WO2022235622A2 - Cd20 targeting fusion proteins and methods of use thereof - Google Patents

Cd20 targeting fusion proteins and methods of use thereof Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2022235622A2
WO2022235622A2 PCT/US2022/027403 US2022027403W WO2022235622A2 WO 2022235622 A2 WO2022235622 A2 WO 2022235622A2 US 2022027403 W US2022027403 W US 2022027403W WO 2022235622 A2 WO2022235622 A2 WO 2022235622A2
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amino acid
acid sequence
seq
polypeptide
fusion protein
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PCT/US2022/027403
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French (fr)
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WO2022235622A3 (en
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Andreas Loew
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Biocove Llc
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    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K14/00—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof
    • C07K14/435—Peptides having more than 20 amino acids; Gastrins; Somatostatins; Melanotropins; Derivatives thereof from animals; from humans
    • C07K14/52—Cytokines; Lymphokines; Interferons
    • C07K14/54—Interleukins [IL]
    • C07K14/55—IL-2
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61P—SPECIFIC THERAPEUTIC ACTIVITY OF CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS OR MEDICINAL PREPARATIONS
    • A61P35/00—Antineoplastic agents
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K16/00—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies
    • C07K16/18—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans
    • C07K16/28—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans against receptors, cell surface antigens or cell surface determinants
    • C07K16/2887—Immunoglobulins [IGs], e.g. monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies against material from animals or humans against receptors, cell surface antigens or cell surface determinants against CD20
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61K—PREPARATIONS FOR MEDICAL, DENTAL OR TOILETRY PURPOSES
    • A61K39/00—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies
    • A61K2039/505—Medicinal preparations containing antigens or antibodies comprising antibodies
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2317/00—Immunoglobulins specific features
    • C07K2317/30—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by aspects of specificity or valency
    • C07K2317/35—Valency
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2317/00—Immunoglobulins specific features
    • C07K2317/50—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by immunoglobulin fragments
    • C07K2317/52—Constant or Fc region; Isotype
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2317/00—Immunoglobulins specific features
    • C07K2317/60—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by non-natural combinations of immunoglobulin fragments
    • C07K2317/64—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by non-natural combinations of immunoglobulin fragments comprising a combination of variable region and constant region components
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2317/00—Immunoglobulins specific features
    • C07K2317/70—Immunoglobulins specific features characterized by effect upon binding to a cell or to an antigen
    • C07K2317/71—Decreased effector function due to an Fc-modification
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C07—ORGANIC CHEMISTRY
    • C07K—PEPTIDES
    • C07K2319/00—Fusion polypeptide

Definitions

  • This disclosure relates to multispecific fusion proteins that target an effector cytokine (e.g., IL-2 or a functional variant or fragment thereof) to immune cells expressing CD20.
  • the disclosure further relates to therapeutic methods of using the same.
  • Immunostimulatory proteins can be useful in the treatment of cancer as they can directly stimulate immune effector cells.
  • cytokines including, IL-2, GM-CSF, IL-7, IL-12, IL-15, IL-18, and IL-21, have entered clinical trials for use in the treatment of patients with advanced cancers.
  • the success and usefulness of cytokine therapy has largely been limited by the requirement for high dosing, which can produce severe or untenable side effects.
  • cytokines e.g., IL-2
  • IL-2 therapeutic cytokines
  • fusion proteins comprising a targeting moiety that specifically binds CD20 (e.g., human CD20 (hCD20)) and an effector moiety comprising IL-2 (e.g., human IL-2 (hIL-2)), and methods of use in preventing or treating a disease (e.g., cancer).
  • CD20 e.g., human CD20 (hCD20)
  • IL-2 e.g., human IL-2 (hIL-2)
  • IL-2 e.g., human IL-2 (hIL-2)
  • IL-2 e.g., human IL-2
  • the fusion proteins described herein may be particularly useful in the prevention or treatment of a cancer e.g., a cancer characterized as one having solid tumors.
  • the instant disclosure provides fusion proteins comprising a first antigen binding domain that specifically binds human CD20 (hCD20); and a first human interleukin-2 (hIL-2) polypeptide.
  • the fusion protein further comprises a first Fc region and a second Fc region.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide is capable of binding CD25 with substantially the same affinity as a reference IL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds CD25 with at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% of the affinity with which a reference hIL-2 polypeptide binds CD25 (e.g., a hL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • a reference hIL-2 polypeptide binds CD25 with at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% of the affinity with which a reference hIL-2 polypeptide binds CD25 (e.g., a hL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds CD25 with at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% of the affinity with which a reference hIL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) binds CD25, as measured by surface plasmon resonance (SPR).
  • SPR surface plasmon resonance
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to human CD132 (hCD132) with lower affinity as compared to a reference IL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • a reference IL-2 polypeptide e.g., a hL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD132 with at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% less affinity of that with which a reference hIL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) binds hCD132.
  • a reference hIL-2 polypeptide e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD132 with at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% less affinity of that with which a reference hIL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) binds hCD132, as measured by SPR.
  • a reference hIL-2 polypeptide e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD122 with lower affinity as compared to a reference hIL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • a reference hIL-2 polypeptide e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% less affinity of that with which a reference hIL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) binds hCD122.
  • a reference hIL-2 polypeptide e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% less affinity of that with which a reference hIL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) binds hCD122, as measured by SPR.
  • a reference hIL-2 polypeptide e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises at least one amino acid substitution relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60; and binds to hCD122 with a lower affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD122 with at least about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with a KD that is from about a 50 to 80-fold, 60 to 80-fold, 50 to 70-fold, 60 to 70-fold, 65 to 80-fold, or 65 to 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with a KD that is about a 50-fold, 60-fold, 65-fold, or 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with a KD that is about a 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises at least one amino acid substitution relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60; and binds to a human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising human CD 122 (hCD122) and human CD 132 (hCD132) with a lower affinity relative to a hlL- 2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to a human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hCD122 and hCD132 with at least about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to a human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hCD122 and hCD132 with a KD that is from about a 50 to 80-fold, 60 to 80-fold, 50 to 70-fold, 60 to 70-fold, 65 to 80-fold, or 65 to 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to a human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hCD122 and hCD132 with a KD that is about a 50-fold, 60- fold, 65-fold, or 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the first hIL-2 binds to a human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hCD122 and hCD132 with a KD that is about a 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises at least one amino acid substitution relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60; and induces reduced dimerization of hCD122 and hCD132 in vitro relative to hIL-2 comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
  • the at least one amino acid substitution is an amino acid substitution at position N88, LI 9, D20, or L21, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
  • the at least one amino acid substitution is anN88R, N88G, N88T, N88M, N88I, N88Q, N88E, N88V, N88F, N88Y, N88L, N88S, N88H, N88W, N88K, D20E, D20I, D20N, D20Q, D20S, D20T, D20Y, L19Y, L19N, L19R, L19Q, L19H, L19D, L19P, L19S, L21S, L21N, or L21R amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
  • the at least one amino acid substitution is anN88R, N88G, N88T, N88M, N88I, N88A, N88Q, N88E, N88V, N88F, N88Y, N88L, N88S, N88H, N88W, or N88K amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
  • the at least one amino acid substitution is anN88R, N88D, or N88G amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
  • the at least one amino acid substitution is an N88R amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at position T3, position C125, or both T3 and C125, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises a T3A amino acid substitution, a Cl 25 A amino acid substitution, or both a T3A amino acid substitution and a C 125A amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises 1, 2, or 3 of the following amino acid substitutions: T3A, N88R, or C125A, numbering relative to SEQ ID NO: 59).
  • the amino acid sequence of the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises 1, 2, 3, or 4 ofthe following amino acid substitutions: T3A, F42A, N88R, or C125A, numbering relative to SEQ ID NO: 59).
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with from about 5% to 90%, 5% to 80%, 5% to 70%, 5% to 60%, 5% to 50%, 5% to 40%, 5% to 30%, 5% to 20%, or 5% to 10% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with from about 5% to 40%, 5% to 30%, 5% to 20%, or 5% to 10% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with from about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with from about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, or 40% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is from about a 20 to 50-fold, 20 to 40-fold, 25 to 50-fold, 25 to 40-fold, 30 to 50-fold, or 30- to-40-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is about a 20-fold, 25-fold, 30-fold, 33-fold, 35-fold, 40-fold, 45-fold, or 50-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is about a 30-fold or 33-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is from about a 3 to 10-fold, 3 to 6-fold, or 3 to 5 -fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is about a 1-fold, 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 6-fold, 7-fold 8-fold, 9-fold, or 10-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is about a 5 -fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an F42A amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises a Y45A amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NOS: 59-313 or 474-477.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NOS: 131-148, 474, or 476.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NOS: 254-271, 475, or 477.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NOS: 59, 60, 137, 260, 474, or 475.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59, and comprises an alanine at amino acid position T3 and an alanine or serine at amino acid position C125.
  • the fusion protein comprises a second hIL-2 polypeptide.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first hIL-2 polypeptide is at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the second hIL-2 polypeptide.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide is capable of binding CD25 with substantially the same affinity as a reference IL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • a reference IL-2 polypeptide e.g., a hL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds CD25 with at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% of the affinity with which a reference hIL-2 polypeptide binds CD25 (e.g., a hL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • a reference hIL-2 polypeptide binds CD25 with at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% of the affinity with which a reference hIL-2 polypeptide binds CD25 (e.g., a hL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds CD25 with at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% of the affinity with which a reference hIL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) binds CD25, as measured by surface plasmon resonance (SPR).
  • SPR surface plasmon resonance
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to human CD 132 (hCD132) with lower affinity as compared to a reference IL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • a reference IL-2 polypeptide e.g., a hL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD132 with at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% less affinity of that with which a reference hIL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) binds hCD132.
  • a reference hIL-2 polypeptide e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD132 with at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% less affinity of that with which a reference hIL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) binds hCD132, as measured by SPR.
  • a reference hIL-2 polypeptide e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD122 with lower affinity as compared to a reference hIL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • a reference hIL-2 polypeptide e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% less affinity of that with which a reference hIL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) binds hCD122.
  • a reference hIL-2 polypeptide e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% less affinity of that with which a reference hIL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) binds hCD122, as measured by SPR.
  • a reference hIL-2 polypeptide e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises at least one amino acid substitution relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60; and binds to hCD122 with a lower affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD122 with at least about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with a KD that is from about a 50 to 80-fold, 60 to 80-fold, 50 to 70-fold, 60 to 70-fold, 65 to 80-fold, or 65 to 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with a KD that is about a 50-fold, 60-fold, 65-fold, or 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with a KD that is about a 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises at least one amino acid substitution relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60; and binds to a human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising human CD 122 (hCD122) and human CD 132 (hCD132) with a lower affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to a human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hCD122 and hCD132 with at least about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to a human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hCD122 and hCD132 with a KD that is from about a 50 to 80-fold, 60 to 80-fold, 50 to 70-fold, 60 to 70-fold, 65 to 80-fold, or 65 to 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to a human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hCD122 and hCD132 with a KD that is about a 50-fold, 60- fold, 65-fold, or 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the second hIL-2 binds to a human intermediate affinity IL- 2 receptor comprising hCD122 and hCD132 with a KD that is about a 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises at least one amino acid substitution relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60; and induces reduced dimerization of hCD122 and hCD132 in vitro relative to hIL-2 comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
  • the at least one amino acid substitution is an amino acid substitution at position N88, LI 9, D20, or L21, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
  • the at least one amino acid substitution is anN88R, N88G, N88T, N88M, N88I, N88Q, N88E, N88V, N88F, N88Y, N88L, N88S, N88H, N88W, N88K, D20E, D20I, D20N, D20Q, D20S, D20T, D20Y, L19Y, L19N, L19R, L19Q, L19H, L19D, L19P, L19S, L21S, L21N, or L21R amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
  • the at least one amino acid substitution is anN88R, N88G, N88T, N88M, N88I, N88A, N88Q, N88E, N88V, N88F, N88Y, N88L, N88S, N88H, N88W, or N88K amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
  • the at least one amino acid substitution is anN88R, N88D, or N88G amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
  • the at least one amino acid substitution is an N88R amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at position T3, position C125, or both T3 and C125, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises a T3A amino acid substitution, a Cl 25 A amino acid substitution, or both a T3A amino acid substitution and a C 125A amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59.
  • the amino acid sequence of the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises 1, 2, or 3 of the following amino acid substitutions: T3A, N88R, or C125A, numbering relative to SEQ ID NO: 59).
  • the amino acid sequence of the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises 1, 2, 3, or 4 of the following amino acid substitutions: T3A, F42A, N88R, or C125A, numbering relative to SEQ ID NO: 59).
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with from about 5% to 90%, 5% to 80%, 5% to 70%, 5% to 60%, 5% to 50%, 5% to 40%, 5% to 30%, 5% to 20%, or 5% to 10% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with from about 5% to 40%, 5% to 30%, 5% to 20%, or 5% to 10% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with from about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with from about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, or 40% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is from about a 20 to 50-fold, 20 to 40-fold, 25 to 50-fold, 25 to 40-fold, 30 to 50-fold, or 30-to-40-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is about a 20-fold, 25-fold, 30-fold, 33-fold, 35-fold, 40-fold, 45-fold, or 50-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is about a 30-fold or 33 -fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is from about a 3 to 10-fold, 3 to 6-fold, or 3 to 5-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is about a 1-fold, 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 6-fold, 7-fold 8-fold, 9-fold, or 10-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is about a 5-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an F42A amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises a Y45A amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NOS: 59-313 or 474-477.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NOS: 131-148, 474, or 476.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NOS: 254-271, 475, or 477.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NOS: 59, 60, 137, 260, 474, or 475.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59, and comprises an alanine at amino acid position T3 and an alanine or serine at amino acid position C125.
  • the fusion protein comprises a second hIL-2 polypeptide.
  • the amino acid sequence of the second hIL-2 polypeptide is at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the second hIL-2 polypeptide.
  • the first antigen binding domain comprises a Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, single chain variable fragment (scFv), scFv2, F(v), or a single domain antibody (sdAb).
  • the first antigen binding domain is a Fab or a scFv.
  • the first antigen binding domain comprises a first variable heavy chain region (VH) that comprises three VH complementarity determining regions (VH CDRs): VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3; and a first variable light chain region (VL) that comprises three VL CDRs: VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3.
  • VH variable heavy chain region
  • VH CDRs VH complementarity determining regions
  • VL first variable light chain region
  • the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 328; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 328 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications ( e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 329; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 329 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ
  • the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 338; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 338 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 339; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 339 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 340; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 340 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341 ; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
  • the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 350; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 350 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 351; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 351 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 352; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 352 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 353; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 353 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 354;
  • the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 363; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 363 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3
  • the first VH comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 332; and/or the first VL comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 333; the first VH comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 344; and/or the first VL comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 345; the first VH comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 356; and/or the first VL comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%
  • the first VH is operably connected to a first CHI domain.
  • the first CHI domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
  • the first VL is operably connected to a first CL domain.
  • the first CL domain comprises the amino acid sequence of
  • SEQ ID NO: 57 or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 57 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide is operably connected to the C- terminus of the first CL domain.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide is operably connected to the C- terminus of the first CL domain via a first peptide linker.
  • the first peptide linker comprises an amino acid sequence that comprises from or from about 5-30, 5-25, 5-20, 5-15, 10-30, 10-25, 10-20, or 10-15 amino acids.
  • the first peptide linker comprises glycine or serine amino acids or both.
  • the first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence (GGGS)x, wherein X is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.
  • the first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence (GGGS)x, wherein X is 3.
  • the first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 318, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 318 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
  • fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims further comprising a second antigen binding domain that specifically binds hCD20.
  • the second antigen binding domain comprises a Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, single chain variable fragment (scFv), scFv2, F(v), or a single domain antibody (sdAb).
  • the second antigen binding domain is a Fab or a scFv.
  • the second antigen binding domain comprises a second VH that comprises three VH complementarity determining regions (VH CDRs): VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3; and a second variable light chain region (VL) that comprises three VL CDRs: VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3.
  • VH CDRs VH complementarity determining regions
  • VL variable light chain region
  • the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 328; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 328 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 329; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 329 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
  • the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 338; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 338 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 339; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 339 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 340; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 340 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341 ; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
  • the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 350; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 350 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 351; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 351 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 352; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 352 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 353; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 353 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 354;
  • the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 363; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 363 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition);
  • the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
  • the first VH comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 332; and/or the first VL comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 333; the first VH comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 344; and/or the first VL comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 345; or the first VH comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 356; the first VL comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino
  • the second VH is operably connected to a second CHI domain.
  • the second CHI domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
  • the second VL is operably connected to a second CL domain.
  • the second CL domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 57, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 57 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide is operably connected to the C-terminus of the second CL domain.
  • the second hIL-2 polypeptide is operably connected to the C-terminus of the second CL domain via a second peptide linker.
  • the second peptide linker comprises an amino acid sequence that comprises from or from about 5- 30, 5-25, 5-20, 5-15, 10-30, 10-25, 10-20, or 10-15 amino acids.
  • the second peptide linker comprises glycine and serine amino acids.
  • the second peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence (GGGS)x, wherein X is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.
  • the second peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence (GGGS)x, wherein X is 3.
  • the second peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 318, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 318 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
  • the first antigen binding domain is operably connected to the N-terminus of the first Fc region.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide is operably connected to the N- terminus of the second Fc region.
  • the first hIL-2 polypeptide is operably connected to the N- terminus of the second Fc region via a peptide linker.
  • the peptide linker comprises an amino acid sequence that comprises from or from about 5-30, 5-25, 5-20, 5-15, 10-30, 10-25, 10-20, or 10-15 amino acids.
  • the peptide linker comprises glycine and serine amino acids.
  • the peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence (GGGS)X, wherein X is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.
  • the peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence (GGGS)X, wherein X is 3.
  • the peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence (GGGS)X, wherein X is 4. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 318, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 318 with 1 , 2, or 3 amino acid modifications. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 319, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 319 with 1 , 2, or 3 amino acid modifications.
  • the first Fc region and the second Fc region are each a human IgGl, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgM, IgA, IgD, or IgE Fc region, or functional variant thereof.
  • the first Fc region and the second Fc region are each a human IgGl Fc region, or functional variant thereof.
  • the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises at least one amino acid modification that reduces or eliminates at least one effector function of an Fc region compared to a native Fc region that does not contain the at least one amino acid modification (e.g a substitution, deletion, or addition).
  • the at least one effector function of an Fc region comprises the ability of an Fc region to induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), or complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), bind an Fc receptor, or any combination thereof.
  • ADCC antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity
  • ADCP antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis
  • CDC complement dependent cytotoxicity
  • the Fc receptor is an Fey receptor.
  • the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises an amino acid substitution at one, two, or three of amino acid positions L234, L235, and P329, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises one, two, or three of amino acid substitutions: L234A, L235A, P329G, and P329A, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprise a L234A and L235A amino acid substitution, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprise a L234A, L235A, and P329A amino acid substitution, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprise a L234A, L235A, and P329G amino acid substitution, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the first Fc region comprises a CH2 domain and a CH3 domain; and the second Fc region comprises a CH2 domain and a CH3 domain.
  • the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9, further comprising amino acid substitutions: an alanine at position LI 9, an alanine at position L20, and an alanine at position PI 14, a serine at position T151 , an alanine at position LI 53, a valine at position Y 192, and a cystine at position Y134 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9; and wherein the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9, further comprising amino acid substitutions: a glycine amino acid substitution at position C5 , an alanine at position L 19, an alanine at position L20, and an alanine at position PI 14, a tryptophan at position T151 and a cysteine at position SI 39 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9.
  • the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16; and the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22; the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17; and the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23; the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; and the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24; the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19; and the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 470; the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20; and the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 471; or the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21; and the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 472.
  • the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16; and the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22; the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17; and the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23; the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; and the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24; the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19; and the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 470; the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20; and the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 471; or the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21; and the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 472.
  • the CH3 domain of the first Fc region and the CH3 domain of the second Fc region each comprise at least one amino acid modification that promotes heterodimerization of the first Fc region and the second Fc region.
  • the first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366, L368, and Y407, numbering according to EU index of Kabat. [00155] In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises amino acid substitutions T366S, L368A, and Y407V, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position Y349, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the first Fc region comprises amino acid substitution Y349C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the first Fc region comprises amino acid substitutions T366S, L368A, Y407V, and Y349C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the second Fc region comprises amino acid substitution T366W, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position S354, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the second Fc region comprises amino acid substitution S354C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366 and S354, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the second Fc region comprises amino acid substitutions T366W and S354C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the first Fc region comprises amino acid substitutions T366S, L368A, Y407V, and Y349C, and wherein the second Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitutions T366W and S354C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat. [00167] In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the first Fc region comprises amino acid substitution T366W, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position S354, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the first Fc region comprises amino acid substitution S354C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366 and S354, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the first Fc region comprises amino acid substitutions T366W and S354C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366, F368, and Y407, numbering according to EU index of Kabat. [00174] In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises amino acid substitutions T366S, L368A, and Y407V, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position Y349, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the second Fc region comprises amino acid substitution Y349C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366, L368, Y407, and Y349, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the second Fc region comprises amino acid substitutions T366S, L368A, Y407V, and Y349C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the first Fc region comprises amino acid substitutions T366W and S354C
  • the second Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitutions T366S, F368A, Y407V, and Y349C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprise an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9.
  • the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprise an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9.
  • the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises an amino acid substitution at one or more of amino acid position F19, F20 or PI 14 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9.
  • the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises one, two, or three of the following amino acid substitutions: an alanine at position FI 9, an alanine at position F20, or an alanine at position PI 14, of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9.
  • the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises one, two, or three of the following amino acid substitutions: an alanine at position F19, an alanine at position F20, or a glycine at position PI 14, of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9.
  • the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises the following amino acid substitutions: an alanine at position FI 9, an alanine at position F20, of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9.
  • the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises the following amino acid substitutions: an alanine at position FI 9, an alanine at position F20, and an alanine at position PI 14, of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9.
  • the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises the following amino acid substitutions: an alanine at position FI 9, an alanine at position F20, and a glycine at position PI 14, of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9.
  • the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises the following amino acid substitution: a glycine at position C5, of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9.
  • the first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at position T 151 , L153, and Y192 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitutions: a serine at position T151, an alanine at position LI 53, and a valine at position Y192 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position Y134 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitution: a cysteine at position Y134 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9.
  • the first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at position T 151 , L153, Y192, and Y134 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitutions: a serine at position T 151 , an alanine at position L153, a valine at position Y 192, and a cystine at position Y134 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9.
  • the second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at position T151 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitutions: a tryptophan at position T151 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at position SI 39 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitutions: a cysteine at position SI 39 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitutions: a tryptophan at position T 151 and a cysteine at position 139 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9.
  • the first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at position T151 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitutions: a tryptophan at position T151 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at position S139 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitutions: a cysteine at position SI 39 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitutions: a tryptophan at position T151 and a cysteine at position SI 39 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9.
  • the second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at position T 151 , LI 53, and Y192 ofSEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitutions: a serine at position T 151 , an alanine at position L153, and a valine at position Y192 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position Y134 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitution: a cysteine at position Y134 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9.
  • the second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at position T 151 , L153, Y192, and Y134 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitutions: a serine at position T151, an alanine at position L153, a valine at position Y 192, and a cystine at position Y134 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9.
  • the first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at position C220, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the first Fc region comprises a C220G amino acid substitution, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at position C220, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the second Fc region comprises a C220G amino acid substitution, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9 comprising an amino acid substitution at position C5 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9.
  • the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9 comprising a glycine amino acid substitution at position C5 of SEQ ID NO:
  • the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9 comprising an amino acid substitution at position C5 of SEQ ID NO: 7,
  • the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9 comprising a glycine amino acid substitution at position C5 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9.
  • fusion proteins comprising a first polypeptide comprising fromN- to C-terminus: a first VL, a first CL, and a first hIL-2 polypeptide; a second polypeptide comprising from N- to C-terminus: a first VH, a first CHI, and a first Fc region; and a third polypeptide comprising from N- to C-terminus: a second VH, a second CHI, and a second Fc region; and a fourth polypeptide comprising from N- to C-terminus a second VL, a second CL, and a second hIL-2 polypeptide; wherein the first VH and the first VL associate to form a first antigen binding domain that specifically binds hCD20; wherein the second VH and the second VL associate to form a second antigen binding domain that specifically binds hCD20; and wherein the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises at least one amino acid
  • the first Fc region comprises a hinge domain, CH2 domain, and a CH3 domain; and wherein the first Fc region comprises a hinge domain, CH2 domain, and a CH3 domain.
  • the first polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 431-449 or 451-469; wherein the second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 430 or 450, wherein the third polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91 %, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 430 or 450, and wherein the fourth polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO:
  • the first polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 431-449; wherein the second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 430, wherein the third polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 430, and wherein the fourth polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 43
  • the first polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 451-469; wherein the second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 450, wherein the third polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 450, and wherein the fourth polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 45
  • fusion proteins comprising a first polypeptide comprising from N- to C-terminus: a VL and CL; a second polypeptide comprising from N- to C -terminus: a VH, a CHI, and a first Fc region; and a third polypeptide comprising from N- to C-terminus: a first hIL-2 polypeptide that is capable of binding CD25 with substantially the same affinity as wild type IL-2, and a second Fc region; wherein the VH and the VL associate to form an antigen binding domain that specifically binds hCD20a; and wherein the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises at least one amino acid modification (e.g a substitution, deletion, or addition) that reduces or eliminates an effector function of an Fc region compared to a native Fc region that does not contain the at least one amino acid modification.
  • amino acid modification e.g a substitution, deletion, or addition
  • the first Fc region comprises a hinge domain, CH2 domain, and a CH3 domain; and wherein the first Fc region comprises a hinge domain, CH2 domain, and a CH3 domain.
  • the first polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 337 or 371 ; wherein the second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 385 or 408, and wherein the third polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 386, 388-407, 409, or 411-429.
  • the first polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 337; wherein the second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 385, and wherein the third polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 386 or 388-407.
  • the first polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 371; wherein the second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 408, and wherein the third polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 409 or 411-429.
  • polynucleotides encoding a fusion protein described herein.
  • DNA polynucleotides encoding a fusion protein described herein are provided herein.
  • RNA polynucleotides encoding a fusion protein described herein.
  • vectors comprising a polynucleotide (e.g DNA or RNA polynucleotide) described herein that encodes a fusion protein described herein.
  • a polynucleotide e.g DNA or RNA polynucleotide
  • the vector of claim 205 wherein the vector is a plasmid or a viral vector.
  • compositions comprising a fusion protein described herein, a polynucleotide described herein, a DNA polynucleotide described herein, an RNA polynucleotide described herein, a vector described herein, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
  • cells comprising a fusion protein described herein, a polynucleotide described herein, a DNA polynucleotide described herein, an RNA polynucleotide described herein, a vector described herein.
  • a method of making a fusion protein described herein comprising introducing into a population of in vitro or ex vivo cells a polynucleotide described herein, a DNA polynucleotide described herein, an RNA polynucleotide described herein, or a vector described herein, culturing the population of cells under conditions sufficient for the population of cells to express the fusion protein; and optionally isolating and/or purifying the fusion protein.
  • a method of treating a cancer in a subject in need thereof comprising administering to the subject in need thereof a fusion protein described herein, a polynucleotide described herein, a DNA polynucleotide described herein, an RNA polynucleotide described herein, a vector described herein, or a pharmaceutical composition described herein.
  • a method of ameliorating, reducing, lessening, or delaying at least one symptom of a cancer in a subject in need thereof comprising: administering to the subject in need thereof a fusion protein described herein, a polynucleotide described herein, a DNA polynucleotide described herein, an RNA polynucleotide described herein, a vector described herein, or a pharmaceutical composition described herein.
  • the cancer is a solid tumor.
  • the cancer is a hematological malignancy.
  • the cancer is local, regional, or metastatic.
  • the cancer is recurrent.
  • the cancer is refractory.
  • the cancer is breast cancer, anal cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer, spinal cord cancer, head cancer, neck cancer, head and neck cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, or myeloma.
  • the cancer is breast cancer, anal cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer, spinal cord cancer, head cancer, neck cancer, or head and neck cancer.
  • a cancer such as breast cancer, anal cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer, spinal cord cancer, head cancer, neck cancer, head and neck cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, or myeloma.
  • FIG. 1 is a depiction of an exemplary fusion protein described herein.
  • the fusion protein comprises an anti-CD20 Fab antigen binding domain, wherein the heavy chain variable region (VH) of the Fab is operably connected to a first Fc region, and IL-2 is operably connected to the N-terminus of a second Fc region.
  • the first and second Fc regions are heterodimeric, wherein each Fc region comprises at least one amino acid modification (e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition) that promotes heterodimerization of the correct polypeptide chains.
  • IL-2 is wild type.
  • IL-2 comprises at least one amino acid modification (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) as compared to the amino acid sequence of a reference IL-2 sequence (e.g., a reference wild type IL-2 sequence).
  • a reference IL-2 sequence e.g., a reference wild type IL-2 sequence.
  • the format depicted in FIG. 1 is also referred to herein as a l l format.
  • FIG. 2 is a depiction of an exemplary fusion protein described herein.
  • the fusion protein comprises a full-length anti-CD20 antibody and IL-2 operably connected to the C-terminus of each light chain.
  • each IL-2 is wild type.
  • each IL-2 comprises at least one amino acid modification (e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition) as compared to the amino acid sequence of a reference IL-2 sequence (e.g., a reference wild type IL-2 sequence).
  • the format depicted in FIG. 1 is also referred to herein as a 2x2 format.
  • FIG. 3 is a depiction of an exemplary fusion protein described herein.
  • the fusion protein comprises a full-length anti-CD20 antibody and IL-2 operably connected to the C-terminus of one of the two Fc regions.
  • the first and second Fc regions are heterodimeric, wherein each Fc region comprises at least one amino acid modification (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) that promotes heterodimerization of the correct polypeptide chains.
  • IL-2 is wild type.
  • IL-2 comprises at least one amino acid modification (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) as compared to the amino acid sequence of a reference IL-2 sequence (e.g., a reference wild type IL-2 sequence).
  • FIG. 4 is a depiction of an exemplary fusion protein described herein.
  • the fusion protein comprises a full-length anti-CD20 antibody and IL-2 operably connected to the N-terminus of only one of the heavy chains.
  • the first and second Fc regions are heterodimeric, wherein each Fc region comprises at least one amino acid modification (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) that promotes heterodimerization of the correct polypeptide chains.
  • IL-2 is wild type.
  • IL-2 comprises at least one amino acid modification (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) as compared to the amino acid sequence of a reference IL-2 sequence (e.g., a reference wild type IL-2 sequence).
  • FIG. 5 is a depiction of an exemplary fusion protein described herein.
  • the fusion protein comprises a full-length anti-CD20 antibody and IL-2 operably connected to the N-terminus of both heavy chains.
  • each IL-2 is wild type.
  • each IL-2 comprises at least one amino acid modification (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) as compared to the amino acid sequence of a reference IL-2 sequence (e.g., a reference wild type IL-2 sequence).
  • FIG. 6 is a depiction of an exemplary fusion protein described herein.
  • the fusion protein comprises a full-length anti-CD20 antibody and IL-2 operably connected to the N-terminus of both light chains.
  • each IL-2 is wild type.
  • each IL-2 comprises at least one amino acid modification (e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition) as compared to the amino acid sequence of a reference IL-2 sequence (e.g., a reference wild type IL-2 sequence).
  • FIG. 7 is a depiction of a non-targeted IL-12 Fc fusion (the format is also referred to herein as “IL-12-Fc”).
  • the fusion protein comprises IL-12p40 operably connected to the N- terminus of a first Fc region, and IL-12p35 operably connected to the N-terminus of a second Fc region.
  • the first and second Fc regions are heterodimeric, whereineach Fc region comprises at least one amino acid modification (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) that promotes heterodimerization of the correct polypeptide chains.
  • FIG. 8 is a depiction of a fusion protein format also referred to herein as “PD 1 -IL- 2v.”
  • the fusion protein comprises a full-length anti-PDl antibody and IL-2 operably connected to the C-terminus of one of the two Fc regions.
  • the first and second Fc regions are heterodimeric, wherein each Fc region comprises at least one amino acid modification (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) that promotes heterodimerization of the correct polypeptide chains.
  • the murine IL-2 comprises three amino acid substitutions as compared to the amino acid sequence of wild type IL-2, that diminish or abolish binding of IL-2 to the high affinity receptor CD25, namely F42A, Y47A, and L72G of human IL-2.
  • FIG. 9 is a depiction of an exemplary fusion protein described herein.
  • the fusion protein comprises an anti-CD20 Fab, wherein the heavy chain variable region of the Fab is operably connected to a first Fc region, and IL-4 is operably connected to the N-terminus of a second Fc region.
  • the first and second Fc regions are heterodimeric, wherein each Fc region comprises at least one amino acid modification (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) that promotes heterodimerization of the correct polypeptide chains.
  • FIG. 10 is a line graph showing the survival of mice in the B16F10 melanoma tumor model over a period of about 35 days from the date of randomization in each of the experimental treatment groups, CD20 x IL-2, CD20 x IL4, PD1 x IL-2v, and IL-12-Fc (untargeted), and a control group (treated with a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution).
  • PBS phosphate-buffered saline
  • 11A is a line graph showing the mean tumor volume of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (lxl format, T3A/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 375) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 3 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg for 4 weeks.
  • FIG. 11B is a line graph showing the mean body weight of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (lxl format, T3A/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 375) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 3 mg/lcg or 10 mg/kg for 4 weeks.
  • FIG. llC is a line graph showing the % change in body weight of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (lxl format, T3A/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 375) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 3 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg for 4 weeks.
  • FIG. 12A is a line graph showing the mean tumor volume of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (lxl format, T3A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 376) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 3 mg/lcg or 10 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
  • FIG. 12B is a line graph showing the mean body weight of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (lxl format, T3A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 376) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 3 mg/lcg or 10 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
  • FIG. 12C is a line graph showing the % change in body weight of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (lxl format, T3A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 376) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 3 mg/lcg or 10 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
  • FIG. 13A is a line graph showing the mean tumor volume of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (lxl format, T3A/F42A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 479) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 3 mg/lcg or 10 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
  • FIG. 13B is a line graph showing the mean body weight of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (lxl format, T3A/F42A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 479) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 3 mg/lcg or 10 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
  • FIG. 13C is a line graph showing the % change in body weight of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (lxl format, T3A/F42A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 479) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 3 mg/lcg or 10 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
  • FIG. 14A is a line graph showing the mean tumor volume of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (2x2 format, T3A/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 480-481) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 7.7 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
  • FIG. 14B is a line graph showing the mean body weight of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (2x2 format, T3A/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 480-481) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 7.7 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
  • FIG. 14C is a line graph showing the % change in body weight of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (2x2 format, T3A/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 480-481) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 7.7 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
  • FIG. 15A is a line graph showing the mean tumor volume of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (2x2 format, T3A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 481 and 387) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 2.3 or 7.7 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
  • FIG. 15B is a line graph showing the mean body weight of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (2x2 format, T3A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 481 and 387) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 2.3 or 7.7 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
  • FIG. 15C is a line graph showing the % change in body weight of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (2x2 format, T3A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 481 and 387) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 2.3 or 7.7 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
  • FIG. 16A is a line graph showing the mean tumor volume of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (2x2 format, T3A/F42A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 481 and 410) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 2.3 or 7.7 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
  • FIG. 16B is a line graph showing the mean body weight of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (2x2 format, T3A/F42A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 481 and 410) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 2.3 or 7.7 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
  • FIG. 16C is a line graph showing the % change in body weight of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (2x2 format, T3A/F42A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 481 and 410) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 2.3 or 7.7 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
  • FIG. 17A is a line graph showing the mean tumor volume of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-PDl x mIL-2v (SEQ ID NOS: 380- 382) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 1.5 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
  • FIG. 17B is a line graph showing the mean body weight of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-PDl x mIL-2v (SEQ ID NOS: 380-382) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 1.5 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
  • FIG. 17C is a line graph showing the % change in body weight of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-PDl x mIL-2v (SEQ ID NOS: 380- 382) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 1.5 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
  • FIG. 18A is a line graph showing the mean left tumor volume of mice in the re challenge study of the EMT6 breast carcinoma model previously treated with the anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 protein (lxl format, T3A/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 375).
  • FIG. 18B is a line graph showing the mean body weight of mice in the re-challenge study of the EMT6 breast carcinoma model previously treated with the anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 protein (lxl format, T3A/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 375).
  • FIG. 18C is a line graph showing the % change in body weight of mice in the re challenge study of the EMT6 breast carcinoma model previously treated with the anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 protein (lxl format, T3A/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 375).
  • the instant disclosure provides multispecific fusion proteins that comprise a targeting moiety that specifically binds CD20 (e.g ., hCD20); and an effector moiety comprising IL-2 (e.g., hIL-2).
  • the fusion proteins described herein target the effector cytokine, e.g., IL-2, to B cells that express CD20, whereby the cytokine can stimulate B cell activation, proliferation, and antigen presentation.
  • the fusion proteins described herein are therefore useful in, inter alia, methods of stimulating an immune response in a subject and methods of preventing or treating a cancer, for example a cancer characterized as having a solid tumor, in a subject in need thereof.
  • numeric ranges are inclusive of the numbers defining the range, unless otherwise indicated. Any numeric range, (e.g., concentration range, percentage range, ratio range or integer range) is to be understood to include the value of any integer within the recited range and, when appropriate, fractions thereof (such as one tenth and one hundredth of an integer), unless otherwise indicated.
  • the terms “about” or “comprising essentially of’ refer to a value or composition that is within an acceptable error range for the particular value or composition as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which will depend in part on how the value or composition is measured or determined, i.e., the limitations of the measurement system. When particular values or compositions are provided in the application and claims, unless otherwise stated, the meaning of “about” or “comprising essentially of’ should be assumed to be within an acceptable error range for that particular value or composition. When the term “about” is used preceding a series of numbers (including e.g., a series of ranges of numbers), the term about applies to all numbers in the series (e.g., a series of ranges).
  • the phrase “about 10%, 20%, or 30%” means the same as the phase “about 10%, about 20%, or about 30%. ”
  • the term “about 10-15%, 15-20%, or 25-30%” means the same as “about 10-15%, about 15-20%, or about 25-30%.”
  • polynucleotides encoding the proteins are also provided, as are vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the proteins.
  • antibody dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity refers to an immune mechanism leading to the lysis of antibody (e.g., a fusion protein described herein)-coated target cells by immune effector cells (e.g., NK cells).
  • ADCC antibody dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity
  • the term “reduced ADCC” and the like refers to either a reduction in the number of target cells that are lysed in a given time, at a given concentration of antibody (e.g., fusion protein described herein) in the medium surrounding the target cells, by the mechanism of ADCC defined above, and/or an increase in the concentration of antibody (e.g., fusion protein described herein) in the medium surrounding the target cells, required to achieve the lysis of a given number of target cells in a given time, by the mechanism of ADCC defined above.
  • antibody e.g., fusion protein described herein
  • the reduction in ADCC is relative to the ADCC mediated by the same antibody (e.g., fusion protein) produced by the same type of host cells, using the same standard production, purification, formulation and storage methods (which are known to those skilled in the art), but that has not been engineered (e.g., comprises one or more amino acid modification, e.g., amino acid substitution).
  • the reduction in ADCC mediated by an antibody (e.g., fusion protein described herein) comprising in its Fc region an amino acid substitution that reduces ADCC is relative to the ADCC mediated by the same antibody (e.g., fusion protein described herein) without said amino acid substitution in the Fc region.
  • administering refers to the physical introduction of a therapeutic agent (or a precursor of the therapeutic agent that is metabolized or altered within the body of a subject to produce the therapeutic agent in vivo) to a subject, using any of the various methods and delivery systems known to those skilled in the art.
  • routes of administration include intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, spinal or other parenteral routes of administration, for example by injection or infusion.
  • parenteral administration means modes of administration other than enteral and topical administration, usually by injection, and includes, without limitation, intravenous, intramuscular, intraarterial, intrathecal, intralymphatic, intralesional, intracapsular, intraorbital, intracardiac, intradermal, intraperitoneal, transtracheal, subcutaneous, subcuticular, intraarticular, subcapsular, subarachnoid, intraspinal, epidural and intrastemal injection and infusion, as well as in vivo electroporation.
  • a therapeutic agent may be administered via a non-parenteral route.
  • Non-parenteral routes include an oral, topical, epidermal or mucosal route of administration, for example, intranasally, vaginally, rectally, sublingually or topically.
  • Administering can also be performed, for example, once, a plurality of times, and/or over one or more extended periods.
  • “Affinity” refers to the strength of the sum total of non-covalent interactions between a single binding site of a molecule (e.g ., a receptor) and its binding partner (e.g., a ligand).
  • binding affinity refers to intrinsic binding affinity, which reflects a 1 : 1 interaction between members of a binding pair (e.g., an antigen binding moiety and an antigen, or a receptor and its ligand).
  • the affinity of a molecule X for its partner Y can generally be represented by the dissociation constant (KD), which is the ratio of dissociation and association rate constants (koff and kon, respectively).
  • KD dissociation constant
  • equivalent affinities may comprise different rate constants, as long as the ratio of the rate constants remains the same.
  • Affinity can be measured by well-established methods known in the art, including those described herein. A particular method for measuring affinity is Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR).
  • antibody or “antibodies” are used in the broadest sense and encompasses various antibody structures, including but not limited to monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies, multispecific antibodies (e.g., bispecific antibodies), and antibody fragments so long as they exhibit the desired antigen-binding activity (i.e., antigen binding fragments as defined herein).
  • the term antibody thus includes, for example, include full-length antibodies, antigen-binding fragments of full-length antibodies, molecules comprising antibody CDRs, VH regions, and/or VL regions; and antibody-like scaffolds (e.g., fibronectins).
  • antibodies include, without limitation, monoclonal antibodies, recombinantly produced antibodies, monospecific antibodies, multispecific antibodies (including bispecific antibodies), human antibodies, humanized antibodies, chimeric antibodies, immunoglobulins, synthetic antibodies, tetrameric antibodies comprising two heavy chain and two light chain molecules, an antibody light chain monomer, an antibody heavy chain monomer, an antibody light chain dimer, an antibody heavy chain dimer, an antibody light chain- antibody heavy chain pair, intrabodies, heteroconjugate antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, single domain antibodies (e.g.
  • HH, (VHH)2) monovalent antibodies, single chain antibodies, single-chain Fvs (scFv; (scFv)2), camelized antibodies, affybodies, Fab fragments (e.g., Fab, single chain Fab (scFab), F(ab’)2 fragments, disulfide- linked Fvs (sdFv), anti-idiotypic (anti-id) antibodies (including, e.g., anti-anti-Id antibodies), diabodies, tribodies, and antibody-like scaffolds (e.g., fibronectins), Fc fusions (e.g., Fab-Fc, scFv-Fc, VHH-Fc, (scFv)2-Fc, (VHH)2-Fc, and antigen-binding fragments of any of the above, and conjugates or fusion proteins comprising any of the above.
  • Fab fragments e.g., Fab, single chain Fab (scFab), F(a
  • antibodies described herein refer to polyclonal antibody populations. In certain embodiments, antibodies described herein refer to monoclonal antibody populations. Antibodies can be of any type (e.g., IgG, IgE, IgM, IgD, IgA or IgY), any class (e.g, IgGi, IgG 2 , IgG 3 , IgG 4 , IgAi or IgA 2 ), or any subclass (e.g., IgG 2a or IgGa) of immunoglobulin (Ig) molecule. In certain embodiments, antibodies described herein are IgG antibodies, or a class (e.g., human IgGi or IgG t ) or subclass thereof.
  • the antibody is a humanized monoclonal antibody. In another specific embodiment, the antibody is a human monoclonal antibody.
  • “Antibody-like scaffolds” are known in the art, for example, fibronectin and designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) have been used as alternative scaffolds for antigen-binding domains, see, e.g., Gebauer and Skerra, Engineered protein scaffolds as next- generation antibody therapeutics. Curr Opin Chem Biol 13:245-255 (2009) and Stumpp et al, Darpins: A new generation of protein therapeutics. Drug Discovery Today 13: 695-701 (2008), the full contents of each of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
  • DARPins ankyrin repeat proteins
  • Exemplary antibody-like scaffold proteins include, but are not limited to, lipocalins (Anticalin), Protein A-derived molecules such as Z-domains of Protein A (Affibody), an A-domain (Avimer/Maxibody), a serum transferrin (trans-body); a designed ankyrin repeat protein (DARPin), VNAR fragments, a fibronectin (AdNectin), a C-type lectin domain (Tetranectin); a variable domain of a new antigen receptor beta-lactamase (VNAR fragments), a human gamma-crystallin or ubiquitin (Affilin molecules); a lcunitz type domain of human protease inhibitors, microbodies such as the proteins from the knottin family, peptide aptamers and fibronectin (adnectin).
