e.g. differentation
  • C12N2501/50—Cell markers; Cell surface determinants
  • C12N2501/515—CD3, T-cell receptor complex
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
  • C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
  • C12N2510/00—Genetically modified cells
• • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
  • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
  • C12N—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA
  • C12N2740/00—Reverse transcribing RNA viruses
  • C12N2740/00011—Details
  • C12N2740/10011—Retroviridae
  • C12N2740/10041—Use of virus, viral particle or viral elements as a vector

Definitions

• This disclosure relates to cancer immunotherapy, particularly T cells expressing a renal cell carcinoma-reactive T cell receptor, and methods of making and using the T cells.
• Renal cell carcinoma is responsible for approximately 12,000 deaths every year in the United States alone. As with most cancer, when detected at early stages, surgical intervention is highly effective. Despite progress in treating RCC with targeted inhibitors and inhibitors of immune checkpoints (such as anti-CTLA-4 and anti-PD- 1 monoclonal antibodies), metastatic RCC is generally lethal, with mean survival being less than a year. Thus, there remains a need for more effective therapies for RCC.
• T cell receptors recognizing an antigen expressed on RCC cells.
• T cells can be transduced with a nucleic acid encoding the TCR (e.g. , TCR a and ⁇ chains) and administered to a subject with RCC in order to treat or inhibit RCC in the subject.
• TCRs that are capable of binding a human endogenous retrovirus-E (HERV-E) antigen expressed by RCC cells (e.g. , a peptide having the sequence ATWLGSKTWK; SEQ ID NO: 1).
• the TCRs are HLA-A11 restricted TCRs expressed by clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) cells.
• the TCRs include an a chain (such as an a chain having an amino acid sequence with at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4) and a ⁇ chain (such as a ⁇ chain having an amino acid sequence with at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5).
• the TCR a chain is encoded by a nucleic acid having at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2 and the TCR ⁇ chain is encoded by a nucleic acid having at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 3.
• vectors such as viral vectors
• nucleic acids encoding the disclosed TCR a and/or ⁇ chains, for example, operably linked to an expression control sequence (such as a promoter).
• the vector also includes a nucleic acid encoding a truncated CD34 protein, such as a CD34 protein including the extracellular and transmembrane domains, but lacking the intracellular domain.
• the vector is a retroviral vector (such as a SAMEN vector) including nucleic acids encoding the TCR a chain (such as SEQ ID NO: 2), the TCR ⁇ chain (such as SEQ ID NO: 3), and the truncated CD34.
• modified T cells expressing the TCRs capable of binding the HERV-E antigen expressed by RCC cells (such as ccRCC cells), such as nucleic acids encoding the TCR a chain (for example, SEQ ID NO: 2) and the TCR ⁇ chain (for example, SEQ ID NO: 3).
• RCC cells such as ccRCC cells
• nucleic acids encoding the TCR a chain for example, SEQ ID NO: 2
• the TCR ⁇ chain for example, SEQ ID NO: 3
• the modified T cells are prepared by transducing T cells (such as T cells obtained from a subject with RCC or a donor) with a vector including nucleic acids encoding the TCR a chain and the TCR ⁇ chain, and optionally the truncated CD34 protein.
• methods include treating a subject with RCC (for example, ccRCC or metastatic ccRCC), by obtaining a population of T cells from the subject or a donor, transducing the population of T cells with vector including a nucleic acids encoding the TCR a chain (such as SEQ ID NO: 2) and the TCR ⁇ chain (such as SEQ ID NO: 3), producing a population of modified T cells, and administering a composition including the modified T cells to the subject.
• the population of T cells is activated in vitro prior to transduction with the nucleic acid molecule.
• the population of modified T cells is expanded and/or enriched prior to administering to the subject.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary retroviral vector for expression of the TCR a and ⁇ chains described herein.
• CMV human cytomegalovirus promoter/enhancer
• ⁇ packaging signal
• SD splice donor
• SA splice acceptor
• TCRa HERV-E antigen specific TCR a chain
• P2A self-cleaving 2A peptide derived from porcine teschovirus
• TC ⁇ HERV-E antigen specific TCR ⁇ chain
• T2A self-cleaving 2A peptide of Thosea asigna virus
• CD34t truncated CD34 with extracellular and transmembrane regions of the protein
• LTR 3' LTR.
• FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary protocol for collecting and producing modified T cells for treating a subject with RCC
• FIGS. 3A and 3B are graphs showing reactivity of T cells transduced with a retroviral vector encoding the HLA-Al 1 restricted TCR against ccRCC cells from two donors (FIG. 3 A) and from one donor (FIG. 3B).
• FIGS. 4A-4C are a series of plots showing CD34 expression in transduced T cells pre- and post-CD34 selection step (FIG. 4A) and CD3 (FIG. 4B) and HERV-E tetramer (FIG. 4C) expression in CD34-selected transduced T cells.
• FIGS. 5A and 5B are plots showing CD 8 (FIG. 5A) and CD4 (FIG. 5B) cells in CD34 + - HERV-E tetramer "1" transduced T cells.
• FIGS. 6A and 6B are graphs showing chromium cytotoxicity of T cells transduced with a retroviral vector encoding the HLA-Al 1 restricted TCR against ccRCC cells from two donors.
• the T cell population from donor 1 was 39.9% CD8 + (FIG. 6A) and the T cell population from donor 2 was 52.8% CD8 + (FIG. 6B).
• FIG. 7 is a graph showing chromium release cytotoxicity of T cells transduced with a retroviral vector encoding the HLA-Al 1 restricted TCR against RCC or LCL cells from two different donors and against T cells and activated T cells from a HLA-Al 1 negative donor.
• FIG. 8 is a graph showing interferon- ⁇ (IFNy) secretion using CD8+CD34+ T cells from a healthy donor transduced with a retroviral vector encoding the HLA-Al 1 restricted TCR contacted with various cell lines.
• IFNy interferon- ⁇
• the HERV-E/HLA-A11 status of each cell line is as follows: SAUJ:
• FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary phase I clinical trial for determining safety and tolerability of HERV-E TCR transduced autologous T cells in HLA-Al 1 positive patients with advanced ccRCC.
• FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary protocol for treating patients with metastatic ccRCC with HERV-E TCR transduced T cells.
• SEQ ID NO: 1 is the amino acid sequence of an HLA-All RCC-specific HERV-E antigenic peptide.
• SEQ ID NO: 2 is the nucleic acid sequence of an exemplary RCC HERV-reactive TCR alpha chain.
• SEQ ID NO: 3 is the nucleic acid sequence of an exemplary RCC HERV-reactive beta chain.
• SEQ ID NO: 4 is the amino acid sequence of an exemplary RCC HERV-reactive TCR alpha chain.
• SEQ ID NO: 5 is the amino acid sequence of an exemplary RCC HERV-reactive beta chain.
• SEQ ID NO: 6 is the nucleic acid sequence of an exemplary SAMEN vector for expression of the RCC HERV-reactive TCR and truncated CD34.
• SEQ ID NO: 7 is the amino acid sequence of an exemplary truncated CD34 (CD34t) protein.
• the present inventors have identified the T cell receptor expressed by the T cell clone isolated from the RCC patient. As described herein, this TCR can be used for gene transfer immunotherapy for treating RCC patients. T cells are transduced with genes encoding the TCR a and ⁇ chains and are administered to a subject with RCC to redirect specificity of normal T cells from the subject to the RCC cells. I. Abbreviations
• Antigen A compound, composition, or substance that can stimulate the production of antibodies or a T cell response in a subject.
• An antigen reacts with the products of specific humoral or cellular immunity, including those induced by heterologous immunogens.
• the term "antigen” includes all related antigenic epitopes.
• Epitope or “antigenic determinant” refers to a site on an antigen to which B and/or T cells respond.
• T cells respond to the epitope, when the epitope is presented in conjunction with an MHC molecule.
• Epitopes can be formed both from contiguous amino acids or noncontiguous amino acids juxtaposed by tertiary folding of a protein. Epitopes formed from contiguous amino acids are typically retained on exposure to denaturing solvents whereas epitopes formed by tertiary folding are typically lost on treatment with denaturing solvents.
• An epitope typically includes at least 3, and more usually, at least 5, about 9, about 7-11, or about 8-10 amino acids in a unique spatial conformation. Methods of determining spatial conformation of epitopes include, for example, x-ray crystallography and two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance.
• An antigen can be a tissue-specific antigen, or a disease- specific antigen. These terms are not exclusive, as a tissue-specific antigen can also be a disease-specific antigen.
• a tissue-specific antigen is expressed in a limited number of tissues, such as a single tissue.
• a disease-specific antigen is expressed coincidentally with a disease process.
• a specific non-limiting examples of a disease-specific antigen is an antigen whose expression correlates with, or is predictive of, tumor formation, for example, RCC.
• Autologous refers to tissues, cells or nucleic acids taken from an individual's own tissues.
• Autologous or “autogeneic” or “autogenous” is related to self, or originating within an organism itself.
• CD34 A cell surface glycoprotein that functions as a cell-cell adhesion molecule. CD34 is a single-pass transmembrane protein with a highly glycosylated extracellular domain, a
• CD34 is expressed on CD34
• Exemplary human CD34 sequences include GenBank Accession Nos. NM_001025109 and NM_001773 (nucleic acid sequences) and
• NP_001020280 and NP_001764 amino acid sequences, all of which are incorporated herein by reference as present in GenBank on June 30, 2016.
• HLA-A11 An human leukocyte antigen (HLA) serotype within the HLA A group.
• HLA- All is an MHC class I molecule that includes an a chain encoded by HLA- A* 11 allele group and a ⁇ chain encoded by 2-microglobulin.
• MHC class I molecules such as HLA-A11 bind peptides (antigens) that are typically 7-11 amino acids long and are involved in presenting the antigen to T cells via binding to a TCR.
• HERV-E Human endogenous retrovirus E
• HERVs are remnants of ancient exogenous retroviruses integrated into the human genome. HERVs are estimated to comprise 5-8% of the human genome. Most HERVs have accumulated mutations or are transcriptionally silenced and do not produce full-length proteins. However, some HERVs are transcriptionally active in contexts such as tumors.
• HERV-E is a HERV subtype located on human chromosome 6q. At least three transcripts from HERV-E (e.g. , GenBank Accession Nos.
• EU137846, EU137847, and JQ733905 have been identified and are expressed in RCC cells, but not in other tumors or non- tumor cells (Takahashi et al, J. Clin. Oncol. 118: 1099-1109, 2008).
• a first nucleic acid is operably linked with a second nucleic acid when the first nucleic acid is placed in a functional relationship with the second nucleic acid.
• a promoter is operably linked to a coding sequence if the promoter affects the
• operably linked nucleic acids are contiguous and, where necessary to join two protein coding regions, the open reading frames are aligned.
• a recombinant nucleic acid molecule is one that has a sequence that is not naturally occurring or has a sequence that is made by an artificial combination of two otherwise separated segments of sequence. This artificial combination can be accomplished by chemical synthesis or by the artificial manipulation of isolated segments of nucleic acid molecules, such as by genetic engineering techniques.
• a recombinant virus is a virus with a nucleic acid sequence that is non-naturally occurring (such as including a heterologous sequence that is not from the virus) or made by artificial combination of at least two sequences of different origin.
• the term "recombinant” also includes nucleic acids, proteins and viruses that have been altered solely by addition, substitution, or deletion of a portion of a natural nucleic acid molecule, protein or virus.
• Renal cell carcinoma A tumor originating in the cells of the kidney.
• RCC is the most common type of kidney cancer in adults.
• ccRCC cells exhibit clear cytoplasm with acinar or sarcomatoid growth pattern.
• T cell A white blood cell (lymphocyte) that is an important mediator of the immune response.
• T cells include, but are not limited to, CD4 + T cells and CD8 + T cells.
• a CD4 + T lymphocyte is an immune cell that carries a marker on its surface known as "cluster of
• CD4 cytotoxic T lymphocyte
• CD8 + T cell a CD8 + T cell is a suppressor T cell.
• Activated T cells can be detected by an increase in cell proliferation and/or expression of or secretion of one or more cytokines (such as IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IFNy, or TNFa). Activation of CD8+ T cells can also be detected by an increase in cytolytic activity in response to an antigen.
