Classifications

• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
  • A61K35/00—Medicinal preparations containing materials or reaction products thereof with undetermined constitution
  • A61K35/12—Materials from mammals; Compositions comprising non-specified tissues or cells; Compositions comprising non-embryonic stem cells; Genetically modified cells
  • A61K35/48—Reproductive organs
  • A61K35/54—Ovaries; Ova; Ovules; Embryos; Foetal cells; Germ cells
  • A61K35/545—Embryonic stem cells; Pluripotent stem cells; Induced pluripotent stem cells; Uncharacterised stem cells
• • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
  • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
  • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
  • A61P35/00—Antineoplastic agents
  • A61P35/02—Antineoplastic agents specific for leukemia
• • 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
  • C12N15/86—Viral vectors
• • 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
  • C12N5/0637—Immunosuppressive T lymphocytes, e.g. regulatory T cells or Treg
• • 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
  • C12N5/0696—Artificially induced pluripotent stem cells, e.g. iPS
• • 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
  • C12N2501/60—Transcription factors
  • C12N2501/602—Sox-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
  • C12N2501/60—Transcription factors
  • C12N2501/603—Oct-3/4
• • 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
  • C12N2501/60—Transcription factors
  • C12N2501/604—Klf-4
• • 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
  • C12N2501/60—Transcription factors
  • C12N2501/606—Transcription factors c-Myc
• • 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
  • C12N2501/999—Small molecules 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
  • C12N2502/00—Coculture with; Conditioned medium produced by
  • C12N2502/11—Coculture with; Conditioned medium produced by blood or immune system cells
  • C12N2502/1114—T 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
  • C12N2502/00—Coculture with; Conditioned medium produced by
  • C12N2502/13—Coculture with; Conditioned medium produced by connective tissue cells; generic mesenchyme cells, e.g. so-called "embryonic fibroblasts"
• • 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
  • C12N2506/00—Differentiation of animal cells from one lineage to another; Differentiation of pluripotent cells
  • C12N2506/11—Differentiation of animal cells from one lineage to another; Differentiation of pluripotent cells from blood or immune system 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
  • C12N2506/00—Differentiation of animal cells from one lineage to another; Differentiation of pluripotent cells
  • C12N2506/45—Differentiation of animal cells from one lineage to another; Differentiation of pluripotent cells from artificially induced pluripotent stem 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
  • 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
  • C12N2533/00—Supports or coatings for cell culture, characterised by material
  • C12N2533/50—Proteins
  • C12N2533/54—Collagen; Gelatin
• • 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
  • C12N2533/00—Supports or coatings for cell culture, characterised by material
  • C12N2533/90—Substrates of biological origin, e.g. extracellular matrix, decellularised tissue
• • 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
  • C12N2760/00—MICROORGANISMS OR ENZYMES; COMPOSITIONS THEREOF; PROPAGATING, PRESERVING, OR MAINTAINING MICROORGANISMS; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING; CULTURE MEDIA ssRNA viruses negative-sense
  • C12N2760/00011—Details
  • C12N2760/18011—Paramyxoviridae
  • C12N2760/18811—Sendai virus
  • C12N2760/18841—Use of virus, viral particle or viral elements as a vector
  • C12N2760/18843—Use of virus, viral particle or viral elements as a vector viral genome or elements thereof as genetic vector
• • 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
  • C12N2799/00—Uses of viruses
  • C12N2799/02—Uses of viruses as vector
  • C12N2799/06—Uses of viruses as vector in vitro