  • lipocalins Anticalin
  • Protein A-derived molecules such as Z-domains of Protein A (Affibody), an A
  • antigen binding fragment and “antigen binding domain” are used interchangeably herein and refer to one or more polypeptides, other than a full-length antibody, that is capable of specifically binding to antigen and comprises a portion of a full-length antibody (e.g., a VH, a VL).
  • antigen binding fragments include, but are not limited to, single domain antibodies (e.g., VI II I, (VHH) 2 ), single chain antibodies, single-chain Fvs (scFv; (SCFV) 2 ), camelized antibodies, affybodies, Fab fragments (e.g., Fab, single chain Fab (scFab), F(ab’) 2 fragments, and disulfide-linked Fvs (sdFv).
  • the antigen binding domain can be part of a larger protein, e.g., a full-length antibody.
  • cancer and “tumor” are used interchangeably herein and refer to a broad group of various diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. FInregulated cell division and growth divide and grow results in the formation of malignant tumors that invade neighboring tissues and may also metastasize to distant parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream.
  • CDR complementarity determining region
  • CD20 cluster of differentiation 20
  • CD20 refers to the membrane protein naturally expressed on a subset of B cells and a member of the membrane- spanning 4A gene family.
  • CD20 as used herein includes human CD20 (hCD20), variants (naturally occurring or engineered), isoforms, and species homologs of hCD20, and analogs having at least one common epitope with hCD20.
  • the amino acid sequence of exemplary reference wild type hCD20 can be found under Uniprot Accession No. P 11836 and is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 473.
  • constant region and “constant domain” are used interchangeably herein and refer to a carboxyl terminal portion of a light and/or heavy chain of a full-length antibody which is not directly involved in binding of an antibody to antigen, but which can exhibit various effector functions, such as interaction with an Fc receptor (e.g., Fc gamma receptor).
  • Fc receptor e.g., Fc gamma receptor
  • the constant region of an immunoglobulin (Ig) molecule generally has a more conserved amino acid sequence relative to an immunoglobulin (Ig) variable domain.
  • the term “derived from,” with reference to a polynucleotide sequence refers to a polynucleotide sequence that has at least 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to a reference naturally occurring nucleic acid sequence from which it is derived.
  • the term “derived from,” with reference to an amino acid sequence refers to an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to a reference naturally occurring amino acid sequence from which it is derived.
  • the term “derived from” as used herein does not denote any specific process or method for obtaining the polynucleotide or amino acid sequence.
  • the polynucleotide or amino acid sequence can be chemically synthesized.
  • DNA and “polydeoxyribonucleotides” are used interchangeably herein and refer to macromolecules that include multiple deoxyribonucleotides that are polymerized via phosphodiester bonds.
  • Deoxyribonucleotides are nucleotides in which the sugar is deoxyribose.
  • effector functions when used in reference to antibodies refers to those biological activities attributable to the Fc region of an antibody, which vary with the antibody isotype.
  • antibody effector functions include: Clq binding and complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), Fc receptor binding, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), cytokine secretion, immune complex- mediated antigen uptake by antigen presenting cells, down regulation of cell surface receptors (e.g ., B cell receptor), and B cell activation.
  • EU numbering system refers to the EU numbering convention for the constant regions of an antibody, as described in Edelman, G.M. et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. USA, 63, 78-85 (1969) and Kabat et al, Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, U.S. Dept. Health and Human Services, 5th edition, 1991, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
  • Fab-Fc refers to an antibody that comprises a Fab operably linked to only one of two Fc domains or a subunit of the Fc domain. As opposed to a full-length antibody described herein that comprises two Fabs, one Fab operably connected to one Fc domain and the other Fab operably connected to a second Fc domain.
  • Fc region refers to the C-terminal region of an immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain that comprises from N- to C-terminus at least a CH2 domain operably connected to a CH3 domain.
  • the Fc region comprises an immunoglobulin (Ig) hinge region operably connected to the N-terminus of the CH2 domain.
  • Ig immunoglobulin
  • Examples of proteins with engineered Fc regions can be found in Saunders 2019 (K. O. Saunders, “ Conceptual Approaches to Modulating Antibody Effector Functions and Circulation Half-Life ,” 2019, Frontiers in Immunology, V. 10, Art. 1296, pp. 1-20, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes).
  • first and second with respect to Fc regions etc., are used for convenience of distinguishing when there is more than one of each type of moiety. Use of these terms is not intended to confer a specific order or orientation in the fusion protein unless explicitly so stated.
  • framework region or “FR region” refers to the amino acid residues that are part of the variable region of an antibody, but are not part of the CDRs (e.g., using the Kabat definition of CDRs).
  • full-length antibody refers to an antibody having a structure substantially similar to a native antibody structure comprising two heavy chains and two light chains interconnected by disulfide bonds.
  • the two heavy chains comprise a substantially identical amino acid sequence; and the two light chains comprise a substantially identical amino acid sequence.
  • the two heavy chains comprise a substantially identical amino acid sequence except for one or more amino acid modifications that promote heterodimerization of the correct heavy chains ( e.g ., as described herein); and the two light chains comprise a substantially identical amino acid sequence.
  • Antibody chains may be substantially identical but not entirely identical if they differ due to post-translational modifications, such as C-terminal cleavage of lysine residues, alternative glycosylation patterns, etc.
  • the term “functional variant” as used herein in reference to a protein refers to a protein that comprises at least one amino acid modification (e.g., a substitution, deletion, addition) compared to the amino acid sequence of a reference protein, that retains at least one particular function.
  • the reference protein is a wild type protein.
  • a functional variant of an IL-2 protein can refer to an IL-2 protein comprising an amino acid substitution as compared to a reference IL-2 protein (e.g., wild type) that retains the ability to bind the intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor but abrogates the ability of the protein to bind the high affinity IL-2 receptor. Not all functions of the reference protein (e.g., wild type) need be retained by the functional variant of the protein. In some instances, one or more functions are selectively reduced or eliminated.
  • a functional fragment refers to a fragment of a reference protein that retains at least one particular function.
  • a functional fragment of an anti-CD20 antibody can refer to a fragment of the anti-CD20 antibody that retains the ability to specifically bind the CD20 antigen. Not all functions of the reference protein need be retained by a functional fragment of the protein. In some instances, one or more functions are selectively reduced or eliminated.
  • fuse and grammatical equivalents thereof refer to the operable connection of an amino acid sequence derived from one protein to the amino acid sequence derived from different protein.
  • the term fuse encompasses both a direct connection of the two amino acid sequences through a peptide bond, and the indirect connection through an amino acid linker.
  • fusion protein and grammatical equivalents thereof refer to a protein that comprises an amino acid sequence derived from at least two separate proteins.
  • the amino acid sequence of the at least two separate proteins can be directly connected through a peptide bond; or can be operably connected through an amino acid linker. Therefore, the term fusion protein encompasses embodiments, wherein the amino acid sequence of e.g., Protein A is directly connected to the amino acid sequence of Protein B through a peptide bond (Protein A - Protein B), and embodiments, wherein the amino acid sequence of e.g., Protein A is operably connected to the amino acid sequence of Protein B through an amino acid linker (Protein A - linker - Protein B).
  • the term “heavy chain” when used in reference to an antibody can refer to any distinct type, e.g., alpha (a), delta (d), epsilon (e), gamma (g), and mu (m), based on the amino acid sequence of the constant domain, which give rise to IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM classes of antibodies, respectively, including subclasses of IgG, e.g., IgGi, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG t.
  • hIL-2 refers to a human IL-2 protein.
  • the amino acid sequence of an exemplary reference human IL-2 is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 59.
  • IL-2 refers to the pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling that, inter alia, regulates the activity of leukocytes (e.g., T cells and B cells).
  • leukocytes e.g., T cells and B cells.
  • IL-2 as used herein includes human IL-2 (hIL-2), variants (naturally occurring (e.g., splice variants or allelic variants) or engineered), isoforms, and species homologs of hIL-2, and analogs having at least one common epitope with hIL-2.
  • IL-2 also encompasses unprocessed IL-2, as well as any form of IL-2 that results from processing in the cell.
  • the amino acid sequence of an exemplary reference wild type human IL-2 can be found under Uniprot Accession Number P14784 and is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 59.
  • a humanIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 with a T3A amino acid substitution, a Cl 25 A amino acid substitution, or both a T3A and Cl 25 A amino acid substitution is considered to exhibit comparable activity to wild type IL-2 (e.g., exhibits substantially the same binding affinity to CD25, CD122, and CD132 as wild type IL-2).
  • IL-2 polypeptide comprising the corresponding amino acid substitutions, namely T3A and C140A (numbering relative to SEQ ID NO: 478).
  • the T3 A and C 125 A amino acid substitutions are well known in the art and known not cause a substantial change in binding affinity for any one of the IL-2R subunits.
  • the T3A amino acid substitution is commonly utilized to eliminate O-linked glycosylation-dependent heterogeneity and aggregation; and the Cl 25 A amino acid substitution is commonly used to prevent intrachain disulfides (see, e.g., Glassman et al.
  • isolated antibody refers to an antibody that is substantially free of other antibodies having different antigenic specificities (e.g ., an isolated antibody that binds specifically to CD20 is substantially free of antibodies that bind specifically to antigens other than CD20).
  • An isolated antibody that binds specifically to CD20 may, however, cross-react with other antigens, such as CD20 molecules from different species.
  • an isolated antibody may be substantially free of other cellular material and/or chemicals.
  • linker refers to a linkage between two elements (e.g., protein domains).
  • a linker can be a covalent bond or a peptide linker.
  • bond refers to a chemical bond, (e.g., an amide bind, a disulfide bond, or any kind of bond created from a chemical reaction (e.g., chemical conjugation)).
  • peptide linker refers to an amino acid or polypeptide that may be employed to link two protein domains. In some embodiments, a peptide linker may be used to provide space and/or flexibility between the two protein domains.
  • isolated polynucleotide refers to a polynucleotide that is markedly different, i.e., has a distinctive chemical identity, nature and utility, from a polynucleotide as it exists in nature.
  • an isolated DNA unlike native DNA, is a freestanding portion of a native DNA and not an integral part of a larger structural complex, the chromosome, found in nature.
  • an isolated DNA unlike native DNA, can be used as a PCR primer or a hybridization probe for, among other things, measuring gene expression and detecting biomarker genes or mutations for diagnosing disease or predicting the efficacy of a therapeutic.
  • An isolated nucleic acid may also be purified so as to be substantially free of other cellular components or other contaminants, e.g., other cellular nucleic acids or proteins, using standard techniques well known in the art.
  • Kabat numbering system refers to the Kabat numbering convention for variable regions of an antibody, see, e.g., Kabat et al, Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, U.S. Dept. Health and Services, 5th edition, 1991, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. Unless otherwise noted, numbering of the variable regions of an antibody are denoted according to the Kabat numbering system.
  • the term “light chain” when used in reference to an antibody can refer to any distinct type, e.g., kappa (K) or lambda (l) based on the amino acid sequence of the constant domains. Light chain amino acid sequences are well known in the art. In specific embodiments, the light chain is a human light chain.
  • the term “mIL-2” refers to a murine IL-2 protein. The amino acid sequence of an exemplary reference murine IL-2 is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 478.
  • the term “modification,” with reference to a polynucleotide, refers to a polynucleotide that comprises at least one substitution, alteration, inversion, addition, or deletion of nucleotide compared to a reference polynucleotide (e.g .,. one or more amino acid substitutions). Modifications can include the inclusion of non-naturally occurring nucleotide residues.
  • the term “modification,” with reference to an amino acid sequence refers to an amino acid sequence that comprises at least one substitution, alteration, inversion, addition, or deletion of an amino acid residue compared to a reference amino acid sequence. Modifications can include the inclusion of non-naturally occurring amino acid residues.
  • Naturally occurring amino acid derivatives are not considered modified amino acids for purposes of determining percent identity of two amino acid sequences.
  • a naturally occurring modification of a glutamate amino acid residue to a pyroglutamate amino acid residue would not be considered an amino acid modification for purposes of determining percent identity of two amino acid sequences.
  • a naturally occurring modification of a glutamate amino acid residue to a pyroglutamate amino acid residue would not be considered an amino acid “modification” as defined herein.
  • a “modification that promotes heterodimerization of a first Fc region and a second Fc region” is a manipulation of the peptide backbone or the post-translational modifications of an Fc region that reduces or prevents the association of a polypeptide comprising the Fc region with an identical polypeptide to form a homodimer.
  • a modification promoting association as used herein particularly includes separate modifications made to each of the two Fc regions desired to associate ( i.e ., a first Fc region and a second Fc region), wherein the modifications are complementary to each other so as to promote association of the two Fc regions.
  • a modification promoting association may alter the structure or charge of one or both of the Fc regions so as to make their association sterically or electrostatically favorable, respectively.
  • heterodimerization occurs between a polypeptide comprising the first Fc region and a polypeptide comprising the second Fc region, which might be non-identical in the sense that further components fused to each of the Fc regions (e.g., antigen binding moieties) are not the same.
  • the modification promoting association comprises an amino acid mutation in the Fc region, specifically an amino acid substitution.
  • the modification promoting association comprises a separate amino acid mutation, specifically an amino acid substitution, in each of the first Fc region and the second Fc region.
  • operably connected refers to a linkage of polynucleotide e elements or amino acid elements in a functional relationship.
  • a polynucleotide is operably connected when it is placed into a functional relationship with another polynucleotide.
  • a transcription regulatory polynucleotide e.g., a promoter, enhancer, or other expression control element is operably linked to a polynucleotide that encodes a protein if it affects the transcription of the polynucleotide that encodes the protein.
  • the determination of “percent identity” between two sequences can be accomplished using a mathematical algorithm.
  • Identity measures the percent of identical matches between the smaller of two or more sequences with gap alignments (if any) addressed by a particular mathematical model or computer program (i.e ., “algorithms”).
  • a specific, non-limiting example of a mathematical algorithm utilized for the comparison of two sequences is the algorithm of Karlin S & Altschul SF (1990) PNAS 87: 2264-2268, modified as in Karlin S & Altschul SF (1993) PNAS 90: 5873-5877, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • BLAST protein searches can be performed with the BLASTP program parameters set, e.g., default settings; to obtain amino acid sequences homologous to a protein molecule described herein.
  • Gapped BLAST can be utilized as described in Altschul SF et al, (1997) Nuc Acids Res 25: 3389-3402, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
  • PSI BLAST can be used to perform an iterated search which detects distant relationships between molecules (Id.).
  • the default parameters of the respective programs e.g., of BLASTP and BLASTN
  • NCBI National Center for Biotechnology Information
  • a mathematical algorithm utilized for the comparison of sequences is the algorithm of Myers and Miller, 1988, CABIOS 4:11-17, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Such an algorithm is incorporated in the ALIGN program (version 2.0) which is part of the GCG sequence alignment software package.
  • ALIGN program version 2.0
  • a PAM 120 weight residue table When utilizing the ALIGN program for comparing amino acid sequences, a PAM 120 weight residue table, a gap length penalty of 12, and a gap penalty of 4 can be used.
  • the percent identity between two sequences can be determined using techniques similar to those described above, with or without allowing gaps. In calculating percent identity, typically only exact matches are counted. As described above, the percent identity is based on the amino acid matches between the smaller of two proteins.
  • nucleic acid refers to a polymer of DNA or RNA.
  • the nucleic acid molecule can be single-stranded or double-stranded; contain natural, non-natural, or altered nucleotides; and contain a natural, non-natural, or altered intemucleotide linkage, such as a phosphoroamidate linkage or a phosphorothioate linkage, instead of the phosphodiester found between the nucleotides of an unmodified nucleic acid molecule.
  • Nucleic acid molecules include, but are not limited to, all nucleic acid molecules which are obtained by any means available in the art, including, without limitation, recombinant means, e.g., the cloning of nucleic acid molecules from a recombinant library or a cell genome, using ordinary cloning technology and polymerase chain reaction, and the like, and by synthetic means.
  • recombinant means e.g., the cloning of nucleic acid molecules from a recombinant library or a cell genome
  • synthetic means e.g., the cloning of nucleic acid molecules from a recombinant library or a cell genome, using ordinary cloning technology and polymerase chain reaction, and the like, and by synthetic means.
  • recombinant means e.g., the cloning of nucleic acid molecules from a recombinant library or a cell genome, using ordinary cloning technology and polymerase chain reaction, and the like, and
  • any of the RNA polynucleotides encoded by a DNA identified by a particular sequence identification number may also comprise the corresponding RNA (e.g., mRNA) sequence encoded by the DNA, where each thymidine (T) of the DNA sequence is substituted with uracil (U).
  • RNA e.g., mRNA
  • the term “prevent,” “preventing,” or “prevention” and the like refer to a course of action initiated with respect to a subject prior to the onset of a disease or a symptom thereof so as to prevent, suppress, inhibit, or reduce, either temporarily or permanently, a subject’s risk of developing a disease (as determined by, for example, the absence of one or more clinical symptom) or delaying the onset thereof, generally in the context of a subject predisposed due to genetic, experiential, or environmental factors to having a particular disease.
  • the term “prevent,” “preventing,” or “prevention” are also used to refer to the slowing of the progression of a disease from a present state to a more deleterious state.
  • protein and “polypeptide” are used interchangeably herein and refer to a polymer of at least two amino acids linked by a peptide bond.
  • RNA and “ polyribonucleotides” are used interchangeably herein and refer to macromolecules that include multiple ribonucleotides that are polymerized via phosphodiester bonds. Ribonucleotides are nucleotides in which the sugar is ribose. RNA may contain modified nucleotides; and contain natural, non-natural, or altered intemucleotide linkages, such as a phosphoroamidate linkage or a phosphorothioate linkage, instead of the phosphodiester found between the nucleotides of an unmodified nucleic acid molecule.
  • (scFv)2 refers to an antibody that comprises a first and a second scFv operably connected ( e.g ., via a peptide linker).
  • the first and second scFv can specifically bind the same or different antigens.
  • the first and second scFv are operably connected by a peptide linker.
  • scFv-Fc refers to an antibody that comprises a scFv operably linked (e.g., via a peptide linker) to an Fc domain or subunit of an Fc domain.
  • a scFv is operably connected to only a first Fc domain of a first and a second Fc domain pair.
  • a first scFv is operably connected to a first Fc domain and a second scFv is operably connected to a second Fc domain of a first and second Fc domain pair.
  • (scFv)2-Fc refers to a (scFv)2 operably linked (e.g., via a peptide linker) to an Fc domain or a subunit of an Fc domain.
  • a (scFv)2 is operably connected to only a first Fc domain of a first and a second Fc domain pair.
  • a first (scFv)2 is operably connected to a first Fc domain and a second (scFv)2 is operably connected to a second Fc domain of a first and second Fc domain pair.
  • single domain antibody or “sdAb” refers to an antibody having a single monomeric variable antibody domain.
  • a sdAb is able to specifically bind to a specific antigen.
  • a VHH as defined herein is an example of a sdAb.
  • the term “specifically binds,” refers to molecules that bind to an antigen (e.g., epitope or immune complex) as such binding is understood by one skilled in the art.
  • a molecule that specifically binds to an antigen can bind to other peptides or polypeptides, generally with lower affinity as determined by, e.g., immunoassays, BIAcore ® , KinExA 3000 instrument (Sapidyne Instruments, Boise, ID), or other assays known in the art.
  • molecules that specifically bind to an antigen bind to the antigen with a K A that is at least 2 logs (e.g., factors of 10), 2.5 logs, 3 logs, 4 logs or greater than the K A when the molecules bind non-specifically to another antigen.
  • a K A that is at least 2 logs (e.g., factors of 10), 2.5 logs, 3 logs, 4 logs or greater than the K A when the molecules bind non-specifically to another antigen.
  • an antibody as described herein, can specifically bind to more than one antigen (e.g., via different regions of the antibody molecule).
  • the term specifically binds includes molecules that are cross reactive with the same antigen of a different species.
  • an antigen binding domain that specifically binds human CD20 may be cross reactive with CD20 of another species (e.g ., cynomolgus monkey, or murine), and still be considered herein to specifically bind human CD20.
  • the term “subject” includes any animal, such as a human or other animal.
  • the subject is a vertebrate animal (e.g., mammal, bird, fish, reptile, or amphibian).
  • the subject is a human.
  • the method subject is a non-human mammal.
  • the subject is a non-human mammal is such as a non human primate (e.g., monkeys, apes), ungulate (e.g., cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, pig, camel, llama, alpaca, deer, horses, donkeys), carnivore (e.g., dog, cat), rodent (e.g., rat, mouse), or lagomorph (e.g., rabbit).
  • a non human primate e.g., monkeys, apes
  • ungulate e.g., cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, pig, camel, llama, alpaca, deer, horses, donkeys
  • carnivore e.g., dog, cat
  • rodent e.g., rat, mouse
  • lagomorph e.g., rabbit
  • the subject is a bird, such as a member of the avian taxa Galliformes (e.g., chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail), Anseriformes (e.g., ducks, geese), Paleaognathae (e.g., ostriches, emus), Columbiformes (e.g., pigeons, doves), or Psittaciformes (e.g., parrots).
  • avian taxa Galliformes e.g., chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail
  • Anseriformes e.g., ducks, geese
  • Paleaognathae e.g., ostriches, emus
  • Columbiformes e.g., pigeons, doves
  • Psittaciformes e.g., par
  • the term “substantially the same” denotes a sufficiently high degree of similarity between two or more numeric values, for example, “substantially the same affinity,” such that one of skill in the art would consider the difference between the two or more values to be of little or no biological and/or statistical significance within the context of the biological characteristic measured by said value.
  • the two or more substantially similar values may be within 5% to 100% of each other.
  • a “therapeutically effective amount” or “therapeutically effective dose” of a drug or therapeutic agent is any amount of the drug that, when used alone or in combination with another therapeutic agent, protects a subject against the onset of a disease or promotes disease regression evidenced by a decrease in severity of disease symptoms, an increase in frequency and duration of disease symptom-free periods, or a prevention of impairment or disability due to the disease affliction.
  • the ability of a therapeutic agent to promote disease regression can be evaluated using a variety of methods known to the skilled practitioner, such as in human subjects during clinical trials, in animal model systems predictive of efficacy in humans, or by assaying the activity of the agent in in vitro assays.
  • the terms “treat,” treating,” “treatment,” and the like refer to reducing or ameliorating a disease and/or symptom(s) associated therewith or obtaining a desired pharmacologic and/or physiologic effect. It will be appreciated that, although not precluded, treating a disease does not require that the disease or symptoms associated therewith be completely eliminated. In some embodiments, the effect is therapeutic, i.e., without limitation, the effect partially or completely reduces, diminishes, abrogates, abates, alleviates, decreases the intensity of, or cures a disease and/or adverse symptom attributable to the disease.
  • the effect is preventative, i.e., the effect protects or prevents an occurrence or reoccurrence of a disease.
  • the presently disclosed methods comprise administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compositions as described herein.
  • the terms “variable region” refers to a portion of an antibody, generally, a portion of a light or heavy chain, typically about the amino-terminal 110 to 120 amino acids or 110 to 125 amino acids in the mature heavy chain and about 90 to 115 amino acids in the mature light chain, which differ extensively in sequence among antibodies and are used in the binding and specificity of a particular antibody for its particular antigen.
  • variable region is a human variable region.
  • variable region comprises rodent or murine CDRs and human framework regions (FRs).
  • FRs human framework regions
  • the variable region is a primate (e.g ., non-human primate) variable region.
  • the variable region comprises rodent or murine CDRs and primate (e.g., non-human primate) framework regions (FRs).
  • VL and “VL domain” are used interchangeably to refer to the light chain variable region of an antibody.
  • VH and “VH domain” are used interchangeably to refer to the heavy chain variable region of an antibody.
  • VHH refers to a type of single domain antibody (sdAb) that has a single monomeric heavy chain variable antibody domain (VH).
  • sdAb single domain antibody
  • VH single monomeric heavy chain variable antibody domain
  • (VHH)2 refers to an antibody that comprises a first and a second VHH operably connected (e.g., via a peptide linker).
  • the first and the second VHH can specifically bind the same or different antigens.
  • the first and second VHH are operably connected by a peptide linker.
  • VHH-Fc refers to an antibody that comprises a VHH operably linked (e.g., via a peptide linker) to an Fc domain or a subunit of an Fc domain.
  • a VHH is operably connected to only a first Fc domain of a first and a second Fc domain pair.
  • a first VHH is operably connected to a first Fc domain and a second VHH is operably connected to a second Fc domain of a first Fc and a second Fc pair.
  • (VHH)2-Fc refers to (VHH)2 operably linked (e.g., via a peptide linker) to an Fc domain or a subunit of an Fc domain.
  • a (VHH)2 is operably connected to only a first Fc domain of a first and a second Fc domain pair.
  • a first (VHH)2 is operably connected to a first Fc domain and a second (VHH)2 is operably connected to a second Fc domain of a first Fc and a second Fc pair.
  • lxl with reference to the format of a fusion protein described herein refers to the format depicted in FIG. 1, wherein the C-terminus of a single cytokine (e.g., IL- 2) is operably connected (e.g., via a peptide linker) to the N-terminus of one of the Fc domains.
  • IL-2 cytokine
  • 2x2 with reference to the format of a fusion protein described herein refers to the format depicted in FIG.
  • N-terminus of one cytokine e.g., IL-2
  • a second cytokine e.g., IL-2
  • the N-terminus of a second cytokine is operably connected (e.g., via a peptide linker) to the C-terminus of the other light chain.
  • the fusion proteins described herein comprise an antigen binding domain that specifically binds CD20 (e.g., hCD20), also referred to herein as an anti-CD20 binding domain.
  • CD20 is a member of the membrane-spanning 4A gene family. CD20 expression is initiated at the pre-B cell stage of development and remains present until terminal differentiation into a plasma cell. CD20 plays a role in the development and differentiation of B-cells into plasma cells; and is thought to modulate calcium release arising from the B cell receptor.
  • CD20 is hCD20.
  • the antigen binding domain specifically binds an epitope of CD20 (e.g., hCD20) that is in an extracellular portion of the protein.
  • Table 1 The amino acid sequence of an exemplary reference hCD20 protein is provided in Table 1.
  • the antigen binding domain comprises a Fab, a Fab', a F(ab')2, a F(v), single chain variable fragment (scFv), a (scFv)2, a single domain antibody (sdAb), a VHH, or a (VHH)2.
  • the antigen binding domain comprises a Fab, a Fab', a F(ab')2, a F(v), a scFv, a (scFv)2, a scFv-Fc, a (scFv)2-Fc, a sdAb, a VHH, a (VHH) 2 a VHH-Fc, a (VHH) 2 -Fc.
  • the antigen binding domain is part of a full-length antibody.
  • the antibody is monovalent.
  • the antibody is bivalent.
  • the antibody is trivalent.
  • the antibody is monospecific.
  • the antibody is bispecific.
  • the antibody is bispecific, wherein the antibody is capable of binding a first epitope of CD20 (e.g ., hCD20) and a second epitope of CD20 (e.g., hCD20), wherein the first and second epitopes are different.
  • the antigen binding domain is derived from a full-length anti-CD20 antibody. In some embodiments, the antigen binding domain is derived from an anti-CD20 antibody selected from the group consisting of rituximab, obinutuzumab, ocrelizumab, and ofatumumab. In some embodiments, the antigen binding domain is derived from a functional fragment of rituximab, obinutuzumab, ocrelizumab, and ofatumumab. In some embodiments, the antigen binding domain is derived from a functional variant of rituximab, obinutuzumab, or ofatumumab.
  • the antibody comprises a variable heavy chain (VH) that comprises three complementarity determining regions (CDRs): VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a variable light chain (VL) that comprises three CDRs: VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein said antigen binding domain comprises the VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 of rituximab, obinutuzumab, ocrelizumab, or ofatumumab and the VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3 of rituximab, obinutuzumab, ocrelizumab, or ofatumumab, respectively.
  • VH variable heavy chain
  • CDRs complementarity determining regions
  • VL variable light chain
  • the antigen binding domain comprises the VH of rituximab, obinutuzumab, ocrelizumab, or ofatumumab and the VL of rituximab, obinutuzumab, ocrelizumab, or ofatumumab, respectively.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain is derived from rituximab or is comprised within the full length antibody of rituximab.
  • Rituximab is also known as “Rituxan®”.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain cross-competes with rituximab.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain binds to the same epitope as rituximab.
  • the antigen binding domain comprises a VH that comprises three CDRs: VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a VL that comprises three CDRs: VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein said antigen binding domain comprises the VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 of rituximab and the VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3 of rituximab. In some embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises the VH and the VL of rituximab.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition); a VH CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VH CDR3 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 328, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 328 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 329, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 329 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); a VL CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 330, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 330 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VL CDR3 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 331, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 331 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); a VH CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VH CDR3 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 328, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 328 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 329, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 329 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326; a VH CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327; and a VH CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 328.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 329; a VL CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 330; and a VL CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 331.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326; a VH CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327; and a VH CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 328; and the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 329; a VL CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%,
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 332.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 333.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 332; and a VL that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 333.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 335.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 336.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a light chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 337.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 335; and a light chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 337.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 336; and a light chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 337.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain is derived from obinutuzumab or is comprised within the full length antibody of obinutuzumab.
  • Obinutuzumab is also known as “Gazyva®” or “Gazyvaro®”).
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain cross-competes with obinutuzumab.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain binds to the same epitope as obinutuzumab.
  • the antigen binding domain comprises a VH that comprises three CDRs: VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a VL that comprises three CDRs: VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein said antigen binding domain comprises the VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 of obinutuzumab and the VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3 of obinutuzumab.
  • the antigen binding domain comprises the VH of and the VL of obinutuzumab.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 338, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 338 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition); a VH CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 339, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 339 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VH CDR3 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 340, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 340 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); a VL CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 342, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 342 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VL CDR3 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 343, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 343 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
  • VL CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition)
  • VL CDR2 that comprises
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 338, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 338 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); a VH CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 339, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 339 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VH CDR3 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 340, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 340 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g.,
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 338; a VH CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 339; and a VH CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 340.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341; a VL CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 342; and a VL CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 343.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 338; a VH CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 339; and a VH CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 340; and the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341; a VL CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%,
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 344.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 345.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 344; and a VL that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 345.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 347.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 348.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a light chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 349.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 347; and a light chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 349.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 348; and a light chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 349.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain is derived from ofatumumab or is comprised within the full length antibody of ofatumumab. Ofatumumab is also known as “Arzerra ®”. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain cross-competes with ofatumumab. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain binds to the same epitope as ofatumumab. Ofatumumab is described in, inter alia, US8529902B2, EP1558648B1, and EP3284753B1, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes.
  • the antibody comprises a VH that comprises three CDRs: VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a VL that comprises three CDRs: VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein said antigen binding domain comprises the VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 of ofatumumab and the VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3 of ofatumumab.
  • the antigen binding domain comprises the VH of and the VL of ofatumumab.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 350, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 350 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition); a VH CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 351, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 351 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VH CDR3 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 352, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 352 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 353, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 353 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); a VL CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 354, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 354 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VL CDR3 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 355, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 355 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
  • VL CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 353, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 353 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition)
  • VL CDR2 that comprises
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 350, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 350 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); a VH CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 351, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 351 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VH CDR3 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 352, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 352 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 353, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 353 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g .,
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 350; a VH CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 351; and a VH CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 352.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 353; a VL CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 354; and a VL CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 355.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 350; a VH CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 351; and a VH CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 352; and the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 353; a VL CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 9
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 356.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 357.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 356; and a VL that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 357.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 359.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 360.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a light chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 361.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 359; and a light chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 361.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 360; and a light chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 361.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain is derived from ocrelizumab or is comprised within the full length antibody of ocrelizumab. Ocrelizumab is also known as “Ocrevus ®”. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain cross-competes with ocrelizumab. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain binds to the same epitope as ocrelizumab.
  • the antibody comprises a VH that comprises three CDRs: VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a VL that comprises three CDRs: VL CDR1 , VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein said antigen binding domain comprises the VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 of ocrelizumab and the VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3 of ocrelizumab.
  • the antigen binding domain comprises the VH of and the VL of ocrelizumab.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition); a VH CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VH CDR3 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
  • VH CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications
  • a VH CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 363, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 363 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); a VL CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 364, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 364 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VL CDR3 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 365, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 365 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
  • VL CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 363, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 363 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition)
  • VL CDR2 that
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); a VH CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VH CDR3 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 363, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 363 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326; a VH CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327; and a VH CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 363; a VL CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 364; and a VL CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 365.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326; a VH CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327; and a VH CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362; and the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 363; a VL CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 97%, 9
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 366.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 367.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 366; and a VL that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 367.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 369.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 370.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a light chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 371.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 369; and a light chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 371.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 370; and a light chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 371.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH that comprises a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 of an antibody set forth in Table 2, or a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 of an antibody set forth in Table 2 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH that comprises a VL that comprises a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3 of an antibody set forth in Table 2, a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3 of an antibody set forth in Table 2 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH that comprises a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 of an antibody set forth in Table 2, or a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 of an antibody set forth in Table 2 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications; and a VL that comprises a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3 of an antibody set forth in Table 2, a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3 of an antibody set forth in Table 2 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH set forth in Table 2, or a VH comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to a VH set forth in Table 2.
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL set forth in Table 2, or a VL comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to a VL set forth in Table 2. .
  • the anti- CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH set forth in Table 2, or a VH comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to a VH set forth in Table 2; and a VL set forth in Table 2, or a VL comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to a VL set forth in Table 2.
  • the anti-CD20 antibody comprises a heavy chain set forth in Table 2 or a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to a heavy chain set forth in Table 2.
  • the anti-CD20 antibody comprises a light chain set forth in Table 2 or a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to a heavy chain set forth in Table 2.
  • the anti-CD20 antibody comprises a heavy chain set forth in Table 2 or a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to a heavy chain set forth in Table 2; and a light chain set forth in Table 2 or a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to a heavy chain set forth in Table 2.
  • the fusion proteins described herein comprise one or more Ig constant region (e.g anFc region).
  • Ig constant region e.g anFc region.
  • the fusion proteins described herein comprises a first Fc region and a second Fc region.
  • the first and second Fc regions are typically associated through at least one disulfide bond.
  • the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprise an Ig hinge region, a CH2 region, and a CH3 region.
  • the first Fc region and the second Fc region each consist essentially of an Ig hinge region, a CH2 region, and a CH3 region.
  • the first Fc region and the second Fc region each consist of an Ig hinge region, a CH2 region, and a CH3 region.
  • the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprise a portion of an Ig hinge region, a CH2 region, and a CH3 region. In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region each consist essentially of a portion of an Ig hinge region, a CH2 region, and a CH3 region. In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region each consist of a portion of an Ig hinge region, a CH2 region, and a CH3 region.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, and comprises at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, amino acid modifications (e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition) relative to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, respectively.
  • amino acid modifications e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition
  • the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, and comprises about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) relative to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9.
  • amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, respectively.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, and comprises no more than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) relative to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, respectively.
  • the first Fc region comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9.
  • the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, and comprises at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) relative to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, respectively.
  • amino acid modifications e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition
  • the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, and comprises about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) relative to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9.
  • amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, respectively.
  • the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, and comprises no more than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) relative to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, respectively.
  • the second Fc region comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9.
  • the first and second Fc region each comprise an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9.
  • the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprise the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9.
  • the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprise the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, and comprise at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, amino acid modifications (e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition) relative to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, respectively.
  • the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprise the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, and comprise about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) relative to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9.
  • the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprise the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, and comprise no more than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) relative to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, respectively.
  • amino acid modifications e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition
  • the first Fc region and the second Fc region are heterodimeric. In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region are homodimeric.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region.
  • the amino acid sequence of first Fc region comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 or more, amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) relative to the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first F c region and the second Fc region each comprise the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16; and the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17; and the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; and the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19; and the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 470.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20; and the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 471.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21 ; and the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 472.
  • the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16; and the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22.
  • the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17; and the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23.
  • the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; and the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24.
  • the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19; and the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 470.
  • the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20; and the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 471.
  • the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21 ; and the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 472.
  • the first and/or second Fc region of a fusion protein described herein is modified (e.g ., comprises one or more modification (e.g., one or more amino acid substitution, deletion, or addition)) to decrease or abolish at least one effector function.
  • modification e.g., one or more amino acid substitution, deletion, or addition
  • exemplary effector functions include, but are not limited to, antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity, antibody dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), or binding to an Fc receptor (e.g., FcyRI).
  • the modified fusion protein exhibits no detectable or decreased ADCC compared to a control fusion protein that does not comprise the modification (e.g., one or more modification (e.g., one or more amino acid substitution, deletion, or addition)). In some embodiments, the modified fusion protein exhibits no detectable or decreased ADCP compared to a control reference fusion protein that does not comprise the modification (e.g., one or more modification (e.g., one or more amino acid substitution, deletion, or addition)). In some embodiments, the modified fusion protein exhibits no detectable or decreased CDC compared to a control reference fusion protein that does not comprise the modification (e.g., one or more modification (e.g., one or more amino acid substitution, deletion, or addition)). In some embodiments, the modified fusion protein does not bind to an activating Fc receptor (e.g., FcyRI). In some embodiments, the modified fusion protein does not bind to FcyRI.
  • an activating Fc receptor e.g., Fc
  • ADCC activity can be assessed utilizing standard (radioactive and non-radioactive) methods known in the art (see, e.g., W02006/082515, W02012/130831), the entire contents of each of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes). For example, ADCC activity can be assessed using a chromium-5 ( 51 Cr) assay.
  • NK cells are added to the culture, and radioactivity in the cell culture supernatant is assessed (indicative of lysis of the target cells by the NK cells).
  • Similar non radioactive assays can also be utilized that employ a similar method, but the target cells are pre-loaded with fluorescent dyes, such as calcein-AM, CFSE, BCECF, or lanthanide flurophore (Europium). See e.g., Parekh, Bhavin S et al. “Development and validation of an antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity -reporter gene assay.” mAbs vol. 4,3 (2012): 310-8.
  • non-radioactive assays include, for example, ACTITM non-radioactive cytotoxicity assay for flow cytometry (Cell Technology, Inc. Mountain View, Calif.; and CytoTox 96® non-radioactive cytotoxicity assay (Promega, Madison, Wis.).
  • ACTITM non-radioactive cytotoxicity assay for flow cytometry Cell Technology, Inc. Mountain View, Calif.
  • CytoTox 96® non-radioactive cytotoxicity assay Promega, Madison, Wis.
  • Additional non-limiting examples of in vitro assays that can be used to assess ADCC activity of a fusion protein described herein include those described in US5500362; US5821337; Hellstrom, I., et ah, Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci.
  • ADCC activity of a fusion protein described herein may be assessed in vivo, e.g., in an animal model such as that disclosed in Clynes, et al., Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 95 (1998) 652-656, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
  • C 1 q binding assays can be utilized to assess the ability of a fusion protein described herein to bind C 1 q (or bind with less affinity than a reference fusion protein) and hence lack (or have decreased) CDC activity.
  • the binding of a fusion protein described herein to C 1 q can be determined by a variety of in vitro assays (e.g., biochemical or immunological based assays) known in the art for determining Fc-C 1 q interactions, including e.g., equilibrium methods (e.g., enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or radioimmunoassay (RIA)), or kinetic methods (e.g., surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis), and other methods such as indirect binding assays, competitive inhibition assays, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), gel electrophoresis, and chromatography (e.g., gel filtration).
  • in vitro assays e.g., biochemical or immunological based as
  • binding affinities and kinetics can be found in e.g., Paul, W. E., ed., Fundamental Immunology, 4" Ed., Lippincott-Raven, Philadelphia (1999), the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein.
  • Clq and C3c binding ELISAs described in W02006/029879 and W02005/100402, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
  • Additional CDC activity assays include those described in e.g., Gazzano-Santoro, et al., J. Immunol. Methods 202 (1996) 163; Cragg, M. S., et al, Blood 101 (2003) 1045-1052; and Cragg, M. S., and Glennie, M. J., Blood 103 (2004) 2738-2743), the entire contents of each of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
  • ADCP activity can be measured by in vitro or in vivo methods known in the art and also commercially available assays (see, e.g., van de Donk NW, Moreau P, Plesner T, et al. “Clinical efficacy and management of monoclonal antibodies targeting CD38 and SLAMF7 in multiple myeloma,” Blood, 127(6):681-695 (2016), the entire contents of each of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes).
  • a primary cell based ADCP assay can be used in which fresh human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are isolated, monocytes isolated and differentiated in culture to macrophages using standard procedures.
  • PBMCs peripheral blood mononuclear cells
  • the macrophages are fluorescently labeled added to cultures containing fluorescently labeled target cells expressing CD20 and a fusion protein described herein. Phagocytosis events can be analyzed using FACS screening and/or microscopy.
  • a modified reporter version of the above described assay can also be used that employs an engineered cell line that stably expresses FcyRIIa (CD32a) as the effector cell line (e.g ., an engineered T cell line, e.g., TFIP-1), removing the requirement for primary cells.
  • Exemplary ADCP assays are described in e.g., Ackerman, M. E. et al. A robust, high-throughput assay to determine the phagocytic activity of clinical antibody samples.
  • Binding of a fusion protein described herein to an Fc receptor can be determined by a variety of in vitro assays (e.g., biochemical or immunological based assays) known in the art for determining Fc-Fc receptor interactions, i.e., specific binding of an Fc region to an Fc receptor including but not limited to.
  • in vitro assays e.g., biochemical or immunological based assays
  • Fc-Fc receptor interactions i.e., specific binding of an Fc region to an Fc receptor including but not limited to.
  • ⁇ assays include equilibrium methods (e.g., enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or radioimmunoassay (RIA)), or kinetic methods (e.g., surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis), and other methods such as indirect binding assays, competitive inhibition assays, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), gel electrophoresis, and chromatography (e.g., gel filtration).
  • ELISA enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
  • RIA radioimmunoassay
  • kinetic methods e.g., surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis
  • indirect binding assays e.g., competitive inhibition assays, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), gel electrophoresis, and chromatography (e.g., gel filtration).
  • FRET fluorescence resonance energy transfer
  • gel electrophoresis e.g., gel filtration
  • chromatography e.g., gel filtration
  • the fusion protein comprises a first Fc region and a second Fc region, wherein the amino acid sequence of the first, the second, or the first and second Fc regions comprise an amino acid substitution at least one of amino acid positions S228, E233, L234, L235, N297, P331, K322, or P329, EU numbering according to Rabat.
  • the fusion protein comprises a first IgG Fc region and a second IgG Fc region, wherein the amino acid sequence of the first, second, or the first and second IgG Fc regions each comprises an amino acid substitution at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 of amino acid positions S228, E233, L234, L235, N297, P331, K322, or P329, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the fusion protein comprises a first IgG Fc region and a second IgG Fc region, wherein the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an amino acid substitution at position K322, F234, or F235, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an amino acid substitution at position K322, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an amino acid substitution at position F234, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an amino acid substitution at position F235, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an amino acid substitution at positions F234 and F235, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an amino acid substitution at positions K322, F234, and F235, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the fusion protein comprises a first IgG Fc region and a second IgG Fc region, wherein the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an alanine at least one, two, or three of amino acid positions K322, F234, or F235, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an alanine at amino acid position K322, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region comprises an alanine at position at amino acid position F234, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an alanine at position at amino acid position F235, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region comprises an alanine at amino acid positions F234 and F235, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an alanine at amino acid positions K322, L234 and L235, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the fusion protein comprises a first IgG Fc region and a second IgG Fc region, wherein the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises at least one, two, or three of the following amino acid substitutions K322A, F234A, or F235A, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises a K322A amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises a F234A amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises a F235A amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an F234A and an F235A amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises the following amino acid substitutions K322A, F234A, and F235A, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the fusion protein comprises a first IgG Fc region and a second IgG Fc region, wherein the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an amino acid substitution at least one, two, or three of amino acid positions F234, F235, or P331, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position F234, F235, and P331, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the fusion protein comprises a first IgG Fc region and a second IgG Fc region, wherein the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises at least one, two, or three of the following amino acid substitutions F234F, F235E, or P331S, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises a F234F amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises a F235E amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises a P331 S amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises the following amino acid substitutions L234F, L235E, and P331S, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the fusion protein comprises a first IgG Fc region and a second IgG Fc region, wherein the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an amino acid substitution at least one, two, or three of amino acid positions L234, L235, or P329, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position L234, L235, and P329, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the fusion protein comprises a first IgG Fc region and a second IgG Fc region, wherein the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises at least one, two, or three of the following amino acid substitutions L234A, L235A, or P329G, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises a P329G amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises a L234A amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises a L235A amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an L234A and an L235A amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises the following amino acid substitutions L234A, L235A, and P329G, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the fusion protein comprises a first IgG Fc region and a second IgG Fc region, wherein the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises at least one, two, or three of the following amino acid substitutions L234A, L235A, or P329A, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises a P329A amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises a L234A amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises a L235A amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an L234A and an L235A amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises the following amino acid substitutions L234A, L235A, and P329A, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the fusion protein comprises a first IgGl Fc region and a second IgGl Fc region, wherein first Fc region and said second Fc region each comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position C220, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the fusion protein comprises a first IgGl Fc region and a second IgGl Fc region, wherein first Fc region and said second Fc region each comprises a C220G amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the fusion protein comprises a first IgGl Fc region and a second IgGl Fc region, wherein the amino acid sequence of the first IgGl Fc region, the second IgGl Fc region, or the first and second IgGl Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, comprising at least one, two, or three of the following amino acid substitutions: an alanine at amino acid position LI 9, an alanine at amino acid position L20, or a glycine at amino acid position PI 14.