• cytokines such as IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IFNy, or TNFa.
• a "modified T cell” is a T cell transduced with a heterologous nucleic acid (such as one or more of the nucleic acids or vectors disclosed herein) or expressing one or more heterologous proteins.
• a heterologous nucleic acid such as one or more of the nucleic acids or vectors disclosed herein
• the terms “modified T cell” and “transduced T cell” are used interchangeably in some examples herein.
• T cell receptor A heterodimeric protein on the surface of a T cell that binds an antigen (such as an antigen bound to an MHC molecule, for example, on an antigen presenting cell).
• TCRs include a and ⁇ chains, each of which is a transmembrane glycoprotein. Each chain has variable and constant regions with homology to immunoglobulin variable and constant domains, a hinge region, a transmembrane domain, and a cytoplasmic tail. Similar to
• immunoglobulins TCR gene segments rearrange during development to produce complete variable domains.
• T cells are activated by binding of an antigen to a TCR and co-stimulatory signals.
• a CD8 + T cell bears T cell receptors that recognize a specific epitope when presented by a particular HLA molecule on a cell.
• a CTL precursor that has been stimulated by an antigen presenting cell to become a cytotoxic T lymphocyte contacts a cell that bears such an HLA-peptide complex, the CTL forms a conjugate with the cell and destroys it.
• Transduce Transferring nucleic acid into a cell, such as transfer of a heterologous nucleic acid into a host cell.
• transduce include all techniques by which a nucleic acid is introduced into a cell, including but not limited to transformation with plasmid vectors, infection with viral vectors, and introduction of naked DNA by electroporation, nucleofection, lipofection, or particle gun acceleration.
• heterologous nucleic acid or protein refers to a nucleic acid or protein originating from a different genetic source.
• a nucleic acid or protein that is heterologous to a cell originates from an organism or individual other than the cell in which it is expressed.
• a heterologous nucleic acid or protein originates from a cell type other than the cell in which it is expressed.
• a nucleic acid molecule allowing insertion of foreign nucleic acid without disrupting the ability of the vector to replicate and/or integrate in a host cell.
• a vector can include nucleic acid sequences that permit it to replicate in a host cell, such as an origin of replication.
• a vector can also include one or more selectable marker genes and other genetic elements.
• An expression vector is a vector that contains the necessary regulatory sequences to allow transcription and translation of an inserted gene or genes.
• the vector is a viral vector, such as a retroviral vector.
• T cell receptors e.g. TCR a and ⁇ chains
• vectors including the disclosed TCRs and host cells including at least one heterologous nucleic acid encoding the disclosed TCR a and/or ⁇ chains.
• the TCR recognizes a HERV-E peptide expressed on RCC cells, such as ATWLGS KTWK (SEQ ID NO: 1).
• the TCR includes a and ⁇ chain nucleic acids or polypeptides.
• the TCR a chain is encoded by a nucleic acid including or consisting of the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2.
• the TCR ⁇ chain is encoded by a nucleic acid including or consisting of the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3.
• the TCR a chain polypeptide includes or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4.
• the TCR ⁇ chain polypeptide includes or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5.
• the TCR-encoding nucleic acids disclosed herein have a sequence at least 90% (for example at least 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99%, such as 100%) identical to the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3.
• the TCR polypeptides disclosed herein have an amino acid sequence at least 95% (such as at least 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%) identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 or SEQ ID NO: 5.
• Exemplary sequences can be obtained using computer programs that are readily available on the internet and the nucleic acid and amino acid sequences set forth herein.
• the polypeptide retains at least one activity of the disclosed TCR polypeptides, such as binding to an RCC-specific antigenic epitope (for example, SEQ ID NO: 1), for example when expressed by a T cell in the context of both TCR a and ⁇ chains.
• an RCC-specific antigenic epitope for example, SEQ ID NO: 1
• TCR a and/or ⁇ chain encoding nucleic acid or primary amino acid sequence may result in polypeptides which have substantially equivalent activity as compared to the unmodified counterpart polypeptide described herein. Such modifications may be deliberate, as by site-directed mutagenesis, or may be spontaneous. All of the polypeptides produced by these modifications are included herein.
• a specific, non- limiting example of a TCR a or ⁇ chain polypeptide is a conservative variant of the TCR a or ⁇ chain polypeptide (such as a single conservative amino acid substitution, for example, one or more conservative amino acid substitutions, for example 1-10 conservative substitutions, 2-5 conservative substitutions, 4-9 conservative substitutions, such as 1, 2, 5 or 10 conservative substitutions).
• Table 1 A table of conservative substitutions is provided herein (Table 1). Substitutions of the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NOs: 4 and 5 can be made based on this table. However, it is to be understood that non- conservative amino acid substitutions can also be made without significantly changing the activity of the polypeptide.
• One of ordinary skill in the art can select amino acids that can be substituted based on sequence alignments and other available sequence analysis tools.
• vectors including nucleic acids encoding HERV-E-reactive TCRs.
• the vectors include a nucleic acid encoding one or both of the a and ⁇ chains of the disclosed TCR (such as a nucleic acid at least 90% identical to SEQ ID NO: 2 and/or SEQ ID NO: 3) operably linked to one or more expression control elements.
• the vector includes nucleic acids encoding both the TCR a chain (e.g., a nucleic acid encoding SEQ ID NO: 4, such as SEQ ID NO: 2) and the TCR ⁇ chain (e.g. , a nucleic acid encoding SEQ ID NO: 5, such as SEQ ID NO: 3).
• the TCR a and TCR ⁇ chains may be expressed from separate vectors.
• Expression control elements are sequences that control or regulate transcription and/or translation of a nucleic acid, such as promoters, enhancers, leader sequences, transcription terminators, start and/or stop codons, internal ribosome entry sites (IRES), splicing signals, and polyadenylation signals.
• the vector may also contain additional elements for the transfer and subsequent replication of the vector, such as origins of replication and selectable markers.
• the vector is a viral vector that includes a nucleic acid encoding at least one of the disclosed TCR a and ⁇ chains (such as a nucleic acid with at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2 or SEQ ID NO: 3).
• the vector is a retroviral vector. Additional viral vectors suitable for gene delivery to T cells include lentivirus, adenovirus, adeno- associated virus, vaccinia virus, alphavirus, herpesvirus, and fowlpox virus vectors.