Definitions

• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• isolated population of produced induced pluripotent stem cells iPSCs
• Pluripotent stem cells such as embryonic stem (ES) cells and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) possess the proliferative and developmental capacity to differentiate and generate multiple cell types in the body.
• the therapeutic and scientific potential of these cells is thus uncertain but extraordinary, especially after studies are said to have revealed that gene expression profiles in somatic cells can be changed to epigentically reprogram them into pluripotent stem cells (see, e.g., Takahashi, K., & Yamanaka, S, Nat. Rev. Mol. Cell Biol., 2016, 17(3): 183-93).
• Embryonic stem cells can be derived from the inner cell mass of mammalian blastocysts, see, e.g. , Human Genes and Genomes: Science, Health, Society (Rosenberg, L.E. & Rosenberg, D.D., 1st ed. 2012). Additionally, somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT)-mediated reprogramming has also been utilized to generate pluripotent ES cells, and in some instances, cloned animals (Wilmut, T, etal, Nature, 1997, 385:810-813; Wakayama, T., et al, Nature, 1998, 394:369-374).
• SCNT somatic cell nuclear transfer
• SCNT has suffered from various technical (e.g, epigenetic) barriers since the destruction of embryos and introduction of mammalian genetic information into an unfertilized egg is subject to controversies (Matoba, S. & Zhang, Y., supra ; Kastenberg, Z.J. & Odorico, J.S., Transplant Rev. , 2008, 22(3 ) : 215 -22) .
• iPSC Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• methods of producing induced pluripotent stem cells comprising: (a) contacting an isolated population of cells with an activation culture; wherein the activation culture comprises IL-15 and zoledronic acid; (b) culturing the isolated population of cells in the activation culture to enrich and/or activate gd T cells in the isolated population of cells; (c) transducing the gd T cells with a viral vector encoding one or more reprogramming factors; and (d) culturing the transduced gd T cells under conditions suitable for reprogramming mammalian somatic cells to a pluripotent state.
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• the activation culture further comprises IL-2.
• the viral vector is a Sendai virus (SeV) vector.
• SeV Sendai virus
• the method further comprises obtaining the isolated population of cells from a subject.
• the isolated population of cells are peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). In certain embodiments, the isolated population of cells are terminally differentiated cells. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of cells are mammal cells. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of cells are human cells.
• PBMCs peripheral blood mononuclear cells
• the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for 1-20 days. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for 1-17 days. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for 1-15 days. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for 1-13 days. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for 1-11 days. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for 1-9 days. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for 1-7 days. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for 1-5 days.
• the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for 1-3 days. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for 12-72 hours. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for 12-60 hours. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for 12-48 hours. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for 12-36 hours. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for 12-24 hours. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for 8-16 hours. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for 4-8 hours. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for 2-4 hours.
• the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for at most 13 days, at most 10 days, at most 9 days, at most 8 days, at most 7 days, at most 6 days, at most 5 days, at most 4 days, at most 3 days, at most 2 days, or at most 1 day.
• the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for at most 3 days. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for about 3 days. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for 50 hours to 80 hours. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for 55 hours to 75 hours. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for 60 hours to 75 hours. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for 70 hours to 75 hours.
• the isolated population of cells after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 100% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 95% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 90% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 85% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 80% gd T cells.
• the isolated population of cells after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 75% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 70% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise 5% -65% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 60% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 55% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 50% gd T cells.
• the isolated population of cells after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 45% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 40% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 35% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise 15% - 35% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise 25% - 35% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise 30% - 35% gd T cells.
• the isolated population of cells after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 30% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 25% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 20% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 15% gd T cells.
• the isolated population of cells after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise less than 90%, less than 80%, less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 50%, less than 45%, less than 40%, less than 35%, or less than 30% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise less than 35% gd T cells. [0017] In certain embodiments, the method further comprises enriching the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells.
• the gd T cells are enriched by cell-cell clump enrichment. In certain embodiments, at least part of the gd T cells are activated to Vy9 + gd T cells in step (b). [0019] In certain embodiments, at least part of the gd T cells are activated to Vy9b2 + gd T cells in step (b).
• the one or more reprogramming factors are selected from a group consisting of OCT3/4, SOX2, KLF4, LIN28, and c-Myc.
• the transduced gd T cells are cultured in the presence of one or more feeder layers.
• the transduced gd T cells are cultured in the presence of a mono layer of feeder layer.
• the feeder layer comprises mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs).
• the method further comprises isolating and/or purifying the produced iPSCs. In certain embodiments, the method further comprises administering the isolated iPSCs to a subject.
• the method further comprises differentiating the iPSCs ex vivo to cells of a desired cell type.
• the method further comprises administering the differentiated cell to a subject.
• the subject is a mammal.
• the subject is a human.
• the subject has a hyperproliferative disorder or a cancer of the hematopoietic system.
• the produced iPSCs are negative for a Sendai virus (SeV) vector.
• the produced iPSCs are derived from gd T cells.
• the produced iPSCs have rearrangement genes of TRG and TRD gene loci.
• the produced iPSCs are not derived from ab T cells.
• the produced iPSCs do not produce polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products from TCRA and TCRB gene loci.
• the produced iPSCs have Vy9 and Vb2 gene arrangements.
• the produced iPSCs are genomically stable with no loss of a chromosome.
• the genomic stability of the produced iPSCs is determined by Karyotyping analysis.
• the produced iPSCs can grow in feeder free medium after adoption.
• iPSC induced pluripotent stem cell
• provided herein is a pharmaceutical composition comprising the iPSC provided herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
• a differentiated cell produced according to the method provided herein.
• a pharmaceutical composition comprising the differentiated cell provided herein and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
• PBMCs peripheral blood mononuclear cells
• iPSCs peripheral blood mononuclear cells
• administering the produced iPSCs, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the produced iPSCs to the subject, optionally after differentiating the iPSCs into one or more desired types of cells.
• the subject is a human.
• the subject has a hyperproliferative disorder or a cancer of the hematopoietic system.
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• the isolated population of iPSCs comprise pluripotent cells, wherein the pluripotent cells express one or more reprogramming factors, and/or wherein the pluripotent cells comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding rearrangement of TRG and TRD genes.
• a method of producing induced pluripotent stem cells comprising: (a) a step for performing a function of enriching and/or activating gd T cells in the isolated population of cells; and (b) a step for performing a function of reprogramming the gd T cells to a pluripotent state.
• iPSC induced pluripotent stem cell
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• FIG. 1 depicts the abundance of TCRVy9 + gd T cells among enriched cell-cell clumps on various days of PBMC culture with Zol + IL-2 + IL-15.
• Numbers in representative FACS plots show the frequency of TCR gd and ab T cells among whole PBMCs (top row) and TCRVy9 + cells among gd T cells (bottom row) on day 3 (left column), day 8 (middle column) and day 13 (right column) of PBMCs stimulated with Zol + IL-2 + IL-15. Arrows represent parent and progeny gates.
• FIGS. 2A-2B depict the microscopic observation of iPSC colonies derived from PBMCs culture stimulated with Zol + IL-2 + IL-15 for 3 days.
• FIG. 2A depicts a representative microscopic image showing iPSCs on MEF feeder layers as round colonies with tight and smooth borders and compact cells insider borders. Elongated cells in the background are Mitomycin-C treated MEF feeder layers.
• FIG. 2B depicts representative microscopic images showing iPSCs colonies from three individual clones at various passages, i.e., passages 3, 4, 5, and 7. iPSC colonies were on irradiated MEF feeder layers.
• FIG. 3 depicts the assessment of gene rearrangement at the TRG locus using IdentiCloneTM TCRG gene rearrangement assay. Genomic DNA was isolated from all five colonies. Genomic PCR was performed using primers from IdentiCloneTM TCRG gene rearrangement assay kit, pursuant to the manufacturer’s protocol. Representative peaks depict the size (in base pairs) of the amplicon from genomic PCR from Clones A, B, C, D and E.
• FIG. 4 depicts the assessment of TRG and TRD loci gene rearrangement among iPSC colonies.
• Representative agarose gel images show the amplification of genomic DNAs from Clones A, B, and C mediated by either Vy9 or Vd2 forward primers in combination to various joining region primers.
• As a negative control 22 Rvl cell line genomic DNA was used.
• FIG. 5 depicts representative sequence alignment showing the similarity between the sequence obtained from amplicons (from clone B) and human TCR Vy9 and Vd2 sequences.
• FIGS. 6A-6D depict the assessment of sequence homology between genomic DNA amplified amplicon and TRGV9 and TRDV2 for five iPSC clones. Genomic DNA was isolated from all five iPSC clones and a genomic PCR was performed with primers against TCRVy9(FP), JP1/JP2, JP or J1/J2 (RV) and TCRVd2(FP), Jdl (RP) or Id3 (RP). Amplified products were gel eluted, top cloned and sequenced.
• FIG. 6A Clone A
• FIG. 6B Clone C
• FIG. 6C Clone D
• FIG. 6D Clone E
• Representative sequence alignment shows the sequence homology between amplicons and TRGV9 and TRDV2 gene sequences.
• FIGS. 7A-7C depict the characterization of gd T-cell derived iPSCs.
• FIG. 7A depicts representative agarose gel image showing the RT-PCR amplicons for Oct3/4, Nanog, Sox2, Lin28, Sendai Virus (SeV), GAPDH, TCR alpha and beta from A, B and C iPSC clones.
• FIG. 7B shows overlay immunohistochemistry (IHC) images visualizing the cells positive for DAPI (blue only), marker (Nanog/Oct 3/4/Sox2: red only) or DAPI + marker (pink) among iPSC clones.
• FIG. 7C depicts representative histograms showing the frequency of cells positive for S SEA-4 and TRA 1-60 surface expression and Oct-3 and Sox2 intracellular expression among iPSC Clones A, B, C, D and E.
• FIGS. 8A-8D depicts the assessment of genomic stability of iPSC Clones B, C, D and E via karyotyping analysis.
• FIG 8A Clone B
• FIG. 8B Clone D
• FIG. 8C Clone C
• FIG. 8D Clone E.
• FIG. 9 shows representative bright field microscopic images depicting feed-based iPSC colonies from all five clones (Clones A-E) that were adopted to the feeder-free condition in the presence of different matrix and medium combinations.
• the present disclosure provides in part improved methods for producing iPSCs from T cells, particularly from gd T cells.
• gd T cells are a subset of T lymphocytes that express TCRs distinctive from those expressed by ab T cells, a major subset of T lymphocytes in human peripheral blood (Kalyan, S. & Jardin, D., Cell Mol. Immunol ., 2013, 10(l):21-29).
• Vy9Vd2 T cells are a major subset of gd T cells, and exhibit significant effector functions against tumor cells (Tyler, C.J., et al ., Cellular Immunology, 2015, 296(1): 10-21; Silva-Santos. B., Nat Rev Immunol ⁇ , 2015, 15:683- 91).
• Vy9Vd2 T cells are major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-unrestricted (Kalyan, S. & Jardin, D., supra). For these reasons, Vy9Vd2 T cells are considered an attractive option for cancer immune therapy and have been explored and exploited clinically (Kakimi, K., et al, Transl Lung Cancer Res., 2014, 3(l):23-33). 5.1. Definitions
• the term “about” or “approximately” refers to a quantity, level, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length that varies by as much as 15%, 10%, 9%, 8%, 7%, 6%, 5%, 4%, 3%, 2% or 1% to a reference quantity, level, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length.
• the range of quantity, level, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length can be ⁇ 15%, ⁇ 10%, ⁇ 9%, ⁇ 8%, ⁇ 7%, ⁇ 6%, ⁇ 5%, ⁇ 4%, ⁇ 3%, ⁇ 2%, or ⁇ 1% about a reference quantity, level, value, number, frequency, percentage, dimension, size, amount, weight or length.
• a “cell culture medium” (also referred to herein as a “culture medium” or “culture” or “medium”) is a medium for culturing cells containing nutrients that maintain cell viability and support proliferation.
• the cell culture medium may contain any of the following in an appropriate combination: salt(s), buffer(s), amino acids, glucose or other sugar(s), antibiotics, serum or serum replacement, and other components such as peptide growth factors, etc.
• Cell culture media ordinarily used for particular cell types are known to those skilled in the art. Some non-limiting examples are provided herein.
• cell line refers to a population of largely or substantially identical cells that has typically been derived from a single ancestor cell or from a defined and/or substantially identical population of ancestor cells.
• the cell line may have been or may be capable of being maintained in culture for an extended period ( e.g ., months, years, for an unlimited period of time). It may have undergone a spontaneous or induced process of transformation conferring an unlimited culture lifespan on the cells.
• Cell lines include all those cell lines recognized in the art as such. It will be appreciated that cells acquire mutations and possibly epigenetic changes over time such that at least some properties of individual cells of a cell line may differ with respect to each other.
• differentiate refers to the process by which an unspecialized (or uncommitted) or less specialized cell acquires the features of a specialized cell such as, for example, a blood cell or a muscle cell.
• a differentiated or differentiation-induced cell is one that has taken on a more specialized (or committed) position within the lineage of a cell.
• a cell is committed when it 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.
• the term “encoding” refers to the inherent property of specific sequences of nucleotides in a polynucleotide, such as a gene, a cDNA, or a mRNA, to serve as templates for synthesis of other polymers and macromolecules in biological processes having either a defined sequence of nucleotides (i.e., rRNA, tRNA and mRNA) or a defined sequence of amino acids and the biological properties resulting therefrom.
• a gene encodes a protein if transcription and translation of mRNA corresponding to that gene produces the protein in a cell or other biological system.
• Both the coding strand the nucleotide sequence of which is identical to the mRNA sequence and is usually provided in sequence listings, and the non-coding strand, used as the template for transcription of a gene or cDNA, can be referred to as encoding the protein or other product of that gene or cDNA.
• the term “exogenous” is intended to mean that the referenced molecule or the referenced activity is introduced into the host cell.
• the molecule can be introduced, for example, by introduction of an encoding nucleic acid into the host genetic material such as by integration into a host chromosome or as non-chromosomal genetic material such as a plasmid. Therefore, the term as it is used in reference to expression of an encoding nucleic acid refers to introduction of the encoding nucleic acid in an expressible form into the cell.
• the term “endogenous” refers to a referenced molecule or activity that is present in the host cell.
• the term when used in reference to expression of an encoding nucleic acid refers to expression of an encoding nucleic acid contained within the cell and not exogenously [0052]
• expression refers to the cellular processes involved in producing RNA and proteins and as appropriate, secreting proteins, including where applicable, but not limited to, for example, transcription, translation, folding, modification and processing.
• “Expression products” include RNA transcribed from a gene and polypeptides obtained by translation of mRNA transcribed from a gene.
• induced pluripotent stem cells or, “iPSCs,” refers to stem cells produced from differentiated adult 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.
• isolated or the like when used in reference to a cell is intended to mean a cell that is substantially free of at least one component as the referenced cell is found in nature. The term includes a cell that is removed from some or all components as it is found in its natural environment.
• 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. Therefore, an isolated cell is partly or completely separated from other substances as it is found in nature or as it is grown, stored or subsisted in non-naturally occurring environments. Specific examples of isolated cells include partially pure cells, substantially pure cells and cells cultured in a medium that is non-naturally occurring.
• the term “purify” or the like refers to increase purity.
• the purity can be increased to at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 99%, or 100%.
• pluripotent refers to the ability of a cell to form all lineages of the body or soma (i.e., the embryo proper).
• embryonic stem cells are a type of pluripotent stem cells that are able to form cells from each of the three germs layers, the ectoderm, the mesoderm, and the endoderm.
• Pluripotency is a continuum of developmental potencies ranging from the incompletely or partially pluripotent cell (e.g ., an epiblast stem cell or EpiSC), 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).
• the term “population” when used with reference to T lymphocytes refers to a group of cells including two or more T lymphocytes. The isolated population of T lymphocytes can have only one type of T lymphocyte, or two or more types of T lymphocyte.
• the isolated population of T lymphocytes can be a homogeneous population of one type of T lymphocyte or a heterogeneous population of two or more types of T lymphocyte.
• the isolated population of T lymphocytes can also be a heterogeneous population having T lymphocytes and at least a cell other than a T lymphocyte, e.g, a B cell, a macrophage, a neutrophil, an erythrocyte, a hepatocyte, an endothelial cell, an epithelial cells, a muscle cell, a brain cell, etc.
• the heterogeneous population can have from .01% to about 100% T lymphocyte. Accordingly, an isolated population of T lymphocytes can have at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%,
• the isolated population of T lymphocytes can include only one type of T lymphocytes, or a mixture of more than one type of T lymphocytes.
• the isolated population of T lymphocytes can include one or more, or all of, the different types of T lymphocytes, including but not limited to those disclosed herein.
• An isolated population of T lymphocytes can include all known types of T lymphocytes. In an isolated population of T lymphocytes that includes more than one type of T lymphocytes, the ratio of each type of T lymphocyte can range from 0.01% to 99.99%.
• the isolated population also can be a clonal population of T lymphocytes, in which all the T lymphocytes of the population are clones of a single T lymphocyte.
• a "recombinant" polynucleotide is a polynucleotide that is not in its native state, e.g., the polynucleotide comprises a nucleotide sequence not found in nature, or the polynucleotide is in a context other than that in which it is naturally found, e.g., separated from nucleotide sequences with which it typically is in proximity in nature, or adjacent (or contiguous with) nucleotide sequences with which it typically is not in proximity.
• the sequence at issue can be cloned into a vector, or otherwise recombined with one or more additional nucleic acid.
• reprogramming refers to a process that alters or reverses the differentiation state of a somatic cell.
• the cell can be either partially or terminally differentiated prior to reprogramming.
• Reprogramming encompasses complete reversion of the differentiation state of a somatic cell (e.g., a T cell) to a pluripotent state.
• Reprogramming also encompasses partial reversion of the differentiation state of a somatic cell to a state that renders the cell more susceptible to complete reprogramming to a pluripotent state when subjected to additional manipulations such as those described herein.
• Such contacting may result in expression of particular genes by the cells, which expression contributes to reprogramming.
• reprogramming of a somatic cell causes the somatic cell to be a pluripotent and ES-like state.
• the resulting cells are referred to herein as reprogrammed pluripotent somatic cells or induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
• reprogramming also encompasses partial reversion of the differentiation state of a somatic cell to a multipotent state.
• Reprogramming is distinct from simply maintaining the existing undifferentiated state of a cell that is already pluripotent or maintaining the existing less than fully differentiated state of a cell that is already a multipotent cell (e.g., a hematopoietic stem cell). Reprogramming is also distinct from promoting the self-renewal or proliferation of cells that are already pluripotent or multipotent.
• the methods described herein contribute to establishing the pluripotent state by reprogramming.
• the methods described herein may be practiced on cells that fully differentiated and/or particular types of cells (e.g., gd T cells), rather than on cells that are already multipotent or pluripotent.
• reprogramming factor refers to a gene, RNA, or protein that promotes or contributes to cell reprogramming, e.g., in vitro.
• reprogramming factors of interest for reprogramming somatic cells to pluripotency in vitro are Oct3/4, Klf4, c- Myc, Nanog, Sox2, and Lin28, and any gene/protein that can substitute for one or more of these in a method of reprogramming somatic cells, e.g., in vitro.
• T lymphocyte and “T cell” are used interchangeably and refer to a principal type of white blood cell that completes maturation in the thymus and that has various roles in the immune system, including the identification of specific foreign antigens in the body and the activation and deactivation of other immune cells.
• a T lymphocyte can be any T lymphocyte, such as a cultured T lymphocyte, e.g. , a primary T lymphocyte, or a T lymphocyte from a cultured T cell line, e.g, Jurkat, SupTl, etc., or a T lymphocyte obtained from a mammal.
• the T lymphocyte can be CD3+ cells.
• the T lymphocyte can be any type of T lymphocyte and can be of any developmental stage, including but not limited to, CD4+/CD8+ double positive T cells, CD4+ helper T cells (e.g, Thl and Th2 cells), CD8+ T cells (e.g, cytotoxic T cells), peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs), tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), memory T cells, naive T cells, regulator T cells, gamma delta T cells (gd T cells), and the like.
• CD4+/CD8+ double positive T cells CD4+ helper T cells (e.g, Thl and Th2 cells)
• CD8+ T cells e.g, cytotoxic T cells
• PBMCs peripheral blood mononuclear cells
• PBLs peripheral blood leukocytes
• TILs tumor infiltrating lymphocytes
• memory T cells naive T cells
• regulator T cells gamma delta T cells (g
• a T lymphocyte can be T regulatory cell, which includes nTregs (natural Tregs), iTregs (inducible Tregs), CD8 + Treg, Trl regulatory cells, and Th3 cells. Additional types of helper T cells include cells such as Th3 (Treg), Thl7, Th9, or Tfh cells. Additional types of memory T cells include cells such as central memory T cells (TCM cells), effector memory T cells (TEM cells and TEMRA cells).
• T lymphocyte can also refer to a genetically engineered T lymphocyte, such as a T lymphocyte modified to express a T cell receptor (TCR) or a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR).
• TCR T cell receptor
• CAR chimeric antigen receptor
• the T lymphocyte can also be differentiated from a stem cell, definitive hemogenic endothelium, a CD34+ cell, a HSC (hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell), a hematopoietic multipotent progenitor cell, or a T cell progenitor cell.
• the term “gd T cells” refers to T cells having T cell receptor comprising a g-chain and a d-chain on their surfaces.
• the term “selectable marker” refers to a gene, RNA, or protein that when expressed, confers upon cells a selectable phenotype, such as resistance to a cytotoxic or cytostatic agent (e.g., antibiotic resistance), nutritional prototrophy, or expression of a particular protein that can be used as a basis to distinguish cells that express the protein from cells that do not.
• Proteins whose expression can be readily detected such as a fluorescent or luminescent protein or an enzyme that acts on a substrate to produce a colored, fluorescent, or luminescent substance (“detectable markers”) constitute a subset of selectable markers.
• detectable markers constitute a subset of selectable markers.