  • the amino acid sequence of the fusion protein comprises a first IgGl Fc region and a second IgGl Fc region, wherein the first IgGl Fc region, the second IgGl Fc region, or the first and second IgGl Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, comprising each of the following amino acid substitutions: an alanine at amino acid position LI 9, an alanine at amino acid position L20, or a glycine at amino acid position PI 14.
  • the fusion protein comprises a first IgGl Fc region and a second IgGl Fc region, wherein first Fc region and said second Fc region each comprises the following amino acid substitution: a glycine at position C5, numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 7. 6.3.2 Promotion of Heterodimerization
  • the amino acid sequence of the first F c region and the second Fc region each comprises one or more amino acid modifications (e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition) relative to each other to promote heterodimerization.
  • IgG derived heterodimeric formats can be generated by methods known in the art, e.g., by forced heavy chain heterodimerization. Forced heavy chain heterodimerization can be obtained using, e.g., knob- in-hole or strand exchange engineered domains (SEED).
  • an interface between the first and the second Fc regions is modified, e.g., by one or more amino acid substitution, to increase hetero dimerization, e.g, relative to a non-modified interface, e.g., a naturally occurring interface.
  • heterodimerization of the first and second Fc regions can be enhanced by providing an Fc interface of a first and a second Fc region with one or more of: a paired protuberance-cavity (“knob-in-hole”), an electrostatic interaction, or a strand-exchange, such that a greater ratio of heterodimer to homodimer forms, e.g., relative to a non-engineered interface.
  • knob-in-hole is described in e.g., US5731116, US7476724 and Ridgway, J. et al. Prot. Engineering 9(7): 617-621 (1996), the full contents of each of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
  • knob-in-hole comprises 1) mutating the CH3 domain of one or both Fc regions to promote heterodimerization; and 2) combining the mutated Fc regions under conditions that promote heterodimerization.
  • Knobs are typically created by replacing a small amino acid in a parental Fc region with a larger amino acid (e.g., T366Y or T366W, EU numbering according to Kabat); “holes” are created by replacing a larger residue in a parental Fc region with a smaller amino acid (e.g., Y407T, T366S, 11368A, or Y407V, EU numbering according to Kabat).
  • Exemplary Knob-in-Hole mutations include S354C, T366W in the “knob” heavy chain and Y349C, T366S, L368A, Y407V in the “hole” heavy chain (EU numbering according to Kabat).
  • Other exemplary knob-in-hole mutations which can be incorporated into one or more of the embodiments described herein, are provided in Table 4 (EU numbering according to Kabat), with additional exemplary optional stabilizing Fc cysteine mutations.
  • the fusion protein comprises a first Fc region comprising an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366, L368, and Y407, numbering according to EU index of Kabat. In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a second Fc region comparing an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366, numbering according to EU index of Kabat. In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a first Fc region comprising an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366, L368, and Y407, numbering according to EU index of Kabat; and a second Fc region comprising an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
  • the fusion protein comprises a first Fc region that comprises an Ig CH3 domain that comprises an amino acid sequence comprising an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366, EU numbering according to Kabat; and a second Fc region that comprises a CH3 domain that comprises an amino acid sequence comprising an amino acid substitution at 1, 2, or 3 of the following amino acid positions: T366, L368, or Y407, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the fusion protein comprises a first Fc region that comprises a CH3 domain that comprises an amino acid sequence that comprises an amino acid substitution at position S354, EU numbering according to Kabat; and a second Fc region that comprises a CH3 domain that comprises an amino acid sequence that comprises an amino acid substitution at position Y349, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the fusion protein comprises a first Fc region that comprises a CH3 domain that comprises an amino acid sequence comprising an amino acid substitution at position T366 and position S354, EU numbering according to Kabat; and a second Fc region that comprises a CH3 domain that comprises an amino acid sequence that comprises an amino acid substitution at least one of the following amino acid positions: T366, L368, or Y407, Y349 modification, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the fusion protein comprises a first Fc region that comprises an Ig CH3 domain that comprises an amino acid sequence comprising a T366W amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat; and a second Fc region that comprises a CH3 domain that comprises an amino acid sequence comprising at least one of the following amino acid substitutions: T366S, L368A, or Y407V, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the fusion protein comprises a first Fc region that comprises an Ig CH3 domain that comprises an amino acid sequence that comprises a S354C amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat; and a second Fc region that comprises an Ig CH3 domain that comprises an amino acid sequence that comprises a Y349C amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the fusion protein comprises a first Fc region that comprises an Ig CH3 domain that comprises an amino acid sequence that comprises a T366W amino acid substitution and a S354C amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat; and a second Fc region that comprises a CH3 domain that comprises an amino acid sequence that comprises at least one of the following amino acid substitutions: T366S, L368A, or Y407V, and a Y349C modification, EU numbering according to Kabat.
  • the fusion protein described herein comprises a first Fc region comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, comprising a tryptophan amino acid substitution at amino acid position T151 of any one of SEQ ID NOS:
  • the fusion protein comprises a first Fc region comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, comprising a cysteine amino acid substitution at amino acid position SI 39 of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9; and a second Fc region that comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, comprising a cysteine amino acid substitution at amino acid position Y134 of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7,
  • the fusion protein comprises a first Fc region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, comprising a tryptophan amino acid substitution at amino acid position T 151 and a cysteine amino acid substitution at amino acid position SI 39 of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9; and a second Fc region that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, comprising a serine amino acid substitution at amino acid position T151, an alanine amino acid substitution at amino acid position LI 53, a valine amino acid substitution at amino acid position Y192, and a cysteine amino acid substitution at amino acid position Y134 of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9.
  • the fusion proteins described herein comprise a at least one IL-2 polypeptide (or a functional fragment or variant thereof).
  • IL-2 also known as T cell growth factor (TCGF)
  • TCGF T cell growth factor
  • the wild type human IL-2 comprises about 133 amino acids and consists of four antiparallel, amphipathic a-helices that form a quaternary structure important for its function (see, e.g., Smith, Science 240, 1 169-76 (1988); Bazan, Science 257, 410-413 (1992)).
  • IL-2 mediates its function in part by binding to IL-2 receptors (IL-2R), which consist of up to three individual subunits (IL-Ra (CD25), I L - 2 R b (CD 122), and IL-2Ry (CD 132)), the association of different IL-2R subunits produces full receptors that typically differ in their affinity for IL-2. Association of the IL-Ra (CD25), IL-2R(] (CD 122), and IL-2Ry (CD 132) subunits results in a trimeric, high-affinity receptor for IL-2.
  • IL-2R IL-2 receptors
  • a dimeric IL-2 receptor consisting of the IL-2R(] (CD 122) and IL-2Ry (CD 132) subunits results in an intermediate- affinity IL-2 receptor. While the IL-Ra (CD25) subunit also forms the monomeric low affinity IL-2 receptor. Although the dimeric intermediate-affinity IL-2 receptor binds IL-2 with approximately 100-fold lower affinity than the trimeric high-affinity receptor, both the dimeric and the trimeric IL-2 receptors are able to transmit signal upon IL-2 binding (see, e.g., Minami et al., Annu Rev Immunol 11, 245-268 (1993), the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes).
  • a fusion protein (e.g., described herein) comprises at least one IL-2 polypeptide. In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises at least two IL-2 polypeptides. In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a first IL-2 polypeptide and a second IL-2 polypeptide. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IL-2 polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the second IL-2 polypeptide. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IL-2 polypeptide is 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the second IL-2 polypeptide.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises human IL-2 (hIL-2). In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide and comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions, deletions, additions) relative to the amino acid sequence of a reference wild-type IL-2 polypeptide (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60). In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions, deletions, additions) relative to the amino acid sequence of a reference wild- type IL-2 polypeptide (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises no more than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions, deletions, additions) relative to the amino acid sequence of a reference wild-type IL-2 polypeptide (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • the hIL-2 polypeptide is capable of binding CD25 with substantially the same affinity as a reference IL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 6).
  • the two or more substantially similar values may be within 5% to 100% of each other.
  • the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to human IL-Ra (human CD25) hIL-Ra (hCD25) with from about 5% to 90%, 5% to 80%, 5% to 70%, 5% to 60%, 5% to 50%, 5% to 40%, 5% to 30%, 5% to 20%, or 5% to 10% less affinity relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hIL-Ra (hCD25) with from about 5% to 40%, 5% to 30%, 5% to 20%, or 5% to 10% less affinity relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR. In some embodiments, the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hIL-Ra (hCD25) with from about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% less affinity relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hlL- Ra (hCD25) with from about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, or 40% less affinity relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hIL-Ra (hCD25) with a KD that is from about a 20 to 50-fold, 20 to 40-fold, 25 to 50-fold, 25 to 40-fold, 30 to 50-fold, or 30-to-40-fold increase relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the hlL- 2 polypeptide binds to hIL-Ra (hCD25) with a KD that is about a 20-fold, 25-fold, 30-fold, 33- fold, 35-fold, 40-fold, 45-fold, or 50-fold increase relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hIL-Ra (hCD25) with a KD that is about a 30-fold or 33 -fold increase relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hIL-Ra (hCD25) with a KD that is from about a 3 to 10-fold, 3 to 6-fold, or 3 to 5-fold increase relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hIL-Ra (hCD25) with a KD that is about a 1-fold, 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 6-fold, 7-fold 8-fold, 9-fold, or 10-fold increase relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hIL-Ra (hCD25) with a KD that is about a 5-fold increase relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to human IL-2R(j (human CD122) hIL-2Rp (hCD122) with at least about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% less affinity relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the hIL-2 polypeptide binds hIL-2Rp (hCD122) with a KD that is from about a 50 to 80-fold, 60 to 80-fold, 50 to 70-fold, 60 to 70-fold, 65 to 80-fold, or 65 to 70-fold increase relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with a KD that is about a 50-fold, 60-fold, 65-fold, or 70-fold increase relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR. In some embodiments, the hIL-2 polypeptide binds hIL-2R(j (hCD122) with a KD that is about a 70-fold increase relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to the human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising h I L-2 R b (hCD122) and human IL-2Ry (human CD 132) (hIL-2Ry (hCD 132)) with a lower affinity relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to the human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hIL-2R(] (hCD 122) and IL-2Ry (CD 132) with at least about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% less affinity relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to the human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hlL- 2Rp (hCD122) with a KD that is from about a 50 to 80-fold, 60 to 80-fold, 50 to 70-fold, 60 to 70-fold, 65 to 80-fold, or 65 to 70-fold increase relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to the human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hIL-2R(] (hCD122) with a KD that is about a 50-fold, 60-fold, 65- fold, or 70-fold increase relative to wild type hIL-2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to the human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hIL-2R(] (hCD122) with a KD that is about a 70-fold increase relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
  • IL-2 variants that modify (e.g ., increases or decrease) the affinity of IL-2 for one or more of the IL-2 receptors IL-Ra (CD25), IL-2RP (CD122), and/or IL-2Ry (CD132), as described above, are known in the art. See for example, US9266938; US9526797; US20200299349; and Cassell DJ, Choudhri S, Humphrey R, Martell RE, Reynolds T, Shanafelt AB. Therapeutic enhancement of IL-2 through molecular design. Curr Pharm Des. 2002;8(24):2171-83. doi: 10.2174/1381612023393260. PMID: 12369861; the entire contents of each of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. Any one of the IL-2 variants or any combination thereof described in any of the foregoing may be incorporated into a fusion protein described herein.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that modify the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for one or more of CD25, CD122, and/or CD132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • amino acid modifications e.g., substitutions
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that increase the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that decrease the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that increase the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that decrease the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g ., substitutions) that increase the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that decrease the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that abolish or reduce affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122 or CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that abolish or reduce affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122 and CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that abolish or reduce affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that abolish or reduce affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that preserve affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122 or CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • amino acid modifications e.g., substitutions
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that preserve affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122 and CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g ., substitutions).
  • amino acid modifications e.g., substitutions
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that preserve affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that preserve affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that increase affinity for CD 122 or CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that increase affinity for CD 122 and CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that increase affinity for CD 122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that increase affinity for CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that abolish or reduce affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1 amino acid substitution that increases affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25; and at least 1 amino acid substitution that increases affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 122; as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said amino acid substitutions.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g ., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that modify the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for one or more of CD25, CD122, and/or CD132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • amino acid modifications e.g ., substitutions
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that increase the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • amino acid modifications e.g., substitutions
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that decrease the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • amino acid modifications e.g., substitutions
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that increase the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • amino acid modifications e.g., substitutions
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that decrease the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • amino acid modifications e.g., substitutions
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that increase the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • amino acid modifications e.g., substitutions
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g ., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that decrease the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • amino acid modifications e.g ., substitutions
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that abolish or reduce affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122 or CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • amino acid modifications e.g., substitutions
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that abolish or reduce affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122 and CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • amino acid modifications e.g., substitutions
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that abolish or reduce affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • amino acid modifications e.g., substitutions
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that abolish or reduce affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • amino acid modifications e.g., substitutions
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that preserve affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122 or CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • amino acid modifications e.g., substitutions
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that preserve affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122 and CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • amino acid modifications e.g., substitutions
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g ., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that preserve affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • amino acid modifications e.g ., substitutions
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that preserve affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • amino acid modifications e.g., substitutions
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that increase affinity for CD 122 or CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • amino acid modifications e.g., substitutions
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that increase affinity for CD122 and CD132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • amino acid modifications e.g., substitutions
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that increase affinity for CD122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • amino acid modifications e.g., substitutions
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that increase affinity for CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
  • amino acid modifications e.g., substitutions
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that abolishes or reduces affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g ., substitutions).
  • amino acid modifications e.g., substitutions
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1 amino acid substitution (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that increases affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25; and at least 1 amino acid substitution (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that increases affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 122; as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said amino acid substitutions.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that modify the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for one or more of CD25, CD 122, and/or CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
  • amino acid modifications e.g., substitutions
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that increase the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that decrease the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that increase the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that decrease the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that increase the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g ., substitutions) that decrease the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that abolish or reduce affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122 or CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that abolish or reduce affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122 and CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that abolish or reduce affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that abolish or reduce affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that preserve affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122 or CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that preserve affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122 and CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g ., substitutions) that preserve affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that preserve affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that increase affinity for CD 122 or CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that increase affinity for CD 122 and CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that increase affinity for CD 122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that increase affinity for CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that abolish or reduce affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 with at least one amino acid substitution that increases affinity of the IL- 2 polypeptide for CD25 and at least one amino acid substitution that increases affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 122; as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least one amino acid substitution that increases affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and at least one amino acid substitution that increases affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 122; as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
  • the at least amino acid substitution that that increases affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 is an amino acid substitution at amino acid position LI 8, Q22, or Q126 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60); and the at least amino acid substitution that that increases affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 122 is an amino acid substitution at L80, R81, L85, 160, or 192 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • the at least amino acid substitution that increases affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 is one of the following amino acid substitutions L18R, Q22E, Q126A, Q126C, Q126D, Q126E, Q126G, Q126H, Q126I, Q126K, Q126M, Q126R, Q126S, or Q126T (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60); and the at least amino acid substitution that that increases affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 122 is one of the following amino acid substitutions L80E, R81D, L85V, I60V, and I92E (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the following amino acid substitutions L18R and Q22E (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60). In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises one of the following amino acid substitutions Q126A, Q126C, Q126D, Q126E, Q126G, Q126H, Q126I, Q126K, Q126M, Q126R, Q126S, or Q126T, (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises one of the following amino acid substitutions Q126A, Q126C, Q126D, Q126E, Q126G, Q126H, Q126I, Q126K, Q126M, Q126R, Q126S, or Q126T (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60). In some embodiments, the IL-2 comprises at least one of the following amino acid substitutions L80L , R81D, L85V, I60V, or I92E (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the following amino acid substitutions L18R and Q22E (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60), and at least one of the following amino acid substitutions L80E, R81D, L85V, I60V, or I92E (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • the IL-2 comprises one of the following amino acid substitutions Q126A, Q126C, Q126D, Q126E, Q126G, Q126H, Q126I, Q126K, Q126M, Q126R, Q126S, or Q126T (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60), and at least one of the following amino acid substitutions L80F, R81D, L85V, I60V, or I92F (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • the IF-2 polypeptide comprises the following amino acid substitution Q126H (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60), and at least one of the following amino acid substitutions L80F, R8 ID, L85V, I60V, or I92F (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at one or more of amino acid positions L12, Q13, E15, H16, L19, D20, Q22, N29, M23, Y31, K35, T37, K48, N71, L53, L56, V69, Q74, L80, R81, D59, S87, N88, V91, 192, E95, LI 18, or Q126 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least one of the following amino acid substitutions: L12G, L12K, L12Q, L12S, Q13G, E15A, E15G, E15S, E15Q, H16A, H16G, H16K, H16M, H16R, H16S, H16T, H16V, H16Y, H16N, L19A, L19D, L19E, L19G, L19N, L19R, L19S, L19T, L19V, D20A, D20E, D20F, D20G, D20T, D20W, Q22E, N29S, M23R, Y31S, Y31H, K35R, T37A, K48E, L53I, L56I, V69A, N71R, Q74P, L80I,R81A, R81G, R81S, R81T, D59A, D59E, D59G, D59I, D59M, D
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position L72 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) (e.g ., L72G, L72A, L72S, L72T, L72Q, L72E, L72N, L72D, L72R, or L72K).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at position 72 selected from the group consisting of L72G, L72A, L72S, L72T, L72Q, L72E, L72N, L72D, L72R, and L72K (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position F42 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) (e.g., F42A, F42G, F42S, F42T, F42Q, F42E, F42N, F42D, F42R, or F42K).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at position 42 selected from the group consisting of F42A, F42G, F42S, F42T, F42Q, F42E, F42N, F42D, F42R, and F42K (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position Y45 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 )(e.g., Y45A, Y45G, Y45S, Y45T, Y45Q, Y45E, Y45N, Y45D, Y45R or Y45K).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at position 45 selected from the group consisting of Y45A, Y45G, Y45S, Y45T, Y45Q, Y45E, Y45N, Y45D, Y45R and Y45K (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T3 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) (e.g ., T3A, T3G, T3Q, T3E, T3N, T3D, T3R, T3K, or T3P).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at position 3 selected from the group consisting of T3A, T3G, T3Q, T3E, T3N, T3D, T3R, T3K, and T3P (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position C125 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) (e.g., C125A, C125S, C125T, or C125V). In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at position 125 selected from the group consisting of Cl 25 A, C125S, C125T, and C125V (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at one, two, or three of: amino acid positions L72 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) (e.g, L72G, L72A, L72S, L72T, L72Q, L72E, L72N, L72D, L72R, or L72K); amino acid position F42 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) (e.g., F42A, F42G, F42S, F42T, F42Q, F42E, F42N, F42D, F42R, or F42K); and/or amino acid position Y45 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) (e.g., Y45A, Y45G, Y45S, Y45T, Y45Q, Y45E, Y45N, Y45D, Y45R, or Y45
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at one, two, or three of: amino acid position L72 selected from the group consisting of L72G, L72A, L72S, L72T, L72Q, L72E, L72N, L72D, L72R, and L72K (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60); amino acid position 42 selected from the group consisting of F42A, F42G, F42S, F42T, F42Q, F42E, F42N, F42D, F42R, and F42K (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60); and/or amino acid position Y45 selected from the group consisting of Y45A, Y45G, Y45S, Y45T, Y45Q, Y45E, Y45N, Y45D, Y45R and Y45K (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60); amino acid position Y45 selected from
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at one, two, three, four, or five of: amino acid position L72 (e.g., L72G, L72A, L72S, L72T, L72Q, L72E, L72N, L72D, L72R, or L72K) (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60); amino acid position F42 (e.g, F42A, F42G, F42S, F42T, F42Q, F42E, F42N, F42D, F42R, or F42K) (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60); amino acid position Y45 (e.g., Y45A, Y45G, Y45S, Y45T, Y45Q, Y45E, Y45N, Y45D, Y45R, or Y45K) (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at one, two, three, four, or five of: amino acid position L72 selected from the group consisting of L72G, L72A, L72S, L72T, L72Q, L72E, L72N, L72D, L72R, and L72K; amino acid position F42 selected from the group consisting of F42A, F42G, F42S, F42T, F42Q, F42E, F42N, F42D, F42R, and F42K (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60); amino acid position Y45 selected from the group consisting of Y45A, Y45G, Y45S, Y45T, Y45Q, Y45E, Y45N, Y45D, Y45R and Y45K (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60); amino acid position T3 selected from the group consisting of T3A
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 further comprising at least the following amino acid substitutions: L72G, F42A, and Y45A. In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 further comprising at least the following amino acid substitutions: L72G, F42A, Y45A, T3A, and Cl 25 A. In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least one or both the following amino acid substitutions: L72G and/or Y45A.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide does not comprise an amino acid modification that substantially diminishes the ability of IL-2 to bind to CD25, compared to a reference wild-type IL-2 polypeptide (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide does not contain an amino acid substitution at one, two, or three of amino acid positions F42, Y45, or L72 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • IL-2 does not contain an amino acid substitution at any of the following amino acid positions F42, Y45, and L72 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • IL-2 does not contain the following amino acid substitutions F42A, Y45A, and L72G (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide does not comprise an amino acid substitution at one, two, and/or three of: amino acid position L72; position F42; and/or position Y45 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises a leucine at position 72 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60); a phenylalanine at position F42 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60); and/or a tyrosine at position 45 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least one of the following amino acid substitutions: N88R, N88G, N88T, N88M, N88I, N88Q, N88E, N88V, N88F, N88Y, N88L, N88S, N88H, N88W, N88K, D20E, D20I, D20N, D20Q, D20S, D20T, D20Y, L19Y, L19N, L19R, L19Q, L19H, L19D, L19P, L19S, L21S, L21N, or L21R (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least one of the following amino acid substitutions: N88R, N88G, N88T, N88M, N88I, N88A, N88Q, N88E, N88V, N88F, N88Y, N88L, N88S, N88H, N88W, or N88K (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • IL-2 polypeptide comprises an N88R amino acid substitution (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 and an N88R amino acid substitution (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60). In some embodiments, IL-2 polypeptide comprises an N88R and an F42A amino acid substitution (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60). In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 and an N88R and an F42A amino acid substitution (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide does not contain a deletion in the N- terminus of the polypeptide (e.g no deletion in N terminal amino acids 1 to 10 of the mature protein).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide does not contain an amino acid substitution at position D20, numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60. In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide does not contain an amino acid substitution at position F42, numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60. In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide does not contain an amino acid substitution at position R28, numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60. In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide does not contain an amino acid substitution at position N88, numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide does not contain an amino acid substitution at position Q126, numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60. In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide does not contain an amino acid substitution at position at any combination of D20, F42, R38, N88, or Q126, numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60. In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide does not contain an amino acid substitution at position at 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 of D20, F42, R38, N88, or Q126, numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
  • IL-2 comprises an amino acid sequence comprising an amino acid substitution at amino acid position L21 or L21, numbering relative to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
  • the amino acid substitution is a L21N or L21R substitution, numbering relative to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least one amino acid substitution relative to wild type hIL-2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60; and induces reduced dimerization of hCD122 and hCD132 in vitro relative to wild type hIL-2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
  • IL-2 comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 59-313 or 474-77.
  • the amino acid sequence of IL-2 consists of an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 59- 313 or 474-77.
  • IL-2 comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 59, 60, 137, 260, or 474-477.
  • the amino acid sequence of IL-2 consists of an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 59, 60, 137, 260, or 474-477.
  • IL-2 comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 59, 137, or 474.
  • the amino acid sequence of IL-2 consists of an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 59, 137, or 474.
  • IL-2 comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of wild type IL-2.
  • the amino acid sequence of IL-2 consists of a sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of wild type IL-2.
  • IL-2 comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59.
  • the amino acid sequence of IL-2 consists of a sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59.
  • IL-2 comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 60.
  • the amino acid sequence of IL-2 consists of an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 60.
  • IL-2 comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 137.
  • the amino acid sequence of IL-2 consists of an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 137.
  • IL-2 comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 260.
  • the amino acid sequence of IL-2 consists of an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 260.
  • IL-2 comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 474.
  • the amino acid sequence of IL-2 consists of an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 474.
  • IL-2 comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 475.
  • the amino acid sequence of IL-2 consists of an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 475.
  • IL-2 comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 476.
  • the amino acid sequence of IL-2 consists of an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 476.
  • IL-2 comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 477.
  • the amino acid sequence of IL-2 consists of an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 477.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence set forth in Table 5, wherein the amino acid sequence comprises as least one amino acid substitution relative to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 and the amino acid sequence is at least 90%, 91 %, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to an amino acid sequence set forth in Table 5.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence that, other than the at least one amino acid substitution set forth in Table 5 for SEQ ID NOS: 59-313 or 474-477, is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, or 99%, identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 59-313 or 474- 477, respectively.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide is an engineered IL-2 polypeptide disclosed US9266938; US9526797; US20200299349; and Cassell DJ, Choudhri S, Humphrey R, Martell RE, Reynolds T, Shanafelt AB. Therapeutic enhancement of IL-2 through molecular design. Curr Pharm Des. 2002;8(24):2171-83. doi: 10.2174/1381612023393260. PMID: 12369861; the entire contents of each of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
  • IL-2 is chemically synthesized. See e.g., Murar CE, Ninomiya M, Shimura S, Karakus U, Boyman O, Bode JW. Chemical Synthesis of Inter leulcin- 2 and Disulfide Stabilizing Analogues. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2020 May 25;59(22):8425- 8429. doi: 10.1002/anie.201916053. Epub 2020 Mar 18. PMID: 32032465, the full contents of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
  • fusion proteins comprising a CD20 binding domain (e.g ., described herein) and at least one IL-2 polypeptide (e.g., described herein).
  • the anti-CD20 binding domain and the IL-2 polypeptide can be arranged in any configuration as long as the CD20 binding domain maintains the ability to bind CD20 and the IL-2 polypeptide can mediate an effector function (e.g., bind one or more of CD25, CD 122, and/or CD 132).
  • Each component of the fusion proteins described herein can be directly operably connected to one the other (e.g., through a peptide bond) or can be indirectly connected to the other (e.g., via a peptide linker).
  • the IL-2 polypeptide can be directly (through a peptide bond) or indirectly (through a peptide linker) operably connected to the CD20 binding domain.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide is indirectly operably connected to the CD20 binding domain through a peptide linker.
  • the peptide linker is one or any combination of a cleavable linker, a non-cleavable linker, a flexible linker, a rigid linker, a helical linker, or a non-helical linker.
  • the peptide linker comprises from or from about 2-30, 5-30, 10-30, 15-30, 20-30, 25-30, 2-25, 5-25, 10-25, 15-25, 20-25, 2-20, 5-20, 10-20, 15-20, 2-15, 5-15, 10-15, 2-10, or 5-10 amino acid residues.
  • the peptide linker comprises at least about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 amino acid residues.
  • the linker comprises or consists of about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 amino acid residues.
  • the amino acid sequence of the peptide linker comprises or consists of glycine or serine, or both glycine and serine amino acid residues. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the peptide linker comprises or consists of glycine, serine, or proline, or glycine, serine, and proline amino acid residues.
  • the amino acid sequence of the peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 324, wherein a, b, and c are each individually 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 325, wherein X is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.
  • the amino acid sequence of the peptide linker comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 314-325, or the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 314-325 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g ., substitution, deletion, or addition).
  • the amino acid sequence of the peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of a peptide linker set forth in Table 6, or the amino acid sequence of a peptide linker set forth in Table 6 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., substitution, deletion, or addition).
  • the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain and the IL-2 polypeptide can be arranged in any configuration as long as the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain maintains the ability to bind CD20 and the IL-2 polypeptide can mediate an effector function (e.g ., bind one or more of CD25, CD122, and/or CD132).
  • an effector function e.g ., bind one or more of CD25, CD122, and/or CD132.
  • Exemplary structures of fusion proteins described herein are provided below. The exemplary structures are provided as exemplary embodiments and are in no way limiting. Exemplary strucutres include, e.g., those depicted in FIGS. 1-6.
  • the fusion protein (e.g., described herein) comprises a full- length anti-CD20 antibody that comprises a first light chain, a second light chain, a first heavy chain, and a second heavy chain, wherein an IL-2 polypeptide is operably connected to the C- terminus of only one of the first light chain or the second light chain.
  • the fusion protein comprises: a) a first polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus: a first light chain variable region (VL), a first light chain constant region (CL), a first optional peptide linker, and an IL-2 polypeptide; a second polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus: a first heavy chain variable region (VH), and a first heavy chain constant region (CH); a third polypeptide that comprises from N- to C- terminus: a second VH and a second CH; and a fourth polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus: a second VL and a second CL; wherein said first VL and said first VH form a first antigen binding domain that specifically binds CD20; and wherein said second VL and said second VH form a second antigen binding domain that specifically binds CD20.
  • the second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide.
  • the amino acid sequence of the second polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 amino acid modifications relative to the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide.
  • the first CH region comprises from N- to C-terminus a first CHI domain, a first hinge domain, a first CH2 domain, and a first CH3 domain.
  • the second CH region comprises from N- to C-terminus a second CHI domain, a second hinge domain, a second CH2 domain, and a second CH3 domain.
  • the first CH3 domain and the second CH3 domain each comprises at least one amino acid modification (e.g., substitution, deletion, or addition) that promotes heterodimerization of the second polypeptide with the third polypeptide (e.g., as described herein, see, e.g., ⁇ 6.3.2).
  • the first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NOS: 314-325.
  • the first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NO: 318.
  • the fusion protein (e.g described herein) comprises a full- length anti-CD20 antibody that comprises a first light chain, a second light chain, a first heavy chain, and a second heavy chain, wherein a first IL-2 polypeptide is attached to the C-terminus of the first light chain and a second IL-2 polypeptide is attached to the C-terminus of the second light chain.
  • the first IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the second IL-2 polypeptide. See e.g., FIG. 2.
  • the fusion protein comprises a) a first polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus a first VL, a first CL, a first optional peptide linker, and a first IL-2 polypeptide; a second polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus a first VH and a first CH; a third polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus a second VH and a second CH; and a fourth polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus a second VL, a second CL, a second optional peptide linker, and a second IL-2 polypeptide; wherein said first VL and said first VH form a first antigen binding domain that specifically binds CD20; and wherein said second VL and said second VH form a second antigen binding domain that specifically binds CD20.
  • the first polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the fourth polypeptide.
  • the second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide.
  • the amino acid sequence of said first IL-2 polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the second IL-2 polypeptide.
  • the first CH region comprises from N- to C-terminus a first CHI domain, a first hinge domain, a first CH2 domain, and a first CH3 domain.
  • the second CH region comprises from N- to C-terminus a second CHI domain, a second hinge domain, a second CH2 domain, and a second CH3 domain.
  • the first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NOS: 314-325.
  • the first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NO: 318.
  • the second peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NOS: 314-325.
  • the second peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NO: 318.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 431-449 or 451-469.
  • the amino acid sequence of the second polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 430 or 450.
  • the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 430 or 450.
  • the amino acid sequence of the fourth polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 431-449 or 451-469.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 431-449 or 451-469;
  • the amino acid sequence of the second polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 430 or 450;
  • the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 430 or 450;
  • the amino acid sequence of the fourth polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino
  • the amino acid sequence of the first polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 431-449.
  • the amino acid sequence of the second polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 430.
  • the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 430.
  • the amino acid sequence of the fourth polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 431-449.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 431-449;
  • the amino acid sequence of the second polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 430;
  • the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 430;
  • the amino acid sequence of the fourth polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 431-4
  • the amino acid sequence of the first polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 451-469.
  • the amino acid sequence of the second polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 450.
  • the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 450.
  • the amino acid sequence of the fourth polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 451-469.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 451-469;
  • the amino acid sequence of the second polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 450;
  • the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 450;
  • the amino acid sequence of the fourth polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 451-4
  • the fusion protein (e.g ., described herein) comprises a full-length anti- CD20 antibody that comprises a first light chain, a second light chain, a first heavy chain, and a second heavy chain, wherein IL-2 is operably connected to the C-terminus of only the first or second heavy chain. See, e.g., FIG. 3.
  • the fusion protein comprises a) a first polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus a first VL and a first CL; a second polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus a first VH, a first CH, a first optional peptide linker, and an IL-2 polypeptide; a third polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus a second VH and a second CH; and a fourth polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus a second VL, and a second CL; wherein said first VL and said first VH form a first antigen binding domain that specifically binds CD20; and wherein said second VL and said second VH form a second antigen binding domain that specifically binds CD20.
  • the first polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the fourth polypeptide.
  • the amino acid sequence of the second polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 amino acid modifications relative to the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide.
  • the first CH region comprises from N- to C-terminus a first CHI domain, a first hinge domain, a first CH2 domain, and a first CH3 domain.
  • the second CH region comprises from N- to C-terminus a second CHI domain, a second hinge domain, a second CH2 domain, and a second CH3 domain.
  • the first CH3 domain and the second CH3 domain each comprises at least one amino acid modification (e.g ., substitution, deletion, or addition) that promotes heterodimerization of the second polypeptide with the third polypeptide (e.g., as described herein, see, e.g., ⁇ 6.3.2).
  • the first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NOS: 314-325.
  • the first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NO: 318.
  • the fusion protein (e.g., described herein) comprises a full- length anti-CD20 antibody that comprises a first light chain, a second light chain, a first heavy chain, and a second heavy chain, wherein a first IL-2 polypeptide is operably connected to the C-terminus of the first heavy chain and a second IL-2 polypeptide is operably connected to the C-terminus of the second heavy chain.
  • the first IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the second IL-2 polypeptide.
  • the fusion protein comprises a) a first polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus a first VL and a first CL; a second polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus a first VH, a first CH, a first optional peptide linker, and a first IL-2 polypeptide; a third polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus a second VH, a second CH, a second optional peptide linker, and a second IL-2 polypeptide; and a fourth polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus a second VL, a second CL; wherein said first VL and said first VH form a first antigen binding domain that specifically binds CD20; and wherein said second VL and said second VH form a second antigen binding domain that specifically binds CD20.
  • the first polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the fourth polypeptide.
  • the second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide.
  • the first IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91 %, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the second IL-2 polypeptide.
  • the first CH region comprises from N- to C-terminus a first CHI domain, a first hinge domain, a first CH2 domain, and a first CH3 domain.
  • the second CH region comprises from N- to C-terminus a second CHI domain, a second hinge domain, a second CH2 domain, and a second CH3 domain.
  • the first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NOS: 314-325.
  • the first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NO: 318.
  • the second peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NOS: 314-325.
  • the second peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NO: 318. 6.5.2.5 Fab-Fc - Single IL-2 N-terminal Heavy Chain Fusion
  • the fusion protein (e.g ., described herein) comprises an anti-CD20 Fab operably connected to the N-terminus of a first Fc region, and an IL-2 polypeptide operably connected the N-terminus of a second Fc region.
  • the IL-2 polypeptide is operably connected to the N-terminus of the second Fc via a peptide linker. See, e.g., FIG. 1.
  • the fusion protein comprises a) a first polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus a first VL, a first CL; a second polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus a first VH, a first CH that comprises a first CHI domain, a first hinge domain, a first CH2 domain, and a first CH3 domain; a third polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus an IL-2 polypeptide, a first optional peptide linker, a second hinge domain, a second CH2 domain, and a second CH3 domain; wherein said first VL and said first VH form a first antigen binding domain that specifically binds CD20.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first CH3 domain comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 amino acid modifications relative to the amino acid sequence of the second CH3 domain.
  • the first CH3 domain and the second CH3 domain each comprises at least one amino acid modification (e.g ., substitution, deletion, or addition) that promotes heterodimerization of the second polypeptide with the third polypeptide (e.g., as described herein, see, e.g., ⁇ 6.3.2).
  • the first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NOS: 314-325.
  • the first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NO: 318.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 337 or 371.
  • the amino acid sequence of the second polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 385 or 408.
  • the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 386, 388-407, 409, or 144-429.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 337 or 371 ;
  • the amino acid sequence of the second polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence ofSEQ ID NO: 385 or 408;
  • the amino acid sequence ofthe third polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 386, 388-407, 409, or 144-429.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 337.
  • the amino acid sequence of the second polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 385.
  • the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 386 or 388- 407.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 337;
  • the amino acid sequence of the second polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 385;
  • the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 386 or 388-407.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 371.
  • the amino acid sequence of the second polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 408.
  • the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 409 or 411- 429.
  • the amino acid sequence of the first polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 371; the amino acid sequence of the second polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 408; and the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 409 or 411-429.
  • amino acid sequence of exemplary fusion proteins which can be incorporated into any one or more of the embodiments described herein, is provided in Table 7 below.
  • Fusion proteins described herein can be made by any conventional technique known in the art, for example, recombinant techniques (e.g ., using host cells) or chemical synthesis (e.g ., solid phase peptide synthesis) (see, e.g., C. E. Murar, et ah, “Chemical Synthesis of Interleukin-2 and Disulfide Stabilizing Analogues,” (2020) Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 59, 8425; and E.P. Patent No. 2723380B1, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes).
  • the fusion protein is made by recombinant expression in a host cell (e.g ., eukaryotic (e.g., mammalian), bacterial).
  • a host cell e.g ., eukaryotic (e.g., mammalian), bacterial.
  • the fusion protein can be made by synthesizing a DNA polynucleotide encoding the fusion protein and cloning the DNA polynucleotide into any suitable expression vector (e.g., a plasmid).
  • suitable expression vectors are known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the selection of an appropriate expression vector is a matter of choice within the skill of a person of ordinary skill in the art.
  • the expression vector typically contains an expression cassette that includes polynucleotide sequences capable of bringing about expression of the polynucleotide encoding the fusion protein, such as promoter(s), enhancer(s), polyadenylation signals, and the like.
  • polynucleotide sequences capable of bringing about expression of the polynucleotide encoding the fusion protein
  • promoter(s), enhancer(s), polyadenylation signals, and the like can be used to obtain expression of a polynucleotide in a host cell.
  • promoters can be constitutive or regulated, and can be obtained from various sources, e.g., viruses, prokaryotic or eukaryotic sources, or artificially designed.
  • a number of host cells are known in the art, which can be used for transfection or transduction, and include e.g., immortalized cell lines available from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), such as, but not limited to, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, CHO-suspension cells (CHO-S), HeLa cells, HEK293, baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells, monkey kidney cells (COS), VERO, HepG2, MadinDarby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells, NOS, U20S, A549, HT1080, CAD, P19,NIH3T3, L929, N2a, MCF-7, Y79, SO-Rb50, DUKX-X11, or J558L.
  • ATCC American Type Culture Collection
  • the fusion protein is produced in CHO or CHO-S cells.
  • host cells containing the expression vector encoding the fusion protein are cultured under conditions conducive to expression of the polynucleotide encoding the fusion protein.
  • Culture media is available from various vendors, and a suitable medium can be routinely chosen for a host cell to express a fusion protein described herein.
  • Host cells can be adherent or suspension cultures, and a person of ordinary skill in the art can optimize culture methods for specific host cells selected.
  • suspension cells can be cultured in, for example, bioreactors in e.g., a batch process or a fed- batch process.
  • the coding sequence of the fusion protein may or may not contain a signal peptide.
  • Heterologous signal peptides can be added to the coding sequence that result in the secretion of the expressed polypeptide from the host cell into the culture medium. If the expression system secretes the fusion protein into culture media, the fusion protein can be isolated directly from the media, for example, through the use of column chromatography in either flow-flow through or bind-and-elute modes. Examples include, but are not limited to, ion exchange resins and affinity resins, such as lentil lectin Sepharose, and mixed mode cation exchange- hydrophobic interaction columns (CEX-HIC).
  • the fusion protein can be isolated from the host cell lysates.
  • the fusion protein may be concentrated, buffer exchanged by ultrafiltration, and the retentate from the ultrafiltration may be filtered through an appropriate filter, e.g., a 0.22pm filter.
  • the amino acid sequences of the fusion proteins can be determined, e.g., by repetitive cycles of Edman degradation, followed by amino acid analysis by HPLC. Other methods of amino acid sequencing are also known in the art. Also once isolated, the functionality of the fusion protein can also be assessed, e.g., utilizing a bifunctional ELISA e.g., to assess IL-2 receptor and CD20 binding.
  • compositions comprising a fusion protein described herein, a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, or a vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, and a physiologically excipient (see, e.g., Remington’s Pharmaceutical Sciences (1990) Mack Publishing Co., Easton, PA, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes).
  • compositions comprising providing a fusion protein described herein, a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, or a vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, and formulating it into a pharmaceutically acceptable composition by the addition of one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
  • Acceptable excipients are preferably nontoxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed, and include buffers such as phosphate, citrate, or other organic acids; antioxidants including ascorbic acid or methionine; preservatives (such as octadecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride; hexamethonium chloride; benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride; phenol, butyl or benzyl alcohol; alkyl parabens such as methyl or propyl paraben; catechol; resorcinol; cyclohexanol; 3-pentanol;or m-cresol); low molecular weight (less than about 10 residues) polypeptides; proteins, such as serum albumin, gelatin, or immunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone; amino acids such as glycine, glutamine
  • a pharmaceutical composition may be formulated for any route of administration to a subject.
  • routes of administration include parenteral administration (e.g., intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular).
  • the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for intravenous administration.
  • Suitable carriers for intravenous administration include physiological saline or phosphate buffered saline (PBS), or solutions containing thickening or solubilizing agents, such as glucose, polyethylene glycol, or polypropylene glycol or mixtures thereof.
  • PBS physiological saline or phosphate buffered saline
  • thickening or solubilizing agents such as glucose, polyethylene glycol, or polypropylene glycol or mixtures thereof.
  • the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for subcutaneous administration.
  • injectables can be prepared in conventional forms, either as liquid solutions or suspensions.
  • the injectables can contain one or more excipients.
  • Exemplary excipients include, for example, water, saline, dextrose, glycerol or ethanol.
  • the pharmaceutical compositions to be administered can also contain minor amounts of non-toxic auxiliary substances such as wetting or emulsifying agents, pH buffering agents, stabilizers, solubility enhancers, or other such agents, such as for example, sodium acetate, sorbitan monolaurate, triethanolamine oleate or cyclodextrins.
  • compositions described herein include for example, aqueous vehicles, nonaqueous vehicles, antimicrobial agents, isotonic agents, buffers, antioxidants, local anesthetics, suspending and dispersing agents, emulsifying agents, sequestering or chelating agents or other pharmaceutically acceptable substances.
  • aqueous vehicles which can be incorporated in one or more of the formulations described herein, include sodium chloride injection, Ringer’s injection, isotonic dextrose injection, sterile water injection, dextrose or lactated Ringer’s injection.
  • Nonaqueous parenteral vehicles which can be incorporated in one or more of the formulations described herein, include fixed oils of vegetable origin, cottonseed oil, com oil, sesame oil or peanut oil.
  • Antimicrobial agents in bacteriostatic or fungistatic concentrations can be added to the parenteral preparations described herein and packaged in multiple-dose containers, which include phenols or cresols, mercurials, benzyl alcohol, chlorobutanol, methyl and propyl p-hydroxybenzoic acid esters, thimerosal, benzalkonium chloride or benzethonium chloride.
  • Isotonic agents which can be incorporated in one or more of the formulations described herein, include sodium chloride or dextrose.
  • Buffers which can be incorporated in one or more of the formulations described herein, include phosphate or citrate.
  • Antioxidants which can be incorporated in one or more of the formulations described herein, include sodium bisulfate.
  • Local anesthetics which can be incorporated in one or more of the formulations described herein, include procaine hydrochloride.
  • Suspending and dispersing agents which can be incorporated in one or more of the formulations described herein, include sodium carboxymethylcelluose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or polyvinylpyrrolidone.
  • Emulsifying agents which can be incorporated in one or more of the formulations described herein, include Polysorbate 80 (TWEEN ® 80).
  • a sequestering or chelating agent of metal ions which can be incorporated in one or more of the formulations described herein, is EDTA.
  • Pharmaceutical carriers which can be incorporated in one or more of the formulations described herein, also include ethyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol or propylene glycol for water miscible vehicles; orsodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, citric acid or lactic acid for pH adjustment.
  • the precise dose to be employed in a pharmaceutical composition will also depend on the route of administration, and the seriousness of the condition caused by it, and should be decided according to the judgment of the practitioner and each subject’s circumstances.