• the vector is a plasmid or baculo virus vector.
• One of ordinary skill in the art can select an appropriate vector, for example to stably or transiently transduce T cells with the TCRs described herein.
• the vector is a retroviral vector including nucleic acids encoding one or both of the TCR a and ⁇ chain polypeptides disclosed herein.
• the vector is a modified retroviral vector, from which the virally encoded proteins have been deleted (for example, to prevent production of replication competent virus, reduce unwanted immunogenicity, and/or to accommodate insertion of gene(s) of interest).
• retroviral backbones include those based on Moloney murine leukemia virus (MMLV), such as LXSN and SAMEN vectors (Clay et al , Pathol. Oncol. Res. 5:3-15, 1999).
• a vector is a SAMEN retrovirus vector including a nucleic acid encoding a TCR a chain having an amino acid sequence with at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4 (such as a nucleic acid with at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2).
• a vector is a SAMEN retrovirus vector including a nucleic acid encoding a TCR ⁇ chain having an amino acid sequence with at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5 (such as a nucleic acid with at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 3).
• a vector is a SAMEN retrovirus vector including a nucleic acid encoding a TCR a chain having an amino acid sequence with at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4 (such as a nucleic acid with at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2) and a nucleic acid encoding a TCR ⁇ chain having an amino acid sequence with at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5 (such as a nucleic acid with at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 3).
• the vector is a SAMEN retrovirus vector including a nucleic acid encoding a TCR a chain with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 (such as the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2) and a nucleic acid encoding a TCR ⁇ chain with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5 (such as the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3).
• the a chain and ⁇ chain nucleic acids may be separated by an IRES or a promoter, such that both the a chain and ⁇ chain nucleic acids are transcribed and/or translated.
• the a chain and ⁇ chain nucleic acids are separated by a nucleic acid encoding a peptide cleavage site or a "self-cleaving" peptide, such as a viral 2A peptide, for example, porcine tescho virus- 1 2A or Thosea asigna virus self-cleaving peptides (see, e.g., Kim et al, PLoS One 6:el8556, 2011).
• the vector further includes a nucleic acid encoding a selectable marker that allows identification and/or enrichment of cells transduced with the vector.
• selectable markers include antibiotic resistance genes (such as neomycin resistance), thymidine kinase, fluorescent proteins (such as green fluorescent protein), or ⁇ -galactosidase.
• a selectable marker includes a cell surface expressed protein that can be used to identify transduced cells (for example, using flow cytometry or immuno-magnetic separation).
• the vectors disclosed herein include a nucleic acid encoding a truncated CD34 protein (CD34t) lacking the intracellular signaling domain.
• the CD34t protein includes the extracellular and transmembrane regions of CD34, and as a result, it is expressed on the cell surface, but does not affect activity of cells expressing the truncated protein (Norell et al, Cancer Immunol. Immunother. 59:851-862, 2010).
• Cells expressing CD34t can be identified with an anti- CD34 antibody, and can be isolated using flow cytometry or immuno-magnetic methods.
• a nucleic acid encoding CD34t includes or consists of the sequence of nucleotides 4028-4975 of SEQ ID NO: 6 or a sequence having at least 95% (such as at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or more) sequence identity with nucleotides 4028-4975 of SEQ ID NO: 6.
• the CD34t protein includes or consists of an amino acid sequence having at least 95% (such as at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%) sequence identity with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7.
• the vector includes a 5' long terminal repeat (LTR) including a promoter/enhancer (such as a human cytomegalovirus promoter/enhancer fused to a MMLV 5' LTR), a packaging signal ( ⁇ ), a nucleic acid encoding the TCR a chain (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 2), a first self-cleaving 2A peptide (such as a porcine tescho virus self-cleaving 2 A (P2A) peptide), a nucleic acid encoding the TCR ⁇ chain (e.g.
• LTR 5' long terminal repeat
• a promoter/enhancer such as a human cytomegalovirus promoter/enhancer fused to a MMLV 5' LTR
• ⁇ packaging signal
• a nucleic acid encoding the TCR a chain e.g., SEQ ID NO: 2
• P2A porcine tescho virus self-cleaving 2 A
• a second self-cleaving 2A peptide such as a Thosea asigna self-cleaving 2A (T2A) peptide
• T2A Thosea asigna self-cleaving 2A
• nucleic acid encoding a truncated CD34 protein
• 3' LTR a third self-cleaving 2A peptide
• the vector includes or consists of the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6. In other examples, the vector includes or consists of a nucleic acid sequence having at least 95% (such as at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100%) sequence identity with the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 6.
• the TCRa chain is encoded by nucleotides 2165-2971 of SEQ ID NO: 6, the P2A peptide is encoded by nucleotides 2972-3037 of SEQ ID NO: 6, the TCRp chain is encoded by nucleotides 3038-3958 of SEQ ID NO: 6, the T2A peptide is encoded by nucleotides 3959-4027 of SEQ ID NO: 6, and the CD34t receptor is encoded by nucleotides 4028-4975 of SEQ ID NO: 6.
• host cells that include a nucleic acid encoding a disclosed TCR a chain and/or a disclosed TCR ⁇ chain, such as a vector encoding the TCR a chain, the TCR ⁇ chain, or both.
• the host cell is a cell capable of producing recombinant virus including the vector (e.g. , a producer cell).
• the host cell is a lymphocyte (for example, a T cell).
• Methods of introducing a vector into a host cell are known to one of ordinary skill in the art and include transformation (e.g. with plasmid vectors), infection (e.g. , with viral vectors), and electroporation, nucleofection, lipofection, or particle gun acceleration (e.g., naked DNA).
• a retroviral vector such as the disclosed SAMEN vectors
• production of recombinant virus requires viral proteins expressed from a helper virus or a packaging cell line. Therefore, in some examples, a viral vector disclosed herein is introduced into a host cell (such as a 293 cell line) with a helper virus expressing viral proteins (such as gag, pol, and/or env). In other examples, a viral vector disclosed herein is transduced into a packaging cell line that stably expresses viral gag, pol, and env proteins.