• the presence of a selectable marker linked to expression control elements native to a gene that is normally expressed selectively or exclusively in pluripotent cells makes it possible to identify and select somatic cells that have been reprogrammed to a pluripotent state.
• selectable marker genes can be used, such as neomycin resistance gene (neo), puromycin resistance gene (puro), guanine phosphoribosyl transferase (gpt), dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR), adenosine deaminase (ada), puromycin-N-acetyltransferase (PAC), hygromycin resistance gene (hyg), multidrug resistance gene (mdr), thymidine kinase (TK), hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT), and hisD gene.
• neomycin resistance gene neo
• puro puro
• DHFR dihydrofolate reductase
• ada puromycin-N-acetyltransferase
• PAC puromycin-N-acetyltransferas
• Detectable markers include green fluorescent protein (GFP) blue, sapphire, yellow, red, orange, and cyan fluorescent proteins and variants of any of these. Luminescent proteins such as luciferase (e.g., firefly or Renilla luciferase) are also of use.
• GFP green fluorescent protein
• Luminescent proteins such as luciferase (e.g., firefly or Renilla luciferase) are also of use.
• the term “selectable marker” as used herein can refer to a gene or to an expression product of the gene, e.g., an encoded protein.
• the selectable marker confers a proliferation and/or survival advantage on cells that express it relative to cells that do not express it or that express it at significantly lower levels.
• proliferation and/or survival advantage typically occurs when the cells are maintained under certain conditions, i.e., “selective conditions”.
• selective conditions i.e., “selective conditions”.
• a population of cells can be maintained for a under conditions and for a sufficient period of time such that cells that do not express the marker do not proliferate and/or do not survive and are eliminated from the population or their number is reduced to only a very small fraction of the population.
• Positive selection The process of selecting cells that express a marker that confers a proliferation and/or survival advantage by maintaining a population of cells under selective conditions so as to largely or completely eliminate cells that do not express the marker is referred to herein as “positive selection”, and the marker is said to be “useful for positive selection”.
• Negative selection and markers useful for negative selection are also of interest in certain of the methods described herein. Expression of such markers confers a proliferation and/or survival disadvantage on cells that express the marker relative to cells that do not express the marker or express it at significantly lower levels (or, considered another way, cells that do not express the marker have a proliferation and/or survival advantage relative to cells that express the marker). Cells that express the marker can therefore be largely or completely eliminated from a population of cells when maintained in selective conditions for a sufficient period of time.
• feeder cells are terms describing cells of one type that are co-cultured with cells of a second type to provide an environment in which the cells of the second type can grow, expand, or differentiate, as the feeder cells provide stimulation, growth factors and nutrients for the support of the second cell type.
• the feeder cells are optionally from a different species as the cells they are supporting.
• certain types of human cells, including stem cells can be supported by primary cultures of mouse embryonic fibroblasts, or immortalized mouse embryonic fibroblasts.
• peripheral blood derived cells or transformed leukemia cells support the expansion and maturation of natural killer cells.
• the feeder cells may typically be inactivated when being co-cultured with other cells by irradiation or treatment with an anti-mitotic agent such as mitomycin to prevent them from outgrowing the cells they are supporting.
• Feeder cells may include endothelial cells, stromal cells (for example, epithelial cells or fibroblasts), and leukemic cells.
• one specific feeder cell type may be a human feeder, such as a human skin fibroblast.
• Another feeder cell type may be mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF).
• various feeder cells can be used in part to maintain pluripotency, direct differentiation towards a certain lineage, enhance proliferation capacity and promote maturation to a specialized cell type, such as an effector cell.
• a “feeder-free” (FF) environment refers to an environment such as a culture condition, cell culture or culture media which is essentially free of feeder or stromal cells, and/or which has not been pre-conditioned by the cultivation of feeder cells.
• Pre-conditioned medium refers to a medium harvested after feeder cells have been cultivated within the medium for a period of time, such as for at least one day. Pre-conditioned medium contains many mediator substances, including growth factors and cytokines secreted by the feeder cells cultivated in the medium.
• a feeder-free environment is free of both feeder and stromal cells and is also not pre-conditioned by the cultivation of feeder cells.
• pluripotency associated gene refers to a gene whose expression under normal conditions (e.g., in the absence of genetic engineering or other manipulation designed to alter gene expression) occurs in and is typically restricted to pluripotent stem cells, and is crucial for their functional identity as such. It will be appreciated that the polypeptide encoded by a gene functionally associated with pluripotency may be present as a maternal factor in the oocyte. The gene may be expressed by at least some cells of the embryo, e.g., throughout at least a portion of the preimplantation period and/or in germ cell precursors of the adult.
• pluripotency factor refers to the expression product of pluripotency associated gene, e.g., a polypeptide encoded by the gene.
• the pluripotency factor is one that is normally substantially not expressed in somatic cell types that constitute the body of an adult animal (with the exception of germ cells or precursors thereof).
• the pluripotency factor may be one whose average level in ES cells is at least 50-fold or 100-fold greater than its average level in those terminally differentiated cell types present in the body of an adult mammal.
• the pluripotency factor is one that is essential to maintain the viability or pluripotent state of ES cells in vivo and/or ES cells derived using conventional methods.
• the ES cells are not formed, die or, in some embodiments, differentiate.
• inhibiting expression of a gene whose function is associated with pluripotency in an ES cell results in, e.g., a reduction in the average steady state level of RNA transcript and/or protein encoded by the gene by at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or more results in a cell that is viable but no longer pluripotent.
• the gene is characterized in that its expression in an ES cell decreases (resulting in, e.g., a reduction in the average steady state level of RNA transcript and/or protein encoded by the gene by at least 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, or more) when the cell differentiates into a terminally differentiated cell.
• “Pluripotency inducing factor” refers to an expression product of a pluripotency inducing gene.
• a pluripotency inducing factor may, but need not be, a pluripotency factor.
• Expression of an exogenously introduced pluripotency inducing factor may be transient, i.e., it may be needed during at least a portion of the reprogramming process in order to induce pluripotency and/or establish a stable pluripotent state but afterwards not required to maintain pluripotency.
• the factor may induce expression of endogenous genes whose function is associated with pluripotency. These genes may then maintain the reprogrammed cells in a pluripotent state.
• Polynucleotide is used herein interchangeably with “nucleic acid” to indicate a polymer of nucleosides.
• a polynucleotide of this invention is composed of nucleosides that are naturally found in DNA or RNA (e.g., adenosine, thymidine, guanosine, cytidine, uridine, deoxyadenosine, deoxythymidine, deoxy guanosine, and deoxy cytidine) joined by phosphodiester bonds.
• nucleosides or nucleoside analogs containing chemically or biologically modified bases, modified backbones, etc., whether or not found in naturally occurring nucleic acids, and such molecules may be preferred for certain applications.
• this application refers to a polynucleotide it is understood that both DNA, RNA, and in each case both single- and double-stranded forms (and complements of each single-stranded molecule) are provided.
• Polynucleotide sequence as used herein can refer to the polynucleotide material itself and/or to the sequence information (i.e. the succession of letters used as abbreviations for bases) that biochemically characterizes a specific nucleic acid. A polynucleotide sequence presented herein is presented in a 5' to 3' direction unless otherwise indicated.
• Polypeptide refers to a polymer of amino acids.
• the terms “protein” and “polypeptide” are used interchangeably herein.
• a peptide is a relatively short polypeptide, typically between about 2 and 60 amino acids in length.
• Polypeptides used herein typically contain amino acids such as the 20 L-amino acids that are most commonly found in proteins. However, other amino acids and/or amino acid analogs known in the art can be used.
• One or more of the amino acids in a polypeptide may be modified, for example, by the addition of a chemical entity such as a carbohydrate group, a phosphate group, a fatty acid group, a linker for conjugation, functionalization, etc.
• polypeptide that has a nonpolypeptide moiety covalently or noncovalently associated therewith is still considered a “polypeptide”.
• exemplary modifications include glycosylation and palmitoylation.
• Polypeptides may be purified from natural sources, produced using recombinant DNA technology, synthesized through chemical means such as conventional solid phase peptide synthesis, etc.
• the term “polypeptide sequence” or “amino acid sequence” as used herein can refer to the polypeptide material itself and/or to the sequence information (i.e., the succession of letters or three letter codes used as abbreviations for amino acid names) that biochemically characterizes a polypeptide.
• a polypeptide sequence presented herein is presented in an N-terminal to C-terminal direction unless otherwise indicated.
• the terms “treat”, “treating”, “treatment”, etc ., as applied to an isolated cell include subjecting the cell to any kind of process or condition or performing any kind of manipulation or procedure on the cell. As applied to a subject, the terms refer to providing medical or surgical attention, care, or management to an individual.
• iPSCs Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
• reprogramming somatic cells e.g., a T cell
• the resulting cells are called reprogrammed somatic cells herein.
• a reprogrammed somatic cell may be a reprogrammed somatic cell of varying differentiation status.
• the reprogrammed somatic cell is an induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC).
• the present disclosure is based in part on the surprising discovery that a combination of various factors, e.g., a combination of zoledronic acid and Interleukin- 15 (IL-15), can activate gd T cells and thus improve the efficiency of induction of pluripotency in non-pluripotent mammalian T cells transformed with transcription factors.
• the present disclosure provides for methods of inducing pluripotency in non- pluripotent mammalian gd T cells (e.g., Ug9 + gd T cells) wherein the method comprises contacting peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with an activation culture comprising IL-15 and zoledronic acid.
• PBMCs peripheral blood mononuclear cells
• methods of reprogramming a somatic cell comprising: (a) contacting an isolated population of cells with an activation culture; wherein the activation culture comprises IL-15 and zoledronic acid; (b) culturing the isolated population of cells in the activation culture to enrich and/or activate gd T cells in the isolated population of cells; (c) transducing the gd T cells with one or more viral vector(s) encoding one or more reprogramming factors; and (d) culturing the transduced gd T cells under conditions suitable for reprogramming mammalian somatic cells to a less differentiated state.
• the less differentiated state is a multipotent state.
• the less differentiated state is a pluripotent state.
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• methods of producing induced pluripotent stem cells comprising: (a) contacting an isolated population of cells with an activation culture; wherein the activation culture comprises IL-15 and zoledronic acid; (b) culturing the isolated population of cells in the activation culture to enrich and/or activate gd T cells in the isolated population of cells; (c) transducing the gd T cells with one or more viral vector(s) encoding one or more reprogramming factors; and (d) culturing the transduced gd T cells under conditions suitable for reprogramming mammalian somatic cells to a pluripotent state.
• the activation culture further comprises one or more additional agents or compounds, for example, to improve the efficiency of activation or induction.
• the activation culture further comprises Interleukin-2 (IL-2).
• methods of reprogramming a somatic cell comprising: (a) contacting an isolated population of cells with an activation culture; wherein the activation culture comprises IL-15, zoledronic acid and IL-2; (b) culturing the isolated population of cells in the activation culture to enrich and/or activate gd T cells in the isolated population of cells; (c) transducing the gd T cells with one or more viral vector(s) encoding one or more reprogramming factors; and (d) culturing the transduced gd T cells under conditions suitable for reprogramming mammalian somatic cells to a less differentiated state.
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• methods of producing induced pluripotent stem cells comprising: (a) contacting an isolated population of cells with an activation culture; wherein the activation culture comprises IL-15, zoledronic acid and IL-2; (b) culturing the isolated population of cells in the activation culture to enrich and/or activate gd T cells in the isolated population of cells; (c) transducing the gd T cells with one or more viral vector(s) encoding one or more reprogramming factors; and (d) culturing the transduced gd T cells under conditions suitable for reprogramming mammalian somatic cells to a pluripotent state.
• the method further comprises obtaining the isolated population of cells from a subject.
• the subject is a mammal. In certain embodiments, the subject is a human.
• the isolated population of cells are peripheral blood cells, cord blood cells, or bone marrow cells. In one embodiment, the isolated population of cells are peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
• PBMCs peripheral blood mononuclear cells
• reprogrammed somatic cells are identified by selecting for cells that express the appropriate selectable marker.
• reprogrammed somatic cells are further assessed for pluripotency characteristics. The presence of pluripotency characteristics indicates that the somatic cells have been reprogrammed to a pluripotent state.
• Differentiation status of cells is a continuous spectrum, with terminally differentiated state at one end of this spectrum and de-differentiated state (pluripotent state) at the other end.
• Reprogramming refers to a process that alters or reverses the differentiation status of a somatic cell, which can be either partially or terminally differentiated.
• Reprogramming includes complete reversion, as well as partial reversion, of the differentiation status of a somatic cell.
• the term “reprogramming,” as used herein encompasses any movement of the differentiation status of a cell along the spectrum toward a less- differentiated state.
• reprogramming includes reversing a multipotent cell back to a pluripotent cell, reversing a terminally differentiated cell back to either a multipotent cell or a pluripotent cell.
• reprogramming of a somatic cell turns the somatic cell all the way back to a pluripotent state.
• reprogramming of a somatic cell turns the somatic cell back to a multipotent state.
• the term “less-differentiated state,” as used herein, is thus a relative term and includes a completely de-differentiated state and a partially differentiated state.
• pluripotency characteristics refers to many characteristics associated with pluripotency, including, for example, the ability to differentiate into all types of cells and an expression pattern distinct for a pluripotent cell, including expression of pluripotency genes, expression of other ES cell markers, and on a global level, a distinct expression profile known as “stem cell molecular signature” or “sternness.”
• cells may be injected subcutaneously into immunocompromised SCID mice to induce teratomas (a standard assay for ES cells).
• ES-like cells can be differentiated into embryoid bodies (another ES specific feature).
• ES-like cells can be differentiated in vitro by adding certain growth factors known to drive differentiation into specific cell types.
• Self-renewing capacity marked by induction of telomerase activity, is another pluripotency characteristics that can be monitored.
• functional assays of the reprogrammed somatic cells may be conducted by introducing them into blastocysts to determine whether the cells are capable of giving rise to all cell types. If the reprogrammed cells are capable of forming a few cell types of the body, they are multipotent; if the reprogrammed cells are capable of forming all cell types of the body including germ cells, they are pluripotent.
• the expression of an individual pluripotency gene in the reprogrammed somatic cells may be examined to assess their pluripotency characteristics.
• Stage-specific embryonic 1 5 antigens- 1, -3, and -4 are glycoproteins specifically expressed in early embryonic development and are markers for ES cells (Solter and Knowles, 1978, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 75:5565-5569; Kannagi et ah, 1983, EMBO J 2:2355-2361).
• Elevated expression of the enzyme Alkaline Phosphatase (AP) is another marker associated with undifferentiated embryonic stem cells (Wobus et ah, 1984, Exp.
• stem/progenitor cells markers include the intermediate neurofilament nestin (Lendahl et al., 1990, Cell 60:585-595; Dah-Istrand et al.,
• expression profiling of the reprogrammed somatic cells may be used to assess their pluripotency characteristics.
• Pluripotent cells such as embryonic stem cells
• multipotent cells such as adult stem cells
• stemness This distinct pattern is termed “stem cell molecular signature”, or “sternness”. See, for example, Ramalho-Santos et al., Science 298: 597-600 (2002); Ivanova et al., Science 298: 601-604.
• Somatic cells may be reprogrammed to gain either a complete set of the pluripotency characteristics and are thus pluripotent. Alternatively, somatic cells may be reprogrammed to gain only a subset of the pluripotency characteristics. In another alternative, somatic cells may be reprogrammed to be multipotent.
• the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for a first period of time.
• the first period of time is 1-20 days.
• the first period of time is 1-17 days. In certain embodiments, the first period of time is 1-15 days. In certain embodiments, the first period of time is 1-13 days. In certain embodiments, the first period of time is 1-11 days. In certain embodiments, the first period of time is 1-9 days. In certain embodiments, the first period of time is 1-7 days. In certain embodiments, the first period of time is 1-5 days. In certain embodiments, the first period of time is 1-3 days. In certain embodiments, the first period of time 12-72 hours. In certain embodiments, the first period of time 12-60 hours. In certain embodiments, the first period of time 12-48 hours. In certain embodiments, the first period of time 12-36 hours. In certain embodiments, the first period of time 12-24 hours.
• the first period of time 4-8 hours In certain embodiments, the first period of time 60-75 hours. In certain embodiments, the first period of time 4-8 hours. In certain embodiments, the first period of time 70-75 hours. In certain embodiments, the first period of time is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 days.
• the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture no long than a certain period of time.
• the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for at most 13 days, at most 12 days, at most 11 day, at most 10 days, at most 9 days, at most 8 days, at most 7 days, at most 6 days, at most 5 days, at most 4 days, at most 3 days, at most 2 days, or at most 1 day.
• the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for at most 5 days.
• the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for at most 3 days.
• the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for about 3 days.
• the isolated population of cells after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, comprise 5% - 100% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 95% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 90% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 85% gd T cells.
• the isolated population of cells after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, comprise 5% - 80% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 75% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 70% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the isolated population of cells comprise 5% -65% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 60% gd T cells.
• the isolated population of cells after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, comprise 5% - 55% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 50% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 45% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 40% gd T cells.
• the isolated population of cells after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, comprise 5% - 35% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the isolated population of cells comprise 15% - 35% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the isolated population of cells comprise 25% - 35% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the isolated population of cells comprise 30% - 35% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 30% gd T cells.
• the isolated population of cells after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, comprise 5% - 25% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 20% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 15% gd T cells.
• the isolated population of cells after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, comprise about 100%, about 95%, about 90%, about 85%, about 80%, about 75%, about 70%, about 65%, about 60%, about 55%, about 50%, about 45%, about 40%, about 35%, about 30%, about 25%, about 20%, about 15%, about 10%, or about 5% gd T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the isolated population of cells comprise less than about 90%, less than about 80%, less than about 70%, less than about 60%, less than about 50%, less than about 45%, less than about 40%, less than about 35%, or less than about 30% gd T cells.
• the isolated population of cells after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, comprise less than about 60% gd T cells. In another embodiment, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the isolated population of cells comprise less than about 55% gd T cells. In yet another embodiment, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the isolated population of cells comprise less than about 50% gd T cells. In yet another embodiment, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the isolated population of cells comprise less than about 45% gd T cells. In yet another embodiment, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the isolated population of cells comprise less than about 40% gd T cells. In yet another embodiment, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the isolated population of cells comprise less than about 35% gd T cells.
• the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, comprise 5% - 100% TCRVy9+ T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 95% TCRVy9+ T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 90% TCRVy9+ T cells.
• the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, comprise 5% - 85% TCRVy9+ T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 80% TCRVy9+ T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 75% TCRVy9+ T cells.
• the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 70% TCRVy9+ T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells comprise 5% -65% TCRVy9+ T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 60% TCRVy9+ T cells.
• the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, comprise 5% - 55% TCRVy9+ T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 50% TCRVy9+ T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 45% TCRVy9+ T cells.
• the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 40% TCRVy9+ T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 35% TCRVy9+ T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 30% TCRVy9+ T cells.
• the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 25% TCRVy9+ T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 20% TCRVy9+ T cells. In certain embodiments, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 15% TCRVy9+ T cells.
• the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells comprise about 100%, about 95%, about 90%, about 85%, about 80%, about 75%, about 70%, about 65%, about 60%, about 55%, about 50%, about 45%, about 40%, about 35%, about 30%, about 25%, about 20%, about 15%, about 10%, about 5% TCRVy9 + T cells (aka Vy9 + T cells).
• the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells comprise less than about 90%, less than about 80%, less than about 70%, less than about 60%, less than about 50%, less than about 45%, less than about 40%, less than about 35%, or less than about 30% TCRVy9 + T cells.
• the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells comprise less than about 60% TCRVy9+ T cells. In one embodiment, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells comprise less than about 55% TCRVy9+ T cells. In yet another embodiment, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells comprise less than about 50% TCRVy9+ T cells. In yet another embodiment, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells comprise less than about 45% TCRVy9+ T cells.
• the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells comprise less than about 40% TCRVy9+ T cells. In yet another embodiment, after being cultured in the activation culture for the first period of time, the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells comprise less than about 35% TCRVy9+ T cells.
• the method further comprises enriching the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells.
• the gd T cells are enriched by cell-cell clump enrichment.
• At least part of the activated gd T cells in step (b) are Vy9 + gd T cells.
• At least part of the activated gd T cells in step (b) are Vy9d2 + gd T cells.
• an isolated population of cells e.g., an isolated population of gd T cells
• an isolated population of cells can be activated and reprogramed to pluripotency by activation (e.g., in presence of zoledronic acid and IL-15) and introduction of transcription factors (e.g., by Sendai virus vector).