  • effective doses may also vary depending upon means of administration, target site, physiological state of the subject (including age, body weight, and health), other medications administered, or whether therapy is prophylactic or therapeutic.
  • Therapeutic dosages are preferably titrated to optimize safety and efficacy.
  • the method comprises the administration of a fusion protein described herein, a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, a vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, or pharmaceutical composition described herein to a subject.
  • exemplary subjects include mammals, e.g., humans, non-human mammals, e.g., non-human primates.
  • the subject is a human.
  • methods of delivering a fusion protein described herein, a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, a vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, or pharmaceutical composition described herein to a subject comprising administering a fusion protein described herein, a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, a vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, or a pharmaceutical composition described herein to a subject, in an amount sufficient to deliver the fusion protein, polynucleotide encoding the fusion protein, the polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein, the vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein , or the pharmaceutical composition to the subject.
  • kits for inducing an immune response in a subject comprising administering a fusion protein described herein, a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, a vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, or a pharmaceutical composition described herein to a subject, in an amount sufficient to deliver the fusion protein, polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein, vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein, or pharmaceutical to the subject.
  • An immune response can be measured by common method known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
  • fusion proteins described herein are provided herein, polynucleotides encoding a fusion protein described herein, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising a fusion protein described herein for use as a medicament.
  • fusion proteins described herein are provided herein, polynucleotides encoding a fusion protein described herein, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising a fusion protein described herein for use in treating or inhibiting a cancer such as breast cancer, anal cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer, spinal cord cancer, head cancer, neck cancer, head and neck cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, or myeloma.
  • a cancer such as breast cancer, anal cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer, spinal cord cancer, head cancer, neck cancer, head and neck cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, or myeloma.
  • a subject in need thereof e.g a subject diagnosed with a caner
  • a fusion protein described herein e.g. a subject diagnosed with a caner
  • a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein e.g. a vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, or a pharmaceutical composition described herein to a the subject, in an amount sufficient to prevent, inhibit, or treat the cancer in the subject.
  • the methods disclosed herein are used in place of standard of care therapies.
  • a standard of care therapy is used in combination with any method disclosed herein.
  • Standard-of-care therapies for different types of cancer are well known by persons of ordinary skill in the art.
  • NCCN National Comprehensive Cancer Network
  • NCCN GUIDELINES® NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology
  • the methods disclosed herein are used after standard of care therapy has failed.
  • the fusion protein, polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein, vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein, or pharmaceutical composition is administered to the subject in combination ( e.g ., before, simultaneously, or after) with one or more prophylactic or therapeutic agents.
  • the therapeutic agent is a chemotherapeutic agent, an anti-angiogenic agent, an anti-fibrotic agent, radiation, an immunotherapeutic agent, a therapeutic antibody, a bispecific antibody, an “antibody-like” therapeutic protein (such as DARTs®, Duobodies®, Bites®, XmAbs®, TandAbs®, Fab derivatives), an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), a radiotherapeutic agent, an anti-neoplastic agent, an anti-proliferation agent, an oncolytic virus, a gene modifier or editor (such as CRISPR/Cas9, zinc finger nucleases or synthetic nucleases, or TALENs), a CAR T-cell immunotherapeutic agent, an engineered T cell receptor (TCR-T), or any combination thereof.
  • a chemotherapeutic agent an anti-angiogenic agent, an anti-fibrotic agent, radiation, an immunotherapeutic agent, a therapeutic antibody, a bispecific antibody, an “antibody-like” therapeutic protein (such
  • the therapeutic agent is a chemotherapeutic agent.
  • These therapeutic agents may be in any form, e.g., compounds, antibodies, polypeptides, or polynucleotides.
  • the cancer is a hematological malignancy.
  • Exemplary hematological malignancies include, but are not limited to, a leukemia (e.g., Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)), a lymphoma (e.g., Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin Lymphoma), or a myeloma (e.g., multiple myeloma).
  • ALL Acute lymphocytic leukemia
  • AML Acute myelogenous leukemia
  • CLL Chronic lymphocytic leukemia
  • CML Chronic myelogenous leukemia
  • a lymphoma e.g., Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin Lymphoma
  • myeloma e.g., multiple myeloma
  • the cancer of epithelial origin is characterized as having a solid tumor.
  • Exemplary solid tumor cancers include, but are not limited to, lung cancer, brain cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, esophageal cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, gastric cancer, skin cancer, bladder cancer, uterine cancer, brain cancer, endometrial cancer, lip cancer, oral cancer, mesothelioma, sarcoma, thyroid cancer, or thymus cancer or any combination thereof.
  • the cancer is selected from the group consisting of breast cancer, anal cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer, spinal cord cancer, head cancer, neck cancer, and head and neck cancer.
  • the cancer is metastatic. In some embodiments, the cancer is recurrent. In some embodiments, the cancer is metastatic and recurrent. In some embodiments, the cancer is refractory to the approved standard of care. In some embodiments, the cancer is refractory to at least one approved standard of care. In some embodiments, the cancer is refractory to all approved standard of care therapeutics.
  • the methods disclosed herein are used in place of standard of care therapies.
  • a standard of care therapy is used in combination with any method disclosed herein.
  • Standard-of-care therapies for different types of cancer are well known by persons of ordinary skill in the art.
  • NCCN National Comprehensive Cancer Network
  • NCCN GUIDELINES® NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology
  • the methods disclosed herein are used after standard of care therapy has failed.
  • the fusion protein, polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein, vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein, or pharmaceutical composition is administered to the subject in combination ( e.g ., before, simultaneously, or after) with one or more prophylactic or therapeutic agents.
  • the therapeutic agent is a chemotherapeutic agent, an anti-angiogenic agent, an anti-fibrotic agent, radiation, an immunotherapeutic agent, a therapeutic antibody, a bispecific antibody, an “antibody-like” therapeutic protein (such as DARTs®, Duobodies®, Bites®, XmAbs®, TandAbs®, Fab derivatives), an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), a radiotherapeutic agent, an anti-neoplastic agent, an anti-proliferation agent, an oncolytic virus, a gene modifier or editor (such as CRISPR/Cas9, zinc finger nucleases or synthetic nucleases, or TALENs), a CAR T-cell immunotherapeutic agent, an engineered T cell receptor (TCR-T), or any combination thereof.
  • the therapeutic agent is a chemotherapeutic agent.
  • These therapeutic agents may be in any form, e.g., compounds, antibodies, polypeptides, or polynucleotides.
  • kits comprising at least one pharmaceutical composition described herein.
  • Kits typically include a label indicating the intended use of the contents of the kit and instructions for use (e.g., dosage, subject groups, etc.).
  • the term label includes any writing, or recorded material supplied on or with the kit, or which otherwise accompanies the kit.
  • kits comprising a pharmaceutical composition described herein, and instructions for using the pharmaceutical composition (e.g ., in any one or more of the methods described herein).
  • the pharmaceutical composition described herein is provided in a separate part of the kit, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is optionally lyophilized, spray-dried, or spray-freeze dried.
  • the kit may further contain a vehicle (e.g., buffer solution) for solubilizing the dried or lyophilized pharmaceutical composition.
  • the fusion protein is co-packaged in unit dosage form with an additional therapeutic agent.
  • the kit comprises a single dose container of a pharmaceutical composition described herein.
  • the kit comprises a multi-dose container for administration of a pharmaceutical composition described herein.
  • the kit comprises an administration device.
  • kits described herein may be used in a treatment method as described herein (e.g., for the treatment of a cancer in a subject).
  • fusion proteins were generated according to the methods described below, each comprising an anti-CD20 antigen binding domain that specifically binds murine CD20 and murine IL-2 or IL-4.
  • Each of the fusion proteins comprised two Fc regions, wherein each Fc region comprised at least one amino acid modification to abolish or significantly reduce Fc effector function.
  • Each of the Fc regions of any of the heterodimeric fusion proteins further comprised at least one amino acid modification to promote heterodimerization of the correct polypeptide chains, i.e., heavy chain knob and heavy chain hole.
  • wild type substitute or “WTS” or “wts” used in Examples 1-2 with reference to an IF-2 polypeptide refers to an IF-2 polypeptide that contains a T3A amino acid substitution and a C125A amino acid substitution (numbering relative to SEQ ID NO: 59); or the corresponding substitutions in murine IF-2, namely T3A and C140A (numbering relative to SEQ ID NO: 478).
  • the T3A and C125A amino acid substitutions are well known in the art and known not cause a substantial change in binding affinity for any one of the IF-2R subunits.
  • the T3A amino acid substitution is commonly utilized to eliminate O-linked glycosylation- dependent heterogeneity and aggregation; and the C 125 A amino acid substitution is commonly used to prevent intrachain disulfides (see, e.g., Glassman et al. Calibration of cell-intrinsic interleukin-2 response thresholds guides design of a regulatory T cell biased agonist, eFife (May 18 2021);10:e65777 doi: 10.7554/eLife.65777; Kobayashi, M, Kojima, K, Murayama, K, et al. MK-6, a novel not-a IL-2, elicits a potent antitumor activity by improving the effector to regulatory T cell balance. Cancer Sci. 2021; 112: 4478- 4489. https://doi.org/10.l l l l/cas.15127, the full contents of each of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes).
  • HD CHO-S cells were grown in serum-free ExpiCHOTM expression medium. The cells were maintained in Erlenmeyer flasks at 37°C with 8% CO2 on an orbital shaker. On the day of transfection, the ExpiCHOTM expression medium was warmed to 25 ⁇ 37°C. The plasmids and reagents were thawed and pre -warmed to room temperature. From a maintenance flask, the cell density and viability were determined using a hemocytometer. Each plasmid was added into OptiPRO SFM and mixed thoroughly. ExpiFectamine reagent was added into OptiPRO SFM and mixed thoroughly. The plasmid/reagent mixture(s) were added to the cell cultures, and the cell cultures were subsequently returned to the incubator. After a suitable period of incubation, the cell culture supernatant was collected for purification and analysis of the fusion proteins.
  • the cell culture supernatant was centrifuged and filtered. Filtered cell culture supernatant was loaded onto MabSelect SuReTM LX at an appropriate flowrate.
  • An equilibration buffer of PBS (pH 7.2) and an elution buffer of 50mM Citrate (pH 3.0) were utilized for purification. After washing and elution with the respective buffers, the eluted fractions were pooled and buffer exchanged to PBS (pH 7.2) or 25 mM Tris-HCl, 150 mM NaCl (pH 8.0).
  • the purified fusion proteins were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and SEC-HPLC analysis to determine the molecular weight and purity of each fusion protein.
  • the purified fusion proteins were loaded onto HisTrapTM FF Crude 5ml (GE, Cat.No.17-5286-01) utilizing the following buffers: Wash Buffer: 25mM Tris-HCl, 300mM NaCl, pH8.0; and Elution Buffer: 25mM Tris-HCl, 300m M NaCl, 1M imidazole, pH 8.0
  • the fusion proteins were eluted utilizing 2%, 5%, 7%, 10% and 50% of the Elution Buffer and a sample collected for SDS- PAGE analysis.
  • the eluted fractions were pooled and loaded onto HiLoad 26/600 Superdex 200pg 320ml (GE, 28-9893-36) to improve purity in the final buffer.
  • the purified fusion proteins were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and SEC- HPLC to determine the final molecular weight and purity of the fusion proteins.
  • Table 8 provides the amino acid sequence of each of the exemplary murine fusion proteins generated according to the methods described above.
  • the amino acid sequence of the parental murine anti-CD20 antibody is also provided in Table 8.
  • Table 8 The amino acid sequence of exemplary murine anti-CD20 x mIL-2 and reference fusion proteins.
  • mIL-12-Fc non-targeted mIL-12-Fc fusion protein
  • mIL-12p35 was operably connected to the N-terminus of a first Fc region
  • mlL- 12p40 was operably connected to the N-terminus of a second Fc region (also referred to herein as “IL-12-Fc”) (SEQ ID NOS: 378-379) (see, e.g., FIG. 7).
  • B16F10 tumor cells were maintained in vitro as a monolayer culture in Gibco
  • DMEM Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium
  • FBS heat inactivated fetal bovine serum
  • mice in the experimental groups were treated as follows: anti-mCD20 x mIL-2 (SEQ ID NOS: 372-374) was administered intraperitoneally twice weekly at 5 mg/lcg, anti- mCD20 x ml 1.4 (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 377) was administered intraperitoneally twice weekly at 5 mg/lcg, anti-mPDl x mIL-2v (SEQ ID NOS: 381-382) was administered intraperitoneally once a week at 1.5 mg/lcg, and mIL-12-Fc (SEQ ID NOS: 378-379) was administered intraperitoneally twice weekly at 0.078 mg/lcg.
  • Mice in the control group were administered PBS solution intraperitoneally.
  • anti-mCD20 x mIL-2 caused a significant delay in tumor growth along with an increase survival time compared to the anti-mCD20 x mIL4, anti-pPDl x mIL-2v, mIL-12-Fc, and the PBS control group.
  • fusion proteins were generated according to the methods described below, each comprising a CD20 binding domain that specifically binds murine CD20 and one or more murine or human IL-2 polypeptides.
  • Each of the fusion proteins comprised two Fc regions, wherein each Fc region comprised at least one amino acid modification to abolish or significantly reduce Fc effector function.
  • Each of the Fc regions of any of the heterodimeric fusion proteins further comprised at least one amino acid modification to promote heterodimerization of the correct polypeptide chains, i.e., heavy chain knob and heavy chain hole.
  • wild type substitute or “WTS” or “wts” used in Example 3 with reference to an IF-2 polypeptide refers to an IF-2 polypeptide that contains a T3A amino acid substitution and a C125A amino acid substitution (numbering relative to SEQ ID NO: 59); or the corresponding substitutions in murine IL-2, namely T3A and C140A (numbering relative to SEQ ID NO: 478).
  • the T3A and C125A amino acid substitutions are well known in the art and known not cause a substantial change in binding affinity for any one of the IL-2R subunits.
  • the T3A amino acid substitution is commonly utilized to eliminate O-linked glycosylation- dependent heterogeneity and aggregation; and the C 125 A amino acid substitution is commonly used to prevent intrachain disulfides (see, e.g., Glassman et al. Calibration of cell-intrinsic interleukin-2 response thresholds guides design of a regulatory T cell biased agonist, eLife (May 18 2021);10:e65777 doi: 10.7554/eLife.65777; Kobayashi, M, Kojima, K, Murayama, K, et al. MK-6, a novel not-a IL-2, elicits a potent antitumor activity by improving the effector to regulatory T cell balance. Cancer Sci. 2021; 112: 4478- 4489. https://doi.org/10.l l l l/cas.15127, the full contents of each of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes).
  • HD CHO-S cells were grown in serum-free ExpiCHOTM expression medium. The cells were maintained in Erlenmeyer flasks at 37°C with 8% CO2 on an orbital shaker. On the day of transfection, the ExpiCHOTM expression medium was warmed to 25 ⁇ 37°C. The plasmids and reagents were thawed and pre -warmed to room temperature. From a maintenance flask, the cell density and viability were determined using a hemocytometer. Each plasmid was added into OptiPRO SFM and mixed thoroughly. ExpiFectamine reagent was added into OptiPRO SFM and mixed thoroughly. The plasmid/reagent mixture(s) were added to the cell cultures, and the cell cultures were subsequently returned to the incubator. After a suitable period of incubation, the cell culture supernatant was collected for purification and analysis of the fusion proteins.
  • the cell culture supernatant was centrifuged and filtered. Filtered cell culture supernatant was loaded onto MabSelect SuReTM LX at an appropriate flowrate.
  • An equilibration buffer of PBS (pH 7.2) and an elution buffer of 50mM Citrate (pH 3.0) were utilized for purification. After washing and elution with the respective buffers, the eluted fractions were pooled and buffer exchanged to PBS (pH 7.2) or 25 mM Tris-HCl, 150 mM NaCl (pH 8.0).
  • the purified fusion proteins were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and SEC-HPLC analysis to determine the molecular weight and purity of each fusion protein.
  • the purified fusion proteins were loaded onto HisTrapTM FF Crude 5ml (GE, Cat.No.17-5286-01) utilizing the following buffers: Wash Buffer: 25mM Tris-HCl, 300mM NaCl, pH8.0; and Elution Buffer: 25mM Tris-HCl, 300mM NaCl, 1M imidazole, pH 8.0
  • the fusion proteins were eluted utilizing 2%, 5%, 7%, 10% and 50% of the Elution Buffer and a sample collected for SDS- PAGE analysis.
  • the eluted fractions were pooled and loaded onto HiLoad 26/600 Superdex 200pg 320ml (GE, 28-9893-36) to improve purity in the final buffer.
  • the purified fusion proteins were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and SEC- HPLC to determine the final molecular weight and purity of the fusion proteins.
  • Table 9 provides the amino acid sequence of each of the exemplary murine fusion proteins generated according to the methods described above.
  • the amino acid sequence of the parental murine anti-CD20 antibody is also provided in Table 9.
  • Table 9 The amino acid sequence of exemplary murine anti-CD20 x IL-2 fusion protein and reference fusion proteins.
  • EMT6 tumor cells were maintained in vitro as a monolayer culture in Gibco Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% heat inactivated fetal bovine serum (FBS) at 37°C in an atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air. The cells growing in an exponential growth phase were harvested and counted for tumor inoculation.
  • DMEM Gibco Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium
  • FBS heat inactivated fetal bovine serum
  • mice in the experimental groups were treated as follows: anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (lxl format, T3A/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 375) was administered intraperitoneally once a week at 3 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg for 4 weeks; anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (lxl format, T3A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 376) was administered intrap eritoneally once a week at 3 mg/lcg or 10 mg/lcg for 4 weeks; anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (lxl format, T3A/F42A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 479) was administered intraperitoneally once a week at 3 mg/lcg or 10 mg/lcg for 4 weeks; anti-mCD20 x IL-2 (2x2 format, T3A/C125A)
  • FIGS. 11A-17C The results of the above experiments are shown in FIGS. 11A-17C. While the results presented in FIGS. 11A-17C are from a single experiment ( /. e. , as described in the instant Example), each of the treatment groups is graphed separately (with the PBS control) for visualization purposes. As shown in FIG. 11 A, anti-mCD20 x mIL-2 caused a significant delay in tumor growth as compared to the PBS control group.
  • FIGS. 18A-18C The results of the above experiments are shown in FIGS. 18A-18C. As shown in FIG. 18A, there was no sustained progressive tumor growth in the mice previously treated with the anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 protein (lxl format, T3 A/C 125 A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 375), indicating a memory response upon tumor antigen recognition.
  • the anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 protein lxl format, T3 A/C 125 A

Abstract

Provided herein are fusion proteins comprising a CD20 targeting domain and an effector domain, wherein the effector domain comprises IL-2. Also provided herein are methods of treating cancer in a subject by administering a fusion protein comprising a CD20 targeting domain and an effector domain, wherein the effector domain comprises IL-2.

Description

CD20 TARGETING FUSION PROTEINS AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF
1. CROSS-REFERENCE TO REUATED APPUICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/183,835, filed May 4, 2021, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.
2. FIEUD
[0002] This disclosure relates to multispecific fusion proteins that target an effector cytokine (e.g., IL-2 or a functional variant or fragment thereof) to immune cells expressing CD20. The disclosure further relates to therapeutic methods of using the same.
3. BACKGROUND
[0003] Immunostimulatory proteins, including cytokines, can be useful in the treatment of cancer as they can directly stimulate immune effector cells. As such, a number of cytokines, including, IL-2, GM-CSF, IL-7, IL-12, IL-15, IL-18, and IL-21, have entered clinical trials for use in the treatment of patients with advanced cancers. However, the success and usefulness of cytokine therapy has largely been limited by the requirement for high dosing, which can produce severe or untenable side effects. Therefore, there is a need for additional biologic agents that can specifically target therapeutic cytokines (e.g., IL-2) within the body, e.g., to specific effector cell populations, such that lower doses are feasible, eliminating or attenuating high dose related side effects.
4. SUMMARY
[0004] Provided herein are, inter alia, fusion proteins comprising a targeting moiety that specifically binds CD20 (e.g., human CD20 (hCD20)) and an effector moiety comprising IL-2 (e.g., human IL-2 (hIL-2)), and methods of use in preventing or treating a disease (e.g., cancer). The fusion proteins described herein may be particularly useful in the prevention or treatment of a cancer e.g., a cancer characterized as one having solid tumors.
[0005] Accordingly, in one aspect the instant disclosure provides fusion proteins comprising a first antigen binding domain that specifically binds human CD20 (hCD20); and a first human interleukin-2 (hIL-2) polypeptide.
[0006] In some embodiments, the fusion protein further comprises a first Fc region and a second Fc region. [0007] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide is capable of binding CD25 with substantially the same affinity as a reference IL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
[0008] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds CD25 with at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% of the affinity with which a reference hIL-2 polypeptide binds CD25 (e.g., a hL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
[0009] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds CD25 with at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% of the affinity with which a reference hIL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) binds CD25, as measured by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). [0010] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to human CD132 (hCD132) with lower affinity as compared to a reference IL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
[0011] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD132 with at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% less affinity of that with which a reference hIL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) binds hCD132.
[0012] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD132 with at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% less affinity of that with which a reference hIL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) binds hCD132, as measured by SPR.
[0013] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD122 with lower affinity as compared to a reference hIL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
[0014] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% less affinity of that with which a reference hIL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) binds hCD122.
[0015] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% less affinity of that with which a reference hIL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) binds hCD122, as measured by SPR.
[0016] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises at least one amino acid substitution relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60; and binds to hCD122 with a lower affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0017] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD122 with at least about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0018] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with a KD that is from about a 50 to 80-fold, 60 to 80-fold, 50 to 70-fold, 60 to 70-fold, 65 to 80-fold, or 65 to 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0019] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with a KD that is about a 50-fold, 60-fold, 65-fold, or 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR. [0020] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with a KD that is about a 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0021] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises at least one amino acid substitution relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60; and binds to a human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising human CD 122 (hCD122) and human CD 132 (hCD132) with a lower affinity relative to a hlL- 2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0022] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to a human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hCD122 and hCD132 with at least about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0023] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to a human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hCD122 and hCD132 with a KD that is from about a 50 to 80-fold, 60 to 80-fold, 50 to 70-fold, 60 to 70-fold, 65 to 80-fold, or 65 to 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0024] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to a human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hCD122 and hCD132 with a KD that is about a 50-fold, 60- fold, 65-fold, or 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0025] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 binds to a human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hCD122 and hCD132 with a KD that is about a 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0026] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises at least one amino acid substitution relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60; and induces reduced dimerization of hCD122 and hCD132 in vitro relative to hIL-2 comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
[0027] In some embodiments, the at least one amino acid substitution is an amino acid substitution at position N88, LI 9, D20, or L21, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
[0028] In some embodiments, the at least one amino acid substitution is anN88R, N88G, N88T, N88M, N88I, N88Q, N88E, N88V, N88F, N88Y, N88L, N88S, N88H, N88W, N88K, D20E, D20I, D20N, D20Q, D20S, D20T, D20Y, L19Y, L19N, L19R, L19Q, L19H, L19D, L19P, L19S, L21S, L21N, or L21R amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
[0029] In some embodiments, the at least one amino acid substitution is anN88R, N88G, N88T, N88M, N88I, N88A, N88Q, N88E, N88V, N88F, N88Y, N88L, N88S, N88H, N88W, or N88K amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
[0030] In some embodiments, the at least one amino acid substitution is anN88R, N88D, or N88G amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
[0031] In some embodiments, the at least one amino acid substitution is an N88R amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60. [0032] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at position T3, position C125, or both T3 and C125, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59. [0033] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises a T3A amino acid substitution, a Cl 25 A amino acid substitution, or both a T3A amino acid substitution and a C 125A amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59.
[0034] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises 1, 2, or 3 of the following amino acid substitutions: T3A, N88R, or C125A, numbering relative to SEQ ID NO: 59).
[0035] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises 1, 2, 3, or 4 ofthe following amino acid substitutions: T3A, F42A, N88R, or C125A, numbering relative to SEQ ID NO: 59).
[0036] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with from about 5% to 90%, 5% to 80%, 5% to 70%, 5% to 60%, 5% to 50%, 5% to 40%, 5% to 30%, 5% to 20%, or 5% to 10% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0037] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with from about 5% to 40%, 5% to 30%, 5% to 20%, or 5% to 10% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0038] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with from about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0039] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with from about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, or 40% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0040] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is from about a 20 to 50-fold, 20 to 40-fold, 25 to 50-fold, 25 to 40-fold, 30 to 50-fold, or 30- to-40-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0041] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is about a 20-fold, 25-fold, 30-fold, 33-fold, 35-fold, 40-fold, 45-fold, or 50-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR. [0042] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is about a 30-fold or 33-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0043] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is from about a 3 to 10-fold, 3 to 6-fold, or 3 to 5 -fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0044] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is about a 1-fold, 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 6-fold, 7-fold 8-fold, 9-fold, or 10-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0045] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is about a 5 -fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0046] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an F42A amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
[0047] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises a Y45A amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
[0048] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NOS: 59-313 or 474-477.
[0049] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
[0050] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NOS: 131-148, 474, or 476.
[0051] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NOS: 254-271, 475, or 477.
[0052] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NOS: 59, 60, 137, 260, 474, or 475.
[0053] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59.
[0054] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59, and comprises an alanine at amino acid position T3 and an alanine or serine at amino acid position C125.
[0055] In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a second hIL-2 polypeptide.
[0056] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first hIL-2 polypeptide is at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the second hIL-2 polypeptide.
[0057] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide is capable of binding CD25 with substantially the same affinity as a reference IL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
[0058] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds CD25 with at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% of the affinity with which a reference hIL-2 polypeptide binds CD25 (e.g., a hL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
[0059] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds CD25 with at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% of the affinity with which a reference hIL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) binds CD25, as measured by surface plasmon resonance (SPR). [0060] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to human CD 132 (hCD132) with lower affinity as compared to a reference IL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
[0061] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD132 with at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% less affinity of that with which a reference hIL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) binds hCD132.
[0062] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD132 with at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% less affinity of that with which a reference hIL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) binds hCD132, as measured by SPR.
[0063] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD122 with lower affinity as compared to a reference hIL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
[0064] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% less affinity of that with which a reference hIL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) binds hCD122.
[0065] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% less affinity of that with which a reference hIL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) binds hCD122, as measured by SPR.
[0066] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises at least one amino acid substitution relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60; and binds to hCD122 with a lower affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0067] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD122 with at least about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0068] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with a KD that is from about a 50 to 80-fold, 60 to 80-fold, 50 to 70-fold, 60 to 70-fold, 65 to 80-fold, or 65 to 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0069] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with a KD that is about a 50-fold, 60-fold, 65-fold, or 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0070] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with a KD that is about a 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0071] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises at least one amino acid substitution relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60; and binds to a human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising human CD 122 (hCD122) and human CD 132 (hCD132) with a lower affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0072] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to a human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hCD122 and hCD132 with at least about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0073] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to a human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hCD122 and hCD132 with a KD that is from about a 50 to 80-fold, 60 to 80-fold, 50 to 70-fold, 60 to 70-fold, 65 to 80-fold, or 65 to 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0074] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to a human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hCD122 and hCD132 with a KD that is about a 50-fold, 60- fold, 65-fold, or 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0075] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 binds to a human intermediate affinity IL- 2 receptor comprising hCD122 and hCD132 with a KD that is about a 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0076] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises at least one amino acid substitution relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60; and induces reduced dimerization of hCD122 and hCD132 in vitro relative to hIL-2 comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
[0077] In some embodiments, the at least one amino acid substitution is an amino acid substitution at position N88, LI 9, D20, or L21, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
[0078] In some embodiments, the at least one amino acid substitution is anN88R, N88G, N88T, N88M, N88I, N88Q, N88E, N88V, N88F, N88Y, N88L, N88S, N88H, N88W, N88K, D20E, D20I, D20N, D20Q, D20S, D20T, D20Y, L19Y, L19N, L19R, L19Q, L19H, L19D, L19P, L19S, L21S, L21N, or L21R amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
[0079] In some embodiments, the at least one amino acid substitution is anN88R, N88G, N88T, N88M, N88I, N88A, N88Q, N88E, N88V, N88F, N88Y, N88L, N88S, N88H, N88W, or N88K amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
[0080] In some embodiments, the at least one amino acid substitution is anN88R, N88D, or N88G amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
[0081] In some embodiments, the at least one amino acid substitution is an N88R amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60. [0082] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at position T3, position C125, or both T3 and C125, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59.
[0083] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises a T3A amino acid substitution, a Cl 25 A amino acid substitution, or both a T3A amino acid substitution and a C 125A amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59.
[0084] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises 1, 2, or 3 of the following amino acid substitutions: T3A, N88R, or C125A, numbering relative to SEQ ID NO: 59).
[0085] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises 1, 2, 3, or 4 of the following amino acid substitutions: T3A, F42A, N88R, or C125A, numbering relative to SEQ ID NO: 59).
[0086] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with from about 5% to 90%, 5% to 80%, 5% to 70%, 5% to 60%, 5% to 50%, 5% to 40%, 5% to 30%, 5% to 20%, or 5% to 10% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0087] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with from about 5% to 40%, 5% to 30%, 5% to 20%, or 5% to 10% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0088] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with from about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0089] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with from about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, or 40% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0090] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is from about a 20 to 50-fold, 20 to 40-fold, 25 to 50-fold, 25 to 40-fold, 30 to 50-fold, or 30-to-40-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0091] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is about a 20-fold, 25-fold, 30-fold, 33-fold, 35-fold, 40-fold, 45-fold, or 50-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0092] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is about a 30-fold or 33 -fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0093] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is from about a 3 to 10-fold, 3 to 6-fold, or 3 to 5-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0094] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is about a 1-fold, 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 6-fold, 7-fold 8-fold, 9-fold, or 10-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0095] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is about a 5-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[0096] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an F42A amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
[0097] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises a Y45A amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
[0098] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NOS: 59-313 or 474-477.
[0099] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
[00100] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NOS: 131-148, 474, or 476.
[00101] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NOS: 254-271, 475, or 477.
[00102] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NOS: 59, 60, 137, 260, 474, or 475.
[00103] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59.
[00104] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59, and comprises an alanine at amino acid position T3 and an alanine or serine at amino acid position C125.
[00105] In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a second hIL-2 polypeptide. [00106] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the second hIL-2 polypeptide is at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the second hIL-2 polypeptide.
[00107] In some embodiments, the first antigen binding domain comprises a Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, single chain variable fragment (scFv), scFv2, F(v), or a single domain antibody (sdAb). [00108] In some embodiments, the first antigen binding domain is a Fab or a scFv.
[00109] In some embodiments, the first antigen binding domain comprises a first variable heavy chain region (VH) that comprises three VH complementarity determining regions (VH CDRs): VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3; and a first variable light chain region (VL) that comprises three VL CDRs: VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3.
[00110] In some embodiments, the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications ( e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 328; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 328 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications ( e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 329; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 329 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 330; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 330 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and/or the VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 331; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 331 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition). [00111] In some embodiments, the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 338; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 338 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 339; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 339 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 340; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 340 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341 ; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 342; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 342 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and/or the VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 343; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 343 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition). [00112] In some embodiments, the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 350; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 350 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 351; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 351 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 352; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 352 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 353; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 353 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 354; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 354 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and/or the VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 355; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 355 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications ( e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition). [00113] In some embodiments, the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 363; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 363 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 364; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 364 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and/or the VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 365; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 365 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition). [00114] In some embodiments, the first VH comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 332; and/or the first VL comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 333; the first VH comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 344; and/or the first VL comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 345; the first VH comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 356; and/or the first VL comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 357; or the first VH comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 366; and/or the first VL comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 367.
[00115] In some embodiments, the first VH is operably connected to a first CHI domain. [00116] In some embodiments, the first CHI domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition). [00117] In some embodiments, the first VL is operably connected to a first CL domain.
[00118] In some embodiments, the first CL domain comprises the amino acid sequence of
SEQ ID NO: 57, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 57 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications ( e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
[00119] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide is operably connected to the C- terminus of the first CL domain.
[00120] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide is operably connected to the C- terminus of the first CL domain via a first peptide linker. In some embodiments, the first peptide linker comprises an amino acid sequence that comprises from or from about 5-30, 5-25, 5-20, 5-15, 10-30, 10-25, 10-20, or 10-15 amino acids. In some embodiments, the first peptide linker comprises glycine or serine amino acids or both. In some embodiments, the first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence (GGGS)x, wherein X is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. In some embodiments, the first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence (GGGS)x, wherein X is 3. In some embodiments, the first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 318, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 318 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
[00121] The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second antigen binding domain that specifically binds hCD20.
[00122] In some embodiments, the second antigen binding domain comprises a Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, single chain variable fragment (scFv), scFv2, F(v), or a single domain antibody (sdAb). [00123] In some embodiments, the second antigen binding domain is a Fab or a scFv.
[00124] In some embodiments, the second antigen binding domain comprises a second VH that comprises three VH complementarity determining regions (VH CDRs): VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3; and a second variable light chain region (VL) that comprises three VL CDRs: VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3.
[00125] In some embodiments, the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 328; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 328 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 329; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 329 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 330; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 330 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications ( e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and/or the VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 331; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 331 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition). [00126] In some embodiments, the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 338; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 338 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 339; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 339 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 340; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 340 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341 ; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 342; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 342 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and/or the VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 343; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 343 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition). [00127] In some embodiments, the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 350; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 350 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 351; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 351 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 352; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 352 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 353; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 353 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 354; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 354 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and/or the VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 355; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 355 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition). [00128] In some embodiments, the VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications ( e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 363; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 363 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); the VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 364; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 364 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and/or the VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 365; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 365 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition). [00129] In some embodiments, the first VH comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 332; and/or the first VL comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 333; the first VH comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 344; and/or the first VL comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 345; or the first VH comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 356; the first VL comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 357; or the first VH comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 366; and/or the first VL comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 367.
[00130] In some embodiments, the second VH is operably connected to a second CHI domain.
[00131] In some embodiments, the second CHI domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
[00132] In some embodiments, the second VL is operably connected to a second CL domain. [00133] In some embodiments, the second CL domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 57, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 57 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications ( e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
[00134] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide is operably connected to the C-terminus of the second CL domain.
[00135] In some embodiments, the second hIL-2 polypeptide is operably connected to the C-terminus of the second CL domain via a second peptide linker. In some embodiments, the second peptide linker comprises an amino acid sequence that comprises from or from about 5- 30, 5-25, 5-20, 5-15, 10-30, 10-25, 10-20, or 10-15 amino acids. In some embodiments, the second peptide linker comprises glycine and serine amino acids. In some embodiments, the second peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence (GGGS)x, wherein X is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. In some embodiments, the second peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence (GGGS)x, wherein X is 3. In some embodiments, the second peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 318, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 318 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
[00136] In some embodiments, the first antigen binding domain is operably connected to the N-terminus of the first Fc region.
[00137] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide is operably connected to the N- terminus of the second Fc region.
[00138] In some embodiments, the first hIL-2 polypeptide is operably connected to the N- terminus of the second Fc region via a peptide linker. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises an amino acid sequence that comprises from or from about 5-30, 5-25, 5-20, 5-15, 10-30, 10-25, 10-20, or 10-15 amino acids. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises glycine and serine amino acids. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence (GGGS)X, wherein X is 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence (GGGS)X, wherein X is 3. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence (GGGS)X, wherein X is 4. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 318, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 318 with 1 , 2, or 3 amino acid modifications. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 319, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 319 with 1 , 2, or 3 amino acid modifications.
[00139] In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region are each a human IgGl, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgM, IgA, IgD, or IgE Fc region, or functional variant thereof. [00140] In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region are each a human IgGl Fc region, or functional variant thereof. [00141] In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises at least one amino acid modification that reduces or eliminates at least one effector function of an Fc region compared to a native Fc region that does not contain the at least one amino acid modification ( e.g a substitution, deletion, or addition).
[00142] In some embodiments, the at least one effector function of an Fc region comprises the ability of an Fc region to induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), or complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), bind an Fc receptor, or any combination thereof.
[00143] In some embodiments, the Fc receptor is an Fey receptor.
[00144] In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises an amino acid substitution at one, two, or three of amino acid positions L234, L235, and P329, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00145] In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises one, two, or three of amino acid substitutions: L234A, L235A, P329G, and P329A, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00146] In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprise a L234A and L235A amino acid substitution, numbering according to EU index of Kabat. [00147] In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprise a L234A, L235A, and P329A amino acid substitution, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00148] In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprise a L234A, L235A, and P329G amino acid substitution, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00149] In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises a CH2 domain and a CH3 domain; and the second Fc region comprises a CH2 domain and a CH3 domain.
[00150] In some embodiments, wherein the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9, further comprising amino acid substitutions: an alanine at position LI 9, an alanine at position L20, and an alanine at position PI 14, a serine at position T151 , an alanine at position LI 53, a valine at position Y 192, and a cystine at position Y134 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9; and wherein the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9, further comprising amino acid substitutions: a glycine amino acid substitution at position C5 , an alanine at position L 19, an alanine at position L20, and an alanine at position PI 14, a tryptophan at position T151 and a cysteine at position SI 39 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. [00151] In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16; and the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22; the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17; and the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23; the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; and the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24; the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19; and the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 470; the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20; and the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 471; or the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21; and the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 472.
[00152] In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16; and the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22; the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17; and the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23; the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; and the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24; the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19; and the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 470; the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20; and the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 471; or the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21; and the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 472.
[00153] In some embodiments, the CH3 domain of the first Fc region and the CH3 domain of the second Fc region each comprise at least one amino acid modification that promotes heterodimerization of the first Fc region and the second Fc region.
[00154] In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366, L368, and Y407, numbering according to EU index of Kabat. [00155] In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises amino acid substitutions T366S, L368A, and Y407V, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00156] In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position Y349, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00157] In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises amino acid substitution Y349C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00158] The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366, L368, Y407, and Y349, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00159] In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises amino acid substitutions T366S, L368A, Y407V, and Y349C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00160] In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00161] In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises amino acid substitution T366W, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00162] In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position S354, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00163] In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises amino acid substitution S354C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00164] In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366 and S354, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00165] In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises amino acid substitutions T366W and S354C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00166] In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises amino acid substitutions T366S, L368A, Y407V, and Y349C, and wherein the second Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitutions T366W and S354C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat. [00167] In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00168] In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises amino acid substitution T366W, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00169] In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position S354, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00170] In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises amino acid substitution S354C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00171] In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366 and S354, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00172] In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises amino acid substitutions T366W and S354C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00173] In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366, F368, and Y407, numbering according to EU index of Kabat. [00174] In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises amino acid substitutions T366S, L368A, and Y407V, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00175] In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position Y349, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00176] In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises amino acid substitution Y349C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00177] In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366, L368, Y407, and Y349, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00178] In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises amino acid substitutions T366S, L368A, Y407V, and Y349C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00179] In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises amino acid substitutions T366W and S354C, and wherein the second Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitutions T366S, F368A, Y407V, and Y349C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat. [00180] In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprise an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9.
[00181] In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprise an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises an amino acid substitution at one or more of amino acid position F19, F20 or PI 14 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises one, two, or three of the following amino acid substitutions: an alanine at position FI 9, an alanine at position F20, or an alanine at position PI 14, of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises one, two, or three of the following amino acid substitutions: an alanine at position F19, an alanine at position F20, or a glycine at position PI 14, of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises the following amino acid substitutions: an alanine at position FI 9, an alanine at position F20, of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises the following amino acid substitutions: an alanine at position FI 9, an alanine at position F20, and an alanine at position PI 14, of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises the following amino acid substitutions: an alanine at position FI 9, an alanine at position F20, and a glycine at position PI 14, of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises the following amino acid substitution: a glycine at position C5, of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9.
[00182] In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at position T 151 , L153, and Y192 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitutions: a serine at position T151, an alanine at position LI 53, and a valine at position Y192 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position Y134 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitution: a cysteine at position Y134 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at position T 151 , L153, Y192, and Y134 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitutions: a serine at position T 151 , an alanine at position L153, a valine at position Y 192, and a cystine at position Y134 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9.
[00183] In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at position T151 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitutions: a tryptophan at position T151 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at position SI 39 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitutions: a cysteine at position SI 39 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitutions: a tryptophan at position T 151 and a cysteine at position 139 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9.
[00184] In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at position T151 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitutions: a tryptophan at position T151 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at position S139 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitutions: a cysteine at position SI 39 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitutions: a tryptophan at position T151 and a cysteine at position SI 39 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9.
[00185] In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at position T 151 , LI 53, and Y192 ofSEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitutions: a serine at position T 151 , an alanine at position L153, and a valine at position Y192 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position Y134 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitution: a cysteine at position Y134 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at position T 151 , L153, Y192, and Y134 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitutions: a serine at position T151, an alanine at position L153, a valine at position Y 192, and a cystine at position Y134 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9.
[00186] In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at position C220, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00187] In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises a C220G amino acid substitution, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00188] In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at position C220, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00189] In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises a C220G amino acid substitution, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00190] In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9 comprising an amino acid substitution at position C5 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9 comprising a glycine amino acid substitution at position C5 of SEQ ID NO:
7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9 comprising an amino acid substitution at position C5 of SEQ ID NO: 7,
8, or 9. In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9 comprising a glycine amino acid substitution at position C5 of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9.
[00191] In one aspect, provided herein are fusion proteins comprising a first polypeptide comprising fromN- to C-terminus: a first VL, a first CL, and a first hIL-2 polypeptide; a second polypeptide comprising from N- to C-terminus: a first VH, a first CHI, and a first Fc region; and a third polypeptide comprising from N- to C-terminus: a second VH, a second CHI, and a second Fc region; and a fourth polypeptide comprising from N- to C-terminus a second VL, a second CL, and a second hIL-2 polypeptide; wherein the first VH and the first VL associate to form a first antigen binding domain that specifically binds hCD20; wherein the second VH and the second VL associate to form a second antigen binding domain that specifically binds hCD20; and wherein the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises at least one amino acid modification ( e.g a substitution, deletion, or addition) that reduces or eliminates an effector function of an Fc region compared to a native Fc region that does not contain the at least one amino acid modification.
[00192] In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises a hinge domain, CH2 domain, and a CH3 domain; and wherein the first Fc region comprises a hinge domain, CH2 domain, and a CH3 domain.
[00193] In some embodiments, the first polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 431-449 or 451-469; wherein the second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 430 or 450, wherein the third polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91 %, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 430 or 450, and wherein the fourth polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 431-449 or 451-469.
[00194] In some embodiments, the first polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 431-449; wherein the second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 430, wherein the third polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 430, and wherein the fourth polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 431-449.
[00195] In some embodiments, the first polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 451-469; wherein the second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 450, wherein the third polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 450, and wherein the fourth polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 451-469.
[00196] In one aspect, provided herein are fusion proteins comprising a first polypeptide comprising from N- to C-terminus: a VL and CL; a second polypeptide comprising from N- to C -terminus: a VH, a CHI, and a first Fc region; and a third polypeptide comprising from N- to C-terminus: a first hIL-2 polypeptide that is capable of binding CD25 with substantially the same affinity as wild type IL-2, and a second Fc region; wherein the VH and the VL associate to form an antigen binding domain that specifically binds hCD20a; and wherein the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises at least one amino acid modification ( e.g a substitution, deletion, or addition) that reduces or eliminates an effector function of an Fc region compared to a native Fc region that does not contain the at least one amino acid modification.
[00197] In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises a hinge domain, CH2 domain, and a CH3 domain; and wherein the first Fc region comprises a hinge domain, CH2 domain, and a CH3 domain.
[00198] In some embodiments, the first polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 337 or 371 ; wherein the second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 385 or 408, and wherein the third polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 386, 388-407, 409, or 411-429.
[00199] In some embodiments, the first polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 337; wherein the second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 385, and wherein the third polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 386 or 388-407. [00200] In some embodiments, the first polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 371; wherein the second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 408, and wherein the third polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 409 or 411-429. [00201] In one aspect, provided herein are polynucleotides encoding a fusion protein described herein.
[00202] In one aspect, provided herein are DNA polynucleotides encoding a fusion protein described herein.
[00203] In one aspect, provided herein are RNA polynucleotides encoding a fusion protein described herein.
[00204] In one aspect, provided herein are vectors comprising a polynucleotide ( e.g DNA or RNA polynucleotide) described herein that encodes a fusion protein described herein. [00205] The vector of claim 205, wherein the vector is a plasmid or a viral vector.
[00206] In one aspect, provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a fusion protein described herein, a polynucleotide described herein, a DNA polynucleotide described herein, an RNA polynucleotide described herein, a vector described herein, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
[00207] In one aspect, provided herein are cells comprising a fusion protein described herein, a polynucleotide described herein, a DNA polynucleotide described herein, an RNA polynucleotide described herein, a vector described herein.