• Exemplary packaging cell lines include NIH-3T3 cell lines, such as GP&E 86, PG13, and PA317 cell lines (Markowitz et al, J. Virol. 62:1120-1124, 1988; Miller et al, J. Virol. 65:2220-2224, 1991; Miller et al, Mol. Cell Biol. 6:2895-2902, 1986) or 293 cell lines, such as 293GPG cells, GP2-293 cells.
• a host cell is a producer cell, such as packaging cell line transduced with a viral vector described herein.
• the viral vector is a SAMEN vector encoding a HERV-E specific TCR a chain and ⁇ chain and a truncated CD34 protein (such as a vector with the nucleic acid of SEQ ID NO: 6).
• the producer cell line is GMP qualified.
• a producer cell line is a PG13 packaging cell line including a SAMEN vector encoding a HERV-E specific TCR a chain and ⁇ chain and a truncated CD34 protein (such as a vector with the nucleic acid of SEQ ID NO: 6).
• the host cell is a lymphocyte, such as a T cell.
• the lymphocytes are T cells (such as a population of enriched or expanded T cells) that include a heterologous nucleic acid encoding at least one of the disclosed TCR a and ⁇ chains.
• the lymphocytes include a heterologous nucleic acid encoding a TCR a chain having an amino acid sequence with at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4 (such as a nucleic acid with at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2).
• the lymphocytes include a heterologous nucleic acid encoding a TCR ⁇ chain having an amino acid sequence with at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5 (such as a nucleic acid with at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 3).
• the lymphocytes include a heterologous nucleic acid encoding a TCR a chain having an amino acid sequence with at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4 (such as a nucleic acid with at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2) and a nucleic acid encoding a TCR ⁇ chain having an amino acid sequence with at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5 (such as a nucleic acid with at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 3).
• a heterologous nucleic acid encoding a TCR a chain having an amino acid sequence with at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 4 (such as a nucleic acid with at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 2) and a nucleic acid encoding a TCR ⁇ chain having an amino acid sequence with at least 95% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 5 (such as a nucleic acid with at least 90% sequence identity to SEQ ID NO: 3).
• the lymphocytes include a heterologous nucleic acid encoding a TCR a chain with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 4 (such as the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2) and a nucleic acid encoding a TCR ⁇ chain with the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 5 (such as the nucleic acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3).
• the lymphocytes also include a heterologous nucleic acid encoding a truncated CD34 protein (for example, a CD34 protein lacking the intracellular or signaling domain).
• the lymphocytes are transduced with a vector disclosed herein.
• expression of the TCR a chain and/or ⁇ chain can be determined by methods known to one of ordinary skill in the art, such as flow cytometry using a labeled antibody or detecting reactivity to the cognate peptide (such as SEQ ID NO: 1).
• transduced cells can also be detected and/or enriched using an anti-CD34 antibody, for example, utilizing flow cytometry or immuno-magnetic techniques (e.g. , CliniMACS® CD34 reagent system, Miltenyi Biotec Inc., San Diego, CA or Isolex® 300 magnetic cell selection system, Nexell Therapeutics Inc., Irvine, CA).
• modified (e.g. , transduced) T cells expressing the disclosed TCR a and ⁇ chains are produced by obtaining a population of lymphocytes (such as a population of PBMCs) from a subject, for example by apheresis.
• a population of lymphocytes such as a population of PBMCs
• Naive or quiescent T cells in the population of lymphocytes are activated prior to transduction, for example, by contacting the lymphocytes with one or more cytokines (such as one or more of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL- 12, IL-15, and IL-23).
• cytokines such as one or more of IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL- 12, IL-15, and IL-23.
• the lymphocytes are contacted with anti-CD3 antibody and IL-2 for 1-4 days (such as 1 day, about 2 days, about 3 days, or about 4 days) to produce activated T cells.
• the lymphocytes are contacted with 30 ng/ml anti-CD3 antibody and 300 IU/ml IL-2 for 2 or 3 days.
• the activated T cells are transduced with a vector disclosed herein, for example, by infection (in the case of a viral vector) or by transfection or transformation (in the case of a plasmid or naked DNA vector).
• the transduced T cells are enriched and/or expanded.
• the vector includes a nucleic acid encoding a truncated CD34 molecule
• transduced T cells can be selected or enriched by contacting the population of transduced T cells with an anti- CD34 antibody and purifying CD34-expressing cells (for example, using flow cytometry or immuno-magnetic beads), for example about 2-4 days after transduction.
• the transduced T cells can also be expanded by culturing the transduced T cells with anti-CD3 (e.g. , about 30 ng/ml), anti- CD28 (e.g. , about 30 ng/ml), and/or IL-2 (e.g., about 300 IU/ml) for a period of time (such as about 7-14 days or 9-11 days).
• anti-CD3 e.g. , about 30 ng/ml
• anti-CD28 e.g. , about 30 ng/ml
• IL-2 e.g., about 300 IU/ml
• a T cell or population of T cells
• a TCR for example, TCR a and ⁇ chains
• the methods include administering the modified T cells described herein to a subject with RCC (such as ccRCC, advanced ccRCC, or metastatic ccRCC).
• the subject is HLA-A11 positive and has ccRCC.
• the modified lymphocytes e.g. , modified or transduced T cells
• the composition includes about 10 4 to 10 12 of the modified T cells (for example, about 10 4 -10 7 cells, about 10 6 -10 9 cells, or about 10 8 -10 12 cells).
• the composition may be prepared such that about 5xl0 6 to 5xl0 8 modified T cells/kg are administered to a subject.
• Such compositions typically include a population of modified T cells and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
• a "pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” includes any and all solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents, and the like, compatible with pharmaceutical administration.
• Such carriers or diluents include, but are not limited to, water, saline, Ringer's solutions, dextrose solution, and 5% human serum albumin. Liposomes and non-aqueous vehicles such as fixed oils may also be used. Supplementary active compounds can also be incorporated into the compositions. Actual methods for preparing administrable compositions are known or apparent to those skilled in the art and are described in more detail in such publications as Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, The University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, Editor, Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins, Philadelphia, PA, 21 st Edition (2005).
• In vivo treatment of a subject is initiated by administration of the modified T cells disclosed herein. Administration is typically via intravenous or intraperitoneal infusion, although direct injection into solid tumors or other such focal lesions can also be used.