• the isolated population of cells of the present disclosure include any T cell of the body that is not a stem cell, a germ cell, or an iPSC.
• a non-iPSC is a T cell derived from any tissue of the body, including internal organs, skin, bones, blood, nervous tissue, and connective tissue.
• the isolated population of cells are blood cells.
• the blood cells are suitably peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PMBCs), and may include all types of blood cells existing on an entire differentiation process from hematopoietic stem cells to final differentiation into peripheral blood.
• the blood cells include, for example, hematopoietic stem cells, lymphoid stem cells, lymphoid dendritic cell progenitor cells, lymphoid dendritic cells, T lymphocyte progenitor cells, T cells, B lymphocyte progenitor cells, B cells, plasma cells, NK progenitor cells, NK cells, monocytes, and macrophages.
• the isolated population of cells can be can be peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL), tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL), or a combination thereof.
• the isolated population of cells are peripheral blood mononuclear (PBMC) cells.
• the isolated population cells are T cells.
• the isolated population of T cells can be selected from the group consisting of CD4+/CD8+ double positive T cells, cytotoxic T cells, Th3 (Treg) cells, Th9 cells, T ⁇ iab helper cells, Tfh cells, stem memory TSCM cells, central memory TCM cells, effector memory TEM cells, effector memory TEMRA cells, gamma delta T cells and any combination thereof.
• the isolated population of cells is derived from a cell type that is easily accessible and requires minimal invasion, such as a fibroblast, a skin cell, a cord blood cell, a peripheral blood cell, and a renal epithelial cell.
• the isolated population of cells are terminally differentiated cells. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of cells are terminally differentiated T cells. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of cells are terminally differentiated PBMC cells. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of cells are terminally differentiated gd T cells.
• the isolated population of cells of the present disclosure may be derived from a mammal, preferably a human, but include and are not limited to non-human primates, murines (i.e., mice and rats), canines, felines, equines, bovines, ovines, porcines, caprines, etc.
• murines i.e., mice and rats
• canines felines, equines, bovines, ovines, porcines, caprines, etc.
• the isolated population of cells are mammal cells.
• the isolated population of cells are human cells.
• the isolated population of cells are human PBMC cells.
• the present disclosure also relates to introducing into the activated population of cells an endogenous gene locus that is a pluripotency-associated gene.
• a pluripotency-associated gene can be introduced using an expression vector.
• such pluripotency-associated gene can be introduced using the CRISPR activation system with at least one sgRNA targeting the desired gene locus.
• such pluripotency-associated gene can be introduced by expression from a recombinant expression cassette that has been introduced into the target cell.
• such pluripotency- associated gene can be introduced by incubating the cells in the presence of exogenous reprogramming transcription factor polypeptides.
• the expression vector used to introduce pluripotency- associated gene includes a modified viral polynucleotide, such as from an adenovirus, a Sendai virus, a herpesvirus, or a retrovirus, such as a lentiviral vector.
• the expression vector is not restricted to recombinant viruses and includes non-viral vectors such as DNA plasmids and in vitro transcribed mRNA.
• Sendai virus vector is used.
• Cre-excisable viruses (Soldner, F., etal, Cell, 2009, 136:964-977), and oriP/EBNAl -based episomal expression system (Yu, T, etal, Science, 2009, 324(5928): 797-801).
• Non-limiting examples of a pluripotency-associated gene are Oct3/4, Sox2, Nanog, Klf4, c-Myc , Nanog, Lin28,
• Nr5a2 Nr5a2 , Glisl, Cebpa, Esrrb, and Rex 1.
• the endogenous gene locus is Oct 4 or Sox2.
• the isolated population of cells endogenously express at least one or more proteins from the group consisting of Oct3/4 polypeptide, a Klf4 polypeptide, a c- Myc polypeptide, a Sox2 polypeptide, a Nanog polypeptide, a Lin28 polypeptide, a Nr5a2 polypeptide, a Glisl polypeptide, a Cebpa polypeptide, a Esrrb polypeptide, and aRexl polypeptide.
• the isolated population of cells do not endogenously express any reprogramming transcription factor.
• the reprogramming factors comprise Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, and c- Myc.
• the reprogramming factors are Oct3/4, Sox2, KLF4, c-Myc, and Lin28.
• the reprogramming factors are Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc.
• the exogenously introduced pluripotency gene may be carried out in several ways.
• the exogenously introduced pluripotency gene may be expressed from a chromosomal locus different from the endogenous chromosomal locus of the pluripotency gene.
• Such chromosomal locus may be a locus with open chromatin structure, and contain gene(s) dispensable for a somatic cell.
• the desirable chromosomal locus contains gene(s) whose disruption will not cause cells to die.
• Exemplary chromosomal loci include, for example, the mouse ROSA 26 locus and type II collagen (Col2al) locus (See Zambrowicz et al., 1997) [00124]
• the exogenously introduced pluripotency gene may be expressed from an inducible promoter such that their expression can be regulated as desired.
• the exogenously introduced pluripotency gene may be transiently transfected into cells, either individually or as part of a cDNA expression library, prepared from pluripotent cells.
• pluripotent cells may be embryonic stem cells, oocytes, blastomeres, inner cell mass cells, embryonic germ cells, embryoid body (embryonic) cells, morula-derived cells, teratoma (teratocarcinoma) cells, and multipotent partially differentiated embryonic stem cells taken from later in the embryonic development process.
• the cDNA library is prepared by conventional techniques. Briefly, mRNA is isolated from an organism of interest. An RNA-directed DNA polymerase is employed for first strand synthesis using the mRNA as template. Second strand synthesis is carried out using a DNA- directed DNA polymerase which results in the cDNA product. Following conventional processing to facilitate cloning of the cDNA, the cDNA is inserted into an expression vector such that the cDNA is operably linked to at least one regulatory sequence.
• the choice of expression vectors for use in connection with the cDNA library is not limited to a particular vector. Any expression vector suitable for use in mouse cells is appropriate.
• the promoter which drives expression from the cDNA expression construct is an inducible promoter.
• regulatory sequence includes promoters, enhancers and other expression control elements. Exemplary regulatory sequences are described in Goeddel; Gene Expression Technology: Methods in Enzymology , Academic Press, San Diego, Calif. (1990). For instance, any of a wide variety of expression control sequences that control the expression of a DNA sequence when operatively linked to it may be used in these vectors to express cDNAs.
• Such useful expression control sequences include, for example, the early and late promoters of SV40, tet promoter, adenovirus or cytomegalovirus immediate early promoter, the lac system, the trp system, the TAC or TRC system, T7 promoter whose expression is directed by T7 RNA polymerase, the major operator and promoter regions of phage lambda, the control regions for fd coat protein, the promoter for 3 -phosphogly cerate kinase or other glycolytic enzymes, the promoters of acid phosphatase, e.g., Pho5, the promoters of the yeast a-mating factors, the polyhedron promoter of the baculovirus system and other sequences known to control the expression of genes of prokaryotic or eukaryotic cells or their viruses, and various combinations thereof.
• T7 promoter whose expression is directed by T7 RNA polymerase
• the major operator and promoter regions of phage lambda the control regions for
• the design of the expression vector may depend on such factors as the choice of the host cell to be transformed and/or the type of protein desired to be expressed. Moreover, the vector's copy number, the ability to control that copy number and the expression of any other protein encoded by the vector, such as antibiotic markers, should also be considered.
• the exogenously introduced pluripotency gene may be expressed from an inducible promoter.
• inducible promoter refers to a promoter that, in the absence of an inducer (such as a chemical and/or biological agent), does not direct expression, or directs low levels of expression of an operably linked gene (including cDNA), and, in response to an inducer, its ability to direct expression is enhanced.
• inducer such as a chemical and/or biological agent
• exemplary inducible promoters include, for example, promoters that respond to heavy metals (CRC Boca Raton, Fla. (1991), 167-220; Brinster et al. Nature (1982), 296, 39-42), to thermal shocks, to hormones (Lee et al. P.N.A.S.
• a tetracycline-inducible promoter is an example of an inducible promoter that responds to an antibiotics. See Gossen et al., 2003.
• the tetracycline-inducible promoter comprises a minimal promoter linked operably to one or more tetracycline operator(s).
• the presence of tetracycline or one of its analogues leads to the binding of a transcription activator to the tetracycline operator sequences, which activates the minimal promoter and hence the transcription of the associated cDNA.
• Tetracycline analogue includes any compound that displays structural homologies with tetracycline and is capable of activating a tetracycline- inducible promoter.
• Exemplary tetracycline analogues includes, for example, doxycycline, chlorotetracycline and anhydrotetracycline.
• the present disclosure provides somatic cells carrying at least one pluripotency gene expressed as a transgene under an inducible promoter. It is possible that somatic cells with such inducible pluripotency transgene(s) are more prone to be reprogrammed.
• Any of the engineered somatic cells of the present disclosure may be used in the methods.
• somatic cells used in the methods comprise only one endogenous pluripotency gene linked to a first selectable marker, and the selection step is carried out to select for the expression of the first selectable marker.
• the somatic cells used in the methods comprise any number of endogenous pluripotency genes, each of which is linked to a distinct selectable marker respectively, and the selection step is carried out to select for at least a subset of the selectable markers. For example, the selection step may be carried out to select for all the selectable markers linked to the various endogenous pluripotency genes.
• somatic cells used in the method comprise a selectable marker linked to an endogenous pluripotency gene and an additional pluripotency gene expressed as a transgene under an inducible promoter. For these cells, the method of reprogramming may comprises induce the expression of the pluripotency transgene and select for the expression of the selectable marker.
• step (d) described in the method above the transduced gd T cells are cultured in the presence of one or more feeder layers.
• step (d) described in the method above the transduced gd T cells are cultured in the presence of one or more feeder layers.
• the transduced gd T cells are cultured in the presence of a mono layer of feeder layer.
• the feeder layer comprises mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs).
• the transduced gd T cells are cultured in the presence of a mono layer of feeder layer.
• the transduced gd T cells are cultured in the presence of mitotically inactivated mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs).
• the transduced gd T cells are cultured under feeder free condition.
• the transduced gd T cells are cultured in iMatrix-511 coated plates.
• step (d) the method further comprises step
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• the activation culture comprises IL-15, zoledronic acid and IL-2
• transducing the gd T cells with a Sendai virus (SeV) vector encoding one or more reprogramming factors and culturing the transduced gd T cells under conditions suitable for reprogramming mammalian somatic cells to a pluripotent state.
• SeV Sendai virus
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• a method of producing induced pluripotent stem cells comprising: obtaining an isolated population of cells (e.g., terminally differentiated cells such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)) from a subject (e.g., a human); contacting an isolated population of cells with an activation culture; wherein the activation culture comprises IL-15, zoledronic acid and IL-2; culturing the isolated population of cells in the activation culture to enrich and/or activate gd T cells in the isolated population of cells; transducing the gd T cells with a Sendai virus (SeV) vector encoding one or more reprogramming factors; and culturing the transduced gd T cells under conditions suitable for reprogramming mammalian somatic cells to a pluripotent state.
• PBMCs peripheral blood mononuclear cells
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• a method of producing induced pluripotent stem cells comprising: obtaining an isolated population of cells (e.g., terminally differentiated cells such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)) from a subject (e.g., a human); contacting an isolated population of cells with an activation culture; wherein the activation culture comprises IL-15, zoledronic acid and IL-2; culturing the isolated population of cells in the activation culture for about 3 days to enrich and/or activate gd T cells in the isolated population of cells; transducing the gd T cells with a Sendai virus (SeV) vector encoding one or more reprogramming factors; and culturing the transduced gd T cells under conditions suitable for reprogramming mammalian somatic cells to a pluripotent state.
• PBMCs peripheral blood mononuclear cells
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• a method of producing induced pluripotent stem cells comprising: obtaining an isolated population of cells (e.g., terminally differentiated cells such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)) from a subject (e.g., a human); contacting an isolated population of cells with an activation culture; wherein the activation culture comprises IL-15, zoledronic acid and IL-2; culturing the isolated population of cells in the activation culture for about 3 days so that after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise less than 35% gd T cells; transducing the gd T cells with a Sendai virus (SeV) vector encoding one or more reprogramming factors; and culturing the transduced gd T cells under conditions suitable for reprogramming mammalian somatic cells to a pluripotent state.
• PBMCs peripheral blood mononuclear cells
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• a method of producing induced pluripotent stem cells comprising: obtaining an isolated population of cells (e.g., terminally differentiated cells such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)) from a subject (e.g., a human); contacting an isolated population of cells with an activation culture; wherein the activation culture comprises IL-15, zoledronic acid and IL-2; culturing the isolated population of cells in the activation culture for about 3 days so that after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise less than 35% gd T cells; further enriching gd T cells by cell-cell clump enrichment; transducing the gd T cells with a Sendai virus (SeV) vector encoding one or more reprogramming factors; and culturing the transduced gd T cells under conditions suitable for reprogramming mammalian somatic cells to a pluripotent state.
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• a method of producing induced pluripotent stem cells comprising: obtaining an isolated population of cells (e.g., terminally differentiated cells such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)) from a subject (e.g., a human); contacting an isolated population of cells with an activation culture; wherein the activation culture comprises IL-15, zoledronic acid and IL-2; culturing the isolated population of cells in the activation culture for about 3 days so that after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise less than 35% gd T cells; optionally further enriching gd T cells by cell-cell clump enrichment; transducing the gd T cells with a Sendai virus (SeV) vector encoding one or more reprogramming factors selected from a group consisting of OCT3/4, SOX2, KLF4, LIN28, and c-Myc; and culturing the transduce
• SeV
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• a method of producing induced pluripotent stem cells comprising: obtaining an isolated population of cells (e.g., terminally differentiated cells such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)) from a subject (e.g., a human); contacting an isolated population of cells with an activation culture; wherein the activation culture comprises IL-15, zoledronic acid and IL-2; culturing the isolated population of cells in the activation culture for about 3 days so that after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise less than 35% gd T cells; optionally further enriching gd T cells by cell-cell clump enrichment; transducing the gd T cells with a Sendai virus (SeV) vector encoding one or more reprogramming factors selected from a group consisting of OCT3/4, SOX2, KLF4, LIN28, and c-Myc; and culturing the transduce
• SeV
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• a method of producing induced pluripotent stem cells comprising: obtaining an isolated population of cells (e.g., terminally differentiated cells such as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)) from a subject (e.g., a human); contacting an isolated population of cells with an activation culture; wherein the activation culture comprises IL-15, zoledronic acid and IL-2; culturing the isolated population of cells in the activation culture for about 3 days so that after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise less than 35% gd T cells; optionally further enriching gd T cells by cell-cell clump enrichment; transducing the gd T cells with a Sendai virus (SeV) vector encoding one or more reprogramming factors selected from a group consisting of OCT3/4, SOX2, KLF4, LIN28, and c-Myc; and culturing the transduce
• SeV
• the produced iPSCs are derived from gd T cells. In certain embodiments, the produced iPSCs have rearrangement genes of TRG and TRD gene loci. In certain embodiments, the produced iPSCs do not produce polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products from TCRG and TCRD gene loci.
• PCR polymerase chain reaction
• the produced iPSCs are not derived from ab T cells.
• the produced iPSCs are negative for a Sendai virus (SeV) vector.
• SeV Sendai virus
• the produced iPSCs are genomically stable with no loss of a chromosome.
• the genomic stability of the produced iPSCs is determined by Karyotyping analysis.
• the produced iPSCs can grow and maintain in feeder free medium after adoption.
• the method further comprises differentiating the produced iPSCs to a desired cell type in vitro or ex vivo. In certain embodiments, the method further comprises differentiating the produced iPSCs to a desired cell type in vitro. In certain embodiments, the method further comprises differentiating the produced iPSCs to a desired cell type ex vivo. [00148] In certain embodiments, the method further comprises administering the produced iPSCs to a subject.
• the method further comprises administering the differentiated cells that are differentiated from the iPSCs produced herein to a subject.
• iPSCs T-cell derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
• isolated populations of induced pluripotent stem cells with novel characteristics.
• the isolated population of iPSCs comprise pluripotent cells that express one or more reprogramming factors, and comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding rearrangement of TRG and TRD genes.
• the isolated populations of iPSCs are produced according to the methods described herein (e.g., in Section 5.3).
• the reprogramming factors are selected from a group consisting of Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc, and Lin28.
• the reprogramming factors comprise Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, and c- Myc.
• the reprogramming factors are Oct3/4, Sox2, KLF4, c-Myc, and Lin28.
• the reprogramming factors are Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc.
• the isolated population of iPSCs are derived from gd T cells. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of iPSCs have rearrangement genes of TRG and TRD gene loci. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of iPSCs do not produce PCR products from TCRG and TCRD gene loci.
• the isolated population of iPSCs are not derived from ab T cells. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of iPSCs do not have rearrangement genes of TRA and TRB gene loci. In certain embodiments, the isolated population of iPSCs do not produce PCR products from TCRA and TCRB gene loci.
• the isolated population of iPSCs are negative for a Sendai virus (SeV) vector.
• SeV Sendai virus
• the isolated population of iPSCs are genomically stable with no loss of a chromosome. In one embodiment, the genomic stability of the isolated population of iPSCs is determined by Karyotyping analysis. [00160] In certain embodiments, the isolated population of iPSCs can grow and maintain in feeder free medium after adoption.
• an isolated population of induced pluripotent stem cells comprising pluripotent cells that express one or more reprogramming factors, wherein (i) the pluripotent cells comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding rearrangement of TRG and TRD genes or have rearrangement genes of TRG and TRD gene loci, (ii) the reprogramming factors are selected from a group consisting of Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc, and Lin28, (iii) the isolated population of iPSCs are negative for a Sendai virus (SeV) vector; (iv) the isolated population of iPSCs are derived from gd T cells, but not from ab T cells; (v) the isolated population of iPSCs do not produce PCR products from TCRA and TCRB gene loci; (vi) the isolated population of iPSCs are genomically stable with no loss of a chromosome, e
• the pluripotent cells comprise a nucleotide sequence
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• the pluripotent cells comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding rearrangement of TRG and TRD genes, and wherein the reprogramming factors are selected from a group consisting of Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc, and Lin28.
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• the pluripotent cells comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding rearrangement of TRG and TRD genes, and wherein the reprogramming factors are Oct3/4,
• Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc, and Lin28 are Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc, and Lin28.
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• the pluripotent cells comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding rearrangement of TRG and TRD genes, and wherein the reprogramming factors are Oct3/4,
• Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc.
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• the pluripotent cells comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding rearrangement of TRG and TRD genes, and the isolated population of iPSCs are negative for a Sendai virus (SeV) vector.
• SeV Sendai virus
• an isolated population of induced pluripotent stem cells comprising pluripotent cells that express one or more reprogramming factors, wherein the pluripotent cells comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding rearrangement of TRG and TRD genes, the reprogramming factors are selected from a group consisting of Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc, and Lin28, and the isolated population of iPSCs are negative for a Sendai virus (SeV) vector.
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• the pluripotent cells comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding rearrangement of TRG and TRD genes, and the isolated population of iPSCs are derived from gd T cells, but not from ab T cells.
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• the pluripotent cells comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding rearrangement of TRG and TRD genes, and the isolated population of iPSCs do not produce PCR products from TCRA and TCRB gene loci.
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• the pluripotent cells comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding rearrangement of TRG and TRD genes or have rearrangement genes of TRG and TRD gene loci
• the isolated population of iPSCs are genomically stable with no loss of a chromosome, e.g., as determined by Karyotyping analysis.
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• the pluripotent cells comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding rearrangement of TRG and TRD genes or have rearrangement genes of TRG and TRD gene loci, and the isolated population of iPSCs can grow and maintain in feeder free medium after adoption.
• an isolated population of induced pluripotent stem cells comprising pluripotent cells that express one or more reprogramming factors, wherein the pluripotent cells comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding rearrangement of TRG and TRD genes or have rearrangement genes of TRG and TRD gene loci, the reprogramming factors are selected from a group consisting of Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc, and Lin28, the isolated population of iPSCs are negative for a Sendai virus (SeV) vector; the isolated population of iPSCs are derived from gd T cells, but not from ab T cells; the isolated population of iPSCs do not produce PCR products from TCRA and TCRB gene loci; the isolated population of iPSCs are genomically stable with no loss of a chromosome, e.g., as determined by Karyotyping analysis; and the isolated population of iPSCs are genomically stable with no loss of a chromosome,
• an isolated population of induced pluripotent stem cells comprising pluripotent cells that express one or more reprogramming factors, wherein the pluripotent cells comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding rearrangement of TRG and TRD genes or have rearrangement genes of TRG and TRD gene loci, the reprogramming factors are selected from a group consisting of Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc, and Lin28, the isolated population of iPSCs are negative for a Sendai virus (SeV) vector; the isolated population of iPSCs do not produce PCR products from TCRA and TCRB gene loci; the isolated population of iPSCs are genomically stable with no loss of a chromosome, e.g., as determined by Karyotyping analysis; and the isolated population of iPSCs can grow and maintain in feeder free medium after adoption.