[00208] A method of making a fusion protein described herein, comprising introducing into a population of in vitro or ex vivo cells a polynucleotide described herein, a DNA polynucleotide described herein, an RNA polynucleotide described herein, or a vector described herein, culturing the population of cells under conditions sufficient for the population of cells to express the fusion protein; and optionally isolating and/or purifying the fusion protein.
[00209] A method of treating a cancer in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to the subject in need thereof a fusion protein described herein, a polynucleotide described herein, a DNA polynucleotide described herein, an RNA polynucleotide described herein, a vector described herein, or a pharmaceutical composition described herein.
[00210] A method of ameliorating, reducing, lessening, or delaying at least one symptom of a cancer in a subject in need thereof, comprising: administering to the subject in need thereof a fusion protein described herein, a polynucleotide described herein, a DNA polynucleotide described herein, an RNA polynucleotide described herein, a vector described herein, or a pharmaceutical composition described herein. [00211] In some embodiments, the cancer is a solid tumor.
[00212] In some embodiments, the cancer is a hematological malignancy.
[00213] In some embodiments, the cancer is local, regional, or metastatic.
[00214] In some embodiments, the cancer is recurrent.
[00215] In some embodiments, the cancer is refractory.
[00216] In some embodiments, the cancer is breast cancer, anal cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer, spinal cord cancer, head cancer, neck cancer, head and neck cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, or myeloma. [00217] In some embodiments, the cancer is breast cancer, anal cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer, spinal cord cancer, head cancer, neck cancer, or head and neck cancer.
[00218] A fusion protein described herein, a polynucleotide described herein, a DNA polynucleotide described herein, an RNA polynucleotide described herein, a vector described herein, or a pharmaceutical composition described herein for use as a medicament.
[00219] A fusion protein described herein, a polynucleotide described herein, a DNA polynucleotide described herein, an RNA polynucleotide described herein, a vector described herein, or a pharmaceutical composition described herein for use in treating or inhibiting a cancer such as breast cancer, anal cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer, spinal cord cancer, head cancer, neck cancer, head and neck cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, or myeloma.
5. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[00220] FIG. 1 is a depiction of an exemplary fusion protein described herein. In the specific embodiment depicted, the fusion protein comprises an anti-CD20 Fab antigen binding domain, wherein the heavy chain variable region (VH) of the Fab is operably connected to a first Fc region, and IL-2 is operably connected to the N-terminus of a second Fc region. In the specific embodiment depicted, the first and second Fc regions are heterodimeric, wherein each Fc region comprises at least one amino acid modification ( e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition) that promotes heterodimerization of the correct polypeptide chains. In some embodiments, IL-2 is wild type. In some embodiments, IL-2 comprises at least one amino acid modification (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) as compared to the amino acid sequence of a reference IL-2 sequence (e.g., a reference wild type IL-2 sequence). The format depicted in FIG. 1 is also referred to herein as a l l format.
[00221] FIG. 2 is a depiction of an exemplary fusion protein described herein. In the specific embodiment depicted, the fusion protein comprises a full-length anti-CD20 antibody and IL-2 operably connected to the C-terminus of each light chain. In some embodiments, each IL-2 is wild type. In some embodiments, each IL-2 comprises at least one amino acid modification ( e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition) as compared to the amino acid sequence of a reference IL-2 sequence (e.g., a reference wild type IL-2 sequence). The format depicted in FIG. 1 is also referred to herein as a 2x2 format.
[00222] FIG. 3 is a depiction of an exemplary fusion protein described herein. In the specific embodiment depicted, the fusion protein comprises a full-length anti-CD20 antibody and IL-2 operably connected to the C-terminus of one of the two Fc regions. In the specific embodiment depicted, the first and second Fc regions are heterodimeric, wherein each Fc region comprises at least one amino acid modification (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) that promotes heterodimerization of the correct polypeptide chains. In some embodiments, IL-2 is wild type. In some embodiments, IL-2 comprises at least one amino acid modification (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) as compared to the amino acid sequence of a reference IL-2 sequence (e.g., a reference wild type IL-2 sequence).
[00223] FIG. 4 is a depiction of an exemplary fusion protein described herein. In the specific embodiment depicted, the fusion protein comprises a full-length anti-CD20 antibody and IL-2 operably connected to the N-terminus of only one of the heavy chains. In the specific embodiment depicted, the first and second Fc regions are heterodimeric, wherein each Fc region comprises at least one amino acid modification (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) that promotes heterodimerization of the correct polypeptide chains. In some embodiments, IL-2 is wild type. In some embodiments, IL-2 comprises at least one amino acid modification (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) as compared to the amino acid sequence of a reference IL-2 sequence (e.g., a reference wild type IL-2 sequence).
[00224] FIG. 5 is a depiction of an exemplary fusion protein described herein. In the specific embodiment depicted, the fusion protein comprises a full-length anti-CD20 antibody and IL-2 operably connected to the N-terminus of both heavy chains. In some embodiments, each IL-2 is wild type. In some embodiments, each IL-2 comprises at least one amino acid modification (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) as compared to the amino acid sequence of a reference IL-2 sequence (e.g., a reference wild type IL-2 sequence).
[00225] FIG. 6 is a depiction of an exemplary fusion protein described herein. In the specific embodiment depicted, the fusion protein comprises a full-length anti-CD20 antibody and IL-2 operably connected to the N-terminus of both light chains. In some embodiments, each IL-2 is wild type. In some embodiments, each IL-2 comprises at least one amino acid modification ( e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition) as compared to the amino acid sequence of a reference IL-2 sequence (e.g., a reference wild type IL-2 sequence).
[00226] FIG. 7 is a depiction of a non-targeted IL-12 Fc fusion (the format is also referred to herein as “IL-12-Fc”). The fusion protein comprises IL-12p40 operably connected to the N- terminus of a first Fc region, and IL-12p35 operably connected to the N-terminus of a second Fc region. The first and second Fc regions are heterodimeric, whereineach Fc region comprises at least one amino acid modification (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) that promotes heterodimerization of the correct polypeptide chains.
[00227] FIG. 8 is a depiction of a fusion protein format also referred to herein as “PD 1 -IL- 2v.” In the specific embodiment depicted, the fusion protein comprises a full-length anti-PDl antibody and IL-2 operably connected to the C-terminus of one of the two Fc regions. The first and second Fc regions are heterodimeric, wherein each Fc region comprises at least one amino acid modification (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) that promotes heterodimerization of the correct polypeptide chains. In this specific embodiment, the murine IL-2 comprises three amino acid substitutions as compared to the amino acid sequence of wild type IL-2, that diminish or abolish binding of IL-2 to the high affinity receptor CD25, namely F42A, Y47A, and L72G of human IL-2.
[00228] FIG. 9 is a depiction of an exemplary fusion protein described herein. In the specific embodiment depicted, the fusion protein comprises an anti-CD20 Fab, wherein the heavy chain variable region of the Fab is operably connected to a first Fc region, and IL-4 is operably connected to the N-terminus of a second Fc region. In the specific embodiment depicted, the first and second Fc regions are heterodimeric, wherein each Fc region comprises at least one amino acid modification (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) that promotes heterodimerization of the correct polypeptide chains.
[00229] FIG. 10 is a line graph showing the survival of mice in the B16F10 melanoma tumor model over a period of about 35 days from the date of randomization in each of the experimental treatment groups, CD20 x IL-2, CD20 x IL4, PD1 x IL-2v, and IL-12-Fc (untargeted), and a control group (treated with a phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution). [00230] FIG. 11A is a line graph showing the mean tumor volume of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (lxl format, T3A/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 375) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 3 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg for 4 weeks.
[00231] FIG. 11B is a line graph showing the mean body weight of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (lxl format, T3A/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 375) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 3 mg/lcg or 10 mg/kg for 4 weeks.
[00232] FIG. llC is a line graph showing the % change in body weight of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (lxl format, T3A/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 375) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 3 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg for 4 weeks.
[00233] FIG. 12A is a line graph showing the mean tumor volume of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (lxl format, T3A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 376) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 3 mg/lcg or 10 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
[00234] FIG. 12B is a line graph showing the mean body weight of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (lxl format, T3A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 376) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 3 mg/lcg or 10 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
[00235] FIG. 12C is a line graph showing the % change in body weight of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (lxl format, T3A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 376) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 3 mg/lcg or 10 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
[00236] FIG. 13A is a line graph showing the mean tumor volume of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (lxl format, T3A/F42A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 479) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 3 mg/lcg or 10 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
[00237] FIG. 13B is a line graph showing the mean body weight of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (lxl format, T3A/F42A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 479) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 3 mg/lcg or 10 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
[00238] FIG. 13C is a line graph showing the % change in body weight of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (lxl format, T3A/F42A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 479) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 3 mg/lcg or 10 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
[00239] FIG. 14A is a line graph showing the mean tumor volume of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (2x2 format, T3A/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 480-481) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 7.7 mg/lcg for 4 weeks. [00240] FIG. 14B is a line graph showing the mean body weight of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (2x2 format, T3A/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 480-481) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 7.7 mg/lcg for 4 weeks. [00241] FIG. 14C is a line graph showing the % change in body weight of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (2x2 format, T3A/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 480-481) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 7.7 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
[00242] FIG. 15A is a line graph showing the mean tumor volume of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (2x2 format, T3A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 481 and 387) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 2.3 or 7.7 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
[00243] FIG. 15B is a line graph showing the mean body weight of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (2x2 format, T3A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 481 and 387) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 2.3 or 7.7 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
[00244] FIG. 15C is a line graph showing the % change in body weight of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (2x2 format, T3A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 481 and 387) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 2.3 or 7.7 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
[00245] FIG. 16A is a line graph showing the mean tumor volume of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (2x2 format, T3A/F42A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 481 and 410) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 2.3 or 7.7 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
[00246] FIG. 16B is a line graph showing the mean body weight of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (2x2 format, T3A/F42A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 481 and 410) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 2.3 or 7.7 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
[00247] FIG. 16C is a line graph showing the % change in body weight of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (2x2 format, T3A/F42A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 481 and 410) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 2.3 or 7.7 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
[00248] FIG. 17A is a line graph showing the mean tumor volume of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-PDl x mIL-2v (SEQ ID NOS: 380- 382) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 1.5 mg/lcg for 4 weeks. [00249] FIG. 17B is a line graph showing the mean body weight of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-PDl x mIL-2v (SEQ ID NOS: 380-382) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 1.5 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
[00250] FIG. 17C is a line graph showing the % change in body weight of mice in the EMT6 breast carcinoma model treated with a PBS control or anti-PDl x mIL-2v (SEQ ID NOS: 380- 382) administered intraperitoneally once a week at 1.5 mg/lcg for 4 weeks.
[00251] FIG. 18A is a line graph showing the mean left tumor volume of mice in the re challenge study of the EMT6 breast carcinoma model previously treated with the anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 protein (lxl format, T3A/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 375).
[00252] FIG. 18B is a line graph showing the mean body weight of mice in the re-challenge study of the EMT6 breast carcinoma model previously treated with the anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 protein (lxl format, T3A/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 375).
[00253] FIG. 18C is a line graph showing the % change in body weight of mice in the re challenge study of the EMT6 breast carcinoma model previously treated with the anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 protein (lxl format, T3A/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 375).
6. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[00254] The instant disclosure provides multispecific fusion proteins that comprise a targeting moiety that specifically binds CD20 ( e.g ., hCD20); and an effector moiety comprising IL-2 (e.g., hIL-2). The fusion proteins described herein target the effector cytokine, e.g., IL-2, to B cells that express CD20, whereby the cytokine can stimulate B cell activation, proliferation, and antigen presentation. The fusion proteins described herein are therefore useful in, inter alia, methods of stimulating an immune response in a subject and methods of preventing or treating a cancer, for example a cancer characterized as having a solid tumor, in a subject in need thereof.
6.1 Definitions
[00255] The section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not to be construed as limiting the subject matter described.
[00256] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as is commonly understood by one of skill in the art to which the claimed subject matter belongs. It is to be understood that the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of any subject matter claimed. [00257] The use of the singular forms herein includes the plural unless specifically stated otherwise. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Furthermore, use of the term “including” as well as other forms, such as “include,” “includes,” and “included,” is not limiting.
[00258] It is understood that wherever aspects are described herein with the language “comprising,” otherwise analogous aspects described in terms of “consisting of’ and/or “consisting essentially of’ are also provided.
[00259] Units, prefixes, and symbols are denoted in their Systeme International de Unites (SI) accepted form.
[00260] Numeric ranges are inclusive of the numbers defining the range, unless otherwise indicated. Any numeric range, (e.g., concentration range, percentage range, ratio range or integer range) is to be understood to include the value of any integer within the recited range and, when appropriate, fractions thereof (such as one tenth and one hundredth of an integer), unless otherwise indicated.
[00261] The terms “about” or “comprising essentially of’ refer to a value or composition that is within an acceptable error range for the particular value or composition as determined by one of ordinary skill in the art, which will depend in part on how the value or composition is measured or determined, i.e., the limitations of the measurement system. When particular values or compositions are provided in the application and claims, unless otherwise stated, the meaning of “about” or “comprising essentially of’ should be assumed to be within an acceptable error range for that particular value or composition. When the term “about” is used preceding a series of numbers (including e.g., a series of ranges of numbers), the term about applies to all numbers in the series (e.g., a series of ranges). For example, the phrase “about 10%, 20%, or 30%” means the same as the phase “about 10%, about 20%, or about 30%. ” For example, the term “about 10-15%, 15-20%, or 25-30%” means the same as “about 10-15%, about 15-20%, or about 25-30%.”
[00262] The term “and/or” where used herein is to be taken as specific disclosure of each of the two specified features or components with or without the other. Thus, the term “and/or” as used in a phrase such as “A and/or B” herein is intended to include “A and B,” “A or B,” “A” (alone), and “B” (alone). Likewise, the term “and/or” as used in a phrase such as “A, B, and/or C” is intended to encompass each of the following aspects: A, B, and C; A, B, or C; A or C; A or B; B or C; A and C; A and B; B and C; A (alone); B (alone); and C (alone).
[00263] When proteins are contemplated herein, it should be understood that polynucleotides encoding the proteins are also provided, as are vectors comprising the polynucleotides encoding the proteins.
[00264] As used herein the term “antibody dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity” or “ADCC” refers to an immune mechanism leading to the lysis of antibody (e.g., a fusion protein described herein)-coated target cells by immune effector cells (e.g., NK cells). As used herein, the term “reduced ADCC” and the like refers to either a reduction in the number of target cells that are lysed in a given time, at a given concentration of antibody (e.g., fusion protein described herein) in the medium surrounding the target cells, by the mechanism of ADCC defined above, and/or an increase in the concentration of antibody (e.g., fusion protein described herein) in the medium surrounding the target cells, required to achieve the lysis of a given number of target cells in a given time, by the mechanism of ADCC defined above. The reduction in ADCC is relative to the ADCC mediated by the same antibody (e.g., fusion protein) produced by the same type of host cells, using the same standard production, purification, formulation and storage methods (which are known to those skilled in the art), but that has not been engineered (e.g., comprises one or more amino acid modification, e.g., amino acid substitution). For example the reduction in ADCC mediated by an antibody (e.g., fusion protein described herein) comprising in its Fc region an amino acid substitution that reduces ADCC, is relative to the ADCC mediated by the same antibody (e.g., fusion protein described herein) without said amino acid substitution in the Fc region.
[00265] As used herein, the term “administering” refers to the physical introduction of a therapeutic agent (or a precursor of the therapeutic agent that is metabolized or altered within the body of a subject to produce the therapeutic agent in vivo) to a subject, using any of the various methods and delivery systems known to those skilled in the art. Exemplary routes of administration include intravenous, intramuscular, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, spinal or other parenteral routes of administration, for example by injection or infusion. The term “parenteral administration” as used herein means modes of administration other than enteral and topical administration, usually by injection, and includes, without limitation, intravenous, intramuscular, intraarterial, intrathecal, intralymphatic, intralesional, intracapsular, intraorbital, intracardiac, intradermal, intraperitoneal, transtracheal, subcutaneous, subcuticular, intraarticular, subcapsular, subarachnoid, intraspinal, epidural and intrastemal injection and infusion, as well as in vivo electroporation. A therapeutic agent may be administered via a non-parenteral route. Other non-parenteral routes include an oral, topical, epidermal or mucosal route of administration, for example, intranasally, vaginally, rectally, sublingually or topically. Administering can also be performed, for example, once, a plurality of times, and/or over one or more extended periods. [00266] “Affinity” refers to the strength of the sum total of non-covalent interactions between a single binding site of a molecule ( e.g ., a receptor) and its binding partner (e.g., a ligand). Unless indicated otherwise, as used herein, “binding affinity” refers to intrinsic binding affinity, which reflects a 1 : 1 interaction between members of a binding pair (e.g., an antigen binding moiety and an antigen, or a receptor and its ligand). The affinity of a molecule X for its partner Y can generally be represented by the dissociation constant (KD), which is the ratio of dissociation and association rate constants (koff and kon, respectively). Thus, equivalent affinities may comprise different rate constants, as long as the ratio of the rate constants remains the same. Affinity can be measured by well-established methods known in the art, including those described herein. A particular method for measuring affinity is Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR).
[00267] As used herein, the terms “antibody” or “antibodies” are used in the broadest sense and encompasses various antibody structures, including but not limited to monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal antibodies, multispecific antibodies (e.g., bispecific antibodies), and antibody fragments so long as they exhibit the desired antigen-binding activity (i.e., antigen binding fragments as defined herein). The term antibody thus includes, for example, include full-length antibodies, antigen-binding fragments of full-length antibodies, molecules comprising antibody CDRs, VH regions, and/or VL regions; and antibody-like scaffolds (e.g., fibronectins). Examples of antibodies include, without limitation, monoclonal antibodies, recombinantly produced antibodies, monospecific antibodies, multispecific antibodies (including bispecific antibodies), human antibodies, humanized antibodies, chimeric antibodies, immunoglobulins, synthetic antibodies, tetrameric antibodies comprising two heavy chain and two light chain molecules, an antibody light chain monomer, an antibody heavy chain monomer, an antibody light chain dimer, an antibody heavy chain dimer, an antibody light chain- antibody heavy chain pair, intrabodies, heteroconjugate antibodies, antibody-drug conjugates, single domain antibodies (e.g. HH, (VHH)2), monovalent antibodies, single chain antibodies, single-chain Fvs (scFv; (scFv)2), camelized antibodies, affybodies, Fab fragments (e.g., Fab, single chain Fab (scFab), F(ab’)2 fragments, disulfide- linked Fvs (sdFv), anti-idiotypic (anti-id) antibodies (including, e.g., anti-anti-Id antibodies), diabodies, tribodies, and antibody-like scaffolds (e.g., fibronectins), Fc fusions (e.g., Fab-Fc, scFv-Fc, VHH-Fc, (scFv)2-Fc, (VHH)2-Fc, and antigen-binding fragments of any of the above, and conjugates or fusion proteins comprising any of the above. In certain embodiments, antibodies described herein refer to polyclonal antibody populations. In certain embodiments, antibodies described herein refer to monoclonal antibody populations. Antibodies can be of any type (e.g., IgG, IgE, IgM, IgD, IgA or IgY), any class (e.g, IgGi, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgAi or IgA2), or any subclass (e.g., IgG2a or IgGa) of immunoglobulin (Ig) molecule. In certain embodiments, antibodies described herein are IgG antibodies, or a class (e.g., human IgGi or IgG t) or subclass thereof. In a specific embodiment, the antibody is a humanized monoclonal antibody. In another specific embodiment, the antibody is a human monoclonal antibody. [00268] “Antibody-like scaffolds” are known in the art, for example, fibronectin and designed ankyrin repeat proteins (DARPins) have been used as alternative scaffolds for antigen-binding domains, see, e.g., Gebauer and Skerra, Engineered protein scaffolds as next- generation antibody therapeutics. Curr Opin Chem Biol 13:245-255 (2009) and Stumpp et al, Darpins: A new generation of protein therapeutics. Drug Discovery Today 13: 695-701 (2008), the full contents of each of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. Exemplary antibody-like scaffold proteins include, but are not limited to, lipocalins (Anticalin), Protein A-derived molecules such as Z-domains of Protein A (Affibody), an A-domain (Avimer/Maxibody), a serum transferrin (trans-body); a designed ankyrin repeat protein (DARPin), VNAR fragments, a fibronectin (AdNectin), a C-type lectin domain (Tetranectin); a variable domain of a new antigen receptor beta-lactamase (VNAR fragments), a human gamma-crystallin or ubiquitin (Affilin molecules); a lcunitz type domain of human protease inhibitors, microbodies such as the proteins from the knottin family, peptide aptamers and fibronectin (adnectin).
[00269] The terms “antigen binding fragment” and “antigen binding domain” are used interchangeably herein and refer to one or more polypeptides, other than a full-length antibody, that is capable of specifically binding to antigen and comprises a portion of a full-length antibody (e.g., a VH, a VL). Exemplary antigen binding fragments include, but are not limited to, single domain antibodies (e.g., VI II I, (VHH)2), single chain antibodies, single-chain Fvs (scFv; (SCFV)2), camelized antibodies, affybodies, Fab fragments (e.g., Fab, single chain Fab (scFab), F(ab’)2 fragments, and disulfide-linked Fvs (sdFv). The antigen binding domain can be part of a larger protein, e.g., a full-length antibody.
[00270] The terms “cancer” and “tumor” are used interchangeably herein and refer to a broad group of various diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. FInregulated cell division and growth divide and grow results in the formation of malignant tumors that invade neighboring tissues and may also metastasize to distant parts of the body through the lymphatic system or bloodstream.
[00271] As used herein, the term “CDR” or “complementarity determining region” means the noncontiguous antigen combining sites found within the variable region of both heavy and light chain polypeptides. These particular regions have been described by Kabat et al., J. Biol. Chem. 252, 6609-6616 (1977) and Kabat et al., Sequences of protein of immunological interest. (1991), the entire contents of each of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. Unless otherwise specified, the term “CDR” is a CDR as defined by Kabat et al., J. Biol. Chem. 252, 6609-6616 (1977) and Kabat et al., Sequences of protein of immunological interest. (1991).
[00272] As used herein, the term “cluster of differentiation 20” or “CD20” refers to the membrane protein naturally expressed on a subset of B cells and a member of the membrane- spanning 4A gene family. The term CD20 as used herein includes human CD20 (hCD20), variants (naturally occurring or engineered), isoforms, and species homologs of hCD20, and analogs having at least one common epitope with hCD20. The amino acid sequence of exemplary reference wild type hCD20 can be found under Uniprot Accession No. P 11836 and is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 473.
[00273] The terms “constant region” and “constant domain” are used interchangeably herein and refer to a carboxyl terminal portion of a light and/or heavy chain of a full-length antibody which is not directly involved in binding of an antibody to antigen, but which can exhibit various effector functions, such as interaction with an Fc receptor (e.g., Fc gamma receptor). The constant region of an immunoglobulin (Ig) molecule generally has a more conserved amino acid sequence relative to an immunoglobulin (Ig) variable domain.
[00274] As used herein, the term “derived from,” with reference to a polynucleotide sequence refers to a polynucleotide sequence that has at least 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to a reference naturally occurring nucleic acid sequence from which it is derived. The term “derived from,” with reference to an amino acid sequence refers to an amino acid sequence that has at least 85%, 90%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, or 99% sequence identity to a reference naturally occurring amino acid sequence from which it is derived. The term “derived from” as used herein does not denote any specific process or method for obtaining the polynucleotide or amino acid sequence. For example, the polynucleotide or amino acid sequence can be chemically synthesized.
[00275] The terms “DNA” and “polydeoxyribonucleotides” are used interchangeably herein and refer to macromolecules that include multiple deoxyribonucleotides that are polymerized via phosphodiester bonds. Deoxyribonucleotides are nucleotides in which the sugar is deoxyribose.
[00276] The term “effector functions” when used in reference to antibodies refers to those biological activities attributable to the Fc region of an antibody, which vary with the antibody isotype. Examples of antibody effector functions include: Clq binding and complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), Fc receptor binding, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), cytokine secretion, immune complex- mediated antigen uptake by antigen presenting cells, down regulation of cell surface receptors ( e.g ., B cell receptor), and B cell activation.
[00277] As used herein, the term “EU numbering system” refers to the EU numbering convention for the constant regions of an antibody, as described in Edelman, G.M. et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. USA, 63, 78-85 (1969) and Kabat et al, Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, U.S. Dept. Health and Human Services, 5th edition, 1991, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
[00278] The term “Fab-Fc” as used herein refers to an antibody that comprises a Fab operably linked to only one of two Fc domains or a subunit of the Fc domain. As opposed to a full-length antibody described herein that comprises two Fabs, one Fab operably connected to one Fc domain and the other Fab operably connected to a second Fc domain.
[00279] The term “Fc region” as used herein refers to the C-terminal region of an immunoglobulin (Ig) heavy chain that comprises from N- to C-terminus at least a CH2 domain operably connected to a CH3 domain. In some embodiments, the Fc region comprises an immunoglobulin (Ig) hinge region operably connected to the N-terminus of the CH2 domain. Examples of proteins with engineered Fc regions can be found in Saunders 2019 (K. O. Saunders, “ Conceptual Approaches to Modulating Antibody Effector Functions and Circulation Half-Life ,” 2019, Frontiers in Immunology, V. 10, Art. 1296, pp. 1-20, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes).
[00280] As used herein, the terms “first” and “second” with respect to Fc regions etc., are used for convenience of distinguishing when there is more than one of each type of moiety. Use of these terms is not intended to confer a specific order or orientation in the fusion protein unless explicitly so stated.
[00281] As used herein, the term “framework region” or “FR region” refers to the amino acid residues that are part of the variable region of an antibody, but are not part of the CDRs (e.g., using the Kabat definition of CDRs).
[00282] As used herein, the term “full-length antibody,” refers to an antibody having a structure substantially similar to a native antibody structure comprising two heavy chains and two light chains interconnected by disulfide bonds. In some embodiments, the two heavy chains comprise a substantially identical amino acid sequence; and the two light chains comprise a substantially identical amino acid sequence. In some embodiments, the two heavy chains comprise a substantially identical amino acid sequence except for one or more amino acid modifications that promote heterodimerization of the correct heavy chains ( e.g ., as described herein); and the two light chains comprise a substantially identical amino acid sequence. Antibody chains may be substantially identical but not entirely identical if they differ due to post-translational modifications, such as C-terminal cleavage of lysine residues, alternative glycosylation patterns, etc.
[00283] The term “functional variant” as used herein in reference to a protein refers to a protein that comprises at least one amino acid modification (e.g., a substitution, deletion, addition) compared to the amino acid sequence of a reference protein, that retains at least one particular function. In some embodiments, the reference protein is a wild type protein. For example, a functional variant of an IL-2 protein can refer to an IL-2 protein comprising an amino acid substitution as compared to a reference IL-2 protein (e.g., wild type) that retains the ability to bind the intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor but abrogates the ability of the protein to bind the high affinity IL-2 receptor. Not all functions of the reference protein (e.g., wild type) need be retained by the functional variant of the protein. In some instances, one or more functions are selectively reduced or eliminated.
[00284] The term “functional fragment” as used herein in reference to a protein refers to a fragment of a reference protein that retains at least one particular function. For example, a functional fragment of an anti-CD20 antibody can refer to a fragment of the anti-CD20 antibody that retains the ability to specifically bind the CD20 antigen. Not all functions of the reference protein need be retained by a functional fragment of the protein. In some instances, one or more functions are selectively reduced or eliminated.
[00285] A used herein, the term “fuse” and grammatical equivalents thereof refer to the operable connection of an amino acid sequence derived from one protein to the amino acid sequence derived from different protein. The term fuse encompasses both a direct connection of the two amino acid sequences through a peptide bond, and the indirect connection through an amino acid linker.
[00286] As used herein, the term “fusion protein” and grammatical equivalents thereof refer to a protein that comprises an amino acid sequence derived from at least two separate proteins. The amino acid sequence of the at least two separate proteins can be directly connected through a peptide bond; or can be operably connected through an amino acid linker. Therefore, the term fusion protein encompasses embodiments, wherein the amino acid sequence of e.g., Protein A is directly connected to the amino acid sequence of Protein B through a peptide bond (Protein A - Protein B), and embodiments, wherein the amino acid sequence of e.g., Protein A is operably connected to the amino acid sequence of Protein B through an amino acid linker (Protein A - linker - Protein B).
[00287] As used herein, the term “heavy chain” when used in reference to an antibody can refer to any distinct type, e.g., alpha (a), delta (d), epsilon (e), gamma (g), and mu (m), based on the amino acid sequence of the constant domain, which give rise to IgA, IgD, IgE, IgG, and IgM classes of antibodies, respectively, including subclasses of IgG, e.g., IgGi, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG t.
[00288] As used herein, the term “hIL-2” refers to a human IL-2 protein. The amino acid sequence of an exemplary reference human IL-2 is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 59.
[00289] As used herein, the term “interleukin 2” or “IL-2” refers to the pro-inflammatory cytokine signaling that, inter alia, regulates the activity of leukocytes (e.g., T cells and B cells). The term IL-2 as used herein includes human IL-2 (hIL-2), variants (naturally occurring (e.g., splice variants or allelic variants) or engineered), isoforms, and species homologs of hIL-2, and analogs having at least one common epitope with hIL-2. The term IL-2 also encompasses unprocessed IL-2, as well as any form of IL-2 that results from processing in the cell. The amino acid sequence of an exemplary reference wild type human IL-2 can be found under Uniprot Accession Number P14784 and is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 59. A humanIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 with a T3A amino acid substitution, a Cl 25 A amino acid substitution, or both a T3A and Cl 25 A amino acid substitution (see, e.g., SEQ ID NO: 60) is considered to exhibit comparable activity to wild type IL-2 (e.g., exhibits substantially the same binding affinity to CD25, CD122, and CD132 as wild type IL-2). Likewise for a murine IL-2 polypeptide comprising the corresponding amino acid substitutions, namely T3A and C140A (numbering relative to SEQ ID NO: 478). The T3 A and C 125 A amino acid substitutions are well known in the art and known not cause a substantial change in binding affinity for any one of the IL-2R subunits. The T3A amino acid substitution is commonly utilized to eliminate O-linked glycosylation-dependent heterogeneity and aggregation; and the Cl 25 A amino acid substitution is commonly used to prevent intrachain disulfides (see, e.g., Glassman et al. Calibration of cell-intrinsic interleukin-2 response thresholds guides design of a regulatory T cell biased agonist, eLife (May 18 2021);10:e65777 doi: 10.7554/eLife.65777; Kobayashi, M, Kojima, K, Murayama, K, et al. MK-6, a novel not-a IL-2, elicits a potent antitumor activity by improving the effector to regulatory T cell balance. Cancer Sci. 2021; 112: 4478- 4489. https://doi.org/10.l l l l/cas.15127, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes). [00290] As used herein, the term “isolated antibody” refers to an antibody that is substantially free of other antibodies having different antigenic specificities ( e.g ., an isolated antibody that binds specifically to CD20 is substantially free of antibodies that bind specifically to antigens other than CD20). An isolated antibody that binds specifically to CD20 may, however, cross-react with other antigens, such as CD20 molecules from different species. Moreover, an isolated antibody may be substantially free of other cellular material and/or chemicals.
[00291] As used herein, the term “linker” refers to a linkage between two elements (e.g., protein domains). A linker can be a covalent bond or a peptide linker. The term “bond” refers to a chemical bond, (e.g., an amide bind, a disulfide bond, or any kind of bond created from a chemical reaction (e.g., chemical conjugation)). The term “peptide linker” refers to an amino acid or polypeptide that may be employed to link two protein domains. In some embodiments, a peptide linker may be used to provide space and/or flexibility between the two protein domains.
[00292] As used herein, the term “isolated polynucleotide” refers to a polynucleotide that is markedly different, i.e., has a distinctive chemical identity, nature and utility, from a polynucleotide as it exists in nature. For example, an isolated DNA, unlike native DNA, is a freestanding portion of a native DNA and not an integral part of a larger structural complex, the chromosome, found in nature. Further, an isolated DNA, unlike native DNA, can be used as a PCR primer or a hybridization probe for, among other things, measuring gene expression and detecting biomarker genes or mutations for diagnosing disease or predicting the efficacy of a therapeutic. An isolated nucleic acid may also be purified so as to be substantially free of other cellular components or other contaminants, e.g., other cellular nucleic acids or proteins, using standard techniques well known in the art.
[00293] As used herein, the term “Kabat numbering system” refers to the Kabat numbering convention for variable regions of an antibody, see, e.g., Kabat et al, Sequences of Proteins of Immunological Interest, U.S. Dept. Health and Services, 5th edition, 1991, the entire contents of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. Unless otherwise noted, numbering of the variable regions of an antibody are denoted according to the Kabat numbering system.
[00294] As used herein, the term “light chain” when used in reference to an antibody can refer to any distinct type, e.g., kappa (K) or lambda (l) based on the amino acid sequence of the constant domains. Light chain amino acid sequences are well known in the art. In specific embodiments, the light chain is a human light chain. [00295] As used herein, the term “mIL-2” refers to a murine IL-2 protein. The amino acid sequence of an exemplary reference murine IL-2 is set forth in SEQ ID NO: 478.
[00296] As used herein, the term “modification,” with reference to a polynucleotide, refers to a polynucleotide that comprises at least one substitution, alteration, inversion, addition, or deletion of nucleotide compared to a reference polynucleotide ( e.g .,. one or more amino acid substitutions). Modifications can include the inclusion of non-naturally occurring nucleotide residues. As used herein, the term “modification,” with reference to an amino acid sequence refers to an amino acid sequence that comprises at least one substitution, alteration, inversion, addition, or deletion of an amino acid residue compared to a reference amino acid sequence. Modifications can include the inclusion of non-naturally occurring amino acid residues. Naturally occurring amino acid derivatives are not considered modified amino acids for purposes of determining percent identity of two amino acid sequences. For example, a naturally occurring modification of a glutamate amino acid residue to a pyroglutamate amino acid residue would not be considered an amino acid modification for purposes of determining percent identity of two amino acid sequences. Further, for example, a naturally occurring modification of a glutamate amino acid residue to a pyroglutamate amino acid residue would not be considered an amino acid “modification” as defined herein.
[00297] A “modification that promotes heterodimerization of a first Fc region and a second Fc region” is a manipulation of the peptide backbone or the post-translational modifications of an Fc region that reduces or prevents the association of a polypeptide comprising the Fc region with an identical polypeptide to form a homodimer. A modification promoting association as used herein particularly includes separate modifications made to each of the two Fc regions desired to associate ( i.e ., a first Fc region and a second Fc region), wherein the modifications are complementary to each other so as to promote association of the two Fc regions. For example, a modification promoting association may alter the structure or charge of one or both of the Fc regions so as to make their association sterically or electrostatically favorable, respectively. Thus, heterodimerization occurs between a polypeptide comprising the first Fc region and a polypeptide comprising the second Fc region, which might be non-identical in the sense that further components fused to each of the Fc regions (e.g., antigen binding moieties) are not the same. In some embodiments the modification promoting association comprises an amino acid mutation in the Fc region, specifically an amino acid substitution. In a particular embodiment, the modification promoting association comprises a separate amino acid mutation, specifically an amino acid substitution, in each of the first Fc region and the second Fc region. [00298] As used herein, the term “operably connected” or “operably linked” refers to a linkage of polynucleotide e elements or amino acid elements in a functional relationship. For example, a polynucleotide is operably connected when it is placed into a functional relationship with another polynucleotide. For example, a transcription regulatory polynucleotide e.g., a promoter, enhancer, or other expression control element is operably linked to a polynucleotide that encodes a protein if it affects the transcription of the polynucleotide that encodes the protein.
[00299] The determination of “percent identity” between two sequences (e.g., amino acid sequences or nucleic acid sequences) can be accomplished using a mathematical algorithm. Identity measures the percent of identical matches between the smaller of two or more sequences with gap alignments (if any) addressed by a particular mathematical model or computer program ( i.e ., “algorithms”). A specific, non-limiting example of a mathematical algorithm utilized for the comparison of two sequences is the algorithm of Karlin S & Altschul SF (1990) PNAS 87: 2264-2268, modified as in Karlin S & Altschul SF (1993) PNAS 90: 5873-5877, each of which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Such an algorithm is incorporated into the BLASTN, BLASTP, BLASTX programs of Altschul SF et al., (1990) J Mol Biol 215: 403, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. BLAST nucleotide searches can be performed with the NBLAST nucleotide program parameters set, e.g., for scoreMOO, wordlength=12 to obtain nucleotide sequences homologous to a nucleic acid molecule described herein. BLAST protein searches can be performed with the BLASTP program parameters set, e.g., default settings; to obtain amino acid sequences homologous to a protein molecule described herein. To obtain gapped alignments for comparison purposes, Gapped BLAST can be utilized as described in Altschul SF et al, (1997) Nuc Acids Res 25: 3389-3402, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Alternatively, PSI BLAST can be used to perform an iterated search which detects distant relationships between molecules (Id.). When utilizing BLAST, Gapped BLAST, and PSI Blast programs, the default parameters of the respective programs (e.g., of BLASTP and BLASTN) can be used (see, e.g., National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) on the worldwide web,). Another specific, non limiting example of a mathematical algorithm utilized for the comparison of sequences is the algorithm of Myers and Miller, 1988, CABIOS 4:11-17, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety. Such an algorithm is incorporated in the ALIGN program (version 2.0) which is part of the GCG sequence alignment software package. When utilizing the ALIGN program for comparing amino acid sequences, a PAM 120 weight residue table, a gap length penalty of 12, and a gap penalty of 4 can be used. The percent identity between two sequences can be determined using techniques similar to those described above, with or without allowing gaps. In calculating percent identity, typically only exact matches are counted. As described above, the percent identity is based on the amino acid matches between the smaller of two proteins.
[00300] The terms “polynucleotide,” “nucleic acid,” and “nucleic acid molecule” are used interchangeably herein and refer to a polymer of DNA or RNA. The nucleic acid molecule can be single-stranded or double-stranded; contain natural, non-natural, or altered nucleotides; and contain a natural, non-natural, or altered intemucleotide linkage, such as a phosphoroamidate linkage or a phosphorothioate linkage, instead of the phosphodiester found between the nucleotides of an unmodified nucleic acid molecule. Nucleic acid molecules include, but are not limited to, all nucleic acid molecules which are obtained by any means available in the art, including, without limitation, recombinant means, e.g., the cloning of nucleic acid molecules from a recombinant library or a cell genome, using ordinary cloning technology and polymerase chain reaction, and the like, and by synthetic means. The skilled artisan will appreciate that, except where otherwise noted, nucleic acid sequences set forth in the instant application will recite thymidine (T) in a representative DNA sequence but where the sequence represents RNA (e.g., mRNA), the thymidines (Ts) would be substituted for uracils (Us). Thus, any of the RNA polynucleotides encoded by a DNA identified by a particular sequence identification number may also comprise the corresponding RNA (e.g., mRNA) sequence encoded by the DNA, where each thymidine (T) of the DNA sequence is substituted with uracil (U).
[00301] As used herein, the term “prevent,” “preventing,” or “prevention” and the like refer to a course of action initiated with respect to a subject prior to the onset of a disease or a symptom thereof so as to prevent, suppress, inhibit, or reduce, either temporarily or permanently, a subject’s risk of developing a disease (as determined by, for example, the absence of one or more clinical symptom) or delaying the onset thereof, generally in the context of a subject predisposed due to genetic, experiential, or environmental factors to having a particular disease. In some embodiments, the term “prevent,” “preventing,” or “prevention” are also used to refer to the slowing of the progression of a disease from a present state to a more deleterious state.
[00302] The terms “protein” and “polypeptide” are used interchangeably herein and refer to a polymer of at least two amino acids linked by a peptide bond.
[00303] The terms “RNA” and “ polyribonucleotides” are used interchangeably herein and refer to macromolecules that include multiple ribonucleotides that are polymerized via phosphodiester bonds. Ribonucleotides are nucleotides in which the sugar is ribose. RNA may contain modified nucleotides; and contain natural, non-natural, or altered intemucleotide linkages, such as a phosphoroamidate linkage or a phosphorothioate linkage, instead of the phosphodiester found between the nucleotides of an unmodified nucleic acid molecule. [00304] The term “(scFv)2” as used herein refers to an antibody that comprises a first and a second scFv operably connected ( e.g ., via a peptide linker). The first and second scFv can specifically bind the same or different antigens. In some embodiments, the first and second scFv are operably connected by a peptide linker.
[00305] The term “scFv-Fc” as used herein refers to an antibody that comprises a scFv operably linked (e.g., via a peptide linker) to an Fc domain or subunit of an Fc domain. In some embodiments, a scFv is operably connected to only a first Fc domain of a first and a second Fc domain pair. In some embodiments, a first scFv is operably connected to a first Fc domain and a second scFv is operably connected to a second Fc domain of a first and second Fc domain pair.
[00306] The term “(scFv)2-Fc” as used herein refers to a (scFv)2 operably linked (e.g., via a peptide linker) to an Fc domain or a subunit of an Fc domain. In some embodiments, a (scFv)2 is operably connected to only a first Fc domain of a first and a second Fc domain pair. In some embodiments, a first (scFv)2 is operably connected to a first Fc domain and a second (scFv)2 is operably connected to a second Fc domain of a first and second Fc domain pair.
[00307] As used herein, the term “single domain antibody” or “sdAb” refers to an antibody having a single monomeric variable antibody domain. A sdAb is able to specifically bind to a specific antigen. A VHH (as defined herein) is an example of a sdAb.
[00308] As used herein, the term “specifically binds,” refers to molecules that bind to an antigen (e.g., epitope or immune complex) as such binding is understood by one skilled in the art. For example, a molecule that specifically binds to an antigen can bind to other peptides or polypeptides, generally with lower affinity as determined by, e.g., immunoassays, BIAcore®, KinExA 3000 instrument (Sapidyne Instruments, Boise, ID), or other assays known in the art. In a specific embodiment, molecules that specifically bind to an antigen bind to the antigen with a KA that is at least 2 logs (e.g., factors of 10), 2.5 logs, 3 logs, 4 logs or greater than the KA when the molecules bind non-specifically to another antigen. A person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that an antibody, as described herein, can specifically bind to more than one antigen (e.g., via different regions of the antibody molecule). The term specifically binds includes molecules that are cross reactive with the same antigen of a different species. For example, an antigen binding domain that specifically binds human CD20 may be cross reactive with CD20 of another species ( e.g ., cynomolgus monkey, or murine), and still be considered herein to specifically bind human CD20.
[00309] As used herein, the term “subject” includes any animal, such as a human or other animal. In embodiments, the subject is a vertebrate animal (e.g., mammal, bird, fish, reptile, or amphibian). In embodiments, the subject is a human. In embodiments, the method subject is a non-human mammal. In embodiments, the subject is a non-human mammal is such as a non human primate (e.g., monkeys, apes), ungulate (e.g., cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, pig, camel, llama, alpaca, deer, horses, donkeys), carnivore (e.g., dog, cat), rodent (e.g., rat, mouse), or lagomorph (e.g., rabbit). In embodiments, the subject is a bird, such as a member of the avian taxa Galliformes (e.g., chickens, turkeys, pheasants, quail), Anseriformes (e.g., ducks, geese), Paleaognathae (e.g., ostriches, emus), Columbiformes (e.g., pigeons, doves), or Psittaciformes (e.g., parrots).
[00310] As used herein, the term “substantially the same” denotes a sufficiently high degree of similarity between two or more numeric values, for example, “substantially the same affinity,” such that one of skill in the art would consider the difference between the two or more values to be of little or no biological and/or statistical significance within the context of the biological characteristic measured by said value. In some embodiments, the two or more substantially similar values may be within 5% to 100% of each other.
[00311] A “therapeutically effective amount” or “therapeutically effective dose” of a drug or therapeutic agent is any amount of the drug that, when used alone or in combination with another therapeutic agent, protects a subject against the onset of a disease or promotes disease regression evidenced by a decrease in severity of disease symptoms, an increase in frequency and duration of disease symptom-free periods, or a prevention of impairment or disability due to the disease affliction. The ability of a therapeutic agent to promote disease regression can be evaluated using a variety of methods known to the skilled practitioner, such as in human subjects during clinical trials, in animal model systems predictive of efficacy in humans, or by assaying the activity of the agent in in vitro assays.