• the efficacy of the treatment is generally assessed by lesion reduction/clearance (for example, using RECIST criteria). Lesion size and number can be evaluated by imaging (such as MRI, PET, and/or CT imaging). In some examples, staging is done every month, every 3 months, or every 6 months.
• blood samples from the subject are also analyzed at one or more time points following infusion to quantitate the number of modified T cells present (for example, by assessing absolute number and/or percentage of CD3+ cells expressing CD34, in the case of CD34t-expressing modified T cells).
• the population of modified T cells can be administered daily, every other day, twice per week, weekly, every other week, every three weeks, monthly, or less frequently.
• a single infusion of modified T cells is administered; however, a skilled clinician can select alternative schedules based on the subject, the condition being treated, the previous treatment history, and other factors.
• the subject has RCC, such as ccRCC.
• RCC such as ccRCC.
• Methods of identifying a subject with RCC or ccRCC are known to one of ordinary skill in the art and include radiographic evidence of RCC (for example, imaging by ultrasound, MRI, CT scan, or PET scan) and/or a biopsy (such as a fine needle aspirate or needle core biopsy) confirming presence of RCC.
• the subject has metastatic RCC.
• the subject with RCC also is HLA Al 1+ and the tumor expresses a HERV-E provirus (for example, expresses a protein comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1).
• the methods include selecting a patient with RCC (such as ccRCC) who is HLA Al l "1" and whose tumor expresses a protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 1 for treatment with the modified T cells.
• the methods include obtaining a population of cells including lymphocytes from a subject with RCC (such as a subject with ccRCC who is HLA Al 1 + and whose tumor expresses HERV-E provirus, such as a protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 1).
• a population of cells including lymphocytes are obtained from an HLA-matched donor to the subject to be treated (such as a subject with ccRCC who is HLA Al 1 + and whose tumor expresses HERV-E provirus, such as a protein comprising SEQ ID NO: 1).
• a population of cells including lymphocytes can be obtained by any method, including, but not limited to apheresis. All or a portion of the population of cells can be utilized immediately or all or a portion of the cells can be cryopreserved for future use. When ready for use, all or a portion of the population of cells is thawed (if previously cryopreserved) and T cells are activated by incubation with an anti-CD3 antibody (such as OKT3). In some examples, about 10 7 -10 9 PBMCs are incubated with an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (e.g.
• about 6xl0 8 PBMCs are incubated with anti-CD3 antibody OKT3 and IL-2 for about 1-5 days (such as about 1 day, about 2 days, about 3 days, about 4 days, or about 5 days).
• about 6xl0 8 PBMCs are incubated with anti-CD3 antibody OKT3, IL-2, and IL- 15 for about 1-5 days (such as about 1 day, about 2 days, about 3 days, about 4 days, or about 5 days).
• the cells are optionally depleted of CD4 + cells.
• CD4 + cells are removed using an anti-CD4 antibody, for example, utilizing flow cytometry or immuno-magnetic techniques (e.g. , CliniMACS® CD4 reagent system, Miltenyi Biotec Inc., San Diego, CA) or erythrocyte resetting of CD4 + T-cells bound by anti-CD4 antibodies, to produce a CD4-depleted cell population.
• CD4 depletion can be carried out after transduction or after expansion of the transduced T cells.
• the CD4-depleted cell population is a CD8 + population of T cells (for example, a population of T cells that is substantially CD8 + T cells, such as a population of T cells that is at least 80%, 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or more CD8 + T cells).
• the cells are transduced with a vector including a heterologous nucleic acid encoding the HERV-E reactive TCR a chain, T cell ⁇ chain, or both (such as one or more of the vectors described in Section IIIB, above).
• a vector including a heterologous nucleic acid encoding the HERV-E reactive TCR a chain, T cell ⁇ chain, or both such as one or more of the vectors described in Section IIIB, above.
• about 10 7 -10 9 cells are transduced (for example, about lxlO 7 , 5xl0 7 , lxlO 8 , 5xl0 8 , or lxlO 9 cells).
• about 2xl0 8 cells are transduced.
• the vector also includes a heterologous nucleic acid encoding a truncated CD34 protein.
• transduced T cells are enriched using a CD34-specific antibody (such as flow cytometry or immuno-magnetic purification).
• Transduced T cells are expanded ex vivo and can be cryopreserved at appropriate dosage amounts (for example, about 10 6 to 10 12 cells) following expansion.
• the transduced T cells are expanded on irradiated allogeneic PBMC feeder cells (40 million cells per 250,000 T cells) in medium containing 300 IU/ml IL-2, 30 ng/ml anti-CD3, and 30 ng/ml anti-CD28.
• the expansion can be for a sufficient time to obtain the desired number of T cells, for example, about 4-14 days (such as 4-9 days, 7-10 days, 8-12 days, 9-14 days, 9-11 days).
• the T cells are supplemented with fresh IL-2 on days 5, 8, and 11.
• the expansion can optionally be carried out in a WAVE bioreactor (GE).
• the transduced (modified) T cells are thawed (if previously frozen), prior to administration to the subject.
• the subject may undergo an immunosuppressive regimen (e.g. , lymphodepletion) prior to administering the modified T cells.
• an immunosuppressive regimen e.g. , lymphodepletion
• the subject is administered
• the subject is administered cyclophosphamide (e.g. , 60 mg/kg) on days -5 and -4 and/or fludarabine (e.g. , 25 mg/m 2 ) on days -5 through -1 (where day 0 is administration of the modified T cells).
• the subject is administered cyclophosphamide (1,000 mg/m 2 IV) on day -5 and fludarabine (30mg/m 2 ) on days -5 through -3 (where day 0 is administration of the modified T cells).
• the modified T cells are administered to the subject, for example by infusion.
• the T cells are administered at a dose of about 10 4 to 10 12 of the modified T cells (for example, about 10 4 -10 7 cells, about 10 6 -10 9 cells, or about 10 8 -10 12 cells or about lxlO 6 to lxlO 9 modified T cells/kg (such as about lxlO 6 , 5xl0 6 , lxlO 7 , 5xl0 7 , lxlO 8 , 5xl0 8 , or lxlO 9 cells/kg).