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• an isolated population of induced pluripotent stem cells comprising pluripotent cells, wherein the pluripotent cells comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding rearrangement of TRG and TRD genes or have rearrangement genes of TRG and TRD gene loci, the isolated population of iPSCs are negative for a Sendai virus (SeV) vector; the isolated population of iPSCs are derived from gd T cells, but not from ab T cells; the isolated population of iPSCs do not produce PCR products from TCRA and TCRB gene loci; the isolated population of iPSCs are genomically stable with no loss of a chromosome, e.g., as determined by Karyotyping analysis; and the isolated population of iPSCs can grow and maintain in feeder free medium after adoption.
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• an isolated population of induced pluripotent stem cells comprising pluripotent cells, wherein the pluripotent cells comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding rearrangement of TRG and TRD genes or have rearrangement genes of TRG and TRD gene loci, the isolated population of iPSCs are negative for a Sendai virus (SeV) vector; the isolated population of iPSCs do not produce PCR products from TCRA and TCRB gene loci; the isolated population of iPSCs are genomically stable with no loss of a chromosome, e.g., as determined by Karyotyping analysis; and the isolated population of iPSCs can grow and maintain in feeder free medium after adoption.
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• an isolated population of induced pluripotent stem cells comprising pluripotent cells, wherein the pluripotent cells comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding rearrangement of TRG and TRD genes or have rearrangement genes of TRG and TRD gene loci, the isolated population of iPSCs do not produce PCR products from TCRA and TCRB gene loci; the isolated population of iPSCs are genomically stable with no loss of a chromosome, e.g., as determined by Karyotyping analysis; and the isolated population of iPSCs can grow and maintain in feeder free medium after adoption.
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• the pluripotent cells comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding rearrangement of TRG and TRD genes or have rearrangement genes of TRG and TRD gene loci
• the isolated population of iPSCs do not produce PCR products from TCRA and TCRB gene loci
• the isolated population of iPSCs are genomically stable with no loss of a chromosome, e.g., as determined by Karyotyping analysis.
• compositions which comprise the produced iPSCs according to the method described herein, or differentiated cells therefrom, and one or more pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.
• the produced iPSCs or differentiated cells therefrom are present in a therapeutically effective amount.
• the produced iPSCs or differentiated cells therefrom are present in a prophylactically effective amount.
• the pharmaceutical compositions can be used in accordance with the methods and uses provided herein.
• the pharmaceutical compositions can be administered to a subject in order to practice the treatment or prevention methods and uses provided herein.
• Pharmaceutical compositions provided herein can be formulated to be compatible with the intended method or route of administration; exemplary routes of administration are set forth herein.
• compositions typically comprise a therapeutically effective amount of at least one of the produced iPSCs or differentiated cells therefrom, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
• suitable pharmaceutically acceptable carriers include, but are not limited to, antioxidants (e.g ., ascorbic acid), preservatives (e.g, benzyl alcohol, methyl parabens, p- hydroxybenzoate), emulsifying agents, suspending agents, dispersing agents, solvents, buffers, lubricants, fillers, and/or diluents.
• a suitable vehicle may be physiological saline solution.
• Typical buffers that can be used include, but are not limited to pharmaceutically acceptable weak acids, weak bases, or mixtures thereof. Buffer components can also include water soluble reagents such as phosphoric acid, tartaric acids, succinic acid, citric acid, acetic acid, and salts thereof.
• a vehicle may contain other pharmaceutically acceptable excipients for modifying or maintaining the pH, osmolarity, viscosity, or stability of the pharmaceutical composition.
• the vehicle is an aqueous buffer.
• a vehicle comprises, for example, sodium chloride.
• compositions provided herein may contain still other pharmaceutically acceptable formulation agents for modifying or maintaining the rate of administration of the produced iPSCs or differentiated cells therefrom described herein.
• formulation agents include, for example, those substances known to those skilled in the art in preparing sustained- release or controlled release formulations.
• pharmaceutically acceptable formulation agents see, for example, Remington’s Pharmaceutical Sciences. 18th Ed. (1990, Mack Publishing Co., Easton, Pa. 18042) pages 1435-1712, and The Merck Index. 12th Ed. (1996, Merck Publishing Group, Whitehouse, NJ).
• a pharmaceutical composition is provided in a single-use container (e.g, a single-use vial, ampoule, syringe, or autoinjector).
• a pharmaceutical composition is provided in a multi-use container (e.g, a multi-use vial or cartridge). Any drug delivery apparatus may be used to deliver iPSCs or pharmaceutical composition described herein, including intravenous infusion.
• a pharmaceutical composition can be formulated to be compatible with its intended route of administration as described herein.
• compositions can also include carriers to protect the composition against degradation or elimination from the body.
• Various antibacterial and antifungal agents for example, parabens, chlorobutanol, ascorbic acid, thimerosal, can be included in the pharmaceutical composition.
• reprogrammed somatic cells including reprogrammed pluripotent somatic cells such as iPSCs, produced by the methods of the present disclosure.
• the methods start with obtaining somatic cells from the individual, reprogramming the somatic cells so obtained by methods of the present invention to obtain iPSCs.
• the iPSCs are then cultured under conditions suitable for development of the iPSCs into cells of a desired cell type.
• the developed cells of the desired cell type are harvested and introduced into the individual to treat the disease or disorder.
• the methods start with obtaining somatic cells from the individual, reprogramming the somatic cells according to the present methods.
• the iPSCs are then cultured under conditions suitable for development of the iPSCs into a desired organ, which is harvested and introduced into the individual to treat the disease or disorder.
• the reprogramed somatic cells of the present invention are ES- like cells, and thus may be induced to differentiate to obtain the desired cell types according to known methods to differentiate ES cells.
• the iPSCs may be induced to differentiate into hematopoietic stem cells, muscle cells, cardiac muscle cells, liver cells, cartilage cells, epithelial cells, urinary tract cells, etc., by culturing such cells in differentiation medium and under conditions which provide for cell differentiation. Medium and methods which result in the differentiation of embryonic stem cells are known in the art as are suitable culturing conditions.
• the iPSCs are induced to differentiate into hematopoietic stem cells, for example, as described in Palacios et ak, Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci., USA, 92: 7530-37 (1995), which teaches the production of hematopoietic stem cells from an embryonic cell line by subjecting stem cells to an induction procedure comprising initially culturing aggregates of such cells in a suspension culture medium lacking retinoic acid followed by culturing in the same medium containing retinoic acid, followed by transferal of cell aggregates to a substrate which provides for cell attachment.
• the iPSC are induced to differentiate according to methods as described in Pedersen, J. Reprod. Fertil. Dev., 6: 543-52 (1994), which references numerous articles disclosing methods for in vitro differentiation of embryonic stem cells to produce various differentiated cell types including hematopoietic cells, muscle, cardiac muscle, nerve cells, among others.
• the iPSC are induced to differentiate according to Bain et al., Dev. Biol., 168:342-357 (1995), which teaches in vitro differentiation of embryonic stem cells to produce neural cells which possess neuronal properties.
• Bcl-2 prevents many, but not all, forms of apoptotic cell death that occur during lymphoid and neural development.
• a thorough discussion of how Bcl-2 expression might be used to inhibit apoptosis of relevant cell lineages following transfection of donor cells is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,646,008, which is herein incorporated by reference.
• the iPSCs provided herein may be used to obtain any desired differentiated cell type. Therapeutic usages of such differentiated human cells are unparalleled.
• human hematopoietic stem cells may be used in medical treatments requiring bone marrow transplantation. Such procedures are used to treat many diseases, e.g., late stage cancers such as ovarian cancer and leukemia, as well as diseases that compromise the immune system.
• Hematopoietic stem cells can be obtained, e.g., by fusing adult somatic cells of a cancer or AIDS patient, e.g., epithelial cells or lymphocytes with an enucleated oocyte, e.g., bovine oocyte, obtaining embryonic or stem-like cells as described above, and culturing such cells under conditions which favor differentiation, until hematopoietic stem cells are obtained.
• oocyte e.g., bovine oocyte
• Such hematopoietic cells may be used in the treatment of diseases including cancer and AIDS.
• the methods of the present invention can also be used to treat, prevent, or stabilize a neurological disease such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, or ALS, lysosomal storage diseases, multiple sclerosis, or a spinal cord injury.
• a neurological disease such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, or ALS, lysosomal storage diseases, multiple sclerosis, or a spinal cord injury.
• somatic cells may be obtained from the individual in need of treatment, and reprogrammed to gain pluripotency, and cultured to derive neurectoderm cells that may be used to replace or assist the normal function of diseased or damaged tissue.
• reprogramed cells that produce a hormone such as a growth factor, thyroid hormone, thyroid-stimulating hormone, parathyroid hormone, steroid, serotonin, epinephrine, or norepinephrine may be administered to a mammal.
• reprogrammed epithelial cells may be administered to repair damage to the lining of a body cavity or organ, such as a lung, gut, exocrine gland, or urogenital tract.
• iPSCs may be administered to a mammal to treat damage or deficiency of cells in an organ such as the bladder, brain, esophagus, fallopian tube, heart, intestines, gallbladder, kidney, liver, lung, ovaries, pancreas, prostate, spinal cord, spleen, stomach, testes, thymus, thyroid, trachea, ureter, urethra, or uterus.
• an organ such as the bladder, brain, esophagus, fallopian tube, heart, intestines, gallbladder, kidney, liver, lung, ovaries, pancreas, prostate, spinal cord, spleen, stomach, testes, thymus, thyroid, trachea, ureter, urethra, or uterus.
• the great advantage of the present disclosure is that it provides an essentially limitless supply of isogenic or synegenic human cells suitable for transplantation. Therefore, it will obviate the significant problem associated with current transplantation methods, i.e., rejection of the transplanted tissue which may occur because of host versus graft or graft versus host rejection.
• rejection is prevented or reduced by the administration of anti rejection drugs such as cyclosporin.
• anti rejection drugs such as cyclosporin.
• drugs have significant adverse side-effects, e.g., immunosuppression, carcinogenic properties, as well as being very expensive.
• the present invention should eliminate, or at least greatly reduce, the need for anti-rejection drugs, such as cyclosporine, imulan, FK-506, glucocorticoids, and rapamycin, and derivatives thereof.
• iPSCs may also be combined with a matrix to form a tissue or organ in vitro or in vivo that may be used to repair or replace a tissue or organ in a recipient mammal.
• iPSCs may be cultured in vitro in the presence of a matrix to produce a tissue or organ of the urogenital system, such as the bladder, clitoris, corpus cavermosum, kidney, testis, ureter, uretal valve, or urethra, which may then be transplanted into a mammal (Atala, Curr. Opin. Urol.
• synthetic blood vessels are formed in vitro by culturing reprogrammed cells in the presence of an appropriate matrix, and then the vessels are transplanted into a mammal for the treatment or prevention of a cardiovascular or circulatory condition.
• iPSCs such as chondrocytes or osteocytes are cultured in vitro in the presence of a matrix under conditions that allow the formation of cartilage or bone, and then the matrix containing the donor tissue is administered to a mammal.
• a mixture of the cells and a matrix may be administered to a mammal for the formation of the desired tissue in vivo.
• the cells are attached to the surface of the matrix or encapsulated by the matrix.
• matrices that may be used for the formation of donor tissues or organs include collagen matrices, carbon fibers, polyvinyl alcohol sponges, acrylateamide sponges, fibrin-thrombin gels, hyaluronic acid- based polymers, and synthetic polymer matrices containing polyanhydride, polyorthoester, polyglycolic acid, or a combination thereof (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,846,835; 4,642,120; 5,786,217; and 5,041,138).
• the iPSCs produced according to the disclosure may be used to produce genetically engineered or transgenic differentiated cells. Essentially, this will be effected by introducing a desired gene or genes, or removing all or part of an endogenous gene or genes of iPSCs produced according to the invention, and allowing such cells to differentiate into the desired cell type.
• a preferred method for achieving such modification is by homologous recombination because such technique can be used to insert, delete or modify a gene or genes at a specific site or sites in the stem-like cell genome.
• This methodology can be used to replace defective genes, e.g., defective immune system genes, cystic fibrosis genes, or to introduce genes which result in the expression of therapeutically beneficial proteins such as growth factors, lymphokines, cytokines, enzymes, etc.
• the gene encoding brain derived growth factor maybe introduced into human embryonic or stem-like cells, the cells differentiated into neural cells and the cells transplanted into a Parkinson's patient to retard the loss of neural cells during such disease.
• mutations that may be rescued using these methods include mutations in the cystic fibrosis gene; mutations associated with Dunningan's disease such as the R482W, R482Q, and R584H mutations in the lamin A gene; and mutations associated with the autosomal-dominant form of Emery Deyfuss muscular dystrophy such as the R249Q, R453W, and Q6STOP mutations in the lamin A gene.
• the codon for Gln6 is mutated to a stop codon.
• BDNF BDNF-derived neurotrophic factor
• astrocytes have been transfected with BDNF gene using retroviral vectors, and the cells grafted into a rat model of Parkinson's disease (Yoshimoto et al., Brain Research, 691:25-36, (1995)). This ex vivo therapy reduced Parkinson' s-like symptoms in the rats up to 45% 32 days after transfer.
• the tyrosine hydroxylase gene has been placed into astrocytes with similar results (Lundberg et al., Develop. Neurol., 139:39-53 (1996) and references cited therein).
• iPSCs of the present disclosure which are ES-like cells.
• iPSCs may be genetically engineered, and the resulting engineered cells differentiated into desired cell types, e.g., hematopoietic cells, neural cells, pancreatic cells, cartilage cells, etc.
• Genes which may be introduced into the iPSCs include, for example, epidermal growth factor, basic fibroblast growth factor, glial derived neurotrophic growth factor, insulin-like growth factor (I and II), neurotrophin3, neurotrophin- 4/5, ciliary neurotrophic factor, AFT-1, cytokine genes (interleukins, interferons, colony stimulating factors, tumor necrosis factors (alpha and beta), etc.), genes encoding therapeutic enzymes, collagen, human serum albumin, etc.
• TK thymidine kinase
• diseases, disorders, or conditions that may be treated or prevented include neurological, endocrine, structural, skeletal, vascular, urinary, digestive, integumentary, blood, immune, auto-immune, inflammatory, endocrine, kidney, bladder, cardiovascular, cancer, circulatory, digestive, hematopoietic, and muscular diseases, disorders, and conditions.
• reprogrammed cells may be used for reconstructive applications, such as for repairing or replacing tissues or organs.
• iPSCs may be administered to the mammal in a single dose or multiple doses. When multiple doses are administered, the doses may be separated from one another by, for example, one week, one month, one year, or ten years.
• One or more growth factors, hormones, interleukins, cytokines, or other cells may also be administered before, during, or after administration of the cells to further bias them towards a particular cell type.
• the iPSCs of the present disclosure may be used as an in vitro model of differentiation, in particular for the study of genes which are involved in the regulation of early development. Differentiated cell tissues and organs using the iPSCs may be used in drug studies.
• the iPSCs produced according to the disclosure maybe introduced into animals, e.g., SCID mice, cows, pigs, e.g., under the renal capsule or intramuscularly and used to produce a teratoma therein.
• This teratoma can be used to derive different tissue types.
• the inner cell mass produced by X-species nuclear transfer may be introduced together with a biodegradable, biocompatible polymer matrix that provides for the formation of 3 -dimensional tissues. After tissue formation, the polymer degrades, ideally just leaving the donor tissue, e.g., cardiac, pancreatic, neural, lung, liver. In some instances, it may be advantageous to include growth factors and proteins that promote angiogenesis.
• the formation of tissues can be effected totally in vitro , with appropriate culture media and conditions, growth factors, and biodegradable polymer matrices.
• methods of treating a subject in need thereof comprising: (a) obtaining an isolated population of cells from a subject; (b) reprogramming gd T cells in the isolated population of cells to produce iPSCs according to the method of producing iPSCs described herein; and (c) administering the produced iPSCs, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the produced iPSCs to the subject, optionally after differentiating the iPSCs into one or more desired cell types.
• the produced iPSCs are differentiated the iPSCs into one or more desired cell types and administered to the subject.
• iPSCs can differentiate into T cells to provide an almost unlimited source of rejuvenated T cells, addressing a significant issue that limits the efficacy of T cells against tumors, i.e., T cell exhaustion (Schietinger, A. & Greenberg, P.D., Trends Immunol., 2015, 35(2):51-60).
• T cells exert effector functions by binding to antigens via T cell receptors (TCR). Nevertheless, sometimes TCR binding does not give rise to effector activity, especially under chronic infection conditions, resulting in T cell exhaustion (Karagiannis, P., etal.
• adoptive cellular therapy can be utilized as a compensatory mechanism, which involves either ex vivo expansion of T cells isolated from patients’ tumor microenvironment or genetic modification of autologous T cell receptors to elicit immune response (Id.).
• Rejuvenating exhausted T cells by reprogramming them into iPSCs represent a potent solution for T cell exhaustion, as the TCR rearrangements preserve gene loci of certain specific antigens (Id.).
• a composition comprising an isolated population or subpopulation functionally enhanced derivative immune cells that have been differentiated from the iPSCs produced according the methods provided herein.
• the iPSCs comprise one or more targeted genetic editing which are retainable in the iPSC-derived immune cells, wherein the genetically engineered iPSCs and derivative cells thereof are suitable for cell based adoptive therapies.
• the isolated population or subpopulation of genetically engineered immune cell comprises iPSC derived pro-T or T cells.
• the isolated population or subpopulation of genetically engineered immune cell comprises iPSC derived pro-NK or NK cells.
• the isolated population or subpopulation of genetically engineered immune cell comprises iPSC derived immune regulatory cells or myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs).
• the iPSC derived genetically engineered immune cells are further modulated ex vivo for improved therapeutic potential.
• the produced iPSCs are administered to the subject without further differentiation.
• the subject is a human.
• the subject has a hyperproliferative disorder or a cancer of hematopoietic system.
• the subject has a solid tumor.
• the hyperproliferative disorder of the hematopoietic system is polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, myelofibrosis with myeloid metaplasia, or chronic myelogenous leukemia.
• the produced iPSCs or pharmaceutical compositions comprising the produced iPSCs described herein can be used to treat cancers.
• Cancers that can be treated include tumors that are not vascularized, or not yet substantially vascularized, as well as vascularized tumors.
• the cancers can be non-solid tumors (such as hematological tumors, for example, leukemias and lymphomas) or can be solid tumors.
• the types of cancers include, but are not limited to, carcinoma, blastoma, and sarcoma, and certain leukemia or lymphoid malignancies, benign and malignant tumors, and malignancies e.g ., sarcomas, carcinomas, and melanomas.
• malignancies e.g ., sarcomas, carcinomas, and melanomas.
• adult tumor s/cancers and pediatric tumor s/cancers are also included.
• the produced iPSCs or pharmaceutical compositions comprising the produced iPSCs described herein are used to treat hematologic cancers.
• Hematologic cancers are cancers of the blood or bone marrow.
• hematological (or hematogenous) cancers include leukemias, including acute leukemias (such as acute lymphocytic leukemia, acute myelocytic leukemia, acute myelogenous leukemia and myeloblasts, promyeiocytic, myelomonocytic, monocytic and erythroleukemia), chronic leukemias (such as chronic myelocytic (granulocytic) leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, chronic myeloic leukemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia), juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia, polycythemia vera, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodg
• acute leukemias
• the subject has myeloma, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma, chronic myeloid leukemia, chronic myelogenous leukemia, chronic granulocytic leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute nonlymphoblastic leukemia, or pre-leukemia.
• the produced iPSCs or pharmaceutical compositions comprising the produced iPSCs described herein are used to treat solid tumors.
• Solid tumors are abnormal masses of tissue that usually do not contain cysts or liquid areas. Solid tumors can be benign or malignant.
• solid tumors are named for the type of cells that form them (such as sarcomas, carcinomas, and lymphomas).
• solid tumors such as sarcomas and carcinomas, include fibrosarcoma, myxosarcoma, liposarcoma, chondrosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and other sarcomas, synovioma, mesothelioma, Ewing's tumor, leiomyosarcoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, colon carcinoma, lymphoid malignancy, pancreatic cancer, breast cancer, lung cancers, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, adenocarcinoma, sweat gland carcinoma, medullary thyroid carcinoma, papillary thyroid carcinoma, pheochromocytomas sebaceous gland carcinoma, papillary carcinoma, papillary adenocarcinomas, medullary carcinoma, bronch
• the subject has breast cancer, ovarian cancer, brain cancer, prostate cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, skin cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, sarcoma, or chronic granulomatous disease.
• a combination therapy comprising the cells such iPSCs provided herein and one or more additional agents.
• the iPSCs described herein or pharmaceutical compositions comprising the iPSCs described herein for use in therapy are also provided.
• kits for identifying an agent that, alone or in combination with one or more other agents, reprograms somatic cells (e.g., T cells) to a less differentiated state.
• somatic cells e.g., T cells
• the present disclosure further provides agents identified according to the methods provided herein.
• the methods comprise contacting somatic cells with an activation culture comprising IL-15, zoledronic acid, and/or IL-2; contacting the somatic cells with a candidate agent and then determining whether the presence of the candidate agent results in enhanced reprogramming (e.g., increased reprogramming speed and/or efficiency) relative to that which would occur if cells had not been contacted with the candidate agent.
• identifying an agent that, alone or in combination with one or more other agents, reprograms somatic cells (e.g., T cells) to a less differentiated state comprising (a) contacting an isolated population of cells with an activation culture; wherein the activation culture comprises IL-15 and zoledronic acid; (b) culturing the isolated population of cells in the activation culture to enrich and/or activate gd T cells in the isolated population of cells; (c) contacting an isolated population of cells with a candidate agent; (d) transducing the gd T cells with one or more viral vector(s) encoding one or more reprogramming factors; (e) culturing the transduced gd T cells under conditions suitable for reprogramming mammalian somatic cells to a less differentiated state, and (f) determining if at least some of the somatic cells are reprogrammed to a less differentiated state.
• somatic cells e.g., T cells
• the less differentiated state is a multipotent state. In some embodiments, the less differentiated state is a pluripotent state.
• the activation culture further comprises one or more additional agents or compounds, for example, to improve the efficiency of activation or induction. In one embodiment, the activation culture further comprises Interleukin-2 (IL-2).
• IL-2 Interleukin-2
• the IL-15, zoledronic acid, and/or IL-2 and the candidate agent are present together in the cell culture medium, while in other embodiments the IL-15, zoledronic acid, and/or IL-2 and the candidate agent are not present together (e.g., the cells are exposed to the agents sequentially). In certain embodiments, the cells are maintained in culture for 1-20 days.
• the cells are maintained in culture for 1-17 days. In certain embodiments, the cells are maintained in culture for 1-15 days. In certain embodiments, the cells are maintained in culture for 1-13 days. In certain embodiments, the cells are maintained in culture for 1-11 days. In certain embodiments, the cells are maintained in culture for 1-9 days. In certain embodiments, the cells are maintained in culture for 1-7 days. In certain embodiments, the cells are maintained in culture for 1-5 days. In certain embodiments, the cells are maintained in culture for 1-3 days. In certain embodiments, the cells are maintained in culture for 12-72 hours. In certain embodiments, the cells are maintained in culture for 12-60 hours. In certain embodiments, the cells are maintained in culture for 12-48 hours. In certain embodiments, the cells are maintained in culture for 12-36 hours.