[00312] As used herein, the terms “treat,” treating,” “treatment,” and the like refer to reducing or ameliorating a disease and/or symptom(s) associated therewith or obtaining a desired pharmacologic and/or physiologic effect. It will be appreciated that, although not precluded, treating a disease does not require that the disease or symptoms associated therewith be completely eliminated. In some embodiments, the effect is therapeutic, i.e., without limitation, the effect partially or completely reduces, diminishes, abrogates, abates, alleviates, decreases the intensity of, or cures a disease and/or adverse symptom attributable to the disease. In some embodiments, the effect is preventative, i.e., the effect protects or prevents an occurrence or reoccurrence of a disease. To this end, the presently disclosed methods comprise administering a therapeutically effective amount of a compositions as described herein. [00313] As used herein, the terms “variable region” refers to a portion of an antibody, generally, a portion of a light or heavy chain, typically about the amino-terminal 110 to 120 amino acids or 110 to 125 amino acids in the mature heavy chain and about 90 to 115 amino acids in the mature light chain, which differ extensively in sequence among antibodies and are used in the binding and specificity of a particular antibody for its particular antigen. The variability in sequence is concentrated in those regions called complementarity determining regions (CDRs) while the more highly conserved regions in the variable domain are called framework regions (FR). Without wishing to be bound by any particular mechanism or theory, it is believed that the CDRs of the light and heavy chains are primarily responsible for the interaction and specificity of the antibody with antigen. In certain embodiments, the variable region is a human variable region. In certain embodiments, the variable region comprises rodent or murine CDRs and human framework regions (FRs). In particular embodiments, the variable region is a primate ( e.g ., non-human primate) variable region. In certain embodiments, the variable region comprises rodent or murine CDRs and primate (e.g., non-human primate) framework regions (FRs).
[00314] The terms “VL” and “VL domain” are used interchangeably to refer to the light chain variable region of an antibody.
[00315] The terms “VH” and “VH domain” are used interchangeably to refer to the heavy chain variable region of an antibody.
[00316] The term “VHH” as used herein refers to a type of single domain antibody (sdAb) that has a single monomeric heavy chain variable antibody domain (VH). Such antibodies can be found in or produced from camelid mammals (e.g., camels, llamas) which are naturally devoid of light chains or synthetically produced.
[00317] The term “(VHH)2” as used herein refers to an antibody that comprises a first and a second VHH operably connected (e.g., via a peptide linker). The first and the second VHH can specifically bind the same or different antigens. In some embodiments, the first and second VHH are operably connected by a peptide linker.
[00318] The term “VHH-Fc” as used herein refers to an antibody that comprises a VHH operably linked (e.g., via a peptide linker) to an Fc domain or a subunit of an Fc domain. In some embodiments, a VHH is operably connected to only a first Fc domain of a first and a second Fc domain pair. In some embodiments, a first VHH is operably connected to a first Fc domain and a second VHH is operably connected to a second Fc domain of a first Fc and a second Fc pair.
[00319] The term “(VHH)2-Fc” as used herein refers to (VHH)2 operably linked (e.g., via a peptide linker) to an Fc domain or a subunit of an Fc domain. In some embodiments, a (VHH)2 is operably connected to only a first Fc domain of a first and a second Fc domain pair. In some embodiments, a first (VHH)2 is operably connected to a first Fc domain and a second (VHH)2 is operably connected to a second Fc domain of a first Fc and a second Fc pair.
[00320] The term “lxl” with reference to the format of a fusion protein described herein refers to the format depicted in FIG. 1, wherein the C-terminus of a single cytokine (e.g., IL- 2) is operably connected (e.g., via a peptide linker) to the N-terminus of one of the Fc domains. [00321] The term “2x2” with reference to the format of a fusion protein described herein refers to the format depicted in FIG. 2, wherein the N-terminus of one cytokine (e.g., IL-2) is operably connected (e.g., via a peptide linker) to the C-terminus of one of the light chains; and the N-terminus of a second cytokine (e.g., IL-2) is operably connected (e.g., via a peptide linker) to the C-terminus of the other light chain.
6.2 Anti-CD20 Binding Domains
[00322] The fusion proteins described herein comprise an antigen binding domain that specifically binds CD20 (e.g., hCD20), also referred to herein as an anti-CD20 binding domain. CD20 is a member of the membrane-spanning 4A gene family. CD20 expression is initiated at the pre-B cell stage of development and remains present until terminal differentiation into a plasma cell. CD20 plays a role in the development and differentiation of B-cells into plasma cells; and is thought to modulate calcium release arising from the B cell receptor. In some embodiments, CD20 is hCD20. In some embodiments, the antigen binding domain specifically binds an epitope of CD20 (e.g., hCD20) that is in an extracellular portion of the protein. The amino acid sequence of an exemplary reference hCD20 protein is provided in Table 1.
Table 1. Exemplary amino acid sequence of hCD20.
Figure imgf000050_0001
[00323] In some embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises a Fab, a Fab', a F(ab')2, a F(v), single chain variable fragment (scFv), a (scFv)2, a single domain antibody (sdAb), a VHH, or a (VHH)2. In some embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises a Fab, a Fab', a F(ab')2, a F(v), a scFv, a (scFv)2, a scFv-Fc, a (scFv)2-Fc, a sdAb, a VHH, a (VHH)2 a VHH-Fc, a (VHH)2-Fc.
[00324] In some embodiments, the antigen binding domain is part of a full-length antibody. In some embodiments, the antibody is monovalent. In some embodiments, the antibody is bivalent. In some embodiments, the antibody is trivalent. In some embodiments, the antibody is monospecific. In some embodiments, the antibody is bispecific. In some embodiments, the antibody is bispecific, wherein the antibody is capable of binding a first epitope of CD20 ( e.g ., hCD20) and a second epitope of CD20 (e.g., hCD20), wherein the first and second epitopes are different.
[00325] In some embodiments, the antigen binding domain is derived from a full-length anti-CD20 antibody. In some embodiments, the antigen binding domain is derived from an anti-CD20 antibody selected from the group consisting of rituximab, obinutuzumab, ocrelizumab, and ofatumumab. In some embodiments, the antigen binding domain is derived from a functional fragment of rituximab, obinutuzumab, ocrelizumab, and ofatumumab. In some embodiments, the antigen binding domain is derived from a functional variant of rituximab, obinutuzumab, or ofatumumab. In some embodiments, the antibody comprises a variable heavy chain (VH) that comprises three complementarity determining regions (CDRs): VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a variable light chain (VL) that comprises three CDRs: VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein said antigen binding domain comprises the VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 of rituximab, obinutuzumab, ocrelizumab, or ofatumumab and the VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3 of rituximab, obinutuzumab, ocrelizumab, or ofatumumab, respectively. In some embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises the VH of rituximab, obinutuzumab, ocrelizumab, or ofatumumab and the VL of rituximab, obinutuzumab, ocrelizumab, or ofatumumab, respectively.
6.2.1 Rituximab
[00326] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain is derived from rituximab or is comprised within the full length antibody of rituximab. Rituximab is also known as “Rituxan®”. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain cross-competes with rituximab. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain binds to the same epitope as rituximab. In some embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises a VH that comprises three CDRs: VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a VL that comprises three CDRs: VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein said antigen binding domain comprises the VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 of rituximab and the VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3 of rituximab. In some embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises the VH and the VL of rituximab.
[00327] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications ( e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition); a VH CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VH CDR3 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 328, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 328 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
[00328] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 329, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 329 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); a VL CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 330, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 330 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VL CDR3 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 331, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 331 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
[00329] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); a VH CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VH CDR3 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 328, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 328 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 329, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 329 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); a VL CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 330, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 330 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VL CDR3 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 331, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 331 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications ( e.g a substitution, deletion, or addition).
[00330] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326; a VH CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327; and a VH CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 328.
[00331] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 329; a VL CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 330; and a VL CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 331.
[00332] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326; a VH CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327; and a VH CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 328; and the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 329; a VL CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 330; and a VL CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 331.
[00333] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 332. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 333. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 332; and a VL that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 333.
[00334] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 335. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 336. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a light chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 337.
[00335] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 335; and a light chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 337.
[00336] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 336; and a light chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 337.
6.2.2 Obinutuzumab
[00337] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain is derived from obinutuzumab or is comprised within the full length antibody of obinutuzumab. Obinutuzumab is also known as “Gazyva®” or “Gazyvaro®”). In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain cross-competes with obinutuzumab. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain binds to the same epitope as obinutuzumab. In some embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises a VH that comprises three CDRs: VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a VL that comprises three CDRs: VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein said antigen binding domain comprises the VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 of obinutuzumab and the VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3 of obinutuzumab. In some embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises the VH of and the VL of obinutuzumab. [00338] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 338, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 338 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications ( e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition); a VH CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 339, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 339 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VH CDR3 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 340, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 340 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
[00339] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); a VL CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 342, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 342 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VL CDR3 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 343, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 343 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
[00340] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 338, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 338 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); a VH CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 339, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 339 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VH CDR3 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 340, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 340 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); a VL CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 342, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 342 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications ( e.g a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VL CDR3 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 343, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 343 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
[00341] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 338; a VH CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 339; and a VH CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 340.
[00342] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341; a VL CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 342; and a VL CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 343.
[00343] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 338; a VH CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 339; and a VH CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 340; and the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341; a VL CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 342; and a VL CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 343.
[00344] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 344. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 345. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 344; and a VL that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 345.
[00345] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 347. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 348. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a light chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 349.
[00346] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 347; and a light chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 349.
[00347] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 348; and a light chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 349.
6.2.3 Ofatumumab
[00348] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain is derived from ofatumumab or is comprised within the full length antibody of ofatumumab. Ofatumumab is also known as “Arzerra ®”. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain cross-competes with ofatumumab. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain binds to the same epitope as ofatumumab. Ofatumumab is described in, inter alia, US8529902B2, EP1558648B1, and EP3284753B1, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated by reference herein in their entirety for all purposes. In some embodiments, the antibody comprises a VH that comprises three CDRs: VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a VL that comprises three CDRs: VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein said antigen binding domain comprises the VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 of ofatumumab and the VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3 of ofatumumab. In some embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises the VH of and the VL of ofatumumab.
[00349] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 350, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 350 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications ( e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition); a VH CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 351, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 351 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VH CDR3 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 352, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 352 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
[00350] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 353, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 353 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); a VL CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 354, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 354 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VL CDR3 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 355, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 355 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
[00351] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 350, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 350 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); a VH CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 351, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 351 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VH CDR3 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 352, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 352 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 353, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 353 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications ( e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition); a VL CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 354, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 354 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VL CDR3 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 355, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 355 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
[00352] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 350; a VH CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 351; and a VH CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 352.
[00353] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 353; a VL CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 354; and a VL CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 355.
[00354] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 350; a VH CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 351; and a VH CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 352; and the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 353; a VL CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 354; and a VL CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 355.
[00355] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 356. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 357. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 356; and a VL that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 357.
[00356] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 359. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 360. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a light chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 361.
[00357] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 359; and a light chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 361.
[00358] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 360; and a light chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 361.
6.2.4 Ocrelizumab [00359] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain is derived from ocrelizumab or is comprised within the full length antibody of ocrelizumab. Ocrelizumab is also known as “Ocrevus ®”. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain cross-competes with ocrelizumab. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain binds to the same epitope as ocrelizumab. In some embodiments, the antibody comprises a VH that comprises three CDRs: VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 and a VL that comprises three CDRs: VL CDR1 , VL CDR2, and VL CDR3, wherein said antigen binding domain comprises the VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 of ocrelizumab and the VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3 of ocrelizumab. In some embodiments, the antigen binding domain comprises the VH of and the VL of ocrelizumab.
[00360] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications ( e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition); a VH CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VH CDR3 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
[00361] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 363, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 363 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); a VL CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 364, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 364 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VL CDR3 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 365, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 365 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
[00362] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); a VH CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VH CDR3 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 363, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 363 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications ( e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition); a VL CDR2 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 364, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 364 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition); and a VL CDR3 that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 365, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 365 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition).
[00363] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326; a VH CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327; and a VH CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362.
[00364] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 363; a VL CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 364; and a VL CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 365.
[00365] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH comprising a VH CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326; a VH CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327; and a VH CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362; and the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL comprising a VL CDR1 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 363; a VL CDR2 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 364; and a VL CDR3 that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 365.
[00366] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 366. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 367. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 366; and a VL that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 367.
[00367] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 369. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 370. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a light chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 371.
[00368] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 369; and a light chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 371.
[00369] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a heavy chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 370; and a light chain that comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 371.
[00370] The amino acid sequence of exemplary anti-CD20 antibodies, which can be incorporated in one or more of the embodiments set forth herein, is provided in Table 2.
Table 2. Amino acid sequence of exemplary anti-CD20 antibodies.
Figure imgf000064_0001
Figure imgf000065_0001
Figure imgf000066_0001
Figure imgf000067_0001
Figure imgf000068_0001
[00371] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH that comprises a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 of an antibody set forth in Table 2, or a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 of an antibody set forth in Table 2 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH that comprises a VL that comprises a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3 of an antibody set forth in Table 2, a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3 of an antibody set forth in Table 2 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH that comprises a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 of an antibody set forth in Table 2, or a VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3 of an antibody set forth in Table 2 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications; and a VL that comprises a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3 of an antibody set forth in Table 2, a VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3 of an antibody set forth in Table 2 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications.
[00372] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH set forth in Table 2, or a VH comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to a VH set forth in Table 2. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VL set forth in Table 2, or a VL comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to a VL set forth in Table 2. . In some embodiments, the anti- CD20 antigen binding domain comprises a VH set forth in Table 2, or a VH comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to a VH set forth in Table 2; and a VL set forth in Table 2, or a VL comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to a VL set forth in Table 2.
[00373] In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antibody comprises a heavy chain set forth in Table 2 or a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to a heavy chain set forth in Table 2. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antibody comprises a light chain set forth in Table 2 or a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to a heavy chain set forth in Table 2. In some embodiments, the anti-CD20 antibody comprises a heavy chain set forth in Table 2 or a heavy chain comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to a heavy chain set forth in Table 2; and a light chain set forth in Table 2 or a light chain comprising an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to a heavy chain set forth in Table 2.
6.3 Immunoglobulin (Ig) Constant Regions
[00374] In some embodiments, the fusion proteins described herein comprise one or more Ig constant region ( e.g anFc region). Exemplary amino acid sequences of human IgGl, IgG2, IgG3, and IgG4 constant regions, which can be incorporated in one or more of the embodiments described herein, are provided in Table 3.
Table 3. Amino acid sequence of exemplary human Ig constant regions.
Figure imgf000069_0001
Figure imgf000070_0001
Figure imgf000071_0001
Figure imgf000072_0001
Figure imgf000073_0001
Figure imgf000074_0001
Figure imgf000075_0001
Figure imgf000076_0001
[00375] In one aspect, the fusion proteins described herein comprises a first Fc region and a second Fc region. The first and second Fc regions are typically associated through at least one disulfide bond. In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprise an Ig hinge region, a CH2 region, and a CH3 region. In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region each consist essentially of an Ig hinge region, a CH2 region, and a CH3 region. In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region each consist of an Ig hinge region, a CH2 region, and a CH3 region. In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprise a portion of an Ig hinge region, a CH2 region, and a CH3 region. In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region each consist essentially of a portion of an Ig hinge region, a CH2 region, and a CH3 region. In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region each consist of a portion of an Ig hinge region, a CH2 region, and a CH3 region.
[00376] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, and comprises at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, amino acid modifications ( e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition) relative to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, respectively. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, and comprises about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) relative to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, respectively. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, and comprises no more than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) relative to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, respectively. In some embodiments, the first Fc region comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9.
[00377] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, and comprises at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) relative to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, respectively. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, and comprises about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) relative to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, respectively. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, and comprises no more than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) relative to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, respectively. In some embodiments, the second Fc region comprises an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9. [00378] In some embodiments, the first and second Fc region each comprise an amino acid sequence at least 85%, 86%, 87%, 88%, 89%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprise the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprise the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, and comprise at least about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, amino acid modifications ( e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition) relative to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, respectively. In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprise the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, and comprise about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) relative to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9. In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprise the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, and comprise no more than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10, amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) relative to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, respectively. [00379] In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region are heterodimeric. In some embodiments, the first Fc region and the second Fc region are homodimeric. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of first Fc region comprises 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 or more, amino acid modifications (e.g., a substitution, deletion, or addition) relative to the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region. [00380] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first F c region and the second Fc region each comprise the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 10. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 11. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 12. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 13. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 14. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region and the second Fc region each comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 15. [00381] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16; and the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17; and the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; and the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24.
[00382] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19; and the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 470. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20; and the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 471. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21 ; and the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 472.
[00383] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 16; and the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 22. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 17; and the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 23. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 18; and the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 24.
[00384] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 19; and the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 470. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 20; and the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 471. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the second Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 21 ; and the amino acid sequence of the first Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 472. 6.3.1 Modified Effector Function
[00385] In some embodiments, the first and/or second Fc region of a fusion protein described herein is modified ( e.g ., comprises one or more modification (e.g., one or more amino acid substitution, deletion, or addition)) to decrease or abolish at least one effector function. Exemplary effector functions include, but are not limited to, antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) activity, antibody dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), or binding to an Fc receptor (e.g., FcyRI). In some embodiments, the modified fusion protein exhibits no detectable or decreased ADCC compared to a control fusion protein that does not comprise the modification (e.g., one or more modification (e.g., one or more amino acid substitution, deletion, or addition)). In some embodiments, the modified fusion protein exhibits no detectable or decreased ADCP compared to a control reference fusion protein that does not comprise the modification (e.g., one or more modification (e.g., one or more amino acid substitution, deletion, or addition)). In some embodiments, the modified fusion protein exhibits no detectable or decreased CDC compared to a control reference fusion protein that does not comprise the modification (e.g., one or more modification (e.g., one or more amino acid substitution, deletion, or addition)). In some embodiments, the modified fusion protein does not bind to an activating Fc receptor (e.g., FcyRI). In some embodiments, the modified fusion protein does not bind to FcyRI.
[00386] Standard in vitro and/or in vivo assays known in the art can be conducted to confirm the reduction or abolition of any one or more of ADCC, CDC, ADCP, or Fc receptor binding. [00387] ADCC activity can be assessed utilizing standard (radioactive and non-radioactive) methods known in the art (see, e.g., W02006/082515, W02012/130831), the entire contents of each of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes). For example, ADCC activity can be assessed using a chromium-5 (51Cr) assay. Briefly, 51 Cr is pre-loaded into target cells expressing CD20, NK cells are added to the culture, and radioactivity in the cell culture supernatant is assessed (indicative of lysis of the target cells by the NK cells). Similar non radioactive assays can also be utilized that employ a similar method, but the target cells are pre-loaded with fluorescent dyes, such as calcein-AM, CFSE, BCECF, or lanthanide flurophore (Europium). See e.g., Parekh, Bhavin S et al. “Development and validation of an antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity -reporter gene assay.” mAbs vol. 4,3 (2012): 310-8. doi:10.4161/mabs.19873, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein. Exemplary commercially available non-radioactive assays include, for example, ACTI™ non-radioactive cytotoxicity assay for flow cytometry (Cell Technology, Inc. Mountain View, Calif.; and CytoTox 96® non-radioactive cytotoxicity assay (Promega, Madison, Wis.). Additional non-limiting examples of in vitro assays that can be used to assess ADCC activity of a fusion protein described herein include those described in US5500362; US5821337; Hellstrom, I., et ah, Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 83 (1986) 7059-7063; Hellstrom, I., et a , Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 82 (1985) 1499-1502; and Bruggemann, M., et al, J. Exp. Med. 166 (1987) 1351-1361, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated by reference herein. Alternatively, or additionally, ADCC activity of a fusion protein described herein may be assessed in vivo, e.g., in an animal model such as that disclosed in Clynes, et al., Proc. Nat'l Acad. Sci. USA 95 (1998) 652-656, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
[00388] C 1 q binding assays can be utilized to assess the ability of a fusion protein described herein to bind C 1 q (or bind with less affinity than a reference fusion protein) and hence lack (or have decreased) CDC activity. The binding of a fusion protein described herein to C 1 q can be determined by a variety of in vitro assays (e.g., biochemical or immunological based assays) known in the art for determining Fc-C 1 q interactions, including e.g., equilibrium methods (e.g., enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or radioimmunoassay (RIA)), or kinetic methods (e.g., surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis), and other methods such as indirect binding assays, competitive inhibition assays, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), gel electrophoresis, and chromatography (e.g., gel filtration). These and other methods may utilize a label on one or more of the components being examined and/or employ a variety of detection methods including but not limited to chromogenic, fluorescent, luminescent, or isotopic labels. A detailed description of binding affinities and kinetics can be found in e.g., Paul, W. E., ed., Fundamental Immunology, 4" Ed., Lippincott-Raven, Philadelphia (1999), the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein. For example, see, e.g., Clq and C3c binding ELISAs described in W02006/029879 and W02005/100402, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. Additional CDC activity assays include those described in e.g., Gazzano-Santoro, et al., J. Immunol. Methods 202 (1996) 163; Cragg, M. S., et al, Blood 101 (2003) 1045-1052; and Cragg, M. S., and Glennie, M. J., Blood 103 (2004) 2738-2743), the entire contents of each of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
[00389] ADCP activity can be measured by in vitro or in vivo methods known in the art and also commercially available assays (see, e.g., van de Donk NW, Moreau P, Plesner T, et al. “Clinical efficacy and management of monoclonal antibodies targeting CD38 and SLAMF7 in multiple myeloma,” Blood, 127(6):681-695 (2016), the entire contents of each of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes). For example, a primary cell based ADCP assay can be used in which fresh human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are isolated, monocytes isolated and differentiated in culture to macrophages using standard procedures. The macrophages are fluorescently labeled added to cultures containing fluorescently labeled target cells expressing CD20 and a fusion protein described herein. Phagocytosis events can be analyzed using FACS screening and/or microscopy. A modified reporter version of the above described assay can also be used that employs an engineered cell line that stably expresses FcyRIIa (CD32a) as the effector cell line ( e.g ., an engineered T cell line, e.g., TFIP-1), removing the requirement for primary cells. Exemplary ADCP assays are described in e.g., Ackerman, M. E. et al. A robust, high-throughput assay to determine the phagocytic activity of clinical antibody samples. J. Immunol. Methods 366, 8-19 (2011); and Mcandrew, E. G. et al. Determining the phagocytic activity of clinical antibody samples. J. Vis. Exp. 3588 (2011). doi: 10.3791/3588; the entire contents of each of which is incorporated by reference herein.
[00390] Binding of a fusion protein described herein to an Fc receptor can be determined by a variety of in vitro assays (e.g., biochemical or immunological based assays) known in the art for determining Fc-Fc receptor interactions, i.e., specific binding of an Fc region to an Fc receptor including but not limited to. Common assays include equilibrium methods (e.g., enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) or radioimmunoassay (RIA)), or kinetic methods (e.g., surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analysis), and other methods such as indirect binding assays, competitive inhibition assays, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), gel electrophoresis, and chromatography (e.g., gel filtration). These and other methods may utilize a label on one or more of the components being examined and/or employ a variety of detection methods including but not limited to chromogenic, fluorescent, luminescent, or isotopic labels. A detailed description of binding affinities and kinetics can be found in e.g., Paul, W. E., ed., Fundamental Immunology, 4" Ed., Lippincott-Raven, Philadelphia (1999), the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein.
[00391] In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a first Fc region and a second Fc region, wherein the amino acid sequence of the first, the second, or the first and second Fc regions comprise an amino acid substitution at least one of amino acid positions S228, E233, L234, L235, N297, P331, K322, or P329, EU numbering according to Rabat. In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a first IgG Fc region and a second IgG Fc region, wherein the amino acid sequence of the first, second, or the first and second IgG Fc regions each comprises an amino acid substitution at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or 8 of amino acid positions S228, E233, L234, L235, N297, P331, K322, or P329, EU numbering according to Kabat. [00392] In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a first IgG Fc region and a second IgG Fc region, wherein the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an amino acid substitution at position K322, F234, or F235, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an amino acid substitution at position K322, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an amino acid substitution at position F234, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an amino acid substitution at position F235, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an amino acid substitution at positions F234 and F235, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an amino acid substitution at positions K322, F234, and F235, EU numbering according to Kabat.
[00393] In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a first IgG Fc region and a second IgG Fc region, wherein the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an alanine at least one, two, or three of amino acid positions K322, F234, or F235, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an alanine at amino acid position K322, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region comprises an alanine at position at amino acid position F234, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an alanine at position at amino acid position F235, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region comprises an alanine at amino acid positions F234 and F235, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an alanine at amino acid positions K322, L234 and L235, EU numbering according to Kabat.
[00394] In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a first IgG Fc region and a second IgG Fc region, wherein the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises at least one, two, or three of the following amino acid substitutions K322A, F234A, or F235A, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises a K322A amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises a F234A amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises a F235A amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an F234A and an F235A amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises the following amino acid substitutions K322A, F234A, and F235A, EU numbering according to Kabat.
[00395] In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a first IgG Fc region and a second IgG Fc region, wherein the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an amino acid substitution at least one, two, or three of amino acid positions F234, F235, or P331, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position F234, F235, and P331, EU numbering according to Kabat. [00396] In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a first IgG Fc region and a second IgG Fc region, wherein the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises at least one, two, or three of the following amino acid substitutions F234F, F235E, or P331S, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises a F234F amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises a F235E amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises a P331 S amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises the following amino acid substitutions L234F, L235E, and P331S, EU numbering according to Kabat.
[00397] In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a first IgG Fc region and a second IgG Fc region, wherein the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an amino acid substitution at least one, two, or three of amino acid positions L234, L235, or P329, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position L234, L235, and P329, EU numbering according to Kabat. [00398] In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a first IgG Fc region and a second IgG Fc region, wherein the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises at least one, two, or three of the following amino acid substitutions L234A, L235A, or P329G, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises a P329G amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises a L234A amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises a L235A amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an L234A and an L235A amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises the following amino acid substitutions L234A, L235A, and P329G, EU numbering according to Kabat.
[00399] In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a first IgG Fc region and a second IgG Fc region, wherein the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises at least one, two, or three of the following amino acid substitutions L234A, L235A, or P329A, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises a P329A amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises a L234A amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises a L235A amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises an L234A and an L235A amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IgG Fc region, the second IgG Fc region, or the first and second IgG Fc region each comprises the following amino acid substitutions L234A, L235A, and P329A, EU numbering according to Kabat.
[00400] In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a first IgGl Fc region and a second IgGl Fc region, wherein first Fc region and said second Fc region each comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position C220, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a first IgGl Fc region and a second IgGl Fc region, wherein first Fc region and said second Fc region each comprises a C220G amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat.
[00401] In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a first IgGl Fc region and a second IgGl Fc region, wherein the amino acid sequence of the first IgGl Fc region, the second IgGl Fc region, or the first and second IgGl Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, comprising at least one, two, or three of the following amino acid substitutions: an alanine at amino acid position LI 9, an alanine at amino acid position L20, or a glycine at amino acid position PI 14. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the fusion protein comprises a first IgGl Fc region and a second IgGl Fc region, wherein the first IgGl Fc region, the second IgGl Fc region, or the first and second IgGl Fc region comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, comprising each of the following amino acid substitutions: an alanine at amino acid position LI 9, an alanine at amino acid position L20, or a glycine at amino acid position PI 14.
[00402] In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a first IgGl Fc region and a second IgGl Fc region, wherein first Fc region and said second Fc region each comprises the following amino acid substitution: a glycine at position C5, numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 7. 6.3.2 Promotion of Heterodimerization
[00403] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first F c region and the second Fc region each comprises one or more amino acid modifications ( e.g ., a substitution, deletion, or addition) relative to each other to promote heterodimerization. IgG derived heterodimeric formats can be generated by methods known in the art, e.g., by forced heavy chain heterodimerization. Forced heavy chain heterodimerization can be obtained using, e.g., knob- in-hole or strand exchange engineered domains (SEED).
[00404] In some embodiments, an interface between the first and the second Fc regions is modified, e.g., by one or more amino acid substitution, to increase hetero dimerization, e.g, relative to a non-modified interface, e.g., a naturally occurring interface. For example, heterodimerization of the first and second Fc regions can be enhanced by providing an Fc interface of a first and a second Fc region with one or more of: a paired protuberance-cavity (“knob-in-hole”), an electrostatic interaction, or a strand-exchange, such that a greater ratio of heterodimer to homodimer forms, e.g., relative to a non-engineered interface.
[00405] Knob-in-hole is described in e.g., US5731116, US7476724 and Ridgway, J. et al. Prot. Engineering 9(7): 617-621 (1996), the full contents of each of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. Generally, knob-in-hole comprises 1) mutating the CH3 domain of one or both Fc regions to promote heterodimerization; and 2) combining the mutated Fc regions under conditions that promote heterodimerization. “Knobs” are typically created by replacing a small amino acid in a parental Fc region with a larger amino acid (e.g., T366Y or T366W, EU numbering according to Kabat); “holes” are created by replacing a larger residue in a parental Fc region with a smaller amino acid (e.g., Y407T, T366S, 11368A, or Y407V, EU numbering according to Kabat). Exemplary Knob-in-Hole mutations include S354C, T366W in the “knob” heavy chain and Y349C, T366S, L368A, Y407V in the “hole” heavy chain (EU numbering according to Kabat). Other exemplary knob-in-hole mutations, which can be incorporated into one or more of the embodiments described herein, are provided in Table 4 (EU numbering according to Kabat), with additional exemplary optional stabilizing Fc cysteine mutations.
Table 4. Exemplary knob-in-hole and stabilizing cysteine modifications (EU numbering according to Kabat )
Figure imgf000087_0001
Figure imgf000088_0001
[00406] In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a first Fc region comprising an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366, L368, and Y407, numbering according to EU index of Kabat. In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a second Fc region comparing an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366, numbering according to EU index of Kabat. In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a first Fc region comprising an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366, L368, and Y407, numbering according to EU index of Kabat; and a second Fc region comprising an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
[00407] In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a first Fc region that comprises an Ig CH3 domain that comprises an amino acid sequence comprising an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366, EU numbering according to Kabat; and a second Fc region that comprises a CH3 domain that comprises an amino acid sequence comprising an amino acid substitution at 1, 2, or 3 of the following amino acid positions: T366, L368, or Y407, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a first Fc region that comprises a CH3 domain that comprises an amino acid sequence that comprises an amino acid substitution at position S354, EU numbering according to Kabat; and a second Fc region that comprises a CH3 domain that comprises an amino acid sequence that comprises an amino acid substitution at position Y349, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a first Fc region that comprises a CH3 domain that comprises an amino acid sequence comprising an amino acid substitution at position T366 and position S354, EU numbering according to Kabat; and a second Fc region that comprises a CH3 domain that comprises an amino acid sequence that comprises an amino acid substitution at least one of the following amino acid positions: T366, L368, or Y407, Y349 modification, EU numbering according to Kabat.
[00408] In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a first Fc region that comprises an Ig CH3 domain that comprises an amino acid sequence comprising a T366W amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat; and a second Fc region that comprises a CH3 domain that comprises an amino acid sequence comprising at least one of the following amino acid substitutions: T366S, L368A, or Y407V, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a first Fc region that comprises an Ig CH3 domain that comprises an amino acid sequence that comprises a S354C amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat; and a second Fc region that comprises an Ig CH3 domain that comprises an amino acid sequence that comprises a Y349C amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat. In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a first Fc region that comprises an Ig CH3 domain that comprises an amino acid sequence that comprises a T366W amino acid substitution and a S354C amino acid substitution, EU numbering according to Kabat; and a second Fc region that comprises a CH3 domain that comprises an amino acid sequence that comprises at least one of the following amino acid substitutions: T366S, L368A, or Y407V, and a Y349C modification, EU numbering according to Kabat. [00409] In some embodiments, the fusion protein described herein comprises a first Fc region comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, comprising a tryptophan amino acid substitution at amino acid position T151 of any one of SEQ ID NOS:
7, 8, or 9; and a second Fc region that comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, comprising a serine amino acid substitution at amino acid position T151, an alanine amino acid substitution at position L153, or an valine amino acid substitution at amino acid position Y192 of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9.
[00410] In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a first Fc region comprising the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, comprising a cysteine amino acid substitution at amino acid position SI 39 of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9; and a second Fc region that comprises the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, comprising a cysteine amino acid substitution at amino acid position Y134 of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7,
8, or 9.
[00411] In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a first Fc region comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, comprising a tryptophan amino acid substitution at amino acid position T 151 and a cysteine amino acid substitution at amino acid position SI 39 of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9; and a second Fc region that comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9, comprising a serine amino acid substitution at amino acid position T151, an alanine amino acid substitution at amino acid position LI 53, a valine amino acid substitution at amino acid position Y192, and a cysteine amino acid substitution at amino acid position Y134 of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 7, 8, or 9.
6.4 Interleukin 2 (IL-2)
[00412] The fusion proteins described herein comprise a at least one IL-2 polypeptide (or a functional fragment or variant thereof). IL-2, also known as T cell growth factor (TCGF), is a 15.5 kDa globular glycoprotein playing a central role in lymphocyte generation, survival and homeostasis. The wild type human IL-2 comprises about 133 amino acids and consists of four antiparallel, amphipathic a-helices that form a quaternary structure important for its function (see, e.g., Smith, Science 240, 1 169-76 (1988); Bazan, Science 257, 410-413 (1992)).
[00413] IL-2 mediates its function in part by binding to IL-2 receptors (IL-2R), which consist of up to three individual subunits (IL-Ra (CD25), I L - 2 R b (CD 122), and IL-2Ry (CD 132)), the association of different IL-2R subunits produces full receptors that typically differ in their affinity for IL-2. Association of the IL-Ra (CD25), IL-2R(] (CD 122), and IL-2Ry (CD 132) subunits results in a trimeric, high-affinity receptor for IL-2. A dimeric IL-2 receptor consisting of the IL-2R(] (CD 122) and IL-2Ry (CD 132) subunits results in an intermediate- affinity IL-2 receptor. While the IL-Ra (CD25) subunit also forms the monomeric low affinity IL-2 receptor. Although the dimeric intermediate-affinity IL-2 receptor binds IL-2 with approximately 100-fold lower affinity than the trimeric high-affinity receptor, both the dimeric and the trimeric IL-2 receptors are able to transmit signal upon IL-2 binding (see, e.g., Minami et al., Annu Rev Immunol 11, 245-268 (1993), the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes).
[00414] In some embodiments, a fusion protein (e.g., described herein) comprises at least one IL-2 polypeptide. In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises at least two IL-2 polypeptides. In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a first IL-2 polypeptide and a second IL-2 polypeptide. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IL-2 polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the second IL-2 polypeptide. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first IL-2 polypeptide is 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the second IL-2 polypeptide.
[00415] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises human IL-2 (hIL-2). In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide and comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions, deletions, additions) relative to the amino acid sequence of a reference wild-type IL-2 polypeptide (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60). In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions, deletions, additions) relative to the amino acid sequence of a reference wild- type IL-2 polypeptide (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60). In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises no more than 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions, deletions, additions) relative to the amino acid sequence of a reference wild-type IL-2 polypeptide (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60). [00416] In some embodiments, the hIL-2 polypeptide is capable of binding CD25 with substantially the same affinity as a reference IL-2 polypeptide (e.g., a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 6). In some embodiments, the two or more substantially similar values may be within 5% to 100% of each other.
[00417] In some embodiments, the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to human IL-Ra (human CD25) hIL-Ra (hCD25) with from about 5% to 90%, 5% to 80%, 5% to 70%, 5% to 60%, 5% to 50%, 5% to 40%, 5% to 30%, 5% to 20%, or 5% to 10% less affinity relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR. In some embodiments, the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hIL-Ra (hCD25) with from about 5% to 40%, 5% to 30%, 5% to 20%, or 5% to 10% less affinity relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR. In some embodiments, the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hIL-Ra (hCD25) with from about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% less affinity relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR. In some embodiments, the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hlL- Ra (hCD25) with from about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, or 40% less affinity relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[00418] In some embodiments, the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hIL-Ra (hCD25) with a KD that is from about a 20 to 50-fold, 20 to 40-fold, 25 to 50-fold, 25 to 40-fold, 30 to 50-fold, or 30-to-40-fold increase relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR. In some embodiments, the hlL- 2 polypeptide binds to hIL-Ra (hCD25) with a KD that is about a 20-fold, 25-fold, 30-fold, 33- fold, 35-fold, 40-fold, 45-fold, or 50-fold increase relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR. In some embodiments, the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hIL-Ra (hCD25) with a KD that is about a 30-fold or 33 -fold increase relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[00419] In some embodiments, the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hIL-Ra (hCD25) with a KD that is from about a 3 to 10-fold, 3 to 6-fold, or 3 to 5-fold increase relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR. In some embodiments, the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hIL-Ra (hCD25) with a KD that is about a 1-fold, 2-fold, 3-fold, 4-fold, 5-fold, 6-fold, 7-fold 8-fold, 9-fold, or 10-fold increase relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR. In some embodiments, the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hIL-Ra (hCD25) with a KD that is about a 5-fold increase relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[00420] In some embodiments, the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to human IL-2R(j (human CD122) hIL-2Rp (hCD122) with at least about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% less affinity relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR. In some embodiments, the hIL-2 polypeptide binds hIL-2Rp (hCD122) with a KD that is from about a 50 to 80-fold, 60 to 80-fold, 50 to 70-fold, 60 to 70-fold, 65 to 80-fold, or 65 to 70-fold increase relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR. In some embodiments, the hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with a KD that is about a 50-fold, 60-fold, 65-fold, or 70-fold increase relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR. In some embodiments, the hIL-2 polypeptide binds hIL-2R(j (hCD122) with a KD that is about a 70-fold increase relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[00421] In some embodiments, the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to the human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising h I L-2 R b (hCD122) and human IL-2Ry (human CD 132) (hIL-2Ry (hCD 132)) with a lower affinity relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR. In some embodiments, the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to the human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hIL-2R(] (hCD 122) and IL-2Ry (CD 132) with at least about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% less affinity relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR. In some embodiments, the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to the human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hlL- 2Rp (hCD122) with a KD that is from about a 50 to 80-fold, 60 to 80-fold, 50 to 70-fold, 60 to 70-fold, 65 to 80-fold, or 65 to 70-fold increase relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR. In some embodiments, the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to the human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hIL-2R(] (hCD122) with a KD that is about a 50-fold, 60-fold, 65- fold, or 70-fold increase relative to wild type hIL-2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR. In some embodiments, the hIL-2 polypeptide binds to the human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hIL-2R(] (hCD122) with a KD that is about a 70-fold increase relative to a reference wild type hIL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
[00422] IL-2 variants that modify ( e.g ., increases or decrease) the affinity of IL-2 for one or more of the IL-2 receptors IL-Ra (CD25), IL-2RP (CD122), and/or IL-2Ry (CD132), as described above, are known in the art. See for example, US9266938; US9526797; US20200299349; and Cassell DJ, Choudhri S, Humphrey R, Martell RE, Reynolds T, Shanafelt AB. Therapeutic enhancement of IL-2 through molecular design. Curr Pharm Des. 2002;8(24):2171-83. doi: 10.2174/1381612023393260. PMID: 12369861; the entire contents of each of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. Any one of the IL-2 variants or any combination thereof described in any of the foregoing may be incorporated into a fusion protein described herein.
[00423] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that modify the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for one or more of CD25, CD122, and/or CD132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00424] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that increase the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00425] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that decrease the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00426] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that increase the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00427] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that decrease the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00428] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications ( e.g ., substitutions) that increase the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00429] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that decrease the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00430] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that abolish or reduce affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122 or CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00431] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that abolish or reduce affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122 and CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00432] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that abolish or reduce affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00433] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that abolish or reduce affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00434] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that preserve affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122 or CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00435] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that preserve affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122 and CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications ( e.g ., substitutions).
[00436] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that preserve affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00437] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that preserve affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00438] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that increase affinity for CD 122 or CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00439] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that increase affinity for CD 122 and CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00440] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that increase affinity for CD 122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00441] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that increase affinity for CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00442] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that abolish or reduce affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00443] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1 amino acid substitution that increases affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25; and at least 1 amino acid substitution that increases affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 122; as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said amino acid substitutions.
[00444] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications ( e.g ., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that modify the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for one or more of CD25, CD122, and/or CD132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00445] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that increase the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00446] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that decrease the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00447] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that increase the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00448] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that decrease the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00449] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that increase the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00450] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications ( e.g ., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that decrease the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00451] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that abolish or reduce affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122 or CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00452] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that abolish or reduce affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122 and CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00453] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that abolish or reduce affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00454] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that abolish or reduce affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00455] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that preserve affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122 or CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00456] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that preserve affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122 and CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions). [00457] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications ( e.g ., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that preserve affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00458] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that preserve affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00459] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that increase affinity for CD 122 or CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00460] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that increase affinity for CD122 and CD132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00461] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that increase affinity for CD122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00462] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that increase affinity for CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions).
[00463] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that abolishes or reduces affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications ( e.g ., substitutions).
[00464] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least 1 amino acid substitution (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that increases affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25; and at least 1 amino acid substitution (relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) that increases affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 122; as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide that does not contain said amino acid substitutions. [00465] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that modify the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for one or more of CD25, CD 122, and/or CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
[00466] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that increase the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively. [00467] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that decrease the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively. [00468] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that increase the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
[00469] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that decrease the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
[00470] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that increase the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively. [00471] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications ( e.g ., substitutions) that decrease the affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
[00472] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that abolish or reduce affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122 or CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
[00473] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that abolish or reduce affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122 and CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
[00474] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that abolish or reduce affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
[00475] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that abolish or reduce affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
[00476] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that preserve affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122 or CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
[00477] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that preserve affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122 and CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
[00478] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications ( e.g ., substitutions) that preserve affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
[00479] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that preserve affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and increase affinity for CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
[00480] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that increase affinity for CD 122 or CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively. [00481] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that increase affinity for CD 122 and CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively. [00482] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that increase affinity for CD 122, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
[00483] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that increase affinity for CD 132, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
[00484] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 or more amino acid modifications (e.g., substitutions) that abolish or reduce affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25, as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
[00485] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 with at least one amino acid substitution that increases affinity of the IL- 2 polypeptide for CD25 and at least one amino acid substitution that increases affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 122; as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively.
[00486] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least one amino acid substitution that increases affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 and at least one amino acid substitution that increases affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 122; as compared to an IL-2 polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, respectively. [00487] In some embodiments, the at least amino acid substitution that that increases affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 is an amino acid substitution at amino acid position LI 8, Q22, or Q126 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60); and the at least amino acid substitution that that increases affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 122 is an amino acid substitution at L80, R81, L85, 160, or 192 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60). In some embodiments, the at least amino acid substitution that increases affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD25 is one of the following amino acid substitutions L18R, Q22E, Q126A, Q126C, Q126D, Q126E, Q126G, Q126H, Q126I, Q126K, Q126M, Q126R, Q126S, or Q126T (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60); and the at least amino acid substitution that that increases affinity of the IL-2 polypeptide for CD 122 is one of the following amino acid substitutions L80E, R81D, L85V, I60V, and I92E (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
[00488] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the following amino acid substitutions L18R and Q22E (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60). In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises one of the following amino acid substitutions Q126A, Q126C, Q126D, Q126E, Q126G, Q126H, Q126I, Q126K, Q126M, Q126R, Q126S, or Q126T, (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60). In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises one of the following amino acid substitutions Q126A, Q126C, Q126D, Q126E, Q126G, Q126H, Q126I, Q126K, Q126M, Q126R, Q126S, or Q126T (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60). In some embodiments, the IL-2 comprises at least one of the following amino acid substitutions L80L , R81D, L85V, I60V, or I92E (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60). In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the following amino acid substitutions L18R and Q22E (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60), and at least one of the following amino acid substitutions L80E, R81D, L85V, I60V, or I92E (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60). In some embodiments, the IL-2 comprises one of the following amino acid substitutions Q126A, Q126C, Q126D, Q126E, Q126G, Q126H, Q126I, Q126K, Q126M, Q126R, Q126S, or Q126T (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60), and at least one of the following amino acid substitutions L80F, R81D, L85V, I60V, or I92F (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60). In some embodiments, the IF-2 polypeptide comprises the following amino acid substitution Q126H (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60), and at least one of the following amino acid substitutions L80F, R8 ID, L85V, I60V, or I92F (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
[00489] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at one or more of amino acid positions L12, Q13, E15, H16, L19, D20, Q22, N29, M23, Y31, K35, T37, K48, N71, L53, L56, V69, Q74, L80, R81, D59, S87, N88, V91, 192, E95, LI 18, or Q126 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60). In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least one of the following amino acid substitutions: L12G, L12K, L12Q, L12S, Q13G, E15A, E15G, E15S, E15Q, H16A, H16G, H16K, H16M, H16R, H16S, H16T, H16V, H16Y, H16N, L19A, L19D, L19E, L19G, L19N, L19R, L19S, L19T, L19V, D20A, D20E, D20F, D20G, D20T, D20W, Q22E, N29S, M23R, Y31S, Y31H, K35R, T37A, K48E, L53I, L56I, V69A, N71R, Q74P, L80I,R81A, R81G, R81S, R81T, D59A, D59E, D59G, D59I, D59M, D59Q, D59R, D59S, D59T, D59N, S87R, N88A, N88D, N88E, N88F, N88G, N88M, N88R, N88S, N88V, N88W, V91D, V91E, V91G, V91S, I92K, I92R, E95G, E95Q, LI 181, or Q126E (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
[00490] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position L72 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) ( e.g ., L72G, L72A, L72S, L72T, L72Q, L72E, L72N, L72D, L72R, or L72K). In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at position 72 selected from the group consisting of L72G, L72A, L72S, L72T, L72Q, L72E, L72N, L72D, L72R, and L72K (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
[00491] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position F42 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) (e.g., F42A, F42G, F42S, F42T, F42Q, F42E, F42N, F42D, F42R, or F42K). In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at position 42 selected from the group consisting of F42A, F42G, F42S, F42T, F42Q, F42E, F42N, F42D, F42R, and F42K (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
[00492] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position Y45 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 )(e.g., Y45A, Y45G, Y45S, Y45T, Y45Q, Y45E, Y45N, Y45D, Y45R or Y45K). In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at position 45 selected from the group consisting of Y45A, Y45G, Y45S, Y45T, Y45Q, Y45E, Y45N, Y45D, Y45R and Y45K (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
[00493] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T3 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) ( e.g ., T3A, T3G, T3Q, T3E, T3N, T3D, T3R, T3K, or T3P). In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at position 3 selected from the group consisting of T3A, T3G, T3Q, T3E, T3N, T3D, T3R, T3K, and T3P (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
[00494] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position C125 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) (e.g., C125A, C125S, C125T, or C125V). In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at position 125 selected from the group consisting of Cl 25 A, C125S, C125T, and C125V (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
[00495] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at one, two, or three of: amino acid positions L72 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) (e.g, L72G, L72A, L72S, L72T, L72Q, L72E, L72N, L72D, L72R, or L72K); amino acid position F42 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) (e.g., F42A, F42G, F42S, F42T, F42Q, F42E, F42N, F42D, F42R, or F42K); and/or amino acid position Y45 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) (e.g., Y45A, Y45G, Y45S, Y45T, Y45Q, Y45E, Y45N, Y45D, Y45R, or Y45K).