• Immune system supportive therapies may also be administered to the subject, for example to promote expansion of the modified T cells in the subject and/or to support recovery of neutrophils.
• the subject is administered IL-2 (e.g.
• the immune system supportive therapy includes administering 2xl0 6 i.u./m 2 every 12 hours for seven days following
• Treatment efficacy is monitored by standard methods such as tumor size, number of lesions, tumor stage, response rate, or other criteria known to one of ordinary skill in the art.
• a decrease in size of primary tumor or metastases indicates inhibition of RCC in the subject. See, e.g., Eisenhauer et al., Eur. J. Cancer 45:228-247, 2009; Wolchock et al, Clin. Cancer Res. 15:7412-7420, 2009; both of which are incorporated herein by reference.
• progression-free survival and/or overall survival indicates inhibition of RCC in the subject.
• one or more of persistence of circulating HERV-E TCR transduced CD34+ or CD8+/CD34+ T cells, changes in immune cell subsets and activation status of T cells, as well as other immunologic determinants are evaluated, with clinical outcomes at baseline, at different time points during treatment, and at the time of disease progression.
• the subject is also administered one or more additional treatments, such as one or more therapeutic agents, surgical resection, and/or radiation therapy before, concurrently, or after treatment with the transduced T cells.
• additional treatments such as one or more therapeutic agents, surgical resection, and/or radiation therapy.
• Such agents include anti-VEGF agents (such as pazopanib, sorafenib, sunitinib, axitinib, cabozantinib, sorafenib, lenvatinib, and/or bevacizumab), mTOR inhibitors (such as temsirolimus and/or everolimus), immune checkpoint inhibitors (such as nivolumab), and/or cytokine therapy (such as IFNa and/or IL-2).
• anti-VEGF agents such as pazopanib, sorafenib, sunitinib, axitinib, cabozantinib, sorafenib, lenvatinib, and/or bevacizumab
• mTOR inhibitors such as temsirolimus and/or everolimus
• immune checkpoint inhibitors such as nivolumab
• cytokine therapy such as IFNa and/
• Example 1 is provided to illustrate certain particular features and/or embodiments. These examples should not be construed to limit the disclosure to the particular features or embodiments described.
• Example 1 is provided to illustrate certain particular features and/or embodiments. These examples should not be construed to limit the disclosure to the particular features or embodiments described.
• RNA was extracted from the T cell clone with HLA-Al 1 restricted recognition of ccRCC cells and full length TCR chains were identified by 5' RACE.
• the nucleic acids encoding the TCR a and ⁇ chains are disclosed herein as SEQ ID NOs: 2 and 3, respectively.
• the amino acid sequence of the TCR a and ⁇ chains are disclosed herein as SEQ ID NOs: 4 and 5, respectively.
• the TCR a and ⁇ chain-encoding nucleic acids (SEQ ID NOs: 2 and 3) were cloned into a retroviral construct including a truncated CD34 molecule linked to the ⁇ chain (FIG. 1).
• the truncated CD34 cassette includes the extracellular and transmembrane domains but lacks the intracellular signaling domain so it does not function in cells, but its expression allows enrichment of transduced T cells based on their surface expression of CD34.
• the sequence of the vector is provided as SEQ ID NO: 6.
• PBMCs from two healthy donors were transduced with the vector described in Example 1.
• the transduced T cells specifically killed HLA-Al 1+ and HERV-E+ ccRCC cells (FIGS. 3A and 3B).
• Addition of the CT-RCC-1 peptide (SEQ ID NO: 1) increased reactivity against both HERV- E negative and HERV-E positive cells, as expected (FIGS. 3A and 3B).
• the retroviral vector containing this TCR described in Example 1 was introduced into the PG13 packaging cell line to isolate high titer retroviral producer clones for clinical use.
• the PG13 producer cell line was cloned in limiting dilution to generate high titer clones. Then, the clones were screened for their ability to efficiently transduce and transfer anti-HERV-E reactivity to human T cells. Two clones were selected (7G1 and 27 A7) for further testing.
• CD34 + respectively, indicating both clones transduced T cells with equal efficiency.
• Transduced T cells as described in Example 2 were evaluated. As determined by chromium release cytotoxicity, the transduced T cells specifically killed HLA-A11+ and HERV-E+ ccRCC cells (FIGS. 6A and 6B). Addition of the CT-RCC-1 peptide (SEQ ID NO: 1) increased reactivity against HERV-E negative cells (FIGS. 6A and 6B). The T cell population from donor 1 was 39.9% CD8 + (FIG. 6A) and the T cell population from donor 2 was 52.8% CD8 + (FIG. 6B).
• PBMC from a healthy donor transduced with the vector described in Example 1 were also tested for specific killing of RCC cells and T cells.
• HLA-A11 HERV-E negative cells
• SAUJ-LCL HLA-A11 " cells
• HLA-A11 " cells also were not killed whether they expressed HERV-E (LYO-RCC) or not (LYO-LCL).
• T cells from an HLA-A11 + donor were not killed (FIG. 7).
• FIG. 8 shows that transduced T cells produce INF-yonly when co- culturing with both HLA-Al l-positive and CT-RCC HERV-E-expressing ccRCC cells (>twice background and >1 ng/ml).
• This example describes methods that can be used to determine safety and tolerability of treating ccRCC with HERV-E TCR transduced T cells.
• methods that deviate from these specific methods can also be used to successfully determine safety and tolerability of the HERV-E TCR transduced T cells.
• FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary protocol for determining safety and tolerability of HERV-E TCR transduced T cells (for example prior to clinical implementation).
• Subjects with metastatic HERV-E positive ccRCC that is not amenable to complete surgical resection and that is progressive bi-dimensionally evaluable clinically or radio-graphically and are HLA-Al l positive are selected for this study.
• PBMCs (6xl0 8 to 2xl0 9 cells) are thawed and activated in media containing anti-CD3 (e.g., 50 ng/ml OKT3) and IL-2 (e.g. , 300 IU/ml) (and optionally, IL-15, e.g.
• the positive selected CD34 + T cells are placed into a REP to rapidly generate the number of cells needed for infusion.
• the number of transduced cells that are placed in the REP is determined by the patient' s weight and the infusion cohort.