• the cells are maintained in culture for 12-24 hours. In certain embodiments, the cells are maintained in culture for 8-16 hours. In certain embodiments, the cells are maintained in culture for 4-8 hours. In certain embodiments, the cells are maintained in culture for 2-4 hours.
• the cells may be maintained in culture for, e.g., at most 13 days, at most 10 days, at most 9 days, at most 8 days, at most 7 days, at most 6 days, at most 5 days, at most 4 days, at most 3 days, at most 2 days, or at most 1 day, etc., during which time they are contacted with the IL-15, zoledronic acid, and/or IL-2 and the candidate agent for all or part of the time.
• the agent is identified as an agent that reprograms cells if there are at least 2, 5, or 10 times as many reprogrammed cells or colonies comprising predominantly reprogrammed cells after said time period than if the cells have not been contacted with the agent.
• a candidate agent can be any molecule or supramolecular complex, e.g. peptide, small organic or inorganic molecule, polysaccharide, polynucleotide, etc. which is to be tested for ability to reprogram or facilitate or enhance reprogramming cells.
• Candidate agents may be obtained from a wide variety of sources, as will be appreciated by those in the art, including libraries of synthetic or natural compounds.
• candidate agents are synthetic compounds. Numerous techniques are available for the random and directed synthesis of a wide variety of organic compounds and biomolecules.
• the candidate modulators are provided as mixtures of natural compounds in the form of bacterial, fungal, plant and animal extracts, fermentation broths, conditioned media, etc., that are available or readily produced.
• a library of compounds is screened.
• a library is typically a collection of compounds that can be presented or displayed such that the compounds can be identified in a screening assay.
• compounds in the library are housed in individual wells (e.g., of microtiter plates), vessels, tubes, etc., to facilitate convenient transfer to individual wells or vessels for contacting cells, performing cell-free assays, etc.
• the library may be composed of molecules having common structural features which differ in the number or type of group attached to the main structure or may be completely random. Libraries include but are not limited to, for example, phage display libraries, peptide libraries, polysome libraries, aptamer libraries, synthetic small molecule libraries, natural compound libraries, and chemical libraries.
• Libraries of interest include synthetic organic combinatorial libraries. Libraries, such as, synthetic small molecule libraries and chemical libraries can comprise a structurally diverse collection of chemical molecules. Small molecules include organic molecules often having multiple carbon-carbon bonds. The libraries can comprise cyclic carbon or heterocyclic structure and/or aromatic or polyaromatic structures substituted with one or more functional groups. In some embodiments, the small molecule has between 5 and 50 carbon atoms, e.g., between 7 and 30 carbons. In some embodiments, the compounds are macrocyclic. Libraries of interest also include peptide libraries, randomized oligonucleotide libraries, and the like.
• Libraries can be synthesized of peptoids and non-peptide synthetic moieties. Such libraries can further be synthesized which contain non-peptide synthetic moieties which are less subject to enzymatic degradation compared to their naturally-occurring counterparts. Small molecule combinatorial libraries may also be generated.
• a combinatorial library of small organic compounds may comprise a collection of closely related analogs that differ from each other in one or more points of diversity and are synthesized by organic techniques using multi-step processes. Combinatorial libraries can include a vast number of small organic compounds.
• a “compound array” as used herein is a collection of compounds identifiable by their spatial addresses in Cartesian coordinates and arranged such that each compound has a common molecular core and one or more variable structural diversity elements.
• the compounds in such a compound array are produced in parallel in separate reaction vessels, with each compound identified and tracked by its spatial address.
• mixtures containing two or more compounds, extracts or other preparations obtained from natural sources (which may comprise dozens of compounds or more), and/or inorganic compounds, etc., are screened.
• the methods of the invention are used to screen “approved drugs.”
• An “approved drug” is any compound (which term includes biological molecules such as proteins and nucleic acids) which has been approved for use in humans by the FDA or a similar government agency in another country, for any purpose. This can be a particularly useful class of compounds to screen because it represents a set of compounds which are believed to be safe and, at least in the case of FDA approved drugs, therapeutic for at least one purpose. Thus, there is a high likelihood that these drugs will at least be safe for other purposes.
• DIVERSetTM available from ChemBridge Corporation, 16981 Via Tazon, San Diego, Calif. 92127.
• DIVERSet contains between 10,000 and 50,000 drug-like, hand-synthesized small molecules.
• the compounds are pre-selected to form a “universal” library that covers the maximum pharmacophore diversity with the minimum number of compounds and is suitable for either high throughput or lower throughput screening.
• Tan, et ah Am. Chem Soc. 120, 8565-8566, 1998
• Floyd C D Leblanc C, Whittaker M, Prog Med Chem 36:91-168, 1999.
• libraries are commercially available, e.g., from AnalytiCon USA Inc., P.O. Box 5926, Kingwood, Tex. 77325; 3-Dimensional Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 665 Stockton Drive, Suite 104, Exton, Pa. 19341-1151; Tripos, Inc., 1699 Hanley Rd., St. Louis, Mo., 63144-2913, etc.
• libraries based on quinic acid and shikimic acid, hydroxyproline, santonine, dianhydro-D-glucitol, hydroxypipecolinic acid, andrographolide, piperazine-2-carboxylic acid based library, cytosine, etc. are commercially available.
• the candidate agents are cDNAs from a cDNA expression library prepared from cells, e.g., pluripotent cells.
• cells e.g., pluripotent cells.
• Such cells may be embryonic stem cells, oocytes, blastomeres, teratocarcinomas, embryonic germ cells, inner cell mass cells, etc.
• the candidate reprogramming agent to be tested is typically one that is not present in standard culture medium, or if present is present in lower amounts than when used in the present invention. It will also be appreciated that a useful reprogramming agent or other form of reprogramming treatment need not be capable of reprogramming all types of somatic cells and need not be capable of reprogramming all somatic cells of a given cell type.
• a candidate agent that results in a population that is enriched for reprogrammed cells by a factor of 2, 5, 10, 50, 100 or more i.e., the fraction of reprogrammed cells in the population is 2, 5, 10, 50, or 100 times more than present in a starting population of cells treated in the same way but without being contacted with the candidate agent
• the screening method provided herein is used to identify an agent or combination of agents that substitutes for Klf4 in reprogramming cells to a pluripotent state.
• the method is used to identify an agent that substitutes for Sox2 in reprogramming cells to a pluripotent state.
• the method is used to identify an agent that substitutes for Oct3/4 in reprogramming cells to a pluripotent state. In some embodiments, the method is used to identify an agent that substitutes for c-Myc in reprogramming cells to a pluripotent state. In some embodiments, the method is used to identify an agent that substitutes for Lin28 in reprogramming cells to a pluripotent state. In some embodiments, the methods are practiced using human cells. In some embodiments, the methods are practiced using mouse cells. In some embodiments, the methods are practiced using non human primate cells.
• the method comprises (a) contacting an isolated population of cells with an activation culture; wherein the activation culture comprises IL-15 and zoledronic acid; (b) culturing the isolated population of cells in the activation culture to enrich and/or activate gd T cells in the isolated population of cells; (c) transducing the gd T cells with one or more viral vector(s) encoding one or more candidate reprogramming factors; (d)culturing the transduced gd T cells under conditions suitable for reprogramming mammalian somatic cells to a less differentiated state, and (e) determining if at least some of the somatic cells are reprogrammed to a less differentiated state.
• the less differentiated state is a multipotent state. In some embodiments, the less differentiated state is a pluripotent state.
• the method comprises (a) contacting an isolated population of cells with an activation culture; wherein the activation culture comprises IL-15 and zoledronic acid; (b) culturing the isolated population of cells in the activation culture to enrich and/or activate gd T cells in the isolated population of cells; (c) transducing the gd T cells with one or more viral vector(s) encoding one or more candidate reprogramming factors; and (d) culturing the transduced gd T cells under conditions suitable for reprogramming mammalian somatic cells to a pluripotent state, and (e) determining if at least some of the somatic cells are reprogrammed to a pluripotent state.
• the activation culture further comprises one or more additional agents or compounds, for example, to improve the efficiency of activation or induction.
• the activation culture further comprises Interleukin-2 (IL-2).
• the method provided herein comprises (a) contacting an isolated population of cells with an activation culture; wherein the activation culture comprises IL-15, zoledronic acid and IL-2; (b) culturing the isolated population of cells in the activation culture to enrich and/or activate gd T cells in the isolated population of cells; (c) transducing the gd T cells with one or more viral vector(s) encoding one or more candidate reprogramming factors; (d) culturing the transduced gd T cells under conditions suitable for reprogramming mammalian somatic cells to a less differentiated state; and (e) determining if at least some of the somatic cells are reprogrammed to a less differentiated state.
• the method provided herein comprises: (a) contacting an isolated population of cells with an activation culture; wherein the activation culture comprises IL-15, zoledronic acid and IL-2; (b) culturing the isolated population of cells in the activation culture to enrich and/or activate gd T cells in the isolated population of cells; (c) transducing the gd T cells with one or more viral vector(s) encoding one or more candidate reprogramming factors; (d) culturing the transduced gd T cells under conditions suitable for reprogramming mammalian somatic cells to a pluripotent state; and (e) determining if at least some of the somatic cells are reprogrammed to a pluripotent state.
• the methods comprise culturing the somatic cells as provided herein, e.g., in the presence of IL-15, zoledronic acid, and/or IL-2, and then transfecting the somatic cells of the present disclosure with a cDNA library prepared from ES cells or oocytes, selecting for cells that express the first selectable marker, and assessing the expression of the first endogenous pluripotency gene in the transfected cells that express the first selectable marker.
• the expression of the first endogenous pluripotency gene indicates that the cDNA encodes a gene that activates the expression of an endogenous pluripotency gene in somatic cells.
• the present methods are applicable for identifying a gene that activates the expression of at least two endogenous pluripotency genes in somatic cells.
• the somatic cells used in the methods further comprise a second endogenous pluripotency gene linked to a second selectable marker.
• the methods can be modified to select for transfected cells that express both selectable markers, among which the expression of the first and the second endogenous pluripotency genes are assessed.
• the expression of both the first and the second endogenous pluripotency genes indicates that the cDNA encodes a gene that activates the expression of at least two pluripotency genes in somatic cells.
• the present methods are further applicable for identifying a gene that activates the expression of at least three endogenous pluripotency genes in somatic cells.
• the somatic cells used in the methods further comprise a third endogenous pluripotency gene linked to a third selectable marker.
• the methods are modified to select for transfected cells that express all three selectable markers, among which the expression of all three endogenous pluripotency genes are assessed.
• the expression of all three endogenous pluripotency genes indicates that the cDNA encodes a gene that activates the expression of at least three pluripotency genes in somatic cells.
• This invention provides the following non-limiting embodiments.
• a method of producing induced pluripotent stem cells comprising: (a) contacting an isolated population of cells with an activation culture; wherein the activation culture comprises IL-15 and zoledronic acid;
• A2 The method of embodiment Al, wherein the activation culture further comprises IL-2.
• A3. The method of embodiment Al or A2, wherein the viral vector is a Sendai virus (SeV) vector.
• SeV Sendai virus
• A4 The method of any one of embodiments A1-A3, wherein the method further comprises obtaining the isolated population of cells from a subject.
• A5. The method of any one of embodiments A1-A4, wherein the isolated population of cells are peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
• PBMCs peripheral blood mononuclear cells
• A6 The method of any one of embodiments A1-A5, wherein the isolated population of cells are terminally differentiated cells.
• A7 The method of any one of embodiments A1-A6, wherein the isolated population of cells are mammal cells.
• A8 The method of any one of embodiments A7, wherein the isolated population of cells are human cells.
• A9 The method of any one of embodiments A1-A8, wherein the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for 1-20 days, for 1-17 days, for 1-15 days, for 1-13 days, for 1-11 days, for 1-9 days, for 1-7 days, for 1-5 days, for 1-3 days, for 12-72 hours, for 12-60 hours, for 12-48 hours, for 12-36 hours, for 12-24 hours, for 8-16 hours, for 4-8 hours, or for 2-4 hours.
• A10 The method of embodiment A9, wherein the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for at most 13 days, at most 10 days, at most 9 days, at most 8 days, at most 7 days, at most 6 days, at most 5 days, at most 4 days, at most 3 days, at most 2 days, or at most 1 day.
• A11 The method of embodiment A10, wherein the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for at most 3 days.
• A13 The method of any one of embodiments A1-A12, wherein after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 100% gd T cells, 5% - 95% gd T cells, 5% - 90% gd T cells, 5% - 85% gd T cells, 5% - 80% gd T cells, 5% - 75% gd T cells, 5% -
• A14 The method of embodiment A13, wherein after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise less than 90%, less than 80%, less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 50%, less than 45%, less than 40%, less than 35%, or less than 30% gd T cells.
• A15 The method of embodiment A14, wherein after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise less than 35% gd T cells.
• A16 The method of any one of embodiments A1-A15, further comprises enriching the gd T cells in the isolated population of cells after step (b).
• A19 The method of any one of embodiments A1-A17, wherein at least part of the gd T cells are activated to ng9d2 + gd T cells in step (b).
• A20 The method of any one of embodiments A1-A19, wherein the one or more reprogramming factors are selected from a group consisting of OCT3/4, SOX2, KLF4, LIN28, and c-Myc.
• step (d) The method of any one of embodiments A1-A20, wherein in step (d) the transduced gd T cells are cultured in the presence of one or more feeder layers.
• A22 The method of embodiment A21, wherein in step (d) the transduced gd T cells are cultured in the presence of a mono layer of feeder layer.
• A23 The method of embodiment A21 or A22, wherein the feeder layer comprises mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs).
• A24 The method of any one of embodiments A1-A23, further comprising isolating and/or purifying the produced iPSCs.
• A26 The method of any one of embodiments A1-A24, further comprising differentiating the iPSCs ex vivo to cells of a desired cell type.
• A28 The method of any one of embodiments A1-A27, wherein the produced iPSCs are negative for a Sendai virus (SeV) vector.
• SeV Sendai virus
• A29 The method of any one of embodiments A1-A28, wherein the produced iPSCs are derived from gd T cells.
• A30 The method of any one of embodiments A1-A28, wherein the produced iPSCs have rearrangement genes of TRG and TRD gene loci; and wherein optionally the produced iPSCs have Vy9 and V52 gene arrangements.
• A31 The method of any one of embodiments A1-A28, wherein the produced iPSCs are not derived from ab T cells.
• A32 The method of any one of embodiments A1-A28, wherein the produced iPSCs do not produce polymerase chain reaction (PCR) products from TCRA and TCRB gene loci.
• PCR polymerase chain reaction
• A33 The method of any one of embodiments A1-A32, wherein the produced iPSCs are genomically stable with no loss of a chromosome.
• A35 The method of any one of embodiments A1-A34, wherein the produced iPSCs can grow in feeder free medium after adoption.
• iPSC induced pluripotent stem cell
• a pharmaceutical composition comprising the iPSC of embodiment A36 and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
• A38. A differentiated cell produced according to the method of embodiment A26.
• a pharmaceutical composition comprising the differentiated cell of embodiment A38 and a pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
• a method of treating a subject in need thereof comprising:
• PBMCs peripheral blood mononuclear cells
• step (iii) administering the produced iPSCs, or a pharmaceutical composition comprising the produced iPSCs to the subject, optionally after differentiating the iPSCs into one or more desired types of cells, wherein step (ii) comprises:
• B4 The method of any one of embodiments B1-B3, wherein the population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for 1-20 days, for 1-17 days, for 1-15 days, for 1-13 days, for 1- 11 days, for 1-9 days, for 1-7 days, for 1-5 days, for 1-3 days, for 12-72 hours, for 12-60 hours, for 12-48 hours, for 12-36 hours, for 12-24 hours, for 8-16 hours, for 4-8 hours, or for 2-4 hours.
• the method of any one of embodiments B1-B10 further comprises enriching the gd T cells in the population of cells after step (b).
• step (d) the transduced gd T cells are cultured in the presence of one or more feeder layers.
• B17 The method of embodiment B 16, wherein in step (d) the transduced gd T cells are cultured in the presence of a mono layer of feeder layer.
• B18 The method of embodiment B16 or B17, wherein the feeder layer comprises mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs).
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• the isolated population of iPSCs comprise pluripotent cells, wherein the pluripotent cells express one or more reprogramming factors, and/or wherein the pluripotent cells comprise a nucleotide sequence encoding rearrangement of TRG and TRD genes.
• the reprogramming factors are selected from a group consisting of Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, c-Myc, and Lin28.
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• step for performing a function of enriching and/or activating gd T cells in the isolated population of cells comprises contacting the isolated population of cells with an activation culture; wherein the activation culture comprises IL-15 and zoledronic acid; and culturing the isolated population of cells in the activation culture to enrich and/or activate gd T cells in the isolated population of cells.
• PBMCs peripheral blood mononuclear cells
• D6 The method of any one of embodiments D1-D5, wherein the isolated population of cells are terminally differentiated cells.
• D8 The method of embodiment D7, wherein the isolated population of cells are human cells.
• D9 The method of any one of embodiments D2-D8, wherein the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for 1-20 days, for 1-17 days, for 1-15 days, for 1-13 days, for 1-11 days, for 1-9 days, for 1-7 days, for 1-5 days, for 1-3 days, for 12-72 hours, for 12-60 hours, for 12-48 hours, for 12-36 hours, for 12-24 hours, for 8-16 hours, for 4-8 hours, or for 2-4 hours.
• D13 The method of any one of embodiments D2-D12, wherein after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 100% gd T cells, 5% - 95% gd T cells, 5% - 90% gd T cells, 5% - 85% gd T cells, 5% - 80% gd T cells, 5% - 75% gd T cells, 5% -
• D14 The method of embodiment D13, wherein after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise less than 90%, less than 80%, less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 50%, less than 45%, less than 40%, less than 35%, or less than 30% gd T cells.
• D15 The method of embodiment D14, wherein after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise less than 35% gd T cells.
• step for performing a function of reprogramming the gd T cells to a pluripotent state comprises transducing the gd T cells with a viral vector encoding one or more reprogramming factors; and culturing the transduced gd T cells under conditions suitable for reprogramming mammalian somatic cells to a pluripotent state.
• D19 The method of embodiment D18, wherein the viral vector is a Sendai virus (SeV) vector.
• the one or more reprogramming factors are selected from a group consisting of OCT3/4, SOX2, KLF4, LIN28, and c-Myc.
• iPSC induced pluripotent stem cell
• the step for performing a function of enriching and/or activating gd T cells in the isolated population of cells comprises contacting the isolated population of cells with an activation culture; wherein the activation culture comprises IL-15 and zoledronic acid; and culturing the isolated population of cells in the activation culture to enrich and/or activate gd T cells in the isolated population of cells.
• the activation culture further comprises IL-2.
• iPSC of any one of embodiments E1-E4, wherein the isolated population of cells are peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs).
• PBMCs peripheral blood mononuclear cells
• E6 The iPSC of any one of embodiment E1-E5, wherein the isolated population of cells are terminally differentiated cells.
• E7 The iPSC of any one of embodiment E1-E6, wherein the isolated population of cells are mammal cells.
• E9 The iPSC of any one of embodiments E2-E8, wherein the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for 1-20 days, for 1-17 days, for 1-15 days, for 1-13 days, for 1- 11 days, for 1-9 days, for 1-7 days, for 1-5 days, for 1-3 days, for 12-72 hours, for 12-60 hours, for 12-48 hours, for 12-36 hours, for 12-24 hours, for 8-16 hours, for 4-8 hours, or for 2-4 hours.
• the iPSC of embodiment E9 wherein the isolated population of cells are cultured in the activation culture for at most 13 days, at most 10 days, at most 9 days, at most 8 days, at most 7 days, at most 6 days, at most 5 days, at most 4 days, at most 3 days, at most 2 days, or at most 1 day.
• E13 The iPSC of any one of embodiments E2-E12, wherein after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise 5% - 100% gd T cells, 5% - 95% gd T cells, 5% - 90% gd T cells, 5% - 85% gd T cells, 5% - 80% gd T cells, 5% - 75% gd T cells, 5% -
• the iPSC of embodiment E13 wherein after being cultured in the activation culture the isolated population of cells comprise less than 90%, less than 80%, less than 70%, less than 60%, less than 50%, less than 45%, less than 40%, less than 35%, or less than 30% gd T cells.
• E16 The iPSC of any one of embodiments E1-E15, wherein at least part of the gd T cells are activated to Vy9+ gd T cells.
• E17 The iPSC of any one of embodiments E1-E15, wherein at least part of the gd T cells are activated to Vy9d2+ gd T cells.
• step for performing a function of reprogramming the gd T cells to a pluripotent state comprises transducing the gd T cells with a viral vector encoding one or more reprogramming factors; and culturing the transduced gd T cells under conditions suitable for reprogramming mammalian somatic cells to a pluripotent state.
• E19 The iPSC of embodiment E18, wherein the viral vector is a Sendai virus (SeV) vector.
• E20 The iPSC of embodiment E18 or E19, wherein the one or more reprogramming factors are selected from a group consisting of OCT3/4, SOX2, KLF4, LIN28, and c-Myc.
• E21 The iPSC of any one of embodiments E18-E20, wherein the transduced gd T cells are cultured in the presence of one or more feeder layers.
• E23 The iPSC of embodiment E21 or E22, wherein the feeder layer comprises mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs).
• MEFs mouse embryonic fibroblasts
• E24 An isolated population of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) comprising pluripotent cells, wherein the pluripotent cells comprise a means for expressing one or more reprogramming factors, and/or wherein the pluripotent cells comprise a means for encoding rearrangement of TRG and TRD genes.
• iPSCs induced pluripotent stem cells
• E26 The isolated population of iPSCs of embodiment E24 or E25, wherein the isolated population of iPSCs are negative for a Sendai virus (SeV) vector.
• E27 The isolated population of iPSCs of any one of embodiments E24-E26, wherein the isolated population of iPSCs are derived from gd T cells.
• E28 The isolated population of iPSCs of any one of embodiments E24-E27, wherein the isolated population of iPSCs have rearrangement genes of TRG and TRD gene loci; and wherein optionally the isolated population of iPSCs have Vy9 and V52 gene arrangements.
• E29 The isolated population of iPSCs of any one of embodiments E24-E28, wherein the isolated population of iPSCs are not derived from ab T cells.
• E30 The isolated population of iPSCs of any one of embodiments E24-E29, wherein the isolated population of iPSCs do not produce PCR products from TCRA and TCRB gene loci.
• E31 The isolated population of iPSCs of any one of embodiments E24-E30, wherein the isolated population of iPSCs are genomically stable with no loss of a chromosome.
• E33 The isolated population of iPSCs of any one of embodiments E24-E32, wherein the isolated population of iPSCs can grow and maintain in feeder free medium after adoption.
• Example 1 Selective Activation and Enrichment of gd T Cells from PBMCs culture
• PBMCs were isolated from whole blood sample by density gradient centrifugation and the cells were counted by using hemocytometer. Cell density was adjusted to 1.0 x 10 6 cells/mL in complete RPMI media.
• prepared gd T cell culture medium (RPMI- 10%; RPMI supplemented with 10 %FBS and lx Pen/Strep) was supplemented with recombinant human IL-2 (rhIL-2) (cat # 202-IL, R&D Systems) to a final concentration of 1000 IU/mL, recombinant human rhll.-l 5 (cat # 247-ILB-025, R&D Systems) to a final concentration of 10 ng/mL and zoledronic acid to a final concentration of 5 mM.