[00496] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at one, two, or three of: amino acid position L72 selected from the group consisting of L72G, L72A, L72S, L72T, L72Q, L72E, L72N, L72D, L72R, and L72K (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60); amino acid position 42 selected from the group consisting of F42A, F42G, F42S, F42T, F42Q, F42E, F42N, F42D, F42R, and F42K (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60); and/or amino acid position Y45 selected from the group consisting of Y45A, Y45G, Y45S, Y45T, Y45Q, Y45E, Y45N, Y45D, Y45R and Y45K (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
[00497] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at one, two, three, four, or five of: amino acid position L72 (e.g., L72G, L72A, L72S, L72T, L72Q, L72E, L72N, L72D, L72R, or L72K) (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60); amino acid position F42 (e.g, F42A, F42G, F42S, F42T, F42Q, F42E, F42N, F42D, F42R, or F42K) (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60); amino acid position Y45 (e.g., Y45A, Y45G, Y45S, Y45T, Y45Q, Y45E, Y45N, Y45D, Y45R, or Y45K) (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60); amino acid position T3 (e.g., T3A, T3G, T3Q, T3E, T3N, T3D, T3R, T3K, or T3P) (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60); and/or amino acid position C125 (e.g., C125A, C125S, C125T, or C125V) (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
[00498] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at one, two, three, four, or five of: amino acid position L72 selected from the group consisting of L72G, L72A, L72S, L72T, L72Q, L72E, L72N, L72D, L72R, and L72K; amino acid position F42 selected from the group consisting of F42A, F42G, F42S, F42T, F42Q, F42E, F42N, F42D, F42R, and F42K (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60); amino acid position Y45 selected from the group consisting of Y45A, Y45G, Y45S, Y45T, Y45Q, Y45E, Y45N, Y45D, Y45R and Y45K (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60); amino acid position T3 selected from the group consisting of T3A, T3G, T3Q, T3E, T3N, T3D, T3R, T3K, and T3P (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60); and/or amino acid position C125 selected from the group consisting of C125A, C125S, C125T, and C125V (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
[00499] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 further comprising at least the following amino acid substitutions: L72G, F42A, and Y45A. In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 further comprising at least the following amino acid substitutions: L72G, F42A, Y45A, T3A, and Cl 25 A. In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 comprising at least one or both the following amino acid substitutions: L72G and/or Y45A.
[00500] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide does not comprise an amino acid modification that substantially diminishes the ability of IL-2 to bind to CD25, compared to a reference wild-type IL-2 polypeptide (e.g., SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60). In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide does not contain an amino acid substitution at one, two, or three of amino acid positions F42, Y45, or L72 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60). In some embodiments, IL-2 does not contain an amino acid substitution at any of the following amino acid positions F42, Y45, and L72 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60). In some embodiments, IL-2 does not contain the following amino acid substitutions F42A, Y45A, and L72G (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60). In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide does not comprise an amino acid substitution at one, two, and/or three of: amino acid position L72; position F42; and/or position Y45 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60). In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises a leucine at position 72 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60); a phenylalanine at position F42 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60); and/or a tyrosine at position 45 (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60). [00501] In some embodiments, IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least one of the following amino acid substitutions: N88R, N88G, N88T, N88M, N88I, N88Q, N88E, N88V, N88F, N88Y, N88L, N88S, N88H, N88W, N88K, D20E, D20I, D20N, D20Q, D20S, D20T, D20Y, L19Y, L19N, L19R, L19Q, L19H, L19D, L19P, L19S, L21S, L21N, or L21R (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60). In some embodiments, IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least one of the following amino acid substitutions: N88R, N88G, N88T, N88M, N88I, N88A, N88Q, N88E, N88V, N88F, N88Y, N88L, N88S, N88H, N88W, or N88K (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60). In some embodiments, IL-2 polypeptide comprises an N88R amino acid substitution (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60). In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 and an N88R amino acid substitution (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60). In some embodiments, IL-2 polypeptide comprises an N88R and an F42A amino acid substitution (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60). In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 and an N88R and an F42A amino acid substitution (amino acid numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60).
[00502] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide does not contain a deletion in the N- terminus of the polypeptide ( e.g no deletion in N terminal amino acids 1 to 10 of the mature protein).
[00503] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide does not contain an amino acid substitution at position D20, numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60. In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide does not contain an amino acid substitution at position F42, numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60. In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide does not contain an amino acid substitution at position R28, numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60. In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide does not contain an amino acid substitution at position N88, numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60. In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide does not contain an amino acid substitution at position Q126, numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60. In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide does not contain an amino acid substitution at position at any combination of D20, F42, R38, N88, or Q126, numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60. In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide does not contain an amino acid substitution at position at 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 of D20, F42, R38, N88, or Q126, numbering according to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60. In some embodiments, IL-2 comprises an amino acid sequence comprising an amino acid substitution at amino acid position L21 or L21, numbering relative to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60. In some embodiments, the amino acid substitution is a L21N or L21R substitution, numbering relative to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
[00504] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises at least one amino acid substitution relative to wild type hIL-2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60; and induces reduced dimerization of hCD122 and hCD132 in vitro relative to wild type hIL-2 comprising the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
[00505] In some embodiments, IL-2 comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 59-313 or 474-77. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of IL-2 consists of an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 59- 313 or 474-77.
[00506] In some embodiments, IL-2 comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 59, 60, 137, 260, or 474-477. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of IL-2 consists of an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 59, 60, 137, 260, or 474-477.
[00507] In some embodiments, IL-2 comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NO: 59, 137, or 474. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of IL-2 consists of an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 59, 137, or 474.
[00508] In some embodiments, IL-2 comprises an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of wild type IL-2. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of IL-2 consists of a sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of wild type IL-2. In some embodiments, IL-2 comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of IL-2 consists of a sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59.
[00509] In some embodiments, IL-2 comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 60. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of IL-2 consists of an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 60.
[00510] In some embodiments, IL-2 comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 137. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of IL-2 consists of an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 137.
[00511] In some embodiments, IL-2 comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 260. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of IL-2 consists of an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 260.
[00512] In some embodiments, IL-2 comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 474. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of IL-2 consists of an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 474.
[00513] In some embodiments, IL-2 comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 475. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of IL-2 consists of an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 475.
[00514] In some embodiments, IL-2 comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 476. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of IL-2 consists of an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 476.
[00515] In some embodiments, IL-2 comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 477. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of IL-2 consists of an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 477.
[00516] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence set forth in Table 5, wherein the amino acid sequence comprises as least one amino acid substitution relative to SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 and the amino acid sequence is at least 90%, 91 %, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to an amino acid sequence set forth in Table 5. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence that, other than the at least one amino acid substitution set forth in Table 5 for SEQ ID NOS: 59-313 or 474-477, is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97% 98%, or 99%, identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 59-313 or 474- 477, respectively.
[00517] In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide is an engineered IL-2 polypeptide disclosed US9266938; US9526797; US20200299349; and Cassell DJ, Choudhri S, Humphrey R, Martell RE, Reynolds T, Shanafelt AB. Therapeutic enhancement of IL-2 through molecular design. Curr Pharm Des. 2002;8(24):2171-83. doi: 10.2174/1381612023393260. PMID: 12369861; the entire contents of each of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes. US9266938 shows in Table 4 the binding affinities of IL-2 WT, IL-2 T3A, IL-2 L42A, IL-2Y45A, IL-2 L42G, IL-2 L42A/Y45A/L72G, and IL-2 T3A/L42A/Y45A/L72G to human IL-2Ra: IL-2 WT (KD = 4.5nM), IL-2 T3A (KD = 4.9nM), IL-2 L42A (KD = 149nM), IL-2Y45A (KD = 22.5nM), IL-2 L42G (KD = 45.3nM), IL-2 L42A/Y45A/L72G ( no binding), and IL-2 T3A/L42A/Y45A/L72G ( no binding).
[00518] In some embodiments, IL-2 is chemically synthesized. See e.g., Murar CE, Ninomiya M, Shimura S, Karakus U, Boyman O, Bode JW. Chemical Synthesis of Inter leulcin- 2 and Disulfide Stabilizing Analogues. Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2020 May 25;59(22):8425- 8429. doi: 10.1002/anie.201916053. Epub 2020 Mar 18. PMID: 32032465, the full contents of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
[00519] The amino acid sequence of exemplary hIL-2 polypeptides, which can be incorporated into any one or more of the embodiments described herein, is provided in Table 5.
Table 5. Amino acid sequences of exemplary hIL-2 polypeptides.
Figure imgf000110_0001
Figure imgf000111_0001
Figure imgf000112_0001
Figure imgf000113_0001
Figure imgf000114_0001
Figure imgf000115_0001
Figure imgf000116_0001
Figure imgf000117_0001
Figure imgf000118_0001
Figure imgf000119_0001
Figure imgf000120_0001
Figure imgf000121_0001
Figure imgf000122_0001
Figure imgf000123_0001
Figure imgf000124_0001
Figure imgf000125_0001
Figure imgf000126_0001
Figure imgf000127_0001
Figure imgf000128_0001
Figure imgf000129_0001
6.5 Fusion Proteins
[00520] In one aspect, provided herein are fusion proteins comprising a CD20 binding domain ( e.g ., described herein) and at least one IL-2 polypeptide (e.g., described herein). The anti-CD20 binding domain and the IL-2 polypeptide can be arranged in any configuration as long as the CD20 binding domain maintains the ability to bind CD20 and the IL-2 polypeptide can mediate an effector function (e.g., bind one or more of CD25, CD 122, and/or CD 132).
6.5.1 Exemplary Peptide Linkers
[00521] Each component of the fusion proteins described herein (e.g., the CD20 binding domain and the IL-2 polypeptide) can be directly operably connected to one the other (e.g., through a peptide bond) or can be indirectly connected to the other (e.g., via a peptide linker). For example, the IL-2 polypeptide can be directly (through a peptide bond) or indirectly (through a peptide linker) operably connected to the CD20 binding domain. In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide is indirectly operably connected to the CD20 binding domain through a peptide linker.
[00522] In some embodiments, the peptide linker is one or any combination of a cleavable linker, a non-cleavable linker, a flexible linker, a rigid linker, a helical linker, or a non-helical linker.
[00523] In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises from or from about 2-30, 5-30, 10-30, 15-30, 20-30, 25-30, 2-25, 5-25, 10-25, 15-25, 20-25, 2-20, 5-20, 10-20, 15-20, 2-15, 5-15, 10-15, 2-10, or 5-10 amino acid residues. In some embodiments, the peptide linker comprises at least about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 amino acid residues. In some embodiments, the linker comprises or consists of about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 amino acid residues.
[00524] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the peptide linker comprises or consists of glycine or serine, or both glycine and serine amino acid residues. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the peptide linker comprises or consists of glycine, serine, or proline, or glycine, serine, and proline amino acid residues.
[00525] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 324, wherein a, b, and c are each individually 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence SEQ ID NO: 325, wherein X is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6.
[00526] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the peptide linker comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 314-325, or the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 314-325 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications ( e.g ., substitution, deletion, or addition). In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of a peptide linker set forth in Table 6, or the amino acid sequence of a peptide linker set forth in Table 6 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications (e.g., substitution, deletion, or addition).
[00527] The amino acid sequence of exemplary peptide linkers for use in any one or more of the fusion proteins described herein is provided in Table 6 below.
Table 6. Amino acid sequence of exemplary linkers.
Figure imgf000130_0001
6.5.2 Exemplary Structures [00528] As described above, the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain and the IL-2 polypeptide can be arranged in any configuration as long as the anti-CD20 antigen binding domain maintains the ability to bind CD20 and the IL-2 polypeptide can mediate an effector function ( e.g ., bind one or more of CD25, CD122, and/or CD132). Exemplary structures of fusion proteins described herein are provided below. The exemplary structures are provided as exemplary embodiments and are in no way limiting. Exemplary strucutres include, e.g., those depicted in FIGS. 1-6.
6.5.2.1 Heterodimeric Full-Length Antibody - Single IL-2 C-Terminal Light
Chain Fusion
[00529] In some embodiments, the fusion protein (e.g., described herein) comprises a full- length anti-CD20 antibody that comprises a first light chain, a second light chain, a first heavy chain, and a second heavy chain, wherein an IL-2 polypeptide is operably connected to the C- terminus of only one of the first light chain or the second light chain.
[00530] In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises: a) a first polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus: a first light chain variable region (VL), a first light chain constant region (CL), a first optional peptide linker, and an IL-2 polypeptide; a second polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus: a first heavy chain variable region (VH), and a first heavy chain constant region (CH); a third polypeptide that comprises from N- to C- terminus: a second VH and a second CH; and a fourth polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus: a second VL and a second CL; wherein said first VL and said first VH form a first antigen binding domain that specifically binds CD20; and wherein said second VL and said second VH form a second antigen binding domain that specifically binds CD20. In some embodiments, the second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the second polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 amino acid modifications relative to the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide. In some embodiments, the first CH region comprises from N- to C-terminus a first CHI domain, a first hinge domain, a first CH2 domain, and a first CH3 domain. In some embodiments, the second CH region comprises from N- to C-terminus a second CHI domain, a second hinge domain, a second CH2 domain, and a second CH3 domain. In some embodiments, the first CH3 domain and the second CH3 domain each comprises at least one amino acid modification (e.g., substitution, deletion, or addition) that promotes heterodimerization of the second polypeptide with the third polypeptide (e.g., as described herein, see, e.g., §6.3.2). In some embodiments, the first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NOS: 314-325. In some embodiments, the first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NO: 318.
6.5.2.2 Homodimeric Full-Length Antibody - Double IL-2 C-Terminal Light
Chain Fusion
[00531] In some embodiments, the fusion protein ( e.g described herein) comprises a full- length anti-CD20 antibody that comprises a first light chain, a second light chain, a first heavy chain, and a second heavy chain, wherein a first IL-2 polypeptide is attached to the C-terminus of the first light chain and a second IL-2 polypeptide is attached to the C-terminus of the second light chain. In some embodiments, the first IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the second IL-2 polypeptide. See e.g., FIG. 2.
[00532] In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a) a first polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus a first VL, a first CL, a first optional peptide linker, and a first IL-2 polypeptide; a second polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus a first VH and a first CH; a third polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus a second VH and a second CH; and a fourth polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus a second VL, a second CL, a second optional peptide linker, and a second IL-2 polypeptide; wherein said first VL and said first VH form a first antigen binding domain that specifically binds CD20; and wherein said second VL and said second VH form a second antigen binding domain that specifically binds CD20. In some embodiments, the first polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the fourth polypeptide. In some embodiments, the second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of said first IL-2 polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the second IL-2 polypeptide. In some embodiments, the first CH region comprises from N- to C-terminus a first CHI domain, a first hinge domain, a first CH2 domain, and a first CH3 domain. In some embodiments, the second CH region comprises from N- to C-terminus a second CHI domain, a second hinge domain, a second CH2 domain, and a second CH3 domain. In some embodiments, the first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NOS: 314-325. In some embodiments, the first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NO: 318. In some embodiments, the second peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NOS: 314-325. In some embodiments, the second peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NO: 318. [00533] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 431-449 or 451-469. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the second polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 430 or 450. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 430 or 450. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the fourth polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 431-449 or 451-469.
[00534] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 431-449 or 451-469; the amino acid sequence of the second polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 430 or 450; the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 430 or 450; and the amino acid sequence of the fourth polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 431-449 or 451-469.
[00535] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 431-449. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the second polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 430. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 430. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the fourth polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 431-449.
[00536] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 431-449; the amino acid sequence of the second polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 430; the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 430; and the amino acid sequence of the fourth polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 431-449.
[00537] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 451-469. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the second polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 450. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 450. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the fourth polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 451-469.
[00538] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 451-469; the amino acid sequence of the second polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 450; the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 450; and the amino acid sequence of the fourth polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 451-469.
6.5.2.3 Heterodimeric Full-Length Antibody - Single IL-2 C-terminal Heavy
Chain Fusion
[00539] In one aspect, the fusion protein ( e.g ., described herein) comprises a full-length anti- CD20 antibody that comprises a first light chain, a second light chain, a first heavy chain, and a second heavy chain, wherein IL-2 is operably connected to the C-terminus of only the first or second heavy chain. See, e.g., FIG. 3.
[00540] In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a) a first polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus a first VL and a first CL; a second polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus a first VH, a first CH, a first optional peptide linker, and an IL-2 polypeptide; a third polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus a second VH and a second CH; and a fourth polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus a second VL, and a second CL; wherein said first VL and said first VH form a first antigen binding domain that specifically binds CD20; and wherein said second VL and said second VH form a second antigen binding domain that specifically binds CD20. In some embodiments, the first polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the fourth polypeptide. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the second polypeptide comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 amino acid modifications relative to the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide. In some embodiments, the first CH region comprises from N- to C-terminus a first CHI domain, a first hinge domain, a first CH2 domain, and a first CH3 domain. In some embodiments, the second CH region comprises from N- to C-terminus a second CHI domain, a second hinge domain, a second CH2 domain, and a second CH3 domain. In some embodiments, the first CH3 domain and the second CH3 domain each comprises at least one amino acid modification ( e.g ., substitution, deletion, or addition) that promotes heterodimerization of the second polypeptide with the third polypeptide (e.g., as described herein, see, e.g., §6.3.2). In some embodiments, the first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NOS: 314-325. In some embodiments, the first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NO: 318.
6.5.2.4 Homodimeric Full-Length Antibody - Double IL-2 C-Terminal Heavy
Chain Fusion
[00541] In some embodiments, the fusion protein (e.g., described herein) comprises a full- length anti-CD20 antibody that comprises a first light chain, a second light chain, a first heavy chain, and a second heavy chain, wherein a first IL-2 polypeptide is operably connected to the C-terminus of the first heavy chain and a second IL-2 polypeptide is operably connected to the C-terminus of the second heavy chain. In some embodiments, the first IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the second IL-2 polypeptide.
[00542] In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a) a first polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus a first VL and a first CL; a second polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus a first VH, a first CH, a first optional peptide linker, and a first IL-2 polypeptide; a third polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus a second VH, a second CH, a second optional peptide linker, and a second IL-2 polypeptide; and a fourth polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus a second VL, a second CL; wherein said first VL and said first VH form a first antigen binding domain that specifically binds CD20; and wherein said second VL and said second VH form a second antigen binding domain that specifically binds CD20. In some embodiments, the first polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the fourth polypeptide. In some embodiments, the second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide. In some embodiments, the first IL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91 %, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of the second IL-2 polypeptide. In some embodiments, the first CH region comprises from N- to C-terminus a first CHI domain, a first hinge domain, a first CH2 domain, and a first CH3 domain. In some embodiments, the second CH region comprises from N- to C-terminus a second CHI domain, a second hinge domain, a second CH2 domain, and a second CH3 domain. In some embodiments, the first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NOS: 314-325. In some embodiments, the first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NO: 318. In some embodiments, the second peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NOS: 314-325. In some embodiments, the second peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NO: 318. 6.5.2.5 Fab-Fc - Single IL-2 N-terminal Heavy Chain Fusion
[00543] In one aspect, the fusion protein ( e.g ., described herein) comprises an anti-CD20 Fab operably connected to the N-terminus of a first Fc region, and an IL-2 polypeptide operably connected the N-terminus of a second Fc region. In some embodiments, the IL-2 polypeptide is operably connected to the N-terminus of the second Fc via a peptide linker. See, e.g., FIG. 1.
[00544] In some embodiments, the fusion protein comprises a) a first polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus a first VL, a first CL; a second polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus a first VH, a first CH that comprises a first CHI domain, a first hinge domain, a first CH2 domain, and a first CH3 domain; a third polypeptide that comprises from N- to C-terminus an IL-2 polypeptide, a first optional peptide linker, a second hinge domain, a second CH2 domain, and a second CH3 domain; wherein said first VL and said first VH form a first antigen binding domain that specifically binds CD20. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first CH3 domain comprises at least 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 amino acid modifications relative to the amino acid sequence of the second CH3 domain. In some embodiments, the first CH3 domain and the second CH3 domain each comprises at least one amino acid modification ( e.g ., substitution, deletion, or addition) that promotes heterodimerization of the second polypeptide with the third polypeptide (e.g., as described herein, see, e.g., §6.3.2). In some embodiments, the first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NOS: 314-325. In some embodiments, the first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of one of SEQ ID NO: 318.
[00545] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 337 or 371. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the second polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 385 or 408. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 386, 388-407, 409, or 144-429.
[00546] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 337 or 371 ; the amino acid sequence of the second polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence ofSEQ ID NO: 385 or 408; and the amino acid sequence ofthe third polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 386, 388-407, 409, or 144-429.
[00547] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 337. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the second polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 385. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 386 or 388- 407.
[00548] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 337; the amino acid sequence of the second polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 385; and the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 386 or 388-407.
[00549] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 371. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the second polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 408. In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 409 or 411- 429.
[00550] In some embodiments, the amino acid sequence of the first polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 371; the amino acid sequence of the second polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 408; and the amino acid sequence of the third polypeptide is at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 409 or 411-429.
[00551] The amino acid sequence of exemplary fusion proteins, which can be incorporated into any one or more of the embodiments described herein, is provided in Table 7 below.
Table 7. Amino acid sequence of exemplary anti-CD20 IL-2 fusion proteins.
Figure imgf000138_0001
Figure imgf000139_0001
Figure imgf000140_0001
Figure imgf000141_0001
Figure imgf000142_0001
Figure imgf000143_0001
Figure imgf000144_0001
Figure imgf000145_0001
Figure imgf000146_0001
Figure imgf000147_0001
Figure imgf000148_0001
Figure imgf000149_0001
Figure imgf000150_0001
Figure imgf000151_0001
Figure imgf000152_0001
Figure imgf000153_0001
Figure imgf000154_0001
Figure imgf000155_0001
Figure imgf000156_0001
Figure imgf000157_0001
Figure imgf000158_0001
Figure imgf000159_0001
Figure imgf000160_0001
Figure imgf000161_0001
Figure imgf000162_0001
Figure imgf000163_0001
Figure imgf000164_0001
Figure imgf000165_0001
Figure imgf000166_0001
Figure imgf000167_0001
Figure imgf000168_0001
Figure imgf000169_0001
Figure imgf000170_0001
Figure imgf000171_0001
Figure imgf000172_0001
Figure imgf000173_0001
Figure imgf000174_0001
Figure imgf000175_0001
Figure imgf000176_0001
Figure imgf000177_0001
Figure imgf000178_0001
Figure imgf000179_0001
Figure imgf000180_0001
Figure imgf000181_0001
Figure imgf000182_0001
Figure imgf000183_0001
Figure imgf000184_0001
Figure imgf000185_0001
Figure imgf000186_0001
Figure imgf000187_0001
Figure imgf000188_0001
Figure imgf000189_0001
6.6 Methods of Making Fusion Proteins
[00552] Fusion proteins described herein can be made by any conventional technique known in the art, for example, recombinant techniques ( e.g ., using host cells) or chemical synthesis ( e.g ., solid phase peptide synthesis) (see, e.g., C. E. Murar, et ah, “Chemical Synthesis of Interleukin-2 and Disulfide Stabilizing Analogues,” (2020) Angew. Chem. Int. Ed., 59, 8425; and E.P. Patent No. 2723380B1, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes). [00553] In some embodiments, the fusion protein is made by recombinant expression in a host cell ( e.g ., eukaryotic (e.g., mammalian), bacterial). Briefly, the fusion protein can be made by synthesizing a DNA polynucleotide encoding the fusion protein and cloning the DNA polynucleotide into any suitable expression vector (e.g., a plasmid). Numerous expression vectors are known to those of ordinary skill in the art, and the selection of an appropriate expression vector is a matter of choice within the skill of a person of ordinary skill in the art. The expression vector typically contains an expression cassette that includes polynucleotide sequences capable of bringing about expression of the polynucleotide encoding the fusion protein, such as promoter(s), enhancer(s), polyadenylation signals, and the like. The person of ordinary skill in the art is aware that various promoter and enhancer elements can be used to obtain expression of a polynucleotide in a host cell. For example, promoters can be constitutive or regulated, and can be obtained from various sources, e.g., viruses, prokaryotic or eukaryotic sources, or artificially designed.
[00554] A number of host cells are known in the art, which can be used for transfection or transduction, and include e.g., immortalized cell lines available from the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), such as, but not limited to, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells, CHO-suspension cells (CHO-S), HeLa cells, HEK293, baby hamster kidney (BHK) cells, monkey kidney cells (COS), VERO, HepG2, MadinDarby bovine kidney (MDBK) cells, NOS, U20S, A549, HT1080, CAD, P19,NIH3T3, L929, N2a, MCF-7, Y79, SO-Rb50, DUKX-X11, or J558L. In some embodiments, the fusion protein is produced in CHO or CHO-S cells. [00555] Post transfection or transduction, host cells containing the expression vector encoding the fusion protein are cultured under conditions conducive to expression of the polynucleotide encoding the fusion protein. Culture media is available from various vendors, and a suitable medium can be routinely chosen for a host cell to express a fusion protein described herein. Host cells can be adherent or suspension cultures, and a person of ordinary skill in the art can optimize culture methods for specific host cells selected. For example, suspension cells can be cultured in, for example, bioreactors in e.g., a batch process or a fed- batch process.
[00556] The coding sequence of the fusion protein may or may not contain a signal peptide. Heterologous signal peptides can be added to the coding sequence that result in the secretion of the expressed polypeptide from the host cell into the culture medium. If the expression system secretes the fusion protein into culture media, the fusion protein can be isolated directly from the media, for example, through the use of column chromatography in either flow-flow through or bind-and-elute modes. Examples include, but are not limited to, ion exchange resins and affinity resins, such as lentil lectin Sepharose, and mixed mode cation exchange- hydrophobic interaction columns (CEX-HIC). If the fusion protein is not secreted from the host cells into the culture medium, the fusion protein can be isolated from the host cell lysates. The fusion protein may be concentrated, buffer exchanged by ultrafiltration, and the retentate from the ultrafiltration may be filtered through an appropriate filter, e.g., a 0.22pm filter.
[00557] Once isolated, the amino acid sequences of the fusion proteins can be determined, e.g., by repetitive cycles of Edman degradation, followed by amino acid analysis by HPLC. Other methods of amino acid sequencing are also known in the art. Also once isolated, the functionality of the fusion protein can also be assessed, e.g., utilizing a bifunctional ELISA e.g., to assess IL-2 receptor and CD20 binding.
6.7 Pharmaceutical Compositions
[00558] In one aspect, provided herein are pharmaceutical compositions comprising a fusion protein described herein, a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, or a vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, and a physiologically excipient (see, e.g., Remington’s Pharmaceutical Sciences (1990) Mack Publishing Co., Easton, PA, the entire contents of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes).
[00559] In one aspect, also provided herein are methods of making pharmaceutical compositions comprising providing a fusion protein described herein, a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, or a vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, and formulating it into a pharmaceutically acceptable composition by the addition of one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
[00560] Acceptable excipients (e.g., carriers and stabilizers) are preferably nontoxic to recipients at the dosages and concentrations employed, and include buffers such as phosphate, citrate, or other organic acids; antioxidants including ascorbic acid or methionine; preservatives (such as octadecyldimethylbenzyl ammonium chloride; hexamethonium chloride; benzalkonium chloride, benzethonium chloride; phenol, butyl or benzyl alcohol; alkyl parabens such as methyl or propyl paraben; catechol; resorcinol; cyclohexanol; 3-pentanol;or m-cresol); low molecular weight (less than about 10 residues) polypeptides; proteins, such as serum albumin, gelatin, or immunoglobulins; hydrophilic polymers such as polyvinylpyrrolidone; amino acids such as glycine, glutamine, asparagine, histidine, arginine, or lysine; monosaccharides, disaccharides, or other carbohydrates including glucose, mannose, or dextrins; chelating agents such as EDTA; sugars such as sucrose, mannitol, trehalose or sorbitol; salt-forming counter-ions such as sodium; metal complexes ( e.g ., Zn-protein complexes); and/or non- ionic surfactants such as TWEEN™, PLURONICS™ or polyethylene glycol (PEG). The compositions to be used for in vivo administration can be sterile. This is readily accomplished by filtration through, e.g., sterile filtration membranes.
[00561] A pharmaceutical composition may be formulated for any route of administration to a subject. Specific examples of routes of administration include parenteral administration (e.g., intravenous, subcutaneous, intramuscular).
[00562] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for intravenous administration. Suitable carriers for intravenous administration include physiological saline or phosphate buffered saline (PBS), or solutions containing thickening or solubilizing agents, such as glucose, polyethylene glycol, or polypropylene glycol or mixtures thereof.
[00563] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition is formulated for subcutaneous administration. Injectables can be prepared in conventional forms, either as liquid solutions or suspensions. The injectables can contain one or more excipients. Exemplary excipients include, for example, water, saline, dextrose, glycerol or ethanol. In addition, if desired, the pharmaceutical compositions to be administered can also contain minor amounts of non-toxic auxiliary substances such as wetting or emulsifying agents, pH buffering agents, stabilizers, solubility enhancers, or other such agents, such as for example, sodium acetate, sorbitan monolaurate, triethanolamine oleate or cyclodextrins.
[00564] Pharmaceutically acceptable excipients (e.g., carriers) used in the parenteral preparations described herein include for example, aqueous vehicles, nonaqueous vehicles, antimicrobial agents, isotonic agents, buffers, antioxidants, local anesthetics, suspending and dispersing agents, emulsifying agents, sequestering or chelating agents or other pharmaceutically acceptable substances. Examples of aqueous vehicles, which can be incorporated in one or more of the formulations described herein, include sodium chloride injection, Ringer’s injection, isotonic dextrose injection, sterile water injection, dextrose or lactated Ringer’s injection. Nonaqueous parenteral vehicles, which can be incorporated in one or more of the formulations described herein, include fixed oils of vegetable origin, cottonseed oil, com oil, sesame oil or peanut oil. Antimicrobial agents in bacteriostatic or fungistatic concentrations can be added to the parenteral preparations described herein and packaged in multiple-dose containers, which include phenols or cresols, mercurials, benzyl alcohol, chlorobutanol, methyl and propyl p-hydroxybenzoic acid esters, thimerosal, benzalkonium chloride or benzethonium chloride. Isotonic agents, which can be incorporated in one or more of the formulations described herein, include sodium chloride or dextrose. Buffers, which can be incorporated in one or more of the formulations described herein, include phosphate or citrate. Antioxidants, which can be incorporated in one or more of the formulations described herein, include sodium bisulfate. Local anesthetics, which can be incorporated in one or more of the formulations described herein, include procaine hydrochloride. Suspending and dispersing agents, which can be incorporated in one or more of the formulations described herein, include sodium carboxymethylcelluose, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose or polyvinylpyrrolidone. Emulsifying agents, which can be incorporated in one or more of the formulations described herein, include Polysorbate 80 (TWEEN® 80). A sequestering or chelating agent of metal ions, which can be incorporated in one or more of the formulations described herein, is EDTA. Pharmaceutical carriers, which can be incorporated in one or more of the formulations described herein, also include ethyl alcohol, polyethylene glycol or propylene glycol for water miscible vehicles; orsodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, citric acid or lactic acid for pH adjustment.
[00565] The precise dose to be employed in a pharmaceutical composition will also depend on the route of administration, and the seriousness of the condition caused by it, and should be decided according to the judgment of the practitioner and each subject’s circumstances. For example, effective doses may also vary depending upon means of administration, target site, physiological state of the subject (including age, body weight, and health), other medications administered, or whether therapy is prophylactic or therapeutic. Therapeutic dosages are preferably titrated to optimize safety and efficacy.
6.8 Methods of Use
[00566] Provided herein are various methods of using the fusion protein described herein, a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, a vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, and pharmaceutical compositions described herein. In some embodiments, the method comprises the administration of a fusion protein described herein, a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, a vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, or pharmaceutical composition described herein to a subject. Exemplary subjects include mammals, e.g., humans, non-human mammals, e.g., non-human primates. In some embodiments, the subject is a human. [00567] In one aspect, provided herein are methods of delivering a fusion protein described herein, a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, a vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, or pharmaceutical composition described herein to a subject comprising administering a fusion protein described herein, a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, a vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, or a pharmaceutical composition described herein to a subject, in an amount sufficient to deliver the fusion protein, polynucleotide encoding the fusion protein, the polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein, the vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein , or the pharmaceutical composition to the subject.
[00568] In one aspect, provided herein are methods of inducing an immune response in a subject, comprising administering a fusion protein described herein, a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, a vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, or a pharmaceutical composition described herein to a subject, in an amount sufficient to deliver the fusion protein, polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein, vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein, or pharmaceutical to the subject. An immune response can be measured by common method known to those of ordinary skill in the art.
[00569] In one aspect, provided herein are fusion proteins described herein, polynucleotides encoding a fusion protein described herein, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising a fusion protein described herein for use as a medicament.
[00570] In one aspect, provided herein are fusion proteins described herein, polynucleotides encoding a fusion protein described herein, and pharmaceutical compositions comprising a fusion protein described herein for use in treating or inhibiting a cancer such as breast cancer, anal cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer, spinal cord cancer, head cancer, neck cancer, head and neck cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, or myeloma.
[00571] In one aspect, provided herein are methods of preventing and/or treating and/or inhibiting a cancer in a subject, comprising administering to a subject in need thereof ( e.g a subject diagnosed with a caner) a fusion protein described herein, a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, a vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein described herein, or a pharmaceutical composition described herein to a the subject, in an amount sufficient to prevent, inhibit, or treat the cancer in the subject.
[00572] In some embodiments, the methods disclosed herein are used in place of standard of care therapies. In certain embodiments, a standard of care therapy is used in combination with any method disclosed herein. Standard-of-care therapies for different types of cancer are well known by persons of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), an alliance of 21 major cancer centers in the USA, publishes the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN GUIDELINES®) that provide detailed up-to-date information on the standard-of-care treatments for a wide variety of cancers. In some embodiments, the methods disclosed herein are used after standard of care therapy has failed.
[00573] In some embodiments, the fusion protein, polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein, vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein, or pharmaceutical composition is administered to the subject in combination ( e.g ., before, simultaneously, or after) with one or more prophylactic or therapeutic agents. In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent is a chemotherapeutic agent, an anti-angiogenic agent, an anti-fibrotic agent, radiation, an immunotherapeutic agent, a therapeutic antibody, a bispecific antibody, an “antibody-like” therapeutic protein (such as DARTs®, Duobodies®, Bites®, XmAbs®, TandAbs®, Fab derivatives), an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), a radiotherapeutic agent, an anti-neoplastic agent, an anti-proliferation agent, an oncolytic virus, a gene modifier or editor (such as CRISPR/Cas9, zinc finger nucleases or synthetic nucleases, or TALENs), a CAR T-cell immunotherapeutic agent, an engineered T cell receptor (TCR-T), or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent is a chemotherapeutic agent. These therapeutic agents may be in any form, e.g., compounds, antibodies, polypeptides, or polynucleotides. [00574] In some embodiments, the cancer is a hematological malignancy. Exemplary hematological malignancies include, but are not limited to, a leukemia (e.g., Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), Acute myelogenous leukemia (AML), Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML)), a lymphoma (e.g., Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Hodgkin Lymphoma), or a myeloma (e.g., multiple myeloma).
[00575] In some embodiments, the cancer of epithelial origin. In some embodiments, such a cancer is characterized as having a solid tumor. Exemplary solid tumor cancers include, but are not limited to, lung cancer, brain cancer, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, colon cancer, rectal cancer, esophageal cancer, kidney cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, pancreatic cancer, prostate cancer, gastric cancer, skin cancer, bladder cancer, uterine cancer, brain cancer, endometrial cancer, lip cancer, oral cancer, mesothelioma, sarcoma, thyroid cancer, or thymus cancer or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the cancer is selected from the group consisting of breast cancer, anal cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer, spinal cord cancer, head cancer, neck cancer, and head and neck cancer.
[00576] In some embodiments, the cancer is metastatic. In some embodiments, the cancer is recurrent. In some embodiments, the cancer is metastatic and recurrent. In some embodiments, the cancer is refractory to the approved standard of care. In some embodiments, the cancer is refractory to at least one approved standard of care. In some embodiments, the cancer is refractory to all approved standard of care therapeutics.
[00577] In some embodiments, the methods disclosed herein are used in place of standard of care therapies. In certain embodiments, a standard of care therapy is used in combination with any method disclosed herein. Standard-of-care therapies for different types of cancer are well known by persons of ordinary skill in the art. For example, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN), an alliance of 21 major cancer centers in the USA, publishes the NCCN Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology (NCCN GUIDELINES®) that provide detailed up-to-date information on the standard-of-care treatments for a wide variety of cancers. In some embodiments, the methods disclosed herein are used after standard of care therapy has failed.
[00578] In some embodiments, the fusion protein, polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein, vector comprising a polynucleotide encoding a fusion protein, or pharmaceutical composition is administered to the subject in combination ( e.g ., before, simultaneously, or after) with one or more prophylactic or therapeutic agents. In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent is a chemotherapeutic agent, an anti-angiogenic agent, an anti-fibrotic agent, radiation, an immunotherapeutic agent, a therapeutic antibody, a bispecific antibody, an “antibody-like” therapeutic protein (such as DARTs®, Duobodies®, Bites®, XmAbs®, TandAbs®, Fab derivatives), an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), a radiotherapeutic agent, an anti-neoplastic agent, an anti-proliferation agent, an oncolytic virus, a gene modifier or editor (such as CRISPR/Cas9, zinc finger nucleases or synthetic nucleases, or TALENs), a CAR T-cell immunotherapeutic agent, an engineered T cell receptor (TCR-T), or any combination thereof. In some embodiments, the therapeutic agent is a chemotherapeutic agent. These therapeutic agents may be in any form, e.g., compounds, antibodies, polypeptides, or polynucleotides.
6.9 Kits
[00579] In one aspect, provided herein are kits comprising at least one pharmaceutical composition described herein. Kits typically include a label indicating the intended use of the contents of the kit and instructions for use (e.g., dosage, subject groups, etc.). The term label includes any writing, or recorded material supplied on or with the kit, or which otherwise accompanies the kit.
[00580] In some embodiments, provided herein are kits comprising a pharmaceutical composition described herein, and instructions for using the pharmaceutical composition ( e.g ., in any one or more of the methods described herein).
[00581] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical composition described herein is provided in a separate part of the kit, wherein the pharmaceutical composition is optionally lyophilized, spray-dried, or spray-freeze dried. The kit may further contain a vehicle (e.g., buffer solution) for solubilizing the dried or lyophilized pharmaceutical composition. In some embodiments, the fusion protein is co-packaged in unit dosage form with an additional therapeutic agent. [00582] In some embodiments, the kit comprises a single dose container of a pharmaceutical composition described herein. In some embodiments, the kit comprises a multi-dose container for administration of a pharmaceutical composition described herein. In some embodiments, the kit comprises an administration device.
[00583] Any of the kits described herein may be used in a treatment method as described herein (e.g., for the treatment of a cancer in a subject).
7. EXAMPLES
7.1 Example 1. Generation of Murine CD20 Targeting mIL-2 Fusion Proteins.
[00584] The following fusion proteins were generated according to the methods described below, each comprising an anti-CD20 antigen binding domain that specifically binds murine CD20 and murine IL-2 or IL-4. Each of the fusion proteins comprised two Fc regions, wherein each Fc region comprised at least one amino acid modification to abolish or significantly reduce Fc effector function. Each of the Fc regions of any of the heterodimeric fusion proteins further comprised at least one amino acid modification to promote heterodimerization of the correct polypeptide chains, i.e., heavy chain knob and heavy chain hole.
[00585] The term “wild type substitute” or “WTS” or “wts” used in Examples 1-2 with reference to an IF-2 polypeptide refers to an IF-2 polypeptide that contains a T3A amino acid substitution and a C125A amino acid substitution (numbering relative to SEQ ID NO: 59); or the corresponding substitutions in murine IF-2, namely T3A and C140A (numbering relative to SEQ ID NO: 478). The T3A and C125A amino acid substitutions are well known in the art and known not cause a substantial change in binding affinity for any one of the IF-2R subunits. The T3A amino acid substitution is commonly utilized to eliminate O-linked glycosylation- dependent heterogeneity and aggregation; and the C 125 A amino acid substitution is commonly used to prevent intrachain disulfides (see, e.g., Glassman et al. Calibration of cell-intrinsic interleukin-2 response thresholds guides design of a regulatory T cell biased agonist, eFife (May 18 2021);10:e65777 doi: 10.7554/eLife.65777; Kobayashi, M, Kojima, K, Murayama, K, et al. MK-6, a novel not-a IL-2, elicits a potent antitumor activity by improving the effector to regulatory T cell balance. Cancer Sci. 2021; 112: 4478- 4489. https://doi.org/10.l l l l/cas.15127, the full contents of each of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes).
[00586] Each of the fusion proteins set forth in Table 8 was generated according to the following protocol.
7.1.1 Plasmid Preparation
[00587] Transfection grade plasmids encoding each fusion protein set forth in Table 8 were maxi-prepared for HD CHO-S cell expression.
7.1.2 Cell Culture and Transient Transfection
[00588] HD CHO-S cells were grown in serum-free ExpiCHO™ expression medium. The cells were maintained in Erlenmeyer flasks at 37°C with 8% CO2 on an orbital shaker. On the day of transfection, the ExpiCHO™ expression medium was warmed to 25~37°C. The plasmids and reagents were thawed and pre -warmed to room temperature. From a maintenance flask, the cell density and viability were determined using a hemocytometer. Each plasmid was added into OptiPRO SFM and mixed thoroughly. ExpiFectamine reagent was added into OptiPRO SFM and mixed thoroughly. The plasmid/reagent mixture(s) were added to the cell cultures, and the cell cultures were subsequently returned to the incubator. After a suitable period of incubation, the cell culture supernatant was collected for purification and analysis of the fusion proteins.
7.1.3 Purification and Analysis
[00589] The cell culture supernatant was centrifuged and filtered. Filtered cell culture supernatant was loaded onto MabSelect SuReTM LX at an appropriate flowrate. An equilibration buffer of PBS (pH 7.2) and an elution buffer of 50mM Citrate (pH 3.0) were utilized for purification. After washing and elution with the respective buffers, the eluted fractions were pooled and buffer exchanged to PBS (pH 7.2) or 25 mM Tris-HCl, 150 mM NaCl (pH 8.0). The purified fusion proteins were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and SEC-HPLC analysis to determine the molecular weight and purity of each fusion protein. The purified fusion proteins were loaded onto HisTrapTM FF Crude 5ml (GE, Cat.No.17-5286-01) utilizing the following buffers: Wash Buffer: 25mM Tris-HCl, 300mM NaCl, pH8.0; and Elution Buffer: 25mM Tris-HCl, 300m M NaCl, 1M imidazole, pH 8.0 The fusion proteins were eluted utilizing 2%, 5%, 7%, 10% and 50% of the Elution Buffer and a sample collected for SDS- PAGE analysis. After washing and elution with the respective buffers, the eluted fractions were pooled and loaded onto HiLoad 26/600 Superdex 200pg 320ml (GE, 28-9893-36) to improve purity in the final buffer. The purified fusion proteins were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and SEC- HPLC to determine the final molecular weight and purity of the fusion proteins.