• lxlO 6 HERV-E TCR transduced cells are combined with 200xl0 6 feeder cells in an upright T175cm 2 flask containing 150 ml complete cytokine media (rhIL2/rhIL15) with 30ng/mL of soluble anti hCD3 antibody (OKT3).
• the feeder cells consist of PBMC from a minimum of 3 separate normal donors which are mixed together and irradiated with 5000 RAD of irradiation.
• the flasks are placed upright in a humidified 5% CO2 incubator for 5-6 days.
• the flasks are removed from the incubator, the cells collected, counted, and re-suspended in fresh media containing 300 IU/mL-IL2 and 100 ng/niL IL15.
• the cell suspension is transferred into Wave bioreactor bag(s) for further expansion.
• the culture media is replenished daily with fresh medium containing cytokines by utilizing the Wave bioreactor perfusion system.
• Transduced and expanded T cells are cryopreserved at the appropriate dose level (see below) for subsequent infusion into individual subjects following treatment with immune - suppressive chemotherapy.
• T cell dose escalating cohorts Fivexl0 6 T cells/kg , 5xl0 6 T cells/kg, lxlO 7 T cells/kg, or 5xl0 7 T cells/kg). Subjects undergo a non-myeloablative immunosuppressive conditioning regimen with cyclophosphamide 1,000 mg/m 2 IV (day -5) and fludarabine 30 mg/m 2 i.v. over 30 minutes daily x 3 days (days -5 through -3) followed by infusion of HERV-E TCR transduced T cells on day 0 to deliver the targeted T cell dose. Prior to infusion, T cells undergo a final cell count, and have viability and sterility assessment.
• the subject is monitored for up to 4 hours for signs of infusion-related toxicities. Premedication prior to T cell infusion is acetaminophen and i.v. Benadryl. Following the T cell infusion, subjects receive IL-2 i.v. 12 hours at a dose of 2,000,000 IU/m 2 for 7 days (day 0 through day +6) and G-CSF 300 ⁇ g daily from day 1 until neutrophil recovery (ANC >500) occurs. Subjects are discharged from the clinical center following neutrophil recovery and return for weekly visits for 6-8 weeks, where they undergo standard evaluations including physical exams and body weight, and routine clinical labs (hematology and electrolytes). Restaging using PET and CT imaging using RECIST criteria is performed 30 days following the T cell infusion, then every 3 months for the first year, and then every 6 months thereafter until evidence for tumor progression occurs.
• DLT Dose-limiting toxicity
• ⁇ Myelosuppression defined as lymphopenia, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia.
• Grade 3 autoimmunity that resolves to less than or equal to a grade 2 autoimmune toxicity within 10 days.
• Blood samples are drawn at multiple time points post T cell infusion to assess for circulating HERV-E TCR transduced T cells, which are analyzed by quantitating the percentage and absolute numbers of CD3 + cells expressing CD34.
• Patients who have tumors which are easily amenable to biopsy may also undergo elective fine needle aspiration of a metastatic tumor lesion to assess for HERV-E TCR transduced T cells using the same methodology as above. Subjects are followed for up to 5 years and are taken off study when disease progression is documented.
• This example describes methods that can be used to a subject with RCC with HERV-E TCR transduced T cells. However, one skilled in the art will appreciate that methods that deviate from these specific methods can also be used to successfully treat a subject with RCC with HERV-E TCR transduced T cells.
• FIG. 10 is a schematic diagram showing an exemplary protocol for treating a subject with
• T cells are activated with 30 ng/ml anti- CD3 antibody and 300 IU/ml IL-2 in vitro for two days.
• the T cells are transduced with a retroviral vector including the HERV-E specific TCR described herein (e.g. SEQ ID NO: 6).
• Lymphocytes are expanded with 30 mg/ml anti-CD3 and 30 ng/ml anti-CD28 for 7-14 days.
• the subject undergoes chemotherapy induced lymphodepletion (for example, as described in Example 3) and the transduced T cells are infused with IL-2 support at the MTD (for example, determined as described in Example 5).

Landscapes

• Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
• Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Organic Chemistry (AREA)
• Genetics & Genomics (AREA)
• General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Immunology (AREA)
• Zoology (AREA)
• Biomedical Technology (AREA)
• Biochemistry (AREA)
• Biotechnology (AREA)
• Bioinformatics & Cheminformatics (AREA)
• Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
• Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
• Public Health (AREA)
• Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
• Molecular Biology (AREA)
• Biophysics (AREA)
• Medicinal Chemistry (AREA)
• General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Epidemiology (AREA)
• Cell Biology (AREA)
• Gastroenterology & Hepatology (AREA)
• Proteomics, Peptides & Aminoacids (AREA)
• Toxicology (AREA)
• Microbiology (AREA)
• Plant Pathology (AREA)
• Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
• Hematology (AREA)
• Pharmacology & Pharmacy (AREA)
• Nuclear Medicine, Radiotherapy & Molecular Imaging (AREA)
• Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
• General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
• Virology (AREA)
• Micro-Organisms Or Cultivation Processes Thereof (AREA)
• Medicines Containing Material From Animals Or Micro-Organisms (AREA)
• Developmental Biology & Embryology (AREA)
• Peptides Or Proteins (AREA)
• Prostheses (AREA)

Priority Applications (8)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=59381696

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (9)

Cited By (4)

Families Citing this family (2)

Citations (5)

Family Cites Families (5)

• 2017
  • 2017-06-30 DK DK17742333.2T patent/DK3478711T3/da active
  • 2017-06-30 NZ NZ749585A patent/NZ749585A/en unknown
  • 2017-06-30 WO PCT/US2017/040448 patent/WO2018006054A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 2017-06-30 AU AU2017286982A patent/AU2017286982B2/en active Active
  • 2017-06-30 CN CN201780040513.7A patent/CN109415429B/zh active Active
  • 2017-06-30 EP EP17742333.2A patent/EP3478711B1/en active Active
  • 2017-06-30 US US16/313,712 patent/US11779603B2/en active Active
  • 2017-06-30 JP JP2018567933A patent/JP7046016B2/ja active Active
  • 2017-06-30 KR KR1020187037984A patent/KR102461926B1/ko active Active

Patent Citations (5)

Non-Patent Citations (26)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events