• Cell density was adjusted to 1 x 10 6 cells/mL with the prepared gd T cell culture media. 10 x 10 6 cells were seeded in 10 mL of the culture medium in a T-75 flask.
• Cell pellet was re-suspended in 40 mL of culture medium (RPMI + 10% FBS+lx Pen/Strep) containing 100 IU IL-2 and 10 ng/mL IL-15 on day -5 of the culture. Further on day -3, cells were spun down at 1500 rpm for 5 min at room temperature. Cell pellet was resuspended in 40 mL of culture medium (RPMI + 10% FBS+lx Pen/Strep) containing 100 IU IL-2 and 10 ng/mL IL-15 on day -3 of the culture.
• RPMI + 10% FBS+lx Pen/Strep containing 100 IU IL-2 and 10 ng/mL IL-15 on day -3 of the culture.
• Activated gd T cells were enriched indirectly via cell-cell clump enrichment.
• T-75 cm 2 cell culture flasks containing Zol-cultured PBMCs (for 3 days, 8days, and 13 days, respectively) were tilted at 45-degree angle and the supernatant medium was aspirated out using a 10 mL steripipette without disturbing the sedimented cells.
• Remaining sedimented population largely consists of clumps of activated cells.
• Vy9 + gd T cells among whole PBMCs were selectively activated by Zol.
• Activated cells formed cell-cell clumps or blasts. These cell clumps had higher sedimentation rate compared to single cells, while the supernatant medium largely consisted of single cells.
• Enrichment of pure populations of gd T cells was performed using EasySepTM Human gd T cell isolation kit (Stemcell Technologies) according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Day 3 or day 8 Zol cultured PBMCs were harvested and spun down at 1500 rpm for 5 min at room temperature gd T cells enriched from day 3 or day 8 Zol stimulated PBMCs were used for SeV vector transduction.
• Cells were washed once by re-suspending them in plain RPMI (no FBS, or lx Pen/Strep) medium, and spun down at 1500 rpm for 5 min. Cell pellet was re-suspended in 1 mL of EasySepTM buffer (cat # 20144, STEMCELL Technologies) and cells were counted by hemocytometer.
• medium containing enriched cell suspension was collected by inverting the magnet containing the tube in one continuous motion.
• supernatants were collected from the tubes while they were on the magnet stand, without disturbing the bound magnetic particles, by using a 1 mL pipette hand.
• Example 2 Generation of human gd T-cell derived iPSCs from PBMCs culture
• Cell-cell clumps or blasts were subjected to transduction with Sendai virus (SeV) vector encoding OCT3/4, SOX2, KLF4, and c-Myc reprogramming factors.
• SeV vector transduced cells were propagated on mitotically inactivated MEF feeder layers, T-cell depleted autologous PBMCs, and/or feeder free conditions, as described below in Section 7.2.1 through Section 7.2.5.
• mRNA- or episomal-mediated reprogramming was examined as an alternative to Sendai virus (SeV)-mediated re-programming. Since Zol activated PBMCs were not resistant to repeated electroporation-mediated mRNA transfection, studies on mRNA-mediated reprogramming could not be pursued further. Episomal-mediated reprogramming yielded very few colonies. Therefore, SeV-mediated reprogramming was observed to be the most efficient method to reprogram Zol activated gd T cells. 7.2.1. Coating cell culture plates with extracellular matrix Gelatin Coating
• the gelatin solution was aspirated using a vacuum based aspirator with care so that the surface area of the well does not come into contact with the aspirator.
• Cells e.g ., mouse embryonic fibroblasts
• iMatrix-511 (cat # 892011, Nippi/Matrixome) solution at a stock concentration of 0.5 mg/mL was diluted with sterile DPBS (cat # 14190-136, Gibco). Dishes were coated with diluted iMatrix-511 at a concentration of 0.5 pg/crn 2 . For one well of a 6-well plate (9.6 cm 2 /well), 9.6 pL of iMatrix-511 (4.8 pg) was added into 1.99 mL of sterile DPBS and incubated at 4 °C overnight, at 37 °C for 1 hour or at room temperature for 3 hours.
• diluted iMatrix-511 was aspirated from the well with care so that the surface area of the well does not come into contact with the aspirator and that the wells are not air-dried.
• the required medium was added to the wells immediately so as not to allow the plate to dry.
• the medium needs to be added along the walls drop-wise to the wells. No rinsing is needed in between aspiration and cell seeding. Cells were plated immediately at a desired density. The plate was placed back into the incubator.
• vitronectin (cat # A14700, Gibco) at a stock concentration of 0.5 mg/mL was thawed at room temperature. 60 pL aliquots of vitronectin were prepared in polypropylene tubes. These aliquots were used immediately or frozen at -80 °C.
• Coated plates can be used or stored at 2-8 °C wrapped in laboratory film for up to a week. But the coated plates cannot be dried. Prior to use, a coated plate was pre-warmed to room temperature for at least 1 hour.
• vitronectin solution was aspirated and discarded. It is not necessary to rinse coated plate after the removal of vitronectin. Cells can be passaged directly onto the vitronectin-coated plates.
• MEF Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts (MEF) Revival
• CF-1 (cat # SCRC-1040, ATCC) cell line was procured from ATCC as frozen vials.
• a Frozen vial of MEF cells was quickly thawed in a 37 °C water bath.
• the thawed content was added to a 50 mL falcon tube containing 40 mL of 37 °C pre-warmed MEF medium, which comprises DMEM (cat # 11965-092, Gibco), 15% FBS and 1% Pen/Strep, in a drop wise manner.
• MEF cells were spun down at 1500 rpm for 5 min at room temperature, with the supernatant discarded.
• MEFs were seeded in a T-75 cm 2 flask at a density of 0.8 x 10 6 cells in 20-25 mL of MEF medium (DMEM + 15% FBS+ 1% Pen/Strep). Alternatively, MEFs were seeded in T-150 flasks at a density of 1 x 10 6 cells in 40 mL of MEF medium. MEFs were incubated at 37 °C in a humidified incubator with 7.5-10% CO2. To grow MEFs at 7.5-10% CO2, the medium should contain 3.7 g/L sodium bicarbonate. Cells were subcultured (as described below) when the cell culture reached 60-70% confluency. MEF Subculture
• MEF culture medium was removed and discarded. The cell layer was then rinsed with 20 mL (for T-75 flasks) or 40 mL (for T-175 flask) sterile DPBS. 4 mL (for a T-75 flask) or 10 mL (for a T-175 flask) of pre-warmed Trypsin-EDTA (cat # 25200-056, Gibco) was added and the mixture was incubated for 2-5 minutes. MEFs detached from the flask, as observed under microscope, and disassociated to form a single cell suspension. Trypsin was neutralized by adding twice the amount of complete MEF culture medium (DMEM + 15% FBS+ 1% Pen/Strep) into the flask.
• DMEM + 15% FBS+ 1% Pen/Strep was added twice the amount of complete MEF culture medium into the flask.
• MEF cells were split at 1 :2 or 1 :3 ratio, depending upon the requirement. Cells were incubated in flasks in a 37 °C humidified incubator containing 7.5-10% CO2. If the MEFs are being used as a feeder layer for iPSCs, it is not recommended to use them past passage No. 6 (P6).
• MEF cells were frozen at a cell density of 5 million/cryovial in 1 ml of freezing medium (Complete MEF medium supplemented with additional 40% FBS and 10% (v/v) DMSO (cat # D2650, Sigma)).
• a vial of frozen MEFs ( ⁇ passage number 5) was quickly thawed in a 37 °C water bath and added drop-wise to 49 mL of pre-warmed complete MEF media (DMEM + 15% FBS+lx Pen Strep) in a 50 mL falcon tube. Cells were centrifuged at 1500 rpm for 5 minutes at room temperature and washed once with phosphate buffered saline (PBS). One million of MEFs were seeded in 40 mL of MEF medium (DMEM + 15% FBS + 1% Pen/Strep) in a T-150 cm 2 flask, and incubated at 37 °C in a humidified incubator with 7.5% CO2.
• the DMEM medium should contain 3.7 g/L sodium bicarbonate. On day 2 of culture, the medium was replaced with fresh MEF medium. After 3-3.5 days of culture, MEF cells reached sub-confluent stage (approximately 70% confluency).
• Mitomycin-C master stock was prepared at a concentration of 1 mg/mL in double distilled FhO (dd FhO). Mitomycin-C was added to a final working concentration of 10 pg (10 m ⁇ ) per milliliter of MEF culture medium (DMEM + 15% FBS+lx Pen/Strep). For a T-150 cm 2 flask containing log phase passage 3 MEFs, added 400 pL of Mitomycin-C (1 mg/mL stock concentration) to 40 mL of MEF culture medium (DMEM + 15% FBS+ lx Pen/Strep). The mixture was incubated in the flask for 2 hours at 37 °C in a humidified incubator with 7.5% CO2.
• Sendai Virus (SeV) Vector Mediated Reprogramming of gd T Cells Day 0: Sendai Virus Infection
• CytotuneTM 2.0 tubes (cat # A16517, Thermo Fischer Scientific) were removed from - 80 °C and quickly thawed in a 37 °C water bath one by one for 5 to 10 seconds. Once thawed, these tubes were placed on ice. [00291] Calculated volumes of KOS, hc-Myc and hKlf4 containing Sendai vims particles were added to the cells in 0.3 mL of complete RPMI medium (RPMI + 10% FBS) at a multiplicity of infection (MOI, calculated based on the titer that is specific for each lot of CyotuneTM 2.0 kit) of 5, 5 and 3, respectively.
• MOI multiplicity of infection
• Complete culture medium was supplemented with 100 IU IL-2 and 10 ng/mL IL-15.
• Polybrene catalog # TR-1003-G, Millipore was added to the cell suspension containing vims at a concentration of 4 pg/mL.
• CytotuneTM 2.0 Sendai vimses were removed from the cell suspension by spinning the cells at 200x g for 10 minutes at room temperature. The medium was aspirated and the cell pellet was resuspended in 0.5 mL of complete RPMI medium in a low adherent 24-well plate. [00294] Cells were cultured at 37 °C in a humidified incubator of 5% CO2 for 2 days in complete RPMI medium (RPMI + 10% FBS + 1% Pen/Strep).
• Feeder layers were mitotically arrested using Mitomycin-C (cat # M4287, Millipore).
• Mitomycin-C arrested MEFs were plated on gelatin-coated wells of a 6-well plate. It is advisable to plate mitotic arrested MEFs a day or two before seeding the transduced cells onto them. Whether Mitomycin-C arrested MEFs’ cell cycle was checked by measuring the medium consumption by mitotically arrested MEFs at 37 °C, 5% CO2 over a period of 7 days.
• SeV transduced cell-cell clump enriched PBMCs or gd T cells were counted and seeded onto MEF monolayer in 2 mL of complete RPMI medium in a 6- well plate at varying cell densities (from 10,000 to 100,000 cells/well in a 6-well plate). Complete culture medium was supplemented with 100 IU IL-2 and 10 ng/mL IL-15. Day 3: Transfer Transduced Cells — Feeder Free Condition (onto iMatrix-511
• SeV transduced PBMCs or gd T cells were seeded onto laminin 511-E8 fragment- coated wells in 2 mL of complete RPMI culture medium at various cell densities (from 10,000 to 100,000 cells/well in a 6-well plate).
• Undifferentiated colonies were marked with a marker pen. A picture or two was taken of these colonies for reference purposes. Once the identification of the colonies was completed, the plate was taken to the laminar hood.
• Used medium was aspirated from the wells using a vacuum pump.
• 800 pL of TrypLE (cat # 12563-029, Gibco) disassociation reagent which was prediluted with sterile DPBS in a 1 : 1 dilution, was added to a well in a 6-well plate. The plate was incubated at 37 °C in a humidified incubator containing 5% CO2 for 4 minutes.
• 800 pL of TrypLE disassociation reagent which was prediluted with sterile DPBS in a 1 : 1 dilution, was added to a well in a 6-well plate. The plate was incubated at 37 °C in a humidified incubator containing 5% CO2 for 1 minute.
• the plate was taken out from the incubator and tilted gently.
• the entirety of the TrypLE reagent present in the well was aspirated with a 1 mL pipette.
• 2 mL of StemFit Basic2.0 medium contained 10 mM ROCK inhibitor (cat # SCM075, Merck Millipore) and bFGF was added to the well.
• Colonies can be collected either with little scrapping to prevent contamination from adjacent colony or the whole colonies can be collected by a 200 pL tip and transferred into a well in a 96-well plate that contained either 200 pL of StemFit Basic2.0 medium containing ROCK inhibitors and bFGFs for a feeder-based culture or mTeSR medium containing ROCK inhibitors with no bFGFs for a feeder-free culture.
• Scrapped chunks were collected using a 200 pL pipettor and immediately transferred onto either irradiated MEF monolayer seeded plates in StemFit Basic2.0 medium containing 10 mM ROCK inhibitors and 100 ng/mL bFGFs (feeder- based culture) or laminin-511/vitronectin coated plates (feeder-free culture) in mTeSR medium containing 10 mM ROCK inhibitors just for the 24 hours on Day 0 and no ROCK inhibitors thereafter.
• Irradiated MEFs were obtained from ATCC as frozen vials (cat # SCRC-1040.1, ATCC) and thawed as described by ATCC. Thawed cells were counted and seeded on gelatin- coated plates at a density of 0.5 million cells/well in a 6-well plate in MEF culture medium (which density may vary according to different conditions), one day before the iPSC colony was transferred onto them. Unlike Mitomycin-C treated MEF monolayers, irradiated MEF monolayers persisted only for 5 to 7 days.
• the plate was in a figure-8 pattern and transferred to a humidified incubator containing 5% CO2 at 37 °C.
• the colonies were cultured without any disturbance for the next 48 hours.
• 2 mL fresh medium was used to replace used medium in one well of a 6-well plate every 24 hours up to the next passage.
• Passage intervals depended on the growth of the iPSC colonies, which may vary from donor to donor. Typically, each passage took 3 to 5 days. A large number of differentiated cells were observed until the end of the first four passages. From passage 5 and onwards, undifferentiated colonies were observed.
• the plate was taken out from the incubator and cells were observed under inverted microscope. Undifferentiated colonies (colonies with smooth and tight borders, and compact cells inside tight borders with no heterotrophic centers) were marked with a marker pen. A picture or two was taken of these colonies for reference purposes. Once the identification of the colonies was completed, the plate was taken to the laminar hood.
• Used medium was aspirated from the wells using a vacuum pump.
• 800 pL of TrypLE disassociation reagent which was prediluted with sterile DPBS in a 1 : 1 dilution, was added to a well in a 6-well plate.
• the plate was incubated at 37 °C in a humidified incubator containing 5% CO2 for 2-4 minutes (for feeder-based culture) or 1 minute (for feeder-free culture).
• the plate was taken out from the incubator and tilted gently. The entirety of the TrypLE reagent present in the well was aspirated with a vacuum pump. The well was washed with plain medium. 2 mL of StemFit Basic2.0 medium (for feeder- based culture) or mTeSR medium (for feeder-free culture) was added to the well. [00319] The plate was taken under the microscope for colony picking. All differentiated colonies were selectively dislodged using a gel loading tip, with elongated mouth, mounted onto a 200 pL pipettor.
• the plate was washed with 2 mL of StemFit Basic2.0 medium (for feeder- based culture) or mTeSR medium (for feeder-free culture), which medium was then aspirated with a vacuum pump. The washing step was repeated one more time. After these two washes, most of the dislodged differentiated colonies were removed from the plate.
• a vial of frozen iPSCs (from a feeder-based or feeder-free culture) was quickly thawed in 37 °C water bath. Content of the vial was added drop by drop to a 50 mL conical tube containing 25 mL of StemFit Basic 2.0 medium (for feeder-based culture) or mTeSR medium (for feeder-free culture) containing 10 mM ROCK inhibitors. It is important to makes sure the cells are added drop by drop because sudden addition of cells into the medium will cause osmotic shock.
• the plate was incubated at 37 °C in a humidified incubator containing 5% CO2 for 24 hours. After 24 hours of incubation, culture medium containing ROCK inhibitors was replaced with fresh medium without ROCK inhibitors but with bFGFs, although no substantial difference were observed even if ROCK inhibitors continued to be used throughout the culture.
• Used medium was replaced with 2 mL fresh medium for one well of a 6-well plate every 24 hours up to the next passage.
• iPSCs colonies that were derived from 3-day Zol activated PBMCs were examined for the rearrangement at the TRG and TRD gene loci.
• genomic DNAs from all five iPSC colonies and the 22Rvl cell line were isolated, as described in Section 7.3.1.
• Genomic PCR was carried out with primers (against TRG loci) from IdentiCloneTM T cell receptor gamma gene rearrangement assay kit (cat # 1-207-0101, Invivoscribe) to assess the gene rearrangement at TRG locus following the procedure as described in Section 7.3.2.
• FIG. 3 shows additional amplicons of sizes approximately 180 and 182 bp in Clones A, B and C, indicating the possibility of having other Vy gene rearrangements in these clones.
• genomic PCR was performed using the published primers specific to the variable region (Vy9) and the joining region (JP1/JP2, JP) of the TRG locus and the variable region (Vy2) and the joining region of (J51 and J53) of the TRD locus. Published primer sequences for genomic PCR analysis of TRG and TRD gene rearrangement are provide din Table 2 below.
• TCR Gene Sequences [00333] In the genomic PCT analyses performed, iPSCs colonies from Clones A, B and C all showed rearrangements of the TRG and TRD genes. Gene rearrangements were identified as single bands representing Vy9-JP and V52-J51 or J53 recombinations, indicating that these colonies carried rearranged Vy9V52-TCR genes. For all three clones, rearrangements of the TRG gene were detected as single bands representing Vy9-JP. For Clone A, TCR5 gene rearrangement was detected as V52-J51. For clones B and C, V52-J53 recombination was detected, which indicated that these clones carried Vj9 and V52 gene rearrangements (FIG. 4). GAPDH amplification was observed in all three clones as a housekeeping control gene.
• FIG. 4 shows that no amplification was observed from the genomic DNA of Clones A, B and C when amplified with primers against TCRa and TCRP, confirming that these colonies are not from ab T-cells.
• sequencing of the amplicons and BLASTing the sequences against the whole human genome confirmed successful Vy9 and V52 gene arrangements in all the clones (FIG. 5 for Clone B, and FIGS. 6A-6D for Clones A, C, D, and E) at the TRG and TRD gene loci. Amplicons were ran on 1% agarose gel for Clones A, B and C only, whereas all five clones were subjected to genomic PCR with specific primers and sequencing (FIGS. 5 and 6A-6D). 7.3.1. Genomic DNA Isolation
• genomic DNA from the iPSC colonies and 22Rvl cells was isolated using GenEluteTM mammalian genomic DNA miniprep kit (cat # GlN70-lKt, Sigma) as described in detail in the following protocol.
• Undifferentiated iPSC colonies were picked up as described in Section 7.2.4. Cells were pelleted at 200x g for 30 seconds at room temperature. The culture medium was carefully removed using a 1 mL pipettor until there was no left over medium in the tube. Cells were flash frozen in liquid nitrogen and stored at -80 °C for future use.
• the cell pellet was thawed slowly on ice for 10-20 minutes and resuspended thoroughly in 200 pL of Resuspension Solution. 20 pL of RNase A solution was added and the mixture was incubated for 2 minutes at room temperature. 20 pL of the Proteinase K solution was added to the sample, followed by the addition of 200 pL of Lysis Solution C (B8803). The mixture was vortexed thoroughly for about 15 seconds and incubated at 70 °C for 10 minutes. A homogeneous mixture is essential for efficient lysis.
• the Wash Solution Concentrate was diluted with ethanol pursuant to manufacturer’s instructions. 500 pL of Wash Solution was added to the binding column, which was centrifuged for 1 minute at ⁇ 6,500x g. The collection tube containing the flow through liquid was discarded. The binding column was placed in a new 2 mL collection tube. [00342] Another 500 pL of Wash Solution was added to the binding column, which was centrifuged for 3 minutes at maximum speed (12, 000-16, OOOx g) to dry the binding column. The binding column must be free of ethanol before eluting the DNA. The column was centrifuged for one additional minute at maximum speed if residual ethanol was observed. The collection tube containing the flow through liquid was discarded. The binding column was placed in a new 2 mL collection tube.
• T Cell Receptor Gamma Gene Rearrangement Assay 2.0 [00344] IdentiCloneTM T Cell Receptor Gamma Gene Rearrangement Assay 2.0 PCR assay employs multiple consensus DNA primers that target conserved genetic regions within the T cell receptor gamma chain gene. Genomic DNA was isolated from the given clones followed by amplifying the region using IdentiCloneTM T Cell Receptor Gamma Gene Rearrangement Assay 2.0 kit.
• This kit consists of a single master mix that contains primers (conjugated to 6-FAM fluorescent dye) that target Vy2, Vy3, Vy4, Vy5, Vy8, Vy9, VylO and Vyl 1 and Ig1/Ig2, JyP and IgR1/IgR2 regions. This was followed by fractionation by capillary electrophoresis and analysis by the GeneMapper software (Eurofms). PCR amplicons have an expected size range between 159 and 207 base pairs.
• PCR was performed using the genomic DNA that was isolated from iPSC colonies, with the following PCR conditions. First, a temperature of 95 °C was applied for 3 minutes. Next, the following cycle was applied twenty-five (25) times: 95 °C for 30 seconds, 65 °C for 30 seconds, and 72 °C for 45 seconds. Finally, the temperature was held at 72 °C for 5 minutes, and then the mixture was kept at 25 °C until removed.
• the PCR mixture (30 pL) consisted of the following ingredients: 15 pL of the 2x Pwo Master (cat # 03789403001, Roche), 100 ng DNA template, 0.5 pL of each of the two primers (100 pM), and water to make up to 30 pL.
• test sample B (clone B) was positive for the rearrangement for Vy9V52 genes.
• PCR Primers for Sequencing [00350] Sample processing and analysis was performed at Eurofin (Bengaluru, India) pursuant to the kit manufacturer’s instructions. PCR products ware labelled with 6-FAM. Size standards (ROX or LIZ) and Hi-Di formamide were added pursuant to the protocol before linking.
• a sample sheet and injection list were prepared for the samples.
• the samples were run on an ABI 3100/3130 capillary electrophoresis instrument according to its user manual. Data were automatically displayed as size and color specific peaks.
• Genomic PCR was performed to assess the rearrangement at the TRG and TRD loci. Genomic DNA isolated from the iPSC clones (as described above) was used as a template. [00358] The amplicons were identified on 1% agarose gel electrophoresis. In a second series of experiments, DNA was extracted out of the dominant band on the agarose gel and cloned into a Topo vector and sequenced on a 3730x1 DNA analyzer (cat # 3730XL, Thermo Fisher Scientific).
• cDNA was used as a template for carrying out RT-PCR using primers listed in Table 6 above.
• amplicons were ran on 1% agarose gel electrophoresis to visualize the bands with DNA ladder at one end.
• cDNA prepared from whole PBMCs was used as a template negative control and primers against TCRa and TCRP were used as negative primer controls.
• Example 5 Assessment of pluripotent markers in gd T cell-derived iPSCs
• the pluripotent markers of gd T- cell derived iPSC colonies were evaluated by RT PCR as described in Section 7.4.1 above (FIG 7A), by immunohistochemistry as described in Section 7.5.1 (FIG. 7B), and by flow cytometry as described in Section 7.5.2 (FIG. 7C).
• RT-PCR results showed that these colonies expressed mRNAs that encode pluripotent transcription factors Oct3/4, Nanog, Sox2 and Lin28.
• Whole PBMCs were used as a negative control to show that the primers are specific against pluripotent markers (RT-PCR primer list and sequence are given in Table 6).
• Coverslips were cut into the desired size and placed in a well of a 24-well plate. Coverslips were then coated with vitronectin by immersing them in 1 mL of PBS containing vitronectin. iPSCs were adapted from feeder condition to feeder free condition. Thus, vitronectin was used to coat the coverslips.
• the 24-well plate was incubated at 37 °C for 2 hours. After the incubation period, PBS containing vitronectin was aspirated, and the well was washed with DPBS once. iPSC chunks were immediately plated onto vitronectin coated coverslips in mTeSR culture medium containing 10 mM ROCK inhibitors.
• the 24-well plate was incubated in a humidified incubator at 37 °C containing 5% CO2. After 24 hours of culture, culture medium containing ROCK inhibitors was replaced with fresh mTeSR medium without ROCK inhibitors. At this stage, colonies started to attach to the coverslips. No substantial difference was observed even if ROCK inhibitors continued to be used throughout culture.
• Blocking was performed by incubating coverslips containing fixed cells in 400 pL of blocking buffer (10% Donkey serum and 0.35% Triton X-100) at room temperature for 1 hour. After the incubation period, cells were washed once with 400 pL of lx BD Perm wash buffer.
• blocking buffer (10% Donkey serum and 0.35% Triton X-100)
• wash buffer containing antibodies was aspirated away and washed the wells twice with 400 pL of wash buffer. If cells were probed with unconjugated primary antibody, fluorochrome-labelled secondary antibody was used to detect the signal. Goat anti-human Oct3/4, Nanog antibodies were unconjugated, while anti-Sox2 was fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-conjugated.
• FITC fluorescein isothiocyanate
• coverslips containing probed cells were washed twice in 400 pL of lx BD Perm wash buffer. Coverslips containing fixed and stained cells were recovered from the 24-well plate using fine forceps.
• Immunohistochemistry (IHC) images were taken on a fluorescence microscope. Individual channels in images were saved and exported as TIFF format files. TIFF files were exported onto a different computer that contained Image J software. Image J software was used for generating overlay images. Briefly, TIFF images were converted into 8-bit format and the images to be overlaid were selected in the appropriate R, G and B channels. A composite image was generated in RGB color and the image was saved as TIFF/JPEG format file.
• iPSC colonies were initially disassociated into singles cells. Cells were spun down in a V-bottom 96-well plate at 1800 rpm for 5 minutes at room temperature. Supernatant was aspirated and the cells pellet was resuspended in 200 pL of DPBS containing 5 pL Live/Dead fixable violet dead cell strain (cat # L34955, Thermo Fisher Scientific) and Anti-Fc antibody.
• FSC- H Forward Scatter-Height
• SSC-H Segment Scatter-Height
• Live cells were gated in while other cells were eliminated.
• doublets were eliminated from live cells by gating cells on FSC-A (Forward Scatter-Area) vs FSC-H (Forward Scatter-Height) parameters.
• Live cells were gated for pluripotent markers like surface expression of S SEA-4 and Tra 1-60 and intracellular expression of Oct3 and Sox2. Fluorescence minus one (FMO) controls were used for each marker to define the specific gate.
• FMO Fluorescence minus one
• Example 7 Adopting of gd T-cell-derived iPSCs to feeder-free culture condition
• iPSCs colonies As described above in Example 2, no iPSCs colony in feeder free condition was observed during any of the T cell reprogramming experiments. After validating the colonies for Vy9 and V52 gene rearrangements and pluripotent markers, iPSCs colonies (at passage number 14 for Clones A, B and C and at passage number 4 for Clones D and E) were adopted to feeder- free conditions by testing various combinations of matrix and medium. Surprisingly, after adoption, all colonies were found to maintain and propagate in feeder free condition in vitronectin in combination the mTeSRTM medium (see FIG. 9).