[00590] Table 8 provides the amino acid sequence of each of the exemplary murine fusion proteins generated according to the methods described above. The amino acid sequence of the parental murine anti-CD20 antibody is also provided in Table 8.
Table 8. The amino acid sequence of exemplary murine anti-CD20 x mIL-2 and reference fusion proteins.
Figure imgf000199_0001
Figure imgf000200_0001
Figure imgf000201_0001
Figure imgf000202_0001
Figure imgf000203_0001
7.2 Example 2. In Vivo Efficacy Study of CD20 targeted mIL-2 Fusion Proteins in B16F10 tumor bearing mice.
[00591] This study assessed the efficacy of the following fusion proteins (described in Example 1 and Table 8) containing CD20 or PD1 binding domains: anti-mCD20 x mIL-2 (SEQ ID NOS: 372-374), anti-mCD20 x mIL4 (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 377), and anti-PDl x mIL-2v (SEQ ID NOS: 380-382). Also tested was a non-targeted mIL-12-Fc fusion protein, wherein mIL-12p35 was operably connected to the N-terminus of a first Fc region and mlL- 12p40 was operably connected to the N-terminus of a second Fc region (also referred to herein as “IL-12-Fc”) (SEQ ID NOS: 378-379) (see, e.g., FIG. 7). A description of the cell culture, tumor inoculation, observation and data collection, and treatment used for this study is provided below.
7.2.1 Cell Culture
[00592] B16F10 tumor cells were maintained in vitro as a monolayer culture in Gibco
Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% heat inactivated fetal bovine serum (FBS) at 37°C in an atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air. The cells growing in an exponential growth phase were harvested and counted for tumor inoculation.
7.2.2 Tumor Inoculation
[00593] 2 X 105 B16F10 melanoma cells in 0.1 mL phosphate -buffered saline (PBS) solution were injected subcutaneously into the right rear flank of 7-8 week old female C57BL/6 mice. Randomization was started when the mean tumor size reached approximately 80 mm3. Ten animals were assigned to each dosing group and the date of randomization was denoted as day 0.
7.2.3 Observation and Data Collection
[00594] The mice were checked daily for morbidity and mortality. During routine monitoring, the animals were also checked for any effects of tumor growth and treatments on behavior such as mobility, food and water consumption, body weight gain/loss (body weights were measured twice per week after randomization), eye/hair matting, and any other abnormalities. Mortality and observed clinical signs were recorded for individual animals in detail. Tumor volumes were measured twice per week after randomization in two dimensions using a caliper, and the volume was expressed in mm3 using the formula: V = (L x W x W)/2, where V is the tumor volume, L is the tumor length (the longest tumor dimension) and W is the tumor width (the longest tumor dimension perpendicular to L). Dosing as well as tumor and body weight measurements were conducted in a Laminar Flow Cabinet.
7.2.4 Treatment
[00595] Mice in the experimental groups were treated as follows: anti-mCD20 x mIL-2 (SEQ ID NOS: 372-374) was administered intraperitoneally twice weekly at 5 mg/lcg, anti- mCD20 x ml 1.4 (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 377) was administered intraperitoneally twice weekly at 5 mg/lcg, anti-mPDl x mIL-2v (SEQ ID NOS: 381-382) was administered intraperitoneally once a week at 1.5 mg/lcg, and mIL-12-Fc (SEQ ID NOS: 378-379) was administered intraperitoneally twice weekly at 0.078 mg/lcg. Mice in the control group were administered PBS solution intraperitoneally.
7.2.5 Results
[00596] As shown in FIG. 10, anti-mCD20 x mIL-2 caused a significant delay in tumor growth along with an increase survival time compared to the anti-mCD20 x mIL4, anti-pPDl x mIL-2v, mIL-12-Fc, and the PBS control group.
7.3 Example 3. Generation of Murine CD20 Targeting hIL-2 Fusion Proteins.
[00597] The following fusion proteins were generated according to the methods described below, each comprising a CD20 binding domain that specifically binds murine CD20 and one or more murine or human IL-2 polypeptides. Each of the fusion proteins comprised two Fc regions, wherein each Fc region comprised at least one amino acid modification to abolish or significantly reduce Fc effector function. Each of the Fc regions of any of the heterodimeric fusion proteins further comprised at least one amino acid modification to promote heterodimerization of the correct polypeptide chains, i.e., heavy chain knob and heavy chain hole.
[00598] The term “wild type substitute” or “WTS” or “wts” used in Example 3 with reference to an IF-2 polypeptide refers to an IF-2 polypeptide that contains a T3A amino acid substitution and a C125A amino acid substitution (numbering relative to SEQ ID NO: 59); or the corresponding substitutions in murine IL-2, namely T3A and C140A (numbering relative to SEQ ID NO: 478). The T3A and C125A amino acid substitutions are well known in the art and known not cause a substantial change in binding affinity for any one of the IL-2R subunits. The T3A amino acid substitution is commonly utilized to eliminate O-linked glycosylation- dependent heterogeneity and aggregation; and the C 125 A amino acid substitution is commonly used to prevent intrachain disulfides (see, e.g., Glassman et al. Calibration of cell-intrinsic interleukin-2 response thresholds guides design of a regulatory T cell biased agonist, eLife (May 18 2021);10:e65777 doi: 10.7554/eLife.65777; Kobayashi, M, Kojima, K, Murayama, K, et al. MK-6, a novel not-a IL-2, elicits a potent antitumor activity by improving the effector to regulatory T cell balance. Cancer Sci. 2021; 112: 4478- 4489. https://doi.org/10.l l l l/cas.15127, the full contents of each of which are incorporated by reference herein for all purposes).
[00599] Each of the fusion proteins set forth in Table 9 was generated according to the following protocol.
7.3.1 Plasmid Preparation
[00600] Transfection grade plasmids encoding each fusion protein set forth in Table 9 were maxi-prepared for HD CHO-S cell expression.
7.3.2 Cell Culture and Transient Transfection
[00601] HD CHO-S cells were grown in serum-free ExpiCHO™ expression medium. The cells were maintained in Erlenmeyer flasks at 37°C with 8% CO2 on an orbital shaker. On the day of transfection, the ExpiCHO™ expression medium was warmed to 25~37°C. The plasmids and reagents were thawed and pre -warmed to room temperature. From a maintenance flask, the cell density and viability were determined using a hemocytometer. Each plasmid was added into OptiPRO SFM and mixed thoroughly. ExpiFectamine reagent was added into OptiPRO SFM and mixed thoroughly. The plasmid/reagent mixture(s) were added to the cell cultures, and the cell cultures were subsequently returned to the incubator. After a suitable period of incubation, the cell culture supernatant was collected for purification and analysis of the fusion proteins.
7.3.3 Purification and Analysis
[00602] The cell culture supernatant was centrifuged and filtered. Filtered cell culture supernatant was loaded onto MabSelect SuReTM LX at an appropriate flowrate. An equilibration buffer of PBS (pH 7.2) and an elution buffer of 50mM Citrate (pH 3.0) were utilized for purification. After washing and elution with the respective buffers, the eluted fractions were pooled and buffer exchanged to PBS (pH 7.2) or 25 mM Tris-HCl, 150 mM NaCl (pH 8.0). The purified fusion proteins were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and SEC-HPLC analysis to determine the molecular weight and purity of each fusion protein. The purified fusion proteins were loaded onto HisTrapTM FF Crude 5ml (GE, Cat.No.17-5286-01) utilizing the following buffers: Wash Buffer: 25mM Tris-HCl, 300mM NaCl, pH8.0; and Elution Buffer: 25mM Tris-HCl, 300mM NaCl, 1M imidazole, pH 8.0 The fusion proteins were eluted utilizing 2%, 5%, 7%, 10% and 50% of the Elution Buffer and a sample collected for SDS- PAGE analysis. After washing and elution with the respective buffers, the eluted fractions were pooled and loaded onto HiLoad 26/600 Superdex 200pg 320ml (GE, 28-9893-36) to improve purity in the final buffer. The purified fusion proteins were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and SEC- HPLC to determine the final molecular weight and purity of the fusion proteins.
[00603] Table 9 provides the amino acid sequence of each of the exemplary murine fusion proteins generated according to the methods described above. The amino acid sequence of the parental murine anti-CD20 antibody is also provided in Table 9.
Table 9. The amino acid sequence of exemplary murine anti-CD20 x IL-2 fusion protein and reference fusion proteins.
Figure imgf000207_0001
Figure imgf000208_0001
Figure imgf000209_0001
Figure imgf000210_0001
Figure imgf000211_0001
Figure imgf000212_0001
7.4 Example 4. In Vivo Efficacy Study with the anti-CD20 x hIL-2 Fusion Proteins in Breast Carcinoma.
[00604] This study assessed the efficacy of the following fusion proteins (described in Example 3 and Table 9) containing anti-CD20 or anti-PDl antigen binding domains: anti- mCD20 x IL-2 (lxl format, T3A/C125A) (WTS) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 375), anti- mCD20 x hIL-2 (lxl format, T3A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 376), anti- mCD20 x hIL-2 (lxl format, T3A/F42A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 479), anti-mCD20 x IL-2 (2x2 format, T3A/C125A) (WTS) (SEQ ID NOS: 480 and 481), anti- mCD20 x hIL-2 (2x2 format, T3A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 481 and 387), anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (2x2 format, T3A/F42A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 481 and 410), and anti-PDl x mIL-2v (SEQ IDNOS: 380, 381, and 382). A description ofthe cell culture, tumor inoculation, observation and data collection, and treatment used for this study is provided below.
7.4.1 Cell Culture
[00605] EMT6 tumor cells were maintained in vitro as a monolayer culture in Gibco Dulbecco's Modified Eagle Medium (DMEM) supplemented with 10% heat inactivated fetal bovine serum (FBS) at 37°C in an atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air. The cells growing in an exponential growth phase were harvested and counted for tumor inoculation.
7.4.2 Tumor Inoculation
[00606] 5 x 105 EMT6 breast carcinoma cells in 0.1 mL phosphate -buffered saline (PBS) solution were injected subcutaneously into the right lower flank of 7-8 week old female C57BL/6 mice. Randomization was started when the mean tumor size reached approximately 100 mm3. Randomization will be performed based on “Matched distribution” method (Study Director TM software, version 3.1.399.19). Eightanimals were assigned to each dosing group and the date of randomization was denoted as day 0.
7.4.3 Observation and Data Collection
[00607] The mice were checked daily for morbidity and mortality. During routine monitoring, the animals were also checked for any effects of tumor growth and treatments on behavior such as mobility, food and water consumption, body weight gain/loss (body weights were measured twice per week after randomization), eye/hair matting, and any other abnormalities. Mortality and observed clinical signs were recorded for individual animals in detail. Tumor volumes were measured twice per week after randomization in two dimensions using a caliper, and the volume was expressed in mm3 using the formula: V = (L x W x W)/2, where V is the tumor volume, L is the tumor length (the longest tumor dimension) and W is the tumor width (the longest tumor dimension perpendicular to L). Dosing as well as tumor and body weight measurements were conducted in a Laminar Flow Cabinet. The body weights and tumor volumes will be measured by using StudyDirectorTM software (version 3.1.399.19).
7.4.4 Treatment
[00608] Mice in the experimental groups were treated as follows: anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (lxl format, T3A/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 375) was administered intraperitoneally once a week at 3 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg for 4 weeks; anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (lxl format, T3A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 376) was administered intrap eritoneally once a week at 3 mg/lcg or 10 mg/lcg for 4 weeks; anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (lxl format, T3A/F42A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 479) was administered intraperitoneally once a week at 3 mg/lcg or 10 mg/lcg for 4 weeks; anti-mCD20 x IL-2 (2x2 format, T3A/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 480-481) was administered intraperitoneally once a week at 7.7 mg/lcg for 4 weeks, anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (2x2 format, T3A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 481 and 387) was administered intraperitoneally once a week at 2.3 or 7.7 mg/lcg or 10 mg/lcg for 4 weeks; anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (2x2 format, T3A/F42A/N88R/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 481 and 410) was administered intraperitoneally once a week at 2.3 or 7.7 mg/lcg or 10 mg/lcg for 4 weeks; and anti-PDl x mIL-2v (SEQ ID NOS: 380-382) was administered intraperitoneally once a week at 1.5 mg/lcg for 4 weeks. Mice in the control group were administered PBS solution intraperitoneally. 8 mice were assigned to each treatment or control group.
7.4.5 Results
[00609] The results of the above experiments are shown in FIGS. 11A-17C. While the results presented in FIGS. 11A-17C are from a single experiment ( /. e. , as described in the instant Example), each of the treatment groups is graphed separately (with the PBS control) for visualization purposes. As shown in FIG. 11 A, anti-mCD20 x mIL-2 caused a significant delay in tumor growth as compared to the PBS control group.
7.5 Example 5. In Vivo Re-challenge Study in Breast Carcinoma.
[00610] This study assessed the memory response of five tumor free mice treated with anti- mCD20 x hIL-2 (lxl format, T3A/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 375) from Example 4 above.
7.5.1 Tumor Inoculation
[00611] Forty-eight days after the last dose of the anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 (lxl format, T3A/C125A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 375), five tumor free mice were subcutaneously injected with 5 x 105 EMT6 breast carcinoma cells in 0.1 mL PBS solution into the right lower flank. Tumor growth was observed in the absence of drug treatment.
7.5.2 Observation and Data Collection [00612] The mice were checked daily for morbidity and mortality. During routine monitoring, the animals were also checked for any effects of tumor growth and treatments on behavior such as mobility, food and water consumption, body weight gain/loss (body weights were measured twice per week after randomization), eye/hair matting, and any other abnormalities. Mortality and observed clinical signs were recorded for individual animals in detail. Tumor volumes were measured twice per week after randomization in two dimensions using a caliper, and the volume was expressed in mm3 using the formula: V = (L x W x W)/2, where V is the tumor volume, L is the tumor length (the longest tumor dimension) and W is the tumor width (the longest tumor dimension perpendicular to L). Dosing as well as tumor and body weight measurements were conducted in a Laminar Flow Cabinet. The body weights and tumor volumes will be measured by using StudyDirectorTM software (version 3.1.399.19).
7.5.3 Results
[00613] The results of the above experiments are shown in FIGS. 18A-18C. As shown in FIG. 18A, there was no sustained progressive tumor growth in the mice previously treated with the anti-mCD20 x hIL-2 protein (lxl format, T3 A/C 125 A) (SEQ ID NOS: 372, 373, and 375), indicating a memory response upon tumor antigen recognition.
* * *
[00614] The invention is not to be limited in scope by the specific embodiments described herein. Indeed, various modifications of the invention in addition to those described will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description and accompanying figures. Such modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. [00615] All references ( e.g ., publications or patents or patent applications) cited herein are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties and for all purposes to the same extent as if each individual reference (e.g., publication or patent or patent application) was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
[00616] Other embodiments are within the following claims.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:
1. A fusion protein that comprises a. a first antigen binding domain that specifically binds human CD20 (hCD20); and b. a first human interleukin-2 (hIL-2) polypeptide.
2. The fusion protein of claim 1, further comprising a first Fc region and a second Fc region.
3. The fusion protein of claim 1 or 2, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide is capable of binding CD25 with substantially the same affinity as a reference IL-2 polypeptide hIL-2that comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
4. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide binds CD25 with at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% of the affinity with which a reference hIL-2 polypeptide binds CD25 that comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
5. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide binds CD25 with at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% of the affinity with which a reference hIL-2 polypeptide that comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60) binds CD25, as measured by surface plasmon resonance (SPR).
6. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to human CD 132 (hCD132) with lower affinity as compared to a reference IL-2 polypeptide that comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
7. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD132 with at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% less affinity of that with which a reference IL-2 polypeptide that comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 binds hCD132.
8. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD132 with at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% less affinity of that with which a reference IL-2 polypeptide that comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 binds hCD132, as measured by SPR.
9. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD122 with lower affinity as compared to a reference IL-2 polypeptide that comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
10. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% less affinity of that with which a reference IL-2 polypeptide that comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 binds hCD122.
11. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% less affinity of that with which a reference IL-2 polypeptide that comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 binds hCD122, as measured by SPR.
12. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide: a. comprises at least one amino acid substitution relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60; and b. binds to hCD122 with a lower affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
13. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD122 with at least about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
14. The fusion protein of the any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with a KD that is from about a 50 to 80-fold, 60 to 80-fold, 50 to 70-fold, 60 to 70-fold, 65 to 80-fold, or 65 to 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
15. The fusion protein of the any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with a KD that is about a 50-fold, 60-fold, 65 -fold, or 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
16. The fusion protein of the any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with a KD that is about a 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
17. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide: a. comprises at least one amino acid substitution relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60; and b. binds to a human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising human CD 122
(hCD122) and human CD 132 (hCD132) with a lower affinity relative to a hlL- 2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
18. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to a human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hCD122 and hCD132 with at least about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
19. The fusion protein of the any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to a human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hCD122 and hCD132 with a KD that is from about a 50 to 80-fold, 60 to 80-fold, 50 to 70-fold, 60 to 70- fold, 65 to 80-fold, or 65 to 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
20. The fusion protein of the any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to a human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hCD122 and hCD132 with a KD that is about a 50-fold, 60-fold, 65-fold, or 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
21. The fusion protein of the any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to a human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hCD122 and hCD132 with a KD that is about a 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
22. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide: a. comprises at least one amino acid substitution relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60; and b. induces reduced dimerization of hCD122 and hCD132 in vitro relative to a hlL-
2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
23. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one amino acid substitution is an amino acid substitution at position N88, LI 9, D20, or L21, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
24. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one amino acid substitution is anN88R, N88G, N88T, N88M, N88I, N88Q, N88E, N88V, N88F, N88Y, N88L, N88S, N88H, N88W, N88K, D20E, D20I, D20N, D20Q, D20S, D20T, D20Y, L19Y, L19N, L19R, L19Q, L19H, L19D, L19P, L19S, L21S, L21N, or L21R amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
25. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one amino acid substitution is anN88R, N88G, N88T, N88M, N88I, N88A, N88Q, N88E, N88V, N88F, N88Y, N88L, N88S, N88H, N88W, or N88K amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
26. The fusion protein of any one of claim preceding claims, wherein said at least one amino acid substitution is anN88R, N88D, orN88G amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
27. The fusion protein of any one of claim preceding claims, wherein said at least one amino acid substitution is an N88R amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
28. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at position T3, position C125, or both T3 and C125, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59.
29. The fusion protein of any one of claim preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises a T3A amino acid substitution, a Cl 25 A amino acid substitution, or both a T3A amino acid substitution and a Cl 25 A amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59.
30. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amino acid sequence of said first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises 1, 2, or 3 of the following amino acid substitutions: T3A, N88R, or C125A (numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59).
31. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the amino acid sequence of said first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises 1, 2, 3, or 4 of the following amino acid substitutions: T3A, F42A, N88R, or C125A (numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59).
32. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with from about 5% to 90%, 5% to 80%, 5% to 70%, 5% to 60%, 5% to 50%, 5% to 40%, 5% to 30%, 5% to 20%, or 5% to 10% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
33. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with from about 5% to 40%, 5% to 30%, 5% to 20%, or 5% to 10% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
34. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with from about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
35. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with from about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, or 40% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
36. The fusion protein of the any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is from about a 20 to 50-fold, 20 to 40-fold, 25 to 50-fold, 25 to 40-fold, 30 to 50-fold, or 30-to-40-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
37. The fusion protein of the any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is about a 20-fold, 25-fold, 30-fold, 33-fold, 35- fold, 40-fold, 45-fold, or 50-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
38. The fusion protein of the any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is about a 30-fold or 33-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
39. The fusion protein of the any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is from about a 3 to 10-fold, 3 to 6-fold, or 3 to 5 -fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
40. The fusion protein of the any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is about a 1-fold, 2-fold, 3 -fold, 4-fold, 5 -fold, 6- fold, 7-fold 8-fold, 9-fold, or 10-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
41. The fusion protein of the any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is about a 5 -fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
42. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an F42A amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
43. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises a Y45A amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
44. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NOS: 59-313 or 474-477.
45. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
46. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NOS: 131-148, 474, or 476.
47. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NOS: 254-271, 475, or 477.
48. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NOS: 59, 60, 137, 260, 474, or 475.
49. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59.
50. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59, and comprises an alanine at amino acid position T3 and an alanine or serine at amino acid position Cl 25.
51. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said fusion protein comprises a second hIL-2 polypeptide.
52. The fusion protein of claim 51, wherein the amino acid sequence of said first hIL-2 polypeptide is at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of said second hIL-2 polypeptide.
53. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-52, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide is capable of binding CD25 with substantially the same affinity as a reference IL-2 polypeptide that comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
54. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-53, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide binds CD25 with at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% of the affinity with which a reference IL-2 polypeptide that comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
55. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-54, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide binds CD25 with at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% of the affinity with which a reference IL-2 polypeptide that comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 binds CD25, as measured by surface plasmon resonance (SPR).
56. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-55, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to human CD 132 (hCD132) with lower affinity as compared to a reference IL-2 polypeptide that comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
57. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-56, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD132 with at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% less affinity of that with which a reference IL-2 polypeptide that comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 binds hCD 132.
58. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-57, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD132 with at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% less affinity of that with which a reference IL-2 polypeptide that comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 binds hCD 132, as measured by SPR.
59. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-58, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD122 with lower affinity as compared to a reference IL-2 polypeptide that comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
60. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-59, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% less affinity of that with which a reference IL-2 polypeptide that comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 binds hCD122.
61. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51 -60, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with at least 30%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% less affinity of that with which a reference IL-2 polypeptide that comprises or consists of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60 binds hCD122, as measured by SPR.
62. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-61, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide: a. comprises at least one amino acid substitution relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60; and b. binds to hCD122 with a lower affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
63. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-62, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD122 with at least about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
64. The fusion protein of the any one of claims 51-63, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with a KD that is from about a 50 to 80-fold, 60 to 80-fold, 50 to 70-fold, 60 to 70-fold, 65 to 80-fold, or 65 to 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
65. The fusion protein of the any one of claims 51-64, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with a KD that is about a 50-fold, 60-fold, 65 -fold, or 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
66. The fusion protein of the any one of claims 51-65, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide binds hCD122 with a KD that is about a 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
67. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-66, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide: a. comprises at least one amino acid substitution relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60; and b. binds to the human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising human
CD 122 (hCD122) and human CD 132 (hCD132) with a lower affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
68. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-67, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to the human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hCD122 and hCD132 with at least about 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, 90%, or 95% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
69. The fusion protein of the any one of claims 51-68, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to the human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hCD122 and hCD132 with a KD that is from about a 50 to 80-fold, 60 to 80-fold, 50 to 70-fold, 60 to 70- fold, 65 to 80-fold, or 65 to 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
70. The fusion protein of the any one of claims 51-69, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to the human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hCD122 and hCD132 with a KD that is about a 50-fold, 60-fold, 65-fold, or 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
71. The fusion protein of the any one of claims 51-70, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to the human intermediate affinity IL-2 receptor comprising hCD122 and hCD132 with a KD that is about a 70-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
72. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-71, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide: a. comprises at least one amino acid substitution relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60; and b. induces reduced dimerization of hCD122 and hCD132 in vitro relative to a hlL-
2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
73. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-72, wherein said at least one amino acid substitution is an amino acid substitution at position N88, L19, D20, or L21, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
74. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-73, wherein said at least one amino acid substitution is an N88R, N88G, N88T, N88M, N88I, N88Q, N88E, N88V, N88F, N88Y, N88L, N88S, N88H, N88W, N88K, D20E, D20I, D20N, D20Q, D20S, D20T, D20Y, L19Y, L19N, L19R, L19Q, L19H, L19D, L19P, L19S, L21S, L21N, or L21R amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
75. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-74, wherein said at least one amino acid substitution is an N88R, N88G, N88T, N88M, N88I, N88A, N88Q, N88E, N88V, N88F, N88Y, N88L, N88S, N88H, N88W, or N88K amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
76. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-75, wherein said at least one amino acid substitution is anN88R, N88D, or N88G amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
77. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-76, wherein said at least one amino acid substitution is an N88R amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
78. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-77, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid substitution at position T3, position C125, or both T3 and C125, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59.
79. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-78, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises a T3A amino acid substitution, a Cl 25 A amino acid substitution, or both a T3A amino acid substitution and a Cl 25 A amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59.
80. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-79, wherein the amino acid sequence of said second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises 1, 2, or 3 of the following amino acid substitutions: T3A, N88R, or C125A, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59.
81. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-80, wherein the amino acid sequence of said second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises 1, 2, 3, or 4 of the following amino acid substitutions: T3A, F42A, N88R, or C125A, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59.
82. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-81, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with from about 5% to 90%, 5% to 80%, 5% to 70%, 5% to 60%, 5% to 50%, 5% to 40%, 5% to 30%, 5% to 20%, or 5% to 10% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
83. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-82, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with from about 5% to 40%, 5% to 30%, 5% to 20%, or 5% to 10% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
84. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-83, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with from about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
85. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-84, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with from about 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, or 40% less affinity relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
86. The fusion protein of the any one of claims 51-85, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is from about a 20 to 50-fold, 20 to 40-fold, 25 to 50-fold, 25 to 40-fold, 30 to 50-fold, or 30-to-40-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
87. The fusion protein of the any one of claims 51-86, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is about a 20-fold, 25-fold, 30-fold, 33-fold, 35- fold, 40-fold, 45-fold, or 50-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
88. The fusion protein of the any one of claims 51-87, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is about a 30-fold or 33-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
89. The fusion protein of the any one of claims 51-88, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is from about a 3 to 10-fold, 3 to 6-fold, or 3 to
5 -fold increase relative to hIL-2 comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
90. The fusion protein of the any one of claims 51-89, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is about a 1-fold, 2-fold, 3 -fold, 4-fold, 5 -fold, 6- fold, 7-fold 8-fold, 9-fold, or 10-fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
91. The fusion protein of the any one of claims 51 -90, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide binds to hCD25 with a KD that is about a 5 -fold increase relative to a hIL-2 polypeptide comprising or consisting of the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60, as measured by SPR.
92. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-91, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an F42A amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
93. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-92, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises a Y45A amino acid substitution, numbering relative to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60.
94. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-93, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%,
98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NOS: 59-313 or 474-477.
95. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-94, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%,
98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NO: 59 or 60. 96. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-95, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%,
96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NOS: 131-148, 474, or 476.
97. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-96, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NOS: 254-271, 475, or 477.
98. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-97, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to any one of SEQ ID NOS: 59, 60, 137, 260, 474, or 475.
99. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51-98, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59.
100. The fusion protein of any one of claims 51 -99, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide comprises or consists of an amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 59, and comprises an alanine at amino acid position T3 and an alanine or serine at amino acid position C125.
101. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first antigen binding domain comprises a Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, single chain variable fragment (scFv), scFv2, F(v), or a single domain antibody (sdAb).
102. The fusion protein of claim 101, wherein said first antigen binding domain is a Fab or a scFv.
103. The fusion protein of any one the preceding claims, wherein said first antigen binding domain comprises a first variable heavy chain region (VH) that comprises three VH complementarity determining regions (VH CDRs): VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3; and a first variable light chain region (VL) that comprises three VL CDRs: VL CDR1, VL CDR2, and VL CDR3.
104. The fusion protein of claim 103, wherein: a. said VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; b. said VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; c. said VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 328; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 328 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; d. said VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 329; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 329 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; e. said VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 330; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 330 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; and/or f. said VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 331; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 331 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition.
105. The fusion protein of claim 103, wherein: a. said VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 338; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 338 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; b. said VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 339; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 339 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; c. said VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 340; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 340 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; d. said VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; e. said VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 342; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 342 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; and/or f. said VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 343; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 343 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition.
106. The fusion protein of claim 103, wherein: a. said VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 350; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 350 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; b. said VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 351; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 351 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; c. said VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 352; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 352 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; d. said VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 353; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 353 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; e. said VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 354; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 354 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; and/or f. said VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 355; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 355 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition.
107. The fusion protein of claim 103, wherein: a. said VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; b. said VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; c. said VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; d. said VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 363; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 363 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; e. said VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 364; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 364 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; and/or f. said VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 365; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 365 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition.
108. The fusion protein of claim 103, wherein: a. said first VH comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 332; and/or said first VL comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 333; b. said first VH comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%,
99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 344; and/or said first VL comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 345; c. said first VH comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%,
99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 356; and/or said first VL comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 357; or d. said first VH comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%,
99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 366; and/or said first VL comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 367.
109. The fusion protein of any one of claims 103-108, wherein said first VH is operably connected to a first CHI domain.
110. The fusion protein of claim 109, wherein said first CHI domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition.
111. The fusion protein of any one of claims 103-110, wherein said first VL is operably connected to a first CL domain.
112. The fusion protein of claim 111, wherein said first CL domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 57, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 57 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition.
113. The fusion protein of any one of claims 111 or 112, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide is operably connected to the C-terminus of said first CL domain.
114. The fusion protein of claim 113, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide is operably connected to the C-terminus of said first CL domain via a first peptide linker.
115. The fusion protein of claim 114, wherein said first peptide linker comprises an amino acid sequence that comprises from or from about 5-30, 5-25, 5-20, 5-15, 10-30, 10-25, 10-20, or 10-15 amino acids.
116. The fusion protein of claim 114 or 115, wherein said first peptide linker comprises glycine or serine amino acids or both.
117. The fusion protein of any one of claims 114-116, wherein said first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence (GGGS)x, wherein xis 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.
118. The fusion protein of any one of claims 114-117, wherein said first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence (GGGS)x, wherein xis 3.
119. The fusion protein of any one of claims 114-118, wherein said first peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 318, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 318 with 1 , 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition.
120. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a second antigen binding domain that specifically binds hCD20.
121. The fusion protein of claim 120, wherein said second antigen binding domain comprises a Fab, Fab', F(ab')2, single chain variable fragment (scFv), scFv2, F(v), or a single domain antibody (sdAb).
122. The fusion protein of claim 121, wherein said second antigen binding domain is a Fab or a scFv.
123. The fusion protein of any one of claims 120-122, wherein said second antigen binding domain comprises a second VH that comprises three VH complementarity determining regions (VH CDRs): VH CDR1, VH CDR2, and VH CDR3; and a second variable light chain region (VF) that comprises three VF CDRs: VF CDR1, VF CDR2, and VF CDR3.
124. The fusion protein of claim 123, wherein: a. said VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; b. said VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; c. said VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 328; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 328 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; d. said VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 329; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 329 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; e. said VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 330; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 330 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; and/or f. said VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 331; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 331 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition.
125. The fusion protein of claim 123, wherein: a. said VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 338; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 338 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; b. said VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 339; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 339 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; c. said VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 340; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 340 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; d. said VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 341 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; e. said VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 342; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 342 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; and/or f. said VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 343; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 343 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition.
126. The fusion protein of claim 123, wherein: a. said VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 350; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 350 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; b. said VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 351 ; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 351 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; c. said VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 352; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 352 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; d. said VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 353; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 353 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; e. said VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 354; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 354 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; and/or f. said VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 355; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 355 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition.
127. The fusion protein of claim 123, wherein: a. said VH CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 326 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; b. said VH CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 327 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; c. said VH CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 362 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; d. said VL CDR1 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 363; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 363 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; e. said VL CDR2 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 364; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 364 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition; and/or f. said VL CDR3 comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 365; or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 365 comprising 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications , wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition
128. The fusion protein of claim 123, wherein: a. said second VH comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%,
98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 332; and/or said second VL comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 333; b. said second VH comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%,
98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 344; and/or said second VL comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 345; or c. said second VH comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%,
98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 356; said second VL comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 357; or d. said second VH comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 366; and/or said second VL comprises the amino acid sequence at least 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 367.
129. The fusion protein of any one of claims 123-128, wherein said second VH is operably connected to a second CHI domain.
130. The fusion protein of claim 129, wherein said second CHI domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition.
131. The fusion protein of any one of claims 123-130, wherein said second VL is operably connected to a second CL domain.
132. The fusion protein of claim 131, wherein said second CL domain comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 57, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 57 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition.
133. The fusion protein of any one of claims 131-132, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide is operably connected to the C-terminus of said second CL domain.
134. The fusion protein of claim 133, wherein said second hIL-2 polypeptide is operably connected to the C-terminus of said second CL domain via a second peptide linker.
135. The fusion protein of claim 134, wherein said second peptide linker comprises an amino acid sequence that comprises from or from about 5-30, 5-25, 5-20, 5-15, 10-30, 10-25, 10-20, or 10-15 amino acids.
136. The fusion protein of claim 134 or 135, wherein said second peptide linker comprises glycine and serine amino acids.
137. The fusion protein of any one of claims 134-136, wherein said second peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence (GGGS)x, wherein xis 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.
138. The fusion protein of any one of claims 134-137, wherein said second peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence (GGGS)x, wherein xis 3.
139. The fusion protein of any one of claims 134-138, wherein said second peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 318, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 318 with 1 , 2, or 3 amino acid modifications, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition.
140. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first antigen binding domain is operably connected to the N-terminus of said first Fc region.
141. The fusion protein of claim 140, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide is operably connected to the N-terminus of said second Fc region.
142. The fusion protein of claim 141, wherein said first hIL-2 polypeptide is operably connected to the N-terminus of said second Fc region via a peptide linker.
143. The fusion protein of claim 142, wherein said peptide linker comprises an amino acid sequence that comprises from or from about 5-30, 5-25, 5-20, 5-15, 10-30, 10-25, 10-20, or 10-15 amino acids.
144. The fusion protein of claim 142 or 143, wherein said peptide linker comprises glycine and serine amino acids.
145. The fusion protein of any one of claims 142-144, wherein said peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence (GGGS)x, wherein xis 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5.
146. The fusion protein of any one of claims 142-145, wherein said peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence (GGGS)x, wherein xis 3.
147. The fusion protein of any one of claims 142-146, wherein said peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence (GGGS)x, wherein xis 4.
148. The fusion protein of any one of claims 142-147, wherein said peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 318, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 318 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications.
149. The fusion protein of any one of claims 142-148, wherein said peptide linker comprises the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 319, or the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 319 with 1, 2, or 3 amino acid modifications.
150. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first Fc region and said second Fc region are each a human IgGl, IgG2, IgG3, IgG4, IgM, IgA, IgD, or IgE Fc region, or functional variant thereof.
151. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first Fc region and said second Fc region are each a human IgGl Fc region, or functional variant thereof.
152. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first Fc region and said second Fc region each comprises at least one amino acid modification that reduces or eliminates at least one effector function of an Fc region compared to a native Fc region that does not contain said at least one amino acid modification, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition.
153. The fusion protein of claim 152, wherein said at least one effector function of an Fc region comprises the ability of an Fc region to induce antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), antibody-dependent cellular phagocytosis (ADCP), or complement dependent cytotoxicity (CDC), bind an Fc receptor, or any combination thereof.
154. The fusion protein of claim 153, wherein said Fc receptor is an Fey receptor.
155. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first Fc region and said second Fc region each comprises an amino acid substitution at one, two, or three of amino acid positions L234, L235, and P329, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
156. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first Fc region and said second Fc region each comprises one, two, or three of the following amino acid substitutions: L234A, L235A, P329G, and P329A, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
157. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first Fc region and said second Fc region each comprise a L234A and L235A amino acid substitution, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
158. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first Fc region and said second Fc region each comprise a L234A, L235A, and P329A amino acid substitution, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
159. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first Fc region and said second Fc region each comprise a L234A, L235A, and P329G amino acid substitution, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
160. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first Fc region comprises a CFI2 domain and a CFI3 domain; and said second Fc region comprises a CFI2 domain and a CFI3 domain.
161. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the CFI3 domain of said first Fc region and the CFI3 domain of said second Fc region each comprise at least one amino acid modification that promotes heterodimerization of said first Fc region and said second Fc region.
162. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366, L368, and Y407, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
163. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first Fc region comprises amino acid substitutions T366S, L368A, and Y407V, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
164. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position Y349, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
165. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first Fc region comprises amino acid substitution Y349C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
166. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366, L368, Y407, and Y349, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
167. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first Fc region comprises amino acid substitutions T366S, L368A, Y407V, and Y349C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
168. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
169. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second Fc region comprises amino acid substitution T366W, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
170. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position S354, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
171. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second Fc region comprises amino acid substitution S354C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
172. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366 and S354, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
173. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second Fc region comprises amino acid substitutions T366W and S354C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
174. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first Fc region comprises amino acid substitutions T366S, L368A, Y407V, and Y349C, and wherein said second Fc region comprises amino acid substitutions T366W and S354C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
175. The fusion protein of any one of claims 1-161, wherein said first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
176. The fusion protein of any one of claims 1-161 or 175, wherein said first Fc region comprises amino acid substitution T366W, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
177. The fusion protein of any one of claims 1-161 or 175-176, wherein said first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position S354, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
178. The fusion protein of any one of claims 1-161 or 175-177, wherein said first Fc region comprises amino acid substitution S354C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
179. The fusion protein any one of claims 1-161 or 175-178, wherein said first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366 and S354, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
180. The fusion protein of any one of claims 1-161 or 175-179, wherein said first Fc region comprises amino acid substitutions T366W and S354C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
181. The fusion protein of any one of claims 1-161 or 175-180, wherein said second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366, L368, and Y407, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
182. The fusion protein of any one of claims 1-161 or 175-181, wherein said second Fc region comprises amino acid substitutions T366S, L368A, and Y407V, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
183. The fusion protein of any one of claims 1-161 or 175-182, wherein said second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position Y349, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
184. The fusion protein of any one of claims 1-161 or 175-183, wherein said second Fc region comprises amino acid substitution Y349C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
185. The fusion protein of any one of claims 1-161 or 175-184, wherein said second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at amino acid position T366, L368, Y407, and Y349, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
186. The fusion protein of any one of claims 1-161 or 175-185, wherein said second Fc region comprises amino acid substitutions T366S, L368A, Y407V, and Y349C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
187. The fusion protein of any one of claims 1-161 or 175-186, wherein said first Fc region comprises amino acid substitutions T366W and S354C, and wherein said second Fc region comprises the following amino acid substitutions T366S, L368A, Y407V, and Y349C, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
188. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at position C220, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
189. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first Fc region comprises a C220G amino acid substitution, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
190. The fusion protein of any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second Fc region comprises an amino acid substitution at position C220, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
191. The fusion protein of any one the preceding claims, wherein said second Fc region comprises a C220G amino acid substitution, numbering according to EU index of Kabat.
192. A fusion protein comprising a. a first polypeptide comprising from N- to C -terminus: a first VL, a first CL, and a first hIL-2 polypeptide; b. a second polypeptide comprising from N- to C -terminus: a first VFI, a first
CFI1, and a first Fc region; and c. a third polypeptide comprising from N- to C-terminus: a second VFI, a second
CFI1, and a second Fc region; and d. a fourth polypeptide comprising from N- to C-terminus a second VL, a second
CL, and a second hIL-2 polypeptide; wherein said first VFI and said first VL associate to form a first antigen binding domain that specifically binds hCD20; wherein said second VFI and said second VL associate to form a second antigen binding domain that specifically binds hCD20; and wherein said first Fc region and said second Fc region each comprises at least one amino acid modification that reduces or eliminates an effector function of an Fc region compared to a native Fc region that does not contain said at least one amino acid modification, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition.
193. The fusion protein of claim 192, wherein said first Fc region comprises a hinge domain, CFI2 domain, and a CFI3 domain; and wherein said first Fc region comprises a hinge domain, CFI2 domain, and a CFI3 domain.
194. The fusion protein of claim 192 or 193, wherein said first polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 431-449 or 451-469; wherein said second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 430 or 450, wherein said third polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 430 or 450, and wherein said fourth polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%,
98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 431 - 449 or 451-469.
195. The fusion protein of any one of claims 192-194, wherein said first polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%,
98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 431 - 449; wherein said second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 430, wherein said third polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 430, and wherein said fourth polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 431-449.
196. The fusion protein of any one of claims 192-195, wherein said first polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%,
98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 451 - 469; wherein said second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 450, wherein said third polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 450, and wherein said fourth polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 451-469.
197. A fusion protein comprising a. a first polypeptide comprising from N- to C -terminus: a VL and CL; b. a second polypeptide comprising from N- to C -terminus: a VH, a CHI, and a first Fc region; and c. a third polypeptide comprising from N- to C-terminus: a first hIL-2 polypeptide that is capable of binding CD25 with substantially the same affinity as wild type IL-2, and a second Fc region; wherein said VH and said VL associate to form an antigen binding domain that specifically binds hCD20a; and wherein said first Fc region and said second Fc region each comprises at least one amino acid modification that reduces or eliminates an effector function of an Fc region compared to a native Fc region that does not contain said at least one amino acid modification, wherein the amino acid modification is a substitution, deletion, or addition.
198. The fusion protein of claim 197, wherein said first Fc region comprises a hinge domain, CH2 domain, and a CH3 domain; and wherein said first Fc region comprises a hinge domain, CH2 domain, and a CH3 domain.
199. The fusion protein of claim 197 or 198, wherein said first polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 337 or 371; wherein said second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 385 or 408, and wherein said third polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%,
91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 386, 388-407, 409, or 411-429.
200. The fusion protein of any one of claims 197-199, wherein said first polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 337; wherein said second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 385, and wherein said third polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%,
91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 386 or 388-407.
201. The fusion protein of any one of claims 197-200, wherein said first polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 371; wherein said second polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 408, and wherein said third polypeptide comprises an amino acid sequence at least 90%,
91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% identical to the amino acid sequence of any one of SEQ ID NOS: 409 or 411-429.
202. A polynucleotide encoding the fusion protein of any one of claims 1-201.
203. A DNA polynucleotide encoding the fusion protein of any one of claims 1-201.
204. An RNA polynucleotide encoding the fusion protein of any one of claims 1 -201.
205. A vector comprising the polynucleotide of any one of claims 202-204.
206. The vector of claim 205, wherein said vector is a plasmid or a viral vector.
207. A pharmaceutical composition comprising the fusion protein of any one of claims 1 - 201, the polynucleotide of claim 202, the DNA of claim 203, the RNA of claim 204, the vector of any one of claims 205-207, and a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier.
208. A cell comprising the fusion protein of any one of claims 1-201, the polynucleotide of claim 202, the DNA of claim 203, the RNA of claim 204, the vector of any one of claims 205-206.
209. A method of making the fusion protein of any one of claims 1-201, comprising: a. introducing into a population of in vitro or ex vivo cells the polynucleotide of claim 202, the DNA of claim 203, the RNA of claim 204, or the vector of any one of claims 205-206, b. culturing said population of cells under conditions sufficient for said population of cells to express said fusion protein; and c. optionally isolating and/or purifying said fusion protein.
210. A method of treating a cancer in a subject in need thereof, comprising administering to said subject in need thereof the fusion protein of any one of claims 1-201, the polynucleotide of claim 202, the DNA of claim 203, the RNA of claim 204, the vector of any one of claims 205-206, or the pharmaceutical composition of claim 207.
211. A method of ameliorating, reducing, lessening, or delaying at least one symptom of a cancer in a subject in need thereof, comprising: administering to said subject in need thereof the fusion protein of any one of claims 1 -201 , the polynucleotide of claim 202, the DNA of claim 203, the RNA of claim 204, the vector of any one of claims 205-206, or the pharmaceutical composition of claim 207.
212. The method of claim 210 or 211 , wherein said cancer is a solid tumor.
213. The method of claim 210 or 211, wherein said cancer is a hematological malignancy.
214. The method of any one of claims 210-223, wherein said cancer is local, regional, or metastatic.
215. The method of any one of claims 210-214, wherein said cancer is recurrent.
216. The method of any one of claims 210-215, wherein said cancer is refractory.
217. The method of any one of claims 210-216, wherein said cancer is breast cancer, anal cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer, spinal cord cancer, head cancer, neck cancer, head and neck cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, or myeloma.
218. The method of any one of claims 210-217, wherein said cancer is breast cancer, anal cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer, spinal cord cancer, head cancer, neck cancer, or head and neck cancer.
219. The fusion protein of any one of claims 1 -201 , the polynucleotide of claim 202, the DNA of claim 203, the RNA of claim 204, the vector of any one of claims 205-206, or the pharmaceutical composition of claim 207 for use as a medicament.
220. The fusion protein of any one of claims 1 -201 , the polynucleotide of claim 202, the DNA of claim 203, the RNA of claim 204, the vector of any one of claims 205-206, or the pharmaceutical composition of claim 207 for use in treating or inhibiting a cancer, wherein the cancer is breast cancer, anal cancer, pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer, ovarian cancer, lung cancer, skin cancer, brain cancer, spinal cord cancer, head cancer, neck cancer, head and neck cancer, lymphoma, leukemia, or myeloma.
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US8147832B2 (en) * 2003-08-14 2012-04-03 Merck Patent Gmbh CD20-binding polypeptide compositions and methods
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