Landscapes

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

Priority Applications (7)

Applications Claiming Priority (10)

Publications (1)

Family

ID=79023159

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (10)

Cited By (2)

Families Citing this family (3)

Citations (2)

Family Cites Families (56)

• 2021
  • 2021-06-16 KR KR1020237001809A patent/KR20230025005A/ko active Pending
  • 2021-06-16 WO PCT/US2021/037594 patent/WO2021257679A1/en not_active Ceased
  • 2021-06-16 JP JP2022576374A patent/JP2023530919A/ja active Pending
  • 2021-06-16 US US17/349,328 patent/US11981932B2/en active Active
  • 2021-06-16 IL IL298909A patent/IL298909A/en unknown
  • 2021-06-16 CN CN202180055632.6A patent/CN116157510A/zh active Pending
  • 2021-06-16 CA CA3187267A patent/CA3187267A1/en active Pending
  • 2021-06-16 AU AU2021292511A patent/AU2021292511A1/en active Pending
  • 2021-06-16 TW TW110121878A patent/TW202214844A/zh unknown
  • 2021-06-16 EP EP21825003.3A patent/EP4168433A4/en active Pending
• 2024
  • 2024-04-09 US US18/630,620 patent/US20240360421A1/en active Pending

Patent Citations (2)

Non-Patent Citations (2)